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PODCAST

Al Nafs Podcast - Roots and Narrative

*Welcome to the Roots and Narrative Podcast!* Join Rida Alwan and Naba Al Madani, two storytellers at heart living in London, as they dive deep into the experiences that shape who we are. Rida is a business consultant who helps companies achieve extraordinary growth while uncovering inspiring stories along the way. Naba is a psychotherapist dedicated to exploring the complexities of what makes us human. Together, they create a space where guests share their personal journeys — from

society & culture philosophy

All Episodes

01:43:32

He Left London… To Build a Billion-Dollar Future in Ira

Al Nafs Podcast - Roots and Narrative ·

2026/03/30

He had the career, the money, and the life in London…but something kept pulling him back. In this episode, we sit down with a founder who walked away from finance to help build Iraq’s startup ecosystem from the ground up. From growing up across Iraq, Sweden, and the UK… to launching companies in one of the toughest markets in the world — this is a story about identity, risk, and purpose. We dive into: - Why he left London at the peak of his career - The reality of building businesses in Iraq -

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01:43:50

Mustafa Alchali: The Neighbour Who Became a Father

Al Nafs Podcast - Roots and Narrative ·

2026/03/13

Welcome back to Roots and Narrative. Today, Rida and Naba sit down with Mustafa Alchali, the founder of Al Ghad Al Mushreq. He walks us through the early days of the orphanage the struggles, the small victories, and the overwhelming need that pushed him to build a safe space.The twist? The children who once called this place home now manage it. We sit with the new generation of leaders who are currently overseeing the construction of a new charity complex, ensuring that the children of tomorrow

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01:06:08

Success in Iraq | Hadi Laith

Al Nafs Podcast - Roots and Narrative ·

2026/02/20

From hardship to building multiple successful businesses in Iraq, this is a story of vision, grit, and belief. 🇮🇶We’re proud to welcome Hadi Laith, Founder and CEO of Rawnaq Aldur, Iraqi Franchise, and Qasraliya, to the Roots & Narrative podcast. Hadi is more than a business leader, he’s a world traveller, antiques collector, and visionary entrepreneur whose journey is shaped by resilience, strategy, and the power of having the right people around you. In this eye-opening conversation, he

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01:50:13

Inside Iraq with the Man Who Changed Travel Forever |...

Al Nafs Podcast - Roots and Narrative ·

2026/02/07

This episode of Roots & Narratives was recorded on the road across Iraq 🇮🇶Our guest, Ali Al Makhzomy, founder of Bil Weekend, is one of the key figures reshaping how the world experiences Iraq. From working in foreign cultural centres and studying in Dubai, to building one of Iraq’s most influential travel initiatives — Ali shares his personal journey, the risks, the challenges, and the beauty of showing the "real" Iraq to the world. This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a story of identity, culture,

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01:35:10

Haider Alassam | Hikayati Center | Building Iraq’s...

Al Nafs Podcast - Roots and Narrative ·

2026/01/31

Filmed in the holy city of Najaf, this episode of Roots and Narrative takes us inside the Hikayati Center Joined by Haider Alassam— a groundbreaking, purpose-built educational space redefining support for orphans in Iraq.We sit down with Haidar Lassen, the center’s manager, who shares his powerful personal journey: from growing up in Baghdad, leaving Iraq under political pressure in 1998, rebuilding his life in the UK through years of hard labor, and ultimately returning home after 26 years to

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01:36:38

From a death sentence… to leading one of Iraq’s most...

Al Nafs Podcast - Roots and Narrative ·

2026/01/24

العراق 🇮🇶قصة تُروى لأول مرة بهذه الصراحة والعمق. في هذه الحلقة الجديدة من Roots & Narratives، نستضيف الدكتور حيدر حمزة العابدي رئيس هيئة الصحة والتعليم الطبي في مؤسسة وارث الدولية لعلاج السرطان. رحلة إنسانية استثنائية، يشاركنا فيها الدكتور حيدر تجربته من حكم الإعدام، مرورًا بسنوات التحدي والمعاناة، وصولًا إلى موقع قيادي يُحدث أثرًا حقيقيًا في حياة الآلاف. حلقة عن الصمود، الإيمان، الرسالة، وخدمة الإنسان رغم كل الظروف. 🎧 حلقة لا تُفوّت — شاهدها الآن على YouTube 🔔 لا تنسَ الاشتراك، الإعجاب،

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01:06:50

Not Everyone Can Commit | Noor Chachan

Al Nafs Podcast - Roots and Narrative ·

2025/12/20

Couples therapy isn’t a sign of failure — it’s a commitment.In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Noor Chachan for an honest and powerful conversation about psychiatry, stigma, relationships, and healing. From communication breakdowns and childhood trauma to why couples therapy can feel like opening a Pandora’s box, we explore what it really takes to work through life together — as individuals and as partners. With real insights from the world of psychiatry, we discuss: - Why couples therapy is

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01:45:49

Muniqith Alazzawi: An Iraqi Journey of Identity |...

Al Nafs Podcast - Roots and Narrative ·

2025/12/06

🌍✨ From Diyala to Dubai to China — one Iraqi’s unbelievable journey of identity, ambition, and finding home again.What happens when you grow up abroad, lose touch with your roots, and then return to the place that shaped you? This episode dives deep into belonging, reinvention, culture shocks, family stories, and the emotional reality of being Iraqi abroad. 🇮🇶❤️ 🔥 From crashing call centres, to strict university life in Sharjah, to culture shock in China, to rediscovering Iraq after decades

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01:26:04

Dr. Zainab & Dr. Ahmed: From Dentistry to Destiny:...

Al Nafs Podcast - Roots and Narrative ·

2025/11/17

In this inspiring episode of Roots in Narrative, Rida Alwan and Naba Al Madani sit down with award-winning couple Dr. Zainab and Dr. Ahmed. A powerhouse pair in dentistry and aesthetics to explore what it really means to build a life of purpose, partnership, and balance.From their journeys as British-Iraqis navigating identity and family expectations, to the realities of marriage, communication, and raising children while running a business — this conversation goes far beyond careers. Zainab opens

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01:14:06

Linda Dangoor: The Taste of Identity: Flavours of...

Al Nafs Podcast - Roots and Narrative ·

2025/11/03

Today we dive into Iraq beyond the headlines — the memories, the kitchens, the rivers, the art, the loss, and the love that survives across generations. 🇮🇶💛Linda Dangoor shares her journey of growing up in Baghdad, leaving after the revolution, and rebuilding identity through art, food, and storytelling. From the Tigris River 🌊 to life abroad, we explore the question: Where is home, when home is no longer a place? We talk: • Childhood in Baghdad 🏡 • Family, language, and belonging 🤍 • The

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01:06:26

Dr Mohammed Hassan Hussain: The Surgeon Who Rebuilds...

Al Nafs Podcast - Roots and Narrative ·

2025/10/20

When war destroys faces… he gives them a second chance.In this emotional episode, Dr Mohammed Hassan Hussain, an ENT and nasal reconstruction surgeon, shares how he leaves the UK every few weeks to perform life-changing surgeries on war-injured patients in Lebanon. From children with devastating facial injuries to survivors who’ve lost everything, his story is one of courage, faith, and hope. This conversation goes beyond medicine — it’s about standing with those who suffer and finding purpose

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01:16:15

Hassan Mohamad: From Engineer to Transport Visionary:...

Al Nafs Podcast - Roots and Narrative ·

2025/10/06

In this episode, we sit down with Hassan Mohamad, a transport planner whose story of resilience, identity, and ambition takes us from the streets of Basra to the heart of London.He shares: Growing up in the Iraqi diaspora and navigating life in the UK His pivotal role in transport planning during the COVID-19 crisis (including the Nightingale Hospital project) How infrastructure, mobility, and ambition can transform both cities and lives His reflections on food, culture, resilience, and the

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00:50:39

Rida Alwan & Naba Al Madani: Navigating Grief: A...

Al Nafs Podcast - Roots and Narrative ·

2025/09/22

Welcome to another heartfelt episode of Roots and Narrative with your hosts, Rida Alwan and Naba Al Madani. In this special episode, we welcome Naba back after her time away due to the passing of her father. Join us as we navigate the complexities of grief, share personal stories, and discuss the importance of community support during difficult times.In this episode, we also share exciting news about our upcoming trip to Iraq! We’ll be exploring the rich heritage, meeting our fans, and conducting

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01:11:47

Mayassah Alsader: Journey in Landscape Architecture:...

Al Nafs Podcast - Roots and Narrative ·

2025/09/08

In this heartfelt episode of Roots & Narratives, hosts Rida Alwan and Naba Al Madani welcome the talented Mayassah Alsader, a landscape architect and historian. Mayassah shares her insights into the field of landscape architecture, tracing its historical roots back to the 16th century and discussing its evolution. She explains that landscape architecture encompasses much more than just plant selection; it involves shaping outdoor spaces to create memorable destinations, from private gardens to

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01:09:13

Raghad Al-Abboodi: Breaking Barriers: Empowering...

Al Nafs Podcast - Roots and Narrative ·

2025/08/25

In this episode of Roots & Narratives, hosts Rida Alwan and Hawra Milani welcome the inspiring Raghad Al-Abboodi, who shares her remarkable journey from growing up in Babylon to pursuing a career in technology. Raghad discusses her childhood experiences in a region marked by conflict and how they shaped her identity and ambitions. She reflects on the challenges she faced as a woman in tech, particularly when choosing to study computer science at the University of Babylon. Join us as Raghad's story

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00:51:59

Zahra Shah: Journey of Innovation and Identity: From...

Al Nafs Podcast - Roots and Narrative ·

2025/08/11

In this episode, we welcome Zahra, the founder of Iraqi Innovators, a media company dedicated to tech and startup news in Iraq. Zahra shares her passion for promoting Iraq's development and changing misconceptions about the country. She discusses her unique background, being ethnically Pakistani, and her deep-rooted connection to Iraq, particularly through her Shia heritage. Zahra reflects on her first experience visiting Iraq, which was when she moved there, and highlights the challenges she faced

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01:31:52

Emily Garthwaite: Exploring Iraq: A Journey Through...

Al Nafs Podcast - Roots and Narrative ·

2025/07/28

In this heartfelt episode of Roots & Narratives, hosts Rida Alwan and Naba Al Madani welcome photographer and artist Emily Garthwaite, who shares her profound experiences in Iraq. The episode opens with a touching tribute to Naba's late father, Sayied Salah Al Madani, inviting listeners to keep him in their prayers. Emily, who has been documenting the Iraqi Arbaeen for several years, discusses her deep connection to the country and its culture, having spent significant time there since 2017. The

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01:13:38

Mugdad Alkhateeb's: Navigating Challenges: Story of...

Al Nafs Podcast - Roots and Narrative ·

2025/07/14

In this episode, hosts Rida Alwan and Naba Al Madani welcome their friend Mugdad Alkhateeb, who shares his inspiring journey from a non-educational background to becoming a university head lecturer. The episode delves into the challenges and triumphs Mugdad faced while pursuing his education later in life. The discussion highlights the importance of education and personal growth, as well as the support from the community in achieving one's goals. Join us for an engaging conversation filled with

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01:11:44

Dr Rabbie Hanna: Cultural Shifts and Medical...

Al Nafs Podcast - Roots and Narrative ·

2025/06/30

In this episode, hosts Rida Alwan and Naba Al Madani welcome Dr Rabbie Hanna, a Chaldean Iraqi oncologist and head of robotics, who has flown in to participate in an upcoming medical conference. The discussion begins with an exploration of the Chaldean community, highlighting their significance as the majority of Christians in Iraq, their historical presence, and current demographics. Dr. Hanna shares insights into the Chaldean population, noting that they represent about 3% of Iraq's total

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01:12:42

Hashim Ali: From West London to the Championship:...

Al Nafs Podcast - Roots and Narrative ·

2025/06/16

In this episode, hosts Rida Alwan and Naba Al Madani welcome sit down with Hashim Ali, a talented physiotherapist from Hull Football Club. Hashim shares his inspiring journey from growing up in West London to becoming a key figure in the world of football physiotherapy. Despite his family's limited interest in the sport, Hashim developed a passion for football at a young age and has achieved significant milestones in his career. The conversation delves into his experiences, the challenges he’s

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36 results

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