Breaking Pita With Zee: Recent Episodes
Zahra Huber
In Breaking Pita With Zee, host Zahra Huber talks about her personal experiences growing up in the United States as an Arab-American Muslim woman. She also brings on guests to discuss current events involving Muslims or Arab Americans, as well as other topics such as dating, immigrant family traditions, food and the similarities between different cultures.
Have thoughts? Send Zahra a text!
In this episode, host Zahra Huber sits down with therapist Lilly Ismail to talk openly about the mental health stigmas that run deep in Arab and Arab-American communities.
From the fear of judgment and pressure to remain “strong,” to the silence around trauma, anxiety, and depression, they explore how these patterns form and why they persist. Lilly offers insight from her work and her own lived experiences, breaking down the difference between cultural values worth preserving and inherited beliefs we need to unlearn.
Have thoughts? Send Zahra a text!
What happens when a 41-year-old and a 75-year-old sit down to talk about dating? Turns out, more similarities than differences. In this episode, host Zahra Huber chats with 75-year-old Pam Bruno to compare notes on heartbreak, attraction, and what it really means to look for connection, no matter the decade.
Have thoughts? Send Zahra a text!
In this episode of Confessions of an Arab Woman, Zahra opens up about one of the most taboo topics in Arab culture: choosing not to have children.
She explores the expectations placed on women to become mothers, the guilt and judgment that follow those who opt out, and the quiet freedom that comes from defining womanhood on your own terms.
Have thoughts? Send Zahra a text!
In this episode, Zahra sits down with Palestinian activist, professor and comedian Amer Zahr for an honest conversation about the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Together, they trace the history that shaped the region, unpack the narratives often left out of mainstream discussions, and reflect on the human impact of decades of tension. Amer brings both personal perspective and historical insight, offering listeners a deeper understanding of a conflict that continues to affect millions.
Have thoughts? Send Zahra a text!
In this episode of Breaking Pita with Zee, host Zahra Huber sits down with Krystal Cope, a proud Jamaican, to explore the surprising similarities between the Arab and Jamaican cultures. From spirit-filled traditions to family-first values, they dive deep into the connections that make their worlds feel so familiar.
Have thoughts? Send Zahra a text!
Let’s talk about it - all of it. In this episode, host Zahra Huber sits with Lilly Ismail to dive deep into sex, marriage expectations, and divorce. Nothing’s off the table as they get real about the choices, challenges, and cultural conversations that shaped their upbringing and continue to influence their relationships today.
Have thoughts? Send Zahra a text!
In this episode, host Zahra Huber sits down with Ghassan Zeineddine, author of Dearborn, to discuss what inspired him to write about the city, how he selected each short story’s themes, and the process behind crafting his unforgettable characters.
Have thoughts? Send Zahra a text!
In this powerful episode of Breaking Pita with Zee, Zahra sits down with Omar Zahran to unpack what it was like being Arab in New York and in America during the aftermath of 9/11. From heightened stereotypes and discrimination to navigating identity and belonging, they dive deep into the personal stories, cultural challenges, and resilience of the Arab American community.
Have thoughts? Send Zahra a text!
"A Stranger in My Skin" explores what it means to belong everywhere and nowhere at once. In this episode, host Zahra Huber sits down with her sister, Rabab Alrayes, to talk about growing up Iraqi, raised in America – and the identity crisis that comes with balancing cultures, expectations, and the search for self.
In this solo episode, host Zahra Huber gives a little more insight into how reputation/people's opinions in the Arab community really played a major role in her life's biggest decisions -- such as taking the hijab off. Learn how she has overcome (mostly) that constant worry about what other people think.
The ideal body image in America is usually affected by media and society...but in the Arab culture, that pressure tends to come from parents, siblings and other family members who can be extremely blunt. In this episode, body positive dietician Samantha Barash talks about how that bluntness in the culture creates a negative environment and mindset for youth, which can stick with them their entire lives.
Creator of "Yes, I'm Hot in This", Huda Fahmy, says serious issues and experiences inspired her to start and create her comics. In this episode, Huda explains that she uses her art to display how how universal people's everyday problems, worries, and joys actually are.
You've seen it on social media: The eviction of Palestinian families from their homes. The death and injuries of hundreds of Palestinians in Israeli airstrikes and attacks. In this special episode, host Zahra Huber is joined by Imad Refai, a young man who lives in the West Bank, in Palestine, to talk about the most recent developments as well as what it's like to live in a country that sees death and fighting almost daily.
Why is it that when Arab-Americans are involved in mass shootings, it's called terrorism? But when it's a white man, he has mental health issues? Host Zahra Huber is joined by Nadia Bryant as the two talk about the verbiage around mass shootings and attacks that draw different pictures depending on the skin color and ethnicity of the shooter.
Author and body-positive activist Leah V joins host Zahra Huber to talk about her love-hate relationship with religion, weight and mental health, and where how she's come to find her voice and be comfortable with who she is.
In this episode, host Zahra Huber and guest Shayma Ghaleb discuss the new hijab ban in France -- how frustrating and disappointing it is for Muslims all around the world.
Hady Farhat has come a long way since he first started following his dream of being a male Arab makeup artist in the Dearborn community. In this episode, Hady discusses his struggles, the secrets, and the backlash he received throughout his journey.
What makes Dearborn, Dearborn? Home to the most concentrated Arab population outside of the Middle East, there are a number of things that stand out that make the city amazing and also a little... unique.
Host Zahra Huber is joined by her friend Sasha to list all the "Dearborn Things" that make us laugh, roll our eyes, shake our head, and also appreciate and love this city.
In this final episode of season 2, host Zahra Huber along with guests Neda Mohiedeen and Nadia Bryant, answer 20 questions that were submitted by followers on social media. Questions include: "Do you shower with your hijab" and "Are all Arabs Muslim?" Learn more about things you may have always wondered in "20 Questions With an Arab."
Meet Maya Hussein from London, Ontario. She's became a huge TikTok and Instagram personality through her funny videos imitating funny Arab traditions. She also posts videos that spotlight some of the differences between Arab and non-Arabs.
In this episode, Zahra is joined by Nadia Bryant and the two have a fun conversation about what it's like to date outside the Arab culture. The challenges, reactions from others, and of course the positive side to it.
Anthony Bryant, who is Mexican/Caucasian, married into a Lebanese family. In this episode, Anthony discusses a few traditions he was surprised by and had to get used to, plus some of the challenges that came along with it. He also talks about many of the similarities between the Arab and Mexican culture.
Sponsored by DÁMA DETROIT
DÁMA DETROIT is a female-owned clothing brand that offers stylish pieces for the modern hustler.
Masterchef contestant and baker Amanda Saab joins host Zahra Huber to talk about the one thing that unites us all -- FOOD -- specifically Arabic food! The two also discuss Amanda's journey into the baking/cooking world. Make sure not to listen on an empty stomach!
A Yemeni, a Lebanese and an Iraqi record a podcast -- and the three of them talk about "Colorism" -- and how Arabs from different countries discriminate against one another. Host Zahra Huber is joined by Shayma Ghaleb and Nadia Bryant who talk about how we all are the same race (Arab), yet there's such a divide amongst us.
Just weeks after finding out she's mostly Iranian, Zahra tries to understand her Persian roots. She hosts an episode with her high school Iranian friend, Mehrnoosh Torbatnejad, to talk about traditions, music, and Persian food. Is Zahra fit to be an Iranian? Find out!
What's it like to be an Arab-American comedian in the United States? Find out as Zahra is joined by Mike Eshaq.
In this episode, Zahra is joined by Sara Raad, a domestic violence survivor/advocate and poet. Sara tells her story about the abuse she endured in her marriage and some of the community backlash she receives for being outspoken about it.
(WARNING: There are some details that may be tough to listen to)
In this first episode of season 2, Zahra is joined by her sisters to discuss DNA results. It appears she's been living a lie!
In this season finale, host Zahra Huber sits down with Abdul El-Sayed, a former health director for the Detroit Health Department, to talk about mental health -- or the lack of it -- in the Arab-American communities. The two talked about why there's such a stigma surrounding mental illness and getting help, as well as what we can do as a community to change that.
Racism within the Arab culture/communities. It happens. Host Zahra Huber is joined by Namira Islam, Co-Founder of Muslim ARC (Anti-Racism Collaborative), who talks about issues within the community and what's being done to change it.
Arab-Americans are considered "white" on the US Census, but aren't treated as such in society. Host Zahra Huber is joined by comedian and law professor Amer Zahr, who tells us how it all came about and what's happening to change it.
What's it like to date an Arab-American Muslim? Host Zahra Huber is joined by her sister-in-law and friend, Tabatha Wydryck, on how life has changed since dating/marrying Zahra's brother.
In this episode, host Zahra Huber is joined by fellow Arab-American Dave Serio, a member of the LGBTQ community. He talks about what it's like coming out as an Arab-American gay man.
Engagement parties. Weddings. Marriage. Divorce -- that's what host Zahra Huber and guest, fellow Arab-American Narissa Ayoub, talk about in this episode. The two talk about serious topics but have a little fun with them!
What does it mean to wear a Hijab (headscarf)? Host Zahra Huber talks about all things Hijab with guests Rabab Alrayes and Zaenb Alshibil. Zahra and Rabab discuss why they chose to take it off, while Zaenb has decided to keep it on.
Why aren't there more Arab-American Muslim women in the media field? Host Zahra Huber is joined by Dana Afana to talk about how difficult it was to become a journalist, especially because their families disapproved of young women being in the field.
Vanilla bean hummus. Sheep's brain. Using a hose in the bathroom. In this episode, Zahra and her sister Rabab talk about Arab traditions that may seem strange to outsiders, but are completely normal to Arab Americans.
Host Zahra Huber is joined by Diana Hussein, a Lebanese American. The two talk about what it's like to date as Arab-American women. They share stories of sneaking out the house while younger and how their families' perceptions of dating has changed over the years.
This first episode gives listeners a little insight about the host, Zahra Huber, an Arab-American Muslim woman. Zahra moved to Dearborn, Michigan from New York City, which she felt was a "culture shock. "She says the segregation in the Detroit area is absurd and thinks it's important for people to mingle outside their culture/religion.