Better Arabic Podcast
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Better Arabic Podcast episodes

  • 36. Why do we say “Yalla” a lot?

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    Today on the Better Arabic Podcast, we explore “Lost Words” — Syrian and Arabic expressions that lose their soul in translation. Through them, we’ll uncover what our language reveals about our emotions, our culture, and the way we live.


    For 1 on 1 Arabic (Levantine & MAS) classes with me:

    https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/6382719

    Whether you're here to support the podcast, improve your Arabic, or go all-in on your learning journey, there’s now something for everyone! Make sure to check it out!patreon.com/better_arabic_podcast🌟New Benefits:

    - 🎧 Full Episodes + Interactive Transcripts – Follow along easily with clickable words and full text.

    - 🎙️ Bonus Episodes – Exclusive extras just for supporters!

    -💬 WhatsApp Community – Connect, practice, and ask questions.

    - 🧩 Quizlet Flashcards & Activities – Practice vocab the smart, interactive way.

    - 👥 2 Group Classes Each Month – Practice live with me and fellow learners.

    - 👨‍🏫 Two Monthly 1-on-1 Private Classes with Me (Mahmood!) – Personalized coaching just for you.


    Thank you for your amazing support. I'm so grateful for each and every one of you.

    Let’s keep growing, learning, and laughing together!


    For 1 on 1 Arabic (Levantine & MAS) classes with me:

    https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/6382719


    My Instagram: mahmoodsalem_arabic


    Enjoy :)

    Support the show

    10 min
  • 35. Arabs and stereotypes (Part 2)

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    In this episode, we dive deep into a powerful and emotional topic: the stereotypes Arabs hold about each other. From funny misunderstandings to painful assumptions, we explore where these ideas come from—family, media, school—and what they cost us as a region.

    🌍 You’ll hear real-life stories, cultural humor, and reflections on how stereotypes shape our identity, connection, and unity.

    🧠 Key themes:

    • When do stereotypes become harmful?

    • Is there any truth in them?

    • What do we lose when we stay trapped in ready-made ideas?


    Whether you're here to support the podcast, improve your Arabic, or go all-in on your learning journey, there’s now something for everyone! Make sure to check it out!patreon.com/better_arabic_podcast🌟New Benefits:

    - 🎧 Full Episodes + Interactive Transcripts – Follow along easily with clickable words and full text.

    - 🎙️ Bonus Episodes – Exclusive extras just for supporters!

    -💬 WhatsApp Community – Connect, practice, and ask questions.

    - 🧩 Quizlet Flashcards & Activities – Practice vocab the smart, interactive way.

    - 👥 2 Group Classes Each Month – Practice live with me and fellow learners.

    - 👨‍🏫 Two Monthly 1-on-1 Private Classes with Me (Mahmood!) – Personalized coaching just for you.


    Thank you for your amazing support. I'm so grateful for each and every one of you.

    Let’s keep growing, learning, and laughing together!


    For 1 on 1 Arabic (Levantine & MAS) classes with me:

    https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/6382719


    My Instagram: mahmoodsalem_arabic


    Enjoy :)

    Support the show

    9 min
  • 34. Arabs and stereotypes (Part 1)

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    Have you ever wondered what Arabs from different countries say about each other? 👀
    In this fun and thoughtful episode, I explore common Arab stereotypes — the funny ones, the unfair ones, and the surprising truths behind them.

    You’ll hear natural, conversational Syrian Arabic as I talk about:
    💬 Where stereotypes come from — family, school, media, memes
    🇸🇾 What Syrians say about Lebanese, what Egyptians think of Khaleejis, and more
    😂 Real stories, friendly teasing, and moments of reflection
    💡 A deeper message about empathy and identity across the Arab world.

    Whether you're here to support the podcast, improve your Arabic, or go all-in on your learning journey, there’s now something for everyone! Make sure to check it out!patreon.com/better_arabic_podcast🌟New Benefits:

    - 🎧 Full Episodes + Interactive Transcripts – Follow along easily with clickable words and full text.

    - 🎙️ Bonus Episodes – Exclusive extras just for supporters!

    -💬 WhatsApp Community – Connect, practice, and ask questions.

    - 🧩 Quizlet Flashcards & Activities – Practice vocab the smart, interactive way.

    - 👥 2 Group Classes Each Month – Practice live with me and fellow learners.

    - 👨‍🏫 Two Monthly 1-on-1 Private Classes with Me (Mahmood!) – Personalized coaching just for you.


    Thank you for your amazing support. I'm so grateful for each and every one of you.

    Let’s keep growing, learning, and laughing together!


    For 1 on 1 Arabic (Levantine & MAS) classes with me:

    https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/6382719


    My Instagram: mahmoodsalem_arabic


    Enjoy :)

    Support the show

    8 min
  • 33. Syrian food and identity

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    In this special episode, I dive deep into the heart of Syrian cuisine — not just the food, but the memories, traditions, and stories that come with every bite. From family gatherings on Fridays to the sweets we make for Eid, food is at the core of our culture, connecting us across generations and across the world.

    🍽️ What’s inside this episode?

    • The smell of man'ousheh takes me back to my childhood in Aleppo 🌸

    • The traditions that bring families together every Friday 🍲

    • The pride and love we pour into every dish, passed down through generations 💕

    • And of course, a deep dive into why Eid and food are inseparable for us!

    👉 If you’re passionate about Syrian culture, food, or just want to hear some personal stories and insights, this episode is for you. Let’s take a seat at the table together!

    Whether you're here to support the podcast, improve your Arabic, or go all-in on your learning journey, there’s now something for everyone! Make sure to check it out!patreon.com/better_arabic_podcast🌟New Benefits:

    - 🎧 Full Episodes + Interactive Transcripts – Follow along easily with clickable words and full text.

    - 🎙️ Bonus Episodes – Exclusive extras just for supporters!

    -💬 WhatsApp Community – Connect, practice, and ask questions.

    - 🧩 Quizlet Flashcards & Activities – Practice vocab the smart, interactive way.

    - 👥 2 Group Classes Each Month – Practice live with me and fellow learners.

    - 👨‍🏫 Two Monthly 1-on-1 Private Classes with Me (Mahmood!) – Personalized coaching just for you.


    Thank you for your amazing support. I'm so grateful for each and every one of you.

    Let’s keep growing, learning, and laughing together!


    For 1 on 1 Arabic (Levantine & MAS) classes with me:

    https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/6382719


    My Instagram: mahmoodsalem_arabic


    Enjoy :)

    Support the show

    9 min
  • 32. The Role of Family in Syrian Life

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    In this emotional and nostalgic episode of Better Arabic Podcast, we explore the soul of Syrian culture: the extended family. From living with grandparents to the magic of Friday lunches, and from the mother's endless love to the unity during both joy and sorrow—this episode takes you deep into everyday Syrian life. You'll hear real expressions, personal stories, and rich vocabulary that reflect what family truly means in Syrian society.

    Whether you're here to support the podcast, improve your Arabic, or go all-in on your learning journey, there’s now something for everyone! Make sure to check it out!patreon.com/better_arabic_podcast🌟New Benefits:

    - 🎧 Full Episodes + Interactive Transcripts – Follow along easily with clickable words and full text.

    - 🎙️ Bonus Episodes – Exclusive extras just for supporters!

    -💬 WhatsApp Community – Connect, practice, and ask questions.

    - 🧩 Quizlet Flashcards & Activities – Practice vocab the smart, interactive way.

    - 👥 2 Group Classes Each Month – Practice live with me and fellow learners.

    - 👨‍🏫 Two Monthly 1-on-1 Private Classes with Me (Mahmood!) – Personalized coaching just for you.


    Thank you for your amazing support. I'm so grateful for each and every one of you.

    Let’s keep growing, learning, and laughing together!


    For 1 on 1 Arabic (Levantine & MAS) classes with me:

    https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/6382719


    My Instagram: mahmoodsalem_arabic


    Enjoy :)

    Support the show

    13 min
  • 31. The Syrian Hospitality (Podcast Update!)

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    In this episode, we explore the deep-rooted tradition of Syrian hospitality — more than just a custom, it’s a way of life.
    From serving coffee to honoring strangers, discover how Syrians open their hearts and homes to guests.
    Learn real-life expressions like “البيت بيتك” and cultural insights through natural Syrian Arabic.
    Perfect for learners seeking language, culture, and connection in one rich experience.

    Starting with this episode, you now have access to more personalized, more powerful tools on Patreon to help you master Levantine Arabic — at your own pace, with your own learning style.

    This episode is an example of what you’ll get as a member of the new tiers on Patreon. (Check them out in the memberships section.)


    • Transcripts + Vocabulary And Sentences + Audios (in the attachments section):

      https://drive.google.com/file/d/150zGyxUfSxoC3ikqBaPIj4JZDMsIUYaW/view?usp=sharing

    • Interactive Transcript (main text) : https://share.descript.com/view/ZyA592AskwK

    • Interactive Transcript (vocabulary in real life situation) : https://share.descript.com/view/WIKiP1bjB4B

    • Quizlet Flashcards + Activities And Games: https://quizlet.com/tr/1058175479/41-the-syrian-hospitality-flashcards/?i=6nc69v&x=1jqt

    • WhatsApp Community and Group Class

    👉 If you're not yet a member, check out the new tiers!

    Become a member on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/better_arabic_podcast

    For 1 on 1 Arabic (Levantine & MAS) classes with me:

    https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/6382719


    My Instagram: mahmoodsalem_arabic

    Support the show

    10 min
  • 30 Jinn and Popular Superstitions in Syria! (Part2)

    Send us Fan Mail

    Welcome to Better Arabic Podcast. Today's topic is a little bit special! Today we'll be talking about the Jinn and Popular Superstitions in Syria (Part2)

    🌟 Exciting Updates to Our Patreon Tiers 🌟 Now It's For Everyone!Whether you're here to support the podcast, improve your Arabic, or go all-in on your learning journey, there’s now something for everyone! Make sure to check it out!patreon.com/better_arabic_podcast🌟New Benefits:

    - 🎧 Full Episodes + Interactive Transcripts – Follow along easily with clickable words and full text.

    - 🎙️ Bonus Episodes – Exclusive extras just for supporters!

    -💬 WhatsApp Community – Connect, practice, and ask questions.

    - 🧩 Quizlet Flashcards & Activities – Practice vocab the smart, interactive way.

    - 👥 2 Group Classes Each Month – Practice live with me and fellow learners.

    - 👨‍🏫 Two Monthly 1-on-1 Private Classes with Me (Mahmood!) – Personalized coaching just for you.


    Thank you for your amazing support. I'm so grateful for each and every one of you.

    Let’s keep growing, learning, and laughing together!


    For 1 on 1 Arabic (Levantine & MAS) classes with me:

    https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/6382719


    My Instagram: mahmoodsalem_arabic


    Enjoy :)

    Support the show

    7 min
  • Ep.29 Jinn and Popular Superstitions in Syria! (Part 1)

    Send us Fan Mail

    Welcome to Better Arabic Podcast. Today's topic is a little bit special! Today we'll be talking about the Jinn and Popular Superstitions in Syria (Part 1)!


    For 1 on 1 Arabic (Levantine & MAS) classes with me:

    https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/6382719

    For the full Arabic \ English transcripts, check out my Patreon: patreon.com/better_arabic_podcast

    You can find there:

    Full Arabic \ English transcripts of every episode in my podcast.

    A chart of vocabulary and phrases that I think it's important for you to practice and memorize. (with recordings )

    A questions section related to the topic in every episode for you to answer and get your answers checked by me.

    5 Verbs list with conjugation and sentences. (with recordings)

    My Instagram: mahmoodsalem_arabic


    Enjoy!

    Support the show

    7 min
  • Ep.28 Juha's stories

    Send us Fan Mail

    Today, I'll tell you a story titled "Juha's stories". Enjoy!


    For 1 on 1 Arabic (Levantine & MAS) classes with me:

    https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/6382719

    For the full Arabic \ English transcripts, check out my Patreon: patreon.com/better_arabic_podcast

    You can find there:

    Full Arabic \ English transcripts of every episode in my podcast.

    A chart of vocabulary and phrases that I think it's important for you to practice and memorize. (with recordings )

    A questions section related to the topic in every episode for you to answer and get your answers checked by me.

    5 Verbs list with conjugation and sentences. (with recordings)

    My Instagram: mahmoodsalem_arabic


    Enjoy!

    Support the show

    7 min
  • Ep.27 The Judge And His Son

    Send us Fan Mail

    Today, I'll tell you a story titled "The Judge And His Son". Enjoy!


    For 1 on 1 Arabic (Levantine & MAS) classes with me:

    https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/6382719

    For the full Arabic \ English transcripts and the full episodes on my Podcast, check out my Patreon : patreon.com/better_arabic_podcast

    You can find there:

    Full Arabic \ English transcripts of every episode in my podcast.

    A chart of vocabulary and phrases that I think it's important for you to practice and memorize. (with recordings )

    A questions section related to the topic in every episode for you to answer and get your answers checked by me.

    5 Verbs list with conjugation and sentences. (with recordings)

    My Instagram: mahmoodsalem_arabic


    Enjoy!

    Support the show

    7 min

About Better Arabic Podcast

From the publisher's feed

"Better Arabic" is a podcast that aims to improve listeners' listening skills in the Levantine Arabic language. The podcast covers a range of topics, including daily life, conversations, stories,…