In this episode of the Sumud Podcast, Dr. Ed Hasan sits down with filmmaker Colette Ghunim and actress, producer, and Palestine advocate Melissa Barrera to discuss ‘Traces of Home,’ Ghunim’s deeply personal documentary tracing her family’s roots in Palestine and Mexico. Together, they explore forced migration, intergenerational trauma, identity, family, and the difficult process of returning to the places their families were forced to leave. Barrera also reflects on her advocacy for Palestinian freedom and dignity, while Ghunim shares how making the film transformed her relationship with her parents and her understanding of home. At the heart of the conversation is Sumud: the resilience, dignity, and determination to remain rooted in who you are.

As a documentary filmmaker and nonprofit co-founder, Colette Ghunim’s soul purpose is to use the power of film and storytelling for those oppressed around the world to be seen, to be heard, and to heal. Her first documentary, The People’s Girls (2016), received over 2 million views and won Best Short Documentary at the Arab Film Festival for its bold spotlight on street harassment in Egypt. In co-production with Kartemquin Films and funded by Latino Public Broadcasting, she is directing Traces of Home, her first feature-length film documenting her inner quest to find home through unearthing her parent’s forced migrations from Mexico and Palestine. Colette is also the co-founder of Mezcla Media Collective, a nonprofit organization aimed to cultivate a thriving landscape for over 700 women and non-binary filmmakers of color in Chicago. Her work has been highlighted on international outlets such as Huffington Post, Al Jazeera, Univision, and TEDx. Colette was selected as a 2023 Obama Foundation USA Leader, 2024 Sundance Institute x ISF Fellow, and was featured on Arab America’s “30 Under 30” list.

Melissa Barrera is a Mexican actress, singer, and producer known for her roles in Vida, In the Heights, Scream, Scream VI, and Abigail. She also serves as an executive producer of Traces of Home. Beyond her work on screen, Barrera has been outspoken in support of Palestinians and calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. In 2023, she said she would “continue to speak out” and “continue to advocate for peace and safety, for human rights and freedom.” She is also listed among the signatories of Artists4Ceasefire, a collective calling for a permanent ceasefire, humanitarian aid to Gaza, the return of hostages, and a just and lasting peace.

In this conversation, we explore

→ The journey behind Traces of Home and Colette Ghunim’s search for home in Mexico and Palestine

→ Intergenerational trauma, family silence, and healing

→ Colette’s father returning to Palestine decades after the Nakba

→ Why Melissa Barrera joined the film and continued speaking out for Palestinian freedom and dignity

→ The cultural and emotional connections between Mexico and Palestine

→ How Colette came to understand home as something found within

→ The power of art, vulnerability, and Sumud to reclaim identity and heal across generations

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In this episode of the Sumud Podcast, Dr. Ed Hasan sits down with Palestinian singer-songwriter Mona Miari and legendary musician Roger Waters to discuss their powerful reimagining of Comfortably Numb and the story behind its creation. Mona and Roger reflect on the year-long creative process, the grief and inspiration behind the song, Palestinian history and culture, and how music can challenge indifference and keep people from becoming numb to human suffering. They also discuss the emotional story behind the song’s Palestinian lullaby, the making of its accompanying film, and the responsibility artists have to speak out for freedom, justice, and human rights.

Mona Miari is an internationally acclaimed Palestinian singer-songwriter and artistic director based in New York City, whose work bridges global audiences while rooted in Arabic traditions. The first Arab singer to perform at Boston’s Hatch Memorial Shell with the Boston Landmarks Orchestra, she has headlined major venues including Lincoln Center, BAM, and The Public Theater, and performed internationally across Europe, the Arab world, and South Africa. She is the Artistic Director of the New York Arab Chorus and a recipient of residencies from the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and La Maison de Beaumont. Her debut album, releasing in 2026, showcases a bold body of original work grounded in storytelling and cross-cultural influence.

In this conversation, we explore

→ The story behind Comfortably Numb Reimagined

→ How Roger Waters and Mona Miari began collaborating 

→ Roger Waters’ response and the year-long creative collaboration

→ Hind Rajab, the Palestinian lullaby, and the story behind the rising sun

→ Palestinian musical traditions and the meaning of “Falastin”

→ Centering Palestinian humanity, culture, memory, and everyday life

→ How music and artists can challenge propaganda, injustice, and indifference

→ The meaning of Sumud, resilience, and remaining human through resistance 

Sponsored by The Karate Attorney (@karateattorney) fighting for justice inside and outside the courtroom. Visit KarateAttorney.com

Full episode on https://sumudpod.com

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In this episode of the Sumud Podcast, we sit down with Eman Mabrouk for a powerful conversation about injustice, identity, humanitarian work, anti-Blackness, and the responsibility to speak up. Eman shares her experience fighting for hijab rights, witnessing the treatment of African migrant women, and confronting the racism, exploitation, and silence she encountered across the region. She also discusses how these experiences shaped her understanding of advocacy and solidarity. The conversation explores the kafala system, the treatment of migrant workers, the humanitarian crises affecting vulnerable communities, and the importance of looking beyond the issues most visible to the public. Eman also explains her work with the Rammun Foundation, how to responsibly vet humanitarian organizations, and why real change requires organizing, accountability, and solidarity across communities.

Eman Mabrouk, formerly known as Eman B. Fendi has built her career around one instinct: taking care of people. First through fashion. Now through humanitarian relief. Mabrouk built her styling career, working shows, athletes, and influencers, while simultaneously pursuing her degrees in neuropsychology. The two ran in parallel: a passion for people and a background in the mind shaping how she worked with clients, on set and off. Her talent for styling the body was matched by an ethos for styling the mind. Today Mabrouk leads Rammun Foundation, a humanitarian nonprofit delivering relief across Gaza, Sudan, and Egypt. She also runs Amaanah & Co, a strategic creative consultancy, and Collective Souk, a community and product platform.Three ventures. One throughline: seeing people, and showing up for them.

In this conversation, we explore

→ Eman’s experience with arrest, discrimination, and the fight for hijab rights

→ How a painful experience at 19 became a case that helped protect other Muslim women

→ Eman’s experiences witnessing the treatment of African migrant women and racial hierarchies

→ The kafala system, exploitation of migrant workers, and vulnerability during times of conflict

→ The culture of denial surrounding injustice and the need for humanitarian accountability

→ Eman’s work with the Rammun Foundation, humanitarian relief, and responsible giving

→ Why meaningful solidarity requires organizing, building coalitions, and taking action

Sponsored by The Karate Attorney (@karateattorney) fighting for justice inside and outside the courtroom. Visit KarateAttorney.com

🎬 Full episode on https://sumudpod.com

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🎙️ In this episode of the Sumud Podcast, Dr. Ed Hasan sits down with American doctors Thaer Ahmad, Feroze Sidhwa, and Mark Perlmutter to discuss what they witnessed while working inside Gaza’s overwhelmed hospitals, and what happened when they returned home and tried to make the world listen. The doctors share firsthand accounts of treating patients amid shortages, destroyed medical infrastructure, hunger, displacement, and widespread injuries. They discuss the ethics of documenting suffering, the responsibility of becoming witnesses, and the challenges of bringing these stories to American media and political leaders. The conversation also explores U.S. involvement, growing public awareness, grassroots organizing, the future of healthcare in Gaza, and what ordinary Americans can do to advocate for change.

🌍 Dr. Thaer Ahmad is a board-certified emergency medicine physician and humanitarian who has provided medical relief in conflict zones including Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, and Kenya. He has conducted five medical missions to Gaza, most recently in early 2024, and has since been denied entry four times by Israeli authorities due to his Palestinian heritage. He is an attending physician at Advocate Christ Medical Center, where he serves as assistant program director for the Emergency Medicine Residency Program and Global Health Director for the emergency department. He also holds faculty appointments at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Wake Forest University School of Medicine, and sits on the board of the Palestinian American Medical Association.

🌍 Dr. Mark Perlmutter is an orthopedic hand surgeon in rural North Carolina and past President of the American Academy of Neurological and Orthopedic Surgery, the International College of Surgeons, and the World Surgical Foundation. He has completed 40 overseas surgical mission trips across four continents, and responded to Ground Zero on 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and Port-au-Prince within six hours of Haiti's 2010 earthquake. In 2024 and 2025, he volunteered in three Gaza hospitals.

🌍 Dr. Feroze Sidhwa is a general, trauma, and critical care surgeon in California. He has worked on humanitarian deployments in Gaza, Ukraine, the West Bank, Haiti, Zimbabwe, and Burkina Faso.

🌍Poh Si Teng is the producer of the Oscar®-nominated ST. LOUIS SUPERMAN and Emmy® Award–winning executive producer of PATRICE: THE MOVIE. She is a former creative executive for ABC/Disney, documentary commissioner for Al Jazeera, IDA grants director, and New York Times journalist. She is the founder of Tiny Boxer Films, which produces non-fiction feature docs, and docu- and unscripted-series for the US and global majority markets. AMERICAN DOCTOR marks her debut as a feature documentary director.

🔑 In this conversation, we explore

→ American doctors’ firsthand experiences inside Gaza’s hospitals

→ The collapse of Gaza’s healthcare system and humanitarian crisis

→ The ethics of documenting war and bearing witness

→ U.S. media, politics, and public understanding of Gaza

→ Advocacy, organizing, and humanitarian efforts in the United States

→ Palestinian healthcare workers and the importance of centering Palestinian voices

→ Rebuilding Gaza’s healthcare system and training the next generation of doctors

Sponsored by The Karate Attorney (@karateattorney) fighting for justice inside and outside the courtroom. Visit KarateAttorney.com

🎬 Full episode on https://sumudpod.com

📲 Follow @dredhasan | @sumudpod | @thaerahmadmd | @fsidhwa | @markperlmuttermd

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🎙️ In this episode of the Sumud Podcast, Dr. Ed Hasan speaks with Georgia State Representative Ruwa Romman about political organizing, coalition building, and the challenges of representing her community during the ongoing crisis in Palestine. Ruwa reflects on navigating public criticism, advocating for Palestinian human rights, and balancing principle with political strategy. Together, they discuss why lasting change depends on local organizing, long-term movement building, and grassroots action, not just election cycles or viral moments, and what it takes to remain hopeful and accountable in the fight for justice.

🌍 Georgia State Representative Ruwa Romman is not only a Georgia legislator—she is also an organizer, a policy strategist, and a bridge builder. Born in Jordan and the granddaughter of Palestinian refugees, Ruwa moved to Georgia with her family when she was just eight years old. Growing up as a Muslim girl in post-9/11 America, she learned early on what it meant to be misunderstood—and what it would take to be heard. She’s carried that lesson with her into every aspect of her work. Ruwa has volunteered in every election cycle since 2014 to help flip Georgia blue. Whether she was organizing at the grassroots level, informing thousands of Georgians on how to vote in 2020, or helping launch the Georgia Volunteer Hub to mobilize thousands of national and local volunteers, Ruwa has been laser-focused on empowering communities to take ownership of their civic power. Ruwa served as a field organizer for the Georgia Muslim Voter Project and the Asian American Advocacy Fund, communications director for CAIR Georgia, and a trusted strategy and operations expert in both the public and private sectors. Ruwa deeply believes in fighting for a state that we can afford and where we belong. In 2022, Ruwa made history as the first Muslim woman elected to the Georgia State House and the first Palestinian American elected to any office in the state. And from day one, she’s fought to take homes back from corporate landlords, lower utility costs, raise the minimum wage, support EMS services, and pushed for a more inclusive, people-powered democracy. She leads with compassion, conviction, and clarity—and she’s a fierce example of what’s possible when you stay rooted in your values and strive for systemic change. Ruwa is now running for State Senate District 7 because the old playbook has failed too many times. At a moment of fear and uncertainty, Ruwa deeply believes that when we all collectively organize, we can build a better future.

🔑 In this conversation, we explore

Sponsored by The Karate Attorney (@karateattorney) fighting for justice inside and outside the courtroom. Visit KarateAttorney.com

🎬 Full episode on https://sumudpod.com

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🎙️ In this episode of the Sumud Podcast, Dr. Ed Hasan sits down with acclaimed photographer, filmmaker, and activist Misan Harriman for a powerful conversation on storytelling, identity, justice, and the responsibility of bearing witness. Misan reflects on his journey from growing up in Nigeria and Britain to becoming one of the world's most influential visual storytellers. Together, they explore childhood trauma, neurodiversity, fatherhood, the power of photography, and why documenting human struggles matters now more than ever. The conversation also dives into Misan's documentary Shoot the People, the role of artists and journalists in preserving truth, the lasting impact of colonialism, and the importance of community, hope, and solidarity in challenging times.

🌍 Misan Harriman is a renowned photographer, filmmaker, and social activist celebrated for his powerful imagery that captures pivotal moments in contemporary history. As the first Black photographer to shoot a British Vogue cover in the magazine’s 104-year history, Misan has gained international acclaim for his work documenting social justice movements, including the Black Lives Matter protests, as well as his striking portraits of influential figures like Rhianna, Tom Cruise, Julia Roberts, and Cate Blanchett. Misan’s 2023 short film ‘The After,’ produced by Nicky Bentham (Neon Films), was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. His work has been featured in Vogue, TIME, and The Guardian, solidifying his place as a leading voice in visual storytelling. Beyond his photography, Misan is a passionate advocate for change, using his platform to spotlight issues of inequality and human rights. With a keen eye for emotional depth and cultural significance, he approaches each project with a mission to inspire and provoke thought, creating images that resonate deeply with audiences around the world

🔑 In this conversation, we explore

→ The story behind Shoot the People

→ Growing up Black in elite British schools

→ Trauma, anxiety, and neurodiversity

→ How photography became a tool for change

→ The importance of documenting social movements

→ Colonialism and its lasting impact

→ Media narratives and independent journalism

→ South Africa, global justice movements, and solidarity

→ Fatherhood, family, and healing

→ The role of artists during moments of crisis

→ Why hope and community remain essential

→ How storytelling can preserve truth for future generations

Sponsored by The Karate Attorney (@karateattorney) fighting for justice inside and outside the courtroom. Visit KarateAttorney.com

🎬 Full episode on https://sumudpod.com

📲 Follow @dredhasan | @sumudpod | @misanharriman

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In this episode of the Sumud Podcast, Dr. Ed Hasan sits down with activist and Global Sumud Flotilla Haitham Arafat to discuss his journey from Gaza to becoming a leading voice for justice and humanitarian advocacy. After losing more than 100 family members, Haitham shares the personal tragedies that changed the course of his life, leading him to leave behind a successful career and dedicate himself to raising awareness about the ongoing suffering of civilians. He recounts his experiences aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, the international effort to challenge isolation and deliver aid, as well as the risks, sacrifices, and realities faced by those who participated.

A Palestinian American born in Gaza, Haitham Arafat has lost many members of his family to the Israeli illegal occupation and genocide. Haitham is a cyber security expert that decided to leave professional work and dedicate the rest of his life to stop the genocide and fight for human rights. Haitham has been very active protesting in the USA to expose Zionism and illegal weapon chain of supply to Israel, he joined the Global Sumud Flotilla to deliver humanitarian and medical aid to Gaza. Haitham was kidnapped in international waters and was tortured by Israelis. 

In this conversation, we explore

→ Growing up in Gaza and the experiences that shaped Haitham’s life

→ Losing over 100 family members, grief, and survivor’s guilt

→ Leaving cybersecurity behind to become a full-time activist

→ The meaning of Sumud and the mission of the Global Sumud Flotilla

→ Life at sea, international solidarity, and multiple interceptions

→ Social media, independent reporting, and the importance of bearing witness

→ The humanitarian crisis, grassroots action, and a message of courage and dignity

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 In this episode of the Sumud Podcast, we sit down with comedian, humanitarian, and community organizer Said Durrah for a wide-ranging conversation about identity, service, storytelling, and purpose. Said reflects on growing up Palestinian-American, balancing comedy with humanitarian work, and the experiences that shaped his commitment to serving communities around the world. From fundraising efforts and refugee camp visits to building cultural platforms and launching his new Arab Is Me podcast, he shares personal stories about faith, resilience, representation, and the responsibility of preserving culture through art. The conversation also explores the challenges facing younger generations, the importance of authentic storytelling, mental health, and how creative work can become a vehicle for impact during times of crisis and uncertainty. 

Palestinian by way of Gaza, Syrian by way of Damascus, and American by way of Detroit, Said Durrah has made audiences laugh in ways that transcend borders, languages, and cultures. Said's first performances as a young child were in front of his family, where he’d tell stories and impersonate other family members. It was only a matter of time until Said made his way on to an official comedic stage -- first, at the Comic Strip in NYC in 2010, and since, at famous venues such as the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Hollywood’s Laugh Factory, DC Improv, Caroline's in Times Square and even a performance on Broadway, just to name a few. Thousands have seen his performances live via tours including Allah Made Me Funny, 1001 Laughs Comedy Tour, Funatical Comedy Tour, and performances throughout Palestine including the historic El-Hakawati theater in Jerusalem. Said has also taught comedy workshops for children in the West Bank. Combining his love of comedy with his dedication to humanitarian work, Said has led, supported, and lent his comedic stylings to dozens of fundraising efforts, helping provide millions of dollars in vital aid for people in need around the world. 

In this conversation, we explore

 - Said’s journey from stand-up comedy to humanitarian and advocacy work

 - Fundraising efforts and supporting families affected by conflict and displacement

 - The balance between entertainment, service, and community leadership

 - Why preserving Arab and Palestinian culture matters for future generations

 - The story behind the launch of the Arab Is Me podcast

 - Identity, belonging, and growing up Arab in America

 - The role of comedy in storytelling, healing, and cultural representation

 - Navigating public criticism, activism, and community expectations

 - Mental health conversations within Arab and Muslim communities

 - Why authentic human connection matters more than social media validation

 - Lessons learned from years of community organizing and nonprofit work

 - Supporting young people pursuing creative careers and unconventional paths

 - Said's biggest comedy influences and the future of Arab-American storytelling

Sponsored by The Karate Attorney (@karateattorney) fighting for justice inside and outside the courtroom. Visit KarateAttorney.com

This video is for educational purposes only. It documents personal experience, public encounters, and political dialogue.

🎬 Full episode on https://sumudpod.com

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🎙️ In this episode of the Sumud Podcast, we sit down with Omar Baddar for a wide-ranging conversation on Palestine advocacy, American politics, media strategy, and the art of public debate. Omar shares his thoughts on electoral politics, the challenges facing the Palestinian movement, lessons from debating some of the most prominent pro-Israel voices in the media, and why effective advocacy requires discipline, strategy, and a deep understanding of your audience. He also reflects on movement-building, public opinion shifts on Palestine, and the responsibility of activists navigating a rapidly changing political landscape.

🌍Omar Baddar is a Palestinian American Middle East analyst and a member of the National Policy Council of the DC-based Arab American Institute. He previously served as Communications Director at the Institute for Middle East Understanding, Deputy Director at the Arab American Institute, and Executive Director at the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee of Massachusetts. He wrote his Master's thesis on US policy towards Israel and Palestine. His media appearances include CNN, MSNBC, BBC, Al-Jazeera, Democracy Now, Uncensored with Piers Morgan, and many other outlets, and his writings have appeared in Salon, Newsweek, Huffpost, the Daily Beast, and Jadaliyya, among other platforms.

🔑 In this conversation, we explore

→ Omar Baddar’s journey into advocacy and public debate

→ Strategy, communication, and effective Palestine advocacy

→ Debates, media narratives, and engaging diverse audiences

→ Palestine’s impact on U.S. politics and voting

→ Shifting U.S. opinion on Israel–Palestine

→ Building a movement and driving policy change

→ Lessons and advice for the next generation of advocates

Sponsored by The Karate Attorney (@karateattorney) fighting for justice inside and outside the courtroom. Visit KarateAttorney.com

🎬 Full episode on https://sumudpod.com

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⁠https://www.caa.com/caaspeakers/maysoon-zayid/⁠

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🎙️ In this episode of the Sumud Podcast, we sit down with comedian, actress, author, and activist Maysoon Zayid for a powerful conversation on identity, resilience, representation, and survival. From growing up as a Palestinian Muslim woman with cerebral palsy in New Jersey to breaking barriers in comedy and becoming a leading disability advocate, she reflects on the experiences that shaped her voice. Through humor and sharp social commentary, she discusses Hollywood, stereotypes, discrimination, and the realities facing Arab communities today, and why dignity and truth matter more than ever.

🌍 Maysoon Zayid is a comedian, actress, writer, and disability advocate. She is a graduate of Arizona State University, and a current Georgetown Qatar fellow. She has taught at Princeton University and NYU. Maysoon is the co-founder/co-executive producer of the New York Arab American Comedy Festival and the Muslim Funny Fest. Her Ted Talk, “I Got 99 Problems...Palsy is Just One,” has been translated into 42 languages, and was one of the most popular talks of 2014. As a professional comedian, Maysoon has sold out top New York City clubs and has toured extensively at home and abroad. She was a headliner on the Arabs Gone Wild comedy tour and the Together Live tour. Maysoon has collaborated with Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Famer Dave Matthews, and was a consultant for Disney. Maysoon had a recurring role on General Hospital, has limped in New York Fashion Week, tap-danced on Broadway, and is an ambassador for Huda Beauty. She is the author of the bestselling memoir Find Another Dream and the award-winning Scholastic graphic novel, Shiny Misfits. Learn more at Maysoon.com.

🔑 In this conversation, we explore

- Maysoon’s journey growing up Palestinian, Muslim, and disabled in America

- How comedy became a tool for resistance, healing, and storytelling

- The story behind her viral TED Talk and rise to global attention

- Breaking barriers in Hollywood and the entertainment industry

- The challenges of navigating identity, safety, and public life

- The pressures of assimilation and preserving cultural identity in America

- Why humor can be one of the most powerful forms of truth-telling

Sponsored by The Karate Attorney (@karateattorney) fighting for justice inside and outside the courtroom. Visit KarateAttorney.com

🎬 Full episode on https://sumudpod.com

📲 Follow @dredhasan | @sumudpod | @maysoonzayid

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