Having hijacked most of our feeds over the past few years, podcasts have grown into one of the entertainment industry’s most valuable currencies—where anyone with a mic and a hot take can become a voice of influence (for the better or worse.) Spanning across all topics, themes, and niches one can possibly think of, these new-age talk shows have rapidly turned into the platform for everything from deep dives into history to heated debates about pop culture, making sure there’s something for everyone—even if we didn’t ask for it.
But there’s a downside. Podcasts can also serve as a megaphone for provocative ideas and dangerous rhetoric, giving controversial figures a platform they aren’t equipped to handle. This has blurred the lines between entertainment and misinformation, leaving listeners grappling with what’s worth tuning into and what’s best left ignored.
Think of Andrew Tate, for instance, whose inflammatory views and toxic masculinity managed to draw in a huge following by capitalizing on controversy and sensationalism. Through the podcast format, Tate has expertly exploited its casual, unfiltered nature to present himself as an authority figure while pushing a harmful agenda. As the face of a subculture many have disturbingly chosen to idolize, Tate’s rise has, to a certain extent, alienated a large portion of listeners who reject his narrative, pushing them away from digital conversations altogether.
That said, all hope isn’t lost, as many creators are still pushing to bring meaningful conversations to the table and challenging the status-quo by inviting their audiences to think critically and engage with thought-provoking topics. To highlight their efforts, below, we compiled a list of five Arab podcasts that are doing just that— and that you should tune into right now.
Kefaya Ba2a
Language: Arabic
Kefaya Ba2a with Alaa Al-Sheikh is a no-holds-barred chat with friends, where nothing and no one is off-limits. With raw honesty and zero filters, the show aims to expose uncomfortable truths and spark bold conversations about society’s flaws.
Je Ne Suis Pas Raciste Mais…
Language: French
Every two Tuesdays, Je Ne Suis Pas Raciste Mais by Egyptian-Algerian journalist Donia Ismail delves into the everyday racism that often goes unnoticed. Through personal testimonies and expert interviews, the podcast sheds light on the impact of these biases and challenges listeners to confront uncomfortable truths.
When Women Win
Language: English
A weekly podcast where inspiring women and female role models share their stories, along with practical tips and strategies for personal and professional growth, courtesy of host Rana Nawas.
Yalla! Let’s Talk
Language: English
Host Hani Dajani invites special guests to provide insights on a wide range of topics, from politics, to business, relationships and beyond. From Saudi by Saudis, it’s the ultimate hub for authentic discussions that reflect the everyday life of locals.
Shik Shak Shook Ones
Language: English
Brought to you by music journalists Deana Soni Hassanein and Danny Hajjar, Shik Shak Shook Ones explores the hottest topics in music from the Middle East, North Africa, and their global diasporas. If you’re looking for hot takes and unpopular opinions, look no further, as the duo dives into both the stories, and controversies shaping the region’s music scene.
