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Yalla! Let's Talk.

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. The goal? To help you grow, reflect, and feel a little more connected.

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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 53 min
  • English

Episodes 20

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  • S4 · E16
    August 14 · 25 min

    Why Most Arab Artists Give Up Too Soon | Aziz Maraka

    What does 15 years of making music teach you about not giving up? Aziz Maraka gets real about the validation trap, unlearning old patterns, what happens when the creativity disappears, and the advice he wishes more artists heard. We also get into how he actually writes his songs ...and the life lessons he’s picked up along the way. A very different side of Aziz. And one of those conversations that sticks with you. This episode is brought to you with @xpmusicfutures.mdlbeast and was recorded at XP Futures 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 01:00 What 15 Years as an Artist Taught Aziz Maraka 04:20 What Aziz Had to Unlearn to Become a Better Artist 04:50 The Validation Trap Every Artist Falls Into 06:45 How to Break the Cycles You Inherited 11:40 The Advice Every Songwriter Needs to Hear 13:25 What Aziz Does When He Can’t Write 15:40 How Aziz Maraka Actually Writes His Songs

  • S4 · E15
    August 3 · 18 min

    How to Build Quiet Confidence l Kawtar

    We spend so much time trying to be enough for everyone else. Maybe quiet confidence starts when you stop.Yalla! Let's Talk, in partnership with XP Air (XP Futures, MDL Beast) , sits down with Moroccan singer Kawtar for a conversation on self-worth, growth, and navigating the music industry without losing yourself. 00:00 Intro 02:10 The Validation Trap 04:07 Growing Up in the Music Industry 07:00 Your Circle Shapes Your Confidence 07:50 When the Noise Gets Too Loud 11:00 Kawtar's Music & The Legacy Kawtar Wants to Leave 14:40 Trust Yourself Before Anyone Else

  • S4 · E13
    July 5 · 1 hr 7 min

    Relationship Dilemmas That Make You Think | Hot Takes, Reddit & Culture

    We're back with more AITA stories. This time with dating advice for situations you probably haven't heard before. 00:00 Intro 03:00 Who Got Outed? Dating Double Standards 14:00 Can You Fall in Love on a Spectrum? 16:00 Limerence Is Actually Wild 23:00 Are Attachment Styles Overrated? 29:00 Why Bad Texters Win 33:40 The Best Relationship Advice You'll Hear 46:40 Reddit AITA Stories 47:00 He Was on the DL 48:47 The Racist Red Flag 58:55 Would You Stay Friends with a Cheater?

  • S4 · E8
    May 25 · 33 min

    The Death of Arabic Music Criticism l Danny Hajjar

    Does Arabic music need more honest criticism? Danny Hajjar thinks so. The former Editor-in-Chief of Rolling Stone MENA sits down with Hani Dajani to talk about what the music scene won't say out loud. Danny has covered Saint Levant, Elyanna, and Tul8te, and interviewed Nancy Ajram. We get into critique, the business behind the hits, and why real feedback is so rare. This episode is brought in partnership with XP Futures and XP Air.

  • S4 · E8
    April 17 · 1 hr 44 min

    How to DETACH from overthinking and rejection l Najwa Zebian and Will Rossy

    In this episode, I am joined by bestselling author Najwa Zebian and Will Rossy to unpack one of the hardest truths in dating: if they wanted you, you’d know.If you’ve ever questioned where you stand with someone, this episode will give you the clarity you’ve been avoiding... and more importantly, the truth you need to move forward.In this episode: 00:00 Intro 01:02 Are You Overthinking… or in a Toxic Situation? How to Tell 10:45 Anxious Attachment in Dating: What You MUST Know Early On 18:00 Should You Judge Someone at the Start in Dating? Red Flags vs Intuition 23:50 Were You in Love… or Trying to Fix Them? 32:53 Night Anxiety & Overthinking: How to Stop Spiraling Before Bed 45:50 Why You Take Things Personally 1:00:00 How to Say “That Hurt Me” Without Pushing Them Away 1:15:00 Mixed Signals Explained: Are They Interested or Not? 1:29:00 Rejection Isn’t About You: The Truth No One Tells You 1:39:20 What If You Never Get Married? Facing This Fear

  • S4 · E7
    March 24 · 49 min

    How to Have a MAGNETIC Aura (And Why Yours Feels Off Around Certain People) l Dr. Sara Al Madani

    In this episode of Yalla! Let’s Talk, I sit down with Sara Madani and we get into why you might be feeling off, and how anxiety can sometimes disguise itself as intuition. We talk about doing the inner work, trusting yourself again, and what it actually means to have a grounded, magnetic energy. 00:00 Intro 00:53 What Is Aura, Really 02:00 How to Build a Magnetic Aura 05:45 Ignoring Your Gut Feeling 07:55 Can Your Intuition Be Wrong 09:33 Anxiety vs Intuition 10:30 The Inner Work Step by Step 18:30 Misalignment Explained 23:26 When Authenticity Feels Too Much 29:00 Creating a Safe Space for Others 32:10 Narcissists and Energy Drain 42:38 I Am Enough and Letting Go 48:00 Final Thoughts

  • S4 · E6
    March 6 · 1 hr

    Why Giving Birth Is Still Dangerous ? l Isra Chaker

    For International Women’s Day, we talk about something people rarely say out loud: giving birth is still dangerous. This episode explores why maternal health is still a global issue and how we can do better for women everywhere. Joining us is the CEO of Every Pregnancy, Isra Chaker. You can learn more about Every Pregnancy at www.everypregnancy.org In this episode: 00:00 Intro 02:50 Why Giving Birth Is Still Dangerous Today 08:50 The Most Common Complications During Childbirth 11:00 Why Where You’re Born Can Determine If You Survive Pregnancy 14:30 What Can Actually Be Done to Save Mothers 20:40 Inside Every Pregnancy: A New Global Approach 26:28 Debunking the Myth: This Would Never Happen to Me 27:50 The Reality of Maternal Healthcare Around the World 36:15 Untold Stories From Pakistan to the United States 39:00 A New Model for Supporting Mothers Globally 48:55 The Stigma and Pressure Around Pregnancy 55:25 Advice for Men: How to Be Better Allies 58:58 How We Can All Help

  • S4 · E3
    February 23 · 48 min

    Ramadan in My Questioning Era | Basel Ghazoghli

    This Ramadan we talk about what it feels like to drift and slowly find your way back. Basel Gazi joins me to unpack Islamic history in a way that feels honest and real and shares how his app Archives is helping a new generation reconnect with Islam. 00:00 Intro 02:15 The Man Who Hated Islam… and Became a Lesson Forever (Abu Lahab) 06:00 Why Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Story Hits Different 06:50 The Moment Basel Felt Islam Was Actually Personal 10:25 If You’re Questioning Your Faith — Listen to This 11:50 How Do You Believe in God When There’s So Much Evil? 14:45 The Real Peer Pressure No One Talks About in Ramadan 18:20 Did Islam Really Spread Peacefully? Let’s Be Honest. 22:05 Why the First Mosque Was a Power Move 24:34 The Persian Man Who Crossed the World for Truth (Salman Al-Farsi) 28:30 The Best Way to “Start Over” This Ramadan (Qur’an + ChatGPT?) 31:45 Why Olives Are Mentioned in the Qur’an 34:28 Life Before Alarm Clocks: The Musa7arati Era 36:50 What We Hope You Actually Take From This 40:00 Archives Islamic App Quick +Muslim Pop Culture Quiz Download the Muslim Archives App to learn more about Islamic History : https://archiveszone.app If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean a lot if you can follow and share with a friend.

  • S4 · E4
    February 7 · 48 min

    Life After Alrawabi: Noor Taher

    Join Hani in the studio for an interview with Noor Taher! Noor unpacks what it was like playing a complex character in Netflix's Alrawabi in 2021, the hard conversations our culture tends to avoid, and advice for young girls today. She also opens up about life with epilepsy and why she decided to raise awareness. Enjoy! 00:00 Intro 02:08 What’s new with Noor lately 04:50 From child actor in Jordan to AlRawabi 09:15 Playing the “villain” and being bullied in real life 13:44 Layan vs Regina George: who would actually win 14:35 Is Layan really the villain or just misunderstood 18:55 Playing a heavy role: honor, culture, and family contrast 21:21 What AlRawabi taught Noor about herself 23:35 The pressure young girls face today and Noor’s advice 26:30 The conversations our culture avoids and bringing back “3eib” 29:45 Living with epilepsy and breaking the stigma 40:30 A hard truth Noor learned the long way 43:23 What people romanticize that isn’t actually that great 45:35 Advice Noor would give herself five years ago 46:08 What Noor hopes listeners take away from this conversation If you enjoyed this conversation, it would mean a lot if you can please follow the podcast and rate it

  • S4 · E3
    January 29 · 1 hr 23 min

    Dubai Bling Tell All | The Real Ebraheem

    In this episode, Hani sits down with Ebraheem from Dubai Bling for an honest conversation beyond the cameras. Ebraheem tells Hani what viewers don’t see on the show, the struggle of body image for men, Palestine, faith, and the art of staying unbothered. Hope you enjoy the episode! 0:00 Intro 0:42 The One Thing People Get Wrong About Ebraheem 6:10 Who Is the Real Narcissist on Dubai Bling? 12:10 Body Image for Men & Family Weight Conversations 26:22 If Ebraheem Were Cancelled Today 34:00 Why Dubai Changed How the World Sees Arabs 44:18 What Dubai Bling Gets Right (and Wrong) 46:00 Favourite Cast Member & Who He’d Cut 47:40 The Villain Edit & Season 4 56:21 Staying Unbothered 1:02:20 Arab Man Archetypes in Dubai 1:06:55 Americans vs Brits in Dubai 1:09:30 Palestine, Faith & Resilience 1:13:48 The DMs He Gets 1:17:50 Advice for Life & Success

  • S4 · E2
    Nov 28, 2025 · 56 min

    Inside Palestine 36: What Really Happened in 1936? | Annemarie Jacir

    In this episode, I sit down with Annemarie Jacir, director of the film Palestine 36, to uncover the erased history of Palestine in 1936 and the year that shaped everything happening today. We talk about why she made a film about the 1936 revolt, the shocking truths she discovered in archives, how British colonization shaped Palestinian life, and the real people and stories woven into the film. This is an episode about Palestinian excellence you do not want to miss! 00:00 - Intro 01:58 - Why 1936 Matters: The History We’ve Never Been Taught 07:30 - The People of Palestine Back Then… and the Truth Behind Their Lives 09:37 - How “Palestine 36” Evolved From the Director’s Original Vision 12:13 - How October 7 Shifted Everything for This Film 24:23 - The Real Lives and Real Footage That Shaped This Film 31:00 - British Cruelty, Resistance, and the Human Side We Don’t Hear About 44:00 - Her #1 Hope for Anyone Who Watches This Film 50:00 - Straightforward Advice for Filmmakers and Creatives Everywhere 55:00 - Where to Follow Annemarie and Stay Updated on “Palestine 36”

  • S4 · E1
    Nov 9, 2025 · 32 min

    Miss Palestine Made History l What Nadeen Ayoub Wants You To Know

    Though Palestine has existed for thousands of years, decades of occupation have made it nearly impossible to take part in global events like Miss Universe. This year, Nadeen Ayoub made history as the first-ever Miss Palestine to compete. But this isn’t just about pageants or crowns. It’s about what it means to represent a country that’s been silenced, and to do it with courage and grace. In this episode, Nadeen shares her journey, the significance of representation in today’s world, and what it truly means to rise. Yalla! Let’s Talk.

  • S3 · E20
    Sep 9, 2025 · 51 min

    How To Find The Right Person In Love (...and NOT Settle) | Najwa Zebian

    Everyone talks about love, but no one teaches you how to choose the right person. In this episode, poet, author, and relationship coach Najwa Zebian shares how to know if you’ve found the right partner... AND how to stop settling for the wrong ones. 00:00 Intro 01:42: Is your relationship boring or healthy? 02:55 What is "attunement" and why is it important in dating? 07:06 Is doubt actually a good thing when dating? 10:40 Let's talk about the nuance of culture & parent's expectation/approval 21:18 When your partner becomes someone different 31:53 Do you ACTUALLY want to be in a relationship or just the idea of it? 34:35 Melodies and Mindsets, let's talk about (a) Lose You to Love Me by Selena Gomez (b) Wildflower by Billie Eilish (c) TV by Billie Eilish 47:38 Conclusion 48:40 Najwa's best piece of advice in relationship Najwa has become a Yalla regular and I can't thank her enough for her healing words and advice to help our growing community navigate relationships. You can learn more about Najwa by visiting https://najwazebian.com If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean a lot if you shared it with a friend! #dating #mindset #relationships #talkingstage

  • S3 · E13
    Aug 16, 2025 · 51 min

    "It's Bisan From Gaza. I'm Still Alive" l Bisan Odeh

    For the very first time, Bisan sits down for a podcast to share what is really happening on the ground in Gaza. We talk about Israel's plan to "take over" Gaza, the journalists that have been killed, and the resilience of a civilization that existed in the world for more than 6000 years in Gaza. Her message to the world is simple: Freedom for Palestinians and all the oppressed people in the world. As she puts it: "Time in Gaza is not measured by days....it's measured by blood".

  • S3 · E12
    Jul 7, 2025 · 51 min

    Why Arabic Music Is Going Global | Danny Hajjar

    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 podcast on the Afikra network. We talk about the rise of Arabic music, what it really means to represent a culture, and why sometimes, telling your story is the most powerful thing you can do. 00:00 Intro 01:43 Danny Hajjar’s Hot Takes: Speed Round 07:55 How to Get a Music Journalist’s Attention 10:18 Why Now Is the Moment for Arabic Music 22:03 Arabic Music: What’s Working vs What’s Not 25:40 Mohamed Ramadan, Coachella, and Using Your Platform to Speak Up 33:30 When Identity Becomes the Story: Is That Enough? 35:45 Star Academy, Arabic Dialects, and Remembering Massari 45:43 Underrated Arabic Artists You Need to Hear 🎧 49:25 Advice for Artists

  • S3 · E11
    Jun 24, 2025 · 1 hr

    Iran, Israel, and Trump: What The Media Is Not Telling You | Samira Mohyeddin

    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 has to come from within. ****Our guest today***Samira Mohyeddin is an award-winning Iranian-Canadian journalist, radio producer, and one of the most fearless voices challenging mainstream narratives on the Middle East. Samira is also the founder of On The Line Media,.

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