Fawda Twenty Twenty

Episode 11 - Rami Rasamny (Part 1)

Rami Rasamny is a mountaineer, founder of Life Happens Outdoors (an adventure travel community for the first time explorers) and truly embodies the meaning behind following your passion.

Rami begins by telling us how he studied law (1:21) and the reasons behind not pursuing a career in the field (3:49). He then talks to us about his experience working in Libya and the insane incident of nearly getting kidnapped (5:18). Rami discusses the origins of his mountaineering career (20:00), ideology behind his venture "Life Happens Outdoors" (23:47), the experience that caused him to turn his life around (26:48) along with the mental (31:05) and physical (33:40) challenges in doing so. He explains to us what mountains mean to him (35:48) and his mindset towards hiking (37:56).

 

Disclaimer: This episode was recorded on September 10 and had to be stopped due to the fire at the Beirut port which is close by. Part 2 will be uploaded next week.

Episode 10 - Tony Eli Kanaan

Tony Elias Kanaan is an upcoming screenwriter, actor, director, producer, and most notably an Instagram clown.

We start by talking about Tony’s famous anti Kafala advertisement (1:33), chasing his passion of film-making while studying psychology (7:32), and the approach he takes towards creating his advertisements (9:55). We then delve into the impact of his work (12:46), traditional media pushing Tony as a mental health spokesperson (15:46), what inspires his film-making style (18:21), transitioning from writing to directing (22:16), and the importance of following your passion (24:09). Joseph-Pietro then tells us a bit about being a music composer (26:57). We also discuss the horrendous state of the Lebanese film industry (30:33), future of cinema (39:40), purpose behind Tony’s Instagram characters (43:58), and negativity of cancel culture (48:15). Furthermore, Tony explains to us the reason behind him creating a self defense program and why he received some backlash (49:56).

Episode 8 - Ali Salloum (Sallouminatii)

Ali Salloum aka Sallouminatii is a young Lebanese social media influencer, comedian and musician.

We start by talking about the origins of Sallouminatii and how Ali uses humour to break down Lebanese stereotypes (2:06). We then discuss his journey in the US (7:12), effects of Instagram fame on his mental state and using his platform to raise awareness (8:43), toxic masculinity in Lebanon (11:50), and the pressure of always having to be funny along with potentially making a career through social media (16:07). We then delve into the topics of some “white washed” Lebanese expatriates (23:44), his rapping career along with mumble rap (26:55), people being comfortable in their own skin (34:17), and his future ambitions (38:24).

Ali also roasts the Fawda team (0:30) and freestyles some bars over a beat produced by Joe-Pietro (41:24).

Episode 7 - Leya Jalloul

Leya Jalloul is a young woman who suffered severe injuries from the Beirut blast and almost lost her life. She starts by explaining the situation she found herself in during the explosion (1:10). She then talks about the chaos following the instant aftermath of the bomb (3:06), horrific scenes witnessed at the hospital along with the hectic process of treating her injuries (11:15), and importance of her story (19:32). Leya vents her frustration at the governments lack of support post explosion (22:55), and how she is dealing with the trauma emotionally (27:34).

Episode 6 - Tara Hanna

Awkward, funny and loveable. Three words to describe our friend and quote on quote “therapist” Tara Hanna. She recounts her confusing experience of the Beirut explosion (0:57). We then talk about ways through which people can get over traumatic experiences (6:25), how she is currently helping people get over the anxiety caused by the blast (11:55), and the short term attention span of Lebanese society (18:35). We also discuss the importance of talking about mental difficulties along with living a proactive life (21:30), and the systemic corruption embedded in Lebanon (24:45).

Episode 5 - Yasmina Hilal

Yasmina Hilal is a young photographer who has recently been documenting the aftermath of the Beirut explosion. We start sharing our individual experiences of the blast and the mental trauma that it has caused (1:42). We then spoke about how she used her passion for photography to help those that were affected by the bomb (9:58), Middle Eastern culture inspiring her artwork (19:40), and unexpectedly finding herself back in Lebanon due to the coronavirus (28:52). We also discuss how Yasmina captures the opportune moment from her perspective (32:50) and the importance of creativity when it comes to Lebanon’s future (36:53).

Episode 4 - Mouin Jaber and Sam El Khoury

Mouin Jaber and Sam El Khoury are two activists who have played pivotal roles in the Lebanese Revolution. We start recounting the importance of neighborhoods effected by the Beirut explosion (2:10). We then talk about how Lebanese people can adapt to different situations (8:05), the tremendous support being received by NGOs and international community (12:38), sectarian problems that are created by Lebanese politicians (23:29), and the ways through which Lebanese people should be supporting each other (40:52). We also discuss Mouin's podcast Sarde along with the current media and podcasting landscape in the Middle East (49:36).

Episode 3 - Dr. Abdul Rahman Bizri

Dr. Abdul Rahman Bizri is a specialist in infectious diseases at the American University of Beirut Medical Center. We begin by discussing the current Coronavirus situation in Lebanon (0:17). He then talks about the new social norms we have to abide by (4:22), the differentiation between what we know and misinformation (10:03), outlook on Lebanon’s future with relation to the pandemic (18:12), and debunks/confirms any coronavirus conspiracies (23:43). We also delve into the effects of legalising marijuana for medical use in Lebanon (30:00).

Episode 2 - Hussein Hachem

Hussein Hachem is the former CEO of Aramex, a global logistics giant.

 

We begin talking about living in Lebanon during the civil war and comparing it to life now (2:52). He delves into his early years at Aramex (7:59), the current and future state of logistics and e-commerce (14:53), big tech companies accessing our data (22:30), disruptive startups (34:09), and his opinion on our podcast (43:53). 

Episode 1 - Riad Chirazi

Riad Chirazi is the Assistant to the Director for Student Life and Head of Activities, Community Service and Drama at the International College of Beirut.

 

We discussed changes in student behaviour over time, kids facing learning difficulties at school, Riad's switch from Biology to Drama and the state of the Lebanese film and theatre industries.

 

Disclaimer: We are fixing the sound quality from episode 2 onwards.