In this episode of The Seeds, Mona Chalabi—Pulitzer Prize–winning data journalist and artist—joins host Alana Hadid for a warm, funny, and deeply reflective conversation about childhood, being Iraqi, how journalists manufacture consent for genocide, and data in dating. Plus Mona gets Melissa Barrera's seed!

Chapters:
00:00 – Intros, and Who’s More Awkward?
00:22 – Skip Intro
00:38 – Childhood Memories
02:14 – Pulling a Seed
03:37 – Mona's Life Purpose
05:08 – Going into Journalism
09:14 – Being Iraqi
13:11 – School Experiences and Cultural Identity
26:14 – Career Choices and Disillusionment
32:50 – Art, and Data Journalism
34:21 – Speed Round
35:30 – Unhinged Childhood Beliefs
36:42 – Fascinating Statistics
37:01 – Dating and Data!
40:40 – Astrology vs. Data Journalism
42:43 – Real Housewives Tagline
44:14 – Nostalgic Arab Snacks
47:53 – Animation and Representation
53:51 – Pulitzer Prize Speech & Why Iraqi's Deserve and Apology
01:10:42 – Credits

Follow the Show:
📸 Instagram: @theseedsfm
🎥 Presented by Watermelon Pictures
🎙️ Produced by Dustlight Productions

Follow Alana Hadid:
IG: @lanzybear

Follow Mona Chalabi:
IG: @monachalabi

Credits:
Host – Alana Hadid
Showrunner & Executive Producer – Misha Euceph
Executive Producers – Badie Ali, Hamza Ali
Associate Producer – Munir Atalla
Producer & Researcher – Sarah Moawad
Editor, DP, & Sound Engineer – Mike O’Brien
Consulting Director – Mahnoor Euceph
Production Designer – Kendra Bradanini
Art Assistant – Noor Salim
Design – Alicia Tatone
Composer – Andy Clausen
Colorist – Chehade Boulos
Tech – Randy Burgess
Marketing – Kristina Ferris & Daniela Sapkar
Special thanks: Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin Henry

Tags:
#TheSeeds #MonaChalabi #AlanaHadid #Iraq #IraqWar #Gaza #Palestine #War #Journalism #ManufacturingConsent #Dating #ArabVoices #PulitzerPrize #DataJournalism ##StorytellingPodcast #Identity #DustlightProductions #WatermelonPictures

In this soul-stirring episode of The Seeds, poet and activist Aja Monet sits down with host, Alana Hadid, to talk about the cost of being online, bearing witness to injustice, and how poetry and faith can heal us.

From the overwhelm of social media to solidarity with Palestine, Aja opens up about her upbringing, the legacy of her grandparents, and the journey of becoming a poet rooted in resistance, tenderness, and truth. She even shares a live reading of her poem, Los Angeles.

Chapters:
00:00 – The Overwhelm of Social Media
00:22 SKIP INTRO
00:54 – Offline Community
01:15 – Harnessing Social Media for Activism
03:09 – Telling Stories About Palestine
19:04 – Aja's Story & Inspirations
22:00 – The Journey of a Poet
37:07 – The Role of Faith
38:57 – Aja & Alana's Religious Upbringing
42:35 – The Influence of Grandparents
46:39 – Personal and Political Realities of War
52:25 – The Role of Poetry in Activism
58:01 –  (Live Reading)
01:01:54 – Reflections on Compassion
01:07:47 – Knafeh & Goodbye

Follow the Show:
📺New episodes every Tuesday
🎧 Available on YouTube, Apple, Spotify & all podcast platforms
📸 Instagram: @theseedspod
🎥 Presented by Watermelon Pictures
🎙️ Produced by Dustlight Productions

Follow Alana Hadid:
IG: @lanzybear

Follow Aja Monet:
IG: @ajamonet

Credits:
Host – Alana Hadid
Showrunner & Executive Producer – Misha Euceph
Executive Producers – Badie Ali, Hamza Ali
Associate Producer – Munir Atalla
Producer & Researcher – Sarah Moawad
Editor, DP, & Sound Engineer – Mike O’Brien
Consulting Director – Mahnoor Euceph
Production Designer – Kendra Bradanini
Art Assistant – Noor Salim
Design – Alicia Tatone
Composer – Andy Clausen
Colorist – Chehade Boulos
Tech – Randy Burgess
Marketing – Kristina Ferris & Daniela Sapkar
Special thanks: Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin Henry

#TheSeeds #AjaMonet #AlanaHadid #PalestinianSolidarity #Poetry #Activism #Faith #religion #SocialMedia #burnout #BlackPoets #poetsofinstagram #Storytelling #DustlightProductions #watermelonpictures #gaza #palestine

Why does Kendrick Sampson have beef with Leos? (We get into that… but this conversation goes way deeper.) Actor, activist, and creative force Kendrick Sampson (Insecure, Miss Juneteenth) joins host, Alana Hadid, for a bold and honest conversation about power, identity, and the lies we've been sold about success. He opens up about growing up as a misfit in Texas, the influence of his radical collaborations with Boots Riley, and how spirituality and community shape everything he does — on screen and off. This episode is about building systems that serve people instead of profits, connecting back to nature, and telling stories that actually shift culture.

Chapters:

00:00 Why does Kendrick hate Leos?

00:22 SKIP INTRO

02:31 Who is Kendrick Sampson?

03:28 Childhood and Being a Misfit

09:22 Boots Riley and Creative Collabs

13:42 Kendrick’s Seed

16:26 Reflections on American Delusion

19:27 Family History and Identity

29:12 Community

30:54 Spirituality and Connection to Nature

31:45 Building Power Through Story

32:13 Basic Human Needs and Economy

32:46 Technology and Systemic Barriers

34:07 Understanding True Power

40:03 Mental Health and Vulnerability

45:53 Speed Round

56:25 Knafeh and Final Thoughts

*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Dustlight Productions, Watermelon Pictures, or any of their affiliates, employees, officers, or representatives. These companies do not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made during the podcast.

Follow the Show:
📸 Instagram: @theseedsfm
🎥 Presented by Watermelon Pictures
🎙️ Produced by Dustlight Productions

Follow Alana Hadid:
 IG: @lanzybear
 TikTok: @alanahadid

Follow Kendrick Sampson:
 IG: @kendrick38

Credits:
Host – Alana Hadid
Showrunner & Executive Producer – Misha Euceph
Executive Producers – Badie Ali, Hamza Ali
Associate Producer – Munir Atalla
Producer & Researcher – Sarah Moawad
Editor, DP, & Sound Engineer – Mike O’Brien
Intro Sequence Director – Mahnoor Euceph
Production Designer – Kendra Bradanini
Art Assistant – Noor Salim
Design – Alicia Tatone
Composer – Andy Clausen
Intro Colorist – Chehade Boulos
Tech – Randy Burgess
Marketing – Kristina Ferris & Daniela Sapkar
Special thanks: Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin Henry.

 #TheSeeds #KendrickSampson #AlanaHadid #Masculinity #MentalHealth #SlowLiving #BlackCulture #Palestine #Gaza #Texas #Insecure #HBO #IssaRae #BootsRiley #ImAVirgo #Art #Acting #Activism #Power #Community #Nature #Neighbors #Technology #Isolation #Loneliness #Convenience

Host Alana Hadid talks to actress, Melissa Barrera, about the actress’s life purpose and her inspiring journey — from growing up as a tomboy in Monterrey, Mexico, to breaking barriers in Hollywood as a leading Latina actress to speaking about Palestine. In this episode, Melissa opens up about her identity, her rituals, and the ghosts (metaphorical and possibly literal 👀) that she’s carried with her through life and into every role. From In the Heights to Scream, she’s more than a breakout star — Melissa’s redefining what representation looks like on screen.

Chapters:
00:00 Growing up with motorcycles
00:22 SKIP INTRO
01:15 Melissa: A Tomboy
03:07 From Tomboy to Limited Too
05:41 Bilingual Upbringing
10:29 Who is Melissa Barrera?
17:00 Rituals and Daily Habits
22:47 Journey in the Entertainment Industry
34:39 Reflecting on a Vida
35:05 Championing Latin Representation
36:31 Navigating Hollywood's Limitations
38:00 Breaking Stereotypes in Casting
39:17 Embracing the Horror Genre
42:04 Melissa's Superstitions
44:01 Advocating for Palestine
47:29 Angel Cards
52:11 Speed Round
01:09:25 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Dustlight Productions, Watermelon Pictures, or any of their affiliates, employees, officers, or representatives. These companies do not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made during the podcast.

Follow the Show:
 📸 Instagram: @theseedsfm
 🎥 Presented by Watermelon Pictures
 🎙️ Produced by Dustlight Productions

Follow Alana Hadid:
 IG: @lanzybear
 TikTok: @alanahadid

Follow Melissa Barrera:
 IG: @melissabarreram

Credits:
Host – Alana Hadid
Showrunner & Executive Producer – Misha Euceph
Executive Producers – Badie Ali, Hamza Ali
Associate Producer – Munir Atalla
Producer & Researcher – Sarah Moawad
Editor, DP, & Sound Engineer – Mike O’Brien
Intro Sequence Director – Mahnoor Euceph
Production Designer – Kendra Bradanini
Art Assistant – Noor Salim
Design – Alicia Tatone
Composer – Andy Clausen
Intro Colorist – Chehade Boulos
Tech – Randy Burgess
Marketing – Kristina Ferris & Daniela Sapkar
Special thanks: Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin Henry.

#TheSeeds #MelissaBarrera #AlanaHadid #Scream #IntheHeights #Latino #Latina #Latinidad #Latinx #LatinAmerican #Mexican #Spanish #Motorcycles #Acting #Celebrity #Hollywood #Gaza #Palestine #Representation

In this episode, host Alana Hadid sit down with Hasan Piker — political streamer, political commentator, and king of thirst traps — to talk about the day-to-day behind streaming, dodging online death threats, and the role of luck in life. From his early days working in Hollywood to becoming one of the internet’s most-watched political voices, Hasan shares unfiltered stories about burnout, fighting with Donald Trump and Elon Musk, and that one time he accidentally created chaos on stream with a wild slip-up. Plus, a surprise arm wrestling contest. 

Chapters:

00:00 Discovering a Shared Past

00:22 SKIP INTRO

00:58 Life as a Club Promoter

02:38 Academic Pursuits and Cultural Insights

03:06 Arm Wrestling Challenge

05:29 A Day in the Life of a Streamer

09:47 Balancing Work and Social Life

15:28 Speed Round: Quick Questions

22:23 Unexpected Follower Drama

22:41 Favorite Conspiracy Theories

24:24 Constitutional Amendments and Enforcing Laws

25:31 Embarrassing Stream Moments

26:33 Audience Demographics and Influences

28:44 Death Threats and Online Harassment

32:25 Socialism and Wealth Misconceptions

39:24 Future Goals and Personal Life

41:21 Tasting Palestinian Knafeh

47:48 Final Thoughts and Farewell

*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Dustlight Productions, Watermelon Pictures, or any of their affiliates, employees, officers, or representatives. These companies do not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made during the podcast.

Follow the Show:
📸 Instagram: @theseedsfm
🎥 Presented by Watermelon Pictures
🎙️ Produced by Dustlight Productions

Follow Alana Hadid:
 IG: @lanzybear
 TikTok: @alanahadid

Follow Hasan Piker:
 IG: @hasandpiker

Credits:
Host – Alana Hadid
Showrunner & Executive Producer – Misha Euceph
Executive Producers – Badie Ali, Hamza Ali
Associate Producer – Munir Atalla
Producer & Researcher – Sarah Moawad
Editor, DP, & Sound Engineer – Mike O’Brien
Intro Sequence Director – Mahnoor Euceph
Production Designer – Kendra Bradanini
Art Assistant – Noor Salim
Design – Alicia Tatone
Composer – Andy Clausen
Intro Colorist – Chehade Boulos
Tech – Randy Burgess
Marketing – Kristina Ferris & Daniela Sapkar
Special thanks: Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin Henry.

#TheSeeds #HasanPiker #AlanaHadid #Twitch #Streaming #Socialism #Communism #Politics #DonaldTrump #ElonMusk #Palestine #Gaza #Israel #Turkish #YoungTurks #ThirstTraps #WorkingOut

In the very first episode of The Seeds, host Alana Hadid sits down with Poppy Liu (they/she) — actor, doula, and activist — to talk about ancestry, speaking out for Gaza, postpartum rituals, immigration and motherhood.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Poppy
• 00:22 SKIP INTRO
• 00:36 The Chicken Saga Begins
• 01:15 Sitting the Month Tradition
• 02:32 Chicken Trauma and Survival
• 06:35 Citizen App and Archery
• 08:56 Poppy's Identity and Self-Description
• 11:00 Childhood and Cultural Transitions
• 15:43 Diaspora and Longing for Homeland
• 23:52 Palestine and Political Awakening
• 28:12 The Hypocrisy of Selective Activism
• 29:55 Motherhood and Activism
• 31:46 Family and Political Alignment
• 34:13 Becoming a Doula
• 36:42 Speed Round
• 45:30 Chicken Farming Adventures
• 48:57 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Follow the Show

📸 Instagram: @theseedsfm
🎥 Presented by Watermelon Pictures - www.watermelonpictures.com
🎙️ Produced by Dustlight Productions - https://dustlight.co

Follow Alana Hadid

• IG: @lanzybear
• TikTok: @alanahadid

Follow Poppy Liu

• IG: @poppyliu

Credits

• Host – Alana Hadid
• Showrunner & Executive Producer – Misha Euceph
• Executive Producers – Badie Ali, Hamza Ali
• Associate Producer – Munir Atalla
• Producer & Researcher – Sarah Moawad
• Editor, DP, & Sound Engineer – Mike O’Brien
• Intro Sequence Director – Mahnoor Euceph
• Production Designer – Kendra Bradanini
• Art Assistant – Noor Salim
• Design – Alicia Tatone
• Composer – Andy Clausen
• Intro Colorist – Chehade Boulos
• Marketing – Kristina Ferris & Daniela Sapkar 

Special thanks: Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin Henry.

Disclaimer

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Dustlight Productions, Watermelon Pictures, or any of their affiliates, employees, officers, or representatives. These companies do not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made during the podcast.

Every story starts with a seed.

Alana Hadid is on a mission to dig into the tiny, weird, wonderful moments that shape us — one lighthearted, vulnerable, and deep conversation at a time.

The Seeds is where artists, activists, and icons open up like you’ve never heard them before.

This season, Alana (IG) sits down with:

• Hasan Piker (IG | YouTube)
• Mona Chalabi (IG) 
• Aja Monet (IG) 
• Kendrick Sampson (IG) 
• Melissa Barrera (IG)
• Poppy Liu (IG)

We get into childhood memories, big feels, late-night thoughts, early crushes, politics, love, art — the real stuff. So pull up a seat.

🎧 New episodes every Tuesday, starting June 4

 Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

––––––––––––––––

Presented by

Watermelon Pictures → @watermelonpictures | watermelonpictures.com

Produced by

Dustlight Productions → @dustlight_co | dustlight.co
––––––––––––––––

Credits

• Host – Alana Hadid
• Showrunner & Executive Producer – Misha Euceph (IG, Tik Tok)
• Executive Producers – Badie Ali, Hamza Ali
• Associate Producer - Munir Atalla
• Producer & Researcher – Sarah Moawad
• Editor, DP, & Sound Engineer – Mike O’Brien
• Consulting Director, Intro Sequence – Mahnoor Euceph
• Production Designer – Kendra Bradanini
• Art Assistant – Noor Salim
• Branding & Design – Alicia Tatone
• Composer – Andy Clausen
• Intro Sequence Colorist – Chehade Boulos
• PR & Marketing – Kristina Ferris & Daniela Sapkar

Special thanks to Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin Henry.