The LevantX Podcast

During this episode Sophie Ghaziri talks to Elissa Freiha, founder of womena, about the metaverse and the role Womena would play in that digital space. How can we transform ourselves and our businesses? Is the metaverse a playground for the rich?

During this episode Sophie Ghaziri talks to Lina Khalife, the founder of She Fighter in Jordan. Domestic abuse and violence has escalated across the world due to the pandemic but in the Middle East it is considered a crisis. Lina teaches women how to defend themselves, builds their self confidence and teaches them techniques to combat fear. In 2020, a brief report entitled “Women in Jordan: Continuing Violence and Absent Protection”, Euro-Med Monitor highlighted the outburst of violence against Jordanian women, where the country recorded 21 cases of female murders – a three-time increase compared to 2018 which saw seven murders only. In the same year, 6,965 women fell victims of violence, 810 were able to get aid from the five battered women shelters belonging to the Ministry of Social Development while the rest, especially who live in the remote areas, were marginalized and consequently left to face more violence. Lina's work is crucial, hear what she has to say!

During this episode Sophie asks Amuna what she is working on and trying to achieve with her Black Arab Collective initiative. Amuna, an activist of Ethiopian decent, is working on educating and creating awareness about Racism in SWANA and how change begins at home. Why? because she believes that the way things are now, policy wouldn't be able to make a difference.

During this episode Zuhal tells Sophie what it is like to be a Drag Queen in Lebanon. Zuhal is a Drag Performer and wants to use his social media status to help drive change and pave the way for others in the SWANA region. Lebanon is seen by many as an open and democratic country, but what some may not know that it is not safe and Zuhal along with many others are constantly trying to survive. To ensure we keep bringing you episodes, please become a member and buy us a coffee:

During this episode Sophie Ghaziri and Jad Ghosn talk about the Lebanese Elections that are set to take place in 2022. The elections were to be held in May, however, the government and parliament have made several changes, one in bringing the elections forward to March and to let the diaspora vote for the full 128 seats available. What does this mean? and it is just smoke and mirrors?

During this episode Sophie Ghaziri talks to fellow colleague Oliver Marsden about his journey through Pakistan and Afghanistan. She hears first hand what Oliver experienced, how he felt as he witnessed the aftermath of the Taliban takeover. For more episodes like this, you can head to our page on Buy me a coffee & ensure we continue to provide transparent and independent content: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/levantx

During this episode Sophie Ghaziri talk to the Co- Founder of Beirut Film Society, an NGO that started working in 2007 but was only registered 10 years later. As Lebanon's film scene continues to grow and those who have a vision for a new country share their ideas, will Beirut City take a seat on the international stage? In order to keep listening and watching our exclusive content make a one time donation or sign up for an annual membership: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/levantx

During this episode Sophie Ghaziri talks to Khaled Beydoun about Islamophobia, the American- Muslim future, the marginalization of Black-Muslim's and the Israel Palestinian conflict. If you want to know why Islamophobia is still a problem in the USA, expert Khaled Beydoun has also written a book that can be bought in stores. To hear more unfiltered content and to make sure we continue to provided exclusive material head to our Buy me a coffee page - you can make a one time donation or sign up to be a member and receive access to more! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/levantx

During this episode Darine talks to Sophie about filmmaking and cinema. Darine is a Director & Writer and has just released her new film Talahasse - to hear more about her latest work and how she wants to impact the industry tune in! For more content like this please help us continue by donating or signing up for a membership: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/levantx

During this episode Sophie speaks to Ribal and Dana from Oxfam Beirut. The NGO has recently released a report about the Queer community in the country and what effect the aftermath of the Beirut Blast had on them. We find out the driving factors behind the suffering, the hopelessness and the future of the community in the country. Will the local NGO's in partnership with Oxfam help bring hope and stability back to a community that is lost and battered? Find out what has been done and what is yet to come as the 1 year of the August 4 blast in Beirut gets closer.  Donate: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/levantx Oxfam Report: https://www.oxfamamerica.org/press/queer-communities-at-huge-risk-in-lebanon-oxfam-research-warns/

During this episode Sophie and Stephanie discuss the film they are currently producing together. Stephanie is the Writer & Director of the film, she approached Sophie months ago to Produce it for her. This film is about 2 women falling in love in the heart of beirut. Surrounded by melancholy, pain, destruction, but also hope. Beirut is also a large character in this film that defies taboos, stigma's and judgement on the Arab Queer Community. Sophie and Stephanie are both trying tirelessly to raise the funds to produce this independent film and maybe listening to the hardships, challenges and excitement they have for this film may just inspire you to make your own!  If you would like to donate to help this film be executed these two wonderful ladies would really really appreciate it! https://bit.ly/itsjustuscrew

During this episode Sophie and Rotana discuss what it's like to be a Female in Arab, Muslim society. What did they face, how did Rotana find her voice and what is coming up in her new series F**D & Blessed? Sophie also manages to get Rotana to talk about her issues with the country she calls home and how she may never be able to step on Saudi soil again.  To help us bring and create unfiltered content we need your support: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/levantx

During this episode Sophie talks to Nareeman and Louay from levantx, who host their own podcast in Arabic called Kalam Casual on Podeo. This is the first time the three of them have teamed up to divulge their secrets :) Why do they podcast? and what do you think they picked as their favorite episode. To keep providing unfiltered content we need you - www.levant.com - click the donate button :) Every little helps!

During this episode Brady Black talks with Sophie about his struggle to adopt Akram and how he came to meet him. Brady also has an unusual past time, he heads to his street corner and paints the children who are doing anything to survive. Some of those children are burying in trash bins, others are pick-pocketing & most just chase every passer by for a little bit of change. How do you think you would handle this? Brady enlightens us to some of the hacks you can use to both make a difference for these children and not get overwhelmed in the process.  To hear more experiences, we need your help - DONATE NOW by clicking this link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/levantx

During this episode Diego Ibarra, a Spanish Photographer, talks to Sophie about traveling Asia and highlighting stories of hope in some of the hardest times. Diego now finds himself in Lebanon, he has been covering the protests, the humanitarian crisis, the lack of public resources and infrastructure, along with the daily struggle people face. It is inspiring to see talents and professionals from all over the world flock to Lebanon, a country they love, admire and adore. The tales of those forgotten and the stories that if not given a voice will never be told.  

During this episode Caroline Fattal Fakhoury speaks to Sophie Ghaziri about #GenderInequality #InvestingInWomen. Caroline expresses how investing in women is the backbone of a country. Named more than once on Forbes, Caroline is an expert in Business and has made it her mission to help other women around her. Based in Lebanon, her NGO 'I Stand For Women' is supporting, financing and keeping afloat female entrepreneurs that are struggling to keep their doors open. Lebanon as many know is facing a multitude of crises and the population still fighting to keep their country going are the women that have been left behind. Today we take the opportunity to introduce to a successful, leading Arab woman. If you would like to support us in our mission to bring a platform to the marginalized and silenced click here to donate! Every little helps! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/levantx

In this episode Sophie speaks to Zeinab and Lynne, two lawyers behind the instagram page 'The Lawyard'. During the Lebanese revolution in 2019 and up until today The Lawyard has been a source of both up to date and factual information for us living on the ground. Now, that events and conflict has kicked off in Palestine, we are talking to them to find out more.  Is this ethnic cleansing? Will we receive a verdict on the Beirut Blast Investigation? and how did the Captagon King manage to execute the largest drug this century?

In this episode Michel Zoghzoghi talks to Sophie about his hobby (shooting big cats int he wild) and his love for his country. He told Sophie "I won't leave" - but we all know that isn't completely true as Michel will jet off now and then for months at a time capturing the world's largest cats but there is comfort in knowing that he will always come home. Michel works tirelessly to keep his private business alive as the country drowns in turmoil.  To help us continue to create unfiltered stories, we would need you love and support. Please head to https://www.buymeacoffee.com/levantx 

In this episode we speak with FROZ an eco friendly e-commerce platform born in Lebanon. Raymond and Alex, professional architects, walked out of their industry because they made it their mission to educate, create and build a more sustainable & eco-friendly planet. They chose to start in Lebanon, their home, given the country was drowning in garbage. But, with all that is going on and the country being so disconnected, will this even be possible? Listen to what they have to say and their hopes for a GREENER Lebanon.

Under the Kafala system a migrant worker's immigration status is legally bound to an individual employer or sponsor (kafeel) for their contract period. The power that the Kafala system delegates to the sponsor over the migrant worker, has been likened to a contemporary form of slavery. Lebanon 961 is an NGO that is continuously working to abolish the Kafala system and both treat and aid those who have fallen victim to it's cruel and inhumane treatment. Patricia tells us more about the cases in the country and the region and how they are working around the clock to make substantial and concrete changes.

During this episode Lea Baroudi the CEO and Founder of MARCH Lebanon tells Sophie that the many isolated and ghettoized communities are disconnected from the rest of Lebanon. The mission and vision of those working to create a better country is being lost on those who have no resources and are marginalized. Lea's NGO is working on connecting with those people by understanding their backgrounds and giving them solutions and options - an alternative way of life.   Hear what she has to say on ex-cons, fighters and soldiers and how MARCH played a role on helping create a more sustainable and alternative way of living. Fighters turned builders.

During this episode Thorben and Ameen the artist duo behind project Shkoon open up to Sophie about hardships they faced on the road. Ameen and Thorben have been through rough times and COVID didn't make things easier. But, after taking the vaccine and moving to Berlin things are looking up for the artists! Find out more about Shkoon in this cultural episode by Sophie Ghaziri 

Hague x Beirut is an a collection of Artistic canvas's that are up for sale. The money that is raised is directly put into an activist fund. The Hague Peace Projects is funding and keeping alive 3 activists in Beirut. Given they are based in the Netherlands they are looking to build contacts and partnerships with organizations on the ground to help keep the activists safe. Listen to the full episode to hear about the different activists that you can help support and what is necessary to keep this initiative going.

In this episode Sophie gets to know Christelle Drouby. Christelle began to gain traction on social media once she took it upon herself to head to the blast zone after Aug 4 to help clean and repair victims homes. Christelle says that all this started because she believed that those who have hope, and a vision can help set this country back on the right track. Lebanon has seen a large youth exodus due to the financial, political and economic crisis that is strangling the country. Christelle is among the few that stayed... to hear more about Christelle listen in ;)

During this episode HH Sheikha Intisar AlSabah talks to Sophie about healing war trauma and tragedy. She emphasizes that creativity is the door to opening and starting the healing process. Sheikha AlSabah has created foundations and platforms for women and men that are struggling to overcome these hardships and her key is Drama Therapy. To learn more click and listen to the whole episode. 

In this episode Sophie and Sarah discuss the issue of domestic violence in Bahrain and around the world. Sarah expresses her beliefs about the cause and how constantly saying NO to Domestic Violence isn't going to necessarily eradicate it or provide a proper exit solution/ strategy. Sarah shared her personal experience with those who have suffered abuse, how it made her feel and how she uses her art as an outlet and a platform to create awareness.  

In this episode Elie Dagher, the founder of a consultancy agency called Lead From Within talks to Sophie about the taboos and stigmas surrounding men and their emotions. He expresses how he had to work through those things and by doing so found his calling. Training and coaching soft skills. Elie's story doesn't end there, his goal for connecting with Lebanese at home grows stronger and only the future will tell what Elie will bring to light. 

In this Episode Sophie Ghaziri talks to Mays Alwash from Yallah Let's Talk. They discuss the birth of the platform and its objective to help air out old Arab traditions and taboos that are weighing down the upcoming Arab generations. Mental health, stigmas and expectations are all topics that are brought to the forefront at YLT. Check out their website: https://yallaletstalk.com/

Sophie Ghaziri interviews Pierre Baaklini the CEO of Lebanon Waste Management. Pierre tells Sophie that it is the fault of the government even though she challenge this by saying that the people play the largest part. Without a functioning government and proper infrastructure, Pierre is convinced that the basic education and awareness needed in the country in regards to managing waste, climate change & sustainability will remain minimal. Will Lebanon remain a large landfill oozing bacteria? or will the people step up and be the necessary change?

Lebanese Film Director and Screen Writer Jimmy Keyrouz opens up to us about the challenges he faced in his last film, how living in Lebanon is difficult and what he hope for the future. Like most of us Jimmy believes that sustainability and self reliance is the only way forward for Lebanon, tune in to find out what he means!

In this episode Afif Ayad the owner and founder of an NGO called Shaabi Masouliyati talks to us about the challenges he has faced in the country & why he left the corporate world to head up a non-profit. Civil Servants like Afif work day and night, given the role they play is even more integral than the government. People in Lebanon have learnt and accepted that they cannot lean on their corrupt government, the government does not and will not have it's best interests at heart - so it is NGO's like Shaabi that have to pick up the slack and bridge the gap. How long can they maintain themselves, and how long will it take before the government want a piece of the financial pie!

Dalal Mawad, an award winning journalist talks to us about the rekindled GCC ties with Qatar. Qatar has been under an embargo for at least 4 years and during that time it built closer ties with Turkey and Iran. What does this new peace mean? Is it a way for Saudi to gain favor with the US? or are we really seeing 'Peace' in the Middle East. 

In this episode we learn about the Taif Accord how that has both hindered and helped the Lebanese Nation, but one thing that is for sure Lebanon is in crisis and the only people to lift it out is it's citizens... Chloe tells us why!

Lebanon has been through so much and Oct 17 2019 plays a large factor in the future of the country. Sophie Ghaziri talks with Diane Assaf about the Lebanese Judiciary, lobbying laws, making concrete change and how the future of Lebanon could look. 

Experts Fatheya Gelleh & Kholood Khair talk to our host Sophie Ghaziri about the rising tensions in Ethiopia, it's effect on the whole region and how players like the United Arab Emirates could help curb the rising humanitarian crisis in the country. This special was recorded for International Human Rights Day. 

Sophie Ghaziri talks to Sara El Yafi about Lebanon, her recent instagram lives and their purpose as well as her the recent collaborative video Sara did with Nadine Labaki & Cate Blanchett. #Lebanon #BeirutBlast #GovernmentCorruption 

Human Rights Abuses, Free Reign to wage wars - the last 4 years in the Middle East have been very different to what we have all usually experience - so what will the next 4 offer?

To discuss  looming topics about the US sanctions, a Trump administration or a Biden agenda and it's effect on the Middle East, we brought the Levantx Roundtable to the show. 

Under the Kafala system a migrant worker's immigration status is legally bound to an individual employer or sponsor (kafeel) for their contract period. The power that the Kafala system delegates to the sponsor over the migrant worker, has been likened to a contemporary form of slavery. Lebanon 961 is an NGO that is continuously working to abolish the Kafala system and both treat and aid those who have fallen victim to it's cruel and inhumane treatment. Patricia tells us more about the cases in the country and the region and how they are working around the clock to make substantial and concrete changes.

A crumbling economy, a starving nation, a country on the brink of civil war and the ruling class remains silent. As a taxpayer and citizen of Lebanon & the United Kingdom I find myself asking the question "are all governments the same? Just dressed differently? I'm sure you are all answering the question immediately, but when you delve into the details the scale of GREY intensifies. Mouin Jaber, talks to me today about how he sees the tides turning in Lebanon and addressed the questions above and much more. Can a nation be saved for it's currently ruling class? and if so, what's the next step? So many unanswered questions and the list still goes on, however, there are only so many we can get to in 30mins so tune in and find out what Mouin has to say. Instagram: @mouin.jaber

Journo Jargen! We currently eat, breathe and sleep media! Whether we are on Instagram, Facebook, Netflix or a news app we are the ultimate consumers of information. As the world changes we find ourselves consuming more and more and forgetting how to stop and analyze and think about what we are actually consuming. What's the downfall here? Well there are many, but the one we focused on today is the spreading and virality of FAKE NEWS. Who can we trust? How can we determine what the truth is and what isn't? These are the questions we need to start asking ourselves. Are we passively consuming information from the media, our friends social handles or our parents? How can we begin to educate ourselves so we are actually actively consuming content and using it to our benefit in order to problem solve and create a better world. Paula Naufal talks to us about her experience with Citizen Journalism, Digital Activism & credible journalistic content.

Samer EL Khoury, a everyday Lebanese, saw his life change exponentially on October 17, 2019. The birth of what we are now refering to as the Lebanese Revolution. Samer didn't have any political aspirations neither did he consider becoming an activist. However, recently he has found himself falling under both titles. The uprising, to most living in the country, is a symbol of hope, modernization, democracy and a better Lebanon. That is all Samer was dreaming about the first say he took to the streets. He know finds himself there day and night, helping, guiding, educating, recycling and finally rebuilding a broken city. So, who is Samer? He is a young man in his 30's looking for make a decent, peaceful living in the country he was born and raised in. Is that too much of an ask? Find out more from Samer!

In the second episode of the LevantX Podcast, Alan continues his conversation with Nadine as they push further in their discussion surrounding the importance of art, good storytelling, and the representation of Arab Voices in the film industry. What makes this conversation resonate is that it occured on August 4th, 2020... 15 minutes before the Beirut Port blast. You can follow LevantX on Instagram: @levant_x You can follow Alan on Instagram: @alan.mehanna You can follow Nadine Labaki on Instagram: @NadineLabaki

Alan: Hello, I'm Alan Mehanna Sophie: and I'm Sophie Ghaziri! And we are the hosts on the brand new LevantX Podcast! Alan: The LevantX Podcast brings together journalists, activists, and opinion influencers from around the Mena Region as they share their views on political and human rights issues, culture and beyond. Sophie: It's a space to give these voices a chance and share them with the rest of the world.  Alan: You can catch our show every Thursday at 9AM on all podcast platforms! Sophie: To stay updated on all things LevantX follow us on instagram @levant_x! Alan: We hope you tune in to the show and don't forget to give your voice a chance!

In the first episode of The LevantX Podcast, cultural host Alan Mehanna, sits down to chat with Academy Award Nominee and UN Ambassador Nadine Labaki about the importance of art, good storytelling, and the representation of Arab Voices in the film industry. What makes this conversation resonate is that it occured on August 4th, 2020... 15 minutes before the Beirut Port blast. You can follow LevantX on Instagram: @levant_x You can follow Alan on Instagram: @alan.mehanna You can follow Nadine Labaki on Instagram: @NadineLabaki