In this episode of Tak on the Pod, Andrea sits down with the talented Najla Said, a Lebanese-Palestinian-American actor, playwright, and author whose powerful work in theatre and literature explores themes of identity, belonging, and the complexity of cultural narratives. Known for her groundbreaking solo show Palestine and her memoir Looking for Palestine, Najla opens up about her journey as an artist and the personal and cultural experiences that shaped her voice.

As the daughter of the renowned scholar Edward Said, Najla has inherited a legacy of challenging cultural narratives and redefining the portrayal of Arabs in the West. She reflects on how her father's work, especially Orientalism, influenced her own creative journey and how she seeks to continue the work of breaking down stereotypes and reclaiming Palestinian identity through art.

In our conversation, we dive into the power of storytelling as a tool for empathy and cultural understanding, the role of feminism in her work, and her thoughts on the evolving representation of Arab-American voices in the arts. 

Najla’s insights offer a unique perspective on the intersection of art, identity, and cultural dialogue, reminding us of the importance of reclaiming our stories, connecting across divides, and finding our shared humanity through the arts.

Video version also available on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl8eKDEwecE&list=PL2bJze-gVzTGMT4cRrL6BQdLK7OOtmF7n&index=1&t=1s

Intro Music:
"Castro in the City" from the album "Madinatuna" by Paul Salem.

Learn more about the Foundation:
takreem.org
takreemamerica.org

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• Twitter: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
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In this episode of Tak on the Pod, Andrea sits down with Nadine Chakar, one of the most influential voices in global finance and digital assets innovation. As the Managing Director and Global Head of Digital Assets at DTCC, Nadine has been at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technologies like blockchain and tokenization into the traditional financial system.

We explore how the financial industry is being reimagined - from the rise of tokenized markets to the growing influence of AI in fintech - and what it means to lead responsibly through this next era of transformation. Nadine also reflects on her Lebanese roots, drawing parallels between ancient financial practices and today’s push toward decentralization.

Together, we unpack:

• The future of post-trade infrastructure in a digital asset economy
• The geopolitical and regulatory shifts reshaping global markets
• AI’s potential to disrupt and enhance financial services
• How the Middle East is emerging as a fintech powerhouse
• What legacy financial systems like hawala can teach us about trust and innovation
• Nadine’s leadership lessons from decades at the helm of global change

A visionary with deep conviction, Nadine shares why responsible innovation matters now more than ever - and how we can all prepare for what’s coming next.

Video version available on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfPNLW2GiCU

Intro Music:
"Castro in the City" from the album "Madinatuna" by Paul Salem.

Learn more about the Foundation:
takreem.org
takreemamerica.org

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• Twitter: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
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• Youtube: @takreemfoundation @takreemamerica

In our latest episode of Tak on the Pod, Andrea sits down with Micheline Nader, best-selling author of The Dolphin’s Dance and Leap Beyond Success, healthcare entrepreneur, philanthropist, and leadership visionary. From her roots in Lebanon to reshaping the healthcare landscape in the US and co-founding the Jesra Foundation, Micheline’s journey is a testament to purpose-driven leadership grounded in conscious awareness.

We explore the philosophy behind “dancing with evolution,” the foundational idea of her work, and how her career has been shaped by resilience, purpose, and a desire to empower others. She shares insights from her LEAP framework, practical tools for navigating change, and why the next generation of leaders must integrate emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and ethical clarity - especially in the age of AI.

From the boardroom to the frontlines of philanthropy, Micheline discusses how to lead with intention, stay grounded in times of disruption, and leave a legacy that bridges business success with deep human impact.

Whether you’re a young entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, or someone navigating your own leap of transformation, this conversation is full of wisdom, practical tools, and heart. Tune in now to discover how purpose can shape leadership - and how leadership can shape the world.

Video version available on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rREklq8kN20

Intro Music:
"Castro in the City" from the album "Madinatuna" by Paul Salem.

Learn more about the Foundation:
takreem.org
takreemamerica.org

Follow Us:

• Twitter: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
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• Youtube: @takreemfoundation @takreemamerica

In this episode of Tak on the Pod, Andrea sits down with Nayla Fahed, an educator and social entrepreneur reshaping the future of learning in Lebanon. As the co-founder of Lebanese Alternative Learning (LAL) and the force behind Tabshoura, a groundbreaking digital education platform, Nayla has dedicated her career to making quality education accessible to underserved communities.

We discuss the challenges of integrating technology in education during crises, the impact of digital learning on refugee communities, and how innovation can bridge the gaps in Lebanon’s struggling education system. Nayla shares her journey, the obstacles she’s faced, and why resilience, hope, and adaptability are essential in creating lasting change. 

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on the power of education to transform lives.

Video version available on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci4_PFiX_7M&list=PL2bJze-gVzTGMT4cRrL6BQdLK7OOtmF7n&index=1

Intro Music:
"Castro in the City" from the album "Madinatuna" by Paul Salem.

Learn more about the Foundation:
takreem.org
takreemamerica.org

Follow Us:

• Twitter: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
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• Youtube: @takreemfoundation @takreemamerica

In this episode of Tak on the Pod, Andrea sits down with Mishka Mourani, a writer, educator, and storyteller whose life has been deeply shaped by the history of the Levant. Born in Alexandria and rooted in Beirut, Mishka has lived through war, displacement, and resilience, using writing as a means to reclaim agency in the face of conflict.

We explore the themes of exile without departure, the power of storytelling in preserving identity, and the role of education in times of crisis. Mishka shares her reflections on war, survival, and the enduring spirit of the Levant—where memory, language, and cultural hybridity shape both personal and collective narratives.

Tune in for a powerful conversation on home, loss, and the strength found in words to keep moving forward.

Video version available on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsUnv_zUgOI&list=PL2bJze-gVzTGMT4cRrL6BQdLK7OOtmF7n&index=1

Intro Music:
"Castro in the City" from the album "Madinatuna" by Paul Salem.

Learn more about the Foundation:
takreem.org
takreemamerica.org

Follow Us:

• Twitter: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
• Instagram: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
• Youtube: @takreemfoundation @takreemamerica

In this episode of "Tak on the Pod," Andrea sits down with Noha Hachach, Managing Director of the GCC for Cedars-Sinai and a trailblazer in healthcare innovation and strategy across the Arab world.

We dive into Noha’s journey in transforming healthcare systems, the importance of international collaboration, and how she bridges leadership and impact through both her executive role and NGO work. A dedicated member of the TAKREEM Selection Committee, Noha also shares her passion for empowering women leaders and building a stronger Arab network across borders.

Join us for a powerful conversation on healthcare, leadership, and driving change with purpose.

Video version available on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmClLgLuK1w

Intro Music:
"Castro in the City" from the album "Madinatuna" by Paul Salem.

Learn more about the Foundation:
takreem.org
takreemamerica.org

Follow Us:

• Twitter: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
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• Youtube: @takreemfoundation @takreemamerica

In this episode of "Tak on the Pod", Andrea sits down with Rima Nasser, founder of Selections Magazine, a platform dedicated to showcasing the richness of Arab art, design, and culture. Through Selections and initiatives like Cultural Narratives, Rima has created a space for artists to share their stories, connect with collectors, and gain global recognition.

We explore the power of storytelling in preserving heritage, the challenges and opportunities for Arab artists on the international stage, and how digital publishing is shaping the future of art and culture. 

Join us for an inspiring conversation on the intersection of art, identity, and creative expression.

Video version available on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdU6uR5NkFk&t=3s

Intro Music:
"Castro in the City" from the album "Madinatuna" by Paul Salem.

Learn more about the Foundation:
takreem.org
takreemamerica.org

Follow Us:

• Twitter: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
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• Youtube: @takreemfoundation @takreemamerica

In this episode of "Tak on the Pod," we are joined by Ghada Feghali, an educator, mentor, and advocate for educational reform in Lebanon. With 35 years of experience at the International College of Beirut, she has shaped generations of students as a biology instructor, department chair, and Associate Director at IC Middle School.  

Beyond the classroom, Ghada co-founded MMKN in 2010, an NGO committed to supporting vulnerable students in Lebanese public schools through remedial programs and community engagement. Her work has impacted over 14,000 students and 100+ schools, fostering social responsibility, academic excellence, and leadership among Lebanon’s youth.  

In this conversation, Ghada shares her insights on education reform, the challenges of public schooling, and the power of volunteerism. She also reflects on her journey in mentorship, advocacy, and shaping a brighter future for Lebanon’s next generation.  

Tune in for an inspiring discussion on education, empowerment, and the transformative role of social initiatives in Lebanon!

Video version available on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df7OurDn_Q8&list=PL2bJze-gVzTGMT4cRrL6BQdLK7OOtmF7n&index=1

Intro Music:
"Castro in the City" from the album "Madinatuna" by Paul Salem.

Learn more about the Foundation:
takreem.org
takreemamerica.org

Follow Us:

• Twitter: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
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In this episode of “Tak on the Pod”, we are joined by Omar Itani, an award-winning social entrepreneur and the founder of FabricAID, a pioneering enterprise tackling fabric waste and promoting sustainable fashion solutions across the region.  

Omar’s entrepreneurial journey began with the co-founding of Visio, a waste management company that introduced him to the transformative power of social enterprises in addressing environmental challenges. His passion for sustainability and problem-solving led to the creation of FabricAID, which has grown into a leading force in fabric waste reduction and circular economy practices.  

Throughout our conversation, Omar shares his insights into building FabricAID from the ground up, the challenges of driving social impact through business, and the evolving landscape of sustainable fashion. We also explore his deep appreciation for Arab history, his love for nature, and how Lebanon's diverse landscapes continue to inspire his work and vision.     

Omar’s achievements have been recognized globally, with accolades such as the Global Social Venture Competition (GSVC) in 2018, the Denis Pietton Award by the French Institute,  the Young Champion of the Earth for West Asia by the United Nations in 2019 and Takreem Foundation's Young Entrepreneur Award in 2021.

Join us for an inspiring discussion on sustainability, social impact, and the future of ethical fashion. Don’t miss this episode if you’re passionate about environmental change and innovative business solutions!

Video version available on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGP1__6ALCw

Intro Music:
"Castro in the City" from the album "Madinatuna" by Paul Salem.

Learn more about the Foundation:
takreem.org
takreemamerica.org

Follow Us:

• Twitter: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
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• Youtube: @takreemfoundation @takreemamerica

In this episode of "Tak on the Pod," we are joined by Mona El Hallak, a renowned architect and heritage preservation activist from Beirut. Mona’s work has been pivotal in preserving Lebanon’s architectural and cultural heritage, most notably leading the transformation of the historic Barakat Building into Beit Beirut—a museum of memory and cultural hub. As the Director of the Neighbourhood Initiative at the American University of Beirut, she spearheads urban renewal projects that foster community engagement and sustainability in Ras Beirut.

Throughout our conversation, Mona shares her journey from architecture to activism, the challenges she faced in preserving Beirut's historic landmarks, and the significance of community involvement in urban renewal. We also explore her efforts in transforming public spaces, the importance of heritage in shaping identity, and her vision for a more vibrant and resilient Beirut.

Join us for an inspiring discussion on how one woman’s dedication to heritage preservation is helping to build a brighter future for Beirut. Don’t miss this episode if you’re passionate about architecture, history, or urban renewal!

Sources mentioned:
Beirut 1920-1940 Domestic Architecture Between Tradition and Modernity by Robert Saliba

The Walls of Sana'a (Le mura di Sana'a) by Pier Paolo Pasolini

Video version available on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mO0kIIDh1Z0&list=PL2bJze-gVzTGMT4cRrL6BQdLK7OOtmF7n&index=3

Intro Music:
"Castro in the City" from the album "Madinatuna" by Paul Salem.

Learn more about the Foundation:
takreem.org
takreemamerica.org

Follow Us:

• Twitter: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
• Instagram: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
• Youtube: @takreemfoundation @takreemamerica