Habibi House Podcast

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Dr. Mohamed “Mo” Mustafa—emergency physician, humanitarian advocate, and headliner at ArabCon 2025—joins us to break down the emotional, spiritual, and political weight of healing in a world trying to erase us.From the ER to the frontlines of activism, Dr. Mo opens up about:How Gaza shaped his entire worldviewThe trauma of being an Arab doctor in American hospitalsIslam, masculinity, and gentlenessThe pressure to be perfect when you're one of the only Arab voices in medicineAbout Dr. Mohamed “Mo” MustafaDr. Mo is an emergency room physician and outspoken advocate for Gaza, human rights, and cultural healing. He's been featured at ArabCon, in international media, and across social platforms for his unique ability to weave together compassion, science, and politics. He doesn't just treat wounds—he tells stories that demand justice.About Habibi HouseHabibi House is a podcast reclaiming Arab and Muslim narratives. We bring fire interviews, bold satire, and soul-shaking moments.Sponsored By: ArabCon 2025 This episode is brought to you by ArabCon — the largest Arab American cultural, political, and artistic conference in the country.

In this landmark episode, we sit down with Usman Riaz—the visionary Pakistani creator behind The Glassworker, the first hand-drawn Muslim animated feature film. A composer, artist, and rebel storyteller, Usman takes us inside the years-long odyssey of building an animation studio from scratch in Pakistan, navigating comparisons to the prestigious Studio Ghibli, challenging the Euro-American monopoly on fantasy, and reclaiming the right to dream in our own languages.We unpack what it means to be a Muslim artist in a post-9/11 world, how The Glassworker blends South Asian, Ottoman, and Islamic aesthetics, and why stories rooted in our worlds should never need Western validation. With the release of his film on the horizon, Usman shares the moments that almost broke him—and the fire that kept him going.

Shop exclusive merch from your sponsor at https://palestinianhustle.com/20% your next order with code "HabibiHouse"! In this explosive episode of Habibi House, we sit down with the unapologetic and razor-sharp Ana Kasparian — co-host of The Young Turks, executive producer, journalist, and one of the most polarizing voices in progressive media.Watch, Subscribe, and Hit the BellListen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts From her roots as an Armenian American with family from Haifa, Palestine, to the online firestorms she's endured over trans rights, TYT politics, Hasan Piker, Sam Seder, and more — Ana takes us on a no-BS journey through the contradictions of American liberalism, the collapse of the progressive media ecosystem, and why she's more politically homeless than ever.

This episode of Habibi House features a dynamic double feature with two powerful Arab women: Abeer — a sharp, rebellious Palestinian-Bulgarian comedian — and Rolla — a filmmaker and creative force behind the upcoming Arab-led thriller The Visitor.Together, Abeer and Rolla explore what it means to create authentic, dangerous, culture-shifting art as Arab women navigating censorship, shame culture, and an entertainment industry afraid to say "Free Palestine" with its chest.Topics include:Why Rolla was dropped by CAA for posting about genocideZionism in Hollywood and how it impacts Arab creativesThe double standard Arab women face in content creation and family expectationsChristian Palestinians & the myth of a "Muslims vs. Jews" conflictThe power of satire, AI in storytelling, and new paths for Arab cinemaRolla's bold upcoming film The Visitor — Get Out meets Occupation

In this powerful Habibi House segment, we sit down with Rolla Selbak, a community organizer and cultural voice, to explore the deep questions surrounding joy, resistance, and Palestinian solidarity.How do we balance celebration and cultural expression while our people are enduring genocide?Is community organizing, food, fashion, and music in the diaspora a form of resistance?What role does Little Arabia in Orange County play as a safe haven and cultural hub for Arabs in California?Rolla breaks down why joy is more than just a feeling – it's a weapon against erasure. From Gaza to LA, Rolla explains how community spaces, events, and culture become essential tools of resilience, even as Palestinians are targeted not only physically but culturally.Key Themes in this Episode:Why the oppressor wants to take away Palestinian joy, culture, and community – and why we must do the opposite.The power of bringing online solidarity into real-life organizing and why being together matters.The delicate balance of celebrating without flaunting “abundance” while Gaza suffers.Why Palestinians are literally banned from celebrating prisoner releases – and what that says about the power of joy.How businesses in the diaspora can ethically use Palestinian culture while giving back to the movement.Rolla's personal stories of Little Arabia in Anaheim and how it became a lifeline during difficult timesWhether you're Palestinian, Arab, or an ally, this conversation will challenge the way you see joy, celebration, and community organizing in times of crisis.Tags / Keywordspalestine, palestinian resistance, rolla interview, joy as resistance, little arabia oc, palestinian diaspora, habibi house podcast, mena culture, palestinian solidarity, rolla palestine, palestinian community organizing, joy culture resistance, palestine genocide, arab diaspora los angeles

The internet's favorite strict-yet-lovable slipper-wielding father is in the Habibi House!

“The Only Thing Different Is the Gas Chambers.”Grammy & Emmy-winning producer Fredwreck — the man behind hits for Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 50 Cent, Ice Cube, Britney Spears, and more — joins Habibi House for his most unfiltered interview yet.From breaking barriers as one of the first Palestinian Americans in mainstream hip hop to calling out political hypocrisy and hip hop's silence on Palestine, Fredwreck brings history, heat, and honesty.

Watch and Listen on thehabibihouse.comIn this explosive episode of Habibi House, we sit down with Cenk Uygur, founder of The Young Turks and 2024 presidential candidate, to talk about everything the mainstream media refuses to touch.Cenk unloads on the Democratic Party's cowardice, the myth of liberal progress, and the dangerous conflation of Judaism and Zionism. From his presidential run to his critiques of the media machine, this is Cenk like you've never heard him before—raw, furious, and razor sharp.Highlights:“They weaponize identity politics to crush real progressives.”“Zionism has hijacked Judaism—and the media won't say it.”“Democrats are weak. Republicans are evil. And we're out here begging for crumbs.”“Palestine is the litmus test—and the establishment is failing.”“Power doesn't concede to decency. It concedes to power.”From Gaza to D.C., from MSNBC to TikTok, we ask:Why don't liberal institutions ever deliver real justice?What does a revolution of values look like?Can third parties ever win without structural upheaval?Whether you agree or not, Cenk drops truth bombs that will challenge your politics, your patience, and your hope.Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

This episode of Habibi House features Dr. Rudolph “Butch” Ware — historian, author, and one of the most important living scholars of Islam, Black liberation, and decolonial thought. A professor of history at UC Santa Barbara, Ware sits down with us to unpack the stories that empire tried to bury: stories of Sufi rebellion, revolutionary faith, and the sacred legacy of Black Muslims in shaping not just Islam — but global freedom movements.WHAT WE TALK ABOUT:Why there is no Islam without Black peopleHow Sufi orders led anti-colonial revolts across West AfricaWhy liberals fear true solidarity between Black and Arab communitiesWhat it means to reclaim Islam from both empire and whitenessMalcolm X, Palestine, and the revolutionary roots of faithWhy Ware says Islam is inherently radical, and liberals won't save usHow storytelling, family, and love serve as tools for resistanceWHO IS BUTCH WARE?Rudolph “Butch” Ware is a historian of West Africa, Islam, and the Black Muslim world. He's the author of The Walking Qur'an: Islamic Education, Embodied Knowledge, and History in West Africa, and a leading voice in challenging Western narratives around Islam and African history. He speaks at the intersection of Sufism, slavery, liberation theology, and Black diasporic spirituality. His work dismantles colonial myths and re-centers the sacred in our understanding of resistance.KEY QUOTES FROM THE EPISODE:“There is no such thing as Islam without Black people. Islam didn't just show up in Africa — it was born in Africa.”“When the empire suppresses love, joy, and memory — storytelling becomes a revolutionary act.”“Liberalism is fine with coexistence, as long as it doesn't disrupt the structure of violence. That's not liberation.”WHY THIS CONVERSATION MATTERSAt a time when Muslim identity is either flattened or weaponized, Dr. Ware reminds us that faith has always been a tool of both survival and struggle. In a world where Gaza is burning, ICE is raiding, and history is being rewritten in real time, this episode offers truth — rooted in legacy, memory, and resistance.0:00 Intro – Who is Butch Ware?1:35 Growing up Muslim, Southern, and Black4:00 There is no Islam without Black people7:12 How Sufism sparked anti-colonial revolts10:05 Blackness, slavery, and prophetic tradition13:45 Liberalism vs. Revolutionary Islam16:30 Islamophobia, empire, and the theft of history20:55 Malcolm X and Gaza: Solidarity across struggle24:30 Love, storytelling, and decolonizing spirituality29:45 Final message to young Muslims and Black ArabsABOUT HABIBI HOUSEHabibi House is a culture-forward, decolonial, and unfiltered podcast centering MENA voices and their intersections with global liberation. Hosted by Arab creatives, activists, and artists, each episode features unapologetic conversations with guests shaping the future of art, politics, and identity.

This episode of Habibi House features Dominic Andre — the viral Palestinian-Lebanese creator, entrepreneur, and activist behind Olive, a dating app built for the SWANA diaspora. With over 7M followers and $1M made on Snapchat, Dominic is using his platform to fundraise for Gaza, challenge dehumanizing narratives, and build Arab-led infrastructure from the ground up.We talk:His family's legacy of Palestinian activism since 1948

Emmy-winning comedian and podcaster Matt Lieb joins Habibi House for one of the most explosive and honest conversations we've had yet. From his experience on Birthright to his transformation into an outspoken anti-Zionist, Matt breaks down the weaponization of Jewish identity, American complicity in Israeli apartheid, and the myth of safety used to justify violence.In this episode, we cover:Why Birthright was his political awakeningThe danger of conflating Judaism with ZionismHow the Israeli government manufactures consent through fearThe problem with liberal ZionismHis viral views on antisemitism and settler violence

In this powerful episode of Habibi House, we sit down with Palestinian journalist, writer, and unapologetic truth-teller Jenan Matari for one of the most emotionally raw, politically charged, and spiritually resonant conversations we've ever had.Jenan opens up about what it means to be a Muslim mother in a post-October 7 world, how the media manipulates the Palestinian narrative, and why she's done watering herself down for anyone. From the trauma of U.S. mercenaries posing as aid workers to the heartbreak of raising a child under global silence — Jenan holds absolutely nothing back.

In this HILARIOUS episode of Habibi House, comedian and actor Maz Jobrani dives deep into the Persian vs Iranian debate, sharing his personal take on cultural identity, breaking stereotypes, and his journey in comedy.From performing at the White House to becoming one of the most influential Middle Eastern voices in comedy, Maz opens up about his struggles, triumphs, and the importance of representing the Iranian community in the entertainment industry.What you'll learn:The real difference between Persian and Iranian identityHow comedy helped Maz break cultural barriersHis path to success and overcoming stereotypes in HollywoodAdvice for aspiring comedians and entertainersMaz's insight on identity and his unique perspective on comedy is a must-watch for anyone interested in cultural representation, Middle Eastern humor, and breaking boundaries in a mainstream world.Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more!#MazJobrani #PersianVsIranian #Comedy #IranianIdentity #HabibiHouse #BreakingStereotypes #MiddleEasternComedy #CulturalRepresentation #StandUpComedy #IranianComedian

ZIONISM. GENOCIDE. EMPIRE. THIS IS THE INTERVIEW THEY NEVER WANTED YOU TO SEE.Investigative journalist Abby Martin joins Habibi House for her most unfiltered interview to date — exposing how Israel bombed a humanitarian flotilla, how Zionism functions as white supremacy, and how the U.S. government funds every bullet, drone, and propaganda campaign along the way.She doesn't hold back — and neither do we.

In this episode of Habibi House, we sit down with Olivia Silfies — the viral Egyptian-American content creator redefining Arab representation online. From TikTok skits to Arab music lip-syncing, Olivia has built a platform that speaks directly to the experiences of first-gen Arabs and Gen-Z audiences who never saw themselves reflected in mainstream media.We dive deep into her Egyptian roots, her rise to social media stardom, the pressure of going viral, and how embracing her culture became her greatest superpower. If you've ever struggled with identity, representation, or finding your voice — this episode is for you.Whether she's joking about Arab parents or dismantling stereotypes with humor and heart, Olivia is proof that authenticity wins every time.

Oscar-nominated Palestinian filmmaker Farah Nabulsi joins us for a deep, fearless conversation about her journey, her work, and her mission to tell Palestinian stories without compromise.In this powerful episode, Farah pulls no punches — calling out colonialism, Hollywood's role in shaping Arab stereotypes, and why resistance is inevitable under occupation. She discusses her acclaimed films like The Present and The Teacher, how she navigates identity in a Western world, and her views on reclaiming Palestinian narratives through cinema.Farah also opens up about the emotional impact of the Gaza genocide, the responsibility she feels as a filmmaker, and why storytelling is an act of resistance.If you're looking for a conversation filled with truth, courage, and empowerment, this one is unmissable.Farah Nabulsi is an Academy Award-nominated, BAFTA-winning Palestinian-British filmmaker, director of The Present and The Teacher.Chapters and key moments below:#FarahNabulsi #TheTeacherFilm #FreePalestine #OscarNominated #ArabCinema #ResistanceThroughArt #HabibiHousePodcast

In this powerful episode of Habibi House, we sit down with activist and filmmaker Charles McBryde to unpack the deeper meaning of happiness, community, and the price we pay for both. The conversation then pivots to Charles' urgent documentary work in Palestine, focusing on the unprecedented targeting of UNRWA, the United Nations agency responsible for aiding 5.9 million Palestinian refugees. He breaks down Israel's recent moves to label the organization a terrorist entity, the geopolitical implications of defunding UNRWA, and what this means for the future of Palestinian life, memory, and rights in the region. Charles gives us a behind-the-scenes look at his upcoming film, its funding goals, and the challenges of documenting this critical moment in history. From East Jerusalem to refugee camps in Lebanon, this episode sheds light on the stakes, the stories, and the fight to preserve truth.

Lebanese-Canadian comedian Dave Merheje joins the Habibi House Podcast for one of our realest convos yet. From being mistaken as deaf in kindergarten to converting to Islam with Mahershala Ali on set, this episode is WILD. Dave opens up about his upbringing, comedy career, struggles with anxiety, and what it means to find your faith as an adult. Tap in for raw laughs, honest takes on Arab identity, and Ramadan hacks you didn't know you needed.

Former War Reporter Yusuf Omar Exposes The Future of Journalism, AI, and Truth in Media Award-winning journalist and co-founder of Seen TV, Yusuf Omar has covered war zones, interviewed world leaders, and now pioneers the future of mobile storytelling. In this episode of Habibi House, we dive into the hidden truths of media, the rise of AI in journalism, and how social media is shaping narratives worldwide.

We are Finally back with our new season two episode one of Habibi House Podcast ! https://thehabibihouse.com/ Shout out to our sponsor @palestinianhustle ! https://palestinianhustle.com/ Use code: Habibi House for 20% off your next order! I'm one of your hosts Assad Shalhoub (@ AssadShal ) and today I will be riding solo as both my other cohosts, Talal and Atif, are spending time with their families right now. As Palestinians and Lebanese people, our families are actively being torn apart by outside forces, so being present with them when you can is more important than ever. So much has transpired since our last episode, obviously in lots of ways but especially in the Middle East, but we have the perfect guest to provide some insight for the future in this country and globally, and I'm excited to get into some analysis with him. You may have seen his videos where he is power walking down a street, hair gloriously blowing in the wind as he breaks down current events, he may be your rapid fire news source on IG or Twitter, and when things often go to shit he's someone I know I look to for an explanation. He's a former United States Army Ranger, who served 4 combat deployments during America's occupation of Afghanistan. He has a practical background in Special Operations and Military Intelligence, and is currently an anti-war activist and independent journalist based out of Austin, Texas. He's been in the trenches educating the masses on the truth behind the empire's lies and today he's blessing our viewers and listeners with his expert military analysis, activism experience, and anti-imperialist education. He's the co-host of the colonial outcasts podcast and host of state of play on mint press. He is the one and only Greg Stoker (@ Greg.J.Stoker) @ColonialOutcasts 5:42 liberal ideology 9:30 drone strikes 10:30 indiscriminate bombing 11:40 AI targeting 16:30 JDAMS 17:30 targeting hospitals 18:01 occupying power protection 19:30 Izzy's Vietnam 20:00 300 billion/veteran homelessness 21:52 2025 not paying taxes 23:51 Causality gap 24:18 Colonial Outcasts 27:13 Socialist Democracy 28:15 Does Izzy control US 30:11 IDF Uniforms in US Congress 30:52 USS Liberty 33:45 Empire lash out 35:10 Syria 36:54 HTS 39:40 Normalization with Izzy 40:27 Syria Democratic Elections 41:05 Resistance Never stop Palestinian Resistance 41:50 Trump hostages 44:12 Turn back on Netanyahu 45:59 Conflict Fatigue

Welcome to the Habibi House Podcast!

MERCH: Thehabibihouse.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/habibihousepodcast? Maya: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayuhnaise?_t=8n4C4pG8XLn&_r=1 The boys chat with Palestinian viral TikTok sensation & good friend Maya Abdallah in this informative & hilarious episode of Habibi House. We cover all things cultural, Palestine, dating, music, her new clothing brand Ayouni & more with a couple surprise special guests in the studio. Grab your popcorn & strap in for the full conversation, you won't be able to put this one down!

Don't miss a beat! Explore exclusive merch at thehabibihouse.com and stream our episodes on Spotify and Apple Music In our latest episode, we're thrilled to host DJ Habibeats himself!

LISTEN TILL THE END TO SEE A RARE BLAST OF NOSTALGIA FROM THE PAST https://thehabibihouse.com for merch, spotify and apple podcasts all in one place! Prepare for an exhilaratingly HILARIOUS journey as we dive into the world of comedy with the extraordinary Iraqi-American Comedian Reem Edan. Reem shares her gripping tale of being accused of spying by trolls on the internet, sidestepping haram snacks, liberating herself from the corporate grind, and challenging societal norms with her daring humor. In this entertaining interview, Reem fearlessly explores the fine line between pushing boundaries with her content and steering clear of low hanging fruit and tired tropes like basic terrorist jokes. From navigating the intricacies of Iraqi culture to bravely carving her path in the comedy scene, Reem's narrative is a testament to resilience and boldness, and carving ones own path against external pressures. Join us as we unravel the inspirations behind her comedic brilliance, the obstacles she's conquered, and the risks she takes to keep audiences on the edge while toeing the line of societal taboos. This engaging conversation with a comedic trailblazer promises laughter, insight, and perhaps a few eyebrow-raising moments. Don't miss out on this episode, where comedy meets courage and conventions are shattered. Tune in now for an unforgettable experience! Subscribe for more electrifying interviews and captivating insights into the world of Habibi House!

WATCH TILL THE END TO HEAR MIKEY & TALAL SPIT THE HOTTEST RAP VERSES OF 2024. https://thehabibihouse.com for merch, spotify and apple podcasts all in one place! In this special episode, we feature our first non-Arab guest! He also happens to be a Jewish comedian who is staunchly opposed to Zionism. Michael Schirtzer shares his story of growing up in a family who had some Zionist ideologies and how he found his way to the truth after a jarring incident at his fraternity hazing led him to align with the Palestinian cause. He is now one of our most powerful allies and here provides an unbiased objective analysis of the dangers of Zionism from the inside with stunning depth & accuracy. In this electric episode, we cover everything from his comedy career to the different forms of Palestinian resistance, Israeli brainwashing, common Zionist talking points which he absolutely dismantles and how anyone can become as strong an ally to Palestine as he is. You do NOT want to miss this one, it may be our most important episode yet. HABIBI HOUSE Ep. 10 let's goo!

Habibi House Episode 9

thehabibihouse.com for Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Habibi House Episode 7: Eddy Mack

Arab Star Singer Inas X talks Palestine, Girl Bosses, Music Industry, Best Pizza: Habibi House Ep. 6

Habibi House Ep. 5: Sammy Obeid

​ @nemrcomedy joins us for a hilarious interview after an extremely successful tour selling out 8 back to back shows. Watch “His favorite podcast he's ever done” & claims our podcast is "a microcosm of the Arab solution". Find out why!

Dr. Fayez Ajib @LifeOfADoctor joins us on episode 3 of our podcast