Tak on the Pod
Welcome to “Tak on the Pod,” a podcast brought to you by the TAKREEM Foundation and TAKREEM AMERICA Foundation. Join our host, Andrea, as she explores the untold success stories of remarkable individuals who have tirelessly worked to make the world a better place. Each episode unveils the extraordinary achievements within the foundation’s community, ranging from laureates and board members to patrons and supporters, delving into their inspiring journeys, shared wisdom, and the significant impact they’ve made globally.
Featuring a diverse lineup of guests—including trailblazing entrepreneurs, revolutionary artists, impactful social activists, and leading scientists—our podcast celebrates the resilience, determination, and creativity that are hallmarks of the MENA region, where most of our stories originate.
Our mission is to bridge cultural divides, challenge stereotypes, and craft a new narrative that highlights the rich talents and accomplishments stemming from the MENA region, reaching out to the global stage. Get ready to be inspired and instilled with a profound sense of pride as we reveal the incredible potential of humanity.
Tune in to honor stories of resilience, innovation, and excellence, all while paying tribute to our origins.
Tak on the Pod
#13 - Beyond Stereotypes: Najla Said on Art, Culture, and Legacy
In this episode of Tak on the Pod, Andrea sits down with the talented Najla Said, a Lebanese-Palestinian-American actor, playwright, and author whose powerful work in theatre and literature explores themes of identity, belonging, and the complexity of cultural narratives. Known for her groundbreaking solo show Palestine and her memoir Looking for Palestine, Najla opens up about her journey as an artist and the personal and cultural experiences that shaped her voice.
As the daughter of the renowned scholar Edward Said, Najla has inherited a legacy of challenging cultural narratives and redefining the portrayal of Arabs in the West. She reflects on how her father's work, especially Orientalism, influenced her own creative journey and how she seeks to continue the work of breaking down stereotypes and reclaiming Palestinian identity through art.
In our conversation, we dive into the power of storytelling as a tool for empathy and cultural understanding, the role of feminism in her work, and her thoughts on the evolving representation of Arab-American voices in the arts.
Najla’s insights offer a unique perspective on the intersection of art, identity, and cultural dialogue, reminding us of the importance of reclaiming our stories, connecting across divides, and finding our shared humanity through the arts.
Video version also available on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl8eKDEwecE&list=PL2bJze-gVzTGMT4cRrL6BQdLK7OOtmF7n&index=1&t=1s
Intro Music:
"Castro in the City" from the album "Madinatuna" by Paul Salem.
Learn more about the Foundation:
takreem.org
takreemamerica.org
Follow Us:
- Twitter: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
- Instagram: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
- Youtube: @takreemfoundation @takreemamerica
