What is the Middle East beyond the headlines of war and peace? In this introductory episode of Raconte un peu – Tell me more – خبّرنا شوي invite you on a journey through the "untold stories" of a vibrant region. Moving past the clichés, we dive into the powerful world of Middle Eastern writers like Rabih Alameddine and Iman Humaydan to discover the beauty, complexity, and human heart of our culture.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why we started a podcast about Middle Eastern literature.

• Moving beyond the "war and peace" narrative.

• The power of storytelling in preserving identity.

• A preview of the authors and books we’ll be exploring this season.

Join the conversation:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raconte_un_peu_tell_me_more?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Available in English, French, and Arabic.

What happens when a 30-year obsession meets the legacy of one of history’s most beloved spiritual icons?

In this episode of Raconte un peu / Tell me more, we sit down with Glen Kalem-Habib, a Lebanese-Australian documentary filmmaker and historian who has dedicated his life to uncovering the "real" Kahlil Gibran. From the streets of Beirut to the archives of New York and Paris, Glen shares the secrets that history books missed and the rebellious side of a man often misunderstood as just a mystic.

In this episode, we explore:

• The Ice Breaker: Glen reveals the one question he’d ask Gibran face-to-face and the city that holds the "truest" essence of the poet’s soul.

  
  

• The Rebel & The Artist: A look at why The Madman might be more "real" than The Prophet and the truth behind Gibran's complex relationship with Mary Haskell.

  
  

• The Filmmaker’s Lens: Why static research wasn't enough and the challenges of producing historical documentaries in the age of 30-second viral clips.

  
  

• Personal Notes: Glen gets personal about his "guilty pleasures" outside of research and the one city in the world that feels like home the moment he lands.

  
  

  Whether you are a lifelong fan of The Prophet or a newcomer to Gibran’s world, this conversation bridges the gap between the legend and the man.

  Subscribe to Raconte un peu / Tell me more for more stories that bridge history, culture, and personality.

  #KahlilGibran #TheProphet #History #Documentary #Podcast #LebaneseCulture #Literature #TellMeMore

What happens when a story travels from the heart of Lebanon to the bookshelves of the United States? 🇱🇧✈️🇺🇸

In this episode, we are joined by the legendary Iman Humaydan, a voice that has defined contemporary Lebanese literature. Following the success of her previous works, Iman takes us behind the scenes of her newest novel, Songs for Darkness, during her current U.S. book tour.

What’s inside this episode:

• The Global Journey: Iman shares her experience touring the USA and how American audiences are connecting with her narrative.

• The Translation Bridge: A deep dive into the collaboration with Michelle Hartman, the translator who brought this story to the English-speaking world.

• Publishing with Purpose: We discuss the vital role of Michel Moushabeck and Interlink Publishing in amplifying diverse voices.

Whether you are a fan of her previous hit "50 Grams of Paradise" or a new reader looking for your next literary obsession, this conversation offers a rare, intimate look at the life of a global author.

Iman Humaydan Songs for Darkness Lebanese Authors Arabic Literature in English Interlink Publishing Book Tour 2026 Literary Translation Michelle Hartman Beirut Call

Join us for an intimate conversation with Rima Bali, author of the International Prize for Arabic Fiction-shortlisted novel, Suleima’s Ring.

In this episode, we journey from the ancient alleys of Aleppo to the banks of the Tagus River in Toledo, Spain. We explore the interwoven lives of Salma, an Italian musician named Shams al-Din, and Lucas, a Spanish-Jewish photographer. Together, we delve into:

• The Heart’s Compass: Salma’s struggle between duty, past affluence, and a present marked by conflict.

• The Legend of the Ring: How the fabled ring of Solomon serves as a metaphor for power, magic, and the "lost souls" of a city under rubble.

• Cultural Landscapes: The fragrance of Aleppo and the atmosphere of Sufism that permeates this moving narrative.

Can a magic ring free a city buried under the rubble of dreams? We discuss the ever-elusive concept of truth and the resilience of the human spirit against the backdrop of the Syrian war.

We made this episode slowly. This voice stayed with us. Maybe it will stay with you too.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Pamela Chrabieh (Co-founder of Kulturnest) to revisit the "Beirut Call" project. Originally born in 2020, we ask: How has this call transformed in 2026?

Highlights of our conversation:

• The evolution of "Beirut Call" from 2020 to today.
• The uniting power of many writers participating in the project.
• Exploring identity, diaspora, and a growing global audience.

Raconte un peu – Tell me more – خبّرنا شوي...

A trilingual dialogue across Arabic, French, and English.

Attachez vos ceintures ! Dans cet épisode, Pauline et Sandra nous emmènent dans les rues encombrées du Caire. Nous explorons le phénomène littéraire Taxi — le livre qui a transformé les chauffeurs en philosophes — et nous plongeons dans la dernière œuvre de Khaled Al-Khamissi, Les Ailes du Labyrinthe.

Au programme :

• Comment Al-Khamissi a réconcilié les salons parisiens et la rue égyptienne.

• Le secret d'un best-seller traduit en 15 langues.

• Du réalisme social à la philosophie psychologique.

• Des citations savoureuses, entre rire et amertume.

Buckle up! In this episode, let's take us on a literary ride through the crowded streets of Cairo. We explore the phenomenon of the novel Taxi—the book that turned cab drivers into philosophers.

We discuss:

• How Al-Khamissi bridged the gap between Parisian halls and Egyptian street life.

• The secret behind Taxi selling hundreds of thousands of copies.

• The transition from social realism to psychological philosophy in his latest work.

• Bitter-sweet quotes that define the Egyptian spirit.

في هذه الحلقة، تأخذنا بولين وساندرا في "مشوار" أدبي استثنائي. نبدأ من زحمة شوارع القاهرة مع رواية "تاكسي" التي كسر بها خالد الخميسي حواجز اللغة والطبقية، وصولاً إلى أحدث إصداراته عام 2025 "أجنحة المتاهة".

نناقش في الحلقة:

• كيف تحول "سواق التاكسي" إلى فيلسوف وناقد سياسي؟

• لماذا تُرجمت رواية تاكسي لـ 15 لغة واكتسحت الأرقام القياسية؟

• رحلة الخميسي من باريس إلى "عطفة" الشارع المصري.

• إطلالة سريعة على رواياته: سفينة نوح، الشمندر، و2011.

• اقتباسات من قلب "الدركسيون" بتضحّك وبتبكّي بنفس الوقت

In this emotionally charged episode, we dive into the soul-stirring world of Algerian novelist Ahlam Mosteghanemi. Amidst the sobering reality of modern-day conflict, we found a temporary escape and a deep mirror in the pages of Black Suits You Well (El Aswad Yaliqo Biki).

The discussion weaves together the personal and the political, exploring the "poetic" defiance of a woman who wears black not just as a fashion choice, but as armor for her grief and her pride.

Join us for a journey through passion, terrorism, and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit over material empire.

Next Episode Preview: We head to Cairo to discuss Khaled Al-Khamissi’s Taxi, exploring the lives of Egyptian taxi drivers before the 2011 revolution.

Dans cet épisode, on vous fait plonger dans l'univers passionné de la célèbre écrivaine algérienne Ahlam Mosteghanemi. Nous décortiquons son chef-d'œuvre, Le noir te va si bien, un roman qui explore les frontières fragiles entre l'amour, le deuil et la dignité.

• Une passion aux multiples visages : Entre l'amour dévastateur, les traumatismes de la décennie noire en Algérie et la résistance face à l'oppression.

• Le portrait d'Ahlam Mosteghanemi : De ses débuts à la radio algérienne à sa reconnaissance internationale par l'UNESCO.

• Le duel central : L'amour peut-il devenir une simple "transaction" ? Comment l'orgueil d'une femme libre résiste-t-il à la tentation du luxe et à l'emprise d'un homme qui croit que tout s'achète ?