The Native Informant

In this final episode, I explain why Native Informant has reached a natural close. I reflect on how a show born from The Letters Project, built on honest conversation and cultural advocacy, found itself in a social landscape that now rewards performance over substance. I speak frankly about the rise of parasocial theatre, clout chasing, and the pressure to be constantly visible. She shares why aut...

On this week's episode, singer, actor, and creative practitioner Rashed Alnuaimi joins me for his first-ever podcast appearance. We explore the intimate balance between public visibility and private freedom, the courage to step away from industry pressures, and the childlike wonder that fuels authentic creation. Rashed reflects on his decade-long journey toward releasing his debut album, the parad...

On this week's episode, we dive into pretty privilege, confidence, and how these dynamics shape friendships, relationships, and situationships. A candid conversation on self-worth, navigating connections, and owning your presence.

On this week's episode, Walid Al Wawi interrogates the role of the artist amidst ongoing global atrocities, particularly the genocide in Palestine. He touches on the uncomfortable truths about institutional complicity, aesthetic performativity, and the myth of the neutral artist. Walid speaks with candour and conviction about the collapse of meaning in art that does not act, and the moral failure...

On this week's episode, we are joined by a return guest, Layla K. Saleh to help navigate the topic of betrayal. The betrayals we commit against ourselves in the name of love, loyalty, or fear of abandonment. Reflecting on friendships and romantic relationships, she explores how we abandon our values, silence our instincts, and shrink our truths to keep the peace or preserve connection. What does i...

On this week's episode, we dive into the complexities of friendships, boundaries, narcissism, and emotional resilience. We discuss the fine line between being supportive and being emotionally drained, the role of victimhood in interpersonal conflicts, and the challenges of dealing with narcissistic family members. The conversation also explores masculinity, emotional intelligence, and the influenc...

On this week's episode, we sit down with Torkia Mahloul, the co-founder of Ovasave , a platform providing accessible fertility and hormonal health tools—and redefining success on her own terms. As a French-Algerian entrepreneur in Abu Dhabi, we discussed her navigating her Arab identity and launching her business, as well as unpacking the stigma surrounding reproductive health, the struggles of ba...

On this week's episode, we release a bonus episode that was recorded in 2022, the episode was with Jenniffer Crystal, the founder of 'Saudi Children Left Behind,' a groundbreaking website that has been transforming the lives of children and families for over a decade. With a heartfelt mission to reunite families and bridge cultural differences, Jenniffer sheds light on the unfortunate circumstance...

On this week's episode, we share insights into the complexities of relationships and friendships, exploring the dynamics between men and women in dating, emotional intimacy, and the nuances of friendships. Together, we unpack why men may struggle with vulnerability, how women can navigate their non-negotiables in relationships, and why maintaining healthy female friendships can be so challenging....

On this week's episode, we dive into the complexities of boyhood and manhood in the context of modern societal expectations and cultural nuances. Building on our previous conversation about womanhood, we explore how the idea that “boys will be boys” influences upbringing and emotional development. Through a critical discussion of emotional self-regulation, impulse control, and societal gender bias...

On this week's podcast, we sit down with Khadijah Safari, a remarkable figure who shares her journey of self-discovery, spirituality, and the founding of the UK’s first women's only martial arts club. Khadijah delves into her transition to Islam, shedding light on the power of intentional living, modesty, and authentic expression. Through candid stories, she explores the influence of social expect...

On this week's episode, we sit down to discuss the aftermath of the Instagram suspension and the complexities of female friendships. We explore why they can sometimes be challenging, touching on societal pressures, the victimhood narrative, and the importance of accountability. Through personal experiences and candid reflection, we ask the tough questions about what makes these relationships diffi...

On this week's episode, we delve into the intricate world of female friendships, exploring how societal conditioning encourages competition among women from a young age. From vying for attention and validation to the damaging effects of low self-worth, we unpack the emotional power struggles that often turn friendships into battlegrounds. Why do we measure ourselves against others, and how does th...

On this week's episode, we sit down Layla K. Saleh, where we unpack the conventional views on feminism, womanhood, and the intersection of religion and modern societal norms. Layla shares her views on the impact of Western ideologies on Middle Eastern perspectives, the concept of "trad wives," and the controversial discussion around masculinity and femininity in today's world. The episod...

On this week's episode, we welcome the insightful Rozan (Razan), an intercultural visionary who delves into the complexities of identity, belonging, and the power of self-awareness. Rozan shares her journey of navigating multiple identities as a Sudanese, African, and British woman, discussing the profound impact of colonialism, cultural expectations, and the importance of self-acceptance. The con...

On this week's episode, we chat with comedian Shawn Chidiac, known on Instagram as "My Parents Are Divorced," Shawn recounts his journey into comedy, beginning with his early attempts to make his stoic mother laugh, which ultimately inspired his career. He discusses his unique approach to comedy, focusing on the importance of relatable storytelling and cultural understanding in his skits and imper...

On this week's episode, we sit down with Diana Hammadi, a Dubai-based lawyer specialising in family law in the UAE. Diana shares her journey in the legal profession and discusses the complexities of UAE family law, highlighting differences between laws for Muslims and non-Muslims. The conversation covers challenges in divorce cases, multiple wives and the impact of infidelity. Diana emphasises the...

On this week's episode, we sit down with Fadie Musallet, the Palestinian-American entrepreneur known for his philanthropy and multifaceted initiatives. Raised in Florida and deeply connected to his roots in Palestine, Fadie opens up about his life's journey, the legacy of his family's generosity, and his profound love for his homeland. Join us as Fadie shares touching stories about his grandfather...

On this week's episode, we sit down with Jet van Wijk, a dynamic digital entrepreneur originally from the Netherlands, to discuss her transformative journey from a corporate job in London to becoming a successful freelancer and digital marketer. Jet shares her experiences in the influencer industry, the mental health challenges it brought, and how she pivoted to a healthier, more sustainable "lapt...

On this week's episode, we welcome Dr. Saliha Afridi, clinical psychologist and chairwoman of The Lighthouse Arabia in Dubai. Dr. Afridi shares her personal journey and professional insights, diving deep into topics such as grief, moral injury, and the human capacity for empathy in the face of global atrocities. Through her compassionate lens, she discusses the psychological impact of the Pal...

On this week's episode, we speak to entrepreneur and podcast host Dana Alhanbali on multicultural identity, intersectionality, humanity, and activism. Through Dana's personal journey, she explores the profound impact of embracing one's roots in the face of global challenges and the role of individual stories in the collective effort for justice and change. As she unravels the complexities of...

On this week's episode, we speak to communications expert Zenah Mattar, on the Arab Narrative through a Western perspective and the importance of navigating through the complexities of intercultural communication and identity. She shares her personal journey, igniting her passion to represent and voice the perspectives of Palestinians, Arabs, and Muslims. Zenah delves into the intersecti...

On this week's episode, we chat with the Dubai Matchmaker, Christiana Maxion. Christiana discusses her journey from starting an Instagram account, 'Dating in Dubai', to establishing a successful matchmaking agency with a 96% success rate and eventually developing her app. Christiana dives into the nuances of matchmaking, emphasising the importance of genuine connections over mere physical attribut...

On this week's episode, we chat with Nadir Nahdi, a storyteller and filmmaker with a richly woven background that spans London, Yemen, Indonesia, Kenya, and Pakistan. Nadir opens the conversation up to the heart of multicultural and multi-ethnic experiences, examining the fluid and often complex nature of identity in a world where cultures intersect and evolve. Nadir, known for his insightful pers...

On this week's episode, we speak to Abbey Hafez as she shares her life-altering experiences and the powerful instances of faith that inspired her conversion when she witnessed the unwavering strength of Palestinian Muslims amidst the adversities in Palestine. The ongoing plight of the Palestinian people sparked a curiosity that led her to explore the Quran, seeking answers and understanding. Abbey...