GUQ Speaks

Signing Off: The Founders' Last Episode | #050 Jul 17, 2026 01:16:14 Two parallel stories behind GU-Q’s podcast club.For Remas Alhawari , it started in an email correspondence. For Ibrahim Absar, it was a joke between friends that wouldn’t die. Neither of them set out to build anything but somehow those two unrelated threads collided into GUQSpeaks: the first student-led podcast club on campus.Fifty episodes later, in their final sit-down as hosts, the co-founders

Hoya Welcome Week: Meet Your Coordinators, Class of 2030 | #049 Jun 27, 2026 00:32:40 Hoya Welcome Week is just around the corner, and before the events, the icebreakers, and the chaos of first week, meet the two people behind it all. Your Welcome Week Coordinators Masa Qaoud and Anwesha Nath, both from the Class of 2028, sit down to introduce themselves and answer your burning questions straight from the Class of 2030. Because who better to help you navigate your first week than t

Kirby Takes Over: Undercover on GU-Q Speaks | #048 Jun 17, 2026 00:14:57 For over 4 years, Kirby, a small pink plush ball , has been quietly traveling the world on Instagram, showing up in cities, landscapes, and moments across the globe, all through an anonymous account that's grown to nearly 1,000 followers without ever revealing who's behind it.In this episode, we finally sit down with the person carrying Kirby everywhere to talk about how it all started, wh

GU-Q Faculty on Air: Professors in Global Media | #047 Jun 9, 2026 00:39:40 We love seeing our professors on global screens, but what actually goes into it? This episode features two GU-Q faculty members stepping into the spotlight.Dr. Raha Hakimdavar is a hydrologist, space science leader, and science policy expert whose work on water and climate security has made her a go-to voice since February 28. Professor Gabor Scheiring, a former Member of Parliament turned academi

Best Duo: Keep Finding Each Other, The Class of 2026 on Friendship | #046 May 15, 2026 00:32:56 They were voted Best Duo by the Class of 2026, and if you know Farkhunda Fazelyar (CULP 2026) and Mahwash Sarwari, (IECO 2026), you know why. Ten years of friendship carried across Afghanistan, India, Washington D.C., and Qatar. Different cities, different chapters, the same two people showing up for each other. As we close out our time at GU-Q, they sit down to talk about what it actually takes t

The Handoff: Power, Pressure and What Comes Next for SGA | #045 Apr 24, 2026 00:44:29 In this episode, outgoing SGA President Ali sits down with Panos, the newly elected 21st president of Georgetown University in Qatar's Student Government Association, to talk about what the job actually looks like the campaigns, the defeats, the WhatsApp wars, and the weight of a title that never quite lets you off the hook.From a joke introduction during room visits to a genuine shot at the p

Letters from the Front Line: Voices of GU-Q | #044 Apr 15, 2026 00:39:30 Spring 2026 may be remembered as one of the most turbulent semesters in Georgetown University in Qatar's history. As missiles fell and the region held its breath, members of the GU-Q community did what communities do. They bore witness, they reached out, and they wrote.This episode documents the lived experiences of students, faculty, and staff navigating an uncertain world from the heart of D

Speaking Truth to Power: Walkout or Speak Up? | #043 Apr 5, 2026 00:51:03 She arrived at GU-Q just weeks into her tenure as President of the United Nations General Assembly — a role meant to represent the world's nations equally, impartially, together. But Students for Justice in Palestine weren't there to celebrate the appointment. As Germany's Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock had taken positions on Gaza that they could not let pass quietly into her new chapter. So

The Gen Z Revolution in Nepal: Bimba Panthi on Writing Lungri | #042 Feb 28, 2026 00:39:25 In this episode, we welcome a first for our podcast: a faculty host. Professor Magdalena Rostron sits down with Bimba Panthi (Class of '29), a freshman who has already made his mark as a published author. His book, Lungri, chronicles the Gen Z revolution in Nepal that put young people at the center of the conversation. Bimba takes us behind the pages, sharing what drove him to write the book a

Transfer Student Stories: Terry and Levan from GU-Q to GU | #041 Feb 13, 2026 00:35:45 Georgetown University first opened in Washington, DC in 1789. More than two centuries later, the School of Foreign Service expanded globally with the opening of the Doha campus in 2005 , now known as GU-Q , and most recently with a new branch in Indonesia. Across these campuses, students receive a Jesuit education shaped by very different cultural and social contexts.But what happens when a studen

GUQ Starter Pack: Freshmen Interrogate Seniors | #040 Dec 1, 2025 01:06:05 Welcome to our first official vodcast! In this premiere episode, hosts Ruth Kidane and Eeman Siddiqui (both Class of 2029) sit down with four graduating seniors representing diverse academic paths at Georgetown University-Qatar. Tashafee Masoodi (International History), Ahmed Ahmed (International Economics), Marianna Pereira de Souza (Culture and Politics), and Ali Nasir (International Politics) o

Hiwaraat Conferences: When Does Criticism Become Resentment? | #039 Nov 1, 2025 00:59:39 This episode examines the Hiwaraat conference series, launched by the GU-Q administration in Fall 2023. The official GU-Q website describes the series: "Launched in Fall 2023, the Hiwaraat Conference Series offers timely and topical conferences that draw together experts, practitioners, scholars, policymakers, and youth to discuss some of the most pressing topics of our time."Since its f

Our Future is Ancestral: Professor Nouf Al-Thani on Qatar's Cultural Diplomacy Oct 16, 2025 00:19:13 In this episode, Professor Nouf Al-Thani, Deputy Director of Learning and Outreach at Lusail Museum (Qatar Museums), tells the story of Qatar as a cultural diplomat.How did Qatar build an identity that incorporates cultural diplomacy as soft power? How does a nation establish a distinct identity on the international stage? Tune in to discover Qatar's story as told by a Qatari scholar.This inte

From GU-Q Students to Faculty: Dr. Al-Jufairi and Dr. AlSada on Academia | #037 Oct 2, 2025 00:48:46 Welcome back to GU-Q Speaks! In this special episode, we explore the inspiring journeys of two alumni who've returned to Georgetown University in Qatar as faculty members. Host Remas Alhawari (IPOL '26) sits down with Dr. Khalid Al-Jufairi (IPOL '09) and Dr. Maryam AlSada (IPOL '12) to discover how they transformed from curious students into accomplished scholars. Hear about their global academic

Hoya Welcome Week: Voices Behind the Scenes | #036 Aug 3, 2025 00:13:49 A special collaboration between GUQ Speaks and the Hoya Welcome Week Coordinators! In this episode, host Maryam Al Ansari (Class of 2026) sits down with the dynamic duo behind Georgetown's Welcome Week planning: Panagiotis Dalgiannakis and Hassan Amin, both members of the Class of 2027.Discover what goes into coordinating Welcome Week events as Panos and Hassan share their vision for making the tr

Student Life Core: Voices from Universities Across Qatar | #035 (Arabic Special) Jul 1, 2025 01:06:00 Join us for our second Arabic special episode featuring students from both public and private universities across Doha, Qatar. Despite being in a relatively small country, discover how student experiences vary dramatically between campuses, creating worlds of difference. Our guests include Nour Alseaf from Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, Jana Al Farra from University of Doha for Science and T

Faculty vs. Feedback: A RateMyProfessor Special | #034 Jun 8, 2025 00:16:58 As part of our ongoing summer series, we’re handing the mic to the professors and the students. In this episode, Dr. Dennis McCornac, Dr. Akintunde Akinade, Dr. James Olsen, Dr. Santaiago Garcia Couto, and Dr. Karine Walther read their own RateMyProfessor reviews out loud, unfiltered. Some are kind, others are brutal, and a few are just plain weird. Through it all, they reflect on what it means to

Studying Abroad: Washington, D.C. in Retrospect | #033 May 30, 2025 00:48:07 As part of our summer series, we're excited to bring you monthly episodes exploring student experiences from around the globe. This month, we dive into the heart of Washington, D.C., through the eyes of Georgetown University Qatar's Class of 2026 students who spent their fall 2024 semester studying abroad at the main campus.Join us as Jay Pacer (International Politics), Tashafee Masoodi (Internati

SCC Reflections: Advice, Stories and Confessions from '25 | #032 May 4, 2025 00:53:42 As commencement approaches and the Class of 2025 counts down to their graduation day, we're excited to continue our annual tradition of featuring seniors on our podcast. This year, we collaborate with the Senior Class Committee representing the four majors at GU-Q: Zahra Saboorzadeh (IECO), Maytha Al-Shrame (IPOL), Natali Fanik (IHIST), and John Carlos Burog (CULP).Tune in to hear these accomplish

Aftermath of the Referendum: A New Era of Student Politics at GU-Q?| #031 Apr 19, 2025 00:45:52 In the aftermath of the most contentious SGA amendment in recent memory, this episode revisits the referendum that ultimately led to the amendment’s reversal. But was that the real victory?Join Ibrahim Absar and Kim Chen in an unfiltered conversation recorded shortly after the referendum results were released. They unpack not just the vote itself, but the deeper issues of student representation, c

SGA Presidential Debate: Unpacking Promises Before the Polls | #030 Apr 15, 2025 00:23:26 In this unexpected and fast-tracked episode, we respond to an urgent request from the SGA to help answer student-submitted questions that couldn't be addressed during the presidential debate held during lunch hour on Tuesday, April 15th, 2025. Recorded the very same day and released just hours before polls open, this special episode dives deep into the manifestos of the four presidential candidate

Eid Diaries: Narratives from Around the World | #029 Mar 30, 2025 00:28:32 Eid Mubarak, everyone! We present this episode as a Eid special, and we hope you enjoy it! Join us in our conversation about diverse Eid experiences from around the globe, spanning from the US to Bangladesh, with four GU-Q students: Ranneme Abu-Hajar (Class of '27), Adeena Hossain (Class of '27), Shyryn Nurlybek (Class of '27), with our host Shahd El-Said (Class of '26).During this conversation, w

Protecting Democracy: SGA on the Amendment Dispute | #028 Mar 24, 2025 00:54:12 This episode comes at a pivotal moment in GU-Q's history, marking the first time a call for a referendum has been made. On March 18, 2025, the student body received an email from the Student Government Association (SGA) informing them of new constitutional amendments. These amendments sparked division among students, further fueled by growing hostility toward the SGA. What does this mean for o

Education City & Us: A Promise Fulfilled? | #027 (Arabic Special Edition) Mar 9, 2025 01:00:44 Welcome to our first episode in Arabic, where we explore Education City as both a project and a mission to educate the Qatari youth since its establishment in 1997.This episode is brought to you by Moza Al-Hajri (IECO '26), Ahmed Al-Kuwari (CULP '23), and Leen Al-Thani (IPOL '28), who discuss what Education City means to them and whether it has fulfilled its promise of providing better

Syria's Next Chapter: A Conversation with Professor Mehran Kamrava | #026 Feb 21, 2025 00:35:06 After the fall of the Assad regime's 54-year dictatorship, Syria begins the next chapter. Many questions have surfaced around the fall of the regime and how the Syrian state will rebuild and interact with Syrian society and foreign actors.Bayan Kayali (Class 26) discusses these questions with Professor Mehran Kamrava to understand a Political Scientist's reading of developments in Syria. As studen

Behind the Gazette: Understanding Voices of our Community | #025 Dec 25, 2024 00:34:06 Our last episode of 2024 is brought to you by Sama Alissa (CULP ’27) and Jannah ElGamal (IHIST ’27), both members of the GU-Q Gazette. With the gazette's popularity growing, particularly due to its controversial pieces, Jannah explores her role as an author in our community. How does she choose her topics? Where does she begin her craft? What are the larger implications of publication?Join us to u

Voices from Sudan: Dismantling Myths About the Current Crisis | #024 Nov 27, 2024 00:52:03 In a world infested with numbers and statistics, finding the human side of conflict can feel overwhelming. This episode dives deeper, offering nuanced, personal perspectives that go beyond the headlines—stories that bring empathy and humanity to the forefront of the Sudanese Crisis.In the face of the devastating reality in Sudan, stories of resilience and hope demand to be heard. Join us as Aya Ah

Turning the Page: A New Era of GU-Q Speaks | #023 Oct 23, 2024 00:07:53 In this episode, we turn the page to a new era of GU-Q Speaks, diving into what’s next for our podcast this academic year. What can listeners expect from this new chapter? How are we planning to tackle bigger topics and expand our reach? And how can YOU be a part of shaping the future of GUQ Speaks? Tune in as we discuss our goals, upcoming ideas, and invite you to share your thoughts through poll

365 Days Later: A Human Perspective on the Genocide | #022 Oct 8, 2024 01:20:21 Get a unique, deeply personal perspective on the experience of being Gazan during an all out genocide as the Israeli genocidal campaign in Gaza reaches its one year mark today. Join Masa Qaoud (SFS-Q '28), a GUQ freshman who lived the genocide in all its forms, and Ahmed Zayed (SFS-Q '25), a GUQ student who had to observe helplessly as his family underwent the genocide. From the smallest memories

Hoyas in Retrospect: Senior Reflections on Life at GU-Q | #021 Sep 12, 2024 01:40:51 Join a lively group of Georgetown University in Qatar seniors as they candidly discuss their college journey. From academic challenges to cultural discoveries, these Hoyas share their most memorable experiences and insights gained over four years in Doha. Hear firsthand accounts of how GU-Q has shaped their perspectives and prepared them for the future. Whether you're a prospective student, c

Women as Change-Makers: From Doha to Washington D.C. | #020 Aug 2, 2024 00:32:10 In this episode of GU-Q Speaks, we shine a spotlight on the powerful role of women as change-makers. What does it mean to be a woman driving change in today’s world? How do the cultural contexts of Qatar and Washington influence their paths, challenges, and triumphs? We are thrilled to feature three incredible women from the recent DC women’s trip hosted by Kaltham Al Suabey (Class of 2024): P

Studying Abroad: Student Experiences in Italy and Washington, D.C. | #019 Jun 27, 2024 00:36:44 The long-awaited Italy vs. Washington, D.C. conversation is finally coming to light. With many of our rising juniors preparing to embark on their study abroad opportunities and the return of fall and spring exchange students to GU-Q, it is time to discuss the most popular question regarding study abroad decisions: Villa Le Balze in Italy or GU's main campus in Washington, D.C.? Both of these o

Rhodes, Research & Beyond: Undergraduate Opportunities at GU-Q | #018 Jun 2, 2024 00:49:48 In this episode, we discuss research opportunities from the lens of both the GU-Q administration and the student body. What is research? What are the research opportunities at GU-Q? How do students unlock the doors of academia? What is the undergraduate student research experience like? All these questions and more are answered as we hear from Asma Shakeel (class of 2024) an IHIST major and the w

ZCZP Unveiled: Exploring Peace and Conflict Realities | #017 May 8, 2024 00:51:41 In this episode, we unveil the Zones of Peace Zones of Conflict program offered at GU-Q and its development after the COVID-19 era. What is the purpose of this program? What are the student experiences on these trips? How do students get admitted to this experience? Who gets to decide the location and the conflict? All these questions and more are answered as we hear from Riwaj Khatiwada (class o

Countdown to Commencement: GU-Q Seniors' on their next stage | #016 Apr 23, 2024 00:59:11 As graduation approaches, and we bid farewell to the class of 2024, we thought it only appropriate to present a graduation special to properly celebrate our amazing seniors. This episode features a conversation between seniors from all four majors offered at GU-Q. Listen to Ayet, Zlata, Omar, and Meerna as they reflect on their time at GU-Q and share their plans, fears, and hopes for the next sta

Beginning of the End: Student Voices on the Closure of Texas A&M at Qatar | #015 Apr 16, 2024 00:32:12 This episode comes in light of the unfortunate news regarding the closure of Texas A&M University in Qatar. On February 8, 2024, the Board of Regents of the Texas A&M University System voted to shut down their branch in Qatar. Over the last two decades, Qatar Foundation has worked relentlessly to provide a world-class education through various American universities on Qatari soil. The rea

Food for Thought: Prof. Mysti Rudd's Creative Path in Academia | #014 Apr 2, 2024 00:20:42 Join us in Episode 14, where Professor Mysti Rudd delves deeper into her field of interest: creative writing, and how she discovered her passion for this field. Tune in as we explore the intersections of writing research and practice with an educator who is shaping the future of composition studies. Professor Rudd's insights promise to inspire educators, students, and anyone interested in the

Ramadan Diaries: Narratives from Around the World | #013 Mar 19, 2024 00:31:01 Ramadan Mubarak, everyone! We present this episode as a Ramadan special, and we hope you enjoy it! Join us in our conversation about the diverse Ramadan experiences from around the globe, spanning from Uzbekistan to France, with four GU-Q students. During this conversation, we delve deeper into the differences and similarities between each country and its practices during the holy month. It'

GU-Q Admissions: Inside The Decision Room With Joe Hernandez | #012 Mar 5, 2024 00:45:16 Join us in Episode 12 as Assistant Dean of Admissions, Joseph Hernandez, takes us behind the scenes of the GU-Q admissions process. Discover what makes an application stand out and the key factors the admissions team looks for. With Joseph's expertise, we delve into the strategies that can transform any application. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the secrets of college

Creative Horizons: Illuminating GU-Q's Student Artists | #011 Feb 13, 2024 00:24:28 As part of our mission to exchange students' campus experiences and highlight their successes, this episode features three creative individuals dedicated to pursuing their artistic endeavors. Our first guest is Zaina Khalil, a member of the class of 2024, who utilizes the art form of embroidery, specifically Palestinian tatreez, as a means of both resistance and self-expression. This episode

Studying Abroad: Student Experiences in London and DC | #010 Jan 29, 2024 00:33:18 With the opening of applications for studying abroad and the return of fall exchange students to GU-Q, we found it only appropriate to delve deep into student experiences during exchange year programs. This conversation features Raed Asad, class of 2025, and his experience studying abroad on the GU main campus in Washington, DC, as well as Kaltham AlSubaey, class of 2024, and her experience study

Mastering the Podium: Luigi Alcaneses & GU-Q Debates Week | #009 Jan 16, 2024 00:33:27 We are kicking off the Spring 2024 semester with a conversation featuring Luigi Alcaneses, a graduate student pursuing a Ph.D. in Economics at the University of the Philippines Diliman. We were fortunate to have Luigi visit GU-Q as part of the Georgetown Debate week during the Fall 2023 semester. In this episode, as a WUDC finalist, Luigi shares his rich experience in competitive debating and publ

Tightrope of Law: Wadie Said on Gaza’s Legal Struggle| #008 Dec 12, 2023 00:24:08 Bayan Kayyali an International Politics major interviews Professor of Law Wadie Said for insight on the implications of human rights within international law specifically within the context of the current international law violations committed against the people of Gaza as well as the limitations of US federal law in protecting activism rights. Join us as we delve deeper into this intricate matte

Beyond Borders: Studying Abroad at GU-Q | #007 Nov 28, 2023 00:28:01 As a continuation of our student-led episodes, this episode features host Maryam Al-Ansari and distinguished students Marianna Pereira de Souza and Minahil Mahmud. Join us for an enlightening conversation as they explore their experiences at GU-Q as international students, embracing diverse cultures, and creating a sense of belonging in a new environment. We hope you enjoy it!

Football Banter: Ahmed and Basil's Pitchside Punditry| #006 Nov 14, 2023 00:37:14 Ahmed Ahmed, from the class of 2026, and Basil Al-Balushi, representing the class of 2027, bring you this exclusive episode on the universal game of football. Explore the latest happenings in football as we dissect the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony, unravel the drama of the most recent El Clássico, look into the Benzema controversy, and finally end with a very special game between the two hosts. Join

Faith in Focus: MSA conversations with Imam Hendi | #005 Nov 2, 2023 00:39:44 This episode marks the beginning of our student-led episodes featuring a collaboration with the GU-Q Muslim Students Association. The MSA has an insightful conversation with Imam Hendi, the United States’ first full-time Muslim Chaplain based at a university. The episode begins with the Imam's perspective on the ongoing genocide of Palestinians in Palestine. We then delve deeper into his personal

Palestine, My Issue: Ahmed Zayed’s Call for Action | #004 Oct 17, 2023 00:47:44 This episode sheds light on the current situation in the Gaza Strip, featuring Ahmed Zayed, a survivor of the 2006 and 2009 wars in Gaza, sharing his perspective. We explore Georgetown University's response to the ongoing crisis and its implications in the larger context of the wider community. This podcast serves as a reminder for students to question, reflect, and contemplate global issues. Jo

Courage to Thrive: Dr. John Wright's Journey | #003 Sep 28, 2023 00:48:59 From humble beginnings to facing adversity, Dr. Wright recounts his life's journey with GUQ speaks. In this episode, we delve into the lessons he's learned along the way, the people he's interacted with, and the moments that shaped him. This podcast episode is a testament to the power of resilience and the beauty of humility. We often see Dr. Wright walking in the atrium with a smile

Championing the Hoya Spirit: Benjamin Kurian's Story | #002 Sep 14, 2023 00:30:18 Introducing our inaugural guest, Benjamin Kurian , a distinguished alumnus and former Student Government Association president at GU-Q. Join us for a nostalgic conversation about his GU-Q journey, stepping out of comfort zones, the power of collaboration, community impact, and the rewards of being proactive. We hope you enjoy!

Welcome to GUQ Speaks, The podcast | #001 Sep 6, 2023 00:02:54 Hello Hoyas! We are super excited to launch this new podcast titled GUQ Speaks. In this episode, we introduce the team behind it all, discuss what you can expect, delve into our motives for making this decision, and express our general excitement about the potential of this podcast. Thank you for listening. :) Please consider following us on our Instagram page @GUQ_Speaks to stay updated.

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