A2 THE SHOW #596On this episode of A2 THE SHOW, we’re joined by Chaker Bou Abdalla, a Lebanese stand-up comedian, actor, and writer known for his deadpan, existential humor. He reflects on his journey from graphic design to comedy, the evolution of stand-up in Lebanon, and the challenges of freedom of expression, cultural sensitivity, and stage anxiety. With sharp wit and quiet intensity, Chaker shares how humor helps navigate personal struggles, generational trauma, and the absurd realities of life—on and off the stage.⭐ Instagram: @chaker_bou_abdalla 🔔Please visit our website to get more information: https://a2theshow.com/a2-the-show/⏰Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction06:17 - Why new ideas face resistance12:59 - Creativity, carpentry & calm19:39 - Teaching, creativity & fishing25:08 - Handling stage anxiety31:01 - Belonging, stress & identity38:31 - Chaker’s path to comedy45:38 - Dealing with tough audiences51:18 - Language, culture & Lebanon56:19 - Comedy as healing1:01:59 - Animated shows with deep themes1:07:38 - Performing across cultures1:13:06 - Finding humor in daily life1:19:05 - Detachment & personal growth1:24:28 - Life pressure in your 20s🔔Get on an unforgettable adventure with 'A2 The Show'! From inspiring resilience to tickling your funny bone, our podcast is your beacon in the mental health fog.https://www.youtube.com/@A2TheShow/?sub_confirmation=1 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Audio Music is currently on your favorite platforms:👉Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/2GQye3rZo6oMf7bMXNyXy7?si=BZmmuvLjT6afpYRsVovWUg&nd=1&dlsi=2e7ed237a1b04221 👉ApplePodcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a2-the-show/id1516414362✨Buy us a coffee at https://ko-fi.com/a2theshow 🔗 Linktreehttps://linktr.ee/a2theshow ✅ Stay Connected With Us.👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a2theshow 👉Threads: https://www.threads.net/@a2theshow 👉Website: https://a2theshow.com/a2-the-show/ ✅ For Business Inquiries: asquaredtheshow@gmail.com =============================✅ Recommended Playlists👉 A² - Psychologyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8R-GSmOLFA&list=PLJSbTfMFhOybbbcU4kKikwrRffQBtza6P&pp=iAQB 👉 A² Trendinghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFCtqEzRZQ8&list=PLJSbTfMFhOyYDfEnLdM2FmO2LBnjd57SY&pp=iAQB ✅ Other Videos You Might Be Interested In Watching: 👉 From Architecture to Cinema: Storytelling, Sisterhood & Creative Freedom | Mounia Akl https://shorturl.at/ZSaJ5👉 From Somalia to Dubai: Comedy Across Cultures | Ismail Abdi https://shorturl.at/FF8Ro👉 A Sad & Beautiful World | Cyril Aris https://shorturl.at/ziqDN=============================✅ About A2 The Show.Welcome to "A² The Show" – your ticket to the human mind's wild rollercoaster! We're a crew of pals from Lebanon, now globally scattered, who combat homesickness with friendship, gaming, fiery chats, and a sprinkle of controversy.Our podcast is more than just words; it's a fun-fueled rebellion against the everyday and a beacon in the mental health fog. With a diverse lineup of guests who've braved the depths of the human psyche, we're here to inspire resilience, provoke thought, and tickle your funny bone.So strap in for a journey through the human mind's crazy maze. It's like your favorite video game, but the cheat codes are science, empathy, and a dash of madness. Dive into "A² The Show" – your unforgettable adventure starts here!Ride the digital waves with us on social media: @a2theshowAli The Professor @alitheprofessor alitheprofessor.comSaeed El Jammal @saeedjay97For Collaboration and Business inquiries, please use the contact information below:📩 Email: asquaredtheshow@gmail.com

A2 THE SHOW #595 Our next guest is Mounia Akl, a Lebanese director and writer whose journey from architecture to filmmaking is driven by a deep passion for storytelling. Known for her acclaimed debut feature Costa Brava, Lebanon, Mounia joins us to talk about trusting the creative process, balancing hope and cynicism, and telling intimate human stories against larger social and environmental realities. In this episode, we explore family and sisterhood, collaboration and creative freedom, the emotional truth behind character-driven films, and how filmmaking can build empathy across cultures—all while reflecting on love, vulnerability, and the importance of peace.⭐WEBSITE: https://www.mouniaakl.com/about⭐IG: mounia.akl🔔Please visit our website to get more information: https://a2theshow.com/a2-the-show/⏰Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction06:56 – Trusting the process & overcoming challenges13:29 – Balancing hope and cynicism19:58 – Sisterhood & personal growth26:04 – Music, memory, and influence33:59 – Collaboration, respect & character in filmmaking39:40 – Female empowerment through collaboration45:41 – Adapting creatively during the pandemic51:48 – The power of natural performances from kids57:19 – Finding truth in storytelling1:03:13 – Shared vision in collaboration1:06:56 – Creative freedom & successful projects1:13:05 – Connecting with audiences across cultures1:20:35 – An emotionally powerful filming experience1:26:42 – Navigating love & relationships1:32:32 – Favorite films & upcoming releases🔔Get on an unforgettable adventure with 'A2 The Show'! From inspiring resilience to tickling your funny bone, our podcast is your beacon in the mental health fog.https://www.youtube.com/@A2TheShow/?sub_confirmation=1 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Audio Music is currently on your favorite platforms:👉Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/2GQye3rZo6oMf7bMXNyXy7?si=BZmmuvLjT6afpYRsVovWUg&nd=1&dlsi=2e7ed237a1b04221 👉ApplePodcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a2-the-show/id1516414362✨Buy us a coffee at https://ko-fi.com/a2theshow 🔗 Linktreehttps://linktr.ee/a2theshow ✅ Stay Connected With Us.👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a2theshow 👉Threads: https://www.threads.net/@a2theshow 👉Website: https://a2theshow.com/a2-the-show/ ✅ For Business Inquiries: asquaredtheshow@gmail.com =============================✅ Recommended Playlists👉 A² - Psychologyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8R-GSmOLFA&list=PLJSbTfMFhOybbbcU4kKikwrRffQBtza6P&pp=iAQB 👉 A² Trendinghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFCtqEzRZQ8&list=PLJSbTfMFhOyYDfEnLdM2FmO2LBnjd57SY&pp=iAQB ✅ Other Videos You Might Be Interested In Watching: 👉 From Somalia to Dubai: Comedy Across Cultures | Ismail Abdi https://shorturl.at/FF8Ro👉 A Sad & Beautiful World | Cyril Aris https://shorturl.at/ziqDN👉 Why Connection Matters More Than Ever | Dr. Bruce Perry https://shorturl.at/Xjbhl=============================✅ About A2 The Show.Welcome to "A² The Show" – your ticket to the human mind's wild rollercoaster! We're a crew of pals from Lebanon, now globally scattered, who combat homesickness with friendship, gaming, fiery chats, and a sprinkle of controversy.Our podcast is more than just words; it's a fun-fueled rebellion against the everyday and a beacon in the mental health fog. With a diverse lineup of guests who've braved the depths of the human psyche, we're here to inspire resilience, provoke thought, and tickle your funny bone.So strap in for a journey through the human mind's crazy maze. It's like your favorite video game, but the cheat codes are science, empathy, and a dash of madness. Dive into "A² The Show" – your unforgettable adventure starts here!Ride the digital waves with us on social media: @a2theshowAli The Professor @alitheprofessor alitheprofessor.comSaeed El Jammal @saeedjay97For Collaboration and Business inquiries, please use the contact information below:📩 Email: asquaredtheshow@gmail.com

A2 THE SHOW #594 Our next guest is Ismail Abdi — a stand-up comedian and social content creator known for his sharp, culturally relevant humor. In this episode, we dive into expat life, World Cup stories, cultural identity, Somali representation, stereotypes, and racism, as well as Dubai’s evolving comedy scene. Ismail also shares how he handles criticism, finds inspiration, and uses comedy as a joyful way to connect people across cultures.⭐INSTAGRAM: @Ismailcomic 🔔Please visit our website to get more information: https://a2theshow.com/a2-the-show/⏰Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction05:54 - Identity & Culture Clash11:58 - Flex Culture & Image17:33 - Ice Cream & Indulgence22:40 - Handling Criticism with Humor28:00 - Ethnicity & Assumptions33:30 - Somalia Stereotypes38:38 - Media Representation44:02 - Airport Comedy Moment49:31 - Somalia & Dubai Comedy Scene55:08 - Unique Expressions🔔Get on an unforgettable adventure with 'A2 The Show'! From inspiring resilience to tickling your funny bone, our podcast is your beacon in the mental health fog.https://www.youtube.com/@A2TheShow/?sub_confirmation=1 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Audio Music is currently on your favorite platforms:👉Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/2GQye3rZo6oMf7bMXNyXy7?si=BZmmuvLjT6afpYRsVovWUg&nd=1&dlsi=2e7ed237a1b04221 👉ApplePodcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a2-the-show/id1516414362✨Buy us a coffee at https://ko-fi.com/a2theshow 🔗 Linktreehttps://linktr.ee/a2theshow ✅ Stay Connected With Us.👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a2theshow 👉Threads: https://www.threads.net/@a2theshow 👉Website: https://a2theshow.com/a2-the-show/ ✅ For Business Inquiries: asquaredtheshow@gmail.com =============================✅ Recommended Playlists👉 A² - Psychologyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8R-GSmOLFA&list=PLJSbTfMFhOybbbcU4kKikwrRffQBtza6P&pp=iAQB 👉 A² Trendinghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFCtqEzRZQ8&list=PLJSbTfMFhOyYDfEnLdM2FmO2LBnjd57SY&pp=iAQB ✅ Other Videos You Might Be Interested In Watching: 👉 A Sad & Beautiful World | Cyril Aris https://shorturl.at/ziqDN👉 Why Connection Matters More Than Ever | Dr. Bruce Perry https://shorturl.at/Xjbhl👉 How Stress, Trauma, and Childhood Shape Your Health with Dr. David Clarke | A2 THE SHOW https://url-shortener.me/3NUB=============================✅ About A2 The Show.Welcome to "A² The Show" – your ticket to the human mind's wild rollercoaster! We're a crew of pals from Lebanon, now globally scattered, who combat homesickness with friendship, gaming, fiery chats, and a sprinkle of controversy.Our podcast is more than just words; it's a fun-fueled rebellion against the everyday and a beacon in the mental health fog. With a diverse lineup of guests who've braved the depths of the human psyche, we're here to inspire resilience, provoke thought, and tickle your funny bone.So strap in for a journey through the human mind's crazy maze. It's like your favorite video game, but the cheat codes are science, empathy, and a dash of madness. Dive into "A² The Show" – your unforgettable adventure starts here!Ride the digital waves with us on social media: @a2theshowAli The Professor @alitheprofessor alitheprofessor.comSaeed El Jammal @saeedjay97For Collaboration and Business inquiries, please use the contact information below:📩 Email: asquaredtheshow@gmail.com