Beyond the Tigris is a podcast about identity, culture, and the invisible forces that shape how we see the middle east and Iraq.
Through conversations with thinkers, diplomats, and storytellers, Sarah explores the deep connections between civilizations, challenging the idea that cultures exist in isolation. From the Middle East to Europe and beyond, each episode uncovers the histories, beliefs, and narratives that continue to influence who we are today.
This is not just a podcast about the past. It’s about understanding the present and rethinking the future.
The Hidden Arab Roots of Europe | Napoleon, Islam & the Middle East – Louis Blin
In this episode of Beyond the Tigris, I speak with Louis Blin, former French ambassador to the Middle East, about the deep historical ties between Europe and the Arab world.
We unpack how figures like Napoleon Bonaparte were influenced by the East, and how centuries of cultural exchange shaped everything from food and language to political thought.
The conversation also dives into how colonial history reshaped perceptions of the Middle East, and why those narratives still affect how we see identity and modernity today.
This episode invites you to rethink where cultures begin and end, and whether those boundaries ever truly existed.
5 May 2026
The Hidden Connection Between the European & Arab World - Louise Blin
In this episode, I speak with Louis Blin, former French ambassador and expert on the Middle East, about the deep historical ties between Europe and the Arab world.
We unpack how figures like Napoleon Bonaparte were influenced by the East, and how centuries of cultural exchange shaped everything from food to language to political thought.
The conversation also dives into how colonial history reshaped perceptions of the Middle East, and why those narratives still affect how we see identity and modernity today.
This episode invites you to rethink where cultures begin and end, and whether those boundaries ever truly existed.
5 Jun 2025
Segregation, Identity & Memory in Modern Baghdad: A Deep Dive with Alissa Walter
Historian Alissa Walter discusses her book on Baghdad, exploring urban planning, the impact of war, daily life under dictatorship, and the evolution of women's roles in Iraq in this interview.
1 May 2025
What Happens When Travelers Listen? | Byond the Tigris Podcast
Every so often, we meet someone who reminds us that travel is not just about crossing borders — it’s about crossing into the hearts and stories of others.
I’m honored to welcome Vincenzo Morelli and Claudio lodice who are working on **Macondo Expeditions** — a project born from a deep belief that the world’s most powerful tales are not found in monuments or headlines, but in the quiet resilience of everyday people, in forgotten villages, and in the ancient landscapes that still hum with life.
Through his journeys, Vincenzo and Claudio invite us to see the world with more compassion — to move slowly, listen deeply, and remember that every place, no matter how scarred by history, holds a soul worth honoring.Now, they find themselves in Iraq — a land of layered memories and immense beauty — working on a documentary that seeks not to explain Iraq, but to feel it, to witness it, and to share its hidden light with the world.
26 Mar 2025
Exploring War Zones Through ART | With Contemporary Artist - Louis Cyprien Rials
In this episode, contemporary artist Louis-Cyprien Rials shares his journey exploring Iraq through art, memory, and transformation. Known for his work in landscapes marked by conflict and cultural erasure, Rials recounts his arrival in Iraq on a motorbike, a birthday spent with the Peshmerga, and seeking refuge there during the pandemic. He discusses Iraq as a land of opportunity, his proximity to ISIS-controlled areas, and the role of art in Iraqi society. The conversation delves into Mesopotamian identity, the layered history of places like Mosul, the Le Corbusier Stadium, and the Tower of Babel, offering a unique perspective on Iraq’s past and present.
Introduction to Louis-Cyprien Rials (00:00)
Challenging the Iraq Narrative (01:35)
Arriving in Iraq on a Motorbike (04:16)
A Birthday with the Peshmerga (05:24)
Returning to Iraq (07:27)
Experiencing COVID-19 Restrictions & Seeking Refuge in Iraq (10:05)
The Iraqi Way of Doing Things (12:23)
Iraq as a Land of Opportunity (15:30)
Being 7 Kilometers from ISIS (17:04)
Iraqis and Their Relationship with Art (19:52)
A City Built Around the Shrine (28:26)
The Mesopotamian Identity (29:20)
How Things Function in Iraq (39:39)
Doors of Mosul (44:47)
Le Corbusier's Stadium in Baghdad (56:11)
The Tower of Babel and Its Legacy (01:06:00)
7 Mar 2025
Borders, Beliefs, and Identity: A Korean Nomad's Journey Through Iraq
In this episode of Beyond the Tigris, we sit down with Sung Kwan Ma, a Korean traveler, photographer, and aspiring YouTuber, who has spent years exploring cultures beyond mainstream narratives. We discuss his journey to Iraq, the interplay of politics and identity, and how national borders shape who we are. Sung shares his perspective on Iraqi and Korean cultural similarities, the concept of independence, and the media’s role in shaping perceptions of places like Iraq. Through his travels, he questions societal structures, challenges preconceived notions, and highlights the power of firsthand experience in understanding the world.
We covered:
- Sung's Childhood Aspiration to Visit Iraq
- His experiences in North Korea
- The Relationship Between Language and Concepts Like Freedom and Love
- How News Media Shapes Human Perception
- Contrasting Media Portrayals with the Reality of Iraq
- The Difference Between Hearing About a Place and Experiencing It Firsthand
- Korean Culture and Its Similarities with Other Asian Cultures
- Embracing Humility and Letting Go of Ego When Traveling
- Iraq as a Melting Pot of Diverse Cultures
- Exploring the Definition of 'Iraqi' and National Identity
- Living Within A Bubble In Your Community
18 Feb 2025
Reclaiming Identity: Iraq's Trauma, Generosity, and Resilience - A journalist take on Iraq
In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into Iraq's violent past and its lasting impact on the identity of its people. From collective trauma to the complexities of how Iraq has processed its history, we draw parallels between the struggles of Baghdad and Berlin. Our guest, Catherine, shares her journey of investigating the fake news and propaganda that has shaped perceptions of Iraq, revealing the challenges of truth in the media. We explore Iraq's unique hospitality, the tension between Hollywood's portrayal of freedom and the reality of Iraqi resilience, and the power of the Iraqi Museum to reclaim cultural heritage. From tourism's potential impact to the unifying force that binds Iraqis together, we ask what makes Iraqis truly come together as a nation. Amidst a backdrop of historical and political challenges, we also find a story of realistic optimism and the strength of Iraqi spirit.
The topics we discussed:
The impact of Iraq’s violent past on individual identity
The role of fake news and propaganda in shaping perceptions of Iraq
Iraq’s generosity and resilience in the face of adversity
Parallels between Baghdad’s and Berlin’s historical trauma
The unifying force that brings Iraqis together as a nation
The impact of tourism and the Iraqi Museum in shaping Iraq’s image
11 Jan 2025
Iraq Untold: An Italian’s Decade of Discovery and Growth in Iraq | Beyond the Tigris Podcast #7
Matteo Mantovani, an Italian expat, shares his decade-long journey in Iraq, revealing the country's untold stories, cultural resilience, and transformative opportunities for growth.
4 Nov 2024
Safa Fadhil's Path to King's College London Through Chevening | Beyond the Tigris Podcast #6
elcome to Beyond the Tigris! In this episode, we sit down with Safa Sultani, a Chevening scholar from Iraq who pursued her master's in Emerging Economics and International Development at King's College London. Safa opens up about her journey to winning the prestigious Chevening Scholarship, the challenges of studying abroad, and the invaluable life lessons she gained along the way.
Through her story, Safa shares tips and insights for those interested in applying to Chevening, highlighting the determination, focus, and resilience needed to make the most of this life-changing opportunity.
Whether you’re an aspiring scholar or simply curious about the Chevening experience, Safa’s story is sure to inspire! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts with us.
Topics Covered:
- Overview of the Chevening Scholarship
- Application process and preparation tips
- Living and studying in the UK
- The Iraqi economic landscape
- Acquiring brain flexibility
- The value of being an international student
- Advice for future applicants
Let us know what you found most valuable in this episode, and stay tuned for more inspiring stories!
11 Oct 2024
منار حداد: منحة جيفننك والتحديات والدراسة في بريطانيا | ما وراء دجلة #5
بهذه الحلقة، نحجي وية منار حداد عن تجربتة بالتقديم لمنحة جيففنك، رحله دراسته ببرطانية والتحديات الي واجهه. يأخذنه الكلام الى التحديات الي يواجهه الشاب العراقي من يتخرج من السادس الى رحلة البحث عن العمل, راح نحجي ايضا على المجتمع البرطاني والاختلافات الي شافهه منار بين الحياة ببريطانية والعراق
جيفنك هي منحة لدراسة الماجستير ببريطانية، مموله بالكامل لمدة سنة -
‘’ بودكاست ’ما وراء دجلة:
هو مساحة نسلط بيهة الضوء على الشباب العراقي، المغتربين العراقيين والاجانب الي بالعراق، نناقش تحدياتهم، تطلعاتهم، قصص نجاحهم ومستقبل العراق. من خلال هذا البودكاست، نأمل أن نكشف الجمال الكامن في العراق، ونعزز الفهم الأعمق لهوية الشباب العراقي بين الوطن والغربة. انضموا إلنة بكل حلقة حته نسمع أصوات ملهمة تسعى لبناء مستقبل أفضل للعراق ونتتواصل مع العالم بطريقة أكثر فهمًا وتسامحًا.
اتمنى تستمتعون بالحلقة وتنطون رائيكم بالطرق الي ممكن نطور بيهه المحتوى.
ملاحظه: جبنة لمره نسوي الحلقه بالعربي حته نوصل للعراقيين بشكل اكبر، انطونة رائيكم بالمحتوى وهل تفضلون انو يكون بالعربي؟
#جيفننك #دراسه #بيرطانية #ماستر #عراق
8 Oct 2024
A Chevening Scholar as a Mother of Triplets | Beyond the Tigris #4
The strugge of balancing one’s career life with motherhood is a worldwide challenge. But studying in a new country with 3 kids to take care of is another level of juggling. This all didn’t stop Baydaa form persuing her dream to get a masters degree in the UK and all of this was possible, through the chevening scholarship.
This episode is part of a chevening series where we interview alumni from various backgrounds to enrich your chevening application process.
We cover in this episode:
- Baydaa’s application process for the Chevening Scholarship
- Overcoming cultural and familial challenges
- Adjusting to life in the UK as an Iraqi family
- Balancing studies, family, and personal growth
- Insights on leadership and networking
Time stamps:
00:00 – Introduction to the Episode
00:28 – Meet Baydaa: Chevening Scholar & Mother of Triplets
01:12 – Why She Chose the UK for Her Master’s Degree
03:07 – Baydaa’s Journey: Dreaming of a Master’s While Raising Kids
06:32 – Applying Twice: Lessons from a Failed Chevening Application
07:59 – Tackling the Scholarship Essays: Leadership & Networking
11:07 – Bringing the Kids to the UK: Challenges and Surprises
13:17 – Culture Shock and Reintegrating into Iraqi Society
14:45 – Adapting to UK Schools: A New Experience for the Children
18:32 – How the UK Changed Her Children’s Outlook
21:33 – Being a Mother and Leader: Juggling Studies and Family
26:15 – What She Learned in the UK Education System
30:31 – The Power of Networking and Volunteering in the UK
33:00 – Lessons on Leadership and Inspiring Her Children
35:28 – Encouraging Future Chevening Applicants: Baydaa’s Final Message
37:05 – Conclusion and Thank You for Watching!
29 Sept 2024
Moamin Algalali: 4-Year Quest for the Chevening Scholarship | Beyond the Tigris podcast #3
In this episode, we sit down with Moamin Mudhahir to discuss his journey to winning the prestigious #cheveningscholarship (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/cheveningscholarship) after four attempts. He shares the strategies that finally led to his success, as well as his personal experiences in the UK, where he navigated the challenges of adapting to a new culture as an Iraqi. Join us as we delve into his inspiring story of perseverance and cultural exploration.
About beyond the tigris podcast:
BTT is a podcast that dives deep into the lives, stories, and aspirations of Iraqi youth and the diaspora. Hosted by Sarah, it explores topics like cultural identity, personal growth, and the future of Iraq. Join us as we highlight the untold stories of Iraqis around the world and celebrate the resilience, creativity, and hope that define them.
8 Sept 2024
Amara Bandukada: India, Iraq and how the east perceive the west | Beyond the Tigris podcast #2
If you have middle eastern, Indian or asian parents, you know it, you're a either a doctor or a looser...
Me and Amara today discuss the commonalities between Indian and Iraqi culture and how to love and embrace your culture.
Enjoy listening to this!
29 Aug 2024
Zahra Shah: Iraq, diasporic Iraqis in the UK, society and culture | Beyond the Tigris podcast #1
In this episode, we talk about the challenges facing Iraqis in Iraq and diasporic Iraqis in the UK we delve into the social and culture aspect of both countries with Zahra Shah.
Her work as the founder of Iraqi Innovators is reflection of her dedication to Iraq and her strong belief in this nation.
We also talk about the opportunities and future of Iraqis and how they can adapt to different cultures, where ever they may be.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
9,752
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 27 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
14
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
32
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