The Seeds

Watermelon Pictures
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Every story starts with a seed. Alana Hadid is on a mission to dig into the tiny, weird, wonderful moments that shape us — one silly, vulnerable and deep conversation at a time. The Seeds is where artists, activists, and icons open up like you’ve never heard them before. This season, Alana sits down with folks like Hasan Piker (political firestarter), Mona Chalabi (Pulitzer Prize winning data queen), Aja Monet (award-winning poet of your dreams), Kendrick Sampson (activist/heartthrob, Insecure & I’m A Virgo), Melissa Barrera (hello, horror icon), and Poppy Liu (actual magic, Hacks). We get into childhood memories, big feels, late-night thoughts, early crushes, politics, love, art — the real stuff. So pull up a seat. New episodes every Tuesday, starting June 4. Follow on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Presented by Watermelon Pictures. Produced by Dustlight Productions.

Episodes

  1. Iraqis Deserve an Apology | Mona Chalabi on the Seeds

    07/11/2025

    Iraqis Deserve an Apology | Mona Chalabi on the Seeds

    In this episode of The Seeds, Mona Chalabi—Pulitzer Prize–winning data journalist and artist—joins host Alana Hadid for a warm, funny, and deeply reflective conversation about childhood, being Iraqi, how journalists manufacture consent for genocide, and data in dating. Plus Mona gets Melissa Barrera's seed! Chapters:00:00 – Intros, and Who’s More Awkward?00:22 – Skip Intro00:38 – Childhood Memories02:14 – Pulling a Seed 03:37 – Mona's Life Purpose05:08 – Going into Journalism09:14 – Being Iraqi13:11 – School Experiences and Cultural Identity26:14 – Career Choices and Disillusionment32:50 – Art, and Data Journalism34:21 – Speed Round35:30 – Unhinged Childhood Beliefs36:42 – Fascinating Statistics37:01 – Dating and Data!40:40 – Astrology vs. Data Journalism42:43 – Real Housewives Tagline44:14 – Nostalgic Arab Snacks47:53 – Animation and Representation53:51 – Pulitzer Prize Speech & Why Iraqi's Deserve and Apology01:10:42 – Credits Follow the Show:📸 Instagram: @theseedsfm🎥 Presented by Watermelon Pictures🎙️ Produced by Dustlight Productions Follow Alana Hadid:IG: @lanzybear Follow Mona Chalabi:IG: @monachalabi Credits:Host – Alana HadidShowrunner & Executive Producer – Misha EucephExecutive Producers – Badie Ali, Hamza AliAssociate Producer – Munir AtallaProducer & Researcher – Sarah MoawadEditor, DP, & Sound Engineer – Mike O’BrienConsulting Director – Mahnoor EucephProduction Designer – Kendra BradaniniArt Assistant – Noor SalimDesign – Alicia TatoneComposer – Andy ClausenColorist – Chehade BoulosTech – Randy BurgessMarketing – Kristina Ferris & Daniela SapkarSpecial thanks: Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin Henry Tags:#TheSeeds #MonaChalabi #AlanaHadid #Iraq #IraqWar #Gaza #Palestine #War #Journalism #ManufacturingConsent #Dating #ArabVoices #PulitzerPrize #DataJournalism ##StorytellingPodcast #Identity #DustlightProductions #WatermelonPictures

    1h 12m
  2. Doomscrolling Isn't Solidarity | Aja Monet on The Seeds

    07/04/2025

    Doomscrolling Isn't Solidarity | Aja Monet on The Seeds

    In this soul-stirring episode of The Seeds, poet and activist Aja Monet sits down with host, Alana Hadid, to talk about the cost of being online, bearing witness to injustice, and how poetry and faith can heal us. From the overwhelm of social media to solidarity with Palestine, Aja opens up about her upbringing, the legacy of her grandparents, and the journey of becoming a poet rooted in resistance, tenderness, and truth. She even shares a live reading of her poem, Los Angeles. Chapters:00:00 – The Overwhelm of Social Media00:22 SKIP INTRO00:54 – Offline Community01:15 – Harnessing Social Media for Activism03:09 – Telling Stories About Palestine19:04 – Aja's Story & Inspirations22:00 – The Journey of a Poet37:07 – The Role of Faith38:57 – Aja & Alana's Religious Upbringing42:35 – The Influence of Grandparents46:39 – Personal and Political Realities of War52:25 – The Role of Poetry in Activism58:01 –  (Live Reading)01:01:54 – Reflections on Compassion01:07:47 – Knafeh & Goodbye Follow the Show:📺New episodes every Tuesday🎧 Available on YouTube, Apple, Spotify & all podcast platforms📸 Instagram: @theseedspod🎥 Presented by Watermelon Pictures🎙️ Produced by Dustlight Productions Follow Alana Hadid:IG: @lanzybear Follow Aja Monet:IG: @ajamonet Credits:Host – Alana HadidShowrunner & Executive Producer – Misha EucephExecutive Producers – Badie Ali, Hamza AliAssociate Producer – Munir AtallaProducer & Researcher – Sarah MoawadEditor, DP, & Sound Engineer – Mike O’BrienConsulting Director – Mahnoor EucephProduction Designer – Kendra BradaniniArt Assistant – Noor SalimDesign – Alicia TatoneComposer – Andy ClausenColorist – Chehade BoulosTech – Randy BurgessMarketing – Kristina Ferris & Daniela SapkarSpecial thanks: Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin Henry #TheSeeds #AjaMonet #AlanaHadid #PalestinianSolidarity #Poetry #Activism #Faith #religion #SocialMedia #burnout #BlackPoets #poetsofinstagram #Storytelling #DustlightProductions #watermelonpictures #gaza #palestine

    1h 10m
  3. From Insecure to Activist: Kendrick Sampson on Art as Resistance | The Seeds with Alana Hadid

    06/27/2025

    From Insecure to Activist: Kendrick Sampson on Art as Resistance | The Seeds with Alana Hadid

    Why does Kendrick Sampson have beef with Leos? (We get into that… but this conversation goes way deeper.) Actor, activist, and creative force Kendrick Sampson (Insecure, Miss Juneteenth) joins host, Alana Hadid, for a bold and honest conversation about power, identity, and the lies we've been sold about success. He opens up about growing up as a misfit in Texas, the influence of his radical collaborations with Boots Riley, and how spirituality and community shape everything he does — on screen and off. This episode is about building systems that serve people instead of profits, connecting back to nature, and telling stories that actually shift culture. Chapters: 00:00 Why does Kendrick hate Leos? 00:22 SKIP INTRO 02:31 Who is Kendrick Sampson? 03:28 Childhood and Being a Misfit 09:22 Boots Riley and Creative Collabs 13:42 Kendrick’s Seed 16:26 Reflections on American Delusion 19:27 Family History and Identity 29:12 Community 30:54 Spirituality and Connection to Nature 31:45 Building Power Through Story 32:13 Basic Human Needs and Economy 32:46 Technology and Systemic Barriers 34:07 Understanding True Power 40:03 Mental Health and Vulnerability 45:53 Speed Round 56:25 Knafeh and Final Thoughts *Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Dustlight Productions, Watermelon Pictures, or any of their affiliates, employees, officers, or representatives. These companies do not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made during the podcast. Follow the Show: 📸 Instagram: @theseedsfm 🎥 Presented by Watermelon Pictures 🎙️ Produced by Dustlight Productions Follow Alana Hadid: IG: @lanzybear TikTok: @alanahadid Follow Kendrick Sampson: IG: @kendrick38 Credits:Host – Alana HadidShowrunner & Executive Producer – Misha EucephExecutive Producers – Badie Ali, Hamza AliAssociate Producer – Munir AtallaProducer & Researcher – Sarah MoawadEditor, DP, & Sound Engineer – Mike O’BrienIntro Sequence Director – Mahnoor EucephProduction Designer – Kendra BradaniniArt Assistant – Noor SalimDesign – Alicia TatoneComposer – Andy ClausenIntro Colorist – Chehade BoulosTech – Randy BurgessMarketing – Kristina Ferris & Daniela SapkarSpecial thanks: Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin Henry.  #TheSeeds #KendrickSampson #AlanaHadid #Masculinity #MentalHealth #SlowLiving #BlackCulture #Palestine #Gaza #Texas #Insecure #HBO #IssaRae #BootsRiley #ImAVirgo #Art #Acting #Activism #Power #Community #Nature #Neighbors #Technology #Isolation #Loneliness #Convenience

    1h 5m
  4. Melissa Barrera: From Soap Operas to Horror Queen | The Seeds with Alana Hadid

    06/20/2025

    Melissa Barrera: From Soap Operas to Horror Queen | The Seeds with Alana Hadid

    Host Alana Hadid talks to actress, Melissa Barrera, about the actress’s life purpose and her inspiring journey — from growing up as a tomboy in Monterrey, Mexico, to breaking barriers in Hollywood as a leading Latina actress to speaking about Palestine. In this episode, Melissa opens up about her identity, her rituals, and the ghosts (metaphorical and possibly literal 👀) that she’s carried with her through life and into every role. From In the Heights to Scream, she’s more than a breakout star — Melissa’s redefining what representation looks like on screen. Chapters:00:00 Growing up with motorcycles00:22 SKIP INTRO01:15 Melissa: A Tomboy03:07 From Tomboy to Limited Too05:41 Bilingual Upbringing10:29 Who is Melissa Barrera?17:00 Rituals and Daily Habits22:47 Journey in the Entertainment Industry34:39 Reflecting on a Vida35:05 Championing Latin Representation36:31 Navigating Hollywood's Limitations38:00 Breaking Stereotypes in Casting39:17 Embracing the Horror Genre42:04 Melissa's Superstitions44:01 Advocating for Palestine47:29 Angel Cards52:11 Speed Round01:09:25 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude *Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Dustlight Productions, Watermelon Pictures, or any of their affiliates, employees, officers, or representatives. These companies do not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made during the podcast. Follow the Show: 📸 Instagram: @theseedsfm 🎥 Presented by Watermelon Pictures 🎙️ Produced by Dustlight Productions Follow Alana Hadid: IG: @lanzybear TikTok: @alanahadid Follow Melissa Barrera: IG: @melissabarreram Credits:Host – Alana HadidShowrunner & Executive Producer – Misha EucephExecutive Producers – Badie Ali, Hamza AliAssociate Producer – Munir AtallaProducer & Researcher – Sarah MoawadEditor, DP, & Sound Engineer – Mike O’BrienIntro Sequence Director – Mahnoor EucephProduction Designer – Kendra BradaniniArt Assistant – Noor SalimDesign – Alicia TatoneComposer – Andy ClausenIntro Colorist – Chehade BoulosTech – Randy BurgessMarketing – Kristina Ferris & Daniela SapkarSpecial thanks: Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin Henry. #TheSeeds #MelissaBarrera #AlanaHadid #Scream #IntheHeights #Latino #Latina #Latinidad #Latinx #LatinAmerican #Mexican #Spanish #Motorcycles #Acting #Celebrity #Hollywood #Gaza #Palestine #Representation

    1h 12m
  5. Hasan Piker Breaks Down Streaming, Socialism, and Internet Hate | The Seeds with Alana Hadid

    06/13/2025

    Hasan Piker Breaks Down Streaming, Socialism, and Internet Hate | The Seeds with Alana Hadid

    In this episode, host Alana Hadid sit down with Hasan Piker — political streamer, political commentator, and king of thirst traps — to talk about the day-to-day behind streaming, dodging online death threats, and the role of luck in life. From his early days working in Hollywood to becoming one of the internet’s most-watched political voices, Hasan shares unfiltered stories about burnout, fighting with Donald Trump and Elon Musk, and that one time he accidentally created chaos on stream with a wild slip-up. Plus, a surprise arm wrestling contest.  Chapters: 00:00 Discovering a Shared Past 00:22 SKIP INTRO 00:58 Life as a Club Promoter 02:38 Academic Pursuits and Cultural Insights 03:06 Arm Wrestling Challenge 05:29 A Day in the Life of a Streamer 09:47 Balancing Work and Social Life 15:28 Speed Round: Quick Questions 22:23 Unexpected Follower Drama 22:41 Favorite Conspiracy Theories 24:24 Constitutional Amendments and Enforcing Laws 25:31 Embarrassing Stream Moments 26:33 Audience Demographics and Influences 28:44 Death Threats and Online Harassment 32:25 Socialism and Wealth Misconceptions 39:24 Future Goals and Personal Life 41:21 Tasting Palestinian Knafeh 47:48 Final Thoughts and Farewell *Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Dustlight Productions, Watermelon Pictures, or any of their affiliates, employees, officers, or representatives. These companies do not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made during the podcast. Follow the Show: 📸 Instagram: @theseedsfm 🎥 Presented by Watermelon Pictures 🎙️ Produced by Dustlight Productions Follow Alana Hadid: IG: @lanzybear TikTok: @alanahadid Follow Hasan Piker: IG: @hasandpiker Credits:Host – Alana HadidShowrunner & Executive Producer – Misha EucephExecutive Producers – Badie Ali, Hamza AliAssociate Producer – Munir AtallaProducer & Researcher – Sarah MoawadEditor, DP, & Sound Engineer – Mike O’BrienIntro Sequence Director – Mahnoor EucephProduction Designer – Kendra BradaniniArt Assistant – Noor SalimDesign – Alicia TatoneComposer – Andy ClausenIntro Colorist – Chehade BoulosTech – Randy BurgessMarketing – Kristina Ferris & Daniela SapkarSpecial thanks: Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin Henry. #TheSeeds #HasanPiker #AlanaHadid #Twitch #Streaming #Socialism #Communism #Politics #DonaldTrump #ElonMusk #Palestine #Gaza #Israel #Turkish #YoungTurks #ThirstTraps #WorkingOut

    50 min
  6. How Palestine Transformed Poppy Liu of Hit Show, Hacks | The Seeds with Alana Hadid

    06/06/2025

    How Palestine Transformed Poppy Liu of Hit Show, Hacks | The Seeds with Alana Hadid

    In the very first episode of The Seeds, host Alana Hadid sits down with Poppy Liu (they/she) — actor, doula, and activist — to talk about ancestry, speaking out for Gaza, postpartum rituals, immigration and motherhood. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Poppy00:22 SKIP INTRO00:36 The Chicken Saga Begins01:15 Sitting the Month Tradition02:32 Chicken Trauma and Survival06:35 Citizen App and Archery08:56 Poppy's Identity and Self-Description11:00 Childhood and Cultural Transitions15:43 Diaspora and Longing for Homeland23:52 Palestine and Political Awakening28:12 The Hypocrisy of Selective Activism29:55 Motherhood and Activism31:46 Family and Political Alignment34:13 Becoming a Doula36:42 Speed Round45:30 Chicken Farming Adventures48:57 Final Thoughts and FarewellFollow the Show 📸 Instagram: @theseedsfm 🎥 Presented by Watermelon Pictures - www.watermelonpictures.com 🎙️ Produced by Dustlight Productions - https://dustlight.co Follow Alana Hadid IG: @lanzybearTikTok: @alanahadidFollow Poppy Liu IG: @poppyliuCredits Host – Alana HadidShowrunner & Executive Producer – Misha EucephExecutive Producers – Badie Ali, Hamza AliAssociate Producer – Munir AtallaProducer & Researcher – Sarah MoawadEditor, DP, & Sound Engineer – Mike O’BrienIntro Sequence Director – Mahnoor EucephProduction Designer – Kendra BradaniniArt Assistant – Noor SalimDesign – Alicia TatoneComposer – Andy ClausenIntro Colorist – Chehade BoulosMarketing – Kristina Ferris & Daniela Sapkar Special thanks: Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin Henry. Disclaimer The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Dustlight Productions, Watermelon Pictures, or any of their affiliates, employees, officers, or representatives. These companies do not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made during the podcast.

    54 min

  7. 05/20/2025

    The Seeds - Trailer

    Every story starts with a seed. Alana Hadid is on a mission to dig into the tiny, weird, wonderful moments that shape us — one lighthearted, vulnerable, and deep conversation at a time. The Seeds is where artists, activists, and icons open up like you’ve never heard them before. This season, Alana (IG) sits down with: Hasan Piker (IG | YouTube)Mona Chalabi (IG) Aja Monet (IG) Kendrick Sampson (IG) Melissa Barrera (IG)Poppy Liu (IG)We get into childhood memories, big feels, late-night thoughts, early crushes, politics, love, art — the real stuff. So pull up a seat. 🎧 New episodes every Tuesday, starting June 4  Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. –––––––––––––––– Presented by Watermelon Pictures → @watermelonpictures | watermelonpictures.com Produced by Dustlight Productions → @dustlight_co | dustlight.co–––––––––––––––– Credits Host – Alana HadidShowrunner & Executive Producer – Misha Euceph (IG, Tik Tok)Executive Producers – Badie Ali, Hamza AliAssociate Producer - Munir AtallaProducer & Researcher – Sarah MoawadEditor, DP, & Sound Engineer – Mike O’BrienConsulting Director, Intro Sequence – Mahnoor EucephProduction Designer – Kendra BradaniniArt Assistant – Noor SalimBranding & Design – Alicia TatoneComposer – Andy ClausenIntro Sequence Colorist – Chehade BoulosPR & Marketing – Kristina Ferris & Daniela SapkarSpecial thanks to Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin Henry.

    1 min

Trailer

5
out of 5
41 Ratings

About

Every story starts with a seed. Alana Hadid is on a mission to dig into the tiny, weird, wonderful moments that shape us — one silly, vulnerable and deep conversation at a time. The Seeds is where artists, activists, and icons open up like you’ve never heard them before. This season, Alana sits down with folks like Hasan Piker (political firestarter), Mona Chalabi (Pulitzer Prize winning data queen), Aja Monet (award-winning poet of your dreams), Kendrick Sampson (activist/heartthrob, Insecure & I’m A Virgo), Melissa Barrera (hello, horror icon), and Poppy Liu (actual magic, Hacks). We get into childhood memories, big feels, late-night thoughts, early crushes, politics, love, art — the real stuff. So pull up a seat. New episodes every Tuesday, starting June 4. Follow on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Presented by Watermelon Pictures. Produced by Dustlight Productions.

Information

  • Creator
    Watermelon Pictures
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Watermelon Pictures. All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Seeds