Breaking Pita With Zee

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In this episode, host Zahra Huber sits down with therapist Lilly Ismail to talk openly about the mental health stigmas that run deep in Arab and Arab-American communities. 

From the fear of judgment and pressure to remain “strong,” to the silence around trauma, anxiety, and depression, they explore how these patterns form and why they persist. Lilly offers insight from her  work and her own lived experiences, breaking down the difference between cultural values worth preserving and inherited beliefs we need to unlearn. 

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What happens when a 41-year-old and a 75-year-old sit down to talk about dating? Turns out, more similarities than differences. In this episode, host Zahra Huber chats with 75-year-old Pam Bruno to compare notes on heartbreak, attraction, and what it really means to look for connection, no matter the decade.

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In this episode of Confessions of an Arab Woman, Zahra opens up about one of the most taboo topics in Arab culture: choosing not to have children. 

She explores the expectations placed on women to become mothers, the guilt and judgment that follow those who opt out, and the quiet freedom that comes from defining womanhood on your own terms.

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In this episode, Zahra sits down with Palestinian activist, professor and comedian Amer Zahr for an honest conversation about the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Together, they trace the history that shaped the region, unpack the narratives often left out of mainstream discussions, and reflect on the human impact of decades of tension. Amer brings both personal perspective and historical insight, offering listeners a deeper understanding of a conflict that continues to affect millions.

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In this episode of Breaking Pita with Zee, host Zahra Huber sits down with Krystal Cope, a proud Jamaican, to explore the surprising similarities between the Arab and Jamaican cultures. From spirit-filled traditions to family-first values, they dive deep into the connections that make their worlds feel so familiar.

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Let’s talk about it - all of it. In this episode, host Zahra Huber sits with Lilly Ismail to dive deep into sex, marriage expectations, and divorce. Nothing’s off the table as they get real about the choices, challenges, and cultural conversations that shaped their upbringing and continue to influence their relationships today.

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In this episode, host Zahra Huber sits down with Ghassan Zeineddine, author of Dearborn, to discuss what inspired him to write about the city, how he selected each short story’s themes, and the process behind crafting his unforgettable characters.

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In this powerful episode of Breaking Pita with Zee, Zahra sits down with Omar Zahran to unpack what it was like being Arab in New York and in America during the aftermath of 9/11. From heightened stereotypes and discrimination to navigating identity and belonging, they dive deep into the personal stories, cultural challenges, and resilience of the Arab American community.

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"A Stranger in My Skin" explores what it means to belong everywhere and nowhere at once. In this episode, host Zahra Huber sits down with her sister, Rabab Alrayes, to talk about growing up Iraqi, raised in America – and the identity crisis that comes with balancing cultures, expectations, and the search for self.

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In this solo episode, host Zahra Huber gives a little more insight into how reputation/people's opinions in the Arab community really played a major role in her life's biggest decisions -- such as taking the hijab off. Learn how she has overcome (mostly) that constant worry about what other people think.