Review by Coretta Lemaitre

The Short 

An inclusive podcast discussing topics culturally considered shameful.

The Long 

In 2016, Ramsey Tesdell and Ban Barkawi launched “Eib” while living in Jordan. Tesdell is the co-founder of the podcasting platform “Sowt” or “Voice,” and Barkawi is a Middle East Correspondent for Reuters. As the son of an Arab mother and an American father, Tesdell has experienced discrimination based on patriarchal definitions of citizenship. Since his mother is Arab but his father is not, Tesdell encounters many people who reject the idea that he is Arab. The podcast creates a courageous space for guests and listeners to listen to real human experiences like Tesdell’s that are often kept quiet. What sets Eib apart are the guests’ honest stories and the hosts’ willingness to go beyond culturally “acceptable” topics to explore identity, gender, sexuality, interfaith marriage and other themes.

To listen or not to listen? 

Listen! This podcast invites listeners to explore a rich range of topics with an open mind, learning from the stories of the podcast’s hosts and guests.