What does it take to go from addiction and rock bottom to becoming a TEDx speaker, serial entrepreneur, and trusted strategist for Fortune 500 companies?

In this episode of Arab Is Me, Said Durrah sits down with Sam Ghanem for an honest conversation about resilience, identity, recovery, and rebuilding a life with purpose.

Born to Lebanese parents and raised in South Florida, Sam shares the deeply personal story of childhood adversity, addiction, losing nearly everything she had built, and the determination that helped her transform her life. Today, she is the Founder of SG INK, a Fractional CMO, comedian, TEDx speaker, and entrepreneur helping Fortune 500 companies, high-growth organizations, and visionary entrepreneurs build authentic brands and meaningful businesses.

Together, Said and Sam discuss growing up Arab-American, overcoming addiction, finding authenticity, the role comedy has played in healing, and why your greatest setbacks don't have to define your future.

Whether you're navigating your own challenges or simply looking for an inspiring story of perseverance, this episode is a reminder that it's never too late to rewrite your story.

Connect with Sam Ghanem
Instagram: @samwghanem

Episode Highlights

• Sam's journey from addiction and rock bottom to the TEDx stage
• Growing up Arab-American
• Rebuilding after failure
• Authenticity in life and business
• Comedy as a path to healing
• Entrepreneurship with purpose
• Defining success on your own terms

About Arab Is Me

Hosted by comedian Said Durrah, Arab Is Me explores the people, cultures, stories, and experiences that shape what it means to be Arab today through conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, advocates, entertainers, and changemakers from across the Arab world and diaspora.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on Arab Is Me are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast or its host. This content is intended for conversation, education, and entertainment.

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Arab Is Me is a podcast hosted by Said Durrah exploring the many ways people experience, express, and define what it means to be Arab. Through conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, athletes, activists, comedians, and community leaders, each episode celebrates the stories, cultures, and perspectives that make our community so unique.

🎙️ New episodes released regularly.

Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow @arabismepodcast for behind-the-scenes content, clips, and upcoming guests.

🌐 Website: arabismepodcast.com
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Palestinian Tatreez is more than embroidery. It is history, identity, storytelling, and resistance stitched into fabric.

In this episode, Said Durrah sits down with Palestinian Tatreez artist, designer, and educator Amanne Sharif, founder of Min Amanne Tatreez Designs, to explore the incredible history behind this centuries-old art form and why preserving it matters now more than ever.

Amanne shares how Tatreez once communicated everything from a woman’s village and marital status to grief and celebration, and how it continues to connect Palestinians around the world to their land, people, and culture.

They also discuss cultural appropriation, supporting Palestinian artisans ethically, the true value of handmade work, bringing ancient traditions into modern fashion, humanitarian work with refugees, and why culture must be preserved while still being allowed to evolve.

And, of course, things get a little less serious when Said tries to convince Arab men that learning Tatreez might just be the ultimate dating cheat code.

Learn more about Amanne and her work at MinAmanne.com.

Follow @arabismepodcast for more Arab stories, laughs, culture, and conversations.

New episodes every Wednesday.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Arab Is Me Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Arab Is Me, the podcast, or its host, Said Durrah.

Send us Fan Mail

Arab Is Me is a podcast hosted by Said Durrah exploring the many ways people experience, express, and define what it means to be Arab. Through conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, athletes, activists, comedians, and community leaders, each episode celebrates the stories, cultures, and perspectives that make our community so unique.

🎙️ New episodes released regularly.

Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow @arabismepodcast for behind-the-scenes content, clips, and upcoming guests.

🌐 Website: arabismepodcast.com
📺 YouTube: arabismepodcast
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Nurse Lana joins the Arab Is Me Podcast for one of our most powerful conversations yet. A critical care nurse, humanitarian, author, entrepreneur, and Mrs. Arab USA, Lana shares what she witnessed while volunteering inside Gaza, the survivor's guilt that followed her home, and the remarkable resilience of the Palestinian people. We also discuss her book Healing Under Fire, advocacy, identity, faith, and the moments that changed her life forever—along with plenty of laughter and our signature Arab rapid-fire questions.

Guest: Nurse Lana
📍 Critical Care Nurse | Humanitarian | Author of Healing Under Fire | Mrs. Arab USA | Advocate

Follow Nurse Lana: @nurse_lana

Arab Is Me Podcast is where comedians, creators, leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, and changemakers share authentic conversations about Arab identity, culture, heritage, and the stories that shape who we are.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

📲 Follow @arabismepodcast on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

#ArabIsMe #NurseLana #Palestine #Gaza #Healthcare #Humanitarian #HealingUnderFire #ArabPodcast #Palestinian #ArabAmerican #MiddleEast #Podcast

Send us Fan Mail

Arab Is Me is a podcast hosted by Said Durrah exploring the many ways people experience, express, and define what it means to be Arab. Through conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, athletes, activists, comedians, and community leaders, each episode celebrates the stories, cultures, and perspectives that make our community so unique.

🎙️ New episodes released regularly.

Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow @arabismepodcast for behind-the-scenes content, clips, and upcoming guests.

🌐 Website: arabismepodcast.com
📺 YouTube: arabismepodcast
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Most people know Nina Kharoufeh as the hilarious hijabi comedian with millions of views, appearances on TLC's Muslim Matchmaker, the Food Network, and stages around the world. But in this episode of the Arab Is Me Podcast, we go far beyond the viral clips.

Nina opens up about what it's really like navigating life as a Palestinian-American, Muslim, comedian, author, amateur boxer, and public figure who often feels misunderstood. Together, we discuss the pressure of representing an entire community, the double standards placed on hijabi women, speaking out for Palestine, cancel culture, identity, stereotypes, and why so many people get her wrong.

We also dive into the current state of Arab comedy, what audiences still don't understand about Muslim entertainers, performing in Palestine, social media, and the personal experiences that shaped Nina into the person she is today.

Of course, it wouldn't be Arab Is Me without plenty of laughs along the way—from Malfoof vs. Warak Enab debates to awkward Arab weddings, family WhatsApp groups, dating, and rapid-fire questions that put Nina on the spot.

Whether you've followed Nina for years or you're meeting her for the first time, this conversation reveals a side of her that rarely gets the spotlight.

In this episode:

• Nina's journey through comedy and entertainment
• Growing up Palestinian and Muslim in America
• The double standards of being a hijabi comedian
• Speaking out for Palestine and handling public criticism
• Why lazy Arab comedy holds our community back
• Life behind social media and common misconceptions
• Arab culture, family traditions, and identity
• A hilarious rapid-fire Arab "This or That" finale

Follow Nina Kharoufeh:
Instagram: @ninakharoufeh

Follow Arab Is Me:
Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & X: @arabismepodcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves authentic conversations about Arab identity, culture, and the stories that connect us.

Send us Fan Mail

Arab Is Me is a podcast hosted by Said Durrah exploring the many ways people experience, express, and define what it means to be Arab. Through conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, athletes, activists, comedians, and community leaders, each episode celebrates the stories, cultures, and perspectives that make our community so unique.

🎙️ New episodes released regularly.

Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow @arabismepodcast for behind-the-scenes content, clips, and upcoming guests.

🌐 Website: arabismepodcast.com
📺 YouTube: arabismepodcast
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**What does it take to spend your career defending a community—and what happens when one chapter comes to an end?**

In this episode of **Arab Is Me**, Said Durrah sits down with attorney, civil rights advocate, and former Executive Director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), **Abed Ayoub**, for an honest conversation about Arab identity, advocacy, leadership, and what's next.

Abed shares his journey growing up in **Dearborn, Michigan**, why the city is so often misunderstood, and how it shaped his commitment to protecting civil rights and serving the Arab American community. Together, Said and Abed discuss the realities of immigration law, the challenges facing Arab advocacy organizations, the importance of strong local leadership, and the lessons learned from leading one of the nation's most recognizable Arab American civil rights organizations.

The conversation also explores Abed's transition following his time at ADC, his vision for the future of Arab advocacy, and why meaningful change often begins at the local level—not just in Washington.

**In this episode:**
• Why Dearborn is one of the most misunderstood cities in America
• Growing up Arab American in Michigan
• Defending civil rights and immigrant communities
• The realities of immigration law and advocacy
• Leadership during times of crisis
• Lessons learned after leading ADC
• The future of Arab advocacy in America
• Building stronger local communities
• Rapid-fire Arab dilemmas in Al-Bab

---

**About Arab Is Me**

Hosted by **Said Durrah**, *Arab Is Me* explores the many ways people experience, express, and define what it means to be Arab. Through authentic conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, athletes, activists, comedians, and community leaders, every episode celebrates the diversity of the Arab experience—one story at a time.

If you enjoyed this episode, please **like**, **subscribe**, and **share** it with someone who would enjoy the conversation. New episodes released regularly.

Follow Arab Is Me:
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#AbedAyoub #ArabIsMe #SaidDurrah #Dearborn #DearbornMichigan #ArabAmerican #CivilRights #Advocacy #ADC #ImmigrationLaw #MiddleEast #Podcast

Send us Fan Mail

Arab Is Me is a podcast hosted by Said Durrah exploring the many ways people experience, express, and define what it means to be Arab. Through conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, athletes, activists, comedians, and community leaders, each episode celebrates the stories, cultures, and perspectives that make our community so unique.

🎙️ New episodes released regularly.

Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow @arabismepodcast for behind-the-scenes content, clips, and upcoming guests.

🌐 Website: arabismepodcast.com
📺 YouTube: arabismepodcast
🎧 Apple Podcasts:
🎧 Spotify:
📸 Instagram: @arabismepodcast
🎵 TikTok: @arabismepodcast
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What does it mean to be "too Arab" for one world and "too American" for another?

In this episode of Arab Is Me, Said Durrah sits down with Iraqi-American comedian, actress, writer, and content creator Reem Edan for one of the most honest conversations you'll hear about identity, belonging, comedy, and the pressure of representing your community.

Reem opens up about growing up between two cultures, navigating the expectations placed on Arab and Muslim women, finding success in comedy, and why she still sometimes struggles with feeling "Arab enough." Together, Said and Reem explore representation, social media, family expectations, the role of comedy during difficult times, and what it really means to build an authentic life without losing yourself.

Along the way, they also share plenty of laughs—from Arab weddings and Iraqi food to dating, parents, and the everyday moments every Arab family will recognize.

In this episode:
• Growing up Iraqi-American
• Feeling caught between two identities
• Building a career in stand-up comedy
• Family expectations and cultural pressure
• Comedy during times of war and crisis
• Social media, representation, and authenticity
• Why success doesn't always quiet self-doubt
• Rapid-fire Arab dilemmas in Al-Bab

About Arab Is Me

Hosted by Said Durrah, Arab Is Me explores the many ways people experience, express, and define what it means to be Arab. Through conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, athletes, activists, comedians, and community leaders, every episode celebrates the diversity of the Arab experience—one story at a time.

If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who would appreciate it. New episodes released regularly.

Follow Arab Is Me:
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📸 Instagram: @arabismepodcast
🎵 TikTok: @arabismepodcast

#ReemEdan #ArabIsMe #SaidDurrah #Iraqi #IraqiAmerican #ArabAmerican #StandUpComedy #Comedy #Identity #Podcast #MiddleEastern #ArabCulture

Send us Fan Mail

Arab Is Me is a podcast hosted by Said Durrah exploring the many ways people experience, express, and define what it means to be Arab. Through conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, athletes, activists, comedians, and community leaders, each episode celebrates the stories, cultures, and perspectives that make our community so unique.

🎙️ New episodes released regularly.

Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow @arabismepodcast for behind-the-scenes content, clips, and upcoming guests.

🌐 Website: arabismepodcast.com
📺 YouTube: arabismepodcast
🎧 Apple Podcasts:
🎧 Spotify:
📸 Instagram: @arabismepodcast
🎵 TikTok: @arabismepodcast
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In this episode of Arab Is Me, Said Durrah sits down with award-winning comedian, actor, and Ramy star Dave Merheje for an honest conversation about comedy, Arab identity, family, and finding your authentic voice.

Dave shares how growing up in a Lebanese household shaped his career, why authenticity matters more than stereotypes, how his family supported an unconventional dream, and the lessons he's learned from years on stage and screen.

Whether you're an aspiring comedian, a fan of Dave's work, or simply interested in the stories that shape the Arab experience, this conversation offers insight, humor, and plenty of unforgettable moments.

In this episode:
• Dave's journey from aspiring comedian to award-winning performer
• Growing up Lebanese in Canada
• Why Arab families are natural storytellers
• The art of stand-up comedy
• Finding your own voice instead of copying others
• Family support and pursuing unconventional careers
• Life on stage, acting, and everything in between

About Arab Is Me

Arab Is Me is a podcast hosted by Said Durrah that explores the many ways people experience, express, and define what it means to be Arab. Through authentic conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, activists, athletes, creators, and community leaders, every episode celebrates the diversity of the Arab experience—one story at a time.

🎙️ New episodes released regularly.

Subscribe and follow so you never miss an episode.

Follow Arab Is Me at  @ArabIsMePodcast  
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#DaveMerheje #ArabIsMe #SaidDurrah #Lebanese #Arab #Comedy #StandUpComedy #Ramy #Podcast #ArabAmerican #MiddleEastern #Storytelling

Send us Fan Mail

Arab Is Me is a podcast hosted by Said Durrah exploring the many ways people experience, express, and define what it means to be Arab. Through conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, athletes, activists, comedians, and community leaders, each episode celebrates the stories, cultures, and perspectives that make our community so unique.

🎙️ New episodes released regularly.

Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow @arabismepodcast for behind-the-scenes content, clips, and upcoming guests.

🌐 Website: arabismepodcast.com
📺 YouTube: arabismepodcast
🎧 Apple Podcasts:
🎧 Spotify:
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Welcome to Episode 1 of the Arab Is Me Podcast.

In this episode, I share the story behind why I created Arab Is Me and the mission behind the podcast.

For too long, other people have tried to define what it means to be Arab. Arab Is Me is a space for Arabs to tell their own stories, share their experiences, and define themselves on their own terms.

Subscribe for future conversations with artists, comedians, entrepreneurs, activists, community leaders, and everyday people from across the Arab world and diaspora.

Follow Arab Is Me On All Major Socials @arabismepodcast
Instagram: @arabismepodcast
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Facebook: Arab Is Me Podcas
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#ArabIsMe #ArabPodcast #ArabIdentity

Send us Fan Mail

Arab Is Me is a podcast hosted by Said Durrah exploring the many ways people experience, express, and define what it means to be Arab. Through conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, athletes, activists, comedians, and community leaders, each episode celebrates the stories, cultures, and perspectives that make our community so unique.

🎙️ New episodes released regularly.

Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow @arabismepodcast for behind-the-scenes content, clips, and upcoming guests.

🌐 Website: arabismepodcast.com
📺 YouTube: arabismepodcast
🎧 Apple Podcasts:
🎧 Spotify:
📸 Instagram: @arabismepodcast
🎵 TikTok: @arabismepodcast
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