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You and Aya

Aya N. Karouni 29 Episodes Aug 20, 2026

After the death of her father, Aya N. Karouni began questioning the roles she inherited, the silence she learned, and the truths she was raised to keep quiet. This podcast is a personal record of noticing, moving through identity, loss, and contradiction. Each episode sits with the unspoken parts of the human experience without offering easy answers. It shares personal narratives in the belief that recognition, not resolution, is what connects us.

Episodes

Hank and Aya Aug 20, 2026 00:25:32 Hank Ball and I talk about finding his way into the creative world and the experiences that shaped his passion for production. Hank reflects on his love of learning, trying new things, and continuing to grow through every creative opportunity that comes his way. It's a conversation about curiosity, creativity, and what can happen when you stay open to learning along the way.

Jen, Terry and Aya Aug 12, 2026 00:36:49 I sat down with Jen and Terry Lage, the owners of Carbon Coffee Lounge, to talk about the story behind the space they’ve created. We explore what inspired them to open Carbon, what community truly means to them, and how a coffee shop can become a place for connection, creativity, and belonging. We also talk about their commitment to supporting local creatives and why they chose to support this sea

Catelyn and Aya Aug 5, 2026 00:50:10 Behind every professor is a person with a story. Dr. Catelyn Bridges joins me for a thoughtful conversation about navigating academia as a Black woman. We talk about identity, belonging, mentorship, resilience, and the moments that shape us long before they appear on a résumé. Together, we explore what it means to lead in spaces that haven't always been inclusive, why representation matters, a

Ron and Aya Jul 29, 2026 01:03:38 How did humans become who we are today—and where are we going next? In this episode, I sit down with Ron Briel to explore the story of humanity, from our earliest ancestors to the future of our species, through a conversation about evolution, cognition, cooperation, and the choices that may shape our collective future.

Raymonn and Aya Jul 22, 2026 00:54:49 Some of the most powerful conversations aren't about changing your circumstances, they're about changing the conversation happening inside your own mind.In this episode, I sit down with Raymonn Adams to explore the incredible power of positivity and the words we choose to speak over ourselves. We unpack how our inner dialogue shapes our confidence, relationships, and the direction of our l

Jim and Aya Jul 15, 2026 01:00:08 Have you ever wondered who is really observing your thoughts?In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Jim Walker for a conversation about meditation, consciousness, grief, and what it means to become more aware of ourselves. We explore the observer's effect—not just in science, but in our own lives—and ask what happens when we stop identifying with every thought that passes through our

Mike and Aya Jul 7, 2026 01:01:52 Grief is something we all experience, yet so many of us struggle to talk about it.In this episode, I sit down with Mike Murphy for an honest conversation about loss, healing, and what it means to move forward without leaving the people we love behind. Together, we explore how grief changes us, the ways it shapes our relationships, and why giving ourselves permission to feel is one of the most powe

Thaís and Aya Jul 1, 2026 01:00:36 Academia is built on knowledge, but it’s also shaped by power.Who gets heard? Who gets overlooked? And how do power dynamics influence the way we work, lead, mentor, and belong?In this episode, Thaís and I have an open conversation about the realities of academia that aren’t always discussed.If you’ve ever worked, studied, or dreamed of a career in higher education, this conversation is for you.

Helen and Aya Jun 24, 2026 01:04:27 Dr. Helen Fagan has spent her life helping others find their voice, lead with purpose, and navigate change with courage.In this episode, we talk about leadership, growth, self-discovery, and the lessons that shape us along the way. But more than anything, we talk about what it means to be human.

Kevin and Aya Jun 17, 2026 00:55:30 Kevin Oliver is a classically trained hand bookbinder and book restorer in Lincoln, Nebraska, who has worked professionally in the trade for more than thirty years.In this episode, we discuss his obsession with Moby-Dick, which began when he was in third grade and continues to this day.But why? What does this book mean to him? What is this strange connection? And how can a single story shape a lif

Jim and Aya May 28, 2025 01:34:57 Jim and Aya take you on a journey through the love they share for The Human Experience. They are both passionate about self-discovery and believe that acknowledging the dissatisfaction within is key to the growth we seek; an update to our lives that leads to self-awareness, and from there to fulfilling our personal legacy.In this episode, Jim discusses his favorite chapters of Season One, why he w

Terrorist May 21, 2025 00:07:24 In the season finale, I explore how one word terrorist can carry generations of prejudice, fear, and political manipulation. Through personal reflection and poetry, I confront the stereotypes placed on Middle Eastern and Muslim identities, and the damaging effects of propaganda, racism, and Western imperialism. It’s time to challenge the narratives we’ve been fed and ask: who’s really setting the

Help Me With The Truth May 14, 2025 00:05:56 In this spoken word piece, I reflect on the weight of survival, the burden of watching destruction from afar, and the urgency of speaking the truth. Inspired by my experiences as a Lebanese woman living away from home, I ask: what would you do when war, loss, and injustice define the reality of those you love? This is a call, not for praise, but for solidarity, truth, and action.*Sponsored by Ann

A Fool I Am May 7, 2025 00:06:16 “A Fool I Am” is one of the most difficult poems I’ve ever written. It’s a piece born from the grief of distance, the guilt of leaving, and the heartbreak of loving from afar. Each line carries the weight of separation from my family, the silence of unspoken pain, and the complex layers of love, fear, and loss. This poem is for anyone who has ever felt torn between two worlds — the one they left b

Captured By My Own Shadows Apr 30, 2025 00:07:01 “Captured by My Own Shadows” steps into the depths of memory and belonging. I unravel the quiet ache of being far from home, the guilt of disconnection, and the love that lingers even across oceans. A simple moment, a name, a story—awakens a deeper truth: even as distance grows, the heart refuses to let go. This is a journey through guilt, hope, and the enduring bond to a homeland that still claim

I Think I’m Stuck Apr 23, 2025 00:07:13 In “I Think I'm Stuck,” I reflect on a memory of safety, warmth, and childhood innocence—moments that once felt eternal but now exist only in the past. Through poetry and personal storytelling, I explore the contrast between the peace I once knew and the loss and destruction that followed. It’s a tribute to a place, a feeling, and a time that shaped me—and the grief of watching it all fade. If

The Thought of You Apr 16, 2025 00:05:12 This is a poem about obsession—but not just with a person. It’s about a place, a memory, a homeland. "The thought of you" unravels the quiet ache of loving something that feels like it’s slipping away. In this piece, I reflect on Lebanon—my Lebanon—and what it means to be far from home when home is in pain. It’s a love letter, a lament, and a question I’m still trying to answer: Am I luc

I’m Not Well Apr 9, 2025 00:05:09 “I’m Not Well” is a raw, evocative poem that delves into the struggle of concealing inner turmoil while carrying the emotional weight of global tragedy, personal loss, and fear. It explores the isolation and exhaustion that come with unspoken grief, offering a glimpse into the experience of not being well, even as life continues around me.*Sponsored by Ann Ringlein, a true hallmark of Lincoln’s sp

I Find Myself on the Verge of Tears Apr 2, 2025 00:05:41 "I Find Myself on the Verge of Tears” explores the agony of watching from afar as my home country is torn apart by war. This episode delves into themes of loss, numbness, and the profound impact of emotional expression. It also reflects on the art I create from pain and discomfort, challenging the assumptions placed on me as someone who appears happy on the surface, yet whose deeper thoughts

Finale: Truth Jun 13, 2024 00:13:08 Truth serves as a summary for all my chapters. It is a final chapter that demonstrates how we are all connected by consequences. So, make sure you are aware of our reality. Now... are you ready to fulfill your legacy? This episode was sponsored by The Coffee House on P street in downtown, Lincoln, Nebraska. https://thecoffeehouselnk.com/ Music by Grey Castro. Chapter art by Thaís Jardim.

Awareness Jun 6, 2024 00:12:58 Awareness is another chapter that might give you a glimpse of how sometimes all that You & I need is self-awareness to get closer to our legacy. This episode was sponsored by The Coffee House on P street in downtown, Lincoln, Nebraska. https://thecoffeehouselnk.com/ Music by Grey Castro. Chapter art by Thaís Jardim.

Dependent May 30, 2024 00:10:32 Dependent is a chapter that pushes you a bit further into your legacy by demonstrating how dependent You & I can be as humans. Is full independence possible? Or should we simply be looking at being less dependent? This episode was sponsored by The Coffee House on P street in downtown, Lincoln, Nebraska. https://thecoffeehouselnk.com/ Music by Grey Castro. Chapter art by Thaís Jardim.

Expectation May 23, 2024 00:13:56 Expectation is simply about what you might think you would expect the process of fulfilling your legacy might be. But in reality, should we expect anything to flower overnight? This episode was sponsored by The Coffee House on P street in downtown, Lincoln, Nebraska. https://thecoffeehouselnk.com/ Music by Grey Castro. Chapter art by Thaís Jardim.

Dated May 16, 2024 00:18:00 Dated discusses how You & I need to update our dated selves when it comes to habits, ideas, thoughts, and stereotypes. I introduce the ARK technique to get you closer to how you might be able to achieve your update. This episode was sponsored by The Coffee House on P street in downtown, Lincoln, Nebraska. https://thecoffeehouselnk.com/ Music by Grey Castro. Chapter art by Thaís Jardim.

Molded May 9, 2024 00:15:00 Molded is all about breaking the symbolic mold that society has put you in since birth. Are you aware of that? If not, maybe you will be after this chapter. This episode was sponsored by The Coffee House on P street in downtown, Lincoln, Nebraska. https://thecoffeehouselnk.com/ Music by Grey Castro. Chapter art by Thaís Jardim.

Disconnected May 2, 2024 00:11:46 Disconnected goes deeper into social media usage. This chapter is a sample of the reality we live in—it showcase how the media is taking over, while You & I allow it to do so. This episode was sponsored by The Coffee House on P street in downtown, Lincoln, Nebraska. https://thecoffeehouselnk.com/ Music by Grey Castro. Chapter art by Thaís Jardim.

Flaw Apr 25, 2024 00:17:01 Flaw takes you on a brief journey about my thoughts on social media and how it is reshaping the way you perceive yourself and how it is pulling you away from your purpose. This episode was sponsored by The Coffee House on P street in downtown, Lincoln, Nebraska. https://thecoffeehouselnk.com/ Music by Grey Castro. Chapter art by Thaís Jardim.

Redesign Apr 18, 2024 00:11:56 Redesign gives you a brief insight on legacy fulfillment. Since legacy fulfillment sounds so grand to You & I we might think that it is unattainable. But all it is, is simply Redesigning your core-self. This episode was sponsored by The Coffee House on P street in downtown, Lincoln, Nebraska. https://thecoffeehouselnk.com/ Music by Grey Castro. Chapter art by Thaís Jardim.

Dissatisfaction Apr 11, 2024 00:11:57 Dissatisfaction takes you on a deeper journey of The Human Experience. In this chapter you come to realize that to fulfill your legacy, first you must acknowledge your dissatisfactions. This episode was sponsored by The Coffee House on P street in downtown, Lincoln, Nebraska. https://thecoffeehouselnk.com/ Music by Grey Castro. Chapter art by Thaís Jardim.

Pilot: Unfold Apr 2, 2024 00:09:54 Unfold is a preface for You and Aya (The Human Experience). The purpose of this chapter is to demonstrate how the idea came about and what truly ignited my search for the shared Human Experience. This episode was sponsored by The Coffee House on P street in downtown, Lincoln, Nebraska. https://thecoffeehouselnk.com/ Music by Grey Castro. Chapter art by Thaís Jardim. Where to find me Website:

You and Aya

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