B for Bacchus Farrah Berrou

Farrah speaks to Dr. Patrick E. McGovern, the Scientific Director of the Biomolecular Archaeology Project for Cuisine, Fermented Beverages, and Health at the University of Pennsylvania Museum in Philadelphia. He's the author of many books including Ancient Wine: The Search for the Origins of Viniculture and Uncorking the Past: The Quest for Wine, Beer, and Other Alcoholic Beverages. They discuss the study of wine's origins and when Dr. McGovern's own origins in wine began.

Oldest Evidence of Winemaking Discovered at 8,000-Year-Old Village
Tapline: Trans-Arabian Pipeline
Afikra: How did the Construction of Tapline Alter Life in the Middle East (and the World)?


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After a long hiatus, the podcast returns with the first episode of the long-awaited Season 3. This time, host Farrah Berrou is the interviewee and fellow writer, historian, and Twitter friend, N.A. Mansour, is the interviewer. They discuss the beginnings, the shifts, and the motivations behind the platform and podcast.


Some work by N.A Mansour:

What Is the Arabesque Kitchen?
Instead of Asking “How Are You,” I Ask “What’re You Eating?”
When the Non-Muslim World Flattens Me, I Run to Feel Human Again

Hazine Blog


Season 3 is dedicated to my late, hilarious friend and former colleague, Zeina Mokdad.

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Farrah shares some updates on Season 3 (returning in October!). Plus, she reads an article from a 1970 issue of National Geographic Magazine titled, "Lebanon, Little Bible Land in the Crossfire of History" by William S. Ellis. 

Discuss the episode with listeners here.

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Months after its release online, Farrah discusses the documentary Wine and War with Lebanese wine writer, Michael Karam, who was part of the project. The documentary tells the story of Lebanese wine "seen through the lens of war and instability."

The Beirut Banyan with Michael Karam #230
Lebanon's 'Wine and War': An interview with filmmakers Mark Johnston and Mark Ryan



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Back in July, Farrah had breakfast with Christiane Issa Nahas of Domaine des Tourelles. They discuss how one of the oldest Lebanese wineries was established by a French engineer, what it was like for her to work with her dad as the eldest and first of the 2nd generation to join the crew, AND who the artisans of Beit Chabeb are. 

L'Atelier du Miel
Green Glass Initiative of Lebanon
Meet the last potter in Beit Shabab - Daily Star Lebanon
Fawzi Fakhoury, the last potter of Beit Chabeb - L'Orient Le Jour
VIDEO of Fawzi with L'Orient Le Jour
Maison de la Vierge des Pauvres

***NOTE*** In the episode, Farrah said Fawzi Fakhoury was in his mid-80s but he is actually in his early 70s.

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Over Zoom, Farrah speaks to Joseph and Marwan El Asmar about arak. Joseph, calling in from South Lebanon's Jezzine, is the author of The Milk of Lions, a book about the history of alcohol in the Middle East. Meanwhile, his son Marwan is based in NYC and continues his father's research on arak now that the book has been published. 

The second half of the episode includes snippets from listeners across the world as they share their thoughts, memories, and tips on the aniseed-flavored drink of the Levant. 

A Brief History of Alcohol
Ancient Egypt’s Toxic Makeup Fought Infection, Researchers Say
Jabir Ibn Hayyan
Maria the Jewess
Cleopatra: The ancient alchemist who quested for gold

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