That Jeddah Podcast

Episode 48: Geeklist Starter

diana.blogger@gmail.com (Diana) — Thu, 31 May 2012 01:59:42 PDT

Let's call this a Starter List episode, wherein me, Squeek and Khayra recommend a bunch of links, websites and other stuff that geeks probably already know.

Let's also call this a new episode even though it was recorded way before GeekFest Jeddah Beta happened.

If you feel like recommending or sharing stuff with us, you know the drill:

Talk to us on Facebook, tag us on Twitter with #ThatJeddahPodcast, or email us at jeddahpodcast@gmail. Hollah! (I don't know why I say these things, but roll with it.)

Find that smooth jazz here.

Episode 47: GeekFestJeddah β

diana.blogger@gmail.com (Diana) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 15:15:22 PDT

This episode was sponsored by GeekFestJeddah.

All your attention are belong to us!

For we answer all your GeekFestJeddah-related questions in this episode, and then so much more! There's a couple of not-so-Easter Eggs in there towards the end, so watch for them. (See what I did there? Eh?)

This episode features GeekFestJeddah UNorganizers:
Khayra
Squeek
Omair
Myself

and one of our GeekTalkers
Eric Martin.

Direct all your questions and comments to @GeekFestJeddah, or visit the Facebook Page. Check out the hashtag #GeekFestJed for updates.

Find those geeky friends of yours, tell them about this event, and follow GeekFestJeddah on Twitter to get an invite!

WE AWAIT YOU.

Special thanks to the GeekFestJeddah venues Tashkeil and FabLab Arabia.

And now, press play.

The devastatingly good-looking Rayan Kattoua is responsible for this fine episode; so fine you wouldn't have known that there were 9 people in one room. Check out his work!

Subscribe to us on iTunes, like us on Facebook, troll us at jeddahpodcast@gmail.com, and/or unleash strong words in the comments section belowstairs.

Episode 46: For The Blenders

diana.blogger@gmail.com (Diana) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 02:06:10 PDT

Question:

Are you ready for this fluff episode?

YOU ARE. Press play.

Some topics: Mike's hair (or lack thereof), fluff, the blender noise in the background, more fluff, some tweets, so on and so forth.

This will be the fluffiest 12 minutes of your day. Don't let it pass you by.

If you want to troll Squeek or myself, you can do so by following us on the Twitters. Your other options are the following:

Like us on Facebook and then commence trolling.

Email us at jeddahpodcast@gmail.com

Leave us a scathing comment belowstairs. In the comments section, of course, ya big goof.

Also, can you guess what our intro music is?

Episode 45: Bloggeratti

diana.blogger@gmail.com (Diana) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 04:13:00 PDT

What happens when long-time online friends meet up for the first time in real life after about 4 or 5 years? A very chill afternoon enjoying each other's company, that's what!

J-Pod features these beautiful people, who also happen to be bloggers (whom I must also thank for supporting the podcast since Day One):

@Hning, also Alia Makki
@Soumz, also Asmaa M
@TheReal_Q, also Qusay Fayoumi
@smaldosari, also Saad Al-Dosari, the gracious sponsor of this episode who fed the bloggers

We talk about their blogging process, the difference between being a blogger and a writer (if any), what it's like to blog under one's real name, the young culture of blogging in Saudi Arabia, Twitter and micro-blogging, blogging "practices", and which blogs they love and hate, among many, many other things.

Spoilers: Sound quality on this episode is below average, so headphones are encouraged, and turn up that volume. If you feel like sponsoring us for sound, well then heyyy, how YOU doin?

jeddahpodcast@gmail.com

Follow me on Twitter, and Like us on Facebook!

Episode 44: On Gifted Children

diana.blogger@gmail.com (Diana) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:48:14 PDT

Hah! And you say we are useless.

OF COURSE WE ARE NOT.

On this episode, the lovely Dee and I talk to the lovely Ms Basma Bushnak (so much loveliness around) about what her organization is doing to step up the education game. If there's one thing to be thankful about today, it is this: that we have people like her who are doing something to push us towards the right direction.

So say we all.

Check out the Mawhiba website for more info, and follow them on the Twitters.

And here's our usual dance: email us at jeddahpodcast@gmail.com, like us on Facebook, and basically just troll us for free.

Libra Productions was responsible for this fine recording. That is all.

Episode 43: That Veggiesaur Dawn Episode

diana.blogger@gmail.com (Diana) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 03:02:18 PST

To supplement our growing obsession with fitness and health, Dee and I speak to Hakeem Jomah of Veggiesaur Dawn about the program that will help you get in better shape for 2012. Give us a listen - I ask the stupid questions that everyone's thinking but not saying out loud. We talk about diet, exercise, calorie-counting, and so much more.

If you have any questions about the program, email Hakeem at veggiesaurs@gmail.com, or tweet him and hashtag it #Veggiesaurs.

Check out the Veggiesaur Dawn site, try out the program, and tell us what you think. Our email is jeddahpodcast@gmail.com, or you can just troll us belowstairs in the comments section. Failing that, we can also be trolled at our Facebook fan page!

Also, check out Maan Balila's page for more of his music. The full track featured on this episode can be found here.

This episode was recorded at the podcast's home studio Libra Productions.

Episode 42: That Iman Episode

diana.blogger@gmail.com (Diana) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 13:16:40 PST

Wsuuuup, internets? We are back in the business of casting pods, as promised. And what better way to start the year than with our favorite subject? PHOTOGRAPHY!

Dee and I speak to friend-of-this-blog and Jeddawiah, Iman, of @imanifest and photosbyiman fame, who was nice enough to guest for us at such short notice during her visit in Jeddah. We are joined by her up-and-coming photographer hubby Tarik as we talk about the Bosnian language, practicing photography vs teaching it, the differences (and similarities!) of shooting here in Jeddah and abroad, and Instagram, among many other things.

You must go ahead and Like her Facebook page (and ours, too, go ahead).

Press Play below to listen to the episode, or even better, subscribe to us on iTunes! It's what all the hipsters are doing! Do it!

And then, if you're feeling writer-y, email us at jeddahpodcast@gmail.com. We like to read the randomest things, so send us stuffs!

As usual, we must thank our home studio Libra Productions who treat us so well it's ridiculous.

Episode 41: That Social Media Episode

diana.blogger@gmail.com (Diana) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:26:52 PDT

We ~~attempt to~~ tackle Social Media in this episode. If you're one of those people who have always wondered what people meant when they put "Social Media Expert" on their Twitter bio, this is the episode you want to listen to.

Tell us what you think and what you drink! Email jeddahpodcast@gmail.com.

Our guests:

The Manalyst (Social Media Strategist)
Safana Sejini (Marketing & PR Officer / Social Media Entrepreneur)

Special thanks to the always nice Diya Azzony and the always gorgeous Dee, without whose support we will be unheard of.

Like us on Facebook, because we like to be liked! Or subscribe to us on iTunes.

OR hit the comment belowstairs and go crazy!

Episode 40

diana.blogger@gmail.com (Diana) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 06:56:13 PDT

This episode touches such topics as the British accent, the restaurant Margherita, the drink soobia, and lesbians and labels. Among other things.

So yeah.

Email us, as usual, at jeddahpodcast@gmail.com

Special thanks to Diya!

Episode 39: That Summer 2011 Ep

diana.blogger@gmail.com (Diana) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 09:35:47 PDT

Our summer is turning out to be another batshit insane season this year, busy with work, projects, and loads of laundry. How's your summer going?

I talk to Sally and Dee on this NEW EPISODE AFTER A HUNDRED YEARS of not posting anything about how their summer's going, and we touch the usual topics, from my stupid, manly morning voice to the summertime childhood memories.

Tell us your side at jeddahpodcast@gmail.com

Special thanks to Diya Azzouny, who will probably hear me say his name Blood Diamond-style for like, EVER.

Also, I'm loving this Sub Focus track because it makes me feel like Rocky Balboa.

Episode 38: That Rami Salame Episode

diana.blogger@gmail.com (Diana) — Sat, 14 May 2011 15:29:21 PDT

Dee and I talk to Rami Salame, stand-up comic currently based in Jeddah, about comedy. Get updates from his sites below:

Rami on Facebook
Rami on YouTube

and don't forget to follow him on Twitter, where he brings the lulz in 140 characters or less.

--
Go on and listen to this episode, and just ignore me when I start trying to be funny (yes, I tried my jokes on him because isn't that what one does in the presence of a comic? Audition?).

Enjoy!

--
Here's a little bit of Rami in Rome:

Special thanks to Diya Azzouny!

Episode 37: That Expat Episode

diana.blogger@gmail.com (Diana) — Sat, 14 May 2011 02:33:01 PDT

For our expat and expat-to-be listeners, Sharifa and I talk to Sheri about her experiences and her lifestyle as an expatriate in Jeddah. Anything you wanna add or ask, here's the email you want:

jeddahpodcast@gmail.com

Enjoy!

Special thanks to Diya Azzouny!

Episode 36: That Green Episode

diana.blogger@gmail.com (Diana) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 19:52:51 PDT

It's Earth Day 2011 in a few days, and what better way to contribute than to talk about Green stuff (the good Green, ya pervs)! We mostly talk about (neo-?) vegetarianism, but also touch topics such as ecology, the environment, and what we can do to start helping out.

This episode's guests, and their links:

* Khayra B (her blog, and on Twitter)
* Souma (her blog, and on Twitter)
* Hakeem Jomah (his blog, and on Twitter)

Check out these sites to find out more about what people in Jeddah are doing (and how YOU can join) for Earth!

Faseelah, a group of environmentalists. You can follow them on Twitter, too.
Al-Nabta, an educational program for children that spreads awareness about the environment.
Saudi Environmental Society (SENS)

If you have tips on how to raise awareness, or how to be more environmentally-friendly, or if you just feel like trolling, here's the email you want: jeddahpodcast@gmail.com

Listen and enjoy this episode of many firsts. For one thing, it's the first time I ever showed up in a recording with show-host index cards, an outline, and questions and shit.

["One Year Long Illusion" Original music composed and performed by the STILL Awesome Mr. Maan Balila, whose Twitter account you may stalk HERE. Do NOT miss the full track played in the outro!]

Special thanks to Diya Azzony and Emad Mujallid!

Episode 35: That YIG Episode Part 1

diana.blogger@gmail.com (Diana) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 17:05:08 PDT

This episode features, as the title might suggest, the Young Initiative Group of Jeddah, a bunch of individuals who volunteer to help around Jeddah. INSANITY, I tell you. Who are these people and why do they want to help out? Listen to this episode to find out.

This is the first part in a series of interviews with the members of the group.

Here's a video that they had been working on when I interviewed them.

And click the following links to find out more about them!

YIG on Facebook
YIG official website
YIG on Twitter

There's a lot we can do in Jeddah to help out those in need, and if you're not sure where or how to start, contact them!

And now, here's that episode. Enjoy!

Of course, don't forget to leave a comment belowstairs, or Like us on Facebook, or just email us about whatever at jeddahpodcast@gmail.com, because you know you want to.

[Original music composed and performed by The Talented and Mysterious Mr. Maan Balila]

Episode 34: Photography

diana.blogger@gmail.com (Diana) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 17:06:20 PDT

Mike's back! I semi-ambush him this time in his studio; 'semi' because he knew I was gonna show up while he was supposed to be shooting people. *snort*

In this episode, we talk about the difference between photographers and camera-owners, Nikons and Canons, models, copyrights, and so on. Why am I yelling the entire episode, you ask? It's just the effect that Mike has on people. Or maybe I just like to yell. It's a journalistic technique. I'm sure.

If you agree or disagree to any or all the points we discuss in this episode, or if there's anything you would like to add on the subject, here's the email address you want: jeddahpodcast@gmail.com

Or leave a comment below.

Check out Mike's work on his websites:

Bou-Nacklie.com
Bunkly-vision
MBN Photography

Enjoy!

[Music: "Funny Bone" composed and performed by Maan Balila.]

Episode 33: Suhail in Sendai

diana.blogger@gmail.com (Diana) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:57:37 PDT

FINALLY! The interwebs has been holding out on me, and therefore, I use it as a valid excuse for this UNFORGIVABLE TARDINESS.

Moving on, here's an episode I recorded with Sharifa and Sally, with our guest Suhail, a Saudi student in Japan, who was one of the 7 Saudi students stuck in Sendai when the earthquake and tsunami hit. Listen to his harrowing account of that day, and the days after it. Okay, maybe not harrowing, but it's certainly a traumatizing experience, and we are all glad that he's safe.

You can check out Suhail's Deviantart page HERE.

Do you know anyone who was also in Japan at the time? Do you have any comments about the show, or about life in general? Email me that shit here jeddahpodcast@gmail.com.

Or, as is (un)usual, drop a comment below.

Huzzah!

[Music credit: Mr. M3n Balila, resident Awesome!]

Episode 32: Mike!

diana.blogger@gmail.com (Diana) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 18:42:41 PDT

We're back! Welcome to Season 2 of THIS Jeddah Podcast.

Our guest for this episode, co-hosted by Squeek, is journalist / photographer / blogger Mike Bounacklie. Check out his work here:

Bou-Nacklie.com
Bunkly-vision
MBN Photography

We talk about, among other things, journalism in Jeddah, blogging, culture, and of course Justin Bieber.

Enjoy!

[Original Music: "Two No More" by M3n Balila]

Don't forget to Like us on Facebook! We like to be Liked! Email us at jeddahpodcast@gmail.com, or leave a comment on our Fan Page. Or hit the comment button belowstairs and tell us, tell us of your dreams.

Episode 31: City Comparative

diana.blogger@gmail.com (Diana) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 14:25:20 PST

We attempt to compare 3 cities to Jeddah in this episode. We talk about many, many things which shall be revealed to you while listening.

Here's a quick glossary for those not in the know:

Abaya = black coat-like cover that women must wear outside their homes in Saudi Arabia.

Thobe = white traditional robe worn by Saudi (and most/some Arab) men.

Email us your reactions at jeddahpodcast@gmail.com OR comment belowstairs.

Yenjoy!

[Original music composed & performed by our resident Awesome Mr. M3n Balilah! All hail!]

Episode 30: Pet Peeves!

diana.blogger@gmail.com (Diana) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 14:58:54 PDT

It's been a crazy, crazy 2 weeks, and when you are the type of person who has pet peeves (like we do), it does not help any. Send us your list of pet peeves at jeddahpodcast@gmail.com. Or leave a comment below. Or like us on Facebook here: That Jeddah Podcast and then trash our wall.

Also, November is a great month for the podcast, it is our "technical" anniversary. This month last year, the podcast was conceived. With forced-help from our geek and non-geek friends alike, we got this thing going. Happy Technical Anniversary, J-Pod (as Mickey has nicknamed it)! Expect something appropriately nasty from us to celebrate this. :P Coming really soon.

Yenjoy!

P.S. Nope, no intro music this time. The reason will be revealed in the next one. STAY TUNED. OR DIE. (I'm kidding. Don't die.)

Episode 29: That College Episode Part 1

diana.blogger@gmail.com (Diana) — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 04:43:33 PDT

Ah, finally, somebody asks us for advice.

We give expert advice on choosing majors for college. This is the first part of the college series, where we will be giving more advice on this subject. Take them at your own risk.

If you want to add anything to our list, or if you just want to rant about random things, email us at jeddahpodcast@gmail.com

or just be cool and leave a comment below.

Enjoy!

Episode 28: China!

diana.blogger@gmail.com (Diana) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 15:16:26 PDT

Squeek and I talk about China! He went there last year, and again this year, but this episode was recorded right before he went this year, so expect a follow-up post-trip!

Are you Chinese? Do you know anyone who is? Have YOU been to China? Let us know at jeddahpodcast@gmail.com, or hit the comments below! Do it!

P.S. This episode was recorded over breakfast at Crusty on Khalediah, so forgive the ambiance. Also, if you can guess what the intro/outro song is on this episode, you're AWESOME!!

Yenjoy!

Episode 27: That Abaya Podcast

diana.blogger@gmail.com (Diana) — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 14:13:04 PDT

Sally's back from her vacay!

Here, we talk about Abayas, that black thing we women all have to live with here in Jeddah. Don't know what an Abaya is? Perfect. Like the once (and still) glorious band Aerosmith said, "JUST PRESS PLAY".

You like your Abaya? No? Email us your comments at jeddahpodcast@gmail.com OR, leave it at the comments section right below.

Enjoy!

[Music: MozArabic by Toz]

Episode 26: That Not-So-Gamer Podcast

diana.blogger@gmail.com (Diana) — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 09:18:49 PDT

In this episode, we experiment with a lot of themes such as gaming, satire, humor, antagonism, self-deprecation, parody, douchebaggery, and satire-satire. Whether or not the experiment succeeded remains unknown.

We talk about how to become a "gamer", a title that is so revered by many in this generation. If you are a gamer and you feel like we missed some aspect of the gaming culture, or maybe you just want to bash your keyboard with the appropriate amount of rage, send us an email at

jeddahpodcast@gmail.com

or grow a pair of teabags and leave a comment below!

Thanks to the podcast guests: Bob (who likes "Digg"), The Other Voices (in plural, always), The Other Smaller Voice, and The One Who Does Not Speak At All (he just sat there and watched us record the podcast! Haha)

Enjoy!

P.S. Don't forget to Like us on Facebook! We want to be Liked! Yes, we do!

Episode 25: Eid 2010

diana.blogger@gmail.com (Diana) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 01:44:40 PDT

We're back! Took that month off for Ramadan. Here's our peace offering for not letting you guys know that we're putting the podcast on hold.

Yes, it's a little dated, but this episode is about what really goes on during Eid. Squeek co-hosted this one. Hope you had a lovely Eid!

Let us know what your Eid traditions are. Email us at jeddahpodcast@gmail.com. Or leave a comment below.

Also, click here to add us on Facebook. You can start discussions, post comments, etc. on our page.

Also also, we recorded this episode at Crusty on Rawdah Street, so all that noise in the background? Ambiance.

Enjoy!

[Eid-appropriate Arabic music theme for maximum effect may be found here - "MozArabic" by Toz]

Episode 24: Movies! Movies!

diana.blogger@gmail.com (Diana) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 19:55:09 PDT

We originally wanted to talk about some of our favorite movies (and some of the worst that we've seen!), but we ended up talking more about LOVE, which is typical for women, so there. We also managed to discuss Twilight, because my co-host here is a die-hard fan. Thanks to the guests of this episode, even though one of them only stayed for a whopping 4 minutes.

A little warning, we spoil the movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, so if you're planning on watching that, you might not wanna listen.

So tell us what you think of our list, and let us know what YOUR movie list is right below on the comments section OR email us at jeddahpodcast@gmail.com!

Enjoy!

P.S. I do so apologize for audio quality. Next time will be better, as it is wont to be.

[Music by Diablo Swing Orchestra. "Balrog Boogie". "Velvet Embracer". Download HERE.]