The afikra Podcast

Mikey Muhanna

Booking Overview

An interview series focused on the histories, cultures, politics, arts, and intellectual life of the Arab world, typically featuring established experts from academia, design, media, policy, and social impact. PR agencies could credibly pitch Arab-world scholars, artists and designers, curators, international-relations experts, environmental and urban-planning specialists, and leaders of mission-driven organizations; booking difficulty is medium because guests are highly credentialed but not uniformly mainstream celebrities.

Metrics

Episodes: 497

Frequency: Weekly

Rating: 4.9/5.0

Estimated listeners: 1k-10k

Gender skew: Neutral

Location: USA

Instagram: 127.0k followers

Contact Information

Publicly listed emails

admin@afikra.com

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Host

Mikey Muhanna - Host of afikra, a platform exploring the histories and cultures of the Arab world through intellectually curious conversations and events.

Booking Intelligence

Booking Requirements

medium

Typical Credentials:

Established scholars, artists, designers, curators, policy specialists, authors, and leaders of influential cultural, academic, social-impact, or research organizations with substantive expertise connected to the Arab world or its global context.

Required Achievements:

Leadership roles at universities, research institutions, cultural organizations, or prominent international initiatives, Published books, major essays, or recognized research, Founded or led influential design, social-impact, or technology organizations, Appointments to prominent advisory councils, fellowships, or global forums

Recent Guest Discussions

Nada Debs - Levantine Craft, Islamic Geometry, Japanese Minimalism, Local Production, Cultural Identity, And Design In Beirut.

Mohammed Alsudairi - China’s Diplomatic, Economic, And Historical Relationship With The Arab World, Including Shifting Power And Belt And Road Narratives.

Raha Hakimdavar - Water Security, Climate Change, Desalination, Food Systems, Environmental Security, And Satellite-based Earth Observation.

Hala Hanna - Social-impact Innovation, Locally Grounded Problem-solving, Technology, Data Ownership, Healthcare, Education, And Sustainable Systems.

Shumon Basar - Gulf Futurism, Post-western Perspectives, Dubai’s Urban Evolution, Counter-histories, Institutional Power, And Contemporary Culture.

Recent Topics

Arab World, History, Art, Urban Planning

Episodes

Here's the recent few episodes on

The afikra Podcast

1001 Nights, the Arab Novel & the Age of Decay That Never Was | Prof. Muhsin al-Musawi

August 24, 2026

Arabic culture and literature hold a vastly rich classical history that continues to captivate scholars and readers worldwide. Renowned literary critic and Columbia University professor, Dr. Muhsin Al-Musawi, explores the depths of this heritage, from the global allure of the Arabian Nights to the historical dynamic of Baghdad's intellectual hubs. The discussion delves into how translation served as a window between cultures, the contested notion of an age of decay, and the brilliant prose of...

East & East: Arab Craft Meets Japanese Minimalism | Nada Debs: Founder, Studio Nada Debs

August 17, 2026

A unique personal journey spanning from a third-generation textile merchant family in Japan to a thriving design studio in Beirut serves as the foundation for iconic designer Nada Debs’ universal message of collaboration. The intricate world of Levantine woodwork, the philosophy of repetitive geometry, and the complex balance between handmade craft and modern scaling highlight the depth of her artistic vision. This narrative of personal heritage and local production illustrates how design can...

What Does China Actually Want from the Arab World? | Mohammed Alsudairi

August 10, 2026

The modern experience of China is often viewed through a western lens, but its complex history and relationship with the Arab world reveal a much deeper story. Dr. Mohammed Alsudairi challenges the dominant narrative of a growing security footprint and intense US-China competition over the Middle East. Instead, the conversation explores the evolving diplomatic recognition, transactional dynamics, and economic connections that define Sino-Middle Eastern relations. This discussion unpacks why t...

Publicly listed emails

admin@afikra.com

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