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
#16 - Never Stop: The Road Home with Samer Abou Hamad
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
In this episode of Tak on the Pod, Andrea sits down with Samer Abou Hamad to talk about his journey cycling from Boston to Beirut.
After leaving a career in corporate America, Samer set out on a three-year journey cycling from Boston to Beirut - crossing five continents, more than sixty countries, and over seventy thousand kilometers. What began as a personal challenge evolved into a deeper exploration of endurance, uncertainty, and human connection.
A recipient of TAKREEM America’s Cultural Award, Samer shares what this journey taught him about slowing down, facing uncertainty, and choosing to keep going.
We dive into life on the road, from the physical and mental demands of cycling long distances to the simplicity of carrying everything with you. Samer shares stories of navigating borders, encountering different cultures, and experiencing the kindness of strangers along the way.
From reaching the end of the world in Ushuaia to returning home to Lebanon, this conversation reflects on what it means to come full circle and how the journey reshaped his understanding of identity, purpose, and what truly matters.
Tune in for a conversation about movement, resilience, and what it means to never stop.
Video version available on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hW4oKh77SoY&list=PL2bJze-gVzTGMT4cRrL6BQdLK7OOtmF7n&index=1
Learn more about Samer:
• Instagram: @samer.bikes
• More: linktr.ee/samer.bikes
Books referenced:
• Moods of Future Joy & Thunder and Sunshine by Alastair Humphreys
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
