Our hosts explore Hulu's reality dating show "Muslim Matchmaker," discussing how it portrays Muslim dating culture and the matchmakers' "rules of three" hook. Learn about the diverse representation of the Muslim community, and hear Hazem Jamal and Najwa's personal connections to cast members. In a world where DEI is criminalized, a show with representation is cutting through while providing a refreshing alternative to mainstream dating reality TV.

Send a text message with any feedback. I won't see your number, and I can't reply, but it is a way to leave a comment. Or, you can send a message on Substack or IG @ ArabsinMedia

About the host:

Hazem Jamal is a first-generation Iraqi-American who worked in as a programming exec in American radio for many years.

Hazem founded Arabs in Media to offer an independent platform for new stories, information and entertainment missing in corporate media.

Support independent media: To join the Arabs in Media community, sign up at the free Arabs in Media Substack for more multi-media content, and email notifications for new episodes dropping.

https://arabsinmedia.substack.com/

Instagram @arabsinmedia

Featured media and social links here:

https://linktr.ee/arabsinmedia

Support Operation Olive Branch, providing humanitarian assistance to families devastated by g-cide:

https://linktr.ee/opolivebranch

In this very personal episode of Arabs in Media, I return to Iraq, the country of my heritage, from the home in Baghdad where my father grew up, to sit down with my cousin Ahmed for a conversation that is was as unplanned as it was inspiring. Together, we unpack a story that intertwines family, grief, and acts of service in the midst of bombing.

In 2003, on the cusp of the US-led invasion on Iraq, Ahmed’s life was forever changed, not only from the drums of war beating louder each day, but with a tragedy born from efforts to protect his family.

Hours later, with a satellite phone in hand, Ahmed became an unintentional lifeline for countless families around the world who had been passed his number as one of the only ways to check to see if their family was dead or alive.

Steeped in the history of our family home, the Tigris River, and of Baghdad itself—we reflect on the legacy left by our ancestors. It's a story about the weight of loss, the resilience of the Iraqi people, and the power of human connection among family and strangers alike.

Echoes of Baghdad marks the beginning of Season Two of Arabs in Media, with an intimate look at Iraq through the lens of family, history, and resilience. Listen on all podcast platforms, and subscribe to Arabs in Media on Substack to comment and learn more about Ahmed's story.

📸 Learn more about the home, now a center for art, culture, music and more: @AlWattar.Heritage.House

📩 Subscribe to Arabs in Media to comment, engage, and learn more about Ahmed's story and the A.I.M. community.

Share this episode, leave a review, and join the conversation. Support independent content creation and the stories you won't hear anywhere else.

Send a text message with any feedback. I won't see your number, and I can't reply, but it is a way to leave a comment. Or, you can send a message on Substack or IG @ ArabsinMedia

About the host:

Hazem Jamal is a first-generation Iraqi-American who worked in as a programming exec in American radio for many years.

Hazem founded Arabs in Media to offer an independent platform for new stories, information and entertainment missing in corporate media.

Support independent media: To join the Arabs in Media community, sign up at the free Arabs in Media Substack for more multi-media content, and email notifications for new episodes dropping.

https://arabsinmedia.substack.com/

Instagram @arabsinmedia

Featured media and social links here:

https://linktr.ee/arabsinmedia

Support Operation Olive Branch, providing humanitarian assistance to families devastated by g-cide:

https://linktr.ee/opolivebranch

In Part 2 of our conversation with comic and content creator Reem Edan, Arabs in Media unpacks some of Reem's upbringing, her temporary move to Iraq, and how to show up to help others when you feel your mental health won't allow you.

In probably the first-ever Iraqi-manned tri-lingual podcast of mostly English sprinkled with some Arabic words and a couple of entire phrases in Spanish, enjoy some of our topics:

- How a "fart spray" video launched her father into stardom and the video series of expressions in Iraqi Arabic
- How her baba's videos led to a pseudo-rivalry of videos with her mom.
- What is "75 Hard," how has it changed Reem and if there should be an age cap for host Hazem Jamal
- The joys and benefits of fake Kraft cheese in a can imported from Arab countries
- Test the quality of your headphones to see if you can hear Reem's stomach growl while we talk about food
- Reem's history with her weight condition, and how Iraqis being famous comedy roasters affected her
- Saddam sightings and the Saddam Mustache comeback
- Iraqi generational trauma, unrelated to weight struggles or being roasted by your family, or Saddam mustache sightings, and how it connects to optimism
- The difference between finding opportunities and having the courage to admit what you want

It was a joy to share a conversation with Reem Edan, generous in spirit, laughs and kindness. She has a gift to make you feel happy. I hope you enjoy it too.

PS: This episode is dropping on my birthday, and if you enjoyed this episode, but even if you didn't, I'm asking you for a donation to the PCRF, helping children in Palestine and across the Middle East throughout this genocide. The PCRF created the first pediatric cancer department in Palestine and need all the help they can get to help the most devastated population of children we’ve seen in my lifetime. Here's the link:

https://www.facebook.com/share/1AeuKW118z/

Our Shoutout Links from this episode:

https://www.npr.org/2024/11/21/nx-s1-5154097/documentary-no-other-land-looks-at-palestinians-forced-from-homes-in-the-west-bank

Reem's Shoutout:

https://www.betweeneast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/betweeneast/

Thanks for supporting independently produced content with Arabs in Media, find us on Substack to stay connected.

Send a text message with any feedback. I won't see your number, and I can't reply, but it is a way to leave a comment. Or, you can send a message on Substack or IG @ ArabsinMedia

About the host:

Hazem Jamal is a first-generation Iraqi-American who worked in as a programming exec in American radio for many years.

Hazem founded Arabs in Media to offer an independent platform for new stories, information and entertainment missing in corporate media.

Support independent media: To join the Arabs in Media community, sign up at the free Arabs in Media Substack for more multi-media content, and email notifications for new episodes dropping.

https://arabsinmedia.substack.com/

Instagram @arabsinmedia

Featured media and social links here:

https://linktr.ee/arabsinmedia

Support Operation Olive Branch, providing humanitarian assistance to families devastated by g-cide:

https://linktr.ee/opolivebranch