Cool Copts Doing Cool Things

Jacky Habib, a Nairobi-based freelance journalist reporting on human rights and global development, sits down with us to discuss her background as a Coptic-Canadian journalist. Tune in to hear more about the importance of diverse representation when storytelling, the inside scoop on living and reporting in Africa, and a unique scholarship opportunity for aspiring journalists.

In today's episode, we sit down with Michael Elgamal, the mind behind Creative Orthodox on Instagram, Facebook, and creativeorthodox.com. Michael has published graphic novels, board books, and other wonderful resources for kids and adults alike who are interested in learning more about Orthodox mothers and fathers. Tune in to hear about the ancestral instinct behind the unique Coptic art form, Michael's upcoming projects, and learn how our precious children in Egypt are expressing their creativity, too! Don't forget to like and subscribe so you never miss an episode of Cool Copts doing Cool Things.

On today's episode, we sit down with Mireille Mishriky, author of the children’s book series SuperHolies, a series that reimagines the fruits of the Holy Spirit as superpowers and teaches children about their faith and its glory. Marina and Mireille discuss the importance of seeing our Coptic heritage as a superpower, the ways technology has spurred the Coptic renaissance, and the importance of keeping in touch with your sponsored children by writing them letters.

When Hany Takla was 12 years old, a thought struck him while he walked to Sunday School: "Learn Coptic." No one in his family knew the language nor did they encourage him to learn it. But years later, Hany left his engineering studies behind and dedicated his life to studying and preserving the Coptic language. Listen to our latest episode to hear more about the importance of preserving the Coptic language, how a Coptologist might stumble upon ancient manuscripts on eBay, and more!

In this episode we sit down with Dina Daniel, the Founder, Owner, and Chef at Fava Pot. Fava Pot celebrates its ninth anniversary of bringing delicious Egyptian food to the D.C. metro area this year. Tune in to hear Dina tell us how Fava Pot grew from a food truck to getting glowing reviews from the Washington Post, the secret to the perfect bowl of molokheya, and hear a little about Coptic Orphans' latest initiative, too.

In this Labor Day episode, we sit down with Dr. Sherry Shenoda, author of The Lightkeeper and the newly-published poetry collection Mummy Eaters. Sherry tells us about the writing process behind her two works, grief, ancient history (including gruesome mummy practices), and shares some tips for juggling parenthood with writing and full time work. We also share some insight into the workshops Coptic Orphans provides to improve the psychological and emotional health of the families we serve in Egypt. You can find Sherry on her website, sherryshenoda.com, and Mummy Eaters is now available for purchase! For more episodes like this, make sure to follow Cool Copts: Doing Cool Things on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen!

Marina sits down with sisters Sonia and Sophia Samantaroy, authors of In a Dry Land, to discuss their new book, the significance of the desert and environmental imagery from an Orthodox perspective, and their experience with Coptic Orphans’ Serve to Learn program. In addition to being published authors, Sophia is studying Environmental Health and History at the University of Rochester and Sonia - who will attend William & Mary this fall - served as editor-in-chief at her high school newspaper.

This week, Cool Copts talks to Mena Basta, best known as Egyptian musician (and composer of our new intro theme) Coptic Oud, about his musical backstory, the cultural disparity between high school orchestra and band, and preserving the melodies of the ancient church. Mena tells us some amazing background on Egyptian musical history, the differences between American and Egyptian children, and student commutes.

Featured on famous platforms like Comedy Central Arabia, comedian Fady Rizk incorporates his Coptic Orthodox identity into a medium that otherwise lacks it: stand-up comedy. Nermien and Fady discuss relatability, Fady’s new music, Coptic evangelism, and the importance of hitting milestones when the time is right. This episode also includes a segment of his new song, “Bas Kefaya Bas.”

This week, Nermien talks to fellow podcaster Tasoni Laura. Tasoni is the founder of the blog Coptic Dad & Mom and the podcast Raising Up Copts and the author of the children’s book, The Story of the Copts. Tasoni shares her experience growing up in one of the only Coptic Christian families for miles in central Virginia and how this experience motivated her to help other Coptic Christians grow in their faith and thrive in Western society.