Sumud Podcast: Inspired by Palestine cover art

Sumud Podcast: Inspired by Palestine

Sumud Podcast: Inspired by Palestine

By: Dr. Ed Hasan
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 Inspired by Palestine, Sumud Podcast emerges as a powerful platform for inspiration and empowerment for marginalized communities globally. Our mission? To elevate voices that have been sidelined by sharing the stories, experiences, and insights that demand to be heard. Get ready to join us in amplifying the voices shaping our world, one episode at a time. Welcome to Sumud Podcast – where we uplift, empower, and amplify. Connect with Sumud Podcast on your favorite social media channels: Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok Threads, and X (formerly known as Twitter). Hosted by Dr. Ed Hasan Connect with Dr. Ed Hasan on Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, and X.Sumud, LLC 2024 286575 Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Rami Abushhab: Identity, Comedy, and the Fight to Be Seen | Sumud Podcast

    Rami Abushhab: Identity, Comedy, and the Fight to Be Seen | Sumud Podcast
    Apr 24 2026
    🎙️ In this episode of the Sumud Podcast, Palestinian-American comedian Rami Abushhab opens up about growing up in Chicago as one of the only Palestinians in his community and navigating Hollywood as an Arab actor. He shares personal stories about identity, representation, and the pressure to hide who he is, while reflecting on the emotional toll of witnessing the ongoing tragedy in Palestine. Rami explores how comedy serves as both a coping mechanism and a form of resistance, and speaks on generational trauma, privilege, and his mission to create space for future Palestinian creatives. The episode also features a moving letter to his future children, capturing grief, hope, and pride. 🌍 Rami Abushhab is an award-winning Palestinian-American actor and stand-up comedian. As an actor, he’s known for his work on TV shows like Law & Order and Chicago Fire, as well as his role in BJ’s Mobile Gift Shop, an official selection of the Sundance Film Festival. Beyond acting, Rami writes, directs, and produces his own short films, using storytelling to highlight Palestinian narratives and challenge stereotypes. As a comedian, he has toured internationally and been featured on platforms like WGN and Forbes. His style blends sharp storytelling with political satire, tackling difficult topics with humor, honesty, and purpose. Rami continues to tour and create, with a mission to represent his people authentically and open doors for the next generation of Palestinian artists. 🔑 In this conversation, we explore → Growing up Palestinian in Chicago and discovering identity → Realizing Palestine wasn’t on the map → Navigating Hollywood and pressure to hide his identity → Comedy as resistance and storytelling → The emotional toll of witnessing tragedy in Palestine → Representation, art, and humanizing Palestinians → A powerful letter to future children about being Palestinian ⏱ Chapters: 00:00 Opening reflection: privilege, dreams, and global reality 01:00 Introducing Rami: comedy, acting, and early career 05:00 Growing up in Chicago: identity and being Palestinian 09:00 Acting breakthrough: Maqluba and representation impact 16:30 Theater school & Meisner method: emotional transformation 21:00 Stand-up journey: bombing, crowd work, and finding confidence 32:00 Career struggles, identity, family, and future ambitions (to end) Sponsored by The Karate Attorney (@karateattorney) fighting for justice inside and outside the courtroom. Visit KarateAttorney.com 🎬 Full episode on https://sumudpod.com 📲 Follow @dredhasan | @sumudpod | @ramiabushhab Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Amani Al-Khatahtbeh: Muslim Women, Media & Speaking Out | Sumud Podcast

    Amani Al-Khatahtbeh: Muslim Women, Media & Speaking Out | Sumud Podcast
    Apr 17 2026
    🎙️ In this episode of the Sumud Podcast, we speak with Amani Al-Khatahtbeh, activist, author, and founder of MuslimGirl.com, about the personal and political realities shaping Muslim and Palestinian lives today. She reflects on grief, identity, and resilience amid the ongoing violence in Gaza, and discusses how media narratives, systemic oppression, and collective trauma intersect with her own experiences growing up Muslim in post-9/11 America. The conversation explores storytelling, community responsibility, and the importance of humanizing Palestinian voices, while highlighting how courage, solidarity, and truth-telling can challenge injustice from within and beyond our communities. 🌍 Amani Al-Khatahtbeh is a global media founder, political strategist, and leading voice at the intersection of digital rights, culture, and power. As the creator of Muslim Girl, she has spent the past decade reshaping the narrative of Muslim women in the West, transforming it from a point of marginalization into a cultural and political force. Her work sits at the forefront of critical global conversations on free expression, platform accountability, and the future of the digital public square. Named one of CNN’s “25 Most Influential American Muslims,” Amani became the first Muslim woman from New Jersey in American history to run for U.S. Congress. Her first book, Muslim Girl: A Coming of Age (Simon & Schuster), is a two-time Editors’ Pick on The New York Times Best Sellers list. Labeled by The Economist as a “generation prophet,” her writing and commentary have appeared in TIME, The Washington Post, Variety, and beyond. Amani’s influence spans media, policy, and culture. She has been recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 and has collaborated with leading institutions, brands, and international organizations. She has shared stages with President Bill Clinton, Gloria Steinem, Shonda Rhimes, Hasan Minhaj, and other influential voices shaping global discourse. She is currently building Digital Assembly, a next-generation think tank focused on redefining participation, equity, and governance in the digital age. 🔑 In this conversation, we explore → The emotional and psychological impact of the ongoing tragedy in Palestine → How collective grief and personal loss intersect in times of war and crisis → Growing up Muslim in post-9/11 America and navigating identity under scrutiny → The role of media in shaping narratives about Muslims and Palestinians → Islamophobia, misogyny, and the unique challenges faced by Muslim women → Internal community struggles and the importance of solidarity and accountability → The intersection of feminism, faith, and cultural identity → Activism, moral courage, and making difficult ethical decisions in public life → The power of storytelling to humanize marginalized communities → Why protecting and uplifting vulnerable voices is essential for collective liberation ⏱ Chapters 00:00 Opening clip: Protecting women + liberation message 01:00 Introducing Amani + background and achievements 03:00 Ramadan, grief, and mental health in community 07:00 Identity, hijab journey, and finding roots in Jordan 13:00 Muslim Girl origin: blogging, bullying, and representation 20:00 Activism, backlash, and navigating public visibility 32:00 Community tensions, feminism, and protecting Muslim women Sponsored by The Karate Attorney (@karateattorney) fighting for justice inside and outside the courtroom. Visit KarateAttorney.com 🎬 Full episode on https://sumudpod.com 📲 Follow @dredhasan | @sumudpod | @amani | @amaniverified | @amaniuniverse | @watermelonplusco Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 28 mins
  • Jenin Younes: The Cost of Free Speech | Sumud Podcast

    Jenin Younes: The Cost of Free Speech | Sumud Podcast
    Apr 10 2026
    🎙️ In this episode of the Sumud Podcast, First Amendment attorney Jenin Younes discusses the growing crackdown on speech about Palestine in the U.S., drawing on her experience as a Palestinian American and civil liberties advocate. She explores censorship, political pressure, and the risks of speaking out, especially after October 7th, while reflecting on her personal journey into public advocacy. From her legal challenges to anti-BDS laws to her work with the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), Jenin highlights the broader threats to free expression and the urgent need to defend fundamental rights. 🌍 Jenin Younes is a free speech and civil liberties attorney and the National Legal Director of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC). A former New York City public defender and First Amendment litigator, she has spent her career challenging government overreach and defending the rights of individuals to speak freely. Previously, Jenin led high-profile cases involving censorship and government pressure on social media platforms, including litigation that reached the U.S. Supreme Court. She has also worked extensively on issues related to public health policy, civil liberties, and constitutional law. As a Palestinian American, Jenin brings both personal and professional insight to her current work, where she focuses on defending Arab American communities and combating the growing suppression of pro-Palestinian speech. Her advocacy sits at the intersection of law, politics, and human rights, making her a leading voice in the fight for free expression and justice. 🔑 In this conversation, we explore: -Jenin Younes’ upbringing and connection to Palestine -The impact of October 7th and the risks of speaking out -The “Palestine exception” to free speech in the U.S. -Government involvement in censorship of pro-Palestinian voices -Her legal challenges to anti-BDS laws and civil liberties work with the ADC -Media narratives and professional backlash -Protecting free expression in an increasingly restrictive climate ⏱ Chapters 00:00 Opening clip: JD Vance exchange + use of power 01:00 Introducing Jenin Younes 06:30 Growing up Palestinian American + early identity 13:00 Legal philosophy: compelled to speak out 18:30 COVID era: speaking out, backlash, and career risk 30:30 October 7 shift: isolation, pressure, and turning point 40:30 Joining ADC + fighting censorship and legal battles Sponsored by The Karate Attorney (@karateattorney) fighting for justice inside and outside the courtroom. Visit KarateAttorney.com 🎬 Full episode on https://sumudpod.com 📲 Follow @dredhasan | @sumudpod | @jeninyounesesq Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    55 mins
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