Learn Lebanese Arabic with weekly transcribed podcasts exploring Lebanon and its people | تعلم اللغة العربية باللهجة اللبنانية مع البودكاست الأسبوعي والمكتوب الذي يعرفك على لبنان وشعبه
Malak is a home-based entrepreneur in Lebanon who sells artificial flower arrangements and other handmade home-decorations. In this episode, Malak speaks with her sister, Mariam, about the challenges facing local small businesses during the current financial crisis. Malak explains how she tries to navigate the difficult situation and wonders if the crisis might force her … Continue reading Episode 86 – Small business amid economic upheaval
Longing for change and tired of taking care of her long hair, Racha visits her favorite hair salon for a makeover. She chats with her hairdresser Elie to know more about the latest hair trends and what might look good on her. And like all good makeovers, there is a before and after shot to … Continue reading Episode 85 – Skit: Makeover
On August 4, 2020, a large explosion in the Port of Beirut killed 219 people and damaged a large part of the city. While evidence suggests that many Lebanese politicians knew about the presence of hazardous explosives at the port, a thorough investigation has not yet occured. One year after the blast, Rana and Khaled … Continue reading Episode 84 – One year after the Beirut Port explosion
Due to an unprecedented economic crisis, the medical sector in Lebanon is collapsing. Medications cannot be found, pharmacies continue to go on strikes, and doctors are emigrating. Amid this chaos, patients struggle with inflation, currency devaluation, and lack of basic infrastructure. As Rana is searching for her dad’s hypertension medication, she discusses with Khaled Lebanon’s … Continue reading Episode 83 – Medical crisis
The Lebanese cedar tree has held cultural and economic significance throughout history and is the principal feature of the Lebanese flag. The Barouk forest is one of the largest reserves of cedars in the country. In this episode, Rana and Khaled chat about their hike to Barouk forest, which is located in the Chouf region. … Continue reading Episode 82 – Barouk cedar forest
The Lebanese music icon Fairuz is widely considered as one of the leading vocalists and most renowned singers in the Arab world. Just like many others in Lebanon, Khaled and Rana are two of her adoring fans. In this episode, the two friends discuss different aspects of Fairuz’s life and career, including her musical collaborations, … Continue reading Episode 81 – Fairuz
Mariam is considering emigrating from Lebanon not because of the economic crisis in the country but rather to spare her foreign husband and potential future children from Lebanon's discriminatory citizenship laws. Lebanese men can pass on Lebanese citizenship to their spouses and children. However, this right is not extended to Lebanese women. In this episode, … Continue reading Episode 80 – Discriminatory citizenship laws
When Khaled is not sure what he should get Hala for her birthday, Rana suggests an unusual gift; traditional Lebanese soap. At first he questions if it is a good idea, but Rana reassures his doubts. Their conversation about Lebanese soap extends from its history to its applications and commercial revamps. Mainly made of olive … Continue reading Episode 79 – Traditional hand soap
Two flatmates, Rana and Dalia, are inviting some friends over for dinner. They are discussing what food to prepare. They will be a big group so the two need to plan what dishes to make and take into consideration their friends' tastes and dietary restrictions. Once they agree, they will need to go to the … Continue reading Episode 78 – Skit: Dinner Party Planning
Graffiti art has witnessed a renaissance in Lebanon in the past several years. New colorful works of street art celebrate the country’s resilience and shed light on its social and political challenges. In this episode, Rana and Khaled discuss their views on this art, explore influences on modern Lebanese graffiti, and share their favorite local … Continue reading Episode 77 – Graffiti