Breaking Pita With Zee artwork

Breaking Pita With Zee

31 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 29 ratings

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.

Relationships Society & Culture Religion & Spirituality Islam arab american muslim michigan new york city dating marriage mental health u.s. census food
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Episodes

F*** What They Think: A Solo Conversation About Reputation

June 14, 2021 11:00 - 20 minutes - 13.8 MB

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. 

Body Image in the Arab Culture with Samantha Brash

May 31, 2021 12:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MB

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.

Misadventures of a Slightly Warm, Muslim-American Comic Creator, Huda Fahmy

May 24, 2021 12:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MB

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. 

The Palestinian Plight - A Conversation with Imad Refai

May 18, 2021 12:00 - 37 minutes - 26.1 MB

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. 

The Labeling of Mass Shooters: Terrorism Vs. Mentally Ill

May 10, 2021 12:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MB

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.

"Unashamed: Musings of a Fat, Black Muslim" with Leah V

May 03, 2021 12:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MB

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.

The France Hijab Ban with Shayma Ghaleb

April 26, 2021 12:00 - 25 minutes - 17.9 MB

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.

Overcoming the Taboo: Hady on Being an Arab Male Makeup Artist

April 19, 2021 12:00 - 46 minutes - 31.8 MB

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. 

#DearbornThings

April 12, 2021 12:00 - 45 minutes - 31.1 MB

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. 

20 Questions With an Arab

December 07, 2020 13:00 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MB

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."

When Arab Meets TikTok

November 30, 2020 13:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MB

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. 

Dating Outside the Arab Culture

November 09, 2020 13:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MB

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. 

Hummus & Tamales: A True Love Story

November 02, 2020 13:00 - 34 minutes - 24 MB

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. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a pur...

Yallah, Let's Eat!

October 26, 2020 12:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MB

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!

We All Say "Marhaba"

October 19, 2020 12:00 - 50 minutes - 34.4 MB

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.

Finding My Roots - How to Be Iranian

October 12, 2020 12:00 - 39 minutes - 26.9 MB

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!

The Life of an Arab-American Comedian

October 05, 2020 12:00 - 18 minutes - 13 MB

What's it like to be an Arab-American comedian in the United States? Find out as Zahra is joined by Mike Eshaq. 

The Secret World of Domestic Violence

September 28, 2020 12:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MB

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)

Who Am I?

September 22, 2020 14:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MB

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!

'I Don't Need Help': Taking on Arab Mental Health Stigma

November 25, 2019 14:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MB

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. 

The "A" Word: Racism in the Arab World

November 18, 2019 13:00 - 23 minutes - 16 MB

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. 

US Census: I'm Not White!

November 11, 2019 13:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MB

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. 

Love & Dabke: Dating an Arab

November 04, 2019 13:00 - 32 minutes - 22.5 MB

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. 

Queer Arab Life

October 28, 2019 12:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MB

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. 

Wild, Wild Weddings

October 21, 2019 12:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MB

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!

Wild, Wild Weddings

October 21, 2019 12:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MB

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's That "Thing" On Your Head?

October 14, 2019 12:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MB

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. 

Journalism: The Forbidden Field

October 07, 2019 12:00 - 22 minutes - 15.6 MB

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. 

Weird Arab S***

September 30, 2019 12:00 - 23 minutes - 16.1 MB

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. 

Dating While Arab

September 23, 2019 12:00 - 25 minutes - 17.9 MB

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. 

Breaking Pita With Zee: Introduction

September 13, 2019 15:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MB

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.