Zainab Ladha, poetry, The Unsolicited Thoughts, mental health, perfectionism, creative process, young authors, vulnerability, self-reflection, emotional healing

In this conversation, Zainab Ladha, a young Canadian and Pakistani author from Doha, shares her journey of writing 'The Unsolicited Thoughts,' a poetry book that serves as an emotional outlet during her struggles. She discusses the creative process, the themes of vulnerability and self-reflection in her work, and the

challenges of navigating perfectionism. Zainab offers valuable advice for young authors and emphasizes the importance of connecting with readers through genuine expression.takeaways

• ​Zainab wrote her book as an emotional outlet during tough times.
• ​The book features 50 poems and illustrations, creating a comforting experience.
• ​Writing poetry helped Zainab process her feelings of loss and insecurity.
• ​She emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in writing.
• ​Zainab's work addresses the theme of toxic perfectionism.
• ​She encourages young authors to embrace their raw creativity.
• ​Perfectionism can hinder the publishing process for many writers.
• ​Zainab believes in connecting with readers through genuine emotions.
• ​She highlights the importance of self-identity and independence.
• ​Zainab aims to help others through her poetry and experiences.

In this conversation, host Mohammed Bader speaks with Grace El-Khal, a Syrian-American poet and advocate, about her experiences growing up amidst the Syrian war and how it shaped her identity and artistic expression. Grace shares her journey of finding solace in poetry, the impact of war on her cultural heritage, and the importance of using art as a means of advocacy and healing. The discussion delves into the shared experiences of grief and loss within the Middle Eastern community, the power of storytelling, and the role of poetry in connecting individuals across different backgrounds. Grace emphasizes the need for empowerment through writing and encourages others to share their stories.

Grace ElKhal is the author of the book The Sorrows That Bury Us

• Grace El-Khal's poetry serves as a voice for the silenced.
• The Syrian war deeply impacted Grace's identity and artistic expression.
• Poetry became a means of mourning and healing for Grace.
• Cultural heritage plays a significant role in shaping one's identity.
• The importance of community and advocacy in the face of conflict.
• Shared experiences of grief connect individuals across cultures.
• Writing can empower individuals to reclaim their narratives.
• Translating poetry captures the essence of emotions across languages.
• Art and literature can bridge gaps between different cultures.
• Grace's journey reflects the resilience of the human spirit amidst adversity.

• ​Dr. Mohamed Abu Zayed AKA DJZuryab identifies as an enigmatic and nomadic poet, teacher, and healer.
• ​Poetry has been a source of solace and healing throughout his life.
• ​A nomad's journey reflects a search for meaning and connection to the land.
• ​Music and technology have transformed the way he creates and shares his art.
• ​Love is a central theme in his poetry, symbolizing freedom and connection.
• ​The nomadic spirit embodies a quest for knowledge and wisdom.
• ​His experiences as a shepherd influenced his understanding of life and nature.
• ​He emphasizes the importance of friendship and community in personal growth.
• ​Dr. Abu Zayed's work spans academia, music, and poetry, showcasing his versatility.
• ​He encourages others to connect with their creative passions and make a difference in the world

In this episode of Arabian Traveler Poetry, host Mohammad Bader speaks with Amanda Lameche, a French-born Swedish artist who transitioned from a successful music career to writing poetry. They discuss Amanda's journey, the creative process behind her poetry, and the themes of self-empowerment and love that permeate her work. Amanda shares insights into her writing process, the impact of poetry on her personal growth, and the cultural connections that influence her art. The conversation culminates in reading Amanda's poetry, showcasing her unique voice and perspective.

خط في الرمل Line In The Sand

This is a special release for Podcasthon.

Please donate for your favorite charity between 3/15-21, 2025

Miles Spencer is an American digital media entrepreneur, angel investor, and explorer. He is best known for his role as co-host and co-creator of MoneyHunt, a reality-based business advice show distributed to US PBS stations beginning in 1997. He cooks, writes, and paints watercolors based on his travels. He mentors two kids and several entrepreneurs.

I am intrigued by his genius and ambition as a multi-talented individual who could hold divergent fields. Money, culture, art, and food. As our focus is on art and poetry we won’t Dulve into politics but we might end up wandering there’s as his novel : A line in the Sand  Co- authored by Mells Jones (aka Tad Jones) captures the essence of the Middle East with a richly detailed historical fiction of two lifelong friends - Magnus and Finn - thrown into a sleuthing adventure where mysteries of the Middle East and its people are gradually revealed. Following the trail of clues left by one TE Lawrence - Lawrence of Arabia - the Gentlemen ramble from Europe to the Levant to Arabia as their quest gains momentum, the situation on the ground unwinds, and history repeats itself.

Aided by a discarded artifact and two younger proteges- one Jew, one Arab- the Gentlemen experience a rich tapestry of the Middle East rarely experienced by Westerners- locations, customs, food, languages, behaviors, and historical perspective. As the treasure is revealed, the reader gains a greater understanding of the meaning of their adventure, and why it must be shared.

You can find this book on Amazon and on Audible and Kindle.

The Traveler (المسافر) was first story written in Arabic by Mohammad Bader in 1992 to start the book The Traveler. Originally called The Arabian Traveler.

هذه الحلقه للعربيه عن اربع قصائد غزل مجهول

.

سيدتي

تمنيت

دثريني

من انت

The Night is a poem written and read both in Arabic and English by the author Mohammad Bader.

والليل هو بدلتي التي تغطي جسدي

والتي تخبئ عيوبي

الليل هو منتجعي ومأواي

الليل هو سرابي وحسابي

الليل يواري الالامي وأحزاني

الليل يضمني يحتضنني

كعاشق يأنسني

كشريد يطاردني

كقديسٍ يوانسني

كحلمٍ يسليني

ككابوس يفزعني

كنبع يروي ظمأي

وكسرابٌ يزيد عطشي

الليل نعمة تلاحقني

ونقمة توقظني

الليل صديقتي وعشيقتي

الليل. ..

يقرّبني الي البديع

The night is my friend

My lover;

My suit;

That covers my body,

And my shortcomings.

A lover that keeps me company,

A hound that chases me,

A priest that comforts me,

A nightmare that awakens me,

A brook that quenches my thirst,

A mirage that keeps me thirsty,

A blessing that follows me,

A misfortune that shocks me,

The night is my friend and lover.

The night brings me closer to the Creator!

Mawal songe number 2 Roses

English Translation by Mohammad Bader

Roses الورد

اتعنيت لأهل الورد I looked for a florist

ردت اشتري وردة wanting to buy a rose

لاقيت اسمر لحلو اتبسملي واتعدي

I ran into a beatiful brunette who smiled at me and walked away

اشتميت ريحة عطر تسوي الف وردة

I smelled a perfume worth a thousand roses

أنا اشتميت ريحة عطر تسوي الف وردة

تاريها مو بالورد

I found out that the scent was not from roses

تاريها من خدا

It turns out it’s from her rose’s check’s (face)

اه Oh.

الورد يدبل شو ما طالت المدة

Roses wither as they age

بس الحلو شو ما كبر مثل الطفل بعدة

But the beautiful one remains youthful even with age

يلي تبيع الورد هات الورد ردة

Oh ye rose monger take it back

ما ظل قيمة الورد بالعطر لا تردة

Roses no longer have value so take them back

In this episode, host Mohammad Bader delves into the rich tradition of Mawal, a form of Arabic poetry that intertwines music and storytelling. He highlights its historical significance, particularly in Iraqi culture, and shares a poignant poem, 'Sa'a Wit Ghib Il Shames,' which reflects on themes of nostalgia, immigration, and the longing for home. Through the exploration of this art form, Bader connects with listeners on a personal level, sharing his own experiences as an immigrant and the universal feelings of missing family and home.

موال ساعة وتغيب الشمس مترجم إنجليزي

ترجمة محمد بدر

A Mother's Call is a poem written in 1996 by Mohammad Bader, remembering home and his mother. Read both in English and Arabic by the Arabian Traveler.

A poem written by Refaat Al- Areer رفعت العرعير read by The Arabian Traveler.

Refaat Alareer, a prominent Palestinian professor, poet and writer, was killed in an airstrike in northern Gaza, on December 7.

If I must die,

you must live

to tell my story

to sell my things

to buy a piece of cloth

and some strings,

(make it white with a long tail)

so that a child, somewhere in Gaza

while looking heaven in the eye

awaiting his dad who left in a blaze—

and bid no one farewell

not even to his flesh

not even to himself—

sees the kite, my kite you made, flying up above

and thinks for a moment an angel is there

bringing back love

If I must die

let it bring hope

let it be a tale

The Arabian Traveler Poetry spends time with Chancellor Jackson to talk about love and how he was able to overcome adversities by finding love and compassion for himself.  He talks about his journey to teach English in China and how that transformed his life. He came over adversities through the deep love his family had for him, and his early years of playing football. As someone who came late to play football, he had to overcome adversities and find emotional intelligence to help guide him as a male of color.  He talks lovingly of his single mom who raised him along with his brother in a very busy neighborhood and gave him everything he needed. Chancellor K Jackson (1995) was born in Fulton County, Georgia, to Native American parents, grew up in Smyrna, Georgia, and attended Stetson University. For nine years he played football at the high school and collegiate levels. After graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication and Media Studies, Chancellor lived abroad in China from 2018-2019. Chancellor fell into writing after his traumatic experience of being arrested and detained in Beijing for 14 days. His first book, "14 Days in Beijing" has ranked #1 over fifteen times on Amazon in multiple genres. Chancellor has recently released his first romance drama titled 'You Love and You Learn' now available on Amazon.