Well Rooted

Haneen Jarrar

Well Rooted is a platform dedicated to uplifting and celebrating MENA entrepreneurs, creatives, and industry leaders. Each episode dives into the journeys of inspiring individuals who are breaking barriers, building legacies, and making an impact in their fields. From artists and innovators to business visionaries, our guests share their stories, insights, and strategies for success. Whether you're seeking motivation, practical advice, or a deeper connection to the MENA community, Well Rooted Podcast is here to fuel your dreams and help you grow.

  1. 2H AGO

    SOLO Recap | The Cultural Impact of the Bad Bunny Bowl, Rolla Selbak's Creative Defiance, and Leaving Comfort Behind

    In this solo episode, we reflect on the cultural impact of the Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show-what it revealed about language, identity, and who gets to take up space on global stages. We also recall our recent conversation with filmmaker, Rolla Selbak and our discussion on narrative ownership, creative risk, and telling stories that push boundaries. At its core, this episode is about why growth, personally and culturally, requires us to try new things and step outside our comfort zones. Because real change, in art and in life, usually starts where comfort ends.   Follow Well Rooted on Instagram HERE

    14 min

  2. FEB 4

    Rolla Selbak on Palestinian Cinema, Industry Censorship, and Shooting The Visitor with Watermelon Pictures

    In this episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Palestinian filmmaker Rolla Selbak on the brink of herrr next chapter - preparing to shoot her upcoming film The Visitor in collaboration with Watermelon Pictures. Rolla reflects on her journey through the film and entertainment industry, from navigating and resisting deeply ingrained stereotypes of Arabs and Muslims to the professional cost of standing firmly with Palestine, including being let go by CAA for refusing to stay silent. We trace her earliest memories of Arab cinema and art, the images and stories that shaped her creative consciousness, and how those roots continue to guide her work today. This conversation is about redemption through truth - what it means to reclaim one's voice after erasure, to create without apology, and to stand fully in alignment with who you are, even when the industry pushes back. We go deep into the systemic censorship of Palestinian voices, the limits placed on "acceptable" narratives, and the responsibility of artists to humanitarian and political causes in moments of global reckoning. A powerful, honest dialogue on narrative ownership, creative courage, and what it means to tell our stories on our own terms - no permission required.   To follow Rolla on Instagram, click HERE To learn more about the Safina Film Project, click HERE To follow Well Rooted on Instagram, click HERE To learn more about how Jarrar & Associates can help you grow your business, click HERE

    56 min

  3. JAN 28

    SOLO | Sinners, Arab Influencers, and Why Representation is no Longer Enough

    In the first solo episode of the season, Well Rooted begins with a reckoning. Host Haneen Jarrar introduces this year's guiding theme, narrative sovereignty, and unpacks the critical difference between being represented and truly owning your story. From Arab influencers who profit while upholding the very systems that oppress our communities, to Watermelon Pictures, the Palestinian production house that powerfully models what it looks like to build alternative systems that actually serve us, this episode interrogates who gets visibility, who gets power, and who gets left behind. The conversation also turns to Hollywood, specifically Ryan Coogler, and what happens when legacy institutions come face to face with narrative ownership they don't control. This episode sets the foundation for the season ahead and leads directly into next week's first interview of the year with filmmaker Rolla Selbak, where narrative sovereignty moves from theory into lived practice.   This isn't about optics-it's about power, and we're coming for it.

    19 min

  4. 12/23/2025

    Lauren Harb of Harem Modern on Moroccan Rugs, Heritage, and Authentic Brand-Building - ICYMI

    In this episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Lauren Harb, founder of Harem Modern, to explore the intersection of heritage, craftsmanship, and modern entrepreneurship. Lauren shares how her Palestinian-American identity and her family's deep roots in the textile world inspired her to create a brand centered on luxurious, handcrafted Moroccan rugs made by local artisans. She opens up about the realities of building a values-driven business over the past year—the challenges, the growth, and the moments that reaffirmed her vision. This conversation is a reflection on honoring tradition while creating something distinctly contemporary, and what it truly means to build a brand that's rooted in culture.   To shop Harem Modern click HERE To follow Harem Modern on Instagram click HERE To follow Well Rooted on Instagram click HERE To learn more about Jarrar & Associates and schedule your free consultation click HERE

    33 min

  5. 12/05/2025

    From Content Creator to Global Comedian: Nasser Al-Rayess on Arab Culture, Red Flags, and the Perfect Shawarma

    In this week's podcast episode, we sit down with Syrian-American comedian and viral content creator Nasser Al-Rayess—widely known as the "Shawarma King." Nasser opens up about his incredible rise from making comedy sketches online to headlining a global stand-up comedy tour. He shares practical advice for aspiring comedians, creators, and anyone chasing a creative career, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, cultural identity, and staying true to your values. We also dive into relationship red flags, the real secret behind perfect shawarma, and the behind-the-scenes moments that shaped his comedy journey. Packed with laughs, storytelling, and actionable insight, this episode is a must-listen for fans of stand-up comedy, Middle Eastern creators, and anyone looking for creative inspiration.   To learn more about Nasser's upcoming tour dates, click HERE To follow Nasser on Instagram, click HERE To follow Well Rooted on Instagram, click HERE To learn more about how Jarrar & Associates CPAs can help you follow your dreams, click HERE

    44 min

  6. 11/02/2025

    Beyond the Lens: Shahed Khaddash on Film, Identity, and Resistance

    In this re-released episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Shahed Khaddash — a Palestinian-American director and producer whose work is redefining how stories from our communities are told. With an eye for truth and authenticity, Shahed has collaborated with powerhouse brands like OLAY, Lexus, and Elle Magazine, crafting visual stories that bridge cultures and challenge stereotypes. We explore her groundbreaking approach to storytelling — from her highly anticipated Palestinian docuseries to an upcoming HBO project that's turning heads in the industry. Shahed opens up about her creative journey, her mission to amplify Palestinian voices, and how film can be used as a radical act of visibility and empowerment.  This episode is a powerful reminder that storytelling isn't just art — it's resistance, representation, and revolution. Don't miss it.   Follow Shahed Khaddash on Instagram HERE Follow Well Rooted on Instagram HERE To learn more about Jarrar & Associates and schedule your free consultation, click HERE

    51 min

  7. 10/10/2025

    Nael Atweh on Building Grass Fed Music: Artist Development, R&B Innovation, and Redefining the Music Industry"

    In this re-release episode of Well Rooted, host Haneen Jarrar sits down with Nael Atweh, founder and president of Grass Fed Music, to dive into the world of music industry innovation and artist development. Known for discovering and nurturing top-tier talent, Nael represents breakout R&B star Sabrina Claudio and DJ Habibeats, a cultural icon shaping today's global music scene. Nael opens up about his journey in talent management, his passion for developing authentic artists, and the inspiration behind launching Grass Fed Music with his wife and partner Alyce Hayek, who serves as the company's vice president. Together, they've built a powerhouse label redefining what it means to build a sustainable, independent music career. Tune in to learn how Nael identifies raw talent, creates viral hits, and helps artists thrive in an ever-evolving music landscape — and discover what it really takes to succeed in the modern music business.   Learn more about Grass Fed Music HERE   Watch the full episode on YouTube HERE   Learn more about Jarrar & Associates and book your free consultation HERE

    47 min

  8. 09/25/2025

    Unapologetically Alana Hadid-Power, Protest, and Burning it all Down

    In this powerful and unfiltered episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Alana Hadid — a sustainable fashion icon, model, creative director of Watermelon Pictures, soon-to-be two-time author, activist, and proud member of the prestigious and deeply respected Palestinian Hadid family. Alana opens up about reclaiming narratives, the inevitable evolution we've all experienced over the past two years, the personal and professional cost of speaking her undeniable truth, and what it means to stay rooted in justice when the world demands silence. We talk about the urgency of decolonizing our minds, why we're done softening our voices to make others comfortable, and the fundamental failures of a school system that prioritizes the suffering of some over global understanding and awareness. This episode is a love letter to those who refuse to look away — a fierce reminder that there is no liberation without truth. And we're no longer qualifying our statements in the face of fascism.

    1h 4m
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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Well Rooted is a platform dedicated to uplifting and celebrating MENA entrepreneurs, creatives, and industry leaders. Each episode dives into the journeys of inspiring individuals who are breaking barriers, building legacies, and making an impact in their fields. From artists and innovators to business visionaries, our guests share their stories, insights, and strategies for success. Whether you're seeking motivation, practical advice, or a deeper connection to the MENA community, Well Rooted Podcast is here to fuel your dreams and help you grow.

Information

  • Creator
    Haneen Jarrar
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    Well Rooted