In this episode, hosts Rida Alwan and Naba Al Madani welcome Dr Rabbie Hanna, a Chaldean Iraqi oncologist and head of robotics, who has flown in to participate in an upcoming medical conference. The discussion begins with an exploration of the Chaldean community, highlighting their significance as the majority of Christians in Iraq, their historical presence, and current demographics. Dr. Hanna shares insights into the Chaldean population, noting that they represent about 3% of Iraq's total population, with many having left the country over the years, leading to underpopulated villages that once thrived. The episode sets the stage for a deeper dive into Dr. Hanna's personal journey, starting with his childhood. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that blends cultural heritage with professional insight.

In this episode, hosts Rida Alwan and Naba Al Madani welcome sit down with Hashim Ali, a talented physiotherapist from Hull Football Club. Hashim shares his inspiring journey from growing up in West London to becoming a key figure in the world of football physiotherapy. Despite his family's limited interest in the sport, Hashim developed a passion for football at a young age and has achieved significant milestones in his career. The conversation delves into his experiences, the challenges he’s faced, and the lessons learned along the way. Tune in to hear Hashim's unique perspective on balancing personal interests and professional commitments in the dynamic field of sports. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful episodes!

In this episode, hosts Rida Alwan and Naba Al Madani welcome Hassan Abdulrazzak’s, a multifaceted individual whose journey spans the globe. Born in Prague to Iraqi parents, Hassan shares his unique upbringing, speaking Czech until the age of three before moving to Iraq. He reflects on his childhood in Baghdad, highlighting his family's beautiful home in Karada. With a rich background as a doctor, biologist, playwright, and a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, Hassan's experiences in various countries, including Cairo, Algeria, London, and the USA, offer a fascinating perspective on culture and creativity. Tune in to explore his remarkable narrative and the influences that shaped his life and work.

In this episode, hosts Rida Alwan and Naba Al Madani welcome author and scriptwriter Samantha Elias to discuss her new book focused on Judeo-Arabic. Samantha shares her experiences as a second-generation Iraqi Jew, detailing her family's migration history and the cultural significance of the language. The conversation explores the rich linguistic connections between Arabic and Judeo-Arabic, emphasising the shared heritage of language and culture. Samantha reflects on the positive response her book has received from the Iraqi community worldwide, highlighting the importance of preserving and celebrating this unique linguistic tradition. Tune in for an insightful discussion on identity, language, and the power of storytelling.

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In this episode, hosts Rida Alwan and Naba Al Madani welcome Hassanane Balal, a passionate football supporter, especially of the Iraq national team. The conversation kicks off with a light-hearted discussion about football loyalties, particularly Hassanane's support for Manchester United. Hassanane shares his admiration for the podcast, highlighting its significance for the Iraqi community by providing a platform for diverse voices and experiences. He reflects on his recent trip to France, where he followed the Iraq Olympic team, and emphasises the shared challenges and experiences faced by individuals within the community. Tune in for an insightful discussion that underscores the importance of storytelling and community connection.

In this episode, hosts Rida Alwan and Naba Al Madani welcome Dr Amina Al-Yassin, a remarkable guest with a wealth of experience from multiple countries. Amina shares her journey, starting from her early life in Sur, South Lebanon, to her move to the UK at the age of three. She reflects on her family's background, with her mother being Lebanese and her father having roots in both Iraq and Lebanon. The conversation explores Amina's diverse experiences and the significant impact of her multicultural upbringing. Join us as we delve into Amina's story and the fascinating insights she brings to the table.

In this episode, hosts Rida Alwan and Naba Al Madani welcome musician, researcher, and composer Khyam Allami. He shares his journey from being born in Damascus to having Iraqi roots, and moving to London at the age of nine. He discusses his academic background, including his PhD in experimental composition, which he completed a couple of years ago. Khyam delves into the focus of his research, which explores the intersection of experimentalism in Arabic music and the importance of cultural context, highlighting his unique position between Arab culture and his experiences in the UK. Tune in for an insightful conversation about identity, music, and the creative process.

In this episode, hosts Rida Alwan and Naba Al Madani welcome Rashad Salim, a scholar and artist, who shares his insights into the heritage of Iraqi boats. Rashad's background is rich and diverse; he comes from a family of artists, with his father, Nazar Selim, being both an artist and a diplomat. Born in Sudan, Rashad's childhood was spent in various countries including China, Sweden, and Yugoslavia, before returning to Iraq at the age of 13. Throughout his travels, he developed a fascination with water and boats, which he discusses in depth. The conversation touches on themes of mobility, cultural heritage, and the artistic inspirations drawn from his experiences across different nations. Tune in for a captivating exploration of art, heritage, and the stories behind Iraqi boats.

In this episode, hosts Rida Alwan and Naba Al Madani welcome British Iraqi screenwriter and director Amadeus. Amadeus shares his journey of immigrating from Baghdad to the UK in 1998 at the age of five, fleeing the oppressive regime of Saddam Hussein. He discusses the challenges faced by his family during this transition, including the risks associated with their migration and the emotional impact of such a significant life change. Tune in as Ahmed offers insights into his early years and the experiences that shaped his identity and creative journey.

In this episode, hosts Rida Alwan and Naba Al Madani welcome special guest Hawra Milani, a tech professional dedicated to empowering women in the industry. Hawra shares her journey through notable companies like Google and Meta, as well as her personal challenges, including her experience with ADHD and recent redundancy. The conversation highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability in the tech field. Hawra also discusses her exciting new project—a medical podcast in Arabic based in Iraq. She elaborates on the podcast's mission to interview top doctors and explore the complexities of the Iraqi healthcare system, which lacks the structured ecosystem found in places like the UK. Join us for an insightful discussion about breaking barriers, fostering innovation, and advocating for better healthcare resources.

In this episode, hosts Rida Alwan and Naba Al Madani welcome the remarkable Ashtar Al Khirsan, a visionary artist and advocate for cultural heritage. A graduate of the National Film and Television School, Ashtar shares her inspiring journey from creating documentaries for the BBC to making award-winning short films. The conversation dives deep into her personal story of being estranged from her father for over 30 years, only to discover he lived just 20 minutes away. Ashtar discusses the emotional complexities of her experience and the profound connection she feels to her Iraqi heritage. Join us for a heartfelt and engaging dialogue that highlights the power of storytelling and cultural identity.

In this episode, hosts Rida Alwan and Naba Al Madani sit down with Mohammad Taher, known as the "airport guy." Mohammed shares his journey from being born and raised in Northwest London to pursuing an engineering degree and transitioning into the aviation industry. He reflects on his childhood experiences, including attending various schools, and discusses the personal growth he underwent during his university years. With a focus on helping the youth find work in aviation, Mohammed provides insights into his career path and the importance of self-development. Tune in to hear his inspiring story and valuable advice for aspiring aviation professionals.

In this episode, hosts Rida Alwan and Naba Al Madani welcome an inspiring activist Huda Jawad. Huda shares her personal journey, beginning with her birth in Baghdad in 1977 and her family's flight from Iraq at a young age due to her father's activism against Saddam Hussein's regime. She reflects on the challenges faced during these tough times in the Middle East and emphasises the importance of finding joy amidst adversity. Huda's story highlights resilience, family bonds, and the impact of political oppression, setting a powerful tone for the conversation. Join us for an insightful discussion that blends personal narrative with broader socio-political themes.

Join Rida and Naba as they look back on the highlights, challenges, and lessons of 2024—and share their exciting vision for 2025! 🌟 From personal growth to big plans ahead, this conversation is packed with inspiration and insights you won’t want to miss. 🎥 Watch now and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful discussions on the Alnafs Podcast! #ReflectAndGrow #2024Recap #2025Goals #PodcastHighlights #InspiringConversations #PersonalGrowth #AlnafsPodcast #Motivation #SubscribeNow

In this episode, hosts Rida Alwan and Naba Al Madani welcome Philip, a self-taught British Iraqi chef and founder of Juma Kitchen. Philip shares his inspiring journey from the financial industry to the culinary world, revealing how his passion for food led him to launch his kitchen in Borough Market. He describes Juma Kitchen not just as a takeaway restaurant but as a significant representation of Iraqi cuisine and culture in London. Philip discusses the importance of his work as a voice for the Iraqi community, especially in light of current events in the Middle East. Join us for an insightful conversation about food, identity, and the power of cuisine to connect and uplift communities.

In this episode of Al-Nafs podcast, hosts Rida Alwan and Naba Al Madani welcome talented bespoke fashion designer Rena Jawad. Recently married, Rena shares insights into her journey from designing her own wedding dress to creating elegant modest evening wear. Born in Baghdad, she moved to Jordan and then to the UK, where her cultural background significantly shaped her identity and craft. Rena discusses the challenges and joys of her work, including the personalized experience she offers to clients, ensuring each piece reflects their unique style. Join us for a heartfelt conversation about craftsmanship, culture, and the art of fashion design.

In this episode we welcome award-winning author Hasan Kubba, celebrated for his book "The Unfair Advantage," which won accolades in 2021 and has been translated into multiple languages. The conversation delves into Hassan's background, starting with his early work helping local businesses establish an online presence and learn the ropes of marketing. Transitioning from agency work to consultancy and coaching, Hassan shares insights into his journey as both an author and a mentor. Join us as we explore his experiences, successes, and the themes present in his acclaimed book. A massive thanks to our sponsor for this episode https://www.mainstay.uk/