Society
4.28.2023
Culture, music, society… 4 must-read podcasts to discover the Middle East
As an alternative medium, podcasting has become more and more important in our way of consuming information. Its format, which does not require looking at a screen, allows it to be listened to anywhere, anytime. Since the early 2000s, it has been developing in Europe, the United States, and the Middle East. Culture, society, music… Here is our selection of podcasts to discover the Arab world.
1 – Sarde After Dinner
It is in a Beirut apartment, on the dining room table, that the duo formed by Médéa Azouri and Mouin Jaber receive their guests from all horizons. They have free discussions in Arabic (with English subtitles) on various topics such as history, music, politics, or the economy of Lebanon. A must-listen if you want to better understand this country! This podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, but also on Youtube where the channel has nearly 98 000 subscribers.
2 – The #Diplowomen Podcast
The Issam Fares Institute and the UN Women Arab States organization have launched the Diplowomen podcast. Their objective? To give voice to women who play the role of mediators, negotiators, or ambassadors for peace in the Middle East and North Africa. Hosted by consultant Karma Ekmekji, the podcast is bilingual (Arabic/English) and is available on all listening platforms: Youtube, Spotify, SoundCloud, etc. Among the guests to be found in this program is Roula Khalaf, editor of the Financial Times.
3 – The Beirut Banyan
Known for his famous guided tours of Beirut (the Walk Beirut), Ronnie Chatah launched during the confinement the podcast The Beirut Banyan. A format that allows him to showcase his talent as a storyteller, but also to pass on his precious anecdotes about the Lebanese capital he loves so much. The channel has more than 300 episodes on philosophy, print media, cinema, economy… Ready to travel?
4 – Foukaha
In April 2021, Foukaha (“humor” or “comedy” in Arabic) was born. A humorous and musical talk show launched by the Arab World Institue of Paris and comedian Wary Nichen. During four episodes, artists talk about their identity, their relationship with the Arabic language, and current events. All with a lot of laughter and self-mockery! A format to be found on the Institute’s website and social media platforms.
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