What I Did Next

Last week, I sat down with comedian and actor, Ramy Youssef. On this bonus episode for our members, we talk a bit more about his inspiration, cancel culture and his upcoming work.

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Ramy started out as a stand-up comedian, and is the star of the eponymous hit show, Ramy, which has won Golden Globes and Peabodies, as well as Emmy nominations. He's also the co-creator of Mo with Mo Amer, and can be seen later this year in Poor Things with Emma Stone, William Dafoe and Mark Ruffalo among other big wigs of the industry.

I binged watched all 3 seasons of Ramy and am so happy we are finally seeing a show that potrays the Arab immigrant experience as more than a 2D cliché. The show is part comedy, part drama and part spiritual quest, raising questions and making you keel over laughing at the same time. 

As writer, actor, director and producer of the show, Ramy brings nuance and subtlety to what are, on the surface, extremely difficult issues to broach on US TV and he does so with the one tool that always breaks down prejudices—humour.

We talk about growing up in New Jersey, the show, and whether his life has changed before and after the show's global success.

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• Egypt Fashion Week, May 12-15, 2023: The past, present & future

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This season we've partnered with the Egypt Fashion & Design Council, which is launching the first edition of Egypt Fashion Week from May 12 to May 15. I’m joined on this bonus episode by two of the Council’s co-founders, Paul Antaki & Susan Sabet. We talk about the mission behind the EFDC and what they’re hoping to achieve with the first Egypt Fashion Week.

You can find out more on their website, and also follow Egypt Fashion Week on Instagram and on TikTok.

We're continuing my conversation with architect and heritage conservation specialist, Omniya Abdel Barr. On this bonus episode, we've got a few more details about her projects, and what’s in Omniya’s cultural inbox.

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Omniya is an architect and a specialist in cultural heritage conservation, working between Cairo and London. She has worked on some landmark projects in the region, and now divides her time between the Egyptian Heritage Rescue Foundation (EHRF) in Cairo and the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London. Omniya was also one of four co-curators of the Islamic Art Biennale in Jeddah. 

Omniya talks about the effort that goes into maintaining our historical sites, including raising funds from across the region’s benefactors and institutions. My conversation with Omniya is a reminder that cultural heritage is as important to a nation’s foundation and economy as tangible industries like manufacturing or oil.

As always, we'll have a bonus episode with a few more details about her projects and what's in her cultural inbox. That'll be out next week.

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We're continuing my conversation with businessman, investor, author and commentator, Ali Shihabi. On this bonus episode, we have a bit more about Ali Shihabi's involvement with Arif Naqvi of Abraaj Group fame, his views on building the region's intellectual class, and what's in his cultural inbox.

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I'm joined on this episode by Ali Shihabi. Ali is a businessman, an investor, a scholar, a writer, and a pundit.

A few years ago, Ali left the management of his company, Rasmala Investment Bank, to focus on his passion for writing and commentary. Ali has published two books — Arabian War Games and The Saudi Kingdom — and also writes for outlets like The New York Times, The Atlantic and Foreign Policy.

We dig into his life's pivots, from being at the center of one of the biggest reshuffles in the Saudi banking sector, to becoming an entrepreneur, and how he views the region against the world at large.

We'll have a bonus episode with Ali out next week.

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Last week, I spoke to broadcaster and journalist, Hala Gorani, about her life's pivots and her upcoming book. In addition to our main episode, we also have a members-only bonus episode with each guest where we dig deeper into their careers and the future of their industries.

On this bonus episode with Hala Gorani, she shares the differences she sees between being an anchor and a reporter, the future of journalism and what's in her cultural inbox.

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Welcome to Season 6!

We’re kicking off with a powerhouse broadcaster and journalist, Hala Gorani. Over a career spanning 25 years, Hala has covered natural disasters, wars, elections and interview key global leaders. Last year, Hala took a sabbatical from CNN and is currently working on her first book—a memoir that explores the subject of identity—which will be out in Spring 2024.

We dig into her life’s pivotal moments, growing up in the US and France, how and why she chose to become a journalist, and how she’s working to better understand her multicultural identity in a increasingly complex world.

Links

• Vogue Arabia: Ex-CNN News Anchor Hala Gorani on Taking a Sabbatical Year, and Why the Risk Has Been More Than Worth It

This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets worldwide. Start investing today!

This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

What I Did Next is back with a new season beginning March 6.

On the show, we delve into people’s life journeys from the point of view of twists and turns, shifts and pivots. We’ve all had these moments in our lives that make us stop in our tracks, and course correct. Often we realize the importance of these moments only with hindsight, and this is what forms the underlying current of What I Did Next.

We’ll also have a bonus episode with each guest exclusively for our members. You can subscribe on our website with a free trial, as well as on Apple Podcasts.

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