In this episode of A2 THE SHOW, we welcome Sonja O'Hara, an Emmy-nominated Canadian writer, director, and actor, celebrated for her dynamic storytelling and representation in the film industry. Recently named one of Independent Magazine's "10 Filmmakers to Watch," Sonja has directed acclaimed works such as "Root Letter" and the award-winning series "Doomsday." In our conversation, she discusses the vital roles of trust and communication in film making, the use of intimacy coordinators, and the importance of authenticity and diversity in narratives, including her unique experience filming while undergoing hormone treatments. Join us for insights from a talented filmmaker who is making waves across both New York and Los Angeles.👉 IG: https://www.instagram.com/sonjakohara/👉Visit our website: https://a2theshow.com/a2-the-show/⏰Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction05:17 - Trusting producers with the director's vision 10:51 - Role of intimacy coordinators on set15:45 - Authenticity in "Doomsday's" cult portrayal20:14 - Balancing artistic goals with investor needs25:10 - Growth from smaller projects30:05 - Critique of film school vs. real-world experience35:24 - Concerns about AI judgment and censorship39:55 - Gender bias and female representation in film45:02 - Social impact on queer narratives and diversity50:31 - Kind communication and understanding intent55:39 - Filming while undergoing hormone treatments🔔Get on an unforgettable adventure with 'A2 The Show'! From inspiring resilience to tickling your funny bone, our podcast is your beacon in the mental health fog.https://www.youtube.com/@A2TheShow/?sub_confirmation=1 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Audio Music is currently on your favorite platforms:👉Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/2GQye3rZo6oMf7bMXNyXy7?si=BZmmuvLjT6afpYRsVovWUg&nd=1&dlsi=2e7ed237a1b04221 👉ApplePodcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a2-the-show/id1516414362✨Buy us a coffee at https://ko-fi.com/a2theshow 🔗 Linktreehttps://linktr.ee/a2theshow ✅ Stay Connected With Us.👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a2theshow 👉Threads: https://www.threads.net/@a2theshow 👉Website: https://a2theshow.com/a2-the-show/ ✅ For Business Inquiries: asquaredtheshow@gmail.com =============================✅ Recommended Playlists👉 A² - Psychologyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8R-GSmOLFA&list=PLJSbTfMFhOybbbcU4kKikwrRffQBtza6P&pp=iAQB 👉 A² Trendinghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFCtqEzRZQ8&list=PLJSbTfMFhOyYDfEnLdM2FmO2LBnjd57SY&pp=iAQB ✅ Other Videos You Might Be Interested In Watching: 👉Middle East vs Western Comedy with Eman Khallouf | A2 THE SHOW #548 https://youtu.be/9N7eFzNa35c?si=8JwhhhQ0eDmYRX4N👉Comedy, Heritage & Survivor’s Guilt: Yaser Al-Nyrabeah on Stand-Up & Storytelling | A2 THE SHOW #547 https://youtu.be/dhvNkrV-OHk?si=OcBgr8SWWc82rs56👉BIBLICAL MYTHS EXPOSED! The Truth Behind Israel and Palestine: Noah Kennedy | A2 THE SHOW #546 https://youtu.be/a5vQYhJE15k?si=gW1HVttnFUvX-B_t============================✅ About A2 The ShowWelcome to "A² The Show" – your ticket to the human mind's wild rollercoaster! We're a crew of pals from Lebanon, now globally scattered, who combat homesickness with friendship, gaming, fiery chats, and a sprinkle of controversy.Our podcast is more than just words; it's a fun-fueled rebellion against the every day and a beacon in the mental health fog. With a diverse lineup of guests who've braved the depths of the human psyche, we're here to inspire resilience, provoke thought, and tickle your funny bone.So strap in for a journey through the human mind's crazy maze. It's like your favorite video game, but the cheat codes are science, empathy, and a dash of madness. Dive into "A² The Show" – your unforgettable adventure starts here!Ride the digital waves with us on social media: @a2theshowFor Collaboration and Business inquiries, please use the contact information below:📩 Email: asquaredtheshow@gmail.com

Join us for an unforgettable episode with Yaser Al-Nyrabeah, an actor, writer, and comedian whose stand-up explores the dualities of growing up in the West while embracing his rich Syrian heritage. Raised in Canada by Syrian refugee parents, Yaser has performed at legendary comedy clubs like The Comedy Store and Hollywood Improv. In this episode, Yaser opens up about the impact of his mother’s memoir, Just Five Minutes, and how it shaped his perspective on storytelling, survivor’s guilt, and advocacy. He dives into the struggles of Arab comedians in the industry, the resilience of Palestinians, and the fine line between “showing off” and “marketing” in entertainment. Plus, we get deep into comedy, relationships, and his love for long, Oscar-worthy films. 👉 IG: @yasernyrabeah⏰Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction 05:37 - Yaser on living in the UK 09:38 - Impact of his mother’s book, Just Five Minutes15:02 - Survivor’s Guilt & career Reflections 25:09 - Mourning the living, not the dead 29:48 - Palestinians and their homes 36:40 - Gatekeeping Arab voices in comedy 42:37 - Flat cake joke 48:10 - Transition to stand-up comedy style 54:32 - Robin Williams’ “Come Inside My Mind” trick 1:09:17 - A funny question asking Yaser to pretend to be AI ChatGPT1:17:49 - No rush to have kids 1:23:54 - The Brutalist being nearly 4 hours long 1:31:18 - Difference between showing off and marketing⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Audio Music is currently on your favorite platforms:👉Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/2GQye3rZo6oMf7bMXNyXy7?si=BZmmuvLjT6afpYRsVovWUg&nd=1&dlsi=2e7ed237a1b04221 👉ApplePodcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a2-the-show/id1516414362✨Buy us a coffee at https://ko-fi.com/a2theshow 🔗 Linktreehttps://linktr.ee/a2theshow ✅ Stay Connected With Us.👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a2theshow 👉Threads: https://www.threads.net/@a2theshow 👉Website: https://a2theshow.com/a2-the-show/ ✅ For Business Inquiries: asquaredtheshow@gmail.com =============================✅ Recommended Playlists👉 A² - Psychologyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8R-GSmOLFA&list=PLJSbTfMFhOybbbcU4kKikwrRffQBtza6P&pp=iAQB 👉 A² Trendinghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFCtqEzRZQ8&list=PLJSbTfMFhOyYDfEnLdM2FmO2LBnjd57SY&pp=iAQB ✅ Other Videos You Might Be Interested In Watching: 👉 BIBLICAL MYTHS EXPOSED! The Truth Behind Israel and Palestine: Noah Kennedy | A2 THE SHOW #546 https://youtu.be/a5vQYhJE15k?si=gW1HVttnFUvX-B_t👉Colonialism, Trauma, Collective Power with Palestinian Journalist Ashira Darwish | A2 THE SHOW #545 https://youtu.be/HY7-pkQ_vbE?si=fqeVDIjMzKG7FZ_m👉Resilience & Comedy: Behind the Lebanese Stand-Up Documentary with Mona Hammoud | A2 THE SHOW #544 https://youtu.be/HhIEzdY7Wy4?si=rZb9HmGNOw05Hinh============================✅ About A2 The ShowWelcome to "A² The Show" – your ticket to the human mind's wild rollercoaster! We're a crew of pals from Lebanon, now globally scattered, who combat homesickness with friendship, gaming, fiery chats, and a sprinkle of controversy.Our podcast is more than just words; it's a fun-fueled rebellion against the every day and a beacon in the mental health fog. With a diverse lineup of guests who've braved the depths of the human psyche, we're here to inspire resilience, provoke thought, and tickle your funny bone.So strap in for a journey through the human mind's crazy maze. It's like your favorite video game, but the cheat codes are science, empathy, and a dash of madness. Dive into "A² The Show" – your unforgettable adventure starts here!Ride the digital waves with us on social media: @a2theshowAli "The Professor" Haajl @alitheprofessor alitheprofessor.comSaeed El Jammal @saeedjay97Mohamed Owydat @mowydatAbbas Jawhar @abbasjawhar3Ameer Asmar @cold_and_flewSherif Seif El NasrFor Collaboration and Business inquiries, please use the contact information below:📩 Email: asquaredtheshow@gmail.com

In our next episode of A2 THE SHOW, we welcome Mona Hammoud, an award-winning journalist and filmmaker known for her acclaimed documentary The Resilience of the Poppy(صمود ألنعمان), winner of Best International Documentary at the Dublin International Comedy Film Festival. With over a decade of experience across Europe and the Middle East, Mona masterfully captures untold stories that challenge perceptions, focusing on resilience and the transformative power of comedy. Join us as she shares insights into the therapeutic value of stand-up comedy, the behind-the-scenes challenges of independent filmmaking, and the storytelling brilliance of Lebanese comedians. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation! 👉 IG: https://www.instagram.com/mona.hmdelhor184/ 👉Visit our website: https://a2theshow.com/a2-the-show/ ⏰Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 05:19 - Resilience and stand-up as therapy among Lebanese comedians 10:39 - Humanizing comedians and their creative process 15:00 - Behind-the-scenes challenges in documentary filmmaking 20:05 - Stand-up comedy as a coping mechanism 25:25 - Therapeutic value of comedy for performers and audiences 30:00 - Admiration for stand-up comedians 35:42 - Storytelling skills of comedians 40:03 - Supporting independent filmmakers and local screenings 46:46 - Challenges of independent documentary production 51:26 - Final thoughts and documentary updates 🔔Get on an unforgettable adventure with 'A2 The Show'! From inspiring resilience to tickling your funny bone, our podcast is your beacon in the mental health fog. https://www.youtube.com/@A2TheShow/?sub_confirmation=1 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Audio Music is currently on your favorite platforms: 👉Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/2GQye3rZo6oMf7bMXNyXy7?si=BZmmuvLjT6afpYRsVovWUg&nd=1&dlsi=2e7ed237a1b04221 👉ApplePodcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a2-the-show/id1516414362 ✨Buy us a coffee at https://ko-fi.com/a2theshow 🔗 Linktree https://linktr.ee/a2theshow ✅ Stay Connected With Us. 👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a2theshow 👉Threads: https://www.threads.net/@a2theshow 👉Website: https://a2theshow.com/a2-the-show/ ✅ For Business Inquiries: asquaredtheshow@gmail.com ============================= ✅ Recommended Playlists 👉 A² - Psychology https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8R-GSmOLFA&list=PLJSbTfMFhOybbbcU4kKikwrRffQBtza6P&pp=iAQB 👉 A² Trending https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFCtqEzRZQ8&list=PLJSbTfMFhOyYDfEnLdM2FmO2LBnjd57SY&pp=iAQB ✅ About A2 The Show Welcome to "A² The Show" – your ticket to the human mind's wild rollercoaster! We're a crew of pals from Lebanon, now globally scattered, who combat homesickness with friendship, gaming, fiery chats, and a sprinkle of controversy. Our podcast is more than just words; it's a fun-fueled rebellion against the everyday and a beacon in the mental health fog. With a diverse lineup of guests who've braved the depths of the human psyche, we're here to inspire resilience, provoke thought, and tickle your funny bone. So strap in for a journey through the human mind's crazy maze. It's like your favorite video game, but the cheat codes are science, empathy, and a dash of madness. Dive into "A² The Show" – your unforgettable adventure starts here! Ride the digital waves with us on social media: @a2theshow Ali "The Professor" Haajl @alitheprofessor alitheprofessor.com Saeed El Jammal @saeedjay97 Mohamed Owydat @mowydat Abbas Jawhar @abbasjawhar3 Ameer Asmar @cold_and_flew Sherif Seif El Nasr For Collaboration and Business inquiries, please use the contact information below: 📩 Email: asquaredtheshow@gmail.com

In this podcast episode, the hosts of A2 THE SHOW, Ali and Saeed, shared an engaging discussion about personal growth, resilience, and achieving balance in life. They explore practical strategies for goal-setting, staying accountable through community initiatives, and decluttering both physically and mentally. Ali reflects on his journey of moving abroad and achieving milestones like sponsorships and career success. Saeed adds depth to the conversation by sharing his perspectives on cultural identity, family values, and the importance of self-care. They also discuss how they utilized ChatGPT as a creative tool for brainstorming topics, adding a unique and modern twist to their planning process. Together, they provide insightful advice, heartfelt anecdotes, and lighthearted humor to inspire listeners 👉Visit our website: https://a2theshow.com/a2-the-show/ ⏰Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 05:35 - Free time habits: TV series and poker 10:04 - New Year reflections and Uber stories 15:00 - Saeed wants to try adult dodgeball and explore free time activities 20:07 - Strategy, hard work, and luck 24:57 - Revolutionary businesses and markets 30:29 - Personal growth reflections 35:40 - Family time and relaxation 38:30 - Banter on personal growth joys and challenges 🔔Get on an unforgettable adventure with 'A2 The Show'! From inspiring resilience to tickling your funny bone, our podcast is your beacon in the mental health fog. https://www.youtube.com/@A2TheShow/?sub_confirmation=1 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Audio Music is currently on your favorite platforms: 👉Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/2GQye3rZo6oMf7bMXNyXy7?si=BZmmuvLjT6afpYRsVovWUg&nd=1&dlsi=2e7ed237a1b04221 👉ApplePodcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a2-the-show/id1516414362 ✨Buy us a coffee at https://ko-fi.com/a2theshow 🔗 Linktree https://linktr.ee/a2theshow ✅ Stay Connected With Us. 👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a2theshow 👉Threads: https://www.threads.net/@a2theshow 👉Website: https://a2theshow.com/a2-the-show/ ✅ For Business Inquiries: asquaredtheshow@gmail.com ============================= ✅ Recommended Playlists 👉 A² - Psychology https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8R-GSmOLFA&list=PLJSbTfMFhOybbbcU4kKikwrRffQBtza6P&pp=iAQB 👉 A² Trending https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFCtqEzRZQ8&list=PLJSbTfMFhOyYDfEnLdM2FmO2LBnjd57SY&pp=iAQB ✅ Other Videos You Might Be Interested In Watching: 👉Exploring Comedy Culture & Creativity With Sarah Fatemi | A2 THE SHOW #541 https://youtu.be/353cst-iun8?si=mlQaWIMKeWYErrzu 👉 Are Patches a Scam? Darlene Greene | A2 THE SHOW #540 https://youtu.be/DRymZu0J42A?si=wTFnamzI3mOrTg6S 👉 Unlocking Success, Critical Thinking, and Moral Insights with Dr. Bo Bennett | A2 THE SHOW #539 https://youtu.be/rzyxk3EeUaw?si=NtBaDj2dzPjc-I6i ============================= ✅ About A2 The Show Welcome to "A² The Show" – your ticket to the human mind's wild rollercoaster! We're a crew of pals from Lebanon, now globally scattered, who combat homesickness with friendship, gaming, fiery chats, and a sprinkle of controversy. Our podcast is more than just words; it's a fun-fueled rebellion against the everyday and a beacon in the mental health fog. With a diverse lineup of guests who've braved the depths of the human psyche, we're here to inspire resilience, provoke thought, and tickle your funny bone. So strap in for a journey through the human mind's crazy maze. It's like your favorite video game, but the cheat codes are science, empathy, and a dash of madness. Dive into "A² The Show" – your unforgettable adventure starts here! Ride the digital waves with us on social media: @a2theshow Ali "The Professor" Haajl @alitheprofessor alitheprofessor.com Saeed El Jammal @saeedjay97 Mohamed Owydat @mowydat Abbas Jawhar @abbasjawhar3 Ameer Asmar @cold_and_flew Sherif Seif El Nasr For Collaboration and Business inquiries, please use the contact information below: 📩 Email: asquaredtheshow@gmail.com