Martina Ibrahim is from Mayfouq. Her teta and jiddu are farmers. She grew up drinking shai and eating zeytoun next to a little gas heater in the mountains and she will tell you that is where she has always felt closest to God.This year, she had a spinal cord stroke. She was 24. Within hours she went from climbing walls and riding horses to not being able to move her body. She should not have survived it. She did. And then, weeks later, she taught herself to walk again.God broke my flesh. He broke my heart to save my soul. .ربي كسر جسدي. كسر قلبي لينقذ روحيWe have been soul sisters since seventh grade and I have been waiting to sit across from her with a microphone since the day I started this podcast. Not because of what happened to her. Because of who she is. What happened to her just made her more of it.In this episode Martina talks about Mayfouq, about climbing, about the woods, about her brother Eli, about getting baptized again on a beach in Puerto Rico weeks before her whole life changed. She talks about the paralysis, the hospital bed, the prayers, the moment her legs started moving again. She talks about the paths she walked down that were not hers and the moment God pulled her back. She talks about what it means to be a Lebanese woman with a wild heart and a soft soul trying to figure out how much of yourself to give and how much to guard.She is not dramatic about any of it. That is what makes it so heavy.Yalla. This one is special. Come listen. 🎧🎙️💌🇱🇧

Boston to Beirut… ورجعةThis episode isn’t just a catch-up. It’s everything I didn’t know how to say while I was living it.The past year took me across continents, through chaos, growth, loss, and moments that completely reshaped how I see myself, my purpose, and where I belong. From Lebanon—where love feels as heavy as it does beautiful—to navigating career shifts, faith, identity, and the quiet battles we don’t always share… this is me, finally opening up.I talk about what it means to exist between two worlds. To feel too American there, and too Lebanese here. To carry a love for a country that’s hurting, while trying to find your place in it.I talk about loss. About fear. About watching someone you love face the unimaginable—and how it changes you.And I talk about faith. The kind you hold onto when nothing else makes sense. The kind that reminds you that even in the mess, there is meaning.This isn’t a polished story. It’s a real one.A reminder that growth is uncomfortable, identity is complex, and sometimes… you just have to trust that everything is unfolding exactly as it should.If you’ve ever felt in-between, lost, or like you’re still figuring it all out—this one’s for you.Listen Habibi 🎙️

Join us for Diaspora Spotlight's first collaboration with Listen Habibi, where we dive into the vibrant tapestry of stories from the Middle Eastern diaspora. In this episode, Seynedhee sits down with Adelene for a compelling conversation and a unique perspective from a Lebanese- American point of view. In tumultuous times of war in the Middle East, this episode matters because it highlights the power of global impact and community in fostering understanding and resilience.We explore a range of topics, including the importance of women supporting women, self-care while living with Crohn's disease, and the strength found in cultural roots. Our guest shares personal insights on navigating dual identities, building belonging through shared passions, and the role of faith in grounding us during challenging times. Tune in to discover how embracing complexity and authenticity can lead to a more connected and compassionate future. This episode is a reminder that our voices matter, and together, we can create communities where everyone belongs. Listen now to ignite your courage and own your identity fully.Find out more on Youtube:https://youtu.be/6fxwb19HrUA

In this episode of Listen Habibi, the American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL) takes center stage—an organization operating at the intersection of memory, policy, and moral responsibility. Joined by Philippe Nassif, ATFL’s Chief Operating Officer, Adelene explores the quiet power of advocacy and the weight of representing a homeland in Washington when its future hangs in the balance.The conversation traces ATFL’s mission to strengthen U.S.–Lebanon relations and defend Lebanese sovereignty at a moment when both are under strain. From confronting Hezbollah’s grip on the state to insisting on accountability, reform, and democratic governance, the episode sheds light on the work required to protect Lebanon not through slogans, but through sustained, strategic action.Beyond politics, this is a reflection on diaspora stewardship—on how ATFL channels collective memory into influence, and why engaging the next generation is essential to Lebanon’s survival. It asks what it means to advocate without romanticizing, to love a country without abandoning truth, and to fight for a future that demands patience, clarity, and resolve.This episode is an invitation to understand Lebanon not as a distant crisis, but as a shared responsibility—one that ATFL continues to carry, day after day.🎧 Listen now.

🎙What does it look like to stay rooted when everything around you is shifting — your faith, your identity, your direction?In this episode, I sit down with my friend Monet — a powerful voice shaped by her Christian faith and Lebanese heritage — to talk about the tension between staying grounded and feeling pulled away. Together, we explore what it means to hold onto what’s true when it would be easier to let go.Monet opens up about the quiet challenges behind leadership, the pressure to dilute who you are, and the unexpected power in choosing stillness and conviction over noise and performance. This isn’t a conversation about having it all figured out — it’s about finding peace in the in-between, and learning to trust God even when the next step isn’t clear.Whether you consider yourself religious or just reflective, this conversation offers something real: a reminder that strength doesn’t always look like striving. Sometimes it looks like staying.🎧 Listen now. From our hearts to yours, Habibi.https://www.amhlifestyles.comhttps://www.monetsouza.com

Your gut is more powerful than you think—and no, we’re not just talking about food 🧠🦠. In this episode of Listen Habibi, I’m joined by Jasmin Dieb, a Syrian-American dietitian, gut health expert, and first-gen voice in the wellness space, to unpack the real story behind the microbiome and why gut health touches every part of your life—your mood, your energy, your immune system, even your cultural identity 🌍💬.Whether you’re dealing with Crohn’s, IBS, stress, or just that “off” feeling in your body—this conversation offers clarity, science, and compassion. Jasmin and I talk about how to eat with care without giving up the foods that connect us to our roots. No fear-mongering, no food shaming—just real talk about balance, healing, and listening to your body in a world full of noise.This one’s for anyone who wants to feel more in tune with themselves—physically, emotionally, and culturally. 🎧Follow Jasmin ⁠@jasmindtherd and check out her work at ⁠jasmindtherd.com⁠.

This episode is for the ones who carry two homes in their heart. For the daughters of Lebanon and Syria who were raised in the diaspora but never let go of their roots. For anyone who has ever felt the ache of distance and the fire of responsibility.I sit down with my dear friend Dina — someone who lives and leads with her whole heart — as we unpack what it means to be Arab women trying to build something meaningful in this world. We talk about growing up between cultures, the unspoken resilience passed down by our mothers, and the beauty of choosing to give back when it would be easier to look away.Dina shares the story behind her newly launched NGO, Ma3 Ba3ad, a love letter to Lebanon and Syria and a call to action for the diaspora to rise, support, and stand hand-in-hand. We reflect on what it was like organizing the Harvard Arab Conference together — the late nights, deep laughs, and the sacred responsibility of creating space for our people.This episode is laughter, reflection, and real talk — the kind you only have with someone who just gets it. And of course, we had to close it out with a round of Arab-girl rapid fire that will have you crying and cackling at the same time.If you’ve ever felt torn between who you are and where you come from — let this remind you that we are stronger when we rise Ma3 Ba3ad... together.🎧 Listen now. From our hearts to yours, Habibi.

In this episode, we dive deep into the power of personal branding and what it truly takes to build a brand that resonates beyond just the aesthetics. It’s not about flashy logos or curated Instagram feeds—it’s about authenticity, trust, and the impact you leave behind. Join me as I walk you through the essence of personal branding, from identifying your core values to navigating the challenges of staying true to yourself in a world of noise.Through practical exercises and real-life examples, we explore how to align your actions with your vision, and why your brand should feel like the most authentic version of you. Plus, we discuss the hard truth that branding isn’t just what you do online—it’s what others say about you when you’re not in the room. Tune in to understand the deeper layers of branding and how you can build a legacy that lasts.Tune in now, habibi.💋  

“She walks into the room, and without saying a word, all eyes are on her. It’s not just her looks—it’s her aura, her energy. That, my love, is the power of the feminine.”  There’s something undeniable about a woman who moves with grace, confidence, and ease—she doesn’t demand attention; it simply follows her. In this episode of Listen Habibi, we’re unlocking the secrets of true feminine allure—how to carry yourself in a way that naturally draws people in, especially strong masculine energy.  We’ll talk about the balance between being independent, the art of mystery and softness, and how Lebanese culture instills a deep understanding of feminine presence—but also where it can clash with the American ideal of self-sufficiency.  Through personal stories and real-life examples, I’ll break down how small shifts in your energy, mannerisms, and mindset can transform the way you’re perceived—without forcing anything. This isn’t about playing games or chasing attention. It’s about mastering the quiet confidence of a woman who knows her worth and lets the world come to her.  Because a true femme fatale doesn’t compete—she captivates. 💋  Tune in now, habibi. 🎧

In this heartfelt episode of Listen Habibi, Adelene and Rebecca take a deep dive into identity, family, and personal growth as American-Lebanese women. Through honest conversations about cultural expectations, personal evolution, and the weight of their parents' sacrifices, they explore how their heritage has shaped their choices and perspectives.Reflecting on pivotal life lessons, milestones, and the complexities of love and connection, the sisters open up about resilience, belonging, and the challenges of navigating two worlds. From career ambitions to the emotional bonds that define them, they share raw insights on what it means to embrace both where they come from and where they’re going.Tune in for an intimate discussion on self-discovery, legacy, and the power of understanding yourself—and those closest to you—on a deeper level.🎧 Listen now & join the conversation.