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 up about the myth of “having it all,” the cost of doing everything, and the importance of stillness, self-awareness, and redefining what empowerment means for women today. Ahmed shares his personal battle with stammering, overcoming fear, and the courage to step out of comfort and into growth. ✨ A story about love, growth, legacy, and learning to pause. 🎙️ Roots in Narrative — real conversations, raw journeys, and reflections from the diaspora. #RootsInNarrative #IraqiPodcast #Identity #Marriage #Empowerment #Healing #MiddleEasternVoices

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 Tigris as memory 🌊 • Diaspora, exile & identity 🧳 • Cooking as heritage & healing 🍲 • Mesopotamian art & clay culture 🎨 • Returning to yourself, wherever you are 🌱 This conversation is emotional, cultural, human — and real. If you’ve ever carried a country in your heart, this will resonate. Stay to the end. You’ll feel this one. 🤍 Like 👍 | Comment 💬 | Subscribe 🔔 Your support helps us keep these stories alive. #iraq 🇮🇶 #baghdad #diaspora #mesopotamia #identityjourney #roots #tigrisriver #podcast 🎙️

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 through compassion. 👉 Don’t forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & SHARE 🙏 Watch, be inspired, and share their voices with the world. #Hope #Inspiration #Humanity #Surgeon #WarStories #Lebanon #Podcast #RootsAndNarratives #HeroesWithoutCapes

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 vision needed to rebuild Iraq’s future This is a powerful conversation about roots, determination, and the power of planning — in life, in society, and for the generations to come. ✨ If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔, and SHARE to support the channel and join us on more inspiring conversations!

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 interviews that highlight the resilience and stories of the Iraqi people. From visiting historical sites like the Gates of Ishtar to engaging with local charities, we aim to bring you a deeper understanding of life in Iraq today. Topics Covered: The grieving process and personal reflections on loss The role of community and cultural practices in mourning Our upcoming trip to Iraq and what we hope to achieve The importance of kindness and support for those who are grieving We invite you to join the conversation! If you have any topics you’d like us to discuss or questions for our trip, please reach out. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated on our journey!

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 public parks and university campuses. Join us as we explore the vital role landscape architects play in enhancing our living environments and fostering connections through thoughtfully designed spaces. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to support our growing platform!

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 unfolds, highlighting resilience, ambition, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more incredible stories!

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 in traveling within the country. Join us as we explore Zahra's journey, her insights into the Iraqi landscape, and her vision for the future.

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 conversation explores her early life, family background from the Channel Islands, and her journey as an artist. Tune in to discover Emily's unique perspective on Iraq and the stories she captures through her lens. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to support the show and its mission to feature remarkable guests like Emily.

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 motivation and insights into the transformative power of education. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to support the channel!

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 population, with many having left the country over the years, leading to underpopulated villages that once thrived. The episode sets the stage for a deeper dive into Dr. Hanna's personal journey, starting with his childhood. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that blends cultural heritage with professional insight.

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 faced, and the lessons learned along the way. Tune in to hear Hashim's unique perspective on balancing personal interests and professional commitments in the dynamic field of sports. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful episodes!

In this episode, hosts Rida Alwan and Naba Al Madani welcome Hassan Abdulrazzak’s, a multifaceted individual whose journey spans the globe. Born in Prague to Iraqi parents, Hassan shares his unique upbringing, speaking Czech until the age of three before moving to Iraq. He reflects on his childhood in Baghdad, highlighting his family's beautiful home in Karada. With a rich background as a doctor, biologist, playwright, and a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, Hassan's experiences in various countries, including Cairo, Algeria, London, and the USA, offer a fascinating perspective on culture and creativity. Tune in to explore his remarkable narrative and the influences that shaped his life and work.

In this episode, hosts Rida Alwan and Naba Al Madani welcome author and scriptwriter Samantha Elias to discuss her new book focused on Judeo-Arabic. Samantha shares her experiences as a second-generation Iraqi Jew, detailing her family's migration history and the cultural significance of the language. The conversation explores the rich linguistic connections between Arabic and Judeo-Arabic, emphasising the shared heritage of language and culture. Samantha reflects on the positive response her book has received from the Iraqi community worldwide, highlighting the importance of preserving and celebrating this unique linguistic tradition. Tune in for an insightful discussion on identity, language, and the power of storytelling.

Ready for an unforgettable adventure? We're offering a limited-time opportunity to travel to Iraq with a group of like-minded explorers — all for an amazing price! This all-inclusive package includes: ✅ Return travel & all transfers ✅ 5-star hotel accommodation ✅ Guided tours to breathtaking sites ✅ Group travel experience with full support Everything is covered — just pack your bags and join us! 👉 Reserve your spot now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScIFt42-gAblW6XG2YSm71OKl10dc2OlqbvucMYXG0gIBRIxQ/viewform 📩 Or get in touch with us directly to learn more.

In this episode, hosts Rida Alwan and Naba Al Madani welcome Hassanane Balal, a passionate football supporter, especially of the Iraq national team. The conversation kicks off with a light-hearted discussion about football loyalties, particularly Hassanane's support for Manchester United. Hassanane shares his admiration for the podcast, highlighting its significance for the Iraqi community by providing a platform for diverse voices and experiences. He reflects on his recent trip to France, where he followed the Iraq Olympic team, and emphasises the shared challenges and experiences faced by individuals within the community. Tune in for an insightful discussion that underscores the importance of storytelling and community connection.

In this episode, hosts Rida Alwan and Naba Al Madani welcome Dr Amina Al-Yassin, a remarkable guest with a wealth of experience from multiple countries. Amina shares her journey, starting from her early life in Sur, South Lebanon, to her move to the UK at the age of three. She reflects on her family's background, with her mother being Lebanese and her father having roots in both Iraq and Lebanon. The conversation explores Amina's diverse experiences and the significant impact of her multicultural upbringing. Join us as we delve into Amina's story and the fascinating insights she brings to the table.

In this episode, hosts Rida Alwan and Naba Al Madani welcome musician, researcher, and composer Khyam Allami. He shares his journey from being born in Damascus to having Iraqi roots, and moving to London at the age of nine. He discusses his academic background, including his PhD in experimental composition, which he completed a couple of years ago. Khyam delves into the focus of his research, which explores the intersection of experimentalism in Arabic music and the importance of cultural context, highlighting his unique position between Arab culture and his experiences in the UK. Tune in for an insightful conversation about identity, music, and the creative process.

In this episode, hosts Rida Alwan and Naba Al Madani welcome Rashad Salim, a scholar and artist, who shares his insights into the heritage of Iraqi boats. Rashad's background is rich and diverse; he comes from a family of artists, with his father, Nazar Selim, being both an artist and a diplomat. Born in Sudan, Rashad's childhood was spent in various countries including China, Sweden, and Yugoslavia, before returning to Iraq at the age of 13. Throughout his travels, he developed a fascination with water and boats, which he discusses in depth. The conversation touches on themes of mobility, cultural heritage, and the artistic inspirations drawn from his experiences across different nations. Tune in for a captivating exploration of art, heritage, and the stories behind Iraqi boats.

In this episode, hosts Rida Alwan and Naba Al Madani welcome British Iraqi screenwriter and director Amadeus. Amadeus shares his journey of immigrating from Baghdad to the UK in 1998 at the age of five, fleeing the oppressive regime of Saddam Hussein. He discusses the challenges faced by his family during this transition, including the risks associated with their migration and the emotional impact of such a significant life change. Tune in as Ahmed offers insights into his early years and the experiences that shaped his identity and creative journey.