Loosely Adapted

About Loosely Adapted

We bring you Arab(ic) stories told in English Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Publisher

Sowt Media | صوت

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

20 Mar 2024

Latest episode

30 Oct 2025

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   30 Oct 2025

   Dirar Kalash: Rethinking Sound

   In this episode, we talk with Palestinian musician Dirar Kalash about his take on “experimentation” in arts and the relationship between the body and music—beyond what the ears can hear. Living with impaired hearing, Dhirar relies in his live performances on a deep understanding of musical notation, seeing playing as something closer to logic and mathematics. This episode was co-produced by Sowt and Komet Kashakeel, with voice actor Ramzi DeHani narrating our guest musician, Dirar Kalash. The episode was researched and written by Rabab Al-Rzini and produced and edited in Arabic and reviewed in English by Jana Qazzaz and hosted by Rana Daoud. English translation and production is by Lauren Pepperell and Mahmoud El Saghir. Sound by Mahmoud El Saghir, Ahmad Mitry and Mohamad Khreizat. Managing producer, Tala Halawa. Access coordinator, Yaz Brien. Access consultant, Ant Lightfoot. This season's theme music was created by Ameer Moussa. Subscribe to Loosely Adapted so you don’t miss new episodes. This season was funded by the British Council’s International Collaboration Grant, and originally produced in Arabic for the Dom Tak podcast: https://lnk.to/g1MQym Dom Tak and Loosely Adapted are Sowt Original productions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

2. 

   16 Oct 2025

   Ziad Sinno: Each end is a beginning

   In this episode, we meet singer and music producer, Ziad Sinno. He takes us through his journey: from Beirut to London, transitioning from a physiotherapist to a musician, and from visual impairment to non-sightedness. All of these stories have collided to put him on the path he's currently on. Ziad is now focused on supporting visually impaired musicians by providing free tutorials on YouTube for navigating music editing software. This episode was co-produced by Sowt Podcasts and Komet Kashakeel, with voice actor Waj Ali narrating our guest musician, Ziad Sinno. The episode was researched and written by Thaer Hussein and produced and edited in Arabic and reviewed in English by Jana Qazzaz and hosted by Rana Daoud. English translation and production is by Lauren Pepperell and Mahmoud El Saghir. Sound by Mahmoud El Saghir, Ahmad Mitry and Mohamad Khreizat. Managing producer, Tala Halawa. Access coordinator, Yaz Brien. Access consultant, Ant Lightfoot. This season's theme music was created by Ameer Moussa. Be sure to subscribe to Loosely Adapted so you don’t miss new episodes. This season was funded by the British Council’s International Collaboration Grant, and originally produced in Arabic for the Dom Tak podcast: https://lnk.to/g1MQym Dom Tak and Loosely Adapted are Sowt Originals productions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

3. 

   2 Oct 2025

   Yara Qawariq: My voice showed me the world

   In this episode we meet Palestinian singer Yara Qawariq, whose music journey began from early childhood when she joined "Al Kamandjati Music Conservatory" in Ramallah. We trace Yara's journey with all its influences and motives, from the second Intifada in Palestine, to her graduate studies in Cairo, and all the doors that opened along the way. This episode was co-produced by Sowt and Komet Kashakeel with voice actor Sofia Asir narrating our guest musician, Yara Qawariq. The episode was researched and written by Mahmoud Khawaja and produced and edited in Arabic and reviewed in English by Jana Qazzaz and hosted by Rana Daoud. English translation and production is by Lauren Pepperell and Mahmoud El Saghir. Sound by Mahmoud El Saghir, Ahmad Mitry and Mohamad Khreizat. Managing producer, Tala Halawa. Access coordinator, Yaz Brien. Access consultant, Ant Lightfoot. This season's theme music was created by Ameer Moussa. Be sure to subscribe to Loosely Adapted so you don’t miss new episodes. This season was funded by the British Council’s International Collaboration Grant, and originally produced in Arabic for the Dom Tak podcast: https://lnk.to/g1MQym Dom Tak and Loosely Adapted are Sowt Originals productions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

4. 

   18 Sept 2025

   Al Nour Wal Amal Orchestra: A Beacon of Light

   In this episode, we hear from musicians Maryse and Shahinaz from the Al Nour Wal Amal Orchestra, an ensemble made up entirely of visually impaired women. Established in the early 1960s, the orchestra has nurtured countless talented musicians who went on to tour the world with their music. We listen to Maryse and Shahinaz’s stories with the orchestra, and how it transformed their lives. This episode was co-produced by Sowt and Komet Kashakeel with voice actor Laila Alj narrating Maryse, and voice actor Lara Sawalha narrating Shahinaz. The episode was researched and written by Rabab Al-Rzini and produced and edited in Arabic and reviewed in English by Jana Qazzaz and hosted by Rana Daoud. English translation and production is by Lauren Pepperell and Mahmoud El Saghir. Sound by Mahmoud El Saghir, Ahmad Mitry and Mohamad Khreizat. Managing producer, Tala Halawa. Access coordinator, Yaz Brien. Access consultant, Ant Lightfoot. This season's theme music was created by Ameer Moussa. Be sure to subscribe to Loosely Adapted so you don’t miss new episodes. This season was funded by the British Council’s International Collaboration Grant, and originally produced in Arabic for the Dom Tak podcast: https://lnk.to/g1MQym Dom Tak and Loosely Adapted are Sowt Originals productions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

5. 

   4 Sept 2025

   Adham El Saeed: Soaring Without Wings

   In this episode we hear from Adham Al Saeed, who is a member of the Egyptian band, Wust El Balad. We talk about his childhood and his story with Polio disease. Recalling that part of his life, he also revisits his relationship with his grandmother and her musical influence on him. An intimate conversation in which he shares the experiences that shaped and paved the way for his musical career. This episode was co-produced by Sowt and Komet Kashakeel with voice actor Waleed Hammad narrating our guest musician, Adham Elsaid. The episode was researched and written by Thaer Hussein and produced and edited in Arabic and reviewed in English by Jana Qazzaz and hosted by Rana Daoud. English translation and production is by Lauren Pepperell and Mahmoud El Saghir. Sound by Mahmoud El Saghir, Ahmad Mitry and Mohamad Khreizat. Managing producer, Tala Halawa. Access coordinator, Yaz Brien. Access consultant, Ant Lightfoot. This season's theme music was created by Ameer Moussa. Be sure to subscribe to Loosely Adapted so you don’t miss new episodes. This season was funded by the British Council’s International Collaboration Grant, and originally produced in Arabic for the Dom Tak podcast: https://lnk.to/g1MQym Dom Tak and Loosely Adapted are Sowt Originals productions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

6. 

   21 Aug 2025

   Dom Tak: Music Beyond Barriers 🥁

   Introducing a new season of Dom Tak! This time, we bring you stories from artists across the region, musicians with diverse backgrounds who also happen to live with disabilities. Through their journeys, we explore what it means to be a musician navigating accessibility, infrastructure, and inclusion in the region. This season was originally produced in Arabic for the Dom Tak podcast: https://lnk.to/g1MQym Be sure to subscribe to Loosely Adapted so you don’t miss a new episode when it drops. This season was produced in collaboration with Komet Kashakeel, and made possible with support from the British Council’s International Collaboration Grant. Dom Tak and Loosely Adapted are original productions of Sowt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

7. 

   6 Jan 2025

   Not The Girl They Wished For

   In this special episode, originally published in Arabic on Eib, we present the English version of Sarah Safi Harb's powerful journey — one defined by resilience, reinvention, and personal transformation. Sarah reflects on the experiences that have shaped her into the woman and dancer she is today, sharing how she continues to defy limiting orientalist narratives, deconstruct colonialist impressions, and foster spaces of authenticity and genuine joy. Listen to the original Arabic episode was published on Eib on the 3rd of September 2024: https://lnk.to/3wDhdz This episode and its Arabic version were written and produced by Saleem Salameh. The script was edited by Rama Sabanekh, with supervision from Tala Halawa. Levelling, publishing and communication were managed by the Sowt Team. Sarah's Website: sarahsafiharb.com (http://sarahsafiharb.com/) Sarah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah.safi.harb/ (https://www.instagram.com/sarah.safi.harb/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

8. 

   24 Apr 2024

   Blocked Waters: Fishing Under Occupation

   Tracing the blockade imposed on fishing in Palestine, we delve into the significance of the sea, fish, and fishing for Palestinians, exploring the changes that have impacted fishermen – and the sea – under the occupation. This episode and its original Arabic version are a collaborative production between Sowt and the Palestinian Museum. It was originally published in Arabic on March 17th, 2022 for "Blank Maps" - Check out the Arabic episode here (https://listen.sowt.com/blankmapsep5). Originally written by , the script was loosely adapted into English by Salam Bustanji, produced and edited by Tala Halawa and Basant Samhout, sound-designed by Ahmad Mitri, and presented by Ban Barkawi. Sources Used in the Episode: - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID8A71e7Ig4&ab_channel=SabreenProductions (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID8A71e7Ig4&ab_channel=SabreenProductions) - https://youtu.be/oGIyJif50v8?t=60 (https://youtu.be/oGIyJif50v8?t=60) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQENL5GDZmU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQENL5GDZmU) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMlfUc5V9PQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMlfUc5V9PQ) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uROrem2DXcU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uROrem2DXcU) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1NqWoMVFDY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1NqWoMVFDY) - https://youtu.be/KGTTUbuM-_U (https://youtu.be/KGTTUbuM-_U) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

9. 

   17 Apr 2024

   Gaza Under Siege: 17 years of Resilience

   In our investigation into the siege on Gaza, we document the remarkable resilience of Palestinians enduring inhumane conditions enforced by the occupation for a staggering 17 years. These conditions span from denying basic services like water and electricity to limitations on economic growth and even targeted actions against fishing activities. This episode is a collaborative production between Sowt and the Palestinian Museum. It was originally published in Arabic on November 6th, 2023 for "Stories from Palestine" - Check out the Arabic episode here (https://listen.sowt.com/palestine1ep4). Originally written by Sarah Abu AlRob, the script was loosely adapted into English by Salam Bustanji, produced and edited by Tala Halawa and Basant Samhout, sound-designed by Ahmad Mitri, and presented by Ban Barkawi. Sources used in the episode: - https://carnegieendowment.org/sada/53378 (https://carnegieendowment.org/sada/53378) - https://eibm.short.gy/6eql29 (https://www.skynewsarabia.com/middle-east/101806-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%94%D9%86%D9%81%D8%A7%D9%82-%D8%BA%D8%B2%D8%A9-%D9%88%D9%85%D8%B5%D8%B1-%D8%AD%D9%85%D9%84%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%95%D8%BA%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%A7%D9%87-%D9%84%D9%85%D9%86%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%87%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A8) - https://eibm.short.gy/86XHUm (https://www.alarabiya.net/arab-and-world/egypt/2015/10/10/%D9%84%D8%A3%D9%88%D9%84-%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D9%85%D8%B5%D8%B1-%D8%AA%D8%B9%D8%AA%D8%B1%D9%81-%D8%A8%D8%A5%D8%BA%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82-%D8%A3%D9%86%D9%81%D8%A7%D9%82-%D8%BA%D8%B2%D8%A9) - https://aps.aucegypt.edu/ar/articles/1326/gaza-under-siege-how-does-it-really-end (https://aps.aucegypt.edu/ar/articles/1326/gaza-under-siege-how-does-it-really-end) - https://www.gov.il/ar/departments/units/grm_unit (https://www.gov.il/ar/departments/units/grm_unit) - https://eibm.short.gy/mhdRXK (https://al-shabaka.org/memos/%D8%A5%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%A9-%D8%A5%D8%B9%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%BA%D8%B2%D8%A9-%D9%86%D8%AD%D9%88-%D8%A2%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%82%D9%84%D8%A9/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

10. 

    10 Apr 2024

    A Guide to Gaza's Crossings

    This episode uncovers the history of Gaza's seven crossings and exposes how the occupation leverages them to impose further restrictions on Palestinians living in the Strip. This episode is a collaborative production between Sowt and the Palestinian Museum. The episode was originally published in Arabic on November 2nd, 2023 for "Stories from Palestine. Listen to the episode from here (https://listen.sowt.com/palestine1ep3). Originally written by Bayan Habib, the script was loosely adapted into English by Salam Bustanji, produced and edited by Tala Halawa and Basant Samhout, sound-designed by Ahmad Mitri, and presented by Ban Barkawi. Sources Used in the Episode: - https://youtu.be/dTvnQjLcKbM?si=TZXnkMvMJuiiDxLA& (https://youtu.be/dTvnQjLcKbM?si=TZXnkMvMJuiiDxLA&) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAst5hsqaGQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAst5hsqaGQ) - https://www.unrwa.org/ar/where-we-work/%D9%82%D8%B7%D8%A7%D8%B9-%D8%BA%D8%B2%D9%87/%D9%85%D8%AE%D9%8A%D9%85-%D8%AC%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A7 (https://www.unrwa.org/ar/where-we-work/%D9%82%D8%B7%D8%A7%D8%B9-%D8%BA%D8%B2%D9%87/%D9%85%D8%AE%D9%8A%D9%85-%D8%AC%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A7) - https://ar-ar.facebook.com/wafagency/ (https://ar-ar.facebook.com/wafagency/) - https://youtu.be/QlTk522qwNs? (https://youtu.be/QlTk522qwNs?) - https://info.wafa.ps/ar_page.aspx?id=4886 (https://info.wafa.ps/ar_page.aspx?id=4886) - https://youtu.be/cxrnVNdF6Ww?t=2 (https://youtu.be/cxrnVNdF6Ww?t=2) - https://youtu.be/bzb4Xn8v4hE?t=10 (https://youtu.be/bzb4Xn8v4hE?t=10) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wGWktmTJ6Q (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wGWktmTJ6Q) - https://youtu.be/L_FeC1kSAN0?t=94 (https://youtu.be/L_FeC1kSAN0?t=94) - https://youtu.be/EyRjLo9DfHs (https://youtu.be/EyRjLo9DfHs) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

11. 

    3 Apr 2024

    Before the Nakba: Unearthing Settler Colonialism in Palestine

    We journey into the past to explore the systematic Jewish settlement on Palestinian lands dating back to 1861, facilitated by Ottoman laws and influenced by British involvement, illustrating that the Nakba of 1948 was not an isolated or abrupt event. This episode is a collaborative production between Sowt and the Palestinian Museum. It was originally published in Arabic on May 23rd, 2021 for "Manbet". Listen to the episode from here (https://listen.sowt.com/manbetpalestine). Originally written by Mahmoud Khawaja, the script was loosely adapted into English by Salam Bustanji, produced and edited by Tala Halawa and Basant Samhout, sound-designed by Ahmad Mitri, and presented by Ban Barkawi. Sources Used in the Episode: - https://mfa.gov.il/MFA/MFA-Archive/2003/Pages/Mishkenot%20Sha-ananim.aspx (https://mfa.gov.il/MFA/MFA-Archive/2003/Pages/Mishkenot%20Sha-ananim.aspx) - https://www.dopdfwn.com/cacnoscana/scanoanya/tahmilkutubpdf-KJCPC.pdf (https://www.dopdfwn.com/cacnoscana/scanoanya/tahmilkutubpdf-KJCPC.pdf) - http://www.israel613.com/books/ERETZ_GOODLY_HERITAGE-ENG.pdf (http://www.israel613.com/books/ERETZ_GOODLY_HERITAGE-ENG.pdf) - https://ia800803.us.archive.org/2/items/CAUS01/CAUS512.pdf (https://ia800803.us.archive.org/2/items/CAUS01/CAUS512.pdf) - https://bit.ly/3xeTajq (https://books.google.jo/books?id=d-13DwAAQBAJ&pg=PT231&lpg=PT231&dq=%D9%85%D8%B4%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%B9+%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%8A%D8%B7%D8%A7%D9%86+%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%87%D9%88%D8%AF%D9%8A+%D9%81%D9%8A+%D9%81%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%B7%D9%8A%D9%86+%D9%81%D9%8A+%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%AD%D9%84%D8%A9+%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%83%D9%88%D9%8A%D9%86&source=bl&ots=RexjT_HxgB&sig=ACfU3U2ojflnBMysu2lJBFKlyIVd1XxzDQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjF1PDx0cfnAhXx4IUKHYJPCFkQ6AEwCXoECAoQAQ#v=onepage&q=%D8%B5%D9%86%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%82%20%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%83%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%81&f=false) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

12. 

    27 Mar 2024

    Gaza Unveiled: Geography, History, and the Nakba

    To gain deeper insight into life in Gaza, we provide vital information regarding its geography and history, particularly within the context of the Nakba, or "the Catastrophe." This episode is a collaborative production between Sowt and the Palestinian Museum. It was originally published in Arabic on October 26th, 2023 for "Stories from Palestine (https://listen.sowt.com/palestine1ep1)". Originally produced and written by Ahmed Eman Zakaria, the script was loosely adapted into English by Salam Bustanji, produced and edited by Tala Halawa and Basant Samhout, sound-designed by Ahmad Mitri, and presented by Ban Barkawi. Sources Used in the Episode: - https://youtu.be/udbeJ7i6Ruk (https://youtu.be/udbeJ7i6Ruk) - https://bit.ly/3TCWn3Z (https://bit.ly/3TCWn3Z) - https://www.worldbank.org/content/dam/Worldbank/document/MNA/Factsheet_Gaza_ARA.pdf (https://www.worldbank.org/content/dam/Worldbank/document/MNA/Factsheet_Gaza_ARA.pdf) - https://www.pcbs.gov.ps/postar.aspx?lang=ar&ItemID=4545 (https://www.pcbs.gov.ps/postar.aspx?lang=ar&ItemID=4545) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovCaXzL6opQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovCaXzL6opQ) - https://youtu.be/B-SIObusqyw? (https://youtu.be/B-SIObusqyw?) - https://youtu.be/43DqkyuItH8? (https://youtu.be/43DqkyuItH8?) - https://youtu.be/Qnocv7sQum0? (https://youtu.be/Qnocv7sQum0?) - https://youtu.be/G0j9sZ6j6Lo? (https://youtu.be/G0j9sZ6j6Lo?) - https://bit.ly/43zjmRT (https://bit.ly/43zjmRT) - https://youtu.be/bipx_SsulAU?si=wJZ7Cl2hffHyEGOT& (https://youtu.be/bipx_SsulAU?si=wJZ7Cl2hffHyEGOT&) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

13. 

    20 Mar 2024

    Arabic Rock

    This episode highlights the history of rock music in the Arab World and follows the story of one of the most prominent singers in the region, Rachid Taha. It was originally published in Arabic on January 9, 2020. check out this link: https://www.sowt.com/ar/podcast/dm-tk/alrwk-alrby (https://www.sowt.com/ar/podcast/dm-tk/alrwk-alrby) The episode was originally written in Arabic by Lama Rabah. The script was translated to English by Takwa Masa’deh, edited and produced by Tala Halawa, sound produced by Mahmood Abu Nada, and presented by Bayan Kiwan. Join Sowt Plus to listen to episodes before they are released, ad-free, and with exclusive content for subscribers: https://sow.tl/PlusApple (https://sow.tl/PlusApple) Follow Sowt on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sowtpodcasts (https://www.instagram.com/sowtpodcasts) Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/sowt (https://twitter.com/sowt) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Sowt (https://www.youtube.com/@Sowt) TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sowtpodcasts (https://tiktok.com/@sowtpodcasts) Facebook: facebook.com/SowtPodcasts (https://facebook.com/SowtPodcasts) Newsletter: https://sow.tl/newsletter (https://sow.tl/newsletter) LinkedIn: https://jo.linkedin.com/company/sowt (https://jo.linkedin.com/company/sowt) Discover all of Sowt's podcasts: https://www.sowt.com/ar/podcasts (https://www.sowt.com/ar/podcasts) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

3.8 / 5

14 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings