Mariam and Rana discuss and remember the life of the phenomenal Lebanese writer, poet, and artist Gibran Khalil Gibran, and how he became a Lebanese and international icon. They speak about his early childhood, his emigration from Lebanon, his beginnings in art and literature, his bestselling books and the fame as well as his personal … Continue reading Episode 95 – Gibran Khalil Gibran
People
Episode 81 – Fairuz
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
Episode 77 – Graffiti
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
Episode 73 – Lebanese movies
Lebanese movies are recently achieving a growing success and many have been nominated for international awards. These movies are a great way to know more about the local society. In this episode, Rana and Khaled are trying to decide what movie to watch. They suggest different titles and highlight what they like best about each … Continue reading Episode 73 – Lebanese movies
Episode 69 – Ziad Rahbani
Ziad Rahbani, the talented son of Lebanese musical icons Fairouz and Assi Rahbani, grew up to be a composer, playwright, pianist, and political commentator. He directed his first play Sahriyye when he was only 17 years old. In this episode, Rana and Khaled discuss his artistic contributions, as well their favorite songs, plays, and books … Continue reading Episode 69 – Ziad Rahbani
Episode 63 – Sursock Museum
Sursock Museum is one of the most prominent museums in Beirut. It represents an important landmark of the city’s cultural scene. Not only does it have a distinct architecture, but also an impressive interior. In this episode, Rana takes us a journey down memory lane, recounting how the museum evolved from being a beautiful palace … Continue reading Episode 63 – Sursock Museum
Episode 41 – Sounds of the sea
Ain el Mreisseh is an old seafront neighborhood in Beirut. In the last few decades new tall buildings and a thoroughfare along the shore blocked views and sounds of the of sea for most of the neighborhood’s residents. In 2019, a new urban design project created a set of pipes to carry sounds from the … Continue reading Episode 41 – Sounds of the sea
Episode 31 – Sabah
Sabah is one of Lebanon's most iconic singers and movie stars. She is famous for the beauty and power of her voice and her larger than life persona both onscreen and in real life. She grew up in Lebanon and launched her singing and acting career in Egypt but her music reached every corner of … Continue reading Episode 31 – Sabah
Episode 28 – Moussa Castle
When Moussa Abdel Karim Al Maamari was a young boy he had a crush on a girl. She said she was not interested in him because he was poor and she was rich and lived in castle. So, Moussa began daydreaming of building a castle. One day, while in school, Moussa’s teacher got irate at … Continue reading Episode 28 – Moussa Castle
Episode 25 – Hassan Kamel Al Sabbah
Hassan Kamel Al Sabbah was a Lebanese inventor who made significant scientific contributions in the fields of electrical engineering, solar energy, and space technology. He was such a prolific inventor that people called him "Thomas Edison of the East”. He grew up in the Lebanese town of Nabatie. After completing his graduate degree in the … Continue reading Episode 25 – Hassan Kamel Al Sabbah