The Seeds - Trailer

In this episode of The Seeds, Mona Chalabi—Pulitzer Prize–winning data journalist and artist—joins host Alana Hadid for a warm, funny, and deeply reflective conversation about childhood, being Iraqi, how journalists manufacture consent for genocide, and data in dating. Plus Mona gets Melissa Barrera's seed!Chapters:00:00 – Intros, and Who’s More Awkward?00:22 – Skip Intro00:38 – Childhood Memories02:14 – Pulling a Seed 03:37 – Mona's Life Purpose05:08 – Going into Journalism09:14 – Being Iraqi13:11 – School Experiences and Cultural Identity26:14 – Career Choices and Disillusionment32:50 – Art, and Data Journalism34:21 – Speed Round35:30 – Unhinged Childhood Beliefs36:42 – Fascinating Statistics37:01 – Dating and Data!40:40 – Astrology vs. Data Journalism42:43 – Real Housewives Tagline44:14 – Nostalgic Arab Snacks47:53 – Animation and Representation53:51 – Pulitzer Prize Speech & Why Iraqi's Deserve and Apology01:10:42 – CreditsFollow the Show:📸 Instagram: @theseedsfm🎥 Presented by Watermelon Pictures🎙️ Produced by Dustlight ProductionsFollow Alana Hadid:IG: @lanzybearFollow Mona Chalabi:IG: @monachalabiCredits:Host – Alana HadidShowrunner & Executive Producer – Misha EucephExecutive Producers – Badie Ali, Hamza AliAssociate Producer – Munir AtallaProducer & Researcher – Sarah MoawadEditor, DP, & Sound Engineer – Mike O’BrienConsulting Director – Mahnoor EucephProduction Designer – Kendra BradaniniArt Assistant – Noor SalimDesign – Alicia TatoneComposer – Andy ClausenColorist – Chehade BoulosTech – Randy BurgessMarketing – Kristina Ferris & Daniela SapkarSpecial thanks: Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin HenryTags:#TheSeeds #MonaChalabi #AlanaHadid #Iraq #IraqWar #Gaza #Palestine #War #Journalism #ManufacturingConsent #Dating #ArabVoices #PulitzerPrize #DataJournalism ##StorytellingPodcast #Identity #DustlightProductions #WatermelonPictures

In this soul-stirring episode of The Seeds, poet and activist Aja Monet sits down with host, Alana Hadid, to talk about the cost of being online, bearing witness to injustice, and how poetry and faith can heal us.From the overwhelm of social media to solidarity with Palestine, Aja opens up about her upbringing, the legacy of her grandparents, and the journey of becoming a poet rooted in resistance, tenderness, and truth. She even shares a live reading of her poem, Los Angeles.Chapters:00:00 – The Overwhelm of Social Media00:22 SKIP INTRO00:54 – Offline Community01:15 – Harnessing Social Media for Activism03:09 – Telling Stories About Palestine19:04 – Aja's Story & Inspirations22:00 – The Journey of a Poet37:07 – The Role of Faith38:57 – Aja & Alana's Religious Upbringing42:35 – The Influence of Grandparents46:39 – Personal and Political Realities of War52:25 – The Role of Poetry in Activism58:01 –  (Live Reading)01:01:54 – Reflections on Compassion01:07:47 – Knafeh & GoodbyeFollow the Show:📺New episodes every Tuesday🎧 Available on YouTube, Apple, Spotify & all podcast platforms📸 Instagram: @theseedspod🎥 Presented by Watermelon Pictures🎙️ Produced by Dustlight ProductionsFollow Alana Hadid:IG: @lanzybearFollow Aja Monet:IG: @ajamonetCredits:Host – Alana HadidShowrunner & Executive Producer – Misha EucephExecutive Producers – Badie Ali, Hamza AliAssociate Producer – Munir AtallaProducer & Researcher – Sarah MoawadEditor, DP, & Sound Engineer – Mike O’BrienConsulting Director – Mahnoor EucephProduction Designer – Kendra BradaniniArt Assistant – Noor SalimDesign – Alicia TatoneComposer – Andy ClausenColorist – Chehade BoulosTech – Randy BurgessMarketing – Kristina Ferris & Daniela SapkarSpecial thanks: Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin Henry#TheSeeds #AjaMonet #AlanaHadid #PalestinianSolidarity #Poetry #Activism #Faith #religion #SocialMedia #burnout #BlackPoets #poetsofinstagram #Storytelling #DustlightProductions #watermelonpictures #gaza #palestine

Why does Kendrick Sampson have beef with Leos? (We get into that… but this conversation goes way deeper.) Actor, activist, and creative force Kendrick Sampson (Insecure, Miss Juneteenth) joins host, Alana Hadid, for a bold and honest conversation about power, identity, and the lies we've been sold about success. He opens up about growing up as a misfit in Texas, the influence of his radical collaborations with Boots Riley, and how spirituality and community shape everything he does — on screen and off. This episode is about building systems that serve people instead of profits, connecting back to nature, and telling stories that actually shift culture.Chapters:00:00 Why does Kendrick hate Leos?00:22 SKIP INTRO02:31 Who is Kendrick Sampson?03:28 Childhood and Being a Misfit09:22 Boots Riley and Creative Collabs13:42 Kendrick’s Seed16:26 Reflections on American Delusion19:27 Family History and Identity29:12 Community30:54 Spirituality and Connection to Nature31:45 Building Power Through Story32:13 Basic Human Needs and Economy32:46 Technology and Systemic Barriers34:07 Understanding True Power40:03 Mental Health and Vulnerability45:53 Speed Round56:25 Knafeh and Final Thoughts*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Dustlight Productions, Watermelon Pictures, or any of their affiliates, employees, officers, or representatives. These companies do not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made during the podcast.Follow the Show: 📸 Instagram: @theseedsfm 🎥 Presented by Watermelon Pictures 🎙️ Produced by Dustlight ProductionsFollow Alana Hadid: IG: @lanzybear TikTok: @alanahadidFollow Kendrick Sampson: IG: @kendrick38Credits:Host – Alana HadidShowrunner & Executive Producer – Misha EucephExecutive Producers – Badie Ali, Hamza AliAssociate Producer – Munir AtallaProducer & Researcher – Sarah MoawadEditor, DP, & Sound Engineer – Mike O’BrienIntro Sequence Director – Mahnoor EucephProduction Designer – Kendra BradaniniArt Assistant – Noor SalimDesign – Alicia TatoneComposer – Andy ClausenIntro Colorist – Chehade BoulosTech – Randy BurgessMarketing – Kristina Ferris & Daniela SapkarSpecial thanks: Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin Henry. #TheSeeds #KendrickSampson #AlanaHadid #Masculinity #MentalHealth #SlowLiving #BlackCulture #Palestine #Gaza #Texas #Insecure #HBO #IssaRae #BootsRiley #ImAVirgo #Art #Acting #Activism #Power #Community #Nature #Neighbors #Technology #Isolation #Loneliness #Convenience

Host Alana Hadid talks to actress, Melissa Barrera, about the actress’s life purpose and her inspiring journey — from growing up as a tomboy in Monterrey, Mexico, to breaking barriers in Hollywood as a leading Latina actress to speaking about Palestine. In this episode, Melissa opens up about her identity, her rituals, and the ghosts (metaphorical and possibly literal 👀) that she’s carried with her through life and into every role. From In the Heights to Scream, she’s more than a breakout star — Melissa’s redefining what representation looks like on screen.Chapters:00:00 Growing up with motorcycles00:22 SKIP INTRO01:15 Melissa: A Tomboy03:07 From Tomboy to Limited Too05:41 Bilingual Upbringing10:29 Who is Melissa Barrera?17:00 Rituals and Daily Habits22:47 Journey in the Entertainment Industry34:39 Reflecting on a Vida35:05 Championing Latin Representation36:31 Navigating Hollywood's Limitations38:00 Breaking Stereotypes in Casting39:17 Embracing the Horror Genre42:04 Melissa's Superstitions44:01 Advocating for Palestine47:29 Angel Cards52:11 Speed Round01:09:25 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Dustlight Productions, Watermelon Pictures, or any of their affiliates, employees, officers, or representatives. These companies do not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made during the podcast.Follow the Show: 📸 Instagram: @theseedsfm 🎥 Presented by Watermelon Pictures 🎙️ Produced by Dustlight ProductionsFollow Alana Hadid: IG: @lanzybear TikTok: @alanahadidFollow Melissa Barrera: IG: @melissabarreramCredits:Host – Alana HadidShowrunner & Executive Producer – Misha EucephExecutive Producers – Badie Ali, Hamza AliAssociate Producer – Munir AtallaProducer & Researcher – Sarah MoawadEditor, DP, & Sound Engineer – Mike O’BrienIntro Sequence Director – Mahnoor EucephProduction Designer – Kendra BradaniniArt Assistant – Noor SalimDesign – Alicia TatoneComposer – Andy ClausenIntro Colorist – Chehade BoulosTech – Randy BurgessMarketing – Kristina Ferris & Daniela SapkarSpecial thanks: Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin Henry.#TheSeeds #MelissaBarrera #AlanaHadid #Scream #IntheHeights #Latino #Latina #Latinidad #Latinx #LatinAmerican #Mexican #Spanish #Motorcycles #Acting #Celebrity #Hollywood #Gaza #Palestine #Representation

In this episode, host Alana Hadid sit down with Hasan Piker — political streamer, political commentator, and king of thirst traps — to talk about the day-to-day behind streaming, dodging online death threats, and the role of luck in life. From his early days working in Hollywood to becoming one of the internet’s most-watched political voices, Hasan shares unfiltered stories about burnout, fighting with Donald Trump and Elon Musk, and that one time he accidentally created chaos on stream with a wild slip-up. Plus, a surprise arm wrestling contest. Chapters:00:00 Discovering a Shared Past00:22 SKIP INTRO00:58 Life as a Club Promoter02:38 Academic Pursuits and Cultural Insights03:06 Arm Wrestling Challenge05:29 A Day in the Life of a Streamer09:47 Balancing Work and Social Life15:28 Speed Round: Quick Questions22:23 Unexpected Follower Drama22:41 Favorite Conspiracy Theories24:24 Constitutional Amendments and Enforcing Laws25:31 Embarrassing Stream Moments26:33 Audience Demographics and Influences28:44 Death Threats and Online Harassment32:25 Socialism and Wealth Misconceptions39:24 Future Goals and Personal Life41:21 Tasting Palestinian Knafeh47:48 Final Thoughts and Farewell*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Dustlight Productions, Watermelon Pictures, or any of their affiliates, employees, officers, or representatives. These companies do not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made during the podcast.Follow the Show: 📸 Instagram: @theseedsfm 🎥 Presented by Watermelon Pictures 🎙️ Produced by Dustlight ProductionsFollow Alana Hadid: IG: @lanzybear TikTok: @alanahadidFollow Hasan Piker: IG: @hasandpikerCredits:Host – Alana HadidShowrunner & Executive Producer – Misha EucephExecutive Producers – Badie Ali, Hamza AliAssociate Producer – Munir AtallaProducer & Researcher – Sarah MoawadEditor, DP, & Sound Engineer – Mike O’BrienIntro Sequence Director – Mahnoor EucephProduction Designer – Kendra BradaniniArt Assistant – Noor SalimDesign – Alicia TatoneComposer – Andy ClausenIntro Colorist – Chehade BoulosTech – Randy BurgessMarketing – Kristina Ferris & Daniela SapkarSpecial thanks: Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin Henry.#TheSeeds #HasanPiker #AlanaHadid #Twitch #Streaming #Socialism #Communism #Politics #DonaldTrump #ElonMusk #Palestine #Gaza #Israel #Turkish #YoungTurks #ThirstTraps #WorkingOut

In the very first episode of The Seeds, host Alana Hadid sits down with Poppy Liu (they/she) — actor, doula, and activist — to talk about ancestry, speaking out for Gaza, postpartum rituals, immigration and motherhood.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Poppy00:22 SKIP INTRO00:36 The Chicken Saga Begins01:15 Sitting the Month Tradition02:32 Chicken Trauma and Survival06:35 Citizen App and Archery08:56 Poppy's Identity and Self-Description11:00 Childhood and Cultural Transitions15:43 Diaspora and Longing for Homeland23:52 Palestine and Political Awakening28:12 The Hypocrisy of Selective Activism29:55 Motherhood and Activism31:46 Family and Political Alignment34:13 Becoming a Doula36:42 Speed Round45:30 Chicken Farming Adventures48:57 Final Thoughts and FarewellFollow the Show 📸 Instagram: @theseedsfm 🎥 Presented by Watermelon Pictures - www.watermelonpictures.com 🎙️ Produced by Dustlight Productions - https://dustlight.coFollow Alana HadidIG: @lanzybearTikTok: @alanahadidFollow Poppy LiuIG: @poppyliuCreditsHost – Alana HadidShowrunner & Executive Producer – Misha EucephExecutive Producers – Badie Ali, Hamza AliAssociate Producer – Munir AtallaProducer & Researcher – Sarah MoawadEditor, DP, & Sound Engineer – Mike O’BrienIntro Sequence Director – Mahnoor EucephProduction Designer – Kendra BradaniniArt Assistant – Noor SalimDesign – Alicia TatoneComposer – Andy ClausenIntro Colorist – Chehade BoulosMarketing – Kristina Ferris & Daniela Sapkar Special thanks: Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin Henry.DisclaimerThe views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Dustlight Productions, Watermelon Pictures, or any of their affiliates, employees, officers, or representatives. These companies do not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made during the podcast.

Every story starts with a seed.Alana Hadid is on a mission to dig into the tiny, weird, wonderful moments that shape us — one lighthearted, vulnerable, and deep conversation at a time.The Seeds is where artists, activists, and icons open up like you’ve never heard them before.This season, Alana (IG) sits down with:Hasan Piker (IG | YouTube)Mona Chalabi (IG) Aja Monet (IG) Kendrick Sampson (IG) Melissa Barrera (IG)Poppy Liu (IG)We get into childhood memories, big feels, late-night thoughts, early crushes, politics, love, art — the real stuff. So pull up a seat.🎧 New episodes every Tuesday, starting June 4 Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.––––––––––––––––Presented byWatermelon Pictures → @watermelonpictures | watermelonpictures.comProduced byDustlight Productions → @dustlight_co | dustlight.co––––––––––––––––CreditsHost – Alana HadidShowrunner & Executive Producer – Misha Euceph (IG, Tik Tok)Executive Producers – Badie Ali, Hamza AliAssociate Producer - Munir AtallaProducer & Researcher – Sarah MoawadEditor, DP, & Sound Engineer – Mike O’BrienConsulting Director, Intro Sequence – Mahnoor EucephProduction Designer – Kendra BradaniniArt Assistant – Noor SalimBranding & Design – Alicia TatoneComposer – Andy ClausenIntro Sequence Colorist – Chehade BoulosPR & Marketing – Kristina Ferris & Daniela SapkarSpecial thanks to Lighthouse Studios, Jack Menzies, Gordy Michie, Isabella Calderon, Sammy Strittmatter, Chrissy Maron, Sara Mengesha, Edwin Henry.