Best Queer Arabs Podcasts (2025)

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Identity, Seeking Refuge & Changing UK Law: Saif Ahmed 53:03

Play Pause

6d ago53:03

53:03

In this episode, Saif Ahmed shares his story of growing up as a gay, Arab, Muslim man — and how he went from fleeing Iraq as a child to helping shape the UK’s Equality Act. Saif talks honestly about leaving Iraq during the war, spending his childhood in Dubai, coming to the UK as a teenager, and trying to work out who he was in a culture that didn’…

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Aaron Abreu on Coming Out, Cultural Values and Career Resilience: The Leadership Journey of a Filipino, Gay, Pastor's Son 40:29

11d ago40:29

40:29

In this episode, Shanti sits down with Aaron Abreu (he/him), a Filipino gay man and pastor’s son, for an honest conversation about identity, resilience and navigating career success on your own terms. Aaron shares the emotionally complex experience of coming out in a deeply religious household, the cultural shifts he faced after immigrating to the …

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211. Four Letter Words: -gate 37:03

13d ago37:03

37:03

The other day was the 53rd anniversary of the break-in at the Watergate Hotel, which not only caused a lot of political uproar, it had a big linguistic legacy: the suffix -gate to mean a scandal. Today, as part of Four Letter Word season, we have a list of -gates - royal, sporting, political, food, showbiz - it's a non-exhaustive list because there…

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IVF, Meet Cute & Resolving Arguments: Taylor & Jeff 1:06:11

13d ago1:06:11

1:06:11

In this episode, we’re joined by Taylor and Jeff—the charismatic couple behind one of the internet’s most loved LGBTQ+ love stories. From DM slides and Halloween run-ins to IVF, visibility and making a home in NYC, this conversation is full of warmth, honesty and hard-earned wisdom. We dive into coming out in small-town America, redefining masculin…

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Jewish Spiritual Ecology & the Wisdom of Andalus for Our Times with Katie Wachsberger 53:52

18d ago53:52

53:52

As an agricultural designer and practicing Jew, Katie Wachsberger speaks through the lens of ecology on rewilding Judaism, liberatory multi-religiosity, and a fundamental rupture caused by colonization. Katie shares about the retreat she organized in Al Andalus called Decolonizing Judaism and shows how our relationship to land serves as a mirror to…

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Lisa Hurley Creates Spaces to Exhale: A Black, Neurodivergent Woman’s Path from Burnout to Breakthrough 45:00

25d ago45:00

45:00

In this episode, Shanti welcomes Lisa Hurley (she/her), a Black, Caribbean-born woman in her mid-50s with autism and ADHD — who shares her journey as an award-winning activist, writer, podcaster and community builder. Lisa powerfully describes a shocking discriminatory incident on a bus that reveals not only the harm of overt racism, but also the q…

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Being Mixed Race, Unpacking Identity & Queerness: BBC’s I Kissed a Boy 50:46

27d ago50:46

50:46

In this vibrant and deeply personal episode, we’re joined by stars from I Kissed a Boy—Callum, Jack S, and Ruben—for a raw, hilarious, and heartfelt conversation about life before, during, and after the show. From Black barbers and messy sleepovers to discovering queer brotherhood and confronting racism growing up, nothing is off limits. We dive in…

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210. Four Letter Words: 4x4x4 Quiz 24:02

29d ago24:02

24:02

Four Letter Word season continues with a quiz (which is a four-letter word itself) about four letter words. Test your etymological knowledge, and hear about the original nepo baby, John Venn's invention that wasn't the venn diagram, brat, gunk, rube, the time(s) Led Zeppelin changed their name, and plenty more. Play along while you listen - there's…

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Asexuality, Domestic Trauma & Palestine: Aryam 54:45

1M ago54:45

54:45

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Aryam Marafi, a survivor, storyteller, and Kuwaiti refugee who opens up Asexuality, domestic violence, and sexual trauma. From seeking refuge and safety abroad, their journey is one of resilience, pain, and reclaiming identity. We talk about the impact of abuse within family systems, escaping a violent hom…

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More Wisdom from Rondavid Gold (aka Shanti’s Dad): A Grateful Ad Man’s Journey and How Vietnam Changed Everything 45:28

1M ago45:28

45:28

In this episode, Shanti welcomes back her Dad, Rondavid Gold (he/him), as her first repeat guest. The conversation delves into new stories and layers, including the chaotic promotional advertising event that could have derailed his career (but didn’t), the engagement he walked away from (and the draft notice that followed), his struggles as a new A…

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Flamboyance, Gender Fluidity & Fetishisation: Tyreece 58:42

1M ago58:42

58:42

In this episode, we sit down with performer, creator and unapologetic queer icon Tyreece. From go-go dancing in Heaven at 18 to navigating identity as a gender fluid, mixed-race powerhouse—this conversation is loud, proud and unfiltered. We talk about being “too gay” for straight people, growing up between cultures, coming out journey, and finding …

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209. Four Letter Words: Serving C-bomb 50:39

1M ago50:39

50:39

Ten years ago, on the fourth episode of the show, I investigated why the C-word is considered a worse swear than the others. Since then - well really just in the last three years or so - there has been a huge development: the word has hit the mainstream as a compliment, in the forms of serving it and -y. Linguists Nicole Holliday and Kelly Elizabet…

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Stories of Return: Identity & Displacement with Layla Maghribi 1:25:55

2M ago1:25:55

1:25:55

In this episode, Layla Maghribi shares personal stories of ancestral pilgrimage to Libya and Syria. She traces her family history of activism against colonialism, which she continues through her own work, and highlights the critical history of Italian colonialism in Libya that is so often overlooked. In conversation with Hadar Cohen, Layla explores…

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Sheer Mag on Signing to Jack White's Record Label, Creed Stealing Their Logo, and Their Bad Pitchfork Review 1:43:52

2M ago1:43:52

1:43:52

We spoke to Sheer Mag from Philadelphia about scenes around the world including: * Tina stealing Dan Deacon’s glasses * Crazy Spirit beating up a member of their old band on New Year’s Day * The twisted legacy of Mummer’s Day * The South Philly DIY venue/house where they lived, Nut House * Pitchfork’s 6.7 review of Playing Favorites * Irish car bom…

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Trans, Muslim, Pakistani & PROUD! 49:26

2M ago49:26

49:26

In this episode, we sit down with Britain’s first out Muslim drag queen and transgender activist Asifa Lahore. From transitioning on the NHS to navigating faith, family, identity and the queer scene as a South Asian woman—this conversation is raw, eye-opening and deeply human. We talk about losing male privilege, finding gender euphoria on a motorb…

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208. Four Letter Words: Ffff 44:13

2M ago44:13

44:13

Welcome to Four Letter Word season! We're kicking off with one of the most versatile words: it can be a noun, verb, punctuation, expostulation, full sentence on its own; it can be an intensifier, an insult and a compliment... and a Category A swear, which is why I've had to sanitise it for the title lest your pod app takes exception. And of course,…

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Queering Leadership with Liz Cruz: Accessing Our Humanity and Disrupting the Status Quo 45:03

2M ago45:03

45:03

In this episode, Shanti interviews Liz Cruz (they/them/she/her), a genderqueer, femme, healer, witch, white anti-racist and critic of capitalism. Liz talks about factors that played into her career, including her relentless work ethic - rooted in growing up in an entrepreneurial family - as well as the divide between her vibrant queer community lif…

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Made in Chelsea, Sobriety & Coming out: Kabir Khurana 48:02

2M ago48:02

48:02

🌟 Kabir on Made in Chelsea, Queer Identity & Life Beyond the Screen 🎬✨ In this episode, we sit down with Made in Chelsea’s Kabir to talk about everything from reality TV and representation to sobriety, dating as a queer person of colour, and finding purpose after pain. It’s raw, it’s real—and it’s seriously empowering. 🎥 How Kabir Got on Made in Ch…

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Body Hair, IBS Journey & A little Moan... 22:52

2M ago22:52

22:52

🧔🏽‍♂️ Body Hair, Bias & Bloating – Let’s Talk About It! In this episode, we go there — from body hair politics to bloated tummies and invasive procedures. What does it mean to be hairy and brown in a world that prefers smooth and white? While we also dive into Faris's IBS journey! 👀 Hair & Race – Why being hairy hits different when you’re South Asi…

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Leila Sawan’s Remarkable Journey as a Trans Arab Refugee - and Her Dedication to Making the Path Easier for Others 35:18

2M ago35:18

35:18

In this conversation, Shanti interviews Leila Sawan (she/her), a trans Arab refugee and activist. Despite being highly qualified, Leila was repeatedly passed over for roles early in her career due to her intersectionality - leading her to take exploitative jobs simply to survive. She reveals the struggles trans individuals face in some countries to…

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Colonialism, Queer Travel & Allyship Fails: Aisha Shaibu Lenoir 58:24

2M ago58:24

58:24

🌍 Aisha on Queer Travel, Colonialism & Building Safe Spaces 🏳️‍🌈 In this episode, we’re joined by Aisha to unpack identity, activism, and what it really means to move through the world as a Black queer woman. From reclaiming queer history to building inclusive spaces like The Common Press, this conversation is honest, powerful — and full of heart. …

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The Queer Arab Debate, Cultural Imperialism & Boycotting: DEAD SEA SPECIAL! 31:41

3M ago31:41

31:41

🌊 Gay in Jordan: Culture, Boycotts & The Truth About Queer Life in the Middle East 🧳 In this on-location episode, we're coming to you live(ish) from the Dead Sea in Jordan, with coffee, shisha, and some serious conversation. We’re diving deep into what it’s really like to be gay in the Middle East—and why Western perspectives don’t always get it ri…

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Sharon Hurley Hall: a Black Citizen of the World Shares Insights on Anti-Racism and Honoring the Humanity in Others 40:30

3M ago40:30

40:30

In this episode, Sharon Hurley Hall (she/her) - a Black, British-born, Caribbean-Raised woman - shares stories about her own experiences with racism living in different parts of the world. She discusses her journey over time to unpack the hurt and find the words to speak about it with power and impact. Sharon chooses to not allow anger and pain to …

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Filmmaker / Activist Nick Beaulieu Finds Hope and Beauty in the Difficult Search for Racial and Political Common Ground 40:40

3M ago40:40

40:40

In this conversation, filmmaker Nick Beaulieu (he/him) discusses his documentary “My Omaha,” and his decade-plus journey to understand the “tale of two cities” - the clear racial inequity he sees in Omaha versus a city presenting itself as a great place to live. The discussion centers around mounting frictions in Nick’s relationship with his father…

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Live From the Palestinian Land Day 2025 Protest in New York City 49:51

3M ago49:51

49:51

On March 30, 2025, a few thousand New Yorkers marched from Union Square to Times Square. We spoke with organizers from the People's Forum, Palestinian Youth Movement, Jewish Voice for Peace and other participants in the streets of New York City. Topics included: 1. The Meaning of Land Day 2. Israel Breaking the Ceasefire 3. Mahmoud Khalil 4. Donald…

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HIV, PrEP & Chemsex: Dan Harry 1:01:45

3M ago1:01:45

1:01:45

🌈 Dan Harry on Chemsex, HIV Stigma & The Truth About ‘I Kissed a Boy’ 💋 In this episode, we’re joined by Dan Harry from I Kissed a Boy to dive into some of the biggest (and most taboo) conversations in the LGBTQ+ community. From his BBC documentary PreP, HIV & Me to the realities of chemsex, we break it all down—while still finding time for laughs …

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Atlantis, LGBT In the Middle East & ‘fake’ Dubai 26:09

3M ago26:09

26:09

🌍 Exploring Dubai: Stereotypes, LGBTQ+ Life & The New Middle East Culture 🇦🇪 In this episode, we’re recording straight from Atlantis, Dubai—because why not? We dive into the stereotypes surrounding Dubai, its real culture beyond the glitz, and what it’s really like being LGBTQ+ in the Middle East. 🏙️ Is Dubai Fake? – People love to call Dubai artif…

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An Asian Immigrant’s Journey: Sandy Kusano Joyfully Reclaims Her Story, Trading Her Dream Job For Her Dream Life 42:32

4M ago42:32

42:32

In this conversation, Sandy Kusano (she/her) shares her journey as an Asian immigrant and third-culture kid. Sandy discusses the challenges of assimilation and navigating conflicting East/West cultural expectations. She shares how her efforts to fit and feel safe in various contexts - whether at home, work, or in social settings - lead her to uncon…

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Indigo Avisov’s Roadmap to Impact: Building Self-Trust, Celebrating Small Steps and Creating Courageously 37:01

4M ago37:01

37:01

In this episode, Shanti sits down with Indigo Avisov (they/them) - a white, trans, non-binary, first-generation college student of Slavic lineage whose family came to the US after being in POW camps during WWII. Indigo shares personal stories about the ways in which the cross-section of influences in their life shape their deep spirituality and und…

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Traitors, Gay Adoption & Cowboy Carter: Miles Asteri 1:05:54

4M ago1:05:54

1:05:54

In this episode, we’re joined by the incredible Miles Asteri for an open and heartfelt conversation about reality TV, navigating identity, and the emotional weight of adoption and fatherhood. 🎭 TRAITORS – Miles opens up about his time on The Traitors, the challenges of playing the game, and the pressure of public perception. 👨‍👦 Adoption & Fatherho…

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Coming out, Stereotypes & Becoming besties: Lordin 1:09:44

4M ago1:09:44

1:09:44

In this episode, we're joined by the incredibly talented Lordin for an open and inspiring conversation about breaking stereotypes in the music industry, being an independent queer artist, and navigating identity through music. 🎶 Breaking into the Music Industry – Lordin shares the realities of working without industry support, building a career fro…

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Rondavid Gold (aka Shanti’s Dad) Returns from Vietnam With an Unshakable Belief in Fate - A Story of Optimism, Presence and Gratitude 44:25

5M ago44:25

44:25

In this episode, Shanti gratefully chats with her Dad, Rondavid Gold (he/him). Their conversation centers around multiple stories during his time on active duty in the Vietnam War that took unexpected twists - and ultimately saved his life. These experiences shaped Rondavid’s understanding that fate plays a powerful role and determines our path. Th…

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What it's ACTUALLY like being on BIG BROTHER: Dean Quinton 59:15

5M ago59:15

59:15

In this episode, we’re joined by the charismatic and unfiltered Dean Quinton for a raw and revealing conversation about reality TV, media narratives, and life inside the Big Brother house. From the brutal audition process to how the show twists reality, Dean gives us the inside scoop with humor and honesty. 🏠 The Big Brother Experience Dean breaks …

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The White Default, Bonnie Blue & Gays Dating Themselves 30:46

5M ago30:46

30:46

Is Whiteness the Default? We dive deep into the unspoken biases that shape our perceptions of beauty, desirability, and relationships. From dating preferences to Hollywood’s beauty standards, we unpack how whiteness continues to be seen as the "default" and why that needs to change. 🔥 Topics We Cover: 💡 Why Whiteness is Still the Standard – How med…

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Natalia Sandor Steps Up to the Mic: A Gen Z Perspective on Coming Out, Connection and Impact 38:40

5M ago38:40

38:40

In this episode, Shanti welcomes her friend Natalia Sandor (she/her) - a white, cisgender woman and the first Gen Z podcast guest. Natalia speaks candidly about her coming out story and the reasons she is ready to share it more publicly now. Shanti and Natalia explore their generational differences and the ways in which they impacted - and didn’t i…

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Outward | Creating A Home for Trans Surgery Recovery 45:45

5M ago45:45

45:45

This week, Jules Gill-Peterson sits down with Owen Dempsey, the founder of Quest Healing House, a post-op recovery home providing safe, affordable lodging and wraparound support for transmasculine people. They discuss how Quest House, began, the urgent need for trans-led recovery spaces, and how the project has grown to meet community needs. Dempse…

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Queering The System... Taking The SHAME Out Of SEX: Anouszka Tate 1:08:23

5M ago1:08:23

1:08:23

In this episode, we dive into a thought-provoking conversation about challenging societal norms and embracing personal agency. Our guest shares their journey of questioning expectations around relationships, marriage, and identity, revealing how they moved from simply following the "default" life path to making choices that truly align with their d…

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Discovering hidden LGBTQ+ histories: Dr. Justin Bengry 42:25

5M ago42:25

42:25

In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of queer history with Dr. Justin Bengry, a leading historian and pioneer behind the world's first MA in Queer History. From exploring historical gaps to addressing modern queer representation, Justin offers thought-provoking insights, blending academic expertise with personal stories. 🎓 Queer…

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One Democratic State Initiative with Juliette Samman 48:20

5M ago48:20

48:20

Listen into this conversation with Juliette Samman to learn about a grassroots movement led by Palestinians who articulate a vision of liberation through the One Democratic State Initiative. The “One Democratic State” solution is a political vision that identifies Zionism’s settler-colonial endeavor as the root cause of suffering and violence in Pa…

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Bill Carmody Shines Light on Being the Proud Father of a Trans Kid, Fierce Ally and Believer in Enoughness 41:16

5M ago41:16

41:16

In this episode, Shanti interviews Bill Carmody (he/him), a cisgender, heterosexual, white man of privilege and proud father of trans daughter, Violet. Bill discusses the story of Violet coming out as transgender, sharing tender moments and highlighting the importance of unconditional love, patience and grace for everyone involved. Bill explains th…

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KATSEYE, Dark Forest Theory & Bridget Jones 32:33

6M ago32:33

32:33

This week, we’re diving headfirst into the world of K-pop, exploring wild alien theories, and reflecting on the randomness of life. It’s fun, it’s deep, and just a bit chaotic—just the way we like it. 🎶 K-pop Craze: We break down the hype around K-pop and the intense training that shapes these global stars. Is the West ready for K-pop-style pop gro…

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207. Randomly Selected Words from the Dictionary 41:53

6M ago41:53

41:53

Happy tenth birthday to this show! To celebrate, here's every randomly selected word from the dictionary from the first decade of the show. Visit theallusionist.org/randomlyselectedwords to read the transcript and get other Tranquillusionist episodes. The podcast is taking a break until early May 2025, but the Allusioverse will continue to be in fu…

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The Year of not giving a F*CK! 38:42

6M ago38:42

38:42

In this episode, we’re back after a little break, and things get hilariously messy as we dive into what’s been happening in our lives. From attachment styles to a dramatic take on decorating our apartment, nothing’s off the table. 🏡 Decorating Chaos: We’ve been sprucing up the apartment, and let’s just say Faris doesn’t love my (Josh’s) taste. We s…

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Roots and Resistance: Art, Activism, and the Spiritual Path with Rawan Roshni 1:20:40

6M ago1:20:40

1:20:40

Rawan Roshni takes us on an elemental journey through her life as a Palestinian woman, global citizen, and artist. She weaves stories about how the Earth - olive trees, roots, birds, our bodies - are inextricably linked to a spiritual path, offers us tools for facilitating transformative group processes, and shares insights into the interplay betwe…

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Episode 219 [in English]: Nahid 1:01:33

6M ago1:01:33

1:01:33

Nahid is a Sudanese artist and activist with a background in theater, music, education, and human rights work. Nahid talks about her current experience caretaking for her grandmother and how skills from working with children transfer to elder care. She also discusses her childhood experience of displacement, moving from Sudan to Yemen and then West…

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What it Feels Like to Hide and Discovering Strength in Vulnerability with Shanti Joy Gold and Mary Tess Rooney 43:20

6M ago43:20

43:20

In today’s episode, host Mary Tess Rooney (she/her) turns the tables and interviews Shanti Joy Gold (she/her). Shanti shares more about her journey, including the early days of her relationship working at the same company with her now-wife - before there were societal shifts in LGBTQ+ acceptance. She discusses the tightrope of balancing her persona…

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Outward: Conversion Therapy and Survival with Lucas Wilson 45:20

6M ago45:20

45:20

Bryan Lowder talks with writer and scholar Lucas Wilson about his new book, Shame Sex: Survivors’ Stories of Conversion Therapy. They chat about Wilson’s experience navigating same-sex attraction while on an evangelical path, experiencing conversion therapy, and the complicated relationships he experienced along the way. He also shares powerful sto…

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God Fellowship: Cultivating A Relationship with the Divine with Verenice Berroa Torres 58:58

6M ago58:58

58:58

Hadar's Web is a podcast featuring community conversations on spirituality, healing, justice, and art. Available on Spotify, Google Podcast, Apple Podcast and more. Check it out at malchut.one. Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/hadarcohen Verenice Berroa Torres is a spiritual doula and creator. She was the first God Fellow …

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Sarim Al-Rawi (Liquor Store, Prison) on the Brooklyn DIY Golden Era, Studying Terrorism, and Hillary Clinton Photo Ops with Iraqi Children 1:35:15

6M ago1:35:15

1:35:15

We spoke with Sarim Al-Rawi -- front person of the cult garage punk band Liquor Store (2000s/2010s, New York/New Jersey), and crime blues jamrock band Prison (today, New York) -- about various scenes including: 1. Brooklyn DIY punk and indie heyday of the Pitchfork era 2. Brooklyn DIY punk and indie now 3. New York’s shifting Arab-American neighbor…

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How Open Mic Nights Sparked a Comedy Career: Morgan Rees 54:52

6M ago54:52

54:52

In this episode, we’re joined by the hilarious and insightful Morgan Rees for an honest and entertaining conversation about comedy, identity, and queer joy. From chasing the comedy dream to embracing body positivity, Morgan takes us through his journey with humor and heart. 🎭 Chasing the Comedy Dragon Morgan shares the highs and lows of being a com…