Rama Aboalrob trains like a machine, works a 9–5, and carries a nation's hope on her back.At just 24, she is an Olympian, an Arab Champion, and a rising force in international Taekwondo. But behind the medals is a young woman battling burnout, pressure, and perfectionism.

“I know it’s not healthy… but I just want to be perfect at everything I do.”In this episode of Beyond the Buzzer, Rama opens up about:
🥋 Her journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics
💥 The brutal truth behind qualifying and staying disciplined
🧠 The mental grind of high performance and nearly quitting
🇯🇴 What it meant to carry Jordan’s flag on the Olympic stage🧪 Why she’s now working as a nutritionist during her career—not after
🎯 Her mission to become the first Jordanian woman to medal in Taekwondo..

 This is one of the realest conversations we’ve had, equal parts raw, inspiring, and powerful. Whether you're an athlete, a dreamer, or someone just trying to keep it together… this one’s for you.

In this dynamic episode of Beyond the Buzzer, we’re joined by Egypt’s Olympic swimmer Abdelrahman Elaraby, Haridi, in a one-of-a-kind setup filmed between the pool and the studio in Amman, Jordan.🎙️

 Haridi isn’t just an 8x African champion, Arab Games gold medalist, and national record holder.He’s a powerful voice for mental health, purpose, and resilience in the world of elite sport.In this episode, we dive deep into:
🧠 Why athletes need to talk about anxiety and doubt
📈 The mindset behind bouncing back from failure
🇪🇬 Building legacy beyond the pool
🫂 Giving back to the Arab athletic community.

This is more than a sports interview. It’s a conversation about identity, healing, and choosing meaning over medals.📍 Filmed on location in Jordan🎧 Full episode out now on all platforms👇 

Drop a comment, like, and subscribe for more athlete stories that go beyond the buzzer.#AbdelrahmanElaraby #Haridi #EgyptSwimming #OlympicSwimmer #Paris2024 #MentalHealthInSports #ArabAthletes #BeyondTheBuzzer #SwimmingPodcast #AthleteMindset #JordanVlog #BTB

Zaid Kareem is one of the most dominant taekwondo athletes in the world today. 🥋An Olympic silver medalist, a Youth Olympic bronze medalist, and the only Jordanian ever to medal at both.

He’s faced world champion Ulugbek Rashitov in three major finals—and he’s coming for more.But beyond the medals is a man of rare intensity.Zaid is calm, disciplined, and obsessed with routine. He doesn’t chase attention. 

He doesn’t need to.His fight speaks for itself.In this episode, we talked about:
🔥 Missing out on Tokyo 2020—and how that lit a fire
🧠 The mindset behind obsession and recovery
🏆 Rising as Jordan’s next sporting icon
🤝 Loyalty to the same coach, same team, same dreamAnd how each battle with Rashitov shaped the fighter—and the man.

This one’s different. This one’s honest.Hit like, follow, and subscribe so you don’t miss the drop.Full episode out Tuesday, July 22 on @beyondbuzz on YT 🎧

Alvin Kamara is an NFL superstar, having won rookie of the year, made 5 pro-bowl features in 8 NFL seasons, owning the record for most rushing yards for the New Orleans Saints, and having the joint record for touchdowns in an NFL game, with 6. All that aside, he is a stellar human who understands his identity is so much more than his football career. 

Alvin recently travelled to Jordan where he graciously gave us some of his time to discuss his life so far and what he's looking forward to as his NFL career continues to evolve, as well as his vision for himself outside the game. While the episode was unfortunately cut short due to technical difficulties, this short snippet still features many highlights, such as:
🌍 Alvin's appreciation for global culture and travelling the world;
❓Difficulties he faced on his journey to the NFL, specifically with college recruiting;
🧠 His unwavering belief in his own abilities even from a young age, and so much more.

While we are saddened to not have the full episode, we are certain Alvin will be back in Jordan soon so we can prepare for a full-fledge deep dive into his life and his career in the NFL. Make sure to like, subscribe, and comment so we can continue to bring you high quality conversations with exceptional athletes. #alvinkamara #NFL #runningbacks #allstar #podcasts #podcast

Noor Hadid is 32 years old, a Lebanese sprinter, and still getting faster.In a sport built for youth and powered by infrastructure, Noor is pushing back against both—rebuilding his career in the U.S. after years of training in post-crisis Lebanon, where inflation destroyed his savings and opportunities were scarce.

In this episode, we talk about:
🏃‍♂️ Gaining speed after his so-called prime
💰 Surviving Lebanon’s economic collapse—at one point, living on a single piece of cheese a day
🧠 The mental shift required to keep going when it feels like time has passed you by
🇱🇧 The emotional weight of representing a country in crisis
🎯 His Olympic goal: no wildcards. He wants to qualify outright

This isn’t a story about giving up. It’s about rewriting the narrative of what’s possible—at any age, in any condition, when purpose outweighs circumstance.

At just 19 years old, Omar Ismail has already competed on the biggest stage in the world—the Olympics. But for him, taekwondo isn’t just a sport. It’s purpose, discipline, and a way to carry the weight of Palestine with power and pride.In this episode of Beyond The Buzzer, we sit down with Omar to talk about:

🥋 What it means to step into the ring calm, present, and tactical
🌍 Representing a country under pressure—and not just showing up, but aiming to win
🧠 How he handles pressure, expectation, and growth at just 19 years old
🎯 His ambitions outside of the sport—and why taekwondo is just one chapter
🤝 The importance of staying grounded, giving back, and thinking long-term

This isn’t just a story about fighting—it’s a story about self-control, representation, and becoming something more than just an athlete.

In this uniquely raw and dynamic episode of Beyond The Buzzer, we sit down with Ed—on and off the basketball court—for a conversation that moves in every sense of the word.

Ed opens up about his early days in the game, his battles with mental health, and the quiet but powerful journey back to happiness after loss. 

We dive into what it means to be a father, a husband, and a man who’s still learning—still showing up.
This conversation isn’t just about sport. It’s about:
🧠 Mental health, healing, and asking for help
🏀 The role of movement—both physical and emotional—in processing pain
🏡 Balancing ambition with being present at home
❤️ The grounding force of family, love, and the small wins that matter most. 

Whether you’re an athlete, a parent, or someone figuring it all out in real time, Ed’s story is a reminder that healing isn’t linear—and that there’s beauty in every step forward.

Jesse Chuku—better known online as Chewkz—has lived multiple lives: pro hooper, content creator, and disciplined student of self-reinvention.

In this episode of Beyond The Buzzer, co-host Aboudi Al-Qattan reconnects with one of his oldest friends for an honest, wide-ranging conversation on navigating life after sport.

Jesse shares his experiences playing professional basketball across Europe, and how stepping away from the game led him into the unpredictable world of content creation.
They dive deep into:

🏀 Life overseas and the realities of playing pro ball in Europe
🎥 The evolution of Chewkz and finding a voice in content
⚡️ Managing bursts of creative energy vs. moments of emptiness
🧠 The mindset behind showing up when motivation runs dry
🌍 Reinvention, purpose, and building something bigger than the game.

This is more than a catch-up between two friends—it’s a reflective, inspiring conversation about ambition, self-awareness, and pushing through internal resistance to stay true to your path.


If you’re chasing something, reinventing yourself, or navigating your own in-between phase—this episode will hit.👉🏽 Subscribe, Like & Follow for more:🔴 YouTube: [@beyondbuzz]📸 Instagram: [@beyondthebuzzer13]#BeyondTheBuzzer #Chewkz #JesseChuku #LifeAfterSport #ContentCreatorJourney #BasketballLife

Layla Almasri isn’t just a runner—she’s a symbol of resilience, representation, and purpose. From growing up in Colorado as a first-generation Palestinian-American to breaking national records in the 800m, 1500m, 3K, and 5K, Layla’s journey has been anything but conventional.

In this powerful episode of *Beyond The Buzzer*, Layla sits down with Aboudi Al-Qattan & Sam Daghlas to discuss:
🏃‍♀️ The emotional weight of representing Palestine on the world stage;'
🧠 How she battled imposter syndrome & self-doubt before the Olympics;
🔥 The reality of being a professional runner—where does the money come from?⚖️  Balancing athletics, coaching, and working in biomedical sciences;
🎯 How she stays present, manages pressure, and remains mentally strong;

Layla gets candid about the privilege & burden of wearing the Palestinian flag in an era where visibility matters more than ever. She opens up about the moments of guilt, questioning her purpose, and how she ultimately found a way to use her platform for advocacy.This episode is filled with raw emotion, deep insights, and valuable lessons for anyone chasing a dream bigger than themselves—whether in sports, business, or life.🎙️ 

If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, finding your purpose, or navigating life transitions, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

👉🏽 **Subscribe & Follow for More:**🔴 **YouTube**: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondbuzzer📸 **Instagram**: @beyondthebuzzer13 **Like, comment, and share if this episode resonates with you!**

From dominating the Jordanian basketball scene to stepping into the spotlight as a TV presenter, Rubi Habash has never backed down from a challenge. But her story is more than just a highlight reel—it’s a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of perseverance.

In this deeply personal episode of Beyond The Buzzer, Rubi reflects on her rise in Jordanian basketball, the struggles of playing in a country with limited support for women’s sports, and her bold decision to switch from Orthodoxi to Fuheis—one of the biggest moves in Jordanian hoops. 

Rubi shares her incredible comeback to the game after giving birth to her first son, proving that motherhood doesn’t mean the end of an athlete’s journey.

We also get into her love story with former guest (and our good friend) Sani Sakakini—complete with a hilarious first-meeting story—and the realities of building a life together as two professional athletes. Now juggling work, family, and a new career in broadcasting, Rubi opens up about the highs, the struggles, and the emotional moments that have shaped her.

This episode is raw, inspiring, and full of wisdom for athletes and non-athletes alike. If you’ve ever faced adversity, questioned your next step, or wondered how to balance passion and family, Rubi’s story is one you need to hear.Make sure you SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, and SHARE with your friends!

Maria Saab is MENA's TOP High-Performance Coach. Her work spans top-level executives, athletes, and artists, but her message is always the same: the only thing that stops us from achieving our dreams is our own limiting beliefs. 

In this powerful episode, Maria delves into the techniques she uses not only with her clients, but also with herself. Maria is open, honest, and extremely insightfu-- ifyou are interested in learning how you can create habits that drive you towards success, then this is the perfect episode for you. 

Rui Hachemura is a superstar for the LA Lakers and the Japanese National Team--but before that, Rui didn't even know what the NBA was!

 In this candid conversation with Sam, Rui details his rise to international stardom and the adversity he faced along the way. Despite not speaking English until later in life, Rui had a dream, and he knew he could achieve it--internal perseverance, incessant persistence, and a great support system around him helped him reach the heights he has reached.

This episode highlights Rui's incredible personality: he has already achieved so much but he remains candid, approachable, and personable. Make sure you subscribe to our channel for more stories like Rui's!

Rasha Abdo is a professional hooper, a seasoned tech employee, and an active mother of two. While her schedule may sound packed for others, Rasha manages her time efficiently and effectively. She always balances her passion for basketball and motherhood with her desire to develop her career continuously. 

Most importantly, however, Rasha is a wonderful human with a real zest for life. This episode will inspire many, including young Arab women who struggle with the pursuit of sporting excellence and anybody who wants to learn how to balance all of life's challenges.

In this eye-opening episode, we dive into the remarkable journey of Valerie Tarazi, a Palestinian-American swimming sensation who has carved her place on the global stage through resilience, grit, and unparalleled determination. From her roots in Illinois to becoming a record-breaking swimmer representing Palestine, Valerie's story is one of pushing physical and mental limits to achieve greatness.

A multi-medalist at the 2023 Arab games, and flag bearer for Palestine at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Valerie shares the highs and lows of her career, her connection to her heritage, and the profound impact of her advocacy for a free Palestine. Beyond the pool, she is championing social change across the MENA region, breaking barriers for women athletes, and using her platform to inspire the next generation.

This episode is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of representation, and the potential of sport to spark meaningful change. Valerie’s journey is not just about athletic excellence but about standing up for what matters most. Tune in for a conversation that will leave you inspired and empowered.

The internal gang get together again to discuss what's been going on in the league. From OKC and Cleveland dominance, to Houston's surprise run, to end of season award picks, this episode is PACKED with NBA content.

Drafted as the No. 5 pick in the 2002 NBA Draft after just five years of playing basketball, Nikoloz Tskitishvili faced immense pressure to live up to sky-high expectations. In this compelling episode, Nikoloz shares his journey through the weight of the NBA spotlight, the challenges of unmet potential, and how he forged a successful career across Europe and Asia. We explore his tough childhood, the love and brotherhood basketball brought into his life, and his current role in shaping the future of Georgian basketball. A candid and inspiring story of resilience, family, and purpose.

Rebecca Akl, a trailblazer in the world of basketball, became the first Arab woman to play professionally overseas, rewriting history along the way. In this candid episode, Rebecca shares her journey from growing up in Lebanon to traveling the globe as a professional athlete. She opens up about her close-knit family, the challenges she faced breaking into international basketball, and how those experiences shaped her resilience.

Now a thriving business owner, Rebecca discusses her post-basketball career, her lessons from overcoming adversity, and her unwavering drive to pave the way for others. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about courage, grit, and reinvention.

In part two of this candid conversation, Anthony opens up about injury struggles that plagued his boxing career and ultimately caused him to retire early. Like in everything though, Anthony continued to manifest success and soon found himself at the peak of AEW wrestling. Outside the ring, Anthony discusses fatherhood and his recent app launch, Ogogo Fitness, and how he refuses to only identify as a boxer. Tune in for an incredible insight into the mind of a winner

Anthony Ogogo’s journey to becoming an Olympic medalist is a story of grit, responsibility, and resilience. In this first installment of our two-part series, Anthony reflects on his early years, taking on the role of the family’s backbone as a child, his discovery of boxing as an outlet and passion, and the relentless drive that led him to the Olympic podium for Team UK.

Now navigating life as a new father, Anthony opens up about the lessons he’s learned from his struggles and triumphs, offering a raw perspective on balancing personal growth, professional ambition, and the responsibilities of family. This episode is a moving portrait of resilience, responsibility, and the ongoing fight to overcome life’s challenges.

In this episode we explore Lamelo Balls ceiling, Luka Doncic's fitness, and how difficult it is to try and make the playoffs in the Western conference