Yalla! Let's Talk.

This episode is about music — but also about something deeper: identity, belonging, and being seen. I sat down with Danny Hajjar, a brilliant music journalist and the Editor-in-Chief of Rolling Stone MENA, who’s been amplifying the voices of Arab artists across the Middle East, North Africa, and the global diaspora. He’s written for The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and GQ Middle East, and is the co-host the Shik Shak Shook Ones podcast on the Afikra network. We talk about the rise of Arabic music, what it really means to represent a culture, and why sometimes, telling your story is the most powerful thing you can do. 00:00 Intro 01:43 Danny Hajjar’s Hot Takes: Speed Round 07:55 How to Get a Music Journalist’s Attention 10:18 Why Now Is the Moment for Arabic Music 22:03 Arabic Music: What’s Working vs What’s Not 25:40 Mohamed Ramadan, Coachella, and Using Your Platform to Speak Up 33:30 When Identity Becomes the Story: Is That Enough? 35:45 Star Academy, Arabic Dialects, and Remembering Massari 45:43 Underrated Arabic Artists You Need to Hear 🎧 49:25 Advice for Artists

I sat down with journalist Samira Mohyeddin to talk about how Western media straight-up lies — not just about Iran, but about the entire Middle East, from Palestine to Iraq. We get into the "playbook": how narratives are crafted, who benefits, and why “freedom” is only allowed when it fits their agenda. From Zionist Iranians to foreign interference, Samira breaks down why true liberation for Iranians won’t come from the West — it has to come from within. ****Our guest today***Samira Mohyeddin is an award-winning Iranian-Canadian journalist, radio producer, and one of the most fearless voices challenging mainstream narratives on the Middle East. Samira is also the founder of On The Line Media,.

What does it mean to find your voice — and use it to create change?In today’s episode of Yalla! Let’s Talk., I sit down with Tunisian artist EMEL, a singer, songwriter, and storyteller whose music has inspired people across the world. From her breakout anthem “Kelmti Horra” — once banned, now a symbol of hope — to her powerful new album MRA, EMEL shares her journey of turning pain into purpose.We talk about what freedom really means, how music can be a form of healing, and what it looks like to embrace feminism in an authentic way. With stories from her performances across over 25 countries — EMEL reminds us that art can connect us, empower us, and help us feel seen.This is a conversation about growth, creativity, and standing in your truth — even when the world tells you not to. BREAKDOWN 0:00 Intro 0:53 The Song That Sparked a Revolution – “Kelmti Horra” & the Arab Spring 8:20 What It’s Like Growing Up Under a Dictatorship (Tunisia Unfiltered) 12:37 EMEL Performs “Kelmti Horra” Live + What the Lyrics Really Mean 17:54 Her Childhood, Her Father, and the Fire to Fight Oppression 20:43 Balancing Motherhood & Music – Advice for Working Moms 27:09 How EMEL Makes Music That Heals and Protests at the Same Time 31:38 Feminism & Power – Why She Chose an All-Female Creative Team 42:42 HOLM, Al Rawabi & The Powerful Message EMEL Has for Young Girls 58:27 Rapid Games!

Bestselling author Najwa Zebian joins me to share her wisdom on healing and how to get over someone you STILL can't get over.In this episode, we tackle some of the most common yet confusing questions that come up when you’re trying to move on from someone — or even just figure out where you stand. Is it okay to still miss someone from your past? Should you text your ex, or is that just a bad idea? What happens when you find yourself stuck, missing someone you never really dated in the first place? We’ll also dive into the tricky territory of dating before you’re completely over someone, and when exactly it’s the right time to talk about exes with someone new. BREAKDOWN (0:00) Intro (2:30) Is it okay to miss someone from the past? (5:18) Should I text my ex? (10:48) Miss them from far away (18:35) How to get over someone you never really dated? (32:04) Is it okay to date again if you're not over someone? (39:36) when is it a good time for someone to talk about exes? Melodies and Mindsets with Najwa Zebian (47:11) Cry For Me by the Weeknd (57:21) Old Body, New Mind by Nemahsis (59:14) Grief - Healing words by Najwa Zebian (1:09:06) Free Me by Anees (1:12:58) Conclusion: listen to this if you're still missing them.

Thank you to Habibi Squad and Asala Dabke for joining us today in our Ramadan special. Whether you are Muslim or not, this episode can give you a better understanding of what Ramadan means to Muslims . The episode also goes deep into the best practices of how to make the best use of your time in Ramadan, community, and even fitness. ‪ @HabibiSquadOfficial  [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCE4xxOPLFBIT4GwQ59oDfQA]  @AsalaDabke  [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCv0aGRq8pmurBXPpgBlpibw] (00:00) Intro (00:40) Cutting Bad Habits, the Vibes, Giving Back, & ESSENTIAL Reminders (10:00) What to do when you're struggling with your faith? (20:18) How to make the best use of your Ramadan (26:45) Ramadan & Fitness (31:12) Should I break my fast if I have an exam? (37:30) Best Advice from Sheikh Wasef