Well Rooted
Well Rooted is a podcast spotlighting entrepreneurs, creatives, and industry leaders from the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region. Each episode features personal stories from guests who break barriers and build legacies in their respective fields, including artists, innovators, and business visionaries. Listeners gain insights into their strategies for success, along with practical advice and motivation. The show also aims to create a deeper connection to the MENA community and inspire listeners to pursue their own dreams.
Episodes
The Potion Studio Founder Aziza El Wanni on Palestinian-Carribean Roots and Hair Care Entrepreneurship
In this episode of Well Rooted, Aziza El Wanni - founder of luxury hair care brand The Potion Studio - breaks down the full arc of building a culturally-rooted beauty company from the ground up: identifying a real gap in the hair care market, the early kitchen-table formulation stage, funding and manufacturing challenges, and the behind-the-scenes story of how The Potion Studio landed on shelves a
Ebraheem Al Samadi | Star of Dubai Bling on Building Forever Rose, Reality TV, & Staying Unfiltered
This week on Well Rooted, we're revisiting our episode featuring Ebraheem Al Samadi - the breakout star of Dubai Bling and founder of Forever Rose and Forever Rose Café - for a conversation that's as candid as it is captivating. Ebraheem takes us from his Florida roots to the glittering world he's built in the UAE, sharing the story behind the empire with humor, heart, and zero filter. We talk ent
Palestinian Olive Oil, Diaspora Identity, and the Business of Reclamation with Ya Albi Founder Yasmeen Abouremeleh
Yasmeen co-founded Ya Albi with her mother to put Palestinian olive oil back in the hands of people who understand what it means. What she built is one of the most visually striking food brands in the diaspora: hot pink tins, Y2K aesthetics, custom bottles for a Huda Beauty event - proof that Palestinian products don't have to look like grief to be taken seriously. We get into the truth about the
Roots, Land, & the Power of Indigenous Storytelling with Jenan Matari
Award-winning author, publicist, and activist Jenan Matari joins Well Rooted to discuss her upcoming Palestinian children's book, Everything Grows in Jiddo's Garden, and the deeper mission behind it: raising children with a strong connection to their roots and and their land. In this episode, Jenan opens up about reclaiming and preserving Palestinian identity through storytelling, and what it me
Abeer: Arab Girl Problems, Palestine & Why We Still Laugh | ICYMI
In this episode, we're joined by Arab comedian and content creator, Abeer, for an honest conversation about dating as an Arab woman, advocacy for Palestine, and using humor to challenge cultural expectations. Abeer shares how she built her platform, what drives her creative voice, and why she believes comedy and activism belong in the same space. This episode is for anyone that's ever been made t
How to Build Wealth as an Entrepreneur: Common Financial Mistakes and Why Filing Taxes Isn't Enough | CPA Sam Jarrar, Jarrar & Associates
Most people think hiring a CPA is just about filing taxes. Sam Jarrar-with his extensive experience managing high profile clients and guiding enterpreneurs of all experience levels-is here to change that. In this episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Samer Jarrar, founder of Jarrar & Associates CPAs, Beverly Hills' award-winning accounting firm-to talk about what it really takes to build and
Paul Elia on Being a 'Good Son,' Chaldean Assyrian Identity, and Breaking Into Hollywood
Paul Elia is a Chaldean Assyrian comedian who almost became a lawyer - until Hollywood had other plans. On this episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Paul to talk about his brand-new stand-up special Good Son, now on YouTube, and the winding road that brought him here: from law school dreams to becoming a Hollywood regular, to finally leaning all the way into where he comes from. We get into wh
Lara Salmon on art as resistance, the Middle East's transformative power, and why FYVP is clothing with a conscience
What happens when art stops being decorative and starts being dangerous — in the best possible way? Lara Salmon has spent her career asking that question. A world-renowned Irish-American performance artist and co-founder of social justice apparel brand For Your Viewing Pleasure (FYVP), Lara has built a life at the intersection of radical creativity and deep human solidarity. In this conversation
Can art change the world? Lara Salmon of For Your Viewing Pleasure on resistance, healing, and why staying silent was never an option
What happens when art stops being decorative and starts being dangerous — in the best possible way? Lara Salmon has spent her career asking that question. A world-renowned Irish-American performance artist and co-founder of social justice apparel brand For Your Viewing Pleasure (FYVP), Lara has built a life at the intersection of radical creativity and deep human solidarity. In this conversation
ROOTED RECAP | Culture is Not For Sale and Other Musings on the Met
This week we're doing a quick recap on the Oligarch Gala: who showed up, why it's embarrassing, and why money and power do not translate to cultural currency and relevence. We're also shining a light on one of our previous guests, Sylwia Nazzal, and sharing why we want to see here-plus more Arab artists-celebrated at future (hopefully less problematic) Met Gala carpets. Catch up on Sylwia's episod
Acne, Sobriety, and Building a Skincare Empire with Marya Khalil-Otto of VI Peel
Marya Khalil-Otto didn't just inherit a company - she inherited a mission. As CEO of VI Peel, the first painless chemical peel formulated for all skin tones, Marya carries forward the legacy of her father, Dr. Khalil, who originally created the peel to treat her own acne. In this episode of Well Rooted, Marya gets real about what it took to step into leadership after losing her father, relocate
ROOTED RECAP | Nochella, Coachella, and the SWANA Takeover
I'm back from Coachella where I watched SWANA artists, representing Palestine to Algeria and Egypt to Pakistan unleash their incomparable energy on the festival stage. I'm sharing my thoughts on DJ Habibeats and Zainab's Coachella premiere, DJ Snake's legendary back2back trap takeover, and what I really think about Sabrina Carpenter's response following the now infamous "Zaghrootagate." Plus, I'm
Building Power with Layla Shaikley | Identity, Entrepreneurship & Emotional Intelligence
What does it take to build power when the system wasn't built for you? This week, I sit down with Iraqi-American entrepreneur, startup founder, and one of the most trusted voices in entrepreneurship and career strategy on social media, Layla Shaikley. Layla's story spans architecture school, NASA, MIT, building a multi-million dollar tech startup, and even a viral Muslim hipster music video. She d
ROOTED RECAP | The Duality of Arab-American Identity, Judgment, and Community
Apparenlty, we listen and we do judge! Wow, guys-our last episode featuring the talented and relatable Farah of Lesh La2 really resonated with so many of you and inspired me to share a bit of my own experience and perspective growing up as a first-gen Arab-American. I also reflect on the role judgment and scrutiny plays in our society (you know aside from uplifting the patriarchy), and I offer up
"Why Not?" Rewriting the Arab Narrative with Farah Fezz of Lesh La2
In this episode of Well Rooted, Farah, founder of Lesh La2, shares how she built a design-led creative brand rooted in Arab nostalgia, culture, and storytelling. What started as teaching Arabic on TikTok quickly evolved into Lesh La2-a platform blending design, typography, and Arab pop culture to reshape modern Arab identity and narrative ownership. Farah breaks down how she transformed digital co
Feeding Gaza: Hani Almadhoun on the Gaza Soup Kitchen, Humanitarian Aid with UNRWA, and Palestine
In this episode of Well Rooted, Hani Almadhoun, founder of the Gaza Soup Kitchen and Head of Philanthropy at UNRWA USA, shares the story behind a grassroots humanitarian effort feeding thousands in Gaza. Hani reflects on the loss of his martyred brothers and the legacy they left behind through a community-led operation built by the people of Gaza to sustain the people of Gaza. We also discuss the
Reclaiming Palestinian cuisine and identity with the Knafeh Queens | ICYMI
This week we are revisiting last year's Eid episode featuring the mother-daughter duo behind Knafeh Queens, Fatmah and Reyhanna. I don't think I ever laughed as hard during a taping as when we recorded this fun, truly wholesome, and valuable episode. Fatmah is a testament to Palestinian resilience and community building, and through her journey with Knafeh Queens, has reclaimed Palestinian cuisine
Manifestation in Islam, Realizing your true potential, and living intentionally with Nadia Khaled | ICYMI
Ramadan Mubarak to all those celebrating! We are kicking off this month of faith, intention, and realignment with a rerelease of our episode featuring manifestation coach, content creator, and host of the Limitless with Nadia podcast, Nadia Khaled. This is a great episode to dive into as we dicuss making Du'a vs manifestation, setting and executing on goals, and what it really means to live intent
ROOTED RECAP| The Cultural Impact of the Bad Bunny Bowl, Rolla Selbak's Creative Defiance, and Leaving Comfort Behind
In this solo episode, we reflect on the cultural impact of the Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show-what it revealed about language, identity, and who gets to take up space on global stages. We also recall our recent conversation with filmmaker, Rolla Selbak and our discussion on narrative ownership, creative risk, and telling stories that push boundaries. At its core, this episode is about why grow
Rolla Selbak on Palestinian Cinema, Industry Censorship, and Shooting The Visitor with Watermelon Pictures
In this episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Palestinian filmmaker Rolla Selbak on the brink of herrr next chapter - preparing to shoot her upcoming film The Visitor in collaboration with Watermelon Pictures. Rolla reflects on her journey through the film and entertainment industry, from navigating and resisting deeply ingrained stereotypes of Arabs and Muslims to the professional cost of stan
ROOTED RECAP| Sinners, Arab Influencers, and Why Representation is no Longer Enough
In the first solo episode of the season, Well Rooted begins with a reckoning. Host Haneen Jarrar introduces this year's guiding theme, narrative sovereignty, and unpacks the critical difference between being represented and truly owning your story. From Arab influencers who profit while upholding the very systems that oppress our communities, to Watermelon Pictures, the Palestinian production hous
Lauren Harb of Harem Modern on Moroccan Rugs, Heritage, and Authentic Brand-Building - ICYMI
In this episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Lauren Harb, founder of Harem Modern, to explore the intersection of heritage, craftsmanship, and modern entrepreneurship. Lauren shares how her Palestinian-American identity and her family's deep roots in the textile world inspired her to create a brand centered on luxurious, handcrafted Moroccan rugs made by local artisans. She opens up about the
From Content Creator to Global Comedian: Nasser Al-Rayess on Arab Culture, Red Flags, and the Perfect Shawarma
In this week's podcast episode, we sit down with Syrian-American comedian and viral content creator Nasser Al-Rayess—widely known as the "Shawarma King." Nasser opens up about his incredible rise from making comedy sketches online to headlining a global stand-up comedy tour. He shares practical advice for aspiring comedians, creators, and anyone chasing a creative career, emphasizing the importanc
Beyond the Lens: Shahed Khaddash on Film, Identity, and Resistance
In this re-released episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Shahed Khaddash — a Palestinian-American director and producer whose work is redefining how stories from our communities are told. With an eye for truth and authenticity, Shahed has collaborated with powerhouse brands like OLAY, Lexus, and Elle Magazine, crafting visual stories that bridge cultures and challenge stereotypes. We explore h
Nael Atweh on Building Grass Fed Music: Artist Development, R&B Innovation, and Redefining the Music Industry"
In this re-release episode of Well Rooted, host Haneen Jarrar sits down with Nael Atweh, founder and president of Grass Fed Music, to dive into the world of music industry innovation and artist development. Known for discovering and nurturing top-tier talent, Nael represents breakout R&B star Sabrina Claudio and DJ Habibeats, a cultural icon shaping today's global music scene. Nael opens up about
Unapologetically Alana Hadid-Power, Protest, and Burning it all Down
In this powerful and unfiltered episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Alana Hadid — a sustainable fashion icon, model, creative director of Watermelon Pictures, soon-to-be two-time author, activist, and proud member of the prestigious and deeply respected Palestinian Hadid family. Alana opens up about reclaiming narratives, the inevitable evolution we've all experienced over the past two years,
From Paris to Palestine, resistance in creation, fashion as revolution, and the best type of revenge with Sylwia Nazzal of Nazzal Studios
In this powerful episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Sylwia Nazzal — Palestinian fashion designer, founder of Nazzal Studio, and winner of the Fashion Trust Arabia Debut Talent Award. Sylwia shares the deeply personal journey behind her award-winning senior thesis at Parsons, What Should Have Been Home — a fashion collection that confronts the realities of Palestinian life under occupation th
Why acne isn't your fault, the transformative power of sobriety, inclusivity in the aesthetics industry, and the life of a CEO with Marya Khalil-Otto of VI Peel
In this powerful episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Marya Khalil-Otto, CEO of VI Peel—the first-of-its-kind, painless chemical peel designed for all skin tones. Originally created by her father, Dr. Khalil, to help treat Marya's acne, VI Peel has grown into one of the most trusted brands in the aesthetics industry. Marya opens up about stepping into leadership after her father's passing, mov
Jenan Matari | Everything Grows: Storytelling, Identity & Rooted Resistance
In the latest episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Jenan Matari — award-winning author, publicist, activist, and creator — to explore the deeply personal and political themes woven through her upcoming children's book, Everything Grows in Jiddo's Garden. Jenan shares how reclaiming and preserving her Palestinian heritage shapes her storytelling, and what it means to raise children with a stron
Nadia Khaled-Manifestation Coach and Content Creator | "The only thing standing between you and the life that you are dreaming of is just one leap of faith"
In this empowering episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Nadia Khaled—a dynamic content creator, manifestation coach, and host of the Limitless with Nadia podcast. Nadia shares her transformative journey from being unexpectedly fired for posting a TikTok at work to building a thriving six-figure business and living her dream life. Discover how Nadia harnessed the power of neuroscience, quantum
Ebraheem Al Samadi - Entrepreneur and Star of Dubai Bling | "I will always be who I am"
In this captivating episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Ebraheem Al Samadi — the breakout star of Dubai Bling, founder of Forever Rose and Forever Rose Café, and a self-proclaimed "unfiltered" force of nature. From his Florida upbringing to building a luxury empire in the heart of the UAE, Ebraheem shares his journey with raw honesty, humor, and heart. We dive into his early start in entrepre
Why we need laughter more than ever, Arab girl dating problems, double standards, and humanitarian work for Palestine with comedian, Abeer
In this inspiring and hilarious episode, we sit down with breakout content creator and comedian Abeer, whose fearless voice and relatable storytelling have captivated audiences across platforms. We dive into her journey into content creation—what sparked it, how she's navigated it, and the deeper purpose behind her viral moments. Abeer opens up about her advocacy work, the power of humor in breaki
Why "art should be a revolutionary force," the healing powers of the Middle East, and building a brand rooted in resistance with Lara Salmon of For Your Viewing Pleasure
In this powerful episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Lara Salmon — a world-renowned Irish-American performance artist and co-founder of the social justice apparel brand For Your Viewing Pleasure (FYVP), created alongside her partner and designer, Vanessa. Lara opens up about her life and work, from her deeply immersive artistic practice to her transformative experiences living in the Middle E
How to serve "royal happiness," reclaiming colonized cuisine, building a brand through resistance and unity, and overcoming entrepreneurial mistakes with Fatmah and Rheyanah, founders of Knafeh Queens
In this episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Fatmah and Rheyanah, the dynamic mother-daughter duo behind Knafeh Queens, to explore the power of Palestinian cuisine as a vessel for cultural expression and resistance. From reclaiming the rich flavors of their heritage to using knafeh as a platform for spreading Palestinian identity, these two inspiring entrepreneurs are reshaping the food scene
How Palestine made me a storyteller, producing, directing, and creating for humanity, HBO, and beyond with filmmaker and storyteller, Shahed Khaddash
In this episode of Well Rooted, we're thrilled to have Shahed Khaddash, a Palestinian-American director and producer whose storytelling prowess is helping reshape the media landscape. With a keen eye for authentic narratives, Shahed has worked with renowned brands like OLAY, Lexus, and Elle Magazine, using her skill to craft compelling stories that resonate across cultures. We dive deep i
How to grow wealth, common mistakes new entrepreneurs make, and why you shouldn't just stop at filing your taxes with CPA and founder of Jarrar & Associates, Sam Jarrar
In this inspiring episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Samer Jarrar, the founder of Jarrar and Associates CPAs, one of Beverly Hills' premier accounting firms. Samer shares his remarkable journey from a young immigrant to a successful entrepreneur, building a firm that has supported countless business owners and entrepreneurs in growing their wealth and managing their finances. Through candid
The importance of female financial independence, counteracting cultural biases, and owning your truth and power with entrepeneur and comic Lana Salah
In this episode of Well Rooted, we sit down once again with entrepreneur and stand-up comic, Lana Salah, for an inspiring conversation about her journey into the world of comedy and entertainment. From her first steps in stand-up to how she navigates both giving and receiving feedback. Lana shares her insights and lessons learned along the way in her career. She opens up about her perspective on f
The best shawarma, red flags, common culture, and translating content creation into a full-pledged comedy career with comedian, Nasser Al-Rayess
HABIBIIII, we are back with our first episode of 2025! For this week's episode, we sit down with the one and only self-proclaimed "Shawarma King," Syrian-American comedian Nasser Al-Rayess, to discuss his incredible journey from content creation to headlining his own world comedy tour. Nasser shares invaluable advice for aspiring comedians and creatives, touches on the importance of staying true
Authenticity over mass appropriation, Moroccan rugs and textiles, family legacy, building a brand while practicing mindful resilience with Lauren Harb, founder of Harem Modern
In this week's episode of Well Rooted, Lauren Harb, founder of Harem Modern, shares the story behind her brand, which offers luxurious Moroccan rugs handcrafted by local artisans. She discusses her Palestinian-American heritage and her family's history in textiles and how these influences shape her approach to business. Lauren also reflects on the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship over t
DJ HABIBEATS, Sabrina Claudio, the building of an empire, filling cultural voids, and why good music always wins with founder of Grass Fed Music, Nael Atweh
In this episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Nael Atweh, the founder and president of Grass Fed Music, to explore the art of discovering and nurturing exceptional talent. Nael's roster includes groundbreaking R&B artist Sabrina Claudio and cultural icon DJ Habibeats, both of whom are shaping the sound of today's music scene. With extensive experience in sourcing musical talent and an unmatched
The Adventures of a Palestinian female comic in LA, hot, hilarious, and unapologetically political with Lana Salah
On today's premiere episode of Well Rooted, I am speaking with entrepreneur, actor, and stand-up comic Lana Salah. Lana shares her journey navigating the Los Angeles comedy scene as a Palestinian woman, particularly over the past year, and how the tragedies unfolding in Palestine and the solidarity movements here in the States have impacted how she approaches her comedy sets. This is such a great
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