"The Oriental Café Podcast"

About "The Oriental Café Podcast"

A place where we´ll meet, every two weeks, for an intimate yet universal conversation about Egyptian Dance, Personal Empowerment and Life. Solo and with hand-picked guests, we´ll exchange, laugh, build bridges of understanding and mutual inspiration around a good cup of tea, in the warmth of a cafe where the world is one.

Publisher

Joana Saahirah

Category

arts · education · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

15 Jan 2024

Latest episode

26 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

61 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   26 Oct 2026

   Episode #59 - Opening an Oriental Dance School in Tunisia

   Welcome to episode #59 of "The Oriental Café" podcast hosted by Joana Saahirah, where we receive Mina Ali, a professional oriental dancer and teacher, a gutsy businesswoman, and the creator of "Studio Mina Ali" in Tunisia. In this episode, we explore how it feels to grow up between cultures - Norwegian and Arabic -, the power of Oriental Dance as a community tool for women, marketing and sex, the meaning of beauty in dance, and what draws people to this ancient art form. We also speak about the adventure of opening a dance studio in Tunisia and the lessons learned along the way. Rich, deep, and raw. Our style. You´ll love this episode. 👉For more information about our guest, Mina Ali, follow this link: www.minaali.com (http://www.minaali.com) 🎤🎧✨Subscribe to our Podcast Newsletter and be the first to know about our upcoming episodes & exclusive content we´re only sharing inside the podcast newsletter. To subscribe, follow this link: https://www.joanasaahirah.com/the-oriental-cafe-podcast-newsletter (https://www.joanasaahirah.com/the-oriental-cafe-podcast-newsletter) 🎤References shared by our guest: Book: "Attached" by Rachel Heller and Amir Levine Movies: "A Beautiful Mind" directed by Ron Howard I recommended Mariam Touzani´s "Adam" Music: The Classics of Egyptian, Lebanese, and Syrian Music, starting with Om Kolthoum. ✨To listen to our Podcast on the usual audio platforms (Spotify & Apple Podcasts), follow this link: https://www.joanasaahirah.com/podcasts/the-oriental-cafe-podcast (https://www.joanasaahirah.com/podcasts/the-oriental-cafe-podcast) * 🧿 To subscribe to Joana Saahirah´s Online Dance School Newsletter and become an insider in our community, being the first to receive our NEWS, GIFTS, and INSPIRATIONS, follow this link: https://www.joanasaahirah.com/subscribe-to-joana-saahirah-s-world-newsletter (https://www.joanasaahirah.com/subscribe-to-joana-saahirah-s-world-newsletter) 🧿To discover our pioneering online courses, follow this link: https://www.joanasaahirah.com/joana-saahirah-online-dance-school-courses (https://www.joanasaahirah.com/joana-saahirah-online-dance-school-courses) 🧿To know more about Joana Saahirah´s Private Coaching Programs, follow this link: https://www.joanasaahirah.com/private-coaching-programs-by-joana-saahirah-general (https://www.joanasaahirah.com/private-coaching-programs-by-joana-saahirah-general) 🧿 Follow the link to visit Joana Saahirah´s World Official Website: http://www.joanasaahirah.com/ (http://www.joanasaahirah.com/) 🧿To visit our Free Learning Page, follow this link: https://www.joanasaahirah.com/free-learning (https://www.joanasaahirah.com/free-learning) * ***About Joana Saahirah Joana Saahirah is a world-renowned Oriental Dancer, Teacher, Choreographer, and Author specializing in Egyptian Oriental and Folkloric Dances, Personal Discovery & Empowerment. She's written and published 3 books - “The Secrets of Egypt – Dance, Life & Beyond” -, "Behind the Curtain", a collaboration with the Slovenian Photographer, Breda Jurecko; and "The Lessons I Learned from the Master". Joana started her career in Egypt, where she lived and performed with her orchestra for 10 years; she worked with Mahmoud Reda as his Teaching and Choreography Assistant; and, from Egypt, her career expanded into a global phenomenon having taught, performed, and lectured in China, Japan, New Zealand, United States and Canada, Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, Russia, Ukraine, France, Spain, Portugal, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Italy, England, Ireland, Cyprus, Greece, amongst other countries. One of the most well-known, respected, and original Oriental Dancers in the World. After almost a decade of Life and a Career in Egypt with her own orchestra – rescuing the ORIGINS and ESSENCE of Egyptian Oriental and Folkloric Dance -, Joana Saahirah has created a style (of teaching, choreographing, and performing) that UNITES EAST and WEST; the best of Egypt and the best of western open and free mind; technique and expression; healing and art; the reconnection of MIND, the HEART, the BODY, and the SOUL. Joana has been a constant presence – as an invited artist, choreographer & teacher – at major International Oriental Dance Festivals. She´s also the founder of Joana Saahirah´s World and Joana Saahirah´s Online Dance School, pioneering Online Platforms promoting authentic Egyptian Dance, Self-Discovery & Empowerment. *For more information: www.joanasaahirah.com (http://www.joanasaahirah.com) *Joana Saahirah´s Online Dance School Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/JoanaSaahirahOnlineDanceSchool/ (https://www.facebook.com/JoanaSaahirahOnlineDanceSchool/) * Joana Saahirah´s Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/joanasaahirah/ (https://www.instagram.com/joanasaahirah/)

2. 

   11 Oct 2026

   5 Sacred Keys to Unlock the Soul of Belly Dance - Episode #58

   Welcome to "5 Sacred Keys to Unlock the Soul of Belly Dance", episode #58 of "The Oriental Café" Podcast hosted by Joana Saahirah🌞🙏🎙️ In this episode, I share 5 keys that unlock the soul, the magic, and the real purpose of Egyptian Dance, commonly and erroneously called "belly dance". 🎁To watch your recommended "Egyptian Dance with Soul" free class, available on Joana Saahirah´s YouTube channel, follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1-VNwzbaDI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1-VNwzbaDI) 🌹For more information about the upcoming edition of Joana Saahirah´s Signature Course - authentic Egyptian Dance & Self-Empowerment from the ABC to Mastery -, follow this link: https://www.joanasaahirah.com/signature-course-waiting-list (https://www.joanasaahirah.com/signature-course-waiting-list) 🎤🎧✨To subscribe to our Podcast Newsletter, and gain access to exclusive content from me and my guests, follow this link: https://www.joanasaahirah.com/the-oriental-cafe-podcast (https://www.joanasaahirah.com/the-oriental-cafe-podcast) 🎤🎧✨To listen to our Podcast on the usual audio platforms (Spotify & Apple Podcasts), follow this link: https://www.joanasaahirah.com/podcasts/the-oriental-cafe-podcast (https://www.joanasaahirah.com/podcasts/the-oriental-cafe-podcast) 👉To discover our pioneering Courses at Joana Saahirah´s Online Dance School, follow this link: https://www.joanasaahirah.com/joana-saahirah-online-dance-school-courses (https://www.joanasaahirah.com/joana-saahirah-online-dance-school-courses) 👉To visit Joana Saahirah´s World Official Website, follow this link: www.joanasaahirah.com (http://www.joanasaahirah.com/) 👉For more information about Joana Saahirah´s Private Coaching Programs, follow this link: https://www.joanasaahirah.com/private-coaching-programs-by-joana-saahirah-general (https://www.joanasaahirah.com/private-coaching-programs-by-joana-saahirah-general) 👉For more information about Joana Saahirah´s Private Professional Mastermind Program, follow this link: https://www.joanasaahirah.com/information-about-mastermind-for-professional-oriental-dancers (https://www.joanasaahirah.com/information-about-mastermind-for-professional-oriental-dancers) 👉To visit our Free Learning Page, follow this link: https://www.joanasaahirah.com/free-learning (https://www.joanasaahirah.com/free-learning) * ***About Joana Saahirah Joana Saahirah is a world-renowned Oriental Dancer, Teacher, Choreographer, and Author specializing in Egyptian Oriental and Folkloric Dances, Personal Discovery & Empowerment. She's written and published 3 books - “The Secrets of Egypt – Dance, Life & Beyond”-, "Behind the Curtain", a collaboration with the Slovenian Photographer, Breda Jurecko; and "The Lessons I Learned from the Master". Joana started her career in Egypt, where she lived and performed with her orchestra for 8 years; she worked with Mahmoud Reda as his Teaching and Choreography Assistant; and, from Egypt, her career expanded into a global phenomenon having taught, performed, and lectured in China, Japan, New Zealand, United States and Canada, Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, Russia, Ukraine, France, Spain, Portugal, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Italy, England, Ireland, Cyprus, Greece, amongst other countries. One of the most well-known, respected, and original Oriental Dancers in the World. After almost a decade of Life and a Career in Egypt with her own orchestra – rescuing the ORIGINS and ESSENCE of Egyptian Oriental and Folkloric Dance -, Joana Saahirah has created a style (of teaching, choreographing, and performing) that UNITES EAST and WEST; the best of Egypt and the best of western open and free mind; technique and expression; healing and art; the reconnection of MIND, the HEART, the BODY, and the SOUL. Joana has been a constant presence – as an invited artist, choreographer & teacher – at major International Oriental Dance Festivals. She´s also the founder of Joana Saahirah´s World and Joana Saahirah´s Online Dance School, pioneering Online Platforms promoting authentic Egyptian Dance, Self-Discovery & Empowerment. *For more information: www.joanasaahirah.com (http://www.joanasaahirah.com) *Joana Saahirah of Cairo Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Joana-Saahirah-of-Cairo-Fan-Page-183318258358726/ (https://www.facebook.com/Joana-Saahirah-of-Cairo-Fan-Page-183318258358726/) *Joana Saahirah´s Online Dance School Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/JoanaSaahirahOnlineDanceSchool/ (https://www.facebook.com/JoanaSaahirahOnlineDanceSchool/) *"The Secrets of Egypt - Dance, Life & Beyond" book Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thesecretsofegyptbook/ (https://www.facebook.com/thesecretsofegyptbook/) * Joana Saahirah´s Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/joanasaahirah/ (https://www.instagram.com/joanasaahirah/)

3. 

   4 Oct 2026

   Episode #57 - A Turkish Romani Dancer in the World

   Welcome to episode #57 of "The Oriental Café" podcast with Eva Cernik, our guest, a world-known Turkish Romani Dance Master and Researcher with more than 50 years of experience in the field, hosted by Joana Saahirah. In this episode, we dive into what it takes to create and sustain a long-term successful Oriental Dance career, Egyptian Oriental Dancer versus Turkish Oriental Dancer, the perks and challenges of aging in the field of dance, and the magic of Whirling. Our guest also tells us about her dance adventures in the Middle East and what it was like to study with the Mazin Sisters, the last Ghawazee family in Egypt. More than a podcast episode, this is a masterclass about Oriental Dance, Resilience, and Humility. I, your host, Joana Saahirah, loved every second of it. I hope you feel the same (let us know if you do). 🎤🎧✨To listen to our Podcast on the usual audio platforms (Spotify & Apple Podcasts), follow this link: https://www.joanasaahirah.com/podcasts/the-oriental-cafe-podcast (https://www.joanasaahirah.com/podcasts/the-oriental-cafe-podcast) 🎤🎧✨Subscribe to our Podcast Newsletter and be the first to know about our upcoming episodes & exclusive content we´re only sharing inside the podcast newsletter. To subscribe, follow this link: https://www.joanasaahirah.com/the-oriental-cafe-podcast-newsletter (https://www.joanasaahirah.com/the-oriental-cafe-podcast-newsletter) 👉For more information about our guest, Eva Cernik, follow this link: https://www.instagram.com/evacernikdance/ (https://www.instagram.com/evacernikdance/) 🎤References shared by our guest: Book: "The Stories of Mullah Nasruddin" I recommended Elif Shafak´s "The Forty Rules of Love" Movie: The Romany Trail: Gypsy Music Into Africa and Europe, a two-part 1981 music documentary directed by Jeremy Marre Music: Aynur Doğan, a Kurdish singer (song "Parvaneh") * 🧿 To subscribe to Joana Saahirah´s Online Dance School Newsletter and become an insider in our community, being the first to receive our NEWS, GIFTS, and INSPIRATIONS, follow this link: https://www.joanasaahirah.com/subscribe-to-joana-saahirah-s-world-newsletter (https://www.joanasaahirah.com/subscribe-to-joana-saahirah-s-world-newsletter) 🧿To discover our pioneering online courses, follow this link: https://www.joanasaahirah.com/joana-saahirah-online-dance-school-courses (https://www.joanasaahirah.com/joana-saahirah-online-dance-school-courses) 🧿To know more about Joana Saahirah´s Private Coaching Programs, follow this link: https://www.joanasaahirah.com/private-coaching-programs-by-joana-saahirah-general (https://www.joanasaahirah.com/private-coaching-programs-by-joana-saahirah-general) 🧿 Follow the link to visit Joana Saahirah´s World Official Website: http://www.joanasaahirah.com/ (http://www.joanasaahirah.com/) 🧿To visit our Free Learning Page, follow this link: https://www.joanasaahirah.com/free-learning (https://www.joanasaahirah.com/free-learning) * ***About Joana Saahirah Joana Saahirah is a world-renowned Oriental Dancer, Teacher, Choreographer, and Author specializing in Egyptian Oriental and Folkloric Dances, Personal Discovery & Empowerment. She's written and published 3 books - “The Secrets of Egypt – Dance, Life & Beyond” -, "Behind the Curtain", a collaboration with the Slovenian Photographer, Breda Jurecko; and "The Lessons I Learned from the Master". Joana started her career in Egypt, where she lived and performed with her orchestra for 10 years; she worked with Mahmoud Reda as his Teaching and Choreography Assistant; and, from Egypt, her career expanded into a global phenomenon having taught, performed, and lectured in China, Japan, New Zealand, United States and Canada, Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, Russia, Ukraine, France, Spain, Portugal, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Italy, England, Ireland, Cyprus, Greece, amongst other countries. One of the most well-known, respected, and original Oriental Dancers in the World. After almost a decade of Life and a Career in Egypt with her own orchestra – rescuing the ORIGINS and ESSENCE of Egyptian Oriental and Folkloric Dance -, Joana Saahirah has created a style (of teaching, choreographing, and performing) that UNITES EAST and WEST; the best of Egypt and the best of western open and free mind; technique and expression; healing and art; the reconnection of MIND, the HEART, the BODY, and the SOUL. Joana has been a constant presence – as an invited artist, choreographer & teacher – at major International Oriental Dance Festivals. She´s also the founder of Joana Saahirah´s World and Joana Saahirah´s Online Dance School, pioneering Online Platforms promoting authentic Egyptian Dance, Self-Discovery & Empowerment. *For more information: www.joanasaahirah.com (http://www.joanasaahirah.com) *Joana Saahirah´s Online Dance School Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/JoanaSaahirahOnlineDanceSchool/ (https://www.facebook.com/JoanaSaahirahOnlineDanceSchool/) * Joana Saahirah´s Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/joanasaahirah/ (https://www.instagram.com/joanasaahirah/)

Reach and audience

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

YouTube views

743,626

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 68 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

59

Social presence

94

YouTube

86

Engagement

60

Contact "The Oriental Café Podcast"

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.