Explore every episode of the podcast 'Raconte un peu – Tell me more-خبّرنا شوي...
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| Smuggling Politics into Pop Culture: Yasmina Bitar on the Power of the Arab Lens | 17 Jul 2026 | 00:22:20 | |
In this episode of Raconte un peu – Tell me more, we sit down with the brilliant London-based Palestinian writer and journalist, Yasmina Bitar. Yasmina’s work at the intersection of culture, politics, and society has been featured in top-tier publications like Vogue Arabia, GQ Middle East, and Rolling Stone. From her debut piece on the Arabization of house music to her moving profiles on motherhood in Gaza, Yasmina uses culture as a form of soft power to shift how the world views the MENA region. Join us for an incredibly warm, honest, and high-vibe conversation about what it truly means to navigate identity in the diaspora.
"A language half-spoken and imperfectly is better than none at all. So whether you want to take Arabic lessons, practice with your friends, or stay on the phone with your grandma a little bit longer... any form of trying is well worth it." — Yasmina Bitar
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| Raconte un peu : L'exil, la maternité et la condition féminine avec Sévine Sahin (La fille de la colline) | 03 Jul 2026 | 00:25:26 | |
Dans cet épisode intime et puissant, Sévine nous plonge dans l'histoire de son personnage, Sibel. Du choc de l'exil à l'enfance dans un ghetto d'Ankara, jusqu'au chevet de son fils en réanimation, elle lève le voile sur les secrets de son écriture. Ensemble, nous parlons sans fard des injonctions à la maternité, du traumatisme de l'exil et de la colère nécessaire pour émanciper la nouvelle génération de femmes en Méditerranée. Au programme de cet épisode :
La fille de la colline est disponible en librairie, sur internet et en format E-book. Suivez-nous et laissez un commentaire ou des étoiles sur Spotify si l'épisode vous a plu ! 🌟
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| The Immigrant’s Scar: Reclaiming Lebanese and Arab Humanity with Dr. Akram Khater | 19 Jun 2026 | 00:34:54 | |
"When you leave, you leave something behind. We are never whole..." Welcome back to Raconte un peu / Khabarni Shuway / Tell Me More! In this raw and intellectually rich episode, Sandra and Pauline sit down with Dr. Akram Khater, Professor of History and Director of the Khayrallah Center for Lebanese Diaspora Studies at NC State University. Dr. Khater shares his incredible trajectory—leaving war-torn Lebanon at 17 on an engineering scholarship, only to be unmoored by the sudden loss of both parents shortly after arriving in the US. He opens up about the exact "turning point" that led him to drop a lucrative tech career for a PhD in history, transforming his personal grief into a profound mission to document the Lebanese diaspora. In this episode, we discuss:
Dr. Khater beautifully reminds us that while migration leaves its scars, it also builds the vital bridges that keep Lebanon alive. Yallah, turn up the volume and let's raconte a little more!
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| Drawing Childhood Dreams with Maya Fidawi | 06 Jun 2026 | 00:40:07 | |
Welcome back to another episode of Raconte un peu, tell me more. We are opening up a world of colors, lines, and nostalgia that takes us straight back to our childhood. We sit down with the incredibly talented children's book illustrator, Maya Fidawi. Maya’s restless paintbrush has captured hearts across Lebanon and the Arab world, giving a vivid soul to every story she illustrates. In this episode, Maya invites us into her creative universe. She opens up about growing up on her own "different cloud," the beautiful artistic legacy left by her grandmother, and why she made the deliberate choice to never fully grow up so she could keep living in her magical, parallel world. Pour yourself a coffee, get comfortable, and let's dive into the story. | |||
| Le Tisseur de récits : Une interview avec Jordan Elgrably | 23 May 2026 | 00:25:26 | |
Bienvenue dans l'univers d'un véritable gardien de la mémoire : Jordan Elgrably. Journaliste littéraire chevronné (ayant interviewé Milan Kundera ou publié dans Libération), il est aujourd'hui le rédacteur en chef de The Markaz Review. Dans cette conversation intime, Jordan nous raconte comment il a transformé un "centre culturel" en un carrefour mondial pour les voix du monde SWANA (South West Asia & North Africa). Au programme de cet épisode :
Mots-clés : Jordan Elgrably, The Markaz Review, littérature arabe, patrimoine, Moyen-Orient, Sumūd, Beyrouth, récits de vie, podcast culture, Karim Kattan. | |||
| خبّرنا شوي: إعادة اكتشاف الشرق الأوسط من خلال الأدب | 11 May 2026 | 00:02:50 | |
ما هو الشرق الأوسط بعيداً عن عناوين الأخبار المعتادة حول الحروب والسياسة؟ في هذه الحلقة من بودكاست خبّرنا شوي – Raconte un peu – Tell me more، تأخذكم بولين مهنا وساندرا في رحلة عبر "القصص غير المحكية" لمنطقة تنبض بالحياة. بعيداً عن الصور النمطية، نغوص في العوالم الأدبية لمبدعين مثل ربيع علم الدين وإيمان حميدان، لنكتشف معاً جمال وتعقيد وإنسانية ثقافتنا. :في هذه الحلقة نناقش
:تواصلوا معنا https://www.instagram.com/raconte_un_peu_tell_me_more?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== | |||
| Raconte un peu : Redécouvrir le Moyen-Orient à travers sa littérature | 11 May 2026 | 00:02:56 | |
Qu’est-ce que le Moyen-Orient au-delà des titres de presse sur la guerre et la paix ? Raconte un peu – Tell me more – خبّرنا شوي vous invite à un voyage au cœur des « histoires jamais racontées » d'une région vibrante. Loin des clichés, nous explorons l'univers puissant d'écrivains tels que Rabih Alameddine et Iman Humaydan pour découvrir la beauté, la complexité et l'humanité de notre culture. Au programme de cet épisode :
Rejoignez la conversation :
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| Raconte un peu: Redefining the Middle East through Literature | 11 May 2026 | 00:03:01 | |
What is the Middle East beyond the headlines of war and peace? In this introductory episode of Raconte un peu – Tell me more – خبّرنا شوي invite you on a journey through the "untold stories" of a vibrant region. Moving past the clichés, we dive into the powerful world of Middle Eastern writers like Rabih Alameddine and Iman Humaydan to discover the beauty, complexity, and human heart of our culture. In this episode, we discuss:
Join the conversation:
Available in English, French, and Arabic. | |||
| Unmasking the Prophet: A Deep Dive into Kahlil Gibran with Glen Kalem-Habib | 09 May 2026 | 00:45:52 | |
What happens when a 30-year obsession meets the legacy of one of history’s most beloved spiritual icons? In this episode of Raconte un peu / Tell me more, we sit down with Glen Kalem-Habib, a Lebanese-Australian documentary filmmaker and historian who has dedicated his life to uncovering the "real" Kahlil Gibran. From the streets of Beirut to the archives of New York and Paris, Glen shares the secrets that history books missed and the rebellious side of a man often misunderstood as just a mystic. In this episode, we explore:
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| From Beirut to the US: Iman Humaydan on "Songs for Darkness" & the Art of Translation | 25 Apr 2026 | 00:26:47 | |
What happens when a story travels from the heart of Lebanon to the bookshelves of the United States? 🇱🇧✈️🇺🇸 In this episode, we are joined by the legendary Iman Humaydan, a voice that has defined contemporary Lebanese literature. Following the success of her previous works, Iman takes us behind the scenes of her newest novel, Songs for Darkness, during her current U.S. book tour. What’s inside this episode:
Whether you are a fan of her previous hit "50 Grams of Paradise" or a new reader looking for your next literary obsession, this conversation offers a rare, intimate look at the life of a global author. Iman Humaydan Songs for Darkness Lebanese Authors Arabic Literature in English Interlink Publishing Book Tour 2026 Literary Translation Michelle Hartman Beirut Call | |||
| Rima Bali: Love, Magic, and the Ghost of Aleppo in "Suleima’s Ring" | 11 Apr 2026 | 00:14:58 | |
Join us for an intimate conversation with Rima Bali, author of the International Prize for Arabic Fiction-shortlisted novel, Suleima’s Ring. In this episode, we journey from the ancient alleys of Aleppo to the banks of the Tagus River in Toledo, Spain. We explore the interwoven lives of Salma, an Italian musician named Shams al-Din, and Lucas, a Spanish-Jewish photographer. Together, we delve into:
Can a magic ring free a city buried under the rubble of dreams? We discuss the ever-elusive concept of truth and the resilience of the human spirit against the backdrop of the Syrian war. | |||
| Beirut Call 2026: Who Heard the Call? | Featuring Dr. Pamela Chrabieh | 27 Mar 2026 | 00:25:34 | |
We made this episode slowly. This voice stayed with us. Maybe it will stay with you too. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Pamela Chrabieh (Co-founder of Kulturnest) to revisit the "Beirut Call" project. Originally born in 2020, we ask: How has this call transformed in 2026? Highlights of our conversation:
Raconte un peu – Tell me more – خبّرنا شوي... A trilingual dialogue across Arabic, French, and English. | |||
| Chroniques de Taxi et Labyrinthes de vie : Voyage avec Khaled Al-Khamissi | 16 Mar 2026 | 00:10:56 | |
Attachez vos ceintures ! Dans cet épisode, Pauline et Sandra nous emmènent dans les rues encombrées du Caire. Nous explorons le phénomène littéraire Taxi — le livre qui a transformé les chauffeurs en philosophes — et nous plongeons dans la dernière œuvre de Khaled Al-Khamissi, Les Ailes du Labyrinthe. Au programme :
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| Taxi Stories & Life's Labyrinth: A Journey with Khaled Al-Khamissi | 16 Mar 2026 | 00:11:08 | |
Buckle up! In this episode, let's take us on a literary ride through the crowded streets of Cairo. We explore the phenomenon of the novel Taxi—the book that turned cab drivers into philosophers. We discuss:
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| حكاوي التاكسي ومتاهات الحياة: رحلة في عالم خالد الخميسي | 14 Mar 2026 | 00:15:25 | |
في هذه الحلقة، تأخذنا بولين وساندرا في "مشوار" أدبي استثنائي. نبدأ من زحمة شوارع القاهرة مع رواية "تاكسي" التي كسر بها خالد الخميسي حواجز اللغة والطبقية، وصولاً إلى أحدث إصداراته عام 2025 "أجنحة المتاهة". نناقش في الحلقة:
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| The Poetry of Mourning: Exploring Ahlam Mosteghanemi’s "Black Suits You Well" | 04 Mar 2026 | 00:13:05 | |
In this emotionally charged episode, we dive into the soul-stirring world of Algerian novelist Ahlam Mosteghanemi. Amidst the sobering reality of modern-day conflict, we found a temporary escape and a deep mirror in the pages of Black Suits You Well (El Aswad Yaliqo Biki). The discussion weaves together the personal and the political, exploring the "poetic" defiance of a woman who wears black not just as a fashion choice, but as armor for her grief and her pride. Join us for a journey through passion, terrorism, and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit over material empire. Next Episode Preview: We head to Cairo to discuss Khaled Al-Khamissi’s Taxi, exploring the lives of Egyptian taxi drivers before the 2011 revolution. | |||
| Orgueil féminin et pouvoir de l'argent : "Le noir te va si bien" | 01 Mar 2026 | 00:13:35 | |
Dans cet épisode, on vous fait plonger dans l'univers passionné de la célèbre écrivaine algérienne Ahlam Mosteghanemi. Nous décortiquons son chef-d'œuvre, Le noir te va si bien, un roman qui explore les frontières fragiles entre l'amour, le deuil et la dignité.
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| كبرياء الأنثى وسلطة المال: قراءة في الأسود يليق بك | 28 Feb 2026 | 00:10:25 | |
في هذه الحلقة من بودكاستنا، تأخذنا بولين وساندرا في رحلة أدبية غامرة إلى عالم الروائية أحلام مستغانمي، وتحديداً في روايتها الشهيرة "الأسود يليق بك" نتناول قصة "هالة الوافي"، المطربة الجزائرية التي ترتدي الأسود حداداً وكبرياءً، وصراعها العاطفي مع الملياردير اللبناني الغامض "طلال هاشم" الذي يحاول امتلاكها بنفوذه وماله | |||
| Farewell Tangier: Exile, the Body, and the "Other's Gaze" with Salma Moumni | 15 Feb 2026 | 00:07:07 | |
In this episode, we break down the shocking debut novel of the 2023 literary season: "Adieu Tanger" by Salma Moumni. At only 24 years old, the Moroccan author has captivated both critics and students with a story of brutal honesty. We follow the exile of Aliya from Tangier to Lyon as she flees the betrayal of her intimacy and the violence of the patriarchal gaze. On the program for this discussion:
An essential episode to understand why this novel, winner of the 2024 France Culture Students' Prize, has caused such a sensation. | |||
| L'Exil et le Regard : Le choc "Adieu Tanger" ⚡ | 14 Feb 2026 | 00:09:49 | |
Aujourd’hui, c'est le premier roman incendiaire de Salma El Moumni : Adieu Tanger dont on vous parle. À seulement 24 ans, Salma a mis tout le monde d’accord (Prix France Culture, sélection Médicis) avec une histoire qui frappe là où ça fait mal. On vous raconte le parcours d’Aliya, une jeune femme qui doit fuir le Maroc après un scandale de photos intimes, pour se retrouver face à une autre réalité en France. Au programme:
La citation qui nous a achevées : « Ta vie en France se résume à essayer de ne pas paraître arabe tout en voulant te démarquer. » | |||
| رواية "وداعاً طنجة" لسلمى المومني: عن المنفى، الجسد، وصفعة النظرة الذكورية | 14 Feb 2026 | 00:07:41 | |
في هذه الحلقة من بودكاستنا، رحلة تحليلية عميقة لأحد أبرز الأعمال الأدبية لعام 2023: رواية "وداعاً طنجة" (Adieu Tanger) للكاتبة المغربية الشابة سلمى المومني. بصوتٍ صادق وجريء، استطاعت ابنة طنجة (مواليد 1999) أن تفرض اسمها في الساحة الأدبية الفرنسية، حيث وصلت روايتها الأولى إلى نهائيات جائزة "ميديسيس" المرموقة وفازت بـ جائزة "فرانس كالتشور" للطلاب 2024. ماذا نناقش في هذه الحلقة؟
حلقة غنية بالاقتباسات التي تلامس الوجدان وتطرح تساؤلات حادة حول الجسد، الوطن، والحرية | |||
| The Search for a Father: "he Return" by Hisham Matar | 30 Jan 2026 | 00:05:07 | |
In this episode, we are taking you to the heart of Libya through Hisham Matar’s masterpiece, The Return, winner of the 2017 Pulitzer Prize. After 33 years in exile, the author returns to his homeland in 2012 to try and uncover the truth behind the disappearance of his father, Jaballa Matar, who was kidnapped by the Gaddafi regime in 1990. Between raw emotion and political reflection, we explore the quest for truth; the weight of absence : How do you live when a loved one is "both dead and alive"? Books mentioned:
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| La Terre qui les sépare- Hisham Matar-Episode 5 | 30 Jan 2026 | 00:08:34 | |
Dans cet épisode, on vous donne rendez-vous au cœur de la Libye avec le chef-d’œuvre de Hisham Matar, La Terre qui les sépare (The Return), prix Pulitzer 2017. Après 33 ans d'exil, l'auteur retourne dans son pays natal en 2012 pour tenter de lever le voile sur la disparition de son père, Jaballa Matar, enlevé par le régime de Kadhafi en 1990. Entre émotion brute et réflexion politique, nous explorons: comment vivre quand un être cher est "à la fois mort et vivant" ? Nous partageons également les citations les plus marquantes qui capturent la beauté mélancolique de l'écriture de Matar. Une plongée nécessaire dans l'un des mémoires les plus puissants de notre époque. Livres mentionnés :
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| العودة: آباء وأبناء والأرض في ما بينهما: قراءة في رواية "العودة" لهشام مطر | 30 Jan 2026 | 00:10:16 | |
في هذه الحلقة، نأخذكم إلى قلب ليبيا من خلال تحفة هشام مطر الأدبية، رواية "العودة"، الحائزة على جائزة بوليتزر لعام 2017. بعد 33 عاماً في المنفى، يعود الكاتب إلى وطنه في عام 2012 لمحاولة كشف الحقيقة وراء اختفاء والده، جاب الله مطر، الذي اختطفه نظام القذافي في عام 1990. بين العواطف الجياشة والتأملات السياسية، نستكشف رحلة البحث عن الحقيقة، وثقل الغياب: كيف تعيش عندما يكون من تحب "ميتاً وحياً في آن واحد"؟ الكتب المذكورة في الحلقة:
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| الحلقة 4 | رحلة بين حلب وتوليدو: قراءة في رواية "خاتم سليمى" للكاتبة ريما بالي | 17 Jan 2026 | 00:12:56 | |
في هذه الحلقة، نغوص في عالم رواية "خاتم سليمى" للروائية السورية ريما بالي. شرارة القصة: كيف ألهم "خاتم" متروك في محطة قطار في إسبانيا رحلة سردية تربط بين حلب وتوليدو. شخصيات الرواية: التعرف على "سلمى" السورية، و"شمس الدين" الموسيقي الإيطالي الحلبي، و"لوكاس" المصور الإسبانيي. | |||
| Dimitri Nasrallah -Hotline; Exile, Voice & Belonging | 03 Jan 2026 | 00:06:45 | |
In this third episode, we explore French Hotline by Dimitri Nasrallah — a novel about exile, language, memory, and the fragile thread that connects us to home. We discuss: This episode is part of our multilingual literary journey, where one book becomes a bridge between cultures.📚 Literature across languages | |||
| Dimitri Nasrallah — | Exil, voix et appartenance | 02 Jan 2026 | 00:06:17 | |
Dans cet épisode de Raconte un peu / Tell Me More, nous explorons French Hotline de Dimitri Nasrallah — un roman sur l’exil, la langue, la mémoire et le fil fragile qui nous relie à ce que l’on appelle « chez soi ». À travers une lecture attentive et une réflexion littéraire, nous abordons : Cet épisode s’inscrit dans notre parcours littéraire multilingue, où chaque livre devient un pont entre les cultures. 📚 La littérature à travers les langues | |||
| خمسون غراماً من الجنة | رواية عن الحب والحرب والصمت | 20 Dec 2025 | 00:07:44 | |
نقترب من رواية «خمسون غراماً من الجنة» للكاتبة اللبنانية إيمان حميدان يونس، الحائزة على جائزة كتارا للرواية العربية. نعرّف المستمعين على مسيرة إيمان الشخصية والمهنية، ثم نناقش أحداث الرواية التي تدور بين سوريا، بيروت، وإسطنبول، حيث تتقاطع الحرب، الحب، الصمت، والاغتراب. من خلال قصة نورا وكمال، تتحول قصة الحب إلى مدخل لمساءلة القمع الاجتماعي، ثمن الحقيقة، والكتابة كفعل مقاومة. حلقة أدبية إنسانية عن الرواية العربية، عن النساء، عن الهجرة، وعن الأسئلة التي نطرحها حين نواجه أنفسنا وجهاً لوجه. | |||
| 50 grammes de paradis-Iman Younes Houmaydane | 20 Dec 2025 | 00:06:53 | |
Épisode 2 : Le Poids du Paradis – Cinquante grammes de paradis par Iman Younes Houmaydane Rejoignez Pauline et Sandra pour plonger dans Cinquante grammes de paradis, le roman primé de l’auteure libanaise Iman Younes Hmaydan. Dans cet épisode, nous exploronsCinquante grammes de paradis, lauréat du Prix Katara 2016. L’histoire se déroule entre Beyrouth, la Syrie et Istanbul, et raconte l’amour, la perte et la vie au milieu de la guerre. Nous discutons des thèmes du roman, de ses traductions et de ce qui le rend universel. Idéal pour les amateurs de littérature arabe contemporaine, d’histoire du Moyen-Orient et de récits puissants. | |||
| The weight of paradise-Iman Houmaydane | 20 Dec 2025 | 00:07:25 | |
Episode 2: The Weight of Paradise – Fifty Grams of Paradise by Iman Younes Hmaydan Join Pauline and Sandra as they dive into the weight of paradise, the award-winning novel by Lebanese author Iman Younes Hmaydan. Born in Ain Aanoub, Mount Lebanon, in 1956, Iman grew up during Lebanon's wars, studied sociology at the American University of Beirut, and earned her PhD in history at Stanford. A novelist, journalist, and researcher, she co-founded the Lebanese PEN Club and has taught creative writing internationally. The story spans Beirut, Syria, and Istanbul, capturing love, loss, and life amid war. We discuss the novel’s themes, translations, and why it resonates across cultures. Perfect for lovers of contemporary Arabic literature, Middle Eastern history, and powerful storytelling. | |||
| الحلقة الأولى: امرأة لا لزوم لها | 07 Dec 2025 | 00:06:50 | |
🎙️ بودكاستنا يتناول الرواية الجميلة امرأة لا لزوم لها للكاتب ربيع علم الدين. | |||
| Episode 1-Rabih Alameddine-An unnecessary woman | 05 Dec 2025 | 00:05:55 | |
🎙️ Our podcast is about the beautiful novel An Unnecessary Woman written by Rabih Alameddine. In this episode, we explore the world of Aaliya Saleh, a reclusive, 72-year-old woman living in Beirut, whose life is shaped by books, translation, memory, and solitude. | |||
| Premier episode-Les vies de papier-Rabih Alameddine | 05 Dec 2025 | 00:06:14 | |
🎙️ Épisode 1 – Les vies de papier | |||