Well Rooted

In this episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Palestinian filmmaker Rolla Selbak on the brink of herrr next chapter - preparing to shoot her upcoming film The Visitor in collaboration with Watermelon Pictures.

Rolla reflects on her journey through the film and entertainment industry, from navigating and resisting deeply ingrained stereotypes of Arabs and Muslims to the professional cost of standing firmly with Palestine, including being let go by CAA for refusing to stay silent. We trace her earliest memories of Arab cinema and art, the images and stories that shaped her creative consciousness, and how those roots continue to guide her work today.

This conversation is about redemption through truth - what it means to reclaim one's voice after erasure, to create without apology, and to stand fully in alignment with who you are, even when the industry pushes back. We go deep into the systemic censorship of Palestinian voices, the limits placed on "acceptable" narratives, and the responsibility of artists to humanitarian and political causes in moments of global reckoning.

A powerful, honest dialogue on narrative ownership, creative courage, and what it means to tell our stories on our own terms - no permission required.

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In the first solo episode of the season, Well Rooted begins with a reckoning.

Host Haneen Jarrar introduces this year's guiding theme, narrative sovereignty, and unpacks the critical difference between being represented and truly owning your story. From Arab influencers who profit while upholding the very systems that oppress our communities, to Watermelon Pictures, the Palestinian production house that powerfully models what it looks like to build alternative systems that actually serve us, this episode interrogates who gets visibility, who gets power, and who gets left behind.

The conversation also turns to Hollywood, specifically Ryan Coogler, and what happens when legacy institutions come face to face with narrative ownership they don't control.

This episode sets the foundation for the season ahead and leads directly into next week's first interview of the year with filmmaker Rolla Selbak, where narrative sovereignty moves from theory into lived practice.

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This isn't about optics-it's about power, and we're coming for it.

In this episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Lauren Harb, founder of Harem Modern, to explore the intersection of heritage, craftsmanship, and modern entrepreneurship. Lauren shares how her Palestinian-American identity and her family's deep roots in the textile world inspired her to create a brand centered on luxurious, handcrafted Moroccan rugs made by local artisans. She opens up about the realities of building a values-driven business over the past year—the challenges, the growth, and the moments that reaffirmed her vision. This conversation is a reflection on honoring tradition while creating something distinctly contemporary, and what it truly means to build a brand that's rooted in culture.

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In this week's podcast episode, we sit down with Syrian-American comedian and viral content creator Nasser Al-Rayess—widely known as the "Shawarma King." Nasser opens up about his incredible rise from making comedy sketches online to headlining a global stand-up comedy tour. He shares practical advice for aspiring comedians, creators, and anyone chasing a creative career, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, cultural identity, and staying true to your values.

We also dive into relationship red flags, the real secret behind perfect shawarma, and the behind-the-scenes moments that shaped his comedy journey. Packed with laughs, storytelling, and actionable insight, this episode is a must-listen for fans of stand-up comedy, Middle Eastern creators, and anyone looking for creative inspiration.

To learn more about Nasser's upcoming tour dates, click HERE

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In this re-released episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Shahed Khaddash — a Palestinian-American director and producer whose work is redefining how stories from our communities are told.

With an eye for truth and authenticity, Shahed has collaborated with powerhouse brands like OLAY, Lexus, and Elle Magazine, crafting visual stories that bridge cultures and challenge stereotypes. We explore her groundbreaking approach to storytelling — from her highly anticipated Palestinian docuseries to an upcoming HBO project that's turning heads in the industry.

Shahed opens up about her creative journey, her mission to amplify Palestinian voices, and how film can be used as a radical act of visibility and empowerment.

This episode is a powerful reminder that storytelling isn't just art — it's resistance, representation, and revolution. Don't miss it.

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In this re-release episode of Well Rooted, host Haneen Jarrar sits down with Nael Atweh, founder and president of Grass Fed Music, to dive into the world of music industry innovation and artist development. Known for discovering and nurturing top-tier talent, Nael represents breakout R&B star Sabrina Claudio and DJ Habibeats, a cultural icon shaping today's global music scene.

Nael opens up about his journey in talent management, his passion for developing authentic artists, and the inspiration behind launching Grass Fed Music with his wife and partner Alyce Hayek, who serves as the company's vice president. Together, they've built a powerhouse label redefining what it means to build a sustainable, independent music career.

Tune in to learn how Nael identifies raw talent, creates viral hits, and helps artists thrive in an ever-evolving music landscape — and discover what it really takes to succeed in the modern music business.

Learn more about Grass Fed Music HERE

Watch the full episode on YouTube HERE

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In this powerful and unfiltered episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Alana Hadid — a sustainable fashion icon, model, creative director of Watermelon Pictures, soon-to-be two-time author, activist, and proud member of the prestigious and deeply respected Palestinian Hadid family.

Alana opens up about reclaiming narratives, the inevitable evolution we've all experienced over the past two years, the personal and professional cost of speaking her undeniable truth, and what it means to stay rooted in justice when the world demands silence. We talk about the urgency of decolonizing our minds, why we're done softening our voices to make others comfortable, and the fundamental failures of a school system that prioritizes the suffering of some over global understanding and awareness.

This episode is a love letter to those who refuse to look away — a fierce reminder that there is no liberation without truth. And we're no longer qualifying our statements in the face of fascism.

In this powerful episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Sylwia Nazzal — Palestinian fashion designer, founder of Nazzal Studio, and winner of the Fashion Trust Arabia Debut Talent Award. Sylwia shares the deeply personal journey behind her award-winning senior thesis at Parsons, What Should Have Been Home — a fashion collection that confronts the realities of Palestinian life under occupation through archival imagery and intentional design.

But this story goes far beyond fashion.

Sylwia opens up about the very real obstacles she faced for daring to speak out about Palestine. Despite the immense pressure to stay silent, she chose to stay rooted in her truth. Her courage not only carried her through, but brought her voice — and her work — to the global stage.

This episode is a testament to resilience, creative resistance, and the power of art to challenge narratives, preserve identity, and spark dialogue.

In this powerful episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Marya Khalil-Otto, CEO of VI Peel—the first-of-its-kind, painless chemical peel designed for all skin tones. Originally created by her father, Dr. Khalil, to help treat Marya's acne, VI Peel has grown into one of the most trusted brands in the aesthetics industry.

Marya opens up about stepping into leadership after her father's passing, moving cross-country to LA, and going back to school to become a licensed aesthetician—all to deepen her connection to the brand and its community. We also dive into:

• The science and truth behind acne and skin health

• The evolution of the aesthetics industry and VI Peel's inclusive mission

• How sobriety transformed her life and leadership

• What it really takes to juggle motherhood, personal wellness, and running a thriving company

This is an episode about legacy, healing from the inside out, and choosing growth—personally and professionally.

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In the latest episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Jenan Matari — award-winning author, publicist, activist, and creator — to explore the deeply personal and political themes woven through her upcoming children's book, Everything Grows in Jiddo's Garden.

Jenan shares how reclaiming and preserving her Palestinian heritage shapes her storytelling, and what it means to raise children with a strong connection to their roots — especially in a world that often challenges indigenous and diasporic identities. We discuss the sacred relationship indigenous people have with the land, and how honoring that connection becomes an act of resistance and reclamation.

We also dive into Jenan's groundbreaking work beyond the page: from founding the trailblazing Muslim women's lifestyle platform MISSMUSLIM, to her innovative PR agency ZAYTOUN Publicity, which centers and uplifts native, Arab, and Muslim voices in powerful, authentic ways.

This conversation is a celebration of identity, motherhood, land, and the transformative power of native storytelling in today's dichotomous world.

To Pre-Order "Everything Grows in Jiddo's Garden," click HERE.

To learn more about working with ZAYTOUN Publicity, click HERE.

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