Podcasts about Lebanese

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was “disgusted” after altered photos of her and other women were found on an Italian pornographic website. Also, a look at the Lebanese government's plans to disarm Hezbollah. And, New Orleans is still learning from the lessons of Hurricane Katrina 20 years later, finding some help from Dutch engineers. Plus, a conversation about the latest album of Chilean band Calle Mambo.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

US envoys Tom Barrack and Morgan Ortagus were in Lebanon this week to restate a key demand: Hezbollah must disarm. The latest push from Washington came with economic incentives as Mr Barrack proposed the US becomes a “substitute” to Iranian influence. The Lebanese government agreed to disarm non-state groups this month but it wants guarantees that Israel will withdraw militarily from the country. Israel says it will not de-escalate until the disarmament process begins. This puts Lebanon in a difficult position. On the one hand it wants US financial support and for the Israeli attacks to end. On the other, it must convince a defiant Hezbollah and its sponsor Iran to lay down weapons. Without a strategic plan, the consequences could be grave for the country and the wider region. In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, host Nada AlTaher speaks to The National's foreign editor, Mohamad Ali Harisi, and Nicholas Blanford, an Atlantic Council analyst in Beirut. They discuss the challenges of disarming Hezbollah and whether the US and Israel would hold up their end of the bargain.

On today's episode: Israel declares Gaza’s largest city a combat zone as the remains of 2 hostages are recovered. Thai court dismisses prime minister over compromising phone call with Cambodian leader. Mauritania's coast guard says at least 49 die when a boat carrying migrants capsized this week. Father of 8-year-old boy killed in Minneapolis church shooting wants him remembered for his love. Jim O’Neill to serve as acting CDC director as leadership turmoil leaves agency reeling. Former Colts owner Irsay continued battling addiction relapses prior to death in May, report says. Low value imports are losing their duty-free status today02 Trump administration announces a $825 million arms sale to Ukraine. Trump fires Democratic member of Surface Transportation Board ahead of huge rail merger decision. Departing CDC officials say Monarez's firing was the final straw and political meddling is a problem. Closure of Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration detention center can proceed, judge says. Fed official sues Trump over attempt to fire her, challenging his power over the independent agency. Trump administration asks military base outside Chicago for support on immigration operations. New trial ordered for 3 Memphis ex-officers in connection with the beating death of Tyre Nichols. It's not known yet why shots were fired at a Minnesota church. Minneapolis shooter talked of depression and left behind a list of grievances. 780,000 pressure washers are under recall after some consumers report explosions and impact injuries. Stocks add a bit to their records on Wall Street. Average rate on a 30-year mortgage slips to 10-month low. Venus Williams triumphs in return to U.S. Open doubles and top stars advance into third round, a Phillies slugger makes history with a four-homer game, a former World Series champion has surgery, one of football’s top defensive stars is traded and an SEC football coach gets a lifetime contract. Former MLB star Mark Teixeira announces bid for US House seat in Texas. Lebanese official says disarmament of Palestinian camps could pave way for new refugee rights. European nations start process to impose a 'snapback' of Iran nuclear sanctions at UN. Journalist Mariam Dagga's final images show where she was killed by an Israeli strike in Gaza. What to know after the US deports more migrants to Africa. Floods affect 1.2 million, displace nearly 250,000 in eastern Pakistan. —The Associated Press About this program Host Terry Lipshetz is managing editor of the national newsroom for Lee Enterprises. Besides producing the daily Hot off the Wire news podcast, Terry conducts periodic interviews for this Behind the Headlines program, co-hosts the Streamed & Screened movies and television program and is the former producer of Across the Sky, a podcast dedicated to weather and climate. Theme music The News Tonight, used under license from Soundstripe. YouTube clearance: ZR2MOTROGI4XAHRX Mediterranean rescues find 3 Sudanese sisters dead on an overcrowded migrant boat.

Hezbollah’s Secretary General Naim Qassem has said his organization would refuse to surrender its weapons, even at the risk of civil war in Lebanon. The Lebanese army, meanwhile, has been infiltrated by Hezbollah, according to a new report by the Alma Research and Education center. Reserve IDF major Avraham Levine of the Alma Research and Education center, said that the infiltration has been so great even if weapons are confiscated, they would likely be returned later. He told reporter Arieh O’Sullivan that even though Hezbollah has lost some of it support from Iran, it would still not surrender its weapons since it was their rasion d’etre. (photo: Mohammad Zaatari/AP) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Conflicted, host Thomas Small is joined by an old friend and former housemate when they studied in Syria together, Jakub Jajcay. A man of many talents, Jakub studied Arabic with Thomas in Damascus before becoming a Slovakian army officer, while also continuing his studies about the Middle East, including working towards a PHD on Lebanese politics. When Russia invaded Ukraine, he decided to put his professional skills to use, joining the Ukrainian Armed Forces as a foreign volunteer.  This episode is a raw, firsthand account of his experience of modern warfare. Jakub recounts his experiences as both an infantryman in the trenches and a drone operator, revealing surprising and often grim truths about the war's reality. The pair discuss a number of misconceptions about the war, from the overrated influence of Western weapons to the true nature of combat in the 21st century. They also dive into the effectiveness of drones, and the deeply personal motivations of Ukrainian soldiers, revealing a quiet, resolute patriotism that is less about grand political ideology and more about the fundamental desire for a sovereign homeland. This is a powerful and sobering conversation that grounds the abstract debates about international law and geopolitics in the grit, mud, and courage of those living it on the ground. To listen to the full episode, you'll need to subscribe to the Conflicted Community. And don't forget, subscribers can also join our Conflicted Community chatroom, where you can interact with fellow dearest listeners, discuss episodes past and future, get exclusive messages from Thomas and Aimen, ask future Q&A questions and so much more. All the information you need to sign up is on this link: https://conflicted.supportingcast.fm/  Conflicted is proudly made by Message Heard, a full-stack podcast production agency which uses its extensive expertise to make its own shows such as Conflicted, shows for commissioners such as the BBC, Spotify and Al Jazeera, and powerfully effective podcasts for other companies too. If you'd like to find out how we can help get your organisation's message heard, visit messageheard.com or drop an email to hello@messageheard.com! Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MHconflicted And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MHconflicted Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The daughter of the Moroccan diaspora, Ami Taf Ra, uses music to explore layers of history, spirit and heart. 2025 sees the release of Ami's The Prophet and the Madman on Brainfeeder. Crafted during the pandemic with producer and beloved musical collaborator and savant artist Kamasi Washington, the record is a metaphysical conversation with the Lebanese writer, philosopher and mystic, Khalil Gibran's classic and ceaselessly yielding texts. Kamasi Washington is a composer, arranger, bandleader and saxophonist. Collaboration, and a multi-disciplinary perspective, is key to Washington's process. It's what keeps him creative. Washington has played with a diverse group of musicians including Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Horace Tapscott, Lauryn Hill, Nas, Snoop Dogg,[13] George Duke, Chaka Khan and Ami Ta Fra. https://amitafra.com/https://www.kamasiwashington.com/bio/ https://www.instagram.com/amitaframusic/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

In this episode of Most Memorable Journeys, I'm joined by the extraordinary Viola Edward, a transcultural psychotherapist, award-winning mentor, conscious business consultant, and an unstoppable force for global empowerment.From escaping war-torn Lebanon at the age of 13 to becoming a leading voice in emotional resilience, conscious leadership, and breathwork, Viola's story is one of profound transformation and boundless compassion. Her journey is not just about survival, it's about turning hardship into healing, and purpose into power.Viola is the co-founder and CEO of GRIT Academy, honorary president of Charity on Wheels – Fashion for a Cause, co-creator of BQ – Breath Intelligence, and the visionary behind the GRIT Method and Direction by Emotions. She is also the president of Global Mentoring Network, where she uplifts women, leaders, and changemakers through mentorship, education, and emotional empowerment. She is also a Creative Women Board Member.

Israel announced it would begin to withdraw from Lebanon only after the Lebanese army starts to disarm Hezbollah. Tensions rise again between Israel and the Houthis. Five journalists were among at least 20 people killed in Israeli attacks on a Gaza hospital. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: No withdrawal from Lebanon until army begins disarming Hezbollah, Israel says Escalation in Israel-Houthi fighting after rebels reportedly fire cluster munitions Israeli strikes on Gaza hospital kill at least 20, including five journalists This episode features Vanessa Ghanem, Arab Affairs Editor and Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Fadi El Khatib, born in 1979 in Lebanon, is one of the most celebrated basketball players in the Middle East. Nicknamed "The Lebanese Tiger," he dominated the court with his skill and leadership. Fadi won 11 Lebanese league titles and 4 FIBA Asia Champions Cups, earning several MVP honors. He represented Lebanon internationally, helping the national team win multiple silver medals at the FIBA Asia Championships.Throughout his career, he played professionally in Lebanon, Syria, Ukraine, and China. After retiring, Fadi became an entrepreneur, founding Champs Sports and Fitness Club, and serves as CEO and brand ambassador for Champs UAE. In 2025, he was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as a basketball icon.#hikmatwehbipodcast #podcast#arabicpodcast #FadiElKhatib#wstudiodxbحكمت_وهبي#حكمت_وهبي_بودكاست#

In this episode, we talk about our frozen Embryo Transfer that took place last monday. We are now 6 days post transfer and 6 days in to the wait to test. We talk about the day itself, what we did in which order and how having an overly full bladder was the most uncomfortable part of the process. We only have a few days until official test day and we are continuing to share in real time. Thank you for following along and head to my instagram for daily updates

Rona Bachour, the talented artist and baker behind Rona's Cookies, joins us to share her remarkable journey from a traditional upbringing in Lebanon and Puerto Rico to becoming a celebrated entrepreneur in the culinary world. With the onset of Covid, baking transformed from a mere familial pastime into a profound therapeutic outlet and a thriving business, earning accolades such as Best of Florida desserts for two consecutive years. Rona's creations—ranging from exquisitely decorated sugar cookies to her innovative baklava—reflect a fusion of cultural influences and personal resilience, showcasing how food transcends mere sustenance to embody connection and strength. As she navigates the intricacies of running a business, Rona emphasizes the significance of family, particularly her daughter, in shaping her culinary legacy. Join us as we delve into Rona's inspiring narrative, illustrating the deeper meanings embedded within her delectable offerings.Rona Bachour, the visionary behind Rona's Cookies, exemplifies the profound connection between culinary artistry and personal resilience in a narrative that transcends mere baking. Her journey, rooted in a multicultural upbringing straddling Lebanon and Puerto Rico, is an exploration of how food can serve as both a medium for expression and a source of solace. It was during the pandemic, amid the challenges of managing her full-time career in health insurance and grappling with mental health struggles, that Rona discovered the therapeutic power of baking. What began as a simple hobby, propelled by her participation in cookie decorating classes, rapidly evolved into a thriving business that garnered accolades, including the coveted Best of Florida desserts award for two consecutive years. Rona's Cookies is not merely a business; it is a tapestry woven from the threads of tradition, creativity, and familial love, where each cookie is a testament to the joy of gathering and connection. In our conversation, Rona shares her philosophy that baking transcends its components—sugar, flour, and butter—elevating it to an art form that celebrates heritage and culture. Her creations, which include intricately decorated sugar cookies, gourmet drop cookies, and innovative baklava, reflect a harmonious blend of her Lebanese and Puerto Rican influences, resulting in flavors that are both familiar and novel. Rona's story serves as an inspiration, illustrating how personal challenges can lead to the discovery of one's true calling, and how food can foster connections that bridge cultural divides. As she continues to expand her business, Rona envisions a future where she can not only delight palates but also offer a glimpse into her heritage, providing customers with an experience that is rich in flavor and history.Takeaways: Rona Bachour, the artist behind Rona's Cookies, discovered her passion for baking during the COVID-19 pandemic, transforming a traditional pastime into a thriving business. Her unique background, blending Lebanese and Puerto Rican cultures, influences her culinary creations, resulting in a distinctive fusion of flavors. Rona's Cookies emphasizes the importance of connection, tradition, and joy, with each creation designed to evoke fond memories and cultural heritage. The journey from hobbyist to professional baker was marked by significant recognition, including being awarded Best of Florida desserts for two consecutive years. Rona's approach to baking is both artistic and therapeutic, allowing her to disconnect from daily stressors and focus on creativity. Her daughter plays an integral role in Rona's Cookies, symbolizing the legacy and familial bonds that underpin the business's ethos.

An episode examining Hezbollah's weakened sub-state position, Iranian leveraging, separating militia disarmament from war with Israel, international pressure on the Lebanese government and potential new names for next year's parliamentary elections. With Tony Boulos - journalist at Independent Arabia. The podcast is only made possible through listener and viewer donations. Please help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/walkbeirut Or donating through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thebeirutbanyan Subscribe to our YouTube channel and your preferred audio platform. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @thebeirutbanyan And check out our website: www.beirutbanyan.com Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 4:16 A weaker position 9:13 Hezbollah of today 15:38 Winner(s) & loser(s) 20:14 An Iranian comeback? 22:25 Last chance for Lebanon 28:58 Lebanese army & authority 32:42 Divorcing Hezbollah from Israel 37:44 2024 (again) 44:01 Regional peace vs stability 45:41 2026 parliamentary elections

Nayla Tabbara is a Lebanese scholar, activist, and co-founder of Adyan, an organization dedicated to promoting coexistence, diversity, and interreligious solidarity. With decades of experience in interfaith dialogue, citizenship education, and pluralism, Nayla has become a leading voice in bridging divides across communities. She currently serves as Adyan's President and has been instrumental in shaping its vision of living together in diversity. In this episode of Walk Talk Listen, Nayla reflects on her childhood during Lebanon's Civil War, the daily realities of conflict, and how those experiences shaped her commitment to building peace and resilience. She shares the story of Adyan's founding, its work uniting Muslims, Christians, and those beyond religious identity, and the challenges of addressing displacement, injustice, and extremism in today's world. This conversation moves from deeply personal memories to global perspectives, offering wisdom on how diversity, when embraced, becomes a source of strength.   Listener Engagement: Discover the song picked by Nayla and other guests on our #walktalklisten here. Connect with Nayla via:  LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Adyan Foundation website. Share your thoughts on this episode at Walk Talk Listen Feedback. Your feedback is invaluable to us. Follow Us: Support the Walk Talk Listen podcast by liking and following us on Twitter and Instagram. Visit our website at 100mile.org for more episodes and information about our initiatives. Check out the special WTL series "Enough for All" featuring CWS, and the work of the Joint Learning Initiative (JLI).

Back by popular demand, Sir John Key is back alongside Kate Hawkesby and Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that was. This week the former Prime Minister is calling in from a super yacht in Croatia, discussing the Warriors, Father's Day, and ChatGPT. Plus, Kate tells a story about Lebanese food. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel has demanded the release of all hostages in any Gaza deal. The US has called on Israel to comply with Lebanese government actions. Archaeologists have unearthed an ancient Christian cross in Abu Dhabi. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Israel demands release of all hostages in any Gaza deal US must clarify Israel's obligations after disarmament vote, sources close to Hezbollah say Ancient Christian cross found on Abu Dhabi island as archaeologists dig into mysteries of the past This episode features Hamza Hendawi, Cairo Correspondent; Mohamad Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor; and John Dennehy, Senior Reporter. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.  

We travel to the Mississippi Delta and the world of Lebanese immigrants, where barbecue and the blues meet kibbe, a kind of traditional Lebanese raw meatloaf. Lebanese immigrants began arriving in the Delta in the late 1800s, soon after the Civil War. Many worked as peddlers, then grocers and restaurateurs.Kibbe — a word and a recipe with so many variations. Ground lamb or beef mixed with bulgur wheat, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Many love it raw. However it's made, it's part of the glue that holds the Lebanese family culture together in the Mississippi Delta and beyond.We visit Pat Davis, owner of Abe's BAR-B-Q at the intersection of Highway 61 and 49 in Clarksdale, Mississippi, the famed crossroads where, legend has it, blues icon Robert Johnson made a deal with the devil to play guitar better than anybody. Since 1924 Abe's has been known for it's barbecue, but if you know to ask, they've got grape leaves in the back.Chafik Chamoun, who owns Chamoun's Rest Haven on Highway 61, features Southern, Lebanese and Italian food — but he's best known for his Kibbe. Chafik arrived in Clarksdale from Lebanon in 1954, and first worked as a peddler selling ladies slips and nylon stockings.Sammy Ray, Professor Emeritus at Texas A&M University, Galveston, talks about growing up in a barbecue shack that his mother ran on the edge of what was then called “Black Town.” His father peddled dry goods to the Black sharecroppers.During the civil rights movement in the 1960s, Abe's BAR-B-Q and Chamoun's Rest Haven were some of the only restaurants in the area that would serve Black people. “We were tested in 1965,” Pat Davis remembers. “A bunch of Black kids went to all the restaurants on the highway and every one refused them except Chamoun's and my place. And everybody else got lawsuits against them.”The list of famous Lebanese Americans is long and impressive. Ralph Nader, Paul Anka, Dick Dale, Casey Kasem, Khalil Gibran and Vince Vaughn, to name a few. But the one most people talked about on our trip was Danny Thomas. Pat Davis took us out in the parking lot to listen to a CD that he just happened to have in his car of Danny Thomas singing in Arabic.“We called ourselves Syrians when we first came here,” Davis says. “And until Danny came and said he was Lebanese then we all began to realize we really are Lebanese and Danny Thomas can say it. So we're Lebanese now.”Produced by The Kitchen Sisters (Davia Nelson & Nikki Silva), mixed by Jim McKee, for the James Beard Award winning Hidden Kitchens series on NPR.The Kitchen Sisters Present is produced by The Kitchen Sisters with Nathan Dalton and Brandi Howell. We are part of PRX's Radiotopia, a curated network of podcasts created by independent producers.kitchensisters.org   @kitchensisters on Instagram and Facebook

Johnny Mac shares five uplifting news stories: an underwater photographer's close encounters with humpback whales, a dog surviving Texas floods by hiding in a washing machine, a 13-year-old message in a bottle reconnecting Anita and Brad with people in Ireland, a 1720 Lebanese cedar nominated for the UK's Tree of the Year for its cultural significance, and Jerry's Cafe in Arlington Heights, which employs adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!Subscribe now for exclusive shows like 'Palace Intrigue,' and get bonus content from Deep Crown (our exclusive Palace Insider!) Or get 'Daily Comedy News,' and '5 Good News Stories' with no commercials! Plans start at $4.99 per month, or save 20% with a yearly plan at $49.99. Join today and help support the show!We now have Merch!  FREE SHIPPING! Check out all the products like T-shirts, mugs, bags, jackets and more with logos and slogans from your favorite shows! Did we mention there's free shipping? Get 10% off with code NewMerch10 Go to Caloroga.comGet more info from Caloroga Shark Media and if you have any comments, suggestions, or just want to get in touch our email is info@caloroga.com

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit zeteo.comMehdi is joined by Palestinian-Lebanese-American singer-songwriter-rapper Anees to talk about his activism on Gaza and his belief in the power of music to influence politics.Anees tells Mehdi about his winding career path of going to law school, passing the bar exam, and delivering pizzas for 10 years. After getting his big break during an Instagram livestream with superstar Justin Bieber, Anees made the leap from up-and-comer to professional musician. Growing up in a half-Palestinian, half-Lebanese household with a father who worked in civil rights, Anees explains to Mehdi how making political music isn't even a conscious choice for him. Though when it comes to other famous musical artists, including a well-known Palestinian (cough cough, DJ Khaled), Anees has his own thoughts as to why some celebrities choose to stay out of the political fray. When discussing US lawmakers and Israel, the duo unpack the mixed signals coming from progressives like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and whether purity tests on the left are helpful or harmful. Finally, Mehdi and Anees discuss the possibility of Zohran Mamdani winning the New York City mayor's race and the shockwaves it would send to the political establishment. SUBSCRIBE TO ZETEO TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT AND UNFILTERED JOURNALISM: https://zeteo.com/subscribeWATCH, LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE TO ‘WE'RE NOT KIDDING' ON SUBSTACK: https://zeteo.com/s/were-not-kidding-with-mehdi-and-friendsFIND ZETEO:Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeteo_newsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeteonewsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zeteonewsFIND MEHDI:Substack: https://substack.com/@mehdirhasanTwitter: https://twitter.com/@mehdirhasanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/@mehdirhasanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mehdirhasanFIND ANEES:Website: https://www.aneesofficial.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anees/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anees?lang=enCREDITS:Hosted by: Mehdi HasanGuest Host: AneesExecutive Producer: Kiran AlviSenior Producer and Editor: Frank CappelloMusic: Andy ClausenDesign: Alicia TatoneMix Engineer: Valentino RiveraTitle Animation: Ehsaan MesghaliSpecial thanks: Khaleel Rahman

Subscribe to Chris Arnade's Substack - https://walkingtheworld.substack.com/Who is Chris Arnade!He started as a physicist, earning a PHD from Johns Hopkins and then took to Wall St spending two decades on an elite trading desk at CitiGroup before disillusioning his well dressed allies to engage in the photography, walking and writing of the great and forgotten cities of this world. He is a best selling author, but as well… a best subscribed substacker!'Chris Arnade Walks The World' is the publications name…And in it, Chris lives up to the title. Japan, Europe, China, Australia, The Faroe Islands, Canada, the expansive US of A, Turkey, Korea, Indonesia even Uzbekistan (which gets a special mention in this podcast). Cities within all of these great nations and many more, Chris has trod and documented. His format is slow and empathetic. Chris will embark on several 20-30km journeys at his location, take photos and then report on his walk. I can't remember how long I've been subscribed, although it feels like years, but the other day I woke up to an email which detailed Chris's initial impressions of Sydney! I replied to the email right away, and just a few hours later was guiding him along the Malabar to Bondi trail. Steve and I - guiding Chris from the area I grew up to the most iconic beach in Australia. That was a special serendipity which came out of no-where and furthermore, led to this podcast today...00:00 Introduction to Chris Arnade — physicist, Wall Street trader, turned global walker/writer.02:00 First impressions of Sydney — “child of LA and London,” with beaches, pubs, suburbs, and good living.Sydney Observations03:40 Sydney's trains: efficient, sprawling, but designed to avoid beaches.06:00 Sydney friendliness vs. UK cynicism — “Australians are like puppy dogs, eager to please.”09:30 Suburbs as “democratized manors,” good life for the average person, housing affordability issues.13:00 Housing supply constraints, coastline beauty, and why Sydney isn't as bad as people think.Walking & Method16:30 From physics & Wall Street to walking: walks as stress relief, learning, meditation.20:30 Spreadsheet brain → toy models → refining worldview through walking.22:30 Cities that defied expectations: Tashkent & Jakarta.Global Perspectives25:30 Africa's challenges: Nigeria & Dakar as examples of dysfunction despite resources.29:00 Australia's weak ties with Indonesia, lack of Indonesians in Sydney, food culture, overlapping economic models.33:30 Chinese-Indonesian business dominance — parallels to Jews, Lebanese, minorities elsewhere.36:00 High-trust vs. low-trust societies: Japan as the archetype.Culture & Writing41:30 Why he avoids fame, prefers anonymity, but respects subscribers deeply.44:00 Pressure to deliver as a Substack writer — treating it like a job.47:00 Writing inspiration, uninspired cities (Bangkok), and the challenges of always producing.53:00 Strong opinions drive trafficDignity & Underclass55:00 “Dignity” project in the US — underclass and addiction.Personal Life56:20 Family and frugality58:50 Why he doesn't read other travel writersPhilosophy & Serendipity01:04:50 Serendipity? “I don't believe in coincidence.” 01:07:00  Country he's most bullish on01:09:00 Next destinations

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

What happens when a boy grows up in the crossfire of Lebanon's civil war, trains in Israel's military camps, and survives a bomb blast by a miracle? Pastor Pierre Altuna's life is a mix of danger, loss, and unexpected grace. From being kidnapped by the PLO to fighting Hezbollah, his story is filled with moments where death seemed certain - until God intervened. But this is more than a soldier's memoir. It's the journey of a man who knew “Christian” only as a label - until relentless love from his wife and a persistent pastor led him to surrender to Yeshua.  Now leading a vibrant Messianic congregation in northern Israel, Pastor Pierre stands as both shepherd and protector, guiding his flock through rockets, war, and the hope of reconciliation between Jew and Gentile. This is faith forged in fire, hope born in the shadow of conflict, and a call to stand with Israel for the sake of God's Kingdom. Key Takeaways Lebanon's Civil War shaped his identity - and his understanding of survival. Kidnapped by the PLO - rescued only through family intervention. Trained in Israel - learning the mindset of Hezbollah. Survived a bombing - a helmet swap he calls a miracle. From cultural Christian to believer - through his wife's faith and a persistent pastor. Leads a multi-ethnic Messianic congregation in Nahariya, near the Lebanese border. Equips soldiers - providing gear, training, and spiritual encouragement. Sees Israel as a living picture of resurrection after the Holocaust. Prays for peace between Israel and Lebanon like the days of Solomon and King Hiram. Chapter Markers 00:00 – Welcome from Nahariya, Israel 00:54 – Growing up in war-torn Lebanon 02:36 – The political-religious tensions of Lebanon 06:13 – The PLO, Fatahland, and the road to war 07:02 – Kidnapped at a checkpoint 08:24 – Training in Israel during the conflict 10:14 – Marriage, family, and life under fire 12:55 – Crossing into Israel in 2000 14:18 – October 7th and living on the northern front 15:04 – A soldier's life without real faith 19:50 – The bombing that changed everything 23:44 – Coming to faith in Yeshua 24:12 – A congregation like a bouquet of nations 29:35 – Serving the community during war 33:02 – Training IDF soldiers on Hezbollah's mindset 36:19 – Understanding God's purpose in his survival 36:21 – Is God done with Israel? 38:47 – Israel as a living example of resurrection 40:05 – A prayer for Israel, the soldiers, and peace with Lebanon Stand with Israel. Hear the stories behind the headlines. See faith in action at the border.Visit thejewishroad.com to learn more, support the mission, and discover how you can walk the ancient path today.  

In this 21WIRE LIVE midweek edition, host Patrick Henningsen is talking with Lebanese political analyst Ibrahim Majed, to discuss the disturbing situation unfolding in Lebanon, as the United States and Israel attempt to foment a bloody sectarian 'civil war' by demanding that Hezbollah resistance forces disarm - a potential protracted civil war that would feature more Israeli and HTS-Al Qaeda military attacks in Lebanon. Will they be successful? All this and more... Also, listen to the Sunday Wire every Sunday at 5pm UK Time/12pm EST: https://21stcenturywire.com/category/sunday-wire-radio-show/ Alternate Current Radio (ACR): https://alternatecurrentradio.com *SUBSCRIBE/DONATE TO OUR MEDIA PLATFORM HERE: https://21w.co/support VISIT OUR AFFILIATE SPONSORS: Health Solutions - Shop at Clive de Carle: https://21w.co/shop-clive OUR FEATURED MUSIC ARTISTS: Phil Zimmerman: https://www.instagram.com/philzimmermanmusic/ Beady Man: https://open.spotify.com/album/1ka9GE7bnya4obhukxJc8v Joseph Arthur: https://josepharthur.bandcamp.com/ Peyoti for President: https://peyoti.com/ Red Rumble: https://www.youtube.com/@RedRumbleBand Countdown Music: Song: Cartoon, Jéja - On & On (feat. Daniel Levi) [NCS Release] - Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/onandon  

This week on the Sumud Podcast, we're joined by journalist and BreakThrough News host Rania Khalek for a special episode diving into her latest documentary, Israeli Terror in Lebanon: Inside the Pager Attacks. The documentary uncovers the untold story behind the September 17th pager explosions in Lebanon—a years-long covert Israeli operation that left civilians maimed and silenced.

An episode looking at the possibilities for state-to-state engagement, direct diplomacy and constructive dialogue between Lebanon and Iran. With Michael Young - senior editor at Carnegie's Middle East Center and editor of Diwan. Articles mentioned in this episode include "Israel can inflict even more damage if Hezbollah doesn't disarm" https://www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comment/2025/08/13/how-much-damage-can-israel-cause-if-hezbollah-doesnt-disarm/ "Hezbollah's Margin is Tightening - The Lebanese government's efforts to secure a monopoly over weapons are advancing, but can it ignore Iran?" https://carnegieendowment.org/middle-east/diwan/2025/08/hezbollahs-margin-is-tightening?lang=en The podcast is only made possible through listener and viewer donations. Please help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/walkbeirut Or donating through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thebeirutbanyan Subscribe to our YouTube channel and your preferred audio platform. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @thebeirutbanyan And check out our website: www.beirutbanyan.com Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:12 Diplomacy with Iran 4:56 What Iran wants 7:53 What the Iranians and Americans are discussing 8:47 The Lebanese Forces' rejection to Larijani's visit 11:57 Lebanese state as interlocutor 13:15 Deadline for disarmament 14:34 Comparisons to earlier attempts at militia disarmament 15:37 Israeli entry into the fight 17:10 Betting on time 20:48 US goals vis-a-vis dialogue with Iran 21:52 A normal relationship with Iran 25:05 Letter to Rouhani

Send us a textHave you ever witnessed irony so perfect it seems scripted? The co-owner of "Trump Burger" in Houston—a restaurant shrine to Donald Trump complete with MAGA colors and themed menu items—now faces deportation for overstaying his visa.Roman Merez Baini, a 28-year-old Lebanese national, entered the US in 2019 on a visitor visa but didn't leave when it expired in February 2024. According to ICE, he attempted to secure residency through a fraudulent marriage that immigration officials investigated and voided. With an assault charge also on his record, Baini now awaits an immigration hearing scheduled for November 2025 that will determine his fate in America.The case perfectly illustrates America's contradictory relationship with immigration. We celebrate immigrants as essential workers building our infrastructure and staffing our service industry, yet political rhetoric often turns hostile toward these same individuals. What's particularly striking is how some immigrants embrace anti-immigration politics as a shield, hoping alignment will protect them—but as Baini's situation demonstrates, the law cuts without favoritism.This story transcends one man's immigration troubles. It's about the dangerous intersection of personal identity, political branding, and immigration policy. When you tie your livelihood to a political figure whose policies directly target people in your demographic, you're playing a risky game where the house usually wins. Whether you find this news satisfying or troubling says more about your politics than about Baini himself.Listen to this episode for a thought-provoking exploration of political contradiction, immigration policy, and the sometimes uncomfortable ironies of American life. Share your thoughts on social media—we'd love to hear your perspective on this uniquely American story. Support the show

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: Beijing detains one of its top diplomats, a man once seen as a future foreign minister. Is this just another anti-corruption campaign—or evidence of growing paranoia from Xi Jinping? Lebanon signs on to a U.S.-backed plan to disarm Hezbollah—but days later, six Lebanese soldiers are killed in a blast while seizing the group's weapons. Ukraine accuses Russia of helping North Korea upgrade its nuclear weapons delivery systems. Is Moscow trading tech for troops in its war against Ukraine? And in today's Back of the Brief—an update from Haiti, where the government has declared a three-month state of emergency in the central region as gangs tighten their grip and violence surges. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting PDBPremium.com.Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief.YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief Birch Gold: Text PDB to 989898 and get your free info kit on goldJacked Up Fitness: Get the all-new Shake Weight by Jacked Up Fitness at https://JackedUpShakeWeight.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hezbollah says it will disregard a decision by Lebanon's government to task the army with establishing a state monopoly on arms. "We will treat this decision as if it does not exist," Hezbollah said in a statement, describing it as a "grave sin". The comments come despite mounting international pressure for the group to disarm. Hezbollah also said that the Lebanese cabinet's decision to try and confine arms supply and production to state forces was the result of American "diktats". KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Lebanese-born Middle East expert Dr Edy Cohen from the Israel Centre for Grand Strategy think tank. (Photo: Reuters)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AP Correspondent Rica Ann Garcia reports on the explosion at an arms depot in South Lebanon, killing more than 5 troops and wounded several others.

Subscribe now to skip the ads. Don't forget to purchase our "Welcome to the Crusades" miniseries! The AP team will wear formal Tevas to the new White House ballroom. Otherwise, in this week's news: Danny and Derek reflect on the 80th anniversary of the US dropping the atomic bomb on Hiroshima (1:46); in Israel-Palestine, Netanyahu announces his “full occupation” plan (8:24) as the US expands the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (13:58); the Lebanese government moves to disarm Hezbollah (16:48); the US looks to host an Armenia-Azerbaijan peace summit (20:51); Trump punishes India for purchasing Russian oil (24:20); Thailand and Cambodia agree to the deployment of ceasefire monitors (27:49); in Sudan, the RSF carries out a new atrocity (29:50) and the military accuses the United Arab Emirates of hiring mercenaries (32:37); a new report details sexual violence in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia (35:06); in Russia-Ukraine, Steve Witkoff visits Moscow ahead of a Putin-Trump meeting (37:28) as the US nevertheless plans to impose tariffs on Russia (40:34); El Salvador's legislature removes presidential term limits (41:57); and in US news, America makes a new “third country” trafficking agreement with Rwanada (43:15), the State Department starts a new program forcing travelers to pay bonds to the US government (45:23), and NASA plans to put a nuclear reactor on the Moon (46:50).  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don't forget to ⁠purchase our "Welcome to the Crusades" miniseries⁠!The AP team will wear formal Tevas to the new White House ballroom. Otherwise, in this week's news: Danny and Derek reflect on the 80th anniversary of the US dropping the atomic bomb on Hiroshima (1:46); in Israel-Palestine, Netanyahu announces his “full occupation” plan (8:24) as the US expands the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (13:58); the Lebanese government moves to disarm Hezbollah (16:48); the US looks to host an Armenia-Azerbaijan peace summit (20:51); Trump punishes India for purchasing Russian oil (24:20); Thailand and Cambodia agree to the deployment of ceasefire monitors (27:49); in Sudan, the RSF carries out a new atrocity (29:50) and the military accuses the United Arab Emirates of hiring mercenaries (32:37); a new report details sexual violence in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia (35:06); in Russia-Ukraine, Steve Witkoff visits Moscow ahead of a Putin-Trump meeting (37:28) as the US nevertheless plans to impose tariffs on Russia (40:34); El Salvador's legislature removes presidential term limits (41:57); and in US news, America makes a new “third country” trafficking agreement with Rwanada (43:15), the State Department starts a new program forcing travelers to pay bonds to the US government (45:23), and NASA plans to put a nuclear reactor on the moon (46:50). Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

AP correspondent Laurence Brooks reports on an Israeli airstrike near a Lebanese border crossing, killing a Palestinian official and his bodyguard.

HOW DO TRUMP VOTERS VIEW U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUES?HEADLINE 1: The United Nations has finally engaged with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, or “GHF.”HEADLINE 2: The Lebanese government approved a U.S. proposal to disarm Hezbollah by the end of 2025. HEADLINE 3: Israel signed a major energy export deal with Egypt.--FDD Executive Director Jonathan Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Carrie Filipetti, executive director of The Vandenberg Coalition.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/

With its new government at the half-year mark and the UNIFIL international peacekeeping force's mandate due for reauthorization at month's end, Lebanon stands at a pivotal moment. In this episode of Middle East Focus, hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj are joined by MEI Senior Fellow Fadi Nicolas Nassar to evaluate whether the Lebanese state can reclaim its sovereignty, starting with the disarmament of Hizballah and the enforcement of a cease-fire. Nassar examines UNIFIL's evolving mandate for action, the force's operational limits and posture, and the Lebanese prime minister's Aug. 5 demand for a plan to disarm all non-state militias by the end of the year.   Recorded August 5th, 2025

Lebanese security officials fear Israel may attempt to infiltrate its eastern region. Syrian leadership questioned the July operation in Sweida. At least 20 people have been killed after an aid lorry overturned on a crowd in Gaza. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Lebanon fears Israeli ground incursions from Syria into eastern region The full story of the Sweida operation: How a lightning offensive became a war Aid lorry overturns and kills 20 in Gaza as UN blames Israel for starving Palestinians This episode features Mohamad Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor; and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan correspondent. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Daniel is joined here by Yasmina Haddad who shares her story as a Palestinian and Lebanese Latina, and roots, and how they shape both her identity and her advocacy for peace in Palestine in her local church community.Register to Church at the Crossroads at ⁠⁠churchatthecrossroads.com⁠⁠ and use the coupon "ATD" for a 10% discount. We'll see you there!Support our work on Patreon at ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide⁠⁠ Yasmina Haddad is the Communications Specialist for the Palestine Justice Network of the Presbyterian Church (USA). As the granddaughter of a Palestinian refugee and the daughter of Lebanese and Colombian immigrants to the U.S., Yasmina centers the Middle East and Latin America in her worldview and her work. Yasmina is currently a PhD student at the University of Wisconsin - Madison pursuing a degree in Educational Policy Studies. Her research focuses on the intersection of education, migration, and language.

Maryam Younnes is a 29-year-old Christian Lebanese–Israeli activist, advocate for minorities in the Middle East, and peace builder.For more, you can follow the show on Instagram @GraceforimpactpodcastProduced by Peoples Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group on Thursday published a propaganda video of hostage Rom Braslavski, whom it is holding captive in the Gaza Strip. A second propaganda video, from Hamas, was released Friday, showing hostage Evyatar David. We hear how the two young men look and what was said in the David video. The Israel Defense Forces declared yesterday that it had defeated Hamas’s Beit Hanoun battalion. It is the fifth time that the IDF is operating in the town of Beit Hanoun, which is located on the northeastern edge of the Gaza Strip, just across from Israel’s southern city of Sderot. Fabian describes what he saw and was told last week while in this area. While visiting southern Lebanon last week, Fabian was told that the IDF assesses that its achievements against Hezbollah since a November ceasefire could potentially bring the Lebanese terror group to complete disarmament. We hear why. The military announced last week that it will commute the sentences of three soldiers of the Nahal Infantry Brigade who were disciplined for insubordination after refusing to return to fight in Gaza. Fabian weighs in on whether this incident is just the tip of the iceberg and if the IDF is taking enough preventative steps to protect its fighters' mental health. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: In video, Hamas forces hostage Evyatar David to dig what he fears will be his own grave Islamic Jihad airs video of hostage Rom Braslavski; ‘They broke him,’ family says IDF declares defeat of Hamas battalion in Beit Hanoun, as operatives shown surrendering In Beit Hanoun for 5th time, officers say Hamas battalion to be destroyed ‘within a week’ IDF assesses successes against Hezbollah since ceasefire could lead to it disarming IDF commutes jail time for three soldiers who refused to return to Gaza combat Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: A woman holds photos of top Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur, left, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike, Hezbollah's former leader Hassan Nasrallah, right, and his cousin and successor, Hashem Safieddine, center, during a commemoration marking the first anniversary of Shukur's death in Dahiyeh, a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, July 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode SummaryIn this poignant episode of Journey of Hope, host Elio Constantine welcomes Milad, lead pastor at Hope Evangelical Church in Southern Lebanon and field manager for Heaert For Lebanon's Ministry Center. They delve into the lives of two often-overlooked and marginalized groups in Lebanon: the Bedouins and the Gypsies (Dom and Raja).Milad, who has worked with these communities for years, sheds light on their distinct cultures, histories, and the severe challenges they face, including deep-seated societal discrimination, poverty, and lack of access to essential services like education and healthcare. The conversation highlights the heartbreaking realities these communities endure, such as forced temporary housing, children leaving school early, and limited employment opportunities.Despite the immense difficulties, Heart For Lebanon is actively working to bring hope and transformation. Milad shares how the organization offers educational opportunities through their Hope Center, provides mobile learning experiences with the "Hope on Wheels" truck, distributes essential relief packages, and conducts awareness workshops on legal rights, health, and dignity.A powerful testament to their work is the story of Hassan, a Dom community member who, despite lacking official documents and facing severe discrimination, found employment, education, and spiritual transformation through Heart For Lebanon, eventually getting baptized and becoming a beloved staff member. The episode underscores Heart For Lebanon's commitment to making disciples and extending Christ's love to all, regardless of societal standing, and invites listeners to support their mission through prayer and investment.Show NotesUnderstanding the BedouinsIdentity: Nomadic, desert-dwelling Arab groups known for loyalty, welcoming guests, and oral storytelling traditions.Origin & Lifestyle: Historically from the Arabian Peninsula and Syrian Desert, they followed cattle for grazing. Many now live in valleys or city edges in Lebanon while maintaining their way of life.Economic Activities: Traditionally raised animals and traded along routes. Today, many engage in seasonal work like olive picking due to changing circumstances.Challenges: Difficulty accessing official services like healthcare and education. Face significant societal discrimination, making it hard for Bedouin men to marry Lebanese locals. Children often experience discrimination in public schools.Understanding the Gypsies (Dom, Raja, and Ti)Identity: A small group with roots in South Asia, related to the Romani people. Approximately 8,000 live in Lebanon.Language & Religion: Speak Bari and Arabic; most are of Sunni Muslim background.History & Culture: Arrived in Lebanon centuries ago from South Asia via the Middle East and North Africa. Known for rich musical traditions, crafts, and storytelling. Traditionally performed at celebrations, did seasonal jobs, or made metal goods.Economic Activities & Stigma: Often associated with begging, sex trafficking, and illicit trade. Face severe societal distrust and are rarely hired by Lebanese locals. Girls are sometimes sent to work as dancers in other countries.Challenges: Face extreme social exclusion, low school attendance (even in private schools), poverty, and bias in services. Often forced to live in temporary housing on government or municipal land.Heart For Lebanon's Response and ImpactDignity and Love: Heart For Lebanon treats members of both communities with dignity and Christ-like love.Education: Offers education at their Hope Center, teaching reading, writing, math, and science, along with kindness and respect. Operates "Hope on Wheels," a mobile truck bringing fun and learning directly to camps and tent areas.Relief and Support: Regularly distributes food packages, cleaning supplies, and hygiene kits through their family care and relief program.Awareness Workshops: Provides sessions on legal rights, health, hygiene, dignity, and family issues (e.g., harm of early/child marriage).Spiritual Support: Staff regularly visit homes and tents, leading small Bible study groups and encouraging worship. Churches in the Bekka Valley and Southern Lebanon are welcoming places for both communities.Call to Action:Pray for Heart For Lebanon's work and the communities they serve.Join the Heart For Lebanon prayer ministry: Hartford Lebanon | Prayer.Your support helps expand kingdom work and brings love to those deemed irrelevant by society.Join our email list to stay up-to-date on how God is moving in Lebanon:Email Elio: podcast@heartforlebanon.org https://heartforlebanon.org/emailsignup/ Like, comment & subscribe to stay updated with the latest content!FOLLOW Heart For Lebanon:Website: https://heartforlebanon.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartforlebanon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartforLebanonTwitter: https://twitter.com/HeartForLebanon #HeartForLebanon #Lebanon #Missions

AP correspondent Charles de Ledesma reports Lebanon's president is calling for the militant group Hezbollah to disarm, and for Israel to change course as well.

In this episode of Biographers in Conversation, 2025 National Biography Award winner Abbas El-Zein chats with Dr Gabriella Kelly-Davies about his choices while crafting Bullet, Paper, Rock. Here's what you'll discover in this episode: Why Abbas shared his story in a series of short snapshots instead of one continuous timeline. This unconventional structure mirrors the way our memories surface, in vivid, fragmented moments. How Abbas wove moments of humour and affection into a story set amid war and chaos, showing that everyday laughter and love can survive even in the darkest times. The inspiring role of his Abbas's family, especially the women who found ways to weave hope into even the toughest times. Abbas reflects on how their quiet strength shaped his outlook and helped him endure the turmoil. How growing up fluent in Arabic and French, and later adopting English, shaped the way Abbas thinks and writes. He describes how each language brings out a different side of him, and how he brought that multicultural experience into Bullet, Paper, Rock. How Abbas researched historical details and sifted through personal memories. How Abbas coped with reliving painful moments and decided which stories to include. What it means to truly survive chaos and loss. From almost drowning in the sea to losing loved ones in war, Abbas reflects on how those experiences taught him about resilience and carrying grief forward. Abbas reflects on life in the Lebanese diaspora and how leaving his homeland shaped his perspective. He explains how years of living abroad, from Europe to Australia, gave him both clarity and longing when writing about where he came from. Abbas leaves us with a moving reflection on the power of memory and storytelling. He shares what he hopes readers and listeners will take away from his journey, reminding us that even amid loss and upheaval, hope and the human spirit endure in everyday life.

On the 26th of July, 2025 the great Ziad Rahbani left us. Survived by his mother, the Lebanese icon Fairuz, Ziad Rahbani was an icon in his own right. A legendary figure of the modern Arabic music as well as cynical, satirical leftist thought. Kalam Podcast dissects his music and politics and pays tribute to his unmatched legacy. Rest in peace and power Ziad! We love you.A special thank you to Mariam Kirollos for her beautiful words and to Sune Haugbolle for his great research on Ziad's importance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your daily news in under three minutes. At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes! Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

THIS WEEK's BIRDS: Egyptian composer, conductor, old player, etc. Mohammed Abdel Wahab; Lebanese out player/vocalist Fayssal Al Massri; vintage Gulf Pop from young  Rabeh Sager; Avreeayl Ra w/ trio live in Chicago; improvisation  from Kaze w. vocalist  Koichi Makigami; new piano trio from Myra Milford;  vocalist Jeong Lim Yang; George Schuller's Circle Wide; Pakistani raga from Ustad Bade GHulam Ali Khan; Raza Ali Khan & Ustad Munawar Ali Khanand reprise & salute Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan; tappa performed live in Benares by Purnima Chaudhuri w. Ramesh Misra & Subhajyoti Guha; recent compositional post-bop from Yuriy Seredin w.  Igor Osypov, Nasheet Waits, Ben van Gelder, Igor Spallati & Bogdan Gumenyuk;  Algerian cha'abi favorite Dahmane el Harrache; Austro-Turkish jazz fusion  from Gülistan; Greek vocalist Oula Baba; early Tuareg guitar/synth pop from Abdallah Ag Oumbadougou; and of course, ever, lots of mumbling and so much, much more. Catch the BIRDS live on Friday nights, 9:00pm-MIDNIGHT (EST), in Central New York on WRFI, 88.1 FM Ithaca/ 88.5 FM Odessa;. and WORLDWIDE online via our MUSIC PLAYER at WRFI.ORG. 24/7 via PODBEAN: https://conferenceofthebirds.podbean.com via iTUNES: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/conference-of-the-birds-podcast/id478688580 Also available at podomatic, Internet Archive, podtail, iheart Radio, and elsewhere. Always FREE of charge to listen to the radio program and free also to stream, download, and subscribe to the podcast online: PLAYLIST at SPINITRON: https://spinitron.com/WRFI/pl/20922833/Conference-of-the-Birds and via the Conference of the Birds page at www.WRFI.ORG https://www.wrfi.org/wrfiprograms/conferenceofthebirds/  Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/conferenceofthebirds/?ref=bookmarks Find WRFI on Radio Garden: http://radio.garden/visit/ithaca-ny/aqh8OGBR

Full Text of ReadingsThursday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 398The Saint of the day is Saint Sharbel MakhloufSaint Sharbel Makhlouf’s Story Although this saint never traveled far from the Lebanese village of Beka-Kafra where he was born, his influence has spread widely. Joseph Zaroun Maklouf was raised by an uncle because his father, a mule driver, died when Joseph was only three. At the age of 23, Joseph joined the Monastery of St. Maron at Annaya, Lebanon, and took the name Sharbel in honor of a second-century martyr. He professed his final vows in 1853, and was ordained six years later. Following the example of the fifth-century Saint Maron, Sharbel lived as a hermit from 1875, until his death. His reputation for holiness prompted people to seek him to receive a blessing and to be remembered in his prayers. He followed a strict fast and was very devoted to the Blessed Sacrament. When his superiors occasionally asked him to administer the sacraments to nearby villages, Sharbel did so gladly. He died in the late afternoon on Christmas Eve. Christians and non-Christians soon made his tomb a place of pilgrimage and of cures. Pope Paul VI beatified Sharbel in 1965, and canonized him 12 years later. Reflection John Paul II often said that the Church has two lungs—East and West—and it must learn to breathe using both of them. Remembering saints like Sharbel helps the Church to appreciate both the diversity and unity present in the Catholic Church. Like all the saints, Sharbel points us to God and invites us to cooperate generously with God's grace, no matter what our situation in life may be. As our prayer life becomes deeper and more honest, we become more ready to make that generous response. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Friends of the Rosary,The saint that we are celebrating today, the nineteenth Lebanese saint, Sharbel Makhluf, who devoted himself to unreserved prayer in his last 23 years on earth, said:“In a world largely fascinated by wealth and comfort, the paramount value of poverty, penance, and asceticism, to liberate the soul in its ascent to God.”Meanwhile, in the main reading of today (Matt 13:10-17), Christ Jesus explains why He speaks to the crowd in parables: “They look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand.”“Blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear. Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”To the disciples, like to the faithful in union with Christ, “the knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven has been granted.”Moreover, “To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠July 24, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Welcome to the 40th episode in the “Prison Pulpit” series on the China Compass podcast on the Fight Laugh Feast network! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben, recording today from Malaysia. Follow and/or message me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I post (among other things) daily reminders to pray for China.You can also email me @ bfwesten at gmail dot com. Lastly, to learn more about our ministry endeavors or get one of my missionary biographies, visit PrayGiveGo.us! BTW, here’s my own humble attempt at expositing Hebrews 13:3: https://chinacall.substack.com/p/remember-my-chains Today we are going to take a few minutes to remember to pray for a small group of persecuted and/or suffering Christians that have been in the news this past week… A Christian pastor in Syria was massacred recently, along with others from the Druze community, including one from my home state of Oklahoma (and others with connections to friends in Venezuela). Evangelical pastor, family massacred by terrorists in Syria; at least 12 dead https://www.christianpost.com/news/evangelical-pastor-family-killed-by-terrorists-in-syria-20-dead.html https://syriacpress.com/blog/2025/07/19/pastor-khalid-mezher-martyred-alongside-his-family-in-suwayda/ https://www.osvnews.com/syrian-christian-leaders-say-islamist-government-cant-protect-them-or-druze/ CBN Video/Audio Clip I Shared On Today’s Podcast: https://youtu.be/e-iziN2MSgM?si=_PM6bCjS0OMaE5us (0:05-5:52) 'They shot patients in beds' – BBC hears claims of massacre at Suweida hospital https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly84jn000do Family says US citizen killed in Syria’s Suwayda https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/07/family-says-us-citizen-killed-syrias-suwayda From a former missionary to Venezuela and the Muslims of the Mediterranean: Over 40 years ago a lot of Lebanese and Syrians went to Venezuela. Two young Syrian Druze girls got saved in Venezuela… Eventually more of the family got saved and made a connection with one of [our] ministers… I got to know them too although they lived far from Caracas - about 12 hours by bus. We are still in close contact and now a lot of the family has moved to Michigan. I called one friend yesterday and she told me about their family in Syria (including cousins who have been killed). In Venezuela, all our Arab friends were Druze from Lebanon and Syria and one of our missionaries [taught] English in the Druze village of Majdal Shams [in Israel’s Golan Heights], on the border of Syria and Lebanon. Follow China Compass Follow or subscribe to China Compass on whichever platform you use. You can also send any questions or comments on X: @chinaadventures or via email (bfwesten at gmail dot com). Hebrews 13:3!

In this inspiring episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz welcomes back Dr. Tsvi Sheleg, Deputy Director of the Galilee Medical Center (GMC), to discuss the groundbreaking innovations and unwavering resilience of Israel's northernmost hospital. Broadcasting from just five miles south of the Lebanese border, Dr. Sheleg reveals how GMC transformed wartime challenges into opportunities for technological and humanitarian leadership. Dr. Sheleg—an accomplished ophthalmologist, medical administrator, and decorated Israel Defense Forces officer—shares how GMC's underground, missile-proof facilities enabled continuous care during recent conflicts. He also spotlights the hospital's innovation hub, “GMC Playground,” which has launched dozens of health-tech collaborations and startups, with support from Microsoft and Viz.ai. A vocal champion of diversity, Dr. Sheleg describes how Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze, and Circassians work side-by-side at GMC, treating soldiers and civilians alike—including over 3,000 wounded Syrians during their civil war. His call to action is clear: support Israel's Galilee, where health-tech meets heart, and where healing transcends borders.   Dr. Tsvi Sheleg, MD, MBA, serves as Deputy Director of the Galilee Medical Center, overseeing emergency preparedness and founding the hospital's renowned Innovation Program. An ophthalmologist by training, he continues to perform cataract surgeries and was recognized for his leadership as COVID-19 project manager. A decorated IDF officer, Dr. Sheleg serves as medical director of the IDF Field Hospital and has led humanitarian missions to Haiti, Nepal, and Turkey. He earned his medical degree from Ben-Gurion University and an executive MBA from Tel Aviv University. Born in Tel Aviv, he lives in Mitzpe Hila with his wife and two children.

Considered a key figure within Beirut's creative scene, comics author, visual artist and musician Mazen Kerbaj joins us on The afikra Podcast and discusses his upbringing in Beirut, his creative family background growing up around famous artist as parents, and the influence of the city's tumultuous history on his work. Kerbaj shares insights into his childhood during the Lebanese Civil War, his passion for comics, and the evolution of his artistic identity. He reflects on the impact of fame, the transformative power of creative expression, and the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision. The conversation also delves into his unique experiences with blogging during the 2006 Lebanon War, leading up to his latest journaling work on Gaza which has lead to publishing a book in French – soon to be released in English with the title "Gaza in my Phone." We also delve into his other critically acclaimed works and his thoughtful perspectives on music and visual art. 00:00 Introduction00:40 Growing Up With Antoine Kerbaj and Laure Ghorayeb as Parents02:00 The Beginning of a Creative Journey02:31 Describing Beirut04:30 Life During and After the Lebanese Civil War10:28 Musical Influences and Discoveries14:06 Commitment to Art20:01 Fame and Family Dynamics21:58 The Philosophy of Art and Fame30:57 The Rise and Fall of a Comic Strip34:06 The Iconic Beirut Posters of Mazen Kerbaj38:03 Blogging During Conflict45:07 Creating Art Under Siege55:00 Music and Visual Art: A Blurred Line01:01:37 Influences and Inspirations Mazen Kerbaj is a Lebanese comics author, visual artist, and musician born in Beirut in 1975. He's the author of 15 books translated into more than 10 languages and his work has been shown in galleries, museums and art fairs around the world. Kerbaj is widely considered as one of the initiators and key players of the Lebanese free improvisation and experimental music scene. As a trumpet player, he pushes the boundaries of the instrument beyond recognition. He also works on selective illustration and design projects and has taught at the American University of Beirut.Connect with Mazen Kerbaj

This is just a teaser for today's episode, which is available for Patreon subscribers only!   We can't do the show without your support, so help us keep the lights on over here and access tons of bonus content, including Roqayah's new weekly column “Last Week in Lebanon,” by subscribing on our Patreon for as little as $5 a month. While you're at it, we also love it when you subscribe, rate, and review us on Apple Podcasts.  This week, Roqayah is joined in Beirut by writer and video journalist Hadi Hoteit, war correspondent for Press TV and producer of Wartime Cafe with Laith Marouf along with other programming at Free Palestine TV.  Hadi has been reporting from the frontlines of Israel's ongoing assault on Lebanon where he covers the aftermath of Israeli strikes and their devastating impact on infrastructure and civilian life. They discuss the politics of so-called media “neutrality,” the dehumanization of communities in the South, the erasure of Lebanese suffering, and the emotional toll of documenting war. Hadi also reflects on the complicity of mainstream media in Israeli impunity and the silence of the Lebanese state in the face of relentless bombardment. You can watch Free Palestine TV on YouTube and follow Hadi Hoteit on Twitter.

What does it take to design for billionaire homeowners, celebrities like David Goggins, and NFL owners—while staying grounded in soul and intention? For interior designer Nour El Nasrani, it's about more than pretty spaces. It's about feeling. The Lebanese-born, Vegas-based founder of By Nour Design joins Danielle to share how she built a luxury design business from scratch, the spiritual side of design, and what our homes secretly say about us.  Nour shares: How she landed her first client. The unlikely moment that changed her career—and made her fire her own boss What it was really like designing for Navy SEAL David Goggins The unexpected trait she uses to win over high-powered clients (hint: it's not her design degree) Why she never starts with a Pinterest or style board—and the questions she asks instead He 5 rules for making any room look expensive (without spending a fortune) The #1 mistake people make when designing a room (you're probably doing it) How to create a home that actually helps you de-stress Why mood matters more than trend Thee rule she breaks in every room she designs How she transformed Danielle's apartment + what the inspiration was behind it! Plus, a hilarious round of “Smash or Pass: Beige Edition,” and the quote that guides her work: “If a place has a soul, it remains alive forever.” If you've ever wanted a home that feels more like you, this episode is your blueprint. Follow Nour on Instagram here. Book rec: Live Beautiful by Athena Calderone