REEL TALK with Daizy Gedeon

Daizy Gedeon

Introducing the relaunch of a touching and uplifting, human interest series called REEL TALK. Brought to you by award-winning, independent journalist and filmmaker, Daizy Gedeon, who dives deep into REAL STORIES with REAL PEOPLE from Lebanon and across the world, and provides a unique insight into the REAL issues that are challenging people locally and globally. She engages in incisive discussion that goes beyond the headlines to spotlight the TRUTH over the propaganda that dominates our media and political pulpits.

  1. 3 days ago

    S4 | E11 - FERGIE CHAMBERS FED 500 FAMILIES IN GAZA

    In this episode of Real Talk, Daizy Gedeon speaks with Ammar Al-Kahwaji, the 19-year-old founder of the Sumud Project, joining us from Khan Younis in southern Gaza. Ammar has been displaced eight times since October 7. His home, school and community in Bani Suheila were destroyed, and he now lives with his family in Al-Mawasi. Yet amid unimaginable circumstances, he has continued working to help families across Gaza. Since launching the Sumud Project in May 2025, Ammar says he has completed 49 humanitarian initiatives, supporting families with food, water, clothing, tents and shelter materials, while also supporting schools, kindergartens and children through educational and community activities. In this conversation, Ammar shares his firsthand experience of working inside Gaza, his family's repeated displacement, and the impact of losing the support of James “Jim” Chambers, an American donor currently detained in Spain following a U.S. extradition request. Ammar explains how he first contacted Chambers, how a $10,000 donation helped provide 50 meals a day for 10 consecutive days during Ramadan, supporting 500 families, and what Chambers' support has meant to humanitarian initiatives in Gaza. He also speaks about his greatest hope—not for wealth, politics or power, but simply to live in peace, have a home, see his family safe, and live the life every person should be able to live. This is a conversation about Gaza beyond the headlines: displacement, survival, humanitarian work, loss, resilience and the determination to keep going. Listen to the full episode of Real Talk now. ☕ SUPPORT REAL TALK If you value independent journalism and want to help us continue bringing important conversations and stories from around the world, please consider supporting our work: Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/daizygedeon PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=TEAEE8YVEU996 Follow Real Talk with Daizy Gedeon and stay connected for more conversations on the stories shaping our world. #RealTalk #DaizyGedeon #Gaza #Palestine #AmmarAlKahwaji #SumudProject #JimChambers #HumanitarianAid #GazaWar #PalestineNews #MiddleEast #HumanRights

    S4 | E11 - FERGIE CHAMBERS FED 500 FAMILIES IN GAZA

  2. 15 Aug

    S4 | E10 - NETANYAHU NEEDS THE WAR. TRUMP NEEDS IT OVER.

    In this episode of Real Talk, Daizy Gedeon sits down with Rami Khouri, Palestinian-American journalist, political commentator, and Senior Public Policy Fellow at the American University of Beirut, to examine the starkly opposing domestic and strategic pressures driving Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump, and regional leadership today. Within a single nine-day window, two diametrically opposed political realities collided: while Benjamin Netanyahu depends on sustaining conflict for his political survival and strategic momentum, Donald Trump faces mounting domestic urgency to force an end to regional wars. WHAT WE DISCUSS: The political divide: Why Netanyahu needs war while Trump needs resolution Analyzing the failure of short-term framework agreements and collapsed ceasefires The economic and political costs driving U.S. election calculations The evolution of the "Axis of Resistance" and regional military capacity The reality of Israeli domestic politics, coalition pressures, and war strategy U.S. foreign policy blunders: From transactional deal-making to military overreach The devastating humanitarian impact on Gaza, Lebanon, and the wider region Media narratives vs. ground realities in Middle Eastern diplomacy Why traditional deterrence strategies are failing the West What true, lasting stability in the Middle East actually looks like TIMESTAMPS (00:00) Netanyahu Needs War. Trump Needs It Over. (01:58) Introducing Rami Khouri (03:46) Two Leaders, Opposite Objectives (07:48) The Limits of American Leverage (16:10) Gaza, Lebanon, and the Interconnected Fronts (23:17) Can Netanyahu Survive Without Ongoing Conflict? (33:38) Trump’s Transactional Foreign Policy Dilemma (41:38) The Shifting Regional Balance of Power (50:24) Why Tactical Ceasefires Keep Collapsing (58:45) The Role of the "Axis of Resistance" Today (01:08:32) Can Lebanon Escape the Regional Crossfire? (01:22:18) Media Distortions & The Political Reality on the Ground (01:26:45) What Happens Next for U.S.-Middle East Relations? ABOUT RAMI KHOURI Rami Khouri is a renowned Palestinian-American journalist, political analyst, and Senior Public Policy Fellow at the American University of Beirut. With over five decades of experience covering Middle Eastern geopolitics, Khouri is a globally respected voice on regional policy, international diplomacy, and U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. SUPPORT OUR WORK If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider supporting us: Buy Me A Coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/daizygedeon⁠ PayPal: ⁠https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=5M4DXYG6L2Y8U⁠ YouTube Channel: ⁠https://shorturl.at/qrjGx⁠ #RamiKhouri #Netanyahu #Trump #RealTalk #DaizyGedeon #Geopolitics #MiddleEast #USForeignPolicy #Lebanon #Gaza

    S4 | E10 - NETANYAHU NEEDS THE WAR. TRUMP NEEDS IT OVER.

  3. 7 Aug

    S4 | E9 - Geopolitical Economy of the Iran War

    Is the war over Iran's nuclear program about global security or the hidden collapse of Western economic power? In this episode of Real Talk, Daizy Gedeon sits down with Radhika Desai, Professor of Political Studies at the University of Manitoba and Director of the Geopolitical Economy Research Group, to examine the deeper economic drivers behind today's Middle East conflicts. Within a single nine-day span, the U.S. signed a major nuclear cooperation deal with Saudi Arabia while simultaneously launching airstrikes against Iranian nuclear targets. Two opposite responses to the exact same technology. To make sense of this contradiction, we step back from the daily news and look at the underlying structural reality:• Are wars caused by presidential personalities or shifting global economies?• U.S. weapons shortages and the limits of Western military power.• How capital speculation and war profiteering drive ongoing conflicts.• The rise of "taker" economies over "maker" economies.• Why the U.S. empire can no longer win through production alone. WHAT WE DISCUSS• The U.S. nuclear double standard: Saudi Arabia vs. Iran explained• U.S. military capacity and multi-front wars• Market speculation, war profiteering, and who actually benefits from conflict• The historical origins of nuclear diplomacy and NPT• How neoliberal policies deindustrialized Western economies• The role of private funds and corporate monopolies• China's economic expansion vs. U.S. military power• The neoconservative movement & Project for the New American Century• Why U.S. global hegemony is unravelling faster than ever• What must happen for lasting stability in the Middle East TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Two Contradictory Nuclear Decisions(01:58) Introducing Radhika Desai(03:46) Has Iran Already Won the War?(07:48) War Profiteering & Market Speculation(16:10) Double Standard: Saudi Arabia vs. Iran(23:17) Does Iran Need a Nuclear Deterrent?(33:38) When Did the U.S. Stop Winning by Producing?(41:38) Neoliberalism & The "Economy of Takers"(50:24) Can the U.S. Empire Last Forever?(58:45) Who Are the Neoconservatives?(01:08:32) The "Clean Break" Strategy & Today's Reality(01:22:18) Can Lebanon Achieve Real Peace?(01:26:45) What Happens Next Between the U.S. & Iran ABOUT RADHIKA DESAIRadhika Desai is a Professor in the Department of Political Studies at the University of Manitoba and Director of the Geopolitical Economy Research Group. She is the author of "Geopolitical Economy: After US Hegemony, Globalization and Empire" and co-host of the Geopolitical Economy Hour. SUPPORT OUR WORK If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider supporting us: • Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/daizygedeon • PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=5M4DXYG6L2Y8U • Youtube Channel: https://shorturl.at/qrjGx #RadhikaDesai #Iran #RealTalk #DaizyGedeon #Geopolitics #MiddleEast #Economy #USForeignPolicy #Lebanon

    S4 | E9 - Geopolitical Economy of the Iran War

  4. 30 July

    S4 | E8 - BOMBING LEBANON: Terror Expert Says "That Is the Plan"

    Can Lebanon and Israel finally achieve peace or is this agreement destined to fail?|In this episode of Real Talk, I sit down with Matthew Levitt—former FBI counterterrorism official, former U.S. Treasury Deputy Assistant Secretary, and Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute—to examine the new U.S.-brokered framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel.The proposal promises a path toward ending decades of conflict:• The Lebanese Army takes control of southern Lebanon.• Hezbollah is disarmed.• Israeli forces withdraw.But can peace be negotiated while airstrikes continue, villages remain devastated, and thousands of Lebanese are still displaced?Who decides when Hezbollah has disarmed enough? Can Israel be trusted to withdraw? Can the Lebanese Army realistically secure the south? And does this agreement offer genuine hope—or simply postpone another war?Together, we explore the framework agreement, the challenges of implementation and verification, the future of Hezbollah, the role of the Lebanese Armed Forces, ongoing Israeli military operations, reconstruction efforts, and the role of the United States in shaping the region's future.Whether you agree with Matthew Levitt's analysis or not, this conversation offers an opportunity to hear a different perspective on one of the Middle East's most complex and consequential issues.Learn more from Matthew Levitt:🎙️ Breaking Hezbollah's Golden Rule – Matthew's podcast exploring Hezbollah, regional security, and developments across the Middle East.📖 Hezbollah: The Global Footprint of Lebanon's Party of God – His book examining Hezbollah's international networks, financing, operations, and global influence.If you enjoy Real Talk and would like to support independent journalism, please consider making a contribution:☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/daizygedeon💙 PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted...Thank you for listening. Don't forget to follow Real Talk on Spotify so you never miss a new episode.

    S4 | E8 - BOMBING LEBANON: Terror Expert Says "That Is the Plan"

  5. 15 July

    S4 | E7 - Is the “Historic” Lebanon-U.S.-Israel Framework Agreement Dead in the Water?

    In this episode of Reel Talk, I take an in-depth look at the historic Lebanon–US–Israel Framework Agreement. It was presented as a breakthrough. It was hailed as a path toward peace. It was described as the beginning of a new chapter for Lebanon. But less than two weeks later, Israeli strikes continued, Lebanese political leaders were already rejecting it, legal experts questioned whether it is even binding, and analysts across the political spectrum began asking the same question: Is this agreement already dead in the water? What exactly was signed? What does it actually commit each side to? And does it move Lebanon closer to sovereignty… or simply redefine the terms of the conflict? From the legal ambiguities of the agreement to the leaked Security Annex, Article 13, international law, Hezbollah, Israeli policy, Washington's role and the competing visions for Lebanon's future, this conversation examines one of the most consequential agreements in Lebanon's modern history. Topics explored include:– What the Lebanon–US–Israel Framework Agreement actually says – Why many legal experts argue it is not yet legally binding – The leaked Security Annex and what it reveals about implementation – Article 13 and the controversy over international legal action against Israel – Competing interpretations from President Joseph Aoun, legal experts and constitutional scholars – Why Israeli withdrawal is tied to Hezbollah's disarmament – The role of the United States as both mediator and Israel's closest ally – How Lebanese politicians, journalists and academics view the agreement differently – Israeli reactions, political divisions and concerns over implementation – Whether the agreement strengthens Lebanon's sovereignty or weakens it – The risks of renewed conflict, political instability and civil unrest – Why analysts from across the political spectrum are questioning whether this agreement can survive Read the full Lebanon–Israel Framework Agreement Dossier:https://daizygedeon.com/Lebanon-Israel-Framework%20Agreement_Dossier-FINAL.pdf If you enjoy Reel Talk, please consider supporting independent journalism:Buy Me a Coffee:https://buymeacoffee.com/daizygedeon or support our work via PayPal:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=TEAEE8YVEU996 Follow Reel Talk with Daizy Gedeon for more in-depth conversations exploring global affairs, international law, geopolitics and the stories shaping our world.

    S4 | E7 - Is the “Historic” Lebanon-U.S.-Israel Framework Agreement Dead in the Water?

  6. 1 June

    S4 | E6 - Aiding and Abetting: How Australia's Government Serves Israel & Washington, Not Aussies

    In this episode of Reel Talk, I sit down with Australian Greens Senator David Shoebridge to confront one of the most urgent questions facing Australia today: Is Australia still acting in its own national interest, or has it become an extension of Washington's foreign policy agenda? Australia says it supports international law. Australia says it supports human rights. Australia says it supports peace. But while publicly backing these principles, Australia's sovereign wealth fund has increased investments in companies linked to Israel's military operations, signed billion-dollar contracts with Israeli weapons manufacturers, and committed tens of billions more to military spending through AUKUS. At the same time, Australians are facing rising living costs, pressure on public services and growing concerns about government priorities. Beneath the headlines lies a much bigger question: Who is really shaping Australia's future — the Australian people, or powerful interests operating far beyond its borders? WHAT WE UNCOVER IN THIS CONVERSATION: – Australia's sovereign wealth fund investments in companies linked to Israel's military operations– Palantir, surveillance technology and concerns over national sovereignty– The Albanese government's contracts with Israeli weapons manufacturers– Elbit Systems and Australia's growing military relationship with Israel– The influence of Washington on Australian foreign policy– AUKUS and the multi-billion-dollar expansion of military spending– Why disability support and public services are facing cuts while defence spending grows– The debate over anti-Semitism funding and anti-racism policy– Islamophobia, discrimination and political double standards– The role of lobbying groups in shaping public policy– Palestine, Gaza and the suppression of protest movements– Why governments fear mass demonstrations– Australia's relationship with the United States and questions of national independence– Whether Australia's political system still serves the public interest TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 — Introduction: Australia's Contradictions on Palestine and Israel03:10 — Following the Money: The Future Fund and Weapons Companies08:30 — Palantir, Surveillance and the Erosion of Sovereignty14:45 — Elbit Systems and Australia's Billion-Dollar Military Contracts21:00 — Why Canberra Keeps Backing Israeli Defence Companies27:40 — Anti-Semitism Funding and the $604 Million Budget Allocation35:20 — Islamophobia, Double Standards and Australia's Missing Anti-Racism Strategy43:00 — The Power of Protest and Why Governments Fear It49:15 — Gaza, Palestine and the Battle Over Public Narratives55:30 — America's Influence on Australian Politics1:03:00 — AUKUS and Australia's $53 Billion Defence Expansion1:11:00 — Who Is Australia Preparing to Fight?1:18:00 — China, Fear Politics and Manufactured Threats1:25:00 — Lobbying, Power and Influence in Canberra1:32:00 — Australia's Future: Independence or Dependency? This is not about left versus right. This is about power, influence, sovereignty and who ultimately benefits from the decisions being made in Canberra. Watch until the end. Because the questions raised in this conversation affect every Australian whether they realise it yet or not. If you are enjoying our podcasts please consider a small contribution of $5 a month to allow us to keep you informed:https://buymeacoffee.com/daizygedeon Subscribe and turn on notifications so you DON’T miss a video:https://shorturl.at/qrjGx

    S4 | E6 - Aiding and Abetting: How Australia's Government Serves Israel & Washington, Not Aussies

  7. 1 June

    S4 | E5 - Israel isn't coming for Hezbollah, it's coming for South Lebanon

    In this episode of Reel Talk, Daizy Gedeon sits down with former Lebanese ambassador, political analyst and former presidential candidate Tracy Chamoun for a confronting and deeply personal conversation about the destruction unfolding in southern Lebanon.As Washington announces “productive ceasefire talks” between Lebanon and Israel, villages in the south continue to be bombed, demolished and emptied.Families displaced.Farmland destroyed.Entire communities erased.Together, Daizy and Tracy unpack the contradiction at the heart of this moment:How can peace negotiations happen while destruction continues on the ground?This episode explores:– The devastation across southern Lebanon– Why Tracy Chamoun calls it “ecocide”– The destruction of farmland, infrastructure and historic villages– The use of white phosphorus and glyphosate– Israel’s expanding buffer zones and fears of permanent occupation– Hezbollah, resistance and Lebanon’s internal divisions– The psychological trauma of war and displacement– International hypocrisy and the failure of global institutions– Whether Lebanon can still protect its sovereignty and futureTIMESTAMPS:00:00 — Introduction & The Washington/South Lebanon Contradiction01:45 — The True Scale of the Displacement Crisis04:15 — What is Ecocide?09:30 — White Phosphorus & Scorched Earth Tactics13:15 — Israel’s Expansion Strategy17:00 — Surviving the Pager Explosions22:30 — Censorship, Propaganda & Israel’s Global Image27:15 — The Ceasefire Contradiction32:00 — Lebanon’s National Defense Crisis38:30 — Hezbollah & Lebanon’s Internal Divide43:00 — Trump, Macron & International Influence48:30 — Final Thoughts & Lebanon’s FutureThis is not a conversation built on slogans.It’s built on facts, history and lived experience.ABOUT TRACY CHAMOUN:Tracy Chamoun is a former Lebanese ambassador to Jordan, political analyst and former presidential candidate. She is the granddaughter of former Lebanese President Camille Chamoun and the daughter of Dany Chamoun, who was assassinated alongside his wife and two sons during the Lebanese Civil War.Known for her outspoken positions on Lebanese sovereignty, Hezbollah’s weapons and regional geopolitics, Tracy remains one of Lebanon’s most prominent political voices today.#Lebanon #TracyChamoun #MiddleEast #SouthLebanon #Politics #Geopolitics #ReelTalk #DaizyGedeon

    S4 | E5 - Israel isn't coming for Hezbollah, it's coming for South Lebanon

  8. 30 Mar

    S4 | E4 - Minister Defends Oracle Deal and Fears Over Who Controls Lebanon's Digital Future

    In this episode of Reel Talk, I sit down with Kamal Shehadeh to confront one of the most controversial decisions Lebanon has made in its digital future: the Memorandum of Understanding with Oracle. At first glance, it’s framed as opportunity training 50,000 Lebanese in AI and cloud computing.But beneath the surface, a far more urgent question emerges: What happens when a nation at war begins aligning its digital future with a company deeply embedded in global intelligence networks and closely tied to power structures that do not serve it? WHAT WE UNCOVER IN THIS CONVERSATION: – The government’s position: Why this deal is about talent, not data– The fear many Lebanese are voicing and why it cannot be dismissed– The truth about Larry Ellison and Oracle’s global influence – The U.S. Cloud Act and what it means for YOUR data no matter where it’s stored– Why countries like Switzerland rejected similar partnerships – How France tried to protect its sovereignty… and still became dependent – Whether Lebanon is building capacity or quietly entering digital dependency TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 — Introduction & Why This Conversation Matters 01:00 — The Oracle Deal Explained 03:00 — Talent vs. Control: The Government’s Argument 07:00 — “There Is No Data Transfer” — Fact or Framing? 11:00 — The Lebanon–Israel Context & Public Fear 15:00 — Switzerland’s Rejection of US Tech Sovereignty Risks 18:30 — France’s Dependency Trap 22:00 — The Cloud Act: Who Really Owns Your Data? 27:00 — Can Lebanon Actually Protect Its Digital Infrastructure? 31:00 — War, Instability & The Future of Lebanon’s Tech Vision 36:00 — Final Thoughts: Opportunity or Irreversible Risk?This is not about being for or against technology. This is about understanding who controls it and who it ultimately serves.Watch until the end.Because this conversation affects every single Lebanese citizen whether they realize it yet or not. If you are enjoying our podcasts please consider a small contribution of $5 a month to allow us to keep you informed:https://buymeacoffee.com/daizygedeon Subscribe and turn on notifications so you DON’T miss a video:https://shorturl.at/qrjGx

    S4 | E4 - Minister Defends Oracle Deal and Fears Over Who Controls Lebanon's Digital Future
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3.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Introducing the relaunch of a touching and uplifting, human interest series called REEL TALK. Brought to you by award-winning, independent journalist and filmmaker, Daizy Gedeon, who dives deep into REAL STORIES with REAL PEOPLE from Lebanon and across the world, and provides a unique insight into the REAL issues that are challenging people locally and globally. She engages in incisive discussion that goes beyond the headlines to spotlight the TRUTH over the propaganda that dominates our media and political pulpits.

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