Cool Copts Doing Cool Things Coptic Orphans

Jacky Habib, a Nairobi-based freelance journalist reporting on human rights and global development, sits down with us to discuss her background as a Coptic-Canadian journalist. Tune in to hear more about the importance of diverse representation when storytelling, the inside scoop on living and reporting in Africa, and a unique scholarship opportunity for aspiring journalists.

In today's episode, we sit down with Michael Elgamal, the mind behind Creative Orthodox on Instagram, Facebook, and creativeorthodox.com. Michael has published graphic novels, board books, and other wonderful resources for kids and adults alike who are interested in learning more about Orthodox mothers and fathers. Tune in to hear about the ancestral instinct behind the unique Coptic art form, Michael's upcoming projects, and learn how our precious children in Egypt are expressing their creativity, too! Don't forget to like and subscribe so you never miss an episode of Cool Copts doing Cool Things.

On today's episode, we sit down with Mireille Mishriky, author of the children’s book series SuperHolies, a series that reimagines the fruits of the Holy Spirit as superpowers and teaches children about their faith and its glory. Marina and Mireille discuss the importance of seeing our Coptic heritage as a superpower, the ways technology has spurred the Coptic renaissance, and the importance of keeping in touch with your sponsored children by writing them letters.

When Hany Takla was 12 years old, a thought struck him while he walked to Sunday School: "Learn Coptic." No one in his family knew the language nor did they encourage him to learn it. But years later, Hany left his engineering studies behind and dedicated his life to studying and preserving the Coptic language. Listen to our latest episode to hear more about the importance of preserving the Coptic language, how a Coptologist might stumble upon ancient manuscripts on eBay, and more!

In this episode we sit down with Dina Daniel, the Founder, Owner, and Chef at Fava Pot. Fava Pot celebrates its ninth anniversary of bringing delicious Egyptian food to the D.C. metro area this year. Tune in to hear Dina tell us how Fava Pot grew from a food truck to getting glowing reviews from the Washington Post, the secret to the perfect bowl of molokheya, and hear a little about Coptic Orphans' latest initiative, too.

In this Labor Day episode, we sit down with Dr. Sherry Shenoda, author of The Lightkeeper and the newly-published poetry collection Mummy Eaters. Sherry tells us about the writing process behind her two works, grief, ancient history (including gruesome mummy practices), and shares some tips for juggling parenthood with writing and full time work. We also share some insight into the workshops Coptic Orphans provides to improve the psychological and emotional health of the families we serve in Egypt. You can find Sherry on her website, sherryshenoda.com, and Mummy Eaters is now available for purchase! For more episodes like this, make sure to follow Cool Copts: Doing Cool Things on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen!