Yalla! Let's Talk.
Welcome to Yalla! Let’s Talk., where self-growth meets culture. Hosted by Hani Dajani, this podcast features conversations with inspiring creatives, thought-leaders, and disruptors. Some episodes are powerful. Others are just fun. And some will teach you something new — or introduce you to voices you didn’t know you needed. The goal? To help you grow, reflect, and feel a little more connected.
Episodes
This episode is about music — but also about something deeper: identity, belonging, and being seen. I sat down with Danny Hajjar, a brilliant music journalist and the Editor-in-Chief of Rolling Stone MENA, who’s been amplifying the voices of Arab artists across the Middle East, North Africa, and the global diaspora. He’s written for The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and GQ Middle East, and is the co-host the Shik Shak Shook Ones p...
I sat down with journalist Samira Mohyeddin to talk about how Western media straight-up lies — not just about Iran, but about the entire Middle East, from Palestine to Iraq. We get into the "playbook": how narratives are crafted, who benefits, and why “freedom” is only allowed when it fits their agenda. From Zionist Iranians to foreign interference, Samira breaks down why true liberation for Iranians won’t come from the West — it h...
What does it mean to find your voice — and use it to create change?In today’s episode of Yalla! Let’s Talk., I sit down with Tunisian artist EMEL, a singer, songwriter, and storyteller whose music has inspired people across the world. From her breakout anthem “Kelmti Horra” — once banned, now a symbol of hope — to her powerful new album MRA, EMEL shares her journey of turning pain into purpose.We talk about what freedom really mean...
Bestselling author Najwa Zebian joins me to share her wisdom on healing and how to get over someone you STILL can't get over.In this episode, we tackle some of the most common yet confusing questions that come up when you’re trying to move on from someone — or even just figure out where you stand. Is it okay to still miss someone from your past? Should you text your ex, or is that just a bad idea? What happens when you find you...
Thank you to Habibi Squad and Asala Dabke for joining us today in our Ramadan special.
Whether you are Muslim or not, this episode can give you a better understanding of what Ramadan means to Muslims . The episode also goes deep into the best practices of how to make the best use of your time in Ramadan, community, and even fitness.
@HabibiSquadOfficial @AsalaDabke
(00:00) Intro
(00:40) Cutting Bad Habits, the Vibes, Gi...
In this episode, Ghassan, Halazon one of Canada's top CEOs, shares his journey of building a successful startup, from tough lessons learned to navigating the world of valuations and exits. Get expert advice on attracting investors, raising capital, and negotiating in the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship.
About Ghassan Halazon—a powerhouse entrepreneur who quit a Wall Street job at just 25 to chase his dreams of scaling a...
Nemahsis talks to Saint Levant on Yalla! Let's Talk.
Episode Breakdown
(00:00) Intro
(9:33) The beginning of their musical journeys & and what inspires these artists
(16:43) Let's talk about the fans
(29:21) Let's talk about the dream
(36:14) Arab men and therapy
(41:30) Saint Levant, Grow Home, and Yalla! Let's Talk.
(44:28) Why feminism is an Arab man's issue
(49:47) Hot Takes
(53:28) Outro
<...
In this episode, we sit down with the multi-talented artist, NARCY, for an in-depth conversation about the music industry today.
He shares his insights on the evolution of Arabic Hip Hop, the impact of cultural decolonization in music, and drops some solid advice for up-and-coming artists.
NARCY is a groundbreaking Arabic Hip Hop artist known for his unique style and thought-provoking lyrics. He’s redefining the genre and inspiring t...
It's time to get to know two creatives changing the narrative.
Meet Hassan Phills and NARCY – two hilarious friends shaking things up in their own way: one with comedy and the other with music. In this special episode, filmed at the East Tea Can restaurant in Toronto, they sit down over dinner and ask each other questions you’ve never heard on a podcast before (and yes, they even talk about conspiracy theories.
In this special series at East Tea Can, comedian Hassan Phills talks about how stand-up comedy helped him grow and connect with people. He also explains how he made a space for the Muslim community by listening to fans who wanted to see his shows but didn’t feel comfortable at bars. Hassan shares the important skills he’s learned through comedy—like how to understand a crowd and get better at what you do—and shows how comedy can he...
Thank you to habibi squad for the laughs and sharing with us some questions everyone is dying to know. They are real ones, make sure you subscribe to them! @HabibiSquadOfficial Yalla! Let's Talk. (0:00) Intro (1:44) One word Interview with Habibi Squad (17:51) Yalla! Let's Talk with Habibi Squad (41:30) If you can send one message to the audience, what would it be? YOU CAN FIND US: INSTAGRAM: @yallaletstalk TIKTOK: @yall...
Join me and the hilarious Dave Merheje in this episode of Yalla! Let's Talk, where we dive into how the show 'Ramy' is still breaking stereotypes, what a second Trump presidency could mean for Arabs and Muslims, and the personal journey that led Dave to convert. (0:00 Intro (2:25) Dave's Journey in Acting and Stand-up (5:50) The show 'Ramy', relatability, & breaking stereotypes (13:13) Taboos: marrying a second wife, cheati...
In this episode, I talk with one of the Middle East's most inspiring entrepreneurs and talent managers -- Omar Hmaidat. Omar manages the largest creators in MENA and has created one of the the fastest growing talent agency in the world.
Most recently, Omar was named as Forbe's Middle East's Top 10 Talent Managers Making Movers, as well as Billboard's top 40 under 40.
At the same time, Omar is still a content creator and has gro...
In this episode, I talk with one of the most influential online voices in Jordan, Deya Elayyan. Deya is not your typical influencer - he studied engineering in the US before moving to Jordan, as well as he uses his platform to shed light on issues relevant to those who live in the region. Today, he shares his perspective on education, the title "influencer", as well as his experience visiting Gaza.
In this episode, we talk about th...
Did you know Arabic Music is the fastest growing music industry in the world? Joining us today is music producer (and legend, might I add) in Amman, Jordan – Nasir AlBashir. Nasir breaks down what the music industry looks like right now in the MENA region and diaspora, the challenges (and opportunities) for upcoming artists, and some of the best kept secrets for artists to make it big in the industry.
We also discuss the song Rajie...
A conversation with Jordanian actress, model, and filmmaker Joanna Arida about representation, fame after the Netflix show "Al-Rawabi School for Girls", and mental health.
What We Discuss:
(0:00) Intro
(01:35) How do you find motivation to try different things?
(05:15) Why is representation so important for Joanna?(17:05) Al-Rawabi School for Girls
(23:31) Joanna gets real about anxiety & mental health
(32:42) Let's talk about me...
Today, I sit down with the insanely talented Nai Barghouti – a Palestinian singer, composer, and flutist who's been compared to legends like Fairouz and Umm Kulthoum. She's not just about music; she’s about making a statement. In this episode, we dive into her journey, her passion for blending music and advocating for Palestine, and what it’s like to represent Palestinian heritage on the global stage. Oh, and we talk about her coll...
In this episode, I sit down with Palestinian artist Lina Makoul to talk about life in occupied Palestine, the story behind her powerful song "On Mute," and what it means to be a '48 Palestinian.' Plus, an exclusive live performance and her bold vision for using music to elevate the Palestinian narrative worldwide. In this episode, we talk about the following: (00:00): Intro (1:25) What is it like to be Palesti...
"If you really want to know people, you start by looking inside their bedroom". Today, I talk to journalist and author, Shereen El Feki on what goes behind closed doors in the Arab world. We are diving into sensitive topics, such as the sexual evolution in the region, sex in Islam, and the experiences of coming out as queer vs. staying in the closet.
Join us for an eye-opening discussion that sheds light on what's really happen...
Get ready to vibe with Shkoon! With the duo themselves, we’re breaking down their coolest tracks, what inspired them, and the meaning behind the music. Tune in for a deep dive into the sounds and stories that make Shkoon so special.
Special shoutout to Marsm.ca for their support with this episode.
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