PODCAST · society
The Beirut Banyan
by Ronnie Chatah
Storytelling and conversations, from Beirut and beyond. Subscribe from your preferred podcast platform. Support us through Paypal or Patreon.
Episodes
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Cry My Brother with Hassan Merhi (Ep.445)
On losing one's sense of belonging, meaning of home, childhood friends and a brother to war. With Hassan Merhi - author of Love During Revolution. The podcast is only made possible through listener and viewer donations. Please help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal:...
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A Shifting Landscape with Sarah Yassine (Ep.444)
An episode covering the BIEL displaced encampment, public vs private property disputes, the former Normandy trash dump and Solidere's reconstruction efforts in retrospect. We also discuss missed opportunities and alternatives to Solidere, post-civil war urban landscape beyond the company's…
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"It could have been a great story" with George Wardini (Ep.443)
An episode covering Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon on May 25, 2000, loosened state capture 26 years later despite Hezbollah's continued armament, diplomacy at play on multiple tracks, what a pending regional deal with Iran looks like and containment towards their regime means for Lebanon. With...
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"The cause I came home to" with Stephanie Bechara (Ep.442)
An episode discussing competing narratives over Lebanon's national interest, an ideological divide over Hezbollah's weapons, covering economics in times of conflict and preconditions before any consideration for peace with Israel. With L'Orient Le-Jour economic journalist Stephanie Bechara. Check...
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My Beautiful Garden this Way
A story about displacement, refuge and love. Reflecting on growing up in a refugee camp, the outbreak of civil war, Israeli invasion, post-war redevelopment, downtown reconstruction, renewed conflict and what was and remains Beirut. With architect Al Hamed. Commemorating the start of the civil…
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Live at Union Marks with Bashshar Haydar & Michael Young (Ep.441)
LIVE at Union Marks with Bashshar Haydar & Michael Young. Taped live on Saturday, 28 February - hours before learning of Ali Khamenei's fate. A discussion covering security arrangements with Israel, questions surrounding normalization efforts and potential fallout from a forced peace deal. The...
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Live at Union Marks with Ammar Abd Rabbo, George Azar & Patrick Baz (Ep.440)
LIVE at Union Marks with Ammar Abd Rabbo, George Azar & Patrick Baz. Part of the REMAINING photo exhibition discussion series for the Lokman Slim Foundation at the Abroyan Factory / Union Marks in Burj Hammoud The podcast is only made possible through listener and viewer donations. Please help...
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Brighter Days Ahead with Saeedeh Marvi (Ep.439)
A conversation on events unfolding in Iran and Lebanon with Saeedeh Marvi. The podcast is only made possible through listener and viewer donations. Please help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/walkbeirut Or donating through our Patreon page:...
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Live at Union Marks with Cyril Aris, Mounia Akl, Hasan Akil, Nadyn Chalhoub & Tino Karam (Ep.438)
LIVE at Union Marks with the director and cast of A Sad and Beautiful World Part of the REMAINING photo exhibition discussion series for the Lokman Slim Foundation at the Abroyan Factory / Union Marks in Burj Hammoud The podcast is only made possible through listener and viewer donations. Please...
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LIVE at Union Marks with Katia Jarjoura, Monika Borgmann & Marwan Hamadeh (Ep.437)
LIVE at Union Marks with Marwan Hamadeh, Katia Jarjoura and Monika Borgmann Part of the REMAINING photo exhibition discussion series for the Lokman Slim Foundation at the Abroyan Factory / Union Marks in Burj Hammoud - on display until March 3, 2026 Marwan Hamadeh is a former minister and member…
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REMAINING with Monika Borgmann, Katia Jarjoura & Edouard Elias
Introducing the Remaining Photo Exhibition - a signature project of the Lokman Slim Foundation, with photography by Edouard Elias and curated by Katia Jarjoura. Through Elias’s photographs, the exhibition documents political assassinations since 2005 and resists the erasure of victims and their...
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The Idle Gentleman with Nadim Shehadi (Ep.436)
An episode discussing the pending gap law, corruption, army spending, rebuilding trust in the banking sector, prospects for Lebanese-Israeli relations and America's diplomatic role at large. With economist and Arab News columnist Nadim Shehadi. Check out Nadim Shehadi's article 'Lebanon is not...
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Iran, U.S., and how they view Lebanon | George Wardini with Ronnie Chatah
George Wardini sits down with Ronnie Chatah for a special conversation—one shaped by years of friendship and a shared curiosity about politics, both local and global. With Ronnie Chatah’s grasp of international affairs and his sharp reading of Lebanese politics, the discussion asks: What is next...
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A Year Later with Youmna Gemayel (Ep.435)
An episode discussing the one year anniversary of the Assad regime's fall, the emotions felt in Sassine Square that day, what closure looks like moving ahead and what remains in Lebanon's control With Youmna Gemayel, daughter of Bachir Gemayel. The podcast is only made possible through listener…
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No shortcut
Armistice before peace
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Four Questions
From an interview discussing the negotiations-mechanism with Israel, conditions for economic recovery, Hezbollah's status today and what hope means in 2025 0:00 Mechanism for negotiations 1:53 Conditions for economic recovery 3:10 Hezbollah today 3:57 Meaning of hope
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Not-too-distant future
In light of the Pope's visit and the wider message of peace and hope, these are three scenarios I see playing out in the not-too-distant future for Lebanon.
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Our claim to fame
Political stability & economic prosperity on our terms
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Proactive diplomacy
Celebrations are not enough. On the eve of independence our voice needs to be heard, in every platform, every institution that can apply pressure on Iran.
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Army & Recovery with Nadim Shehadi (Ep.434)
An episode discussing the Lebanese army's role and limitations, prospects of economic recovery alongside an ever-expanding cash economy, and general expectations regarding next year's parliamentary elections. With economist and Arab News columnist Nadim Shehadi. The podcast is only made possible...
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What comes first
Getting Iran out of Lebanon comes first. Not second or third.
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Reestablishing Trust with Fadi Makki (Ep.433)
An episode discussing a personal decision to return to government, walk out after other ministers from the same sect left during cabinet sessions on disarmament, picking up where Fouad Chehab left off and the long-term task of administrative reform, and regaining trust among citizens. With…
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The Right Direction with Ibrahim Mneimneh (Ep.432)
An episode discussing sub-state disarmament, the mood for 'Change' approaching 2026 parliamentary elections, pragmatism vs purity tests on measuring government success, factors due to war vs local agency, positive trends moving forward and how to interpret the moment we're living through. With...
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A ZDF German Television interview - hosted by Golineh Atai (Ep.431)
A ZDF German Television interview hosted by Golineh Atai Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:38 Why is sub-state disarmament so important? 2:36 What do you want Hezbollah not capable of anymore? 5:21 Is it an issue of domination of the country through weapons? 6:42 How can you measure Lebanese support for...
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A Starting Point: Outtakes from press interview on disarmament (Ep.430)
I answer press-related questions on the government's political decisions and security condiserations needed for sub-state disarmament. The podcast is only made possible through listener and viewer donations. Please help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal:...
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"Lebanon's Moment of Truth" with David Schenker (Ep.429)
An episode discussing David Schenker's latest policy analysis titled "Lebanon's Moment of Truth" and the multiple variables needed to line up for Hezbollah's disarmament to succeed and for Israel's full withdrawal to take place. With David Schenker, former United States Assistant Secretary of…
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A Pathway for Disarmament with Tony Boulos (Ep.428)
An episode examining Hezbollah's weakened sub-state position, Iranian leveraging, separating militia disarmament from war with Israel, international pressure on the Lebanese government and potential new names for next year's parliamentary elections. With Tony Boulos - journalist at Independent...
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Engaging Iran with Michael Young (Ep.427)
An episode looking at the possibilities for state-to-state engagement, direct diplomacy and constructive dialogue between Lebanon and Iran. With Michael Young - senior editor at Carnegie’s Middle East Center and editor of Diwan. Articles mentioned in this episode include "Israel can inflict even...
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Silos with Tatiana Hasrouty (Ep.426)
For the victims of August 4, 2020. May justice prevail. The podcast is only made possible through listener and viewer donations. Please help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/walkbeirut Or donating through our Patreon page:...
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I'm Still Here with Rida Mawla (Ep.425)
Rida Mawla returns for a special conversation on the personal, including the challenges of physical intimacy, limited sensation, the desire for companionship and elevation of emotions, and the strength through confidence that comes with acceptance. The podcast is only made possible through…
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Physical Therapy with Elissa Samaha (Ep.424)
With Elissa Samaha in a conversation about the benefits of physical therapy, addressing mental health through recovery and needed patience during post-injury rehabilitation. Special thanks to Centre de Réhabilitation Laetitia Hatem - Hopital Mgr Cortbawi - Réseau USJ - HDF for supporting this...
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A Huge Step Forward with Monika Borgmann (Ep.423)
With Monika Borgmann in a conversation about dramatic changes impacting Lebanese politics & judicial process, victims' coalition related to political assassinations, a recent Lokman Slim Foundation event held at the Beirut Bar Association and reopening cases otherwise shelved for years on end.…
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Spirits Up with Giulia Cingolani (Ep.422)
With Giulia Cingolani in a conversation about dependence and immobility, trying to remain positive through post-surgery difficulty, navigating Beirut and an acceptance of life-changing circumstance. The podcast is only made possible through listener and viewer donations. Please help support The...
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An Impasse with Najat Aoun Saliba (Ep.421)
With Najat Aoun Saliba in a conversation about friendship, loss, resolve & recovery. The podcast is only made possible through listener and viewer donations. Please help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/walkbeirut Or donating through our Patreon page:...
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A Sign of the Times with Nadim Shehadi (Ep.420)
With Nadim Shehadi in a conversation about his recent Arab News piece: "Reviving May 17 Agreement could be a solution for Lebanon" https://www.arabnews.com/node/2607526 The podcast is only made possible through listener and viewer donations. Please help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing…
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Ongoing Recovery with Rida Mawla (Ep.419)
With Rida Mawla in a conversation about looking at life differently and ongoing recovery. The podcast is only made possible through listener and viewer donations. Please help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/walkbeirut Or donating through our Patreon…
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A Talk at the National Bloc with Lama Wazzan, Lina Jarrous, Kristy Asseily & George Kyriakos
A discussion on Beirut's municipal elections and Beirut Madinati 2025's platform. With Lama Wazzan, Lina Jarrous, Kristy Asseily & George Kyriakos. Co-hosted with Charbel Al Khoury. The podcast is only made possible through listener and viewer donations. Please help support The Beirut Banyan by...
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Municipal Elections & Beirut Madinati 2025 with Kristy Asseily (Ep.417)
Kristy Asseily joins The Beirut Banyan to discuss her candidacy for Beirut's 2025 municipal elections. Our discussion covers her recent return to Lebanon and passion for grassroots politics, Beirut Madinati's efforts in retrospect, and the short and long-term platform the list is advocating. We...
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The Time Line with Ali Hamed - April 13, 1975 - 2025 (Ep.416)
Please make sure to check out the video version: https://youtu.be/rKUnhF4hXU4 On displacement and refuge on both sides of the Green Line, the diversity we retain and a tribute to the city we call home fifty years after April 13, 1975. With special thanks to Ali Hamed. Videography by Alexy…
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GEORGE WARDINI - Measure of Success (Ep.415)
George Wardini returns to The Beirut Banyan. We look back to 1983 and discuss similarities in the relative calm Lebanon experienced following Israel's siege of Beirut and expulsion of Arafat from Lebanon. We also examine post-2024 war developments and security risks related to attempts at...
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البير كوستانيان
البير كوستانيان: وحدها المحاسبة وإعادة الهيكلة تسترجع الودائع، لا بيع الأوهام
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NADIM SHEHADI - The Real Question (Ep.414)
Nadim Shehadi returns to The Beirut Banyan. In this episode we discuss the 2020 Eurobond default and the controversy surrounding that decision. We also look at fault lines formed between the banking sector and restructuring-advocacy groups and the wider story of the economic direction of the...
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ALBERT KOSTANIAN - A Final Word (Ep.413)
Albert Kostanian returns to The Beirut Banyan. In this short episode he candidly discusses a campaign to discredit his economic views and media reputation, debunks accusations of shadow funding and behind-the-scenes government orchestration regarding Kulluna Irada, dispels smear tactics...
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A Wedding, a Commemoration & a Funeral
On a wedding, a commemoration & a funeral. And holding Nawaf Salam’s incoming government to a higher standard.
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Nawaf Salam, Joseph Aoun & Rafic Hariri commemoration with Michael Young & Bashshar Haydar
POINT COUNTERPOINT - Episode 3 An exchange on political affairs impacting Lebanon and the Middle East, with a unique vantage point from Beirut. Co-hosted by Michael Young (senior editor at Carnegie’s Middle East Center and editor of Diwan) and Bashshar Haydar (professor of philosophy at AUB)…
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A New Duo with Sarah Yassine (Ep.412)
An episode on a new and unexpected duo: President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam. Covering the dramatically shifting security climate that brought about rapid political change, Joseph Aoun's leadership and the consensus that ushered in his presidency, Nawaf Salam's clean…
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To Aaliya's - with Nadia Tabbara, Brother Michael, Wael Taleb, Ronnie Chatah & William Dobson
Words shared on the closing evening of Aaliya's Books. With Nadia Tabbara, Brother Michael, Wael Taleb, Ronnie Chatah & William Dobson. For Niamh Fleming-Farrel, William Dobson & the Aaliya's community. The podcast is only made possible through listener and viewer donations. Please help support…
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Decades Apart - An interview by Marie Jo Sader on the End of the Assad Regime
An interview by the gifted Marie Jo Sader, a Paris and Beirut-based independent journalist and 2023 Lokman Slim Prize winner for her investigative work on the circumstances of Lokman Slim's assassination. A discussion on the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, a retrospective on anti-Assad…
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The Fall of the Assad Regime with Bashshar Haydar (Ep.411)
An episode on the fall of the Assad regime and its implications on Syria and Lebanon. Covering the rapid collapse of the Assad regime, identity formation in the wake of over half a century of minoritarian rule mired by tyranny, where Iran stands in the near future and a wider ambition for the...
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Dominant Narratives & Ideologies - hosted by Ralph Baydoun w/George Wardini & Ronnie Chatah (Ep.410)
Recorded Thursday, 5 December 2024. Three days before the Assad regime's fall. An episode for Syria & Lebanon. Hosted by Ralph Baydoun (founder of Influeanswers) with George Wardini (director of PolyBlog) and Ronnie Chatah (host of The Beirut Banyan). Ralph Baydoun leads the discussion and posits...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Beirut Banyan have?
The Beirut Banyan currently has 500 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Beirut Banyan about?
Storytelling and conversations, from Beirut and beyond. Subscribe from your preferred podcast platform. Support us through Paypal or Patreon.
How often does The Beirut Banyan release new episodes?
The Beirut Banyan publishes regularly with 500 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Beirut Banyan?
You can listen to The Beirut Banyan on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Beirut Banyan?
The Beirut Banyan is created and hosted by Ronnie Chatah.
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