Emmy-winning comedian and podcaster Matt Lieb joins Habibi House for one of the most explosive and honest conversations we’ve had yet. From his experience on Birthright to his transformation into an outspoken anti-Zionist, Matt breaks down the weaponization of Jewish identity, American complicity in Israeli apartheid, and the myth of safety used to justify violence.In this episode, we cover:Why Birthright was his political awakeningThe danger of conflating Judaism with ZionismHow the Israeli government manufactures consent through fearThe problem with liberal ZionismHis viral views on antisemitism and settler violence🎧 Listen to the full podcast: [Spotify] [Apple Podcasts]🔥 Subscribe for more bold conversations on Palestine, identity, and liberation.📍 Hosted by Assad Shalhoub, Atif Hashwi & Talal Sisalem💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments — we read them all.#MattLieb #FreePalestine #Zionism #HabibiHouse #BirthrightIsrael #JewishVoicesForPeace #AntiZionistJew #Palestine

In this powerful episode of Habibi House, we sit down with Palestinian journalist, writer, and unapologetic truth-teller Jenan Matari for one of the most emotionally raw, politically charged, and spiritually resonant conversations we’ve ever had.Jenan opens up about what it means to be a Muslim mother in a post-October 7 world, how the media manipulates the Palestinian narrative, and why she's done watering herself down for anyone. From the trauma of U.S. mercenaries posing as aid workers to the heartbreak of raising a child under global silence — Jenan holds absolutely nothing back.🎙 Topics include:The Miami attack vs Israeli Embassy hypocrisyWhat it’s like being shadowbanned as a Palestinian content creatorNavigating motherhood, grief, and rage in the diasporaFallahi Farms and building something sacred from painArab women and the price of visibilityThis is not just an interview. It’s a wake-up call.👇 Drop a comment. Share with your loudest friend. And don’t forget to subscribe.#JenanMatari #FreePalestine #HabibiHouse #MuslimMoms #PalestinianVoices

In this HILARIOUS episode of Habibi House, comedian and actor Maz Jobrani dives deep into the Persian vs Iranian debate, sharing his personal take on cultural identity, breaking stereotypes, and his journey in comedy.From performing at the White House to becoming one of the most influential Middle Eastern voices in comedy, Maz opens up about his struggles, triumphs, and the importance of representing the Iranian community in the entertainment industry.What you’ll learn:The real difference between Persian and Iranian identityHow comedy helped Maz break cultural barriersHis path to success and overcoming stereotypes in HollywoodAdvice for aspiring comedians and entertainersMaz’s insight on identity and his unique perspective on comedy is a must-watch for anyone interested in cultural representation, Middle Eastern humor, and breaking boundaries in a mainstream world.Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more!#MazJobrani #PersianVsIranian #Comedy #IranianIdentity #HabibiHouse #BreakingStereotypes #MiddleEasternComedy #CulturalRepresentation #StandUpComedy #IranianComedian

ZIONISM. GENOCIDE. EMPIRE. THIS IS THE INTERVIEW THEY NEVER WANTED YOU TO SEE.Investigative journalist Abby Martin joins Habibi House for her most unfiltered interview to date — exposing how Israel bombed a humanitarian flotilla, how Zionism functions as white supremacy, and how the U.S. government funds every bullet, drone, and propaganda campaign along the way.She doesn't hold back — and neither do we.🔥 What we cover:The Israeli attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla Abby witnessed firsthandWhy Zionism is inherently supremacist — and why it can’t coexist with liberationHow the U.S. military is the #1 polluter on EarthThe two-state “solution” myth and the truth about settler colonialismBiden, Kushner, and the bipartisan blood trailEmpire abroad, Standing Rock at homeWhy the corporate media turned on her — and how she’s still standingThis isn’t journalism. This is resistance through storytelling.📢 SUPPORT INDEPENDENT MEDIAThis episode is sponsored by:👕 KOURIS – Palestinian-designed streetwear made with purpose🧵 Use code HABIBI20 at https://kourisofficial.com/🧠 Habibi House is a top 10% global podcast platforming the loud, the exiled, and the unfiltered — from Gaza to Detroit to TikTok.#AbbyMartin #ZionismIsGenocide #Palestine #Gaza #FreedomFlotilla #USEmpire #ApartheidIsrael #Biden #HabibiHouse #MediaCensorship #ClimateJustice #TwoStateLie #FreePalestine #ExposeZionism #IndependentMedia #AntiColonial

In this episode of Habibi House, we sit down with Olivia Silfies — the viral Egyptian-American content creator redefining Arab representation online. From TikTok skits to Arab music lip-syncing, Olivia has built a platform that speaks directly to the experiences of first-gen Arabs and Gen-Z audiences who never saw themselves reflected in mainstream media.We dive deep into her Egyptian roots, her rise to social media stardom, the pressure of going viral, and how embracing her culture became her greatest superpower. If you’ve ever struggled with identity, representation, or finding your voice — this episode is for you.Whether she’s joking about Arab parents or dismantling stereotypes with humor and heart, Olivia is proof that authenticity wins every time.

Oscar-nominated Palestinian filmmaker Farah Nabulsi joins us for a deep, fearless conversation about her journey, her work, and her mission to tell Palestinian stories without compromise.In this powerful episode, Farah pulls no punches — calling out colonialism, Hollywood’s role in shaping Arab stereotypes, and why resistance is inevitable under occupation. She discusses her acclaimed films like The Present and The Teacher, how she navigates identity in a Western world, and her views on reclaiming Palestinian narratives through cinema.Farah also opens up about the emotional impact of the Gaza genocide, the responsibility she feels as a filmmaker, and why storytelling is an act of resistance.If you're looking for a conversation filled with truth, courage, and empowerment, this one is unmissable.Farah Nabulsi is an Academy Award-nominated, BAFTA-winning Palestinian-British filmmaker, director of The Present and The Teacher.Chapters and key moments below:#FarahNabulsi #TheTeacherFilm #FreePalestine #OscarNominated #ArabCinema #ResistanceThroughArt #HabibiHousePodcast

In this powerful episode of Habibi House, we sit down with activist and filmmaker Charles McBryde to unpack the deeper meaning of happiness, community, and the price we pay for both. The conversation then pivots to Charles' urgent documentary work in Palestine, focusing on the unprecedented targeting of UNRWA, the United Nations agency responsible for aiding 5.9 million Palestinian refugees. He breaks down Israel's recent moves to label the organization a terrorist entity, the geopolitical implications of defunding UNRWA, and what this means for the future of Palestinian life, memory, and rights in the region. Charles gives us a behind-the-scenes look at his upcoming film, its funding goals, and the challenges of documenting this critical moment in history. From East Jerusalem to refugee camps in Lebanon, this episode sheds light on the stakes, the stories, and the fight to preserve truth. 🔗 Support Charles’ documentary and follow his work: Follow Charles McBryde: @CharlesMcBryde (with a Y) Topics Covered - Happiness, friendship & the cost of community - The American Dream vs real emotional fulfillment - The defunding and criminalization of UNRWA - Refugee life in Lebanon & the legacy of the Nakba - Filmmaking under occupation & resisting erasure ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Intro & the role of cigarettes in friendship 00:32 – What actually makes us happy? 01:30 – The American Dream adds only 10% to your happiness 02:05 – The power of weekly friendships 02:40 – Community comes with annoyance – and it’s worth it 03:00 – Charles on his new documentary project 03:35 – What happened after October 7th: Israel’s claims against UNRWA 04:25 – Why Israel has targeted UNRWA for years 05:20 – UNRWA’s role in preserving Palestinian history 06:10 – The Israeli law labeling UNRWA a terrorist organization 06:50 – Why this move is completely unprecedented 07:15 – UNRWA is made up of Palestinians – and that’s a threat 08:00 – The U.S. cuts $300M in UNRWA funding 08:50 – Private fundraising & Qatar’s support 09:15 – The situation for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon 10:00 – Living in refugee camps with no rights or voice 10:45 – Why Charles is making this film now 11:30 – The urgency of finishing the documentary 12:05 – Journalistic integrity & difficult questions on both sides 13:00 – This may document the downfall of UNRWA 13:45 – What’s at stake: caring for 5.9M Palestinian refugees 14:15 – Crowdfunding goals & challenges 15:00 – How you can help 15:35 – Charles’ favorite Arabic word (thanks, Assassin’s Creed) 16:20 – Final thoughts, plugs, and future plans

Lebanese-Canadian comedian Dave Merheje joins the Habibi House Podcast for one of our realest convos yet. From being mistaken as deaf in kindergarten to converting to Islam with Mahershala Ali on set, this episode is WILD. Dave opens up about his upbringing, comedy career, struggles with anxiety, and what it means to find your faith as an adult. Tap in for raw laughs, honest takes on Arab identity, and Ramadan hacks you didn’t know you needed. 🎤

Featuring: Dave Merheje 🏠 Hosted by: Habibi House

👇 Timestamps, chapters & highlights below 👇 #HabibiHouse #DaveMerheje #ArabComedians #MuslimRevert #MiddleEasternPodcast #RamadanVibes #RamyCast #ComedyPodcast #PalestinianVoices

Timestamp Chapter Title Notes 00:00 Cold Open: Egypt Gun Scare 😂 Kicks off with high-energy travel story. 02:05 Welcome Dave Merheje 🇨🇦🇱🇧 Soft touch intro + Canada roots. 03:48 “I Look Like 52 Arabs” 🧔 Comedic take on Middle Eastern lookalikes. 07:01 Getting Old Is Wild 😅 Clicks, knees, and FOMO fade. 08:55 Politics: “I Feel Stupider Now” Sharp commentary, viral rant. 11:43 Middle East Fast Food Tour 🍔 Tim’s, Taco Bell & Dunkin adventures. 15:22 “You’re Mocking Me” Trauma Unexpected depth + comedy. 17:24 Ramadan Life Hacks ☕🌙 Fasting, prayer, sleep – efficient lifestyle. 25:18 Reverting to Islam ✨ Candid, heartfelt journey into faith 33:10 Atheism Beef: “No Prize Bro” 🤣 Signature Dave takedown. 34:27 Shahada by Accident?! 😳 Mahershala Ali moment of truth. 38:01 Border Security Nightmare 🚓 Real-life chaos in Egypt. 42:10 Acting While Arab 🎭 Insight into Dave’s performance style. 46:00 A Surprise Movie Offer 🎬 Serendipity and stardom. 52:18 Dad's First Train Ride ❤️ Wholesome Canadian immigrant story. 49:13 Final Words: Comedy & Community