Best Roh Yakobi Podcasts (2024)

1
Thomas Barfield: Time to break up Afghanistan? (Part 1) 56:50

2M ago56:50

56:50

Professor Thomas Barfield is one of the preeminent experts on Afghanistan, having spent over five decades studying and writing on the country. He is the author of 'Afghanistan: A Cultural and Political History' and 'Shadow Empires,' among many others. In this interview, he talks about traveling around Afghanistan for the first time in 1971 and the …

1
Artemis Akbary: The costs of being gay in Afghanistan 1:03:23

3M ago1:03:23

1:03:23

Artemis Akbary is an LGBTIQ rights activist and the co-founder and Executive Director of the Afghan LGBT Organization (ALO), and a producer/presenter at Radio Ranginkaman. They have spoken and campaigned at various international gatherings about the plight of the LGBTIQ community in Afghanistan. In this moving interview, Artemis shares their person…

1
Thomas Ruttig: The untold story of Germany in Afghanistan (Part 2) 47:03

3M ago47:03

47:03

Thomas Ruttig is a co-founder of the Afghanistan Analysts Network. He has worked on and in Afghanistan since he graduated in Afghan Studies from Humboldt University, Berlin in 1985: as an East German (GDR) diplomat, including at the GDR Embassy in Kabul (1985-89), as political affairs officer for two United Nations missions in Afghanistan (2000-200…

1
Thomas Ruttig: The untold story of Germany in Afghanistan (Part 1) 43:56

3M ago43:56

43:56

Thomas Ruttig is a co-founder of the Afghanistan Analysts Network. He has worked on and in Afghanistan since he graduated in Afghan Studies from Humboldt University, Berlin in 1985: as an East German (GDR) diplomat, including at the GDR Embassy in Kabul (1985-89), as political affairs officer for two United Nations missions in Afghanistan (2000-200…

1
Fereshta Abbasi: I am lucky to be alive 1:09:25

3M ago1:09:25

1:09:25

Fereshta Abbasi is the Afghanistan Researcher at Human Rights Watch and a Chevening Scholar. Born a refugee in Iran, she was taken to Afghanistan as a child, where she pursued her education, eventually becoming a lawyer. In this interview, she shares her remarkable story and inspirational achievements. Subscribe through “Support the show” link belo…

1
Llewelyn Morgan: The Buddhas of Bamiyan 1:06:43

4M ago1:06:43

1:06:43

Llewelyn Morgan is a professor of Classics at the University of Oxford. He is the author of "The Buddhas of Bamiyan", a book that explores the long and complex history of the Buddha statues in Bamiyan, Afghanistan, and their eventual destruction in 2001. Professor Morgan has written extensively on Afghanistan, and in this interview, he discusses hi…

1
#17 On Zionism, therapy & adult-parent relationships: Daniel Mate talks healing from a famous father 1:10:31

4M ago1:10:31

1:10:31

This episode is with the musician, author & mental chiropractor & Palestine advocate, Daniel Mate. Daniel co-authored the renowned best-selling book, The Myth of Normal, with his father, Gabor Mate. The illustrious duo also run the workshop series, HELLO AGAIN: A Fresh Start For Parents and Their Adult Children and are co-writing a book by the same…

1
Franz-Michael Mellbin: Afghans were not good allies 1:23:58

4M ago1:23:58

1:23:58

Ambassador Franz-Michael Mellbin is a former EU Special Representative and Danish ambassador in Afghanistan. He played a central role in the implementation of the Danish and EU efforts in Afghanistan, from September 11, 2001, until the evacuation from Kabul. He assisted the Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations with the planning of US Afghanistan…

1
Andrew Quilty: Kabul was my hometown 1:14:56

4M ago1:14:56

1:14:56

Andrew Quilty is a multi-award-winning Australian photojournalist and the author of "August in Kabul". He lived and worked in Afghanistan for almost a decade, capturing and covering the country's stories. His work has been published globally. He was in Kabul the day the Taliban arrived in August 2021, riding his motorcycle and capturing their arriv…

1
#16 On being an Arab-Jew in a Zionist world: how anti-Zionist Jewish mystic Hadar Cohen navigates conflicting identities while honouring her faith 1:15:20

4M ago1:15:20

1:15:20

Hadar Cohen is an Arab Jewish scholar, mystic and artist whose work focuses on multi-religious spirituality, politics, social issues, and community building. She is the founder of malchut, a spiritual skill-building school teaching Jewish mysticism and direct experience of god. she teaches and consults in a variety of settings and formats, from one…

1
Pashtana Durrani: Afghanistan is not accepting its daughters 1:10:47

4M ago1:10:47

1:10:47

Born in a refugee camp in Pakistan, Pashtana Durrani is an Afghan human rights activist and the founder of LEARN Afghanistan, an NGO through which she runs undercover schools across the country. In this interview, she talks about her life and work. Her book, "Last to Eat, Last to Learn", is out now. 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gwLgJY4l9Wk …

1
Question Time: Your questions answered! 28:54

5M ago28:54

28:54

In this first Q&A episode, I attempt to answer some of your questions... 🌏 Get 10% discount on your first month of BetterHelp. BetterHelp is the world's largest online therapy service with more over 34,000 professional therapists. ➼ BetterHelp.com/TheAfgPod Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. Producer: Roh Yakobi Music ©: Dawood Sarkhosh Emai…

1
#15 On grief: why & how to get through it, with British-Libyan counsellor Hana El-Rais 1:13:43

5M ago1:13:43

1:13:43

Hana is a British-Libyan multifaceted creative, grief counsellor and end-of-life carer. She runs monthly grief circles called Permission to Grieve and works with clients 1-to-1. Using a holistic approach, including vibrational sound medicine, Hana strives to create a safe space for people to address & heal their loss. Hana draws on her own personal…

1
Zahra Nader: My mother begged schools to let me in 1:01:02

5M ago1:01:02

1:01:02

Born in Bamiyan, Zahra Nader is an award-winning journalist and the Editor-in-Chief of Zan Times, a media outlet focused on women and marginalised communities in Afghanistan. In this interview, she talks about her childhood, her struggles as a refugee in Iran, her life in Kabul and Canada, her experiences, and her dreams for her outlet and herself,…

1
Sima Samar: I have three strikes against me 1:00:26

5M ago1:00:26

1:00:26

Renowned for her decades of humanitarian work, providing health and education services to millions in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Sima Samar discusses her extraordinary life journey in this interview. She talks about her origins in a village in Hazarajat and her rise to become a globally recognised physician, activist, and politician. Her memoir, OUT…

1
#14 On damaging female stereotypes: writer Alya Mooro talks rejecting Western beauty standards and what she's packed in her mental health toolkit 1:11:10

5M ago1:11:10

1:11:10

Alya Mooro is the Egyptian born, London raised writer & best-selling author of The Greater Freedom: Life as a Middle Eastern Woman Outside the Stereotypes. Many of Alya’s Instagram followers will be familiar with her The Greater Conversation newsletter & community (& if you don’t, go sign up!) but did you know that Alya is also a TV producer with a…

1
Craig Whitlock: America and the lies of the Afghan War 1:11:42

5M ago1:11:42

1:11:42

Craig Whitlock is an investigative journalist at The Washington Post and the author of 'The Afghanistan Papers: A Secret History of the War'. The book, which offers a comprehensive examination of the deceptions, shortcomings, missteps, and misguided policies that characterised America's defeat in Afghanistan. In this interview, Craig discusses his …

1
Mir Tamim Ansary: I will never see Afghanistan again 1:05:35

6M ago1:05:35

1:05:35

Mir Tamim Ansary is an Afghan-American author who left Afghanistan in the early 1960s. He has written many books, including "West of Kabul, East of New York", "Games Without Rules", "Destiny Disrupted: A History of The World Through Islamic Eyes" and "The Invention of Tomorrow". In this interview he talks about his childhood in Afghanistan, his ext…

1
#13 On art therapy and trauma: Palestinian therapist Tasha Matar on how art can help communicate the unspeakable 1:05:42

6M ago1:05:42

1:05:42

This week’s conversation is with Palestinian-Polish @thehumanitariantherapist, Tasha Matar. Tasha is therapist living in Canada who specializes in generational wounds, including struggles with belonging, diasporic grief and complex trauma. Raised in Canada to a Polish mother and a Palestinian father, Tasha understands the third culture life and its…

1
Larisa Brown: The Gardner of Lashkar Gah 37:31

6M ago37:31

37:31

Larisa Brown is a British journalist and author. She is currently the defence editor at The Times newspaper. In this interview, she talks about her book, The Gardener of Lashkar Gah, which tells the extraordinary story of Shaista Gul, a man who worked at a British military base in Helmand as a gardener, and his son, Jamal, who worked as an interpre…

1
Tobias Ellwood: We should engage with the Taliban in Kabul 46:36

6M ago46:36

46:36

Tobias Ellwood is a Conservative member of the British Parliament and a former chair of the House of Commons' Defence Select Committee. In July 2023, he visited Afghanistan, following which he called for engagement with the Taliban, causing an uproar, with many criticising his stance. As a result, he resigned as chair of the Defence Select Committe…

1
#12 On Gaza: a British doctor talks about the challenges of humanitarian activism and the purpose it brings him 1:03:34

6M ago1:03:34

1:03:34

Dr Omar Abdel-Mannan is a British Egyptian paediatric neurologist and humanitarian activist who has been leading a global civil society movement for the protection of healthcare workers in Palestine amid the ongoing bombardment of Gaza by Israeli forces. In this episode of Third Culture Therapy, Omar talks about the mental and emotional toll witnes…

1
Heather Barr: How dare we give up on Afghan women and girls 59:45

6M ago59:45

59:45

Heather Barr is associate director of the Women's Rights Division at Human Rights Watch. She worked in Afghanistan for over a decade for the UN and Human Rights Watch. In this interview she reflects on her time in the country, her work and views on the current situation. 🌏 Get 10% discount on your first month of BetterHelp. BetterHelp is the world'…

1
Wendy Chamberlain MP: There are concerns Afghanistan is growing the next generation of terrorists 25:30

7M ago25:30

25:30

Wendy Chamberlain MP is a Liberal Democrat member of the British parliament. She is the co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Afghan Women and Girls and has been a strong voice for the cause of women and girls in Afghanistan. In this interview she talks about her work on Afghanistan, her views and concerns. Send us a Text Message. Suppo…

1
Johnny Mercer MP: Afghanistan is deeply intoxicating 37:13

7M ago37:13

37:13

Johnny Mercer is Britain's Minister for Veterans' Affairs. He served three tours in Afghanistan as an army officer. In this interview, he talks about his time in Afghanistan, his views on the Taliban and the current situation in the country and stories of fighting the group in Helmand. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. Producer: Roh Yakobi …

1
David Loyn: Engagement has failed, the West should support alternatives to the Taliban 1:04:16

7M ago1:04:16

1:04:16

David Loyn is a renowned British journalist and author who specialises in Afghanistan, with decades of experience in the country and the region as a BBC correspondent. He worked as an advisor to Ashraf Ghani's government for a year after leaving the BBC. In this interview, he shares his insights, analysis, and thoughts on the situation in the count…

1
Charlie Herbert: Persecution of the Hazaras is the untold story of Afghanistan 1:02:54

8M ago1:02:54

1:02:54

Major General Charlie Herbert served multiple tours in Afghanistan and led British forces in Helmand province. He also served in other capacities, working with Afghan government ministries and leaders. In this interview, he shares his insights, thoughts, and stories about what happened during the 20-year Western involvement in the country and what …

1
Stephan Jensen: I cried in an Oslo cafe when Kabul fell to the Taliban 1:02:14

8M ago1:02:14

1:02:14

Stephan Jensen is a former Norwegian army officer who served in Afghanistan's northern provinces of Faryab and Balkh (Mazar-i-Sharif). Currently, he is working on a book detailing the history of the War in Afghanistan. In this interview, Jensen discusses his experiences during his time in the country, provides an analysis of what went wrong, and ex…

1
Dr Habiba Sarabi: We must rely on our own abilities to change Afghanistan 1:10:50

8M ago1:10:50

1:10:50

Dr Habiba Sarabi is the former Minister of Women's Affairs in Afghanistan and was the first woman to hold a governorship in the country, serving as the governor of Bamiyan Province. She was also a part of the delegation negotiating with the Taliban before the group's return to power in August 2021. In this interview she talks about her childhood, h…

1
Jason Criss Howk: Time is running out for Afghanistan 54:41

8M ago54:41

54:41

Jason Criss Howk has spent 21 years focused on Afghanistan in defence, diplomacy, academic, humanitarian, and intelligence roles. He is the director of Global Friends of Afghanistan, a frequently published writer, and guest lectures at American University and the USMC War College. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. Producer: Roh Yakobi Music…

1
Mohsin Dawar: Pashtuns who support the Taliban are harming Afghanistan 51:34

8M ago51:34

51:34

Mohsin Dawar is a Pakistani politician who leads the political party called the National Democratic Movement. He previously served as a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan from August 2018 to August 2023. Dawar has been a staunch critic of the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan, accusing them of being proxies of the Pakistani military. In …

1
Fawzia Koofi: My bags are still packed 1:00:41

9M ago1:00:41

1:00:41

Fawzia Koofi has been a prominent figure in Afghanistan's politics and a women's rights activist. She served a member and the first female Deputy Speaker of parliament before the Taliban's recapture of the country. In this interview she talks about her childhood, life in politics, negotiating with the Taliban and leaving Afghanistan. Send us a Text…

1
Refugees in Indonesia: Betrayed and forgotten 55:53

9M ago55:53

55:53

Hussain Shah Rezai fled Afghanistan when he was a teenager almost ten years ago. He is one of over ten thousand refugees from Afghanistan stuck in appalling and inhumane conditions in Indonesia. In this episode, Hussain tells his and their story. Hussain on X: @HussainS_Rezaie Warning: This episode contains a discussion on mental health issues. If …

1
Sir Laurie Bristow: We are utterly wrong to think Afghanistan's story is over 1:02:08

9M ago1:02:08

1:02:08

Sir Laurie Bristow was the British ambassador to Afghanistan during the Taliban's takeover in August 2021. In this interview, he talks about living and working through those chaotic days, the factors leading to them, and what he thinks about the situation in the country now. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. Producer: Roh Yakobi Music ©: Da…

1
Mozhdah Jamalzadah: I am a rebel and I can't be told to shut up 53:39

9M ago53:39

53:39

Mozhdah Jamalzadah is a singer, actor and campaigner. In this interview, she talks about leaving Afghanistan as a young child, the challenges of settling in Canada, pursuing music, acting, working in Afghanistan, and her interest in politics. Subscribe/Support: https://bit.ly/3QhklBg Send us a Text Message. Support the Show. Producer: Roh Yakobi Mu…

1
Levison Wood: Afghanistan has a special place in my heart 44:24

10M ago44:24

44:24

Levison Wood is a British a writer, explorer and photographer. He first walked through Afghanistan in 2004 and then served as a soldier in southern Afghanistan. His latest book, Escape from Kabul, gives a riveting account of the fall of Afghanistan into the hands of the Taliban and the chaotic evacuation of Kabul in August 2021. Send us a Text Mess…

1
Shakardokht Jafari: Not trying is the biggest sin 1:01:09

10M ago1:01:09

1:01:09

Shakardokht (Shakar) is a medical physicist and multi award-winning innovator, based in the UK. Born in Afghanistan's central highlands of Hazarajat, Shakardokht became a refugee in Iran aged 6. Resisting repeated pressures to accept arranged marriages as a schoolgirl, she studied hard and managed to enter the Tehran University. In 2010, she arrive…

1
#11 Damascus Dispatch: Layla visits Syria and shares some realities about the war-torn place and how to manage the post-visit pains in diaspora 41:11

1y ago41:11

41:11

In this episode, I share some of my reflections on my recent trip to Damascus, the place my mother was born and raised in, the place I spent all my childhood summers, the place I have some of my most loving and joyful memories and the place that is at the heart of one of the worst wars of the past century. Here is where I answer some of the many qu…

1
#10 On virtual healing: Iranian-Canadian tech CEO Amir talks about the power of VR to help with cognitive disorders and to improve mental function 1:04:31

1y ago1:04:31

1:04:31

Amir Bozorgzadeh is the cofounder and CEO at Virtuleap, a startup that combines neuroscience with virtual reality (VR) to help increase attention levels and address cognitive disorders, such as ADD/ADHD, addiction and phobias. Born and raised in Canada to Iranian parents, Amir worked in the UAE for over a decade and is now based in Spain. In this e…

1
#09 On culturally sensitive therapy: Emirati therapist Reema talks finding belonging in an ever-changing city 1:11:53

1y ago1:11:53

1:11:53

Dubai-born Reema Baniabbasi is a USA-trained counselling psychologist from the United Arab Emirates. On this episode, Reema shares how she felt a "raw disintegration" after returning to her city of Dubai following 10 years abroad to find it dramatically changed. The therapist reflects on the ongoing developments within the mental health space in he…

1
#08 On fleeing the Taliban: Hazara-Brit Roh Yakobi talks about fighting his inner demons in the UK & finding peace in political activism 1:17:21

1y ago1:17:21

1:17:21

Hazara-Brit Roh Yakobi fled Afghanistan as a young man after being tortured by the Taliban and is now a UK-based activist and journalist and is currently standing to be selected as the Labour Party's parliamentary candidate for Shrewsbury and Atcham. In this episode, Roh talks about running from danger, the struggle to find inner peace in safety an…

1
#07a Reflections on the conversation with Karina 8:12

1y ago8:12

8:12

Host Layla Maghribi shares her thoughts on Karina's conversation about what it means to be Russian and reflects on her own assumptions and hang-ups about Russia. Layla also reflects on the emotional and mental burden of being associated with your country's politics and leaders, particularly when they aren't popular, and the effect that has.…

1
#07 On politics, history and trauma: Russian-Dutch Karina talks about her post-USSR childhood and how the war in Ukraine raises questions about her identity 59:23

1y ago59:23

59:23

Karina Carter is a Russian-Dutch-Brit who has called 9 countries home! She’s actually just about to make Indonesia her next stop so glad I caught her while I could. Karina grew up in 1990s post-Soviet Union Russia at a time of widespread crisis and misery. Her grandmother died by su!c!de, her father left the family with mountains of debt, Russian m…

1
#06a Reflections on the conversation with Bhanu 10:50

1y ago10:50

10:50

Host Layla Maghribi shares her musings on the episode with a round-up what Bhanu shared about growing up between cultures and not completely fitting in either 'back home' or in one's adopted home. Layla also questions what societal 'norms' really are and where they come from with a look at how many of our contemporary beliefs or views, including ab…

1
#06 On belonging: Swedish-Indian Bhanu Bhatnagar talks not feeling ‘Indian enough’, the gift of yoga & how the practise helped him come out as gay 1:00:43

1y ago1:00:43

1:00:43

Bhanu Bhatnagar is your textbook Third Culture Kid. Born in Sweden to Indian parents, Bhanu was raised between Stockholm and Delhi and has lived around the world. A former journalist for over a decade, Bhanu is now in charge of press and media relations for the World Health Organisation's regional office for Europe. In this episode, Bhanu talks abo…

1
#05a Reflections on the conversation with Shaman Louisa 17:30

1y ago17:30

17:30

Host Layla Maghribi recaps some of what Louisa said in her episode and shares her own personal journey with Ayahuasca and what she experienced and discovered along the way.

1
#05 (Part 2) Ayahuasca shaman Louisa talks about how the psychoactive plant brew 'saved her life' and why she learned the ancient practise 1:06:26

1y ago1:06:26

1:06:26

In part 1, Louisa spoke about her youth growing up in Iraq amid two wars, seeking asylum in The Netherlands as an adult and her later struggles with anxiety, PTSD and addiction. In part 2, Louisa talks about her healing journey with the ancient South American psychoactive brewed drink, Ayahuasca, and how it helped heal her mental and emotional heal…

1
#05 (Part 1) On asylum and Ayahuasca: an Iraqi shaman talks about being refugee, battling addiction and healing with the ancient plant medicine 58:39

1y ago58:39

58:39

Louisa is an Iraqi Ayahuasca shaman and healer who trained in the Amazon jungle of Peru. After fleeing Baghdad during the first gulf war, Louisa sought asylum in The Netherlands. Louisa’s traumatic experiences of war and an eight-year asylum process in Europe impacted her mental and emotional health for many years, and she suffered from paranoia, a…

1
#04a Reflections on the conversation with Jihad 16:09

1+ y ago16:09

16:09

Host Layla Maghribi reflects on Jihad's episode and shares her own story of grief after losing her father to cancer in her 20s and why it took her a long time to properly heal from it.

1
#04 On grieving family and country: British-Lebanese Jihad talks mourning, therapy and how living as a gay man in Lebanon is activism 1:02:48

1+ y ago1:02:48

1:02:48

Jihad is a British-Lebanese multimedia producer who was raised between Sierra Leone and the UK. In this episode, he talks about the intense grief and depression he experienced after his mother’s death from cancer, and how therapy helped him overcome the symptoms of PTSD that followed. He also speaks about surviving Lebanon's many compounding traged…

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