Arabology's Top 20 Podcasts of 2024
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Below are Arabology's Top 20 podcasts for 2024. Most are available on such music platforms as Apple Podcasts and Spotify but newer ones are increasingly being hosted on YouTube which gives these shows a nice visual component.
Most importantly, Arabology's Top 20 Podcasts of 2024 are all hosted by Arab creators around the world or, in some cases, by podcasters whose knowledge of the region enables them to offer a much needed, nuanced representation of a region and people(s) who have been too often stereotyped in Western media.
1. Tarwida Podcast:
Tarwida is a new podcast that celebrates Palestinian arts and culture around the world. It is hosted by Afaf Shawwa Bibi who, every two weeks, sits down with Palestinian writers, film directors, architects, chefs, and visual artists to discuss their unique journeys in refreshingly candid ways.
The podcast, which began in began in October 2024, is mainly in English (but includes episodes in Arabic) and guests have thus far included writer Susan Abulhawa, Director Farah Nabulsi, Gazan artist artist Malak Mattar, and Vivien Sansour, the founder of the Palestine Heirloom Seed Library,You can listen/subscribe to Tarwida on most music platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Anghami and SoundCloud.
2. The Native Informant Podcast:
Welcome to The Native Informant podcast, your go-to destination for thought-provoking discussions on Arab-centric socio-cultural topics. Hosted by Sarah Alagroobi, this channel delves into the human experience, cultural norms and values and much more. They release new content weekly, ensuring you'll always have something captivating to engage with.
Follow The Native Informant on social media platforms for updates and on Instagram but begin by listening to the teaser below or at this link:
3. Talfaza تلفزة Podcast
"Talfaza" is a Arabic-language podcast hosted by Fadi G. Haddad whose diverse filmmaking background has made him well-versed in various aspects of storytelling and production. Additionally, his research focuses on Arab television, particularly in story development and screenwriting practices of transnational television series in relation to national and cultural identity. Follow the show on all music platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcasts and/or listen to the first episode below:
فزلكات نوستالجية عن تلفزيون ما قبل ـ والمسلسلات التي شكّلت ذاكرة جيل الميلينيالز المحبط مع فادي حداد. البرنامج من فكرة وبحث وتقديم فادي حداد. إنتاج فني وتطوير هند عنبتاوي. تحرير صوتي أحمد الخطيب. في هذه الحلقة التعريفية، نتعرف على فادي حداد (دكتوراة في الـ…مسلسلات؟) ونستعرض أهم المحطات في تاريخ الدراما العربية وكيف اثر التلفزيون على شعورنا بأنه "دا حلمنا طول عمرنا.
4, Sowt صوت
Sowt is a podcasting powerhouse with a boundless capacity of unfolding the world’s stories and matters at just the right volume. With an inventive storytelling approach, Sowt is a by-the-people-for-the-people podcasting media hub. Visit Sowt's impressive Website (in English or Arabic) at https://www.sowt.com and check out samples from 4 of our favorite Arabic podcasts below: Manbet, Eib , Juha and Dom Tak (which tells the stories of Arabic music, ).- مَنبِت - أرشيف منبت: آخر أيام الشاه، يتناول قصصاً تاريخية وإنسانية، المجتمع والثقافة، وفصولاً من تاريخ البشرية.
- دُمْ تَكْ - جورج قرمز: أنا اسمي شعب فلسطين، يركز على الموسيقى وتاريخها مع التركيز الرئيسي على المنطقة، وقصص من عالم الموسيقى.
- عيب - الحرب على نساء السودان، يتناول المجتمع والثقافة والتابوهات الاجتماعية، ويتحدى البنى الاجتماعية.
- جحا - كريمة وأزمة النازحين، يتناول الأدب العربي، وينضم إلى مغامرات جحا المضحكة وغالباً العبثية.
5. Aswat Podcast بودكاست أصوات
Aswat [Voices] in a new audio-visual podcast (2024) that is hosted on YouTube with each episode subtitled in English, making it accessible to a worldwide audience that may be interested in learning about the groundbreaking guests that are brought to us by the show's host, the magnificent Ahmed Qudrill. Follow/subscribe to the show here and watch the first episode below or at this link.
أصوات هو برنامج حواري يعرض على اليوتيوب ويقدمه أحمد قدريل، يهدف لاستكشاف الجوانب الإنسانية والثقافية لشخصيات بارزة من الشرق الأوسط. يُركّز البرنامج على قصص الفنانين والمبدعين والمبتكرين، ويعرض رحلاتهم الملهمة وتأثيرهم على المجتمع.
في الحلقة الأولى، يجري البودكاست مقابلة مع دارين سلام، المخرجة وكاتبة السيناريو الأردنية الشهيرة المعروفة بسرد قصصها المؤثرة ومساهماتها في سينما الشرق الأوسط. في هذه المقابلة، سنستكشف الرحلة الإبداعية لإلهامها ونهجها في صناعة الأفلام.
6. Gheir Shughol Podcast بودكاست غير شغل
Now in its second season, this inspirational Arabic speaking podcast, hosted by Runa Sindaha, features personalities who shifted careers to cater to a hobby--often in another field--by reinventing themselves in a way that encourages listeners to explore different aspects of themselves. For a listing of all episodes (hosted on all music platforms) see this link.
The second season, which premiered in November 2024, now includes an audio-visual version that is available on YouTube. The first guest of the new season was media personality Ricardo Karam; that episode can now be viewed on YouTube (see below) or streamed (audio version) on Spotify, Apple Podcast and all other platforms.7. Breaking Free Podcast, Hosted by Rania Kurdi
"Breaking Free" is an English-speaking podcast hosted by the iconic Rania Kurdi, a transformational life coach, comedian, and former host of the Pan-Arab TV talent show Pop Idol. In this podcast, she shares her own life adventures and those of her inspirational guests from all over the world, exploring how they found their authentic voice and purpose. Through these stories, she hopes to inspire listeners to break free from whatever is holding them back and embrace their true potential.
Currently on hiatus, the podcasts boasts 60 captivating episodes that are available on all music platforms.
8. Imshi Imshi Podcast
“Imshi Imshi" in an English speaking podcast that unfolds the profound stories of Arabs who have journeyed from the Middle East to the Western world. During each show, guests share their transformative experiences, marked by war-torn childhoods, cultural upheavals, and a relentless quest for identity amid adversity. More info here.
This podcast is a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, resilience, and the human spirit's remarkable capacity to rise, rebuild, and radiate hope. Navigating the complex tapestry of different cultures, languages, and societal expectations, each episode features guests who hail from diverse backgrounds and professions, offering an intimate glimpse into the lives of Arabs in the West. They confront stereotypes, embrace their heritage, and celebrate their contributions, weaving tales of leaving their homelands, finding new communities, and impacting the world.
"Imshi Imshi" is hosted by Fadi Hindi and produced by Hakawati, a podcast network dedicated to creating and delivering an ever-expanding range of Arabic spoken word audio content that caters specifically to Arabic speakers in the Middle East, North Africa, and the diaspora. Click here to sample the wealth of some of their Arabic and English Podcasts.
Listen to all episodes of "Imshi Imshi" here, below and everywhere:
9. Kunafa and Shay Podcast
Kunafa and Shay is a (mostly) Englsih speaking podcast that focuses on Middle Eastern and North African (MENA)/Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) theatre—highlighting classic and contemporary plays and theatre makers, spotlighting community-engaged work in the region and diaspora, and analyzing the past, present, and future of MENA/SWANA theatre in the United States.
Theatre artists and scholars Nabra Nelson and Marina Johnson bring their own perspectives, research, and special guests in order to start a dialogue and encourage further learning and discussion. The name, Kunafa and Shay, invites you into the discussion in the best way we know how: with complex and delicious sweets like kunafa, and perfectly warm tea (or, in Arabic, shay).
10. the uncivilized podcast
The uncivilized podcast is a space for long, in-depth conversations about politics, culture, history, art, food, sports and so much more with guests who are doing inspiring things and reflect the uncivilized values. The podcast aims to uncivilize our minds - to unlearn and relearn and grow together as a community. For more info or to support the show, please go here.The podcast is hosted by Salem Barahmeh, the founder of Uncivilized, a platform dedicated to reshaping global narratives about Palestine and the wider Arab world.
11. Sumud Podcast
12. بودكاست الاسبوع و بودكاست الميدان
بودكاست الأسبوع في ”عرب 48” يعنى بأخبار العرب وبالشأن الفلسطيني والإسرائيلي، ويقدم بودكاست أونلاين في مختلف المجالات، السياسية والثقافية والرياضية والصحية.
بودكاست الميدان تُنشر بشكل أسبوعي أيام الخميس عبر موقع عرب 48، بحيث ويسعى هذا البرنامج لطرح مواضيع نوعية ومحتوى قيم غني ومثري بذات الوقت، مواضيع بتهمنا وبتشغل بالنا وحياتنا سواء كانت بالسياسة والاقتصاد أو مواضيع اجتماعية لا يتم الحديث عنها بالرغم من مواضيعها لمركبة بحيث أحياناً منتجنب الحديث عنها أو ببساطة ما في منصة الي بتعطيها حقه.
13. The Arab Film Club Podcast
14. Sarde After Dinner (YouTube Podcast)
Sarde After Dinner (Arabic: سردة or سردة بعد العشاء) is a Lebanese podcast hosted by Médéa Azouri and Mouin Jaber, which began in April 2020 to discuss Lebanon's issues and failing government. Azouri, a French-Lebanese journalist, has written for L’Orient-Le Jour and Noun Magazine, while Jaber, a digital producer for MBC Podcasts, is the son of renowned Lebanese journalist Ali Jaber. The show features interviews with prominent cultural, social, and political figures from Lebanon and the wider Arab world, with episodes recorded in Azouri's Beirut apartment, aptly subtitled in English, and posted on YouTube.
One of Sarde's groundbreaking episodes featured an interview with Hamed Sinno, the lead singer of the band Mashrou' Leila. This interview was notable for its candid discussion on topics such as LGBTQ+ rights, freedom of expression, and the challenges faced by artists in the Arab world, highlighting the podcast's role in addressing critical and often controversial issues. Watch that episode at this link.
We miss the show, which hasn't released any new episodes since summer 2024, and we also miss the playful chemistry between the two hosts.
15. Makdisi Street شارع المقدسي
Makdisi Street is an English language podcast that is hosted by 3 brothers: Saree Makdisi, Ussama Makdisi, and Karim Makdisi. It premiered in November 2023 and is still going strong, having interviewed such key figures as National Book Award for Poetry Finalist Fady Joudah, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Mehdi Hasan, and Lina Attalah (the co-founder and chief editor of MadaMasr, an independent online Egyptian newspaper).16. Taqsim Taxi w/ Hakim | Live on HydeFM |
17. Kalam Podcast
Kalam is a podcast about the culture, history and politics of the Middle East. Hosted (in English) by seasoned radio journalist Edgar Mannheimer, Kalam aims to be a source of knowledge and understanding about a region of the world that is so often misunderstood. The Podcast has audio episodes as well as audio-visual ones on YouTube.18. The afikra Podcast Network
Afikra began as a grassroots movement and has since evolved into a pioneering global media and educational platform. The network boasts many quality podcasts including The afikra Podcast, their flagship series featuring experts from academia, art, media, urban planning, and beyond, who are helping document and shape the histories and cultures of the Arab world through their work.
Check out all their amazing podcasts at this link and listen on all music platforms as well as on YouTube.
Here's a list of their podcasts with descriptions for each:
- The afikra Podcast explores the Arab world through the work of its people.
- This Is Not a Watermelon celebrates and documents Palestinian history and culture through interviews with experts from various disciplines to better understand the facts about Palestine – the land and the people.
- Bas Sou'al addresses questions about the histories and cultures of the Arab world, expanding on topics explored in community presentations into podcast episodes.
- Quartertones hosts current Arab musicians from different geographies and genres, showcasing interesting work across the region and delving into the music these experts perform or study.
- Kawalis dives into the performing arts from the Arab world's best stages to the screens, highlighting noteworthy artists and productions from the region.
- Ehkili invites listeners to engage with literature from the Arab world by reading along with the afikra community and discovering notable books and writers from the region.
- Matbakh appreciates the food and drink of the Arab world, featuring chefs, restaurateurs, food historians, critics, and writers who share their insights on the best of Arab cuisine – past and present.
- Outline focuses on a guest's individual projects rather than their full bodies of work, tracing the journey from the inception of an idea. Hosted by Sabine Boghossian and Omar Thawabeh.
- Shik Shak Shook Ones explores the hottest topics in music from the Middle East, North Africa, and its global diaspora communities, hosted by Deana Hassanein Soni and Danny Hajjar.
- Media Majlis Museum examines the intersection of language, culture, and identity, inspired by the exhibition "The Limits of My Language Are the Limits of My World" at the Media Majlis Museum at Northwestern University in Qatar.
- The Tasmeem Doha accompanies each edition of the Tasmeem Doha biennial international conference, showcasing the best people, works, and efforts around the event's chosen theme.
- The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi features captivating interviews that showcase the rich tapestry of music, theater, drama, and poetry, inviting listeners to step into the minds of visionary creators. A collaboration between afikra and The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi.
- The Community Jameel COP28 fosters inclusive, informed discussion around climate action, aiming to inspire thoughtful discussions between youth, experts, non-experts, and key global decision-makers.
- Double Exposure focuses on photography and photographers in and of the Arab world, featuring conversations between two experts about their work and various topics around photography.
- Design Doha presents live recordings from Design Doha, a biennale dedicated to creative innovation, fostering design culture in the MENA region and creating a space of design excellence in Qatar.
- The Khatt Chronicles engages in conversations with remarkable designers, illustrators, and researchers from the Arab world about their practice, vision, and aspirations.
- The Moving Biographies, born out of the Moving Biography Summer School, includes a sub-series titled “On Women By Women in Art” and episodes like “Curating an Artist’s (and Parent’s) Biography.”
- Cultures in Conversation: Preludes & Postscripts is a collaboration between Alserkal Advisory and afikra, discussing culturally meaningful spaces that inspire communities and increase their curiosities.
- Inside the Arab Classroom offers an unprecedented look into the diverse, evolving landscape of education in the region, contributing to a global dialogue about learning practices, challenges, and aspirations worldwide.
- Tijara focuses on the history, present, and future of economics, business, and trade in the Arab world, exploring how these fields have shaped and continue to impact culture and life in the region.
- Al Burda Podcast features long-form conversations with leading figures from the Al Burda 2021 Festival, a celebration of diverse facets of Islamic arts and culture.
- Mujalasa is an Arabic podcast series hosted by Charles Al Hayek from Heritage & Roots, serving as a platform for exchanging ideas, debating academia, and building intellectual curiosity to explore the histories of the region.
