Sumud Podcast: Inspired by Palestine

🎙️ In this episode of the Sumud Podcast, Dr. Ed Hasan sits down with acclaimed photographer, filmmaker, and activist Misan Harriman for a powerful conversation on storytelling, identity, justice, and the responsibility of bearing witness. Misan reflects on his journey from growing up in Nigeria and Britain to becoming one of the world's most influential visual storytellers. Together, they explore childhood trauma, neurodiversity, fatherhood, the power of photography, and why documenting human struggles matters now more than ever. The conversation also dives into Misan's documentary Shoot the People, the role of artists and journalists in preserving truth, the lasting impact of colonialism, and the importance of community, hope, and solidarity in challenging times.

🌍 Misan Harriman is a renowned photographer, filmmaker, and social activist celebrated for his powerful imagery that captures pivotal moments in contemporary history. As the first Black photographer to shoot a British Vogue cover in the magazine’s 104-year history, Misan has gained international acclaim for his work documenting social justice movements, including the Black Lives Matter protests, as well as his striking portraits of influential figures like Rhianna, Tom Cruise, Julia Roberts, and Cate Blanchett. Misan’s 2023 short film ‘The After,’ produced by Nicky Bentham (Neon Films), was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. His work has been featured in Vogue, TIME, and The Guardian, solidifying his place as a leading voice in visual storytelling. Beyond his photography, Misan is a passionate advocate for change, using his platform to spotlight issues of inequality and human rights. With a keen eye for emotional depth and cultural significance, he approaches each project with a mission to inspire and provoke thought, creating images that resonate deeply with audiences around the world

🔑 In this conversation, we explore

→ The story behind Shoot the People

→ Growing up Black in elite British schools

→ Trauma, anxiety, and neurodiversity

→ How photography became a tool for change

→ The importance of documenting social movements

→ Colonialism and its lasting impact

→ Media narratives and independent journalism

→ South Africa, global justice movements, and solidarity

→ Fatherhood, family, and healing

→ The role of artists during moments of crisis

→ Why hope and community remain essential

→ How storytelling can preserve truth for future generations

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 | @misanharriman
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Sumud Podcast, Dr. Ed Hasan sits down with activist and Global Sumud Flotilla Haitham Arafat to discuss his journey from Gaza to becoming a leading voice for justice and humanitarian advocacy. After losing more than 100 family members, Haitham shares the personal tragedies that changed the course of his life, leading him to leave behind a successful career and dedicate himself to raising awareness about the ongoing suffering of civilians. He recounts his experiences aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, the international effort to challenge isolation and deliver aid, as well as the risks, sacrifices, and realities faced by those who participated.

* Disclaimer: This episode includes discussion of sexual violence, torture, imprisonment, and abuse. Viewer and listener discretion is advised.

A Palestinian American born in Gaza, Haitham Arafat has lost many members of his family to the Israeli illegal occupation and genocide. Haitham is a cyber security expert that decided to leave professional work and dedicate the rest of his life to stop the genocide and fight for human rights. Haitham has been very active protesting in the USA to expose Zionism and illegal weapon chain of supply to Israel, he joined the Global Sumud Flotilla to deliver humanitarian and medical aid to Gaza. Haitham was kidnapped in international waters and was tortured by Israelis. 

 

In this conversation, we explore

→ Growing up in Gaza and the experiences that shaped Haitham’s life

→ Losing over 100 family members, grief, and survivor’s guilt

→ Leaving cybersecurity behind to become a full-time activist

→ The meaning of Sumud and the mission of the Global Sumud Flotilla

→ Life at sea, international solidarity, and multiple interceptions

→ Social media, independent reporting, and the importance of bearing witness

→ The humanitarian crisis, grassroots action, and a message of courage and dignity

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Sumud Podcast, we sit down with comedian, humanitarian, and community organizer Said Durrah for a wide-ranging conversation about identity, service, storytelling, and purpose. Said reflects on growing up Palestinian-American, balancing comedy with humanitarian work, and the experiences that shaped his commitment to serving communities around the world. From fundraising efforts and refugee camp visits to building cultural platforms and launching his new Arab Is Me podcast, he shares personal stories about faith, resilience, representation, and the responsibility of preserving culture through art. The conversation also explores the challenges facing younger generations, the importance of authentic storytelling, mental health, and how creative work can become a vehicle for impact during times of crisis and uncertainty. 

Palestinian by way of Gaza, Syrian by way of Damascus, and American by way of Detroit, Said Durrah has made audiences laugh in ways that transcend borders, languages, and cultures. Said's first performances as a young child were in front of his family, where he’d tell stories and impersonate other family members. It was only a matter of time until Said made his way on to an official comedic stage -- first, at the Comic Strip in NYC in 2010, and since, at famous venues such as the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Hollywood’s Laugh Factory, DC Improv, Caroline's in Times Square and even a performance on Broadway, just to name a few. Thousands have seen his performances live via tours including Allah Made Me Funny, 1001 Laughs Comedy Tour, Funatical Comedy Tour, and performances throughout Palestine including the historic El-Hakawati theater in Jerusalem. Said has also taught comedy workshops for children in the West Bank. Combining his love of comedy with his dedication to humanitarian work, Said has led, supported, and lent his comedic stylings to dozens of fundraising efforts, helping provide millions of dollars in vital aid for people in need around the world. 

In this conversation, we explore

 - Said’s journey from stand-up comedy to humanitarian and advocacy work

 - Fundraising efforts and supporting families affected by conflict and displacement

 - The balance between entertainment, service, and community leadership

 - Why preserving Arab and Palestinian culture matters for future generations

 - The story behind the launch of the Arab Is Me podcast

 - Identity, belonging, and growing up Arab in America

 - The role of comedy in storytelling, healing, and cultural representation

 - Navigating public criticism, activism, and community expectations

 - Mental health conversations within Arab and Muslim communities

 - Why authentic human connection matters more than social media validation

 - Lessons learned from years of community organizing and nonprofit work

 - Supporting young people pursuing creative careers and unconventional paths

 - Said's biggest comedy influences and the future of Arab-American storytelling

Sponsored by The Karate Attorney (@karateattorney) fighting for justice inside and outside the courtroom. Visit KarateAttorney.com

This video is for educational purposes only. It documents personal experience, public encounters, and political dialogue.

🎬 Full episode on https://sumudpod.com

📲 Follow @dredhasan | @sumudpod | @saidsworld
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙️ In this episode of the Sumud Podcast, we sit down with Omar Baddar for a wide-ranging conversation on Palestine advocacy, American politics, media strategy, and the art of public debate. Omar shares his thoughts on electoral politics, the challenges facing the Palestinian movement, lessons from debating some of the most prominent pro-Israel voices in the media, and why effective advocacy requires discipline, strategy, and a deep understanding of your audience. He also reflects on movement-building, public opinion shifts on Palestine, and the responsibility of activists navigating a rapidly changing political landscape.

🌍Omar Baddar is a Palestinian American Middle East analyst and a member of the National Policy Council of the DC-based Arab American Institute. He previously served as Communications Director at the Institute for Middle East Understanding, Deputy Director at the Arab American Institute, and Executive Director at the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee of Massachusetts. He wrote his Master's thesis on US policy towards Israel and Palestine. His media appearances include CNN, MSNBC, BBC, Al-Jazeera, Democracy Now, Uncensored with Piers Morgan, and many other outlets, and his writings have appeared in Salon, Newsweek, Huffpost, the Daily Beast, and Jadaliyya, among other platforms.

🔑 In this conversation, we explore

→ Omar Baddar’s journey into advocacy and public debate

→ Strategy, communication, and effective Palestine advocacy

→ Debates, media narratives, and engaging diverse audiences

→ Palestine’s impact on U.S. politics and voting

→ Shifting U.S. opinion on Israel–Palestine

→ Building a movement and driving policy change

→ Lessons and advice for the next generation of advocates

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 | @OmarBaddar
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Inquire to book Maysoon:

⁠https://www.caa.com/caaspeakers/maysoon-zayid/⁠

Support Maysoon's Work Amplifying Disabled Voices:
https://app.thefield.org/home/donation/general/622112/0

For more information, please send Maysoon a DM @maysoonzayid

🎙️ In this episode of the Sumud Podcast, we sit down with comedian, actress, author, and activist Maysoon Zayid for a powerful conversation on identity, resilience, representation, and survival. From growing up as a Palestinian Muslim woman with cerebral palsy in New Jersey to breaking barriers in comedy and becoming a leading disability advocate, she reflects on the experiences that shaped her voice. Through humor and sharp social commentary, she discusses Hollywood, stereotypes, discrimination, and the realities facing Arab communities today, and why dignity and truth matter more than ever.

🌍 Maysoon Zayid is a comedian, actress, writer, and disability advocate. She is a graduate of Arizona State University, and a current Georgetown Qatar fellow. She has taught at Princeton University and NYU. Maysoon is the co-founder/co-executive producer of the New York Arab American Comedy Festival and the Muslim Funny Fest. Her Ted Talk, “I Got 99 Problems...Palsy is Just One,” has been translated into 42 languages, and was one of the most popular talks of 2014. As a professional comedian, Maysoon has sold out top New York City clubs and has toured extensively at home and abroad. She was a headliner on the Arabs Gone Wild comedy tour and the Together Live tour. Maysoon has collaborated with Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Famer Dave Matthews, and was a consultant for Disney. Maysoon had a recurring role on General Hospital, has limped in New York Fashion Week, tap-danced on Broadway, and is an ambassador for Huda Beauty. She is the author of the bestselling memoir Find Another Dream and the award-winning Scholastic graphic novel, Shiny Misfits. Learn more at Maysoon.com.

🔑 In this conversation, we explore

- Maysoon’s journey growing up Palestinian, Muslim, and disabled in America

- How comedy became a tool for resistance, healing, and storytelling

- The story behind her viral TED Talk and rise to global attention

- Breaking barriers in Hollywood and the entertainment industry

- The challenges of navigating identity, safety, and public life

- The pressures of assimilation and preserving cultural identity in America

- Why humor can be one of the most powerful forms of truth-telling

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 | @maysoonzayid
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices