Sam French is an Oscar-nominated filmmaker and multi-hyphenate creative.

Sam spent five years in Afghanistan, where he directed the Oscar-nominated narrative film “Buzkashi Boys.” His most recent documentary, With This Breath I Fly, is executive-produced by Angelina Jolie and has won over a dozen awards at major film festivals.

Fast forward to today, and like most of us, Sam is adjusting to AI and how we can integrate it into our lives and work.

In this episode, Sam shares how he uses AI to brainstorm and help him research faster so he can spend MORE time with actual people.

Learn why AI can collate knowledge but can't create "sacred space," how Midjourney helps visualise imagination without replacing cinematography, and why documentary ethics matter more than ever.

Bonus: Sam openly shares his concerns about how the convenience of AI may impact learning and encourages people to explore different experiences and gain a depth of knowledge on the subjects we’re most interested in.

This conversation made us think differently about how we’re using AI tools and why.

Other highlights:
Why his company is named after a sector of the Freeside orbital space station in Neuromancer
The go-bag he doesn't pack anymore (but used to in Afghanistan)
Why he switched from ice cream to yogurt and granola
The protein bars situation (ADHD + hangry is real)

If you've been wondering how to use AI tools without losing the essence of your craft, or you're curious what an actual filmmaker with 25 years of experience thinks about all this... this one's for you.
Connect with Sam French:
Website: samfrench.com
Studio: straylightstudios.com

🔗 Connect with our hosts: Malak Atut: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malak-atut/
Reima Shakeir: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reima-shakeir-9205b638/

Follow Yalla Now AI (https://yallanowai.com/)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yallanowai/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yalla-now-ai/
TikTok:

Liked this video? Hit subscribe and turn on notifications. We're breaking down AI into practical, no-nonsense solutions for everyday life.

#AIForCreatives #ChatGPT #ClaudeAI #Midjourney #FilmmakingTools #AIWorkflow #CreativeAI #DocumentaryFilmmaking #YallaNowAI #Storytelling #TheBuzkashipBoys

In this season premiere of YallaNowAI, Malak Atut and Reima Shakeir talk about the first year of YallaNowAI and their journey through AI.

From juggling five different apps to using tools that work while they sleep. This video is an inside look into how multi-hyphenate professionals intentionally navigated the AI boom without becoming beholden to these tools.

What you’ll learn
Why Claude became Reima’s go-to AI tool (and her "garbage in, garbage out" principle that helps guide her)
How Malak uses NotebookLM to help navigate vast amounts of information.
The ethical tensions around IP ownership, free labour, and what we may be trading away in exchange for the convenience of AI
Midjourney and how it can create images that amplify your storytelling.
How AI can help preserve family memories
AI and healthcare data: Are we giving away more than we’re getting?

Whether you're a busy parent, entrepreneur, educator, or just someone trying to make sense of this new AI world we live in, this conversation will help you cut through the noise and build a stack that serves YOUR life.

🔗 Connect with our hosts: Malak Atut: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malak-atut/
Reima Shakeir: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reima-shakeir-9205b638/

Follow Yalla Now AI (https://yallanowai.com/)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yallanowai/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yalla-now-ai/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yallanowai

Liked this video? Hit subscribe and turn on notifications. We're breaking down AI into practical, no-nonsense solutions for everyday life.

#AITools #ClaudeAI #NotebookLM #Midjourney #TechForGood #YallaNowAI #FutureOfWork #AI #AIProductivity

Meet Cheryl Kerr, women's health advocate and industry veteran who's spent decades fighting for the healthcare women actually deserve.
She joins us to explore how AI and technology are finally closing the gaps in women's health, gaps that have left generations without answers, funding, or proper care.

In this episode, we explore:
Why women's health has been sidelined for so long (and what's changing now)
How personal struggles with menstrual health and fertility became the fuel for advocacy
Why information is power: without it, women can't advocate for themselves
The technology revolution in women's health, from genetic testing to AI diagnostics
How AI is bridging the research gap and making healthcare more accessible
How online communities have become lifelines for women's health support
The future of holistic healthcare: addressing physical, mental, and emotional well-being
AI's role in creating an equitable healthcare system that actually works for women

Plus: Cheryl shares the personal experiences that transformed her from patient to advocate, and how that perspective has changed her life.
Whether you're frustrated with being dismissed by doctors, navigating fertility or menstrual health issues, or curious about how technology can finally level the playing field in women's healthcare, this conversation offers both validation and hope.
Join us as Cheryl Kerr, women's health advocate and innovator, reveals how decades of advocacy combined with AI technology are creating the healthcare revolution women have been waiting for.

Connect with our guest: Cheryl Kerr: ​​https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-kerr-5710448/
Connect with us: Malak Atut: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malak-atut/
Reima Shakeir: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reima-shakeir-9205b638/

Follow Yalla Now AI:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yallanowai/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yalla-now-ai/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yallanowai

Key topics: #WomensHealth #HealthcareAdvocacy #FertilityAwareness #MenstrualHealth #HealthTech #WomenEmpowerment #HealthEquity #AIforGood #HealthcareInnovation

About Yalla Now AI:
Real talk about AI in everyday life. We offer practical insights on how AI is changing work, wellness, and everything in between (without the jargon). Subscribe for weekly conversations with innovators who are using AI to solve real human problems.
Subscribe for more conversations on AI, health innovation, and empowerment.

Introducing Julio Zelaya, an educator, entrepreneur, AI expert, and modern-day renaissance man.

He joins us to explore how AI can enhance education, preserve cultural identity, and help us become more human in an increasingly digital world.

In this episode, we explore:
• How growing up in Guatemala shaped a philosophy of blending entrepreneurship with education
• Using AI in education to ignite curiosity
• The secret to student engagement: align learning with passion
• Language and access barriers in AI: why training models in local languages (and context) matters
• Breaking down systemic barriers that keep rural and underserved communities disconnected
• The philosophical shift we need: AI as partner, not replacement
• How to use technology to enhance human capabilities
• Why the human element must stay at the forefront of every technological advancement

Plus: Julio shares how he created Guatemala's first online school, and what that taught him about innovation, access, and the power of curiosity.

Whether you're an educator struggling with AI in the classroom, concerned about technology eroding human connection, or curious about how AI can actually make us more human, this conversation challenges everything you thought you knew.

Join us as Julio Salaya reveals why the future of technology is more about being more human, and not just doing more.

Connect with us:
Malak Atut: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malak-atut/
Reima Shakeir: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reima-shakeir-9205b638

Follow YallaNow AI:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yallanowai/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yalla-now-ai/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yallanowai

Key topics:
#AIinEducation #EdTech #EducationInnovation #AIforGood #GlobalEducation #EntrepreneurialMindset #FutureOfLearning

About YallaNow AI:
Real talk about AI in everyday life. We offer practical insights on how AI is changing work, wellness, and everything in between (without the jargon). Subscribe for weekly conversations with innovators who are using AI to solve real human problems.

AI doesn't have to make us less human; it can help us become more of who we're meant to be. Watch now to discover how.

Subscribe for more conversations on AI, education, humanity, and innovation that actually matter.

Meet Amy Schultz, a multi-hyphenate and actuary-turned-financial coach who's using AI to increase access to financial wellness and remove the shame from conversations about money.

She joins us to explore how AI is transforming the way we think about, talk about, and manage money, especially for women who've been left out of traditional financial guidance.

In this episode, we explore:
How to reduce financial stress and actually improve your savings and investments
The emotional side of money management that nobody talks about
Why financial literacy fails when it ignores your personal reality
How AI removes the intimidation from asking "dumb" money questions
Increasing access to financial wisdom: making expert guidance accessible to everyone
The difference between AI as a tool vs. AI as a replacement for human connection
Personalised financial advice that considers your life

Plus: Amy shares her journey from number-crunching actuary to helping women scale their financial confidence. 

Whether you're stressed about money, tired of generic financial advice that doesn't fit your life, or curious about how AI can help you make smarter financial decisions without the judgment, this conversation offers practical tools to help you on your journey to financial wellness.

Join us as Amy Schultz, financial coach and co-founder, reveals how AI can be your judgment-free money partner, helping you open up, grow, and finally achieve financial security on your terms.

🔗 Connect with our guest: Amy Schultz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyschultzmoneycoach/ 
🔗 Connect with us:
Malak Atut: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malak-atut/ 
Reima Shakeir: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reima-shakeir-9205b638 /

Follow Yalla Now AI:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yallanowai/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yalla-now-ai/ 
TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@yallanowai

Key topics:
#AI #FinancialWellness #MoneyManagement #FinancialCoaching #WomenInFinance #PersonalFinance #AITools #FinancialLiteracy #EmotionalFinance #InvestmentTips

About Yalla Now AI:
Real talk about AI in everyday life. We offer practical insights on how AI is changing work, wellness, and everything in between (without the jargon). Subscribe for weekly conversations with innovators who are using AI to solve real human problems.

Subscribe for more conversations on AI, health innovation, and empowerment.

In this episode of Yalla Now AI, hosts Malak and Reima explore the practical applications of AI in everyday life, focusing on career transitions and personal growth. They are joined by Alex Egeler, a former aerospace engineer turned career coach, who shares his journey of using AI to enhance empathy and leadership skills. 

The conversation delves into the challenges of balancing work and family, the importance of aligning one's career with personal values, and how AI can facilitate these transitions. 

Alex's unique approach to coaching, which includes developing custom AI tools, offers listeners valuable insights into leveraging technology for personal and professional development.

Key takeaways
- AI can simplify everyday life. 
- Career transitions require clarity and courage. 
- Empathy is key in leadership. 
- Aligning work with personal values is crucial. 
- AI tools can aid in personal growth. 
- Risk-taking leads to happiness. 
- Identity shifts are part of change. 
- Coaching can be enhanced with AI. 
- Work-life balance is achievable with AI. 
- Personal growth is a continuous journey.

Connect with our guest: Alex Egeler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-egeler-empathic-egg/ 
Connect with us: Malak Atut: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malak-atut/  
Reima Shakeir: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reima-shakeir-9205b638/ 

Follow YallaNow AI for practical AI insights:

Meet Arunima Agarwal, tech entrepreneur, wellness advocate, founder of Hormonal, and our latest multi-hyphenate.

She joins us to explore how AI is transforming women's healthcare and putting power back in the hands of those who've been dismissed for too long.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why women with hormonal conditions keep getting dismissed (and what to do about it)
• How Aru used ChatGPT to understand her own body when doctors wouldn't listen
• The three tools Hormonal offers: AI coach, personalized pantry, and science hub
• Why nutrition is the missing piece in managing conditions like Hashimoto's and PCOS
• The invisible load women carry
• Where AI should support medical advice (not replace it)
• How to advocate for yourself when the system isn't built for you

Plus: Aru reveals how personal frustration became the catalyst for building something that empowers thousands of women.

Whether you're managing a hormonal condition, tired of being told "just lose weight," or curious about how AI can make healthcare more personal and accessible, this conversation offers practical hope and real tools.

Join us as Arunima Agarwal, founder of Hormonal, shows how technology and empathy can transform the way women understand and care for their bodies.

Connect with our guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aruagarwal/. Try Hormonal beta: www.hormonal.me

Connect with us: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malak-atut/ andhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/reima-shakeir-9205b638/ 

Follow YallaNow AI for practical AI insights: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yallanowai/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yalla-now-ai/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yallanowai

Meet Tameka Vasquez, a renowned futurist, business strategist, professor, speaker, and true multi-hyphenate.

She joins us to explore how AI and technology are transforming the way we live, lead, and understand ourselves.

In this episode, we explore: 
Why we need to design the future, not just stumble into it
The sociological shifts happening right now that most people aren't noticing
How to embrace ambiguity without losing your mind (or your team)
The critical questions leaders should ask before adopting new tech
Balancing technological advancement with actual human flourishing
How to show up as a more present version of yourself in an always-on world

Plus: Tameka shares her journey from introverted child to someone who shapes how we think about tomorrow. 

Whether you're a leader trying to navigate constant change, someone feeling overwhelmed by the pace of tech, or just wondering how to keep your humanity in an increasingly digital world, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective that's both practical and deeply human.

Join us as Tameka Vasquez, renowned futurist, strategist, and Founder of The Future Quo, reveals how to turn ambiguity into your superpower using AI tools.

Connect with our guest:
Tameka Vasquez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamekavasquez/ 

Connect with us:
Malak Atut: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malak-atut/ 
Reima Shakeir: https://www.linkedin.com

What happens when AI can fake your voice well enough to fool your own family?

James Barrood, Founder and CEO of Innovation+, joins us for a no-nonsense conversation about AI's real impact on work, family, and daily life.

In this episode, we look at:
- How AI is reshaping jobs
- The deepfake threat no one's talking about, and the simple "safe word" strategy to protect your family
-Why teaching kids about AI isn't optional anymore
How to use AI tools without losing your critical thinking edge
The hidden biases in AI mental health support
Why human connection matters more than ever

Plus: James reveals why baby wipes are his secret weapon for car emergencies. (Trust us, this makes sense.)

Whether you're worried about job security, concerned about your kids' digital safety, or just trying to figure out which AI tools actually matter, this episode cuts through the noise with real talk and actionable insights.

Connect with our guest:
James Barrood: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesbarrood/

Connect with us:
Malak Atut: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malak-atut-44a760/
Reima Shakeir: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reima-shakeir-9205b638/

Follow YallaNow AI for practical AI insights: Instagram | TikTok