A2 The Show

A2 THE SHOW #596On this episode of A2 THE SHOW, we’re joined by Chaker Bou Abdalla, a Lebanese stand-up comedian, actor, and writer known for his deadpan, existential humor. He reflects on his journey from graphic design to comedy, the evolution of stand-up in Lebanon, and the challenges of freedom of expression, cultural sensitivity, and stage anxiety. With sharp wit and quiet intensity, Chaker s...

A2 THE SHOW #595 Our next guest is Mounia Akl, a Lebanese director and writer whose journey from architecture to filmmaking is driven by a deep passion for storytelling. Known for her acclaimed debut feature Costa Brava, Lebanon, Mounia joins us to talk about trusting the creative process, balancing hope and cynicism, and telling intimate human stories against larger social and environmental reali...

A2 THE SHOW #594 Our next guest is Ismail Abdi — a stand-up comedian and social content creator known for his sharp, culturally relevant humor. In this episode, we dive into expat life, World Cup stories, cultural identity, Somali representation, stereotypes, and racism, as well as Dubai’s evolving comedy scene. Ismail also shares how he handles criticism, finds inspiration, and uses comedy as a j...

A2 THE SHOW #593Join us as we welcome Cyril Aris, Lebanese director, screenwriter, and member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences®, whose feature A Sad and Beautiful World (2025) premiered at Venice and became Lebanon’s Oscar® submission. Cyril opens up about choosing filmmaking over consulting, capturing Beirut’s most challenging moments, and using cinema as a political and social...

A2 THE SHOW #592Our next guest is Dr. Bruce D. Perry, a leading child psychiatrist and neuroscientist, known for his groundbreaking work on trauma, brain development, and healing. In this episode, Dr. Perry explores how fear, stress, technology, and trauma shape human behavior, why genuine relational connection is essential for well-being, and how early experiences influence mental health across a...

A2 THE SHOW #591Our next guest is Dr. David Clarke, President of ATNS and a leading expert on how the brain generates chronic pain. In this episode, he breaks down the deep connection between stress, trauma, childhood experiences, and physical symptoms—showing how anxiety, emotional pressure, and old beliefs can shape the body for decades. From misdiagnosed pain to the roots of imposter syndrome,...

A2 THE SHOW #590 Our next guest is Tamer Ruggli, the Swiss-Egyptian filmmaker behind the acclaimed feature Retour en Alexandrie. Known for his emotionally rich, cross-cultural storytelling, Tamer dives into his 10-year journey of turning a personal idea into a cinematic exploration of diaspora, heritage, and family. In this episode, he opens up about capturing authentic Egyptian life, working with...

A2 THE SHOW #589We’re joined by Ahmed Bharoocha, a Comedy Central favorite known for his sharp, high-energy comedy and uniquely blended heritage. From insect myths and childhood pranks to the art of staying authentic, the craft of joke writing, and the deeper meaning behind creativity, Ahmed takes us through his journey as a standup, actor, and creator. We talk cooking, culture, storytelling, and...

A2 THE SHOW #588 Our next guest on A2 THE SHOW is Mohamed Hashem — a seasoned journalist and the host of Real Talk on Middle East Eye, known for his thoughtful, unfiltered conversations about the Middle East and the human stories behind the headlines. With years of experience reporting for Al Jazeera English and Al Jazeera Arabic, Hashem brings rare depth, clarity, and emotional intelligence to so...

Our next guest on A2 THE SHOW is Dr. Joel "Gator" Warsh, a board-certified pediatrician from Los Angeles known for his integrative approach to parenting, wellness, and modern medicine. Founder of Integrative Pediatrics and Medicine, Dr. Joel combines traditional and holistic practices to promote balanced health. In this episode, we dive deep into medical censorship, vaccine hesitancy, an...

Our next guest on A2 THE SHOW is Christian Ray Flores — a high-performance coach, entrepreneur, international recording artist, and philanthropist whose journey spans continents, cultures, and causes. From escaping political turmoil in Chile to becoming a pop star in Eastern Europe, Christian’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and global impact. In this episode, we explore his remarkable life...

A2 THE SHOW #585 Our next guest is Yesh Malik — a gay Iraqi Assyrian stand-up comedian based in New York City. Known for his hilariously wacky characters inspired by his immigrant family, Yesh has performed at top venues like The Comedy Store, Hollywood Improv, and The Stand NYC. In this episode, he opens up about identity, family, and the fine line between humor and politics. From navigating dati...

A2 THE SHOW #584 Our next guest on A2 THE SHOW is Dr. Garrett Smith, known as The Nutrition Detective — the world’s leading expert on vitamin A toxicity and detoxification. In this episode, we dive deep into the truth about vitamin D3 and A supplementation, the hidden dangers of food fortification, and how toxicity affects both physical and mental health. Dr. Smith also shares insights on personal...

A2 THE SHOW #583Our next guest on A2 THE SHOW is Tim Fletcher, founder of RE/ACT (Recovery Education for Addictions and Complex Trauma). With a background as both a pastor and counselor, Tim has dedicated his life to helping people understand how childhood trauma shapes emotional regulation, addiction, and relationships. In this episode, he explains how true healing begins with reconnecting to you...

A2 THE SHOW #582Our next guest on A2 THE SHOW is Hanna Horvath — Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Managing Editor at Bankrate, and creator of Your Brain on Money, a newsletter exploring how psychology and behavior shape our financial decisions. In this episode, we delve into the emotional side of money — exploring how cultural forces, social media, and personal values shape our approach the ear...

Our next guest is PJ Glassey, founder of X Gym, creator of the Xercise App, and author of Cracking Your Calorie Code. With decades of experience in personal training and exercise science, PJ brings a unique approach to fitness by focusing on brain types, habit formation, and sustainable health. In this episode, we explore the benefits of strength over aesthetics, cultivating lifelong movement habi...

Our next guest is Dr. Sandra L. Bloom — a psychiatrist, professor, and pioneer in trauma-informed care. She created the Sanctuary Model, now used in hundreds of organizations worldwide, and founded Creating Presence, making trauma-informed systems more accessible. In this episode, Dr. Bloom takes us through powerful insights on childhood adversity, resilience, social equality, addiction, and the u...

Our next guest on A2 THE SHOW is Dan Henry — founder of GetClients.com, an 8-figure entrepreneur, and a master of positioning and persuasion. Dan has generated over $20M in online sales and built some of the most copied funnels in the industry. In this episode, he dives into relationships, legacy, business, the power of AI, and how faith reshaped his life. You’ll also hear his no-fluff strategies...

We’re joined by Dr. Sterlin Mosley — professor, Enneagram teacher, and author of Center of the Universe and The Narcissist in You and Everyone Else. He breaks down the myths of narcissism, exploring how it shapes relationships, leadership, therapy, and even social media. From empathy gaps to the hidden aspects of confidence, Dr. Mosley demonstrates how our flaws can evolve into compassion, awarene...

In this episode of A2 THE SHOW, we sit down with Don Rob — writer, interviewer, and documentary creator with a decade of experience in leadership, business, and creative ventures. From helping build a multimillion-dollar startup to guiding global teams and managing top YouTube creators, Don has mastered the art of clarity and direction. Together, we dive into Lebanon’s relationship-driven culture,...

Our next guest is John Wang, the author of Big Asian Energy, a leadership coach, and cultural voice with over 240,000 followers and 25 million views. Born in Taipei and raised in North America, John brings bold insights on authenticity, identity, and confidence. In this episode, we explore cultural dynamics, including navigating relationships and personality differences, balancing individualism wi...

Our next guest is Julian, a therapist and guide whose work blends modern therapy with timeless wisdom. He helps people heal trauma, navigate identity, and integrate psychedelic experiences—not through rigid protocols, but through presence, somatic work, and honest self-inquiry. In this episode, we dive deep into managing anger and anxiety, cultural differences in seeking help, generational pain, a...

Our next guest on A2 THE SHOW is Laura Laham, a Syrian American stand-up comedian with sharp, witty takes on culture, engineering, and religion. From career shifts and life abroad to performing in Arabic and exploring heritage, Laura brings humor and heart to stories about friendship, marriage, and identity—sprinkled with her signature smart-and-silly style.⭐WEBSITE: https://www.lauralaham.com/⭐...

We're joined by Dr. Joel Pash, co-founder of UpSize Clinic, to talk about the science and stigma around penile enhancement. He breaks down how dermal fillers work, clears up common myths, and explores the psychological reasons behind body modifications. From safety and effectiveness to why pills don't work and the marketing struggles of clinics like his, Dr. Pash brings honesty and insight...

Adam Torres, host of the top-ranked Mission Matters podcast and co-founder of the media company behind it, joins us on A2 THE SHOW.He shares how he built a 500 to 6000+ episode podcast empire, why consistency beats perfection, and how introverts can still thrive in branding. From personal growth to longevity tech, this episode is full of sharp insights for creators and leaders.⭐WEBSITE: https://m...