Al Nafs Podcast - Roots and Narrative

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 prov...

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....

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, whic...

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 Yugoslav...

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...

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...

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 fa...

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 h...

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 fi...

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 #2...

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...

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 dis...

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 a...