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.
#16 - Never Stop: The Road Home with Samer Abou Hamad
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 Cultura...
23 Jun 2026
#15 - Powering Possibility: Innovating the Energy Sector with Dr. Shihab Kuran
In this episode of Tak on the Pod, our host Andrea Makhlouf sits down with Dr. Shihab Kuran - a Jordanian-born inventor, serial entrepreneur, and seasoned executive in the global semiconductor, power, and clean tech sectors. Throughout his career, Dr. Kuran has engineered solutions that bridge technology and humanity, shaping some of the most significant technological shifts of our time. From semiconductors that fueled the digital revolution to leading the development of some of the w...
23 Jun 2026
#14 - Roots, Risk & Responsibility with Habib Kairouz
In this episode of Tak on the Pod, host Andrea Makhlouf sits down with Habib Kairouz, Managing Partner at Rho Capital Partners, for a conversation about long-term thinking, conviction, and responsibility. With over three decades of experience backing founders through cycles of boom and collapse, Habib reflects on building a lasting career in venture capital while staying deeply connected to Lebanon. From his early memories of Beirut to his philosophy of going against the grain, the conversat...
13 Aug 2025
#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 re...
3 Jul 2025
#12 - Tokenizing Tomorrow: Nadine Chakar on Leading Fintech’s Next Era
Nadine Chakar, Managing Director at DTCC, discusses integrating blockchain and tokenization into finance, highlighting the reimagining of the financial industry in an interview with Andrea.
10 Jun 2025
#11 - Micheline Nader: Leading with Conscious Purpose in a Changing World
Andrea Takacs interviews Micheline Nader, author and healthcare entrepreneur, about leading with conscious purpose and adapting to change, highlighting her journey and philosophy.
8 May 2025
#10 - Innovating for Impact: Nayla Fahed on Digital Learning & the Future of Education
In this episode of Tak on the Pod, Andrea sits down with Nayla Fahed, an educator and social entrepreneur reshaping the future of learning in Lebanon. As the co-founder of Lebanese Alternative Learning (LAL) and the force behind Tabshoura, a groundbreaking digital education platform, Nayla has dedicated her career to making quality education accessible to underserved communities. We discuss the challenges of integrating technology in education during crises, the impact of digital learning on...
24 Apr 2025
#8 - Healthcare, Leadership & Impact: A Conversation with Noha Hachach
In this episode of "Tak on the Pod," Andrea sits down with Noha Hachach, Managing Director of the GCC for Cedars-Sinai and a trailblazer in healthcare innovation and strategy across the Arab world. We dive into Noha’s journey in transforming healthcare systems, the importance of international collaboration, and how she bridges leadership and impact through both her executive role and NGO work. A dedicated member of the TAKREEM Selection Committee, Noha also shares her passion for empowering ...
24 Apr 2025
#9 - The Levant Through War & Words: Mishka Mourani on Culture, Identity & Exile
In this episode of Tak on the Pod, Andrea sits down with Mishka Mourani, a writer, educator, and storyteller whose life has been deeply shaped by the history of the Levant. Born in Alexandria and rooted in Beirut, Mishka has lived through war, displacement, and resilience, using writing as a means to reclaim agency in the face of conflict. We explore the themes of exile without departure, the power of storytelling in preserving identity, and the role of education in times of crisis. Mishka s...
23 Apr 2025
#7 - Art, Culture & The Arab Narrative: Rima Nasser of Selections Magazine
In this episode of "Tak on the Pod", Andrea sits down with Rima Nasser, founder of Selections Magazine, a platform dedicated to showcasing the richness of Arab art, design, and culture. Through Selections and initiatives like Cultural Narratives, Rima has created a space for artists to share their stories, connect with collectors, and gain global recognition. We explore the power of storytelling in preserving heritage, the challenges and opportunities for Arab artists on the international sta...
2 Mar 2025
#6 - Empowering Lebanon's Youth: Education & Social Impact with Ghada Feghali
In this episode of "Tak on the Pod," we are joined by Ghada Feghali, an educator, mentor, and advocate for educational reform in Lebanon. With 35 years of experience at the International College of Beirut, she has shaped generations of students as a biology instructor, department chair, and Associate Director at IC Middle School. Beyond the classroom, Ghada co-founded MMKN in 2010, an NGO committed to supporting vulnerable students in Lebanese public schools through remedial programs ...
In this episode of “Tak on the Pod”, we are joined by Omar Itani, an award-winning social entrepreneur and the founder of FabricAID, a pioneering enterprise tackling fabric waste and promoting sustainable fashion solutions across the region. Omar’s entrepreneurial journey began with the co-founding of Visio, a waste management company that introduced him to the transformative power of social enterprises in addressing environmental challenges. His passion for sustainability and problem-...
22 Sept 2024
#4 - Preserving Beirut's Heritage: A Journey with Mona El Hallak
In this episode of "Tak on the Pod," we are joined by Mona El Hallak, a renowned architect and heritage preservation activist from Beirut. Mona’s work has been pivotal in preserving Lebanon’s architectural and cultural heritage, most notably leading the transformation of the historic Barakat Building into Beit Beirut—a museum of memory and cultural hub. As the Director of the Neighbourhood Initiative at the American University of Beirut, she spearheads urban renewal projects that foster commu...
26 Mar 2024
#3 - From Jordan to Sydney: The Inspirational Path of Hala Zreiqat
In this episode of "Tak on the Pod," Andrea welcomes Hala Zreiqat, a trailblazer in biomedical engineering and a passionate advocate for the next generation. From her beginnings in the Royal Medical Services with the Jordanian Armed Forces to becoming a Payne-Scott Professor at The University of Sydney, Hala's journey is a testament to resilience and innovation. Dive into the untold stories of her life, challenges faced as an Arab woman in science, and groundbreaking research in regenera...
26 Feb 2024
#2 - Harmony in Motion: Art and Identity with Habib Azar
Join host Andrea in this captivating episode of "Tak on the Pod" as we welcome Habib Azar, an eight-time Emmy Award-winning producer and director. Renowned for his dynamic style and creative genius, Habib has left an indelible mark on the arts landscape with works spanning feature films, contemporary opera, and live broadcasts. Dive deep into Habib's creative process, his experiences directing large-scale events, and the influence of his Lebanese identity on his artistic endeavors. Explo...
12 Feb 2024
#1 - Honoring Arab Excellence: A Journey with Ricardo Karam
In the inaugural episode of "Tak on the Pod," join host Andrea as she sits down with the visionary Ricardo Karam, founder of Takreem. With over twenty-five years of experience as a talk show host, public speaker, writer, and advocate, Ricardo shares insights into his journey and the mission behind the TAKREEM Foundation. Discover the essence of 'Takreem' and its role in honoring Arab achievements. Explore the impact of TAKminds initiatives and the inspiration behind the Takreem Foundation Pod...
Reach and audience
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 28 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
44
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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