In this episode of The Seeds, Mona Chalabi—Pulitzer Prize–winning data journalist and artist—joins host Alana Hadid for a warm, funny, and deeply reflective conversation about childhood, being Iraqi, how journalists manufacture consent for genocide, and data in dating. Plus Mona gets Melissa Barrera's seed!
Chapters:
00:00 – Intros, and Who’s More Awkward?
00:22 – Skip Intro
00:38 – Childhood Memories
02:14 – Pulling a Seed
03:37 – Mona's Life Purpose
05:08 – Going into Journalism
09:14 – Being Iraqi
13:11 – School Experiences and Cultural Identity
26:14 – Career Choices and Disillusionment
32:50 – Art, and Data Journalism
34:21 – Speed Round
35:30 – Unhinged Childhood Beliefs
36:42 – Fascinating Statistics
37:01 – Dating and Data!
40:40 – Astrology vs. Data Journalism
42:43 – Real Housewives Tagline
44:14 – Nostalgic Arab Snacks
47:53 – Animation and Representation
53:51 – Pulitzer Prize Speech & Why Iraqi's Deserve and Apology
01:10:42 – Credits
Follow the Show:
📸 Instagram: @theseedsfm
🎥 Presented by Watermelon Pictures
🎙️ Produced by Dustlight Productions
Follow Alana Hadid:
IG: @lanzybear
Follow Mona Chalabi:
IG: @monachalabi
Credits:
Host – Alana Hadid
Showrunner & Executive Producer – Misha Euceph
Executive Producers – Badie Ali, Hamza Ali
Associate Producer – Munir Atalla
Producer & Researcher – Sarah Moawad
Editor, DP, & Sound Engineer – Mike O’Brien
Consulting Director – Mahnoor Euceph
Production Designer – Kendra Bradanini
Art Assistant – Noor Salim
Design – Alicia Tatone
Composer – Andy Clausen
Colorist – Chehade Boulos
Tech – Randy Burgess
Marketing – Kristina Ferris & Daniela Sapkar
Special thanks: Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin Henry
Tags:
#TheSeeds #MonaChalabi #AlanaHadid #Iraq #IraqWar #Gaza #Palestine #War #Journalism #ManufacturingConsent #Dating #ArabVoices #PulitzerPrize #DataJournalism ##StorytellingPodcast #Identity #DustlightProductions #WatermelonPictures
In this soul-stirring episode of The Seeds, poet and activist Aja Monet sits down with host, Alana Hadid, to talk about the cost of being online, bearing witness to injustice, and how poetry and faith can heal us.
From the overwhelm of social media to solidarity with Palestine, Aja opens up about her upbringing, the legacy of her grandparents, and the journey of becoming a poet rooted in resistance, tenderness, and truth. She even shares a live reading of her poem, Los Angeles.
Chapters:
00:00 – The Overwhelm of Social Media
00:22 SKIP INTRO
00:54 – Offline Community
01:15 – Harnessing Social Media for Activism
03:09 – Telling Stories About Palestine
19:04 – Aja's Story & Inspirations
22:00 – The Journey of a Poet
37:07 – The Role of Faith
38:57 – Aja & Alana's Religious Upbringing
42:35 – The Influence of Grandparents
46:39 – Personal and Political Realities of War
52:25 – The Role of Poetry in Activism
58:01 – (Live Reading)
01:01:54 – Reflections on Compassion
01:07:47 – Knafeh & Goodbye
Follow the Show:
📺New episodes every Tuesday
🎧 Available on YouTube, Apple, Spotify & all podcast platforms
📸 Instagram: @theseedspod
🎥 Presented by Watermelon Pictures
🎙️ Produced by Dustlight Productions
Follow Alana Hadid:
IG: @lanzybear
Follow Aja Monet:
IG: @ajamonet
Credits:
Host – Alana Hadid
Showrunner & Executive Producer – Misha Euceph
Executive Producers – Badie Ali, Hamza Ali
Associate Producer – Munir Atalla
Producer & Researcher – Sarah Moawad
Editor, DP, & Sound Engineer – Mike O’Brien
Consulting Director – Mahnoor Euceph
Production Designer – Kendra Bradanini
Art Assistant – Noor Salim
Design – Alicia Tatone
Composer – Andy Clausen
Colorist – Chehade Boulos
Tech – Randy Burgess
Marketing – Kristina Ferris & Daniela Sapkar
Special thanks: Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin Henry
#TheSeeds #AjaMonet #AlanaHadid #PalestinianSolidarity #Poetry #Activism #Faith #religion #SocialMedia #burnout #BlackPoets #poetsofinstagram #Storytelling #DustlightProductions #watermelonpictures #gaza #palestine
Why does Kendrick Sampson have beef with Leos? (We get into that… but this conversation goes way deeper.) Actor, activist, and creative force Kendrick Sampson (Insecure, Miss Juneteenth) joins host, Alana Hadid, for a bold and honest conversation about power, identity, and the lies we've been sold about success. He opens up about growing up as a misfit in Texas, the influence of his radical collaborations with Boots Riley, and how spirituality and community shape everything he does — on screen and off. This episode is about building systems that serve people instead of profits, connecting back to nature, and telling stories that actually shift culture.
Chapters:
00:00 Why does Kendrick hate Leos?
00:22 SKIP INTRO
02:31 Who is Kendrick Sampson?
03:28 Childhood and Being a Misfit
09:22 Boots Riley and Creative Collabs
13:42 Kendrick’s Seed
16:26 Reflections on American Delusion
19:27 Family History and Identity
29:12 Community
30:54 Spirituality and Connection to Nature
31:45 Building Power Through Story
32:13 Basic Human Needs and Economy
32:46 Technology and Systemic Barriers
34:07 Understanding True Power
40:03 Mental Health and Vulnerability
45:53 Speed Round
56:25 Knafeh and Final Thoughts
*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Dustlight Productions, Watermelon Pictures, or any of their affiliates, employees, officers, or representatives. These companies do not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made during the podcast.
Follow the Show:
📸 Instagram: @theseedsfm
🎥 Presented by Watermelon Pictures
🎙️ Produced by Dustlight Productions
Follow Alana Hadid:
IG: @lanzybear
TikTok: @alanahadid
Follow Kendrick Sampson:
IG: @kendrick38
Credits:
Host – Alana Hadid
Showrunner & Executive Producer – Misha Euceph
Executive Producers – Badie Ali, Hamza Ali
Associate Producer – Munir Atalla
Producer & Researcher – Sarah Moawad
Editor, DP, & Sound Engineer – Mike O’Brien
Intro Sequence Director – Mahnoor Euceph
Production Designer – Kendra Bradanini
Art Assistant – Noor Salim
Design – Alicia Tatone
Composer – Andy Clausen
Intro Colorist – Chehade Boulos
Tech – Randy Burgess
Marketing – Kristina Ferris & Daniela Sapkar
Special thanks: Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin Henry.
#TheSeeds #KendrickSampson #AlanaHadid #Masculinity #MentalHealth #SlowLiving #BlackCulture #Palestine #Gaza #Texas #Insecure #HBO #IssaRae #BootsRiley #ImAVirgo #Art #Acting #Activism #Power #Community #Nature #Neighbors #Technology #Isolation #Loneliness #Convenience
Host Alana Hadid talks to actress, Melissa Barrera, about the actress’s life purpose and her inspiring journey — from growing up as a tomboy in Monterrey, Mexico, to breaking barriers in Hollywood as a leading Latina actress to speaking about Palestine. In this episode, Melissa opens up about her identity, her rituals, and the ghosts (metaphorical and possibly literal 👀) that she’s carried with her through life and into every role. From In the Heights to Scream, she’s more than a breakout star — Melissa’s redefining what representation looks like on screen.
Chapters:
00:00 Growing up with motorcycles
00:22 SKIP INTRO
01:15 Melissa: A Tomboy
03:07 From Tomboy to Limited Too
05:41 Bilingual Upbringing
10:29 Who is Melissa Barrera?
17:00 Rituals and Daily Habits
22:47 Journey in the Entertainment Industry
34:39 Reflecting on a Vida
35:05 Championing Latin Representation
36:31 Navigating Hollywood's Limitations
38:00 Breaking Stereotypes in Casting
39:17 Embracing the Horror Genre
42:04 Melissa's Superstitions
44:01 Advocating for Palestine
47:29 Angel Cards
52:11 Speed Round
01:09:25 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude
*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Dustlight Productions, Watermelon Pictures, or any of their affiliates, employees, officers, or representatives. These companies do not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made during the podcast.
Follow the Show:
📸 Instagram: @theseedsfm
🎥 Presented by Watermelon Pictures
🎙️ Produced by Dustlight Productions
Follow Alana Hadid:
IG: @lanzybear
TikTok: @alanahadid
Follow Melissa Barrera:
IG: @melissabarreram
Credits:
Host – Alana Hadid
Showrunner & Executive Producer – Misha Euceph
Executive Producers – Badie Ali, Hamza Ali
Associate Producer – Munir Atalla
Producer & Researcher – Sarah Moawad
Editor, DP, & Sound Engineer – Mike O’Brien
Intro Sequence Director – Mahnoor Euceph
Production Designer – Kendra Bradanini
Art Assistant – Noor Salim
Design – Alicia Tatone
Composer – Andy Clausen
Intro Colorist – Chehade Boulos
Tech – Randy Burgess
Marketing – Kristina Ferris & Daniela Sapkar
Special thanks: Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin Henry.
#TheSeeds #MelissaBarrera #AlanaHadid #Scream #IntheHeights #Latino #Latina #Latinidad #Latinx #LatinAmerican #Mexican #Spanish #Motorcycles #Acting #Celebrity #Hollywood #Gaza #Palestine #Representation
In this episode, host Alana Hadid sit down with Hasan Piker — political streamer, political commentator, and king of thirst traps — to talk about the day-to-day behind streaming, dodging online death threats, and the role of luck in life. From his early days working in Hollywood to becoming one of the internet’s most-watched political voices, Hasan shares unfiltered stories about burnout, fighting with Donald Trump and Elon Musk, and that one time he accidentally created chaos on stream with a wild slip-up. Plus, a surprise arm wrestling contest.
Chapters:
00:00 Discovering a Shared Past
00:22 SKIP INTRO
00:58 Life as a Club Promoter
02:38 Academic Pursuits and Cultural Insights
03:06 Arm Wrestling Challenge
05:29 A Day in the Life of a Streamer
09:47 Balancing Work and Social Life
15:28 Speed Round: Quick Questions
22:23 Unexpected Follower Drama
22:41 Favorite Conspiracy Theories
24:24 Constitutional Amendments and Enforcing Laws
25:31 Embarrassing Stream Moments
26:33 Audience Demographics and Influences
28:44 Death Threats and Online Harassment
32:25 Socialism and Wealth Misconceptions
39:24 Future Goals and Personal Life
41:21 Tasting Palestinian Knafeh
47:48 Final Thoughts and Farewell
*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Dustlight Productions, Watermelon Pictures, or any of their affiliates, employees, officers, or representatives. These companies do not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made during the podcast.
Follow the Show:
📸 Instagram: @theseedsfm
🎥 Presented by Watermelon Pictures
🎙️ Produced by Dustlight Productions
Follow Alana Hadid:
IG: @lanzybear
TikTok: @alanahadid
Follow Hasan Piker:
IG: @hasandpiker
Credits:
Host – Alana Hadid
Showrunner & Executive Producer – Misha Euceph
Executive Producers – Badie Ali, Hamza Ali
Associate Producer – Munir Atalla
Producer & Researcher – Sarah Moawad
Editor, DP, & Sound Engineer – Mike O’Brien
Intro Sequence Director – Mahnoor Euceph
Production Designer – Kendra Bradanini
Art Assistant – Noor Salim
Design – Alicia Tatone
Composer – Andy Clausen
Intro Colorist – Chehade Boulos
Tech – Randy Burgess
Marketing – Kristina Ferris & Daniela Sapkar
Special thanks: Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin Henry.
#TheSeeds #HasanPiker #AlanaHadid #Twitch #Streaming #Socialism #Communism #Politics #DonaldTrump #ElonMusk #Palestine #Gaza #Israel #Turkish #YoungTurks #ThirstTraps #WorkingOut
In the very first episode of The Seeds, host Alana Hadid sits down with Poppy Liu (they/she) — actor, doula, and activist — to talk about ancestry, speaking out for Gaza, postpartum rituals, immigration and motherhood.
Chapters
Follow the Show
📸 Instagram: @theseedsfm
🎥 Presented by Watermelon Pictures - www.watermelonpictures.com
🎙️ Produced by Dustlight Productions - https://dustlight.co
Follow Alana Hadid
Follow Poppy Liu
Credits
Special thanks: Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin Henry.
Disclaimer
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Dustlight Productions, Watermelon Pictures, or any of their affiliates, employees, officers, or representatives. These companies do not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made during the podcast.
Every story starts with a seed.
Alana Hadid is on a mission to dig into the tiny, weird, wonderful moments that shape us — one lighthearted, vulnerable, and deep conversation at a time.
The Seeds is where artists, activists, and icons open up like you’ve never heard them before.
This season, Alana (IG) sits down with:
We get into childhood memories, big feels, late-night thoughts, early crushes, politics, love, art — the real stuff. So pull up a seat.
🎧 New episodes every Tuesday, starting June 4
Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
––––––––––––––––
Presented by
Watermelon Pictures → @watermelonpictures | watermelonpictures.com
Produced by
Dustlight Productions → @dustlight_co | dustlight.co
––––––––––––––––
Credits
Special thanks to Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin Henry.
