The Arabian Traveler Poetry

What if poetry is less about self-expression and more about survival?Poet and author Armin Tolentino joins host Mohammad Bader for a thoughtful conversation about writing, grief, migration, identity, folklore, and the search for home.Armin, a former Poet Laureate of Clark County, Washington, discusses his poetry collection We Meant to Bring It Home Alive, including the powerful images of dragons, astronauts, oceans, and bird storms. He explains how poetry can help us process difficult emotions, make sense of an uncontrollable world, and create connections between readers and writers.The conversation also explores Filipino folklore and Armin’s children’s book Myth Wakers: The Mananangal, the importance of preserving cultural stories, and his experience leading writing workshops with incarcerated youth.You’ll hear Armin’s advice for aspiring writers, including why you don’t need to wait until you feel ready to call yourself a writer, how freewriting can unlock unexpected ideas, and why creative residencies can give artists the space to reconnect with their work.This episode is for poets, writers, teachers, readers, and anyone who believes stories can help us understand ourselves and one another.

In this episode,Parfait Bassalé shares insights from his book "The Way of Befriending,' exploring how building bridges through courage, curiosity, and compassion can transform relationships and organizations. We delve into stories of belonging, the power of art, and practical steps to foster genuine connection in a divided world.

Key Topics

Chapters00:00Introduction to the Journey of Building Bridges01:01Meet Parfait Bessali and the Concept of Othering02:28The Story of the Man at the Door and Belonging07:27The Roots of Tribal Identity and Building Walls13:44The Three Pillars: Courage, Curiosity, Compassion22:59The Role of Art, Music, and Poetry in Healing42:26The Core Message: Be the Unexpected Friend44:24The Stacy Story: The Power of Unexpected Friendships47:17The Meaning of Home and Connection48:16Closing Remarks and Call to Action

The Travler by Mohammad Bader- Originally written in 1988

Most travelers seek new horizons, but few realize the profound inner journey that unfolds beyond each crossing. What if the key to true freedom lies in breaking through our mental barriers—and why most of us stay trapped in fear and conformity?

In this mind-opening episode, we explore the universal quest for self-discovery through the powerful metaphor of the traveling soul.

Discover how crossing physical and emotional borders triggers a transformation

—freeing us from loneliness, silent suffering, and self-doubt. The journey isn't just outward; it's deep within, where shadows of oppression and fragments of hope collide.

Summary

Brett Gordon shares his 17-year journey of love, loss, and healing through poetry and prose, exploring how writing helped him cope with trauma and grief. Discover how his life experiences shaped his creative expression and the power of poetry as a healing tool.

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Britt Gordon and His Journey

01:56The Evolution of Love Letters

05:25The Role of Prose in Poetry

11:42Life Experiences and Their Impact on Writing

17:42Dealing with Loss and Grief

20:44Creativity as a Higher EnergyKeywords

poetry, healing, trauma, grief, love, personal growth, mental health, creative expression, devotion, life journey

Key Topics

Sound Bites

BioBrett Aubrey Gordon is a passionate writer, creator, and lifelong learner with a deep interest in exploring the intersections of art, expression, and STEM fields. At 39 years old, Brett has already made strides in both creativity and personal development, including publishing The Young Investor's Roadmap to Success a few years ago—a guide aimed at helping others navigate the world of investing.

Inspired by the idea of unleashing creativity through a higher force or energy, Brett believes that writing is a process of guidance, where a proverbial voice can lead the way. After letting their latest work languish on a computer for over a year, Brett was called to action—deciding that now was the time to share their words with the world.

With an insatiable curiosity and an ever-expanding love for discovery, Brett finds joy in bridging science, art, and human expression. Whether exploring new possibilities in STEM, crafting works of creative prose, or reflecting on life’s deeper meanings, Brett embraces every opportunity to learn and create.

Inner Peace Arabic an Interview with Dr. Amineh Tamimi conducted in Arabic Language

Keywords

inner peace, psychology, self-acceptance, emotional health, Dr. Amina Al-Tamimi, personal growth, human nature, self-compassion, mental health, contradictions

Summary

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Amina Al-Tamimi shares her journey towards understanding inner peace and the complexities of human emotions. She emphasizes that inner peace is not a destination but a continuous process of self-acceptance and growth. The discussion explores the contradictions inherent in human nature, the importance of self-compassion, and practical strategies for navigating emotions. Dr. Al-Tamimi encourages listeners to embrace their individuality and acknowledge their feelings as part of the journey towards peace.

Takeaways

Inner peace is a fundamental human right.

Understanding oneself is crucial for achieving peace.

Life is inherently filled with problems and challenges.

Reaching inner peace requires training and practice.

Human beings are complex and integrated, with contradictions.

Self-blame can hinder personal growth and progress.

Embracing individuality is essential for mental health.

Acknowledging emotions is the first step to managing them.

Admitting our inner struggles is a path to peace.

Taking a moment to breathe can help in stressful situations.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Inner Peace

02:58 Dr. Amina Al-Tamimi's Journey

05:44 Understanding Inner Peace

08:43 The Nature of Peace

12:03 Contradictions in Human Nature

15:01 Self-Compassion and Growth

17:28 Navigating Emotions

19:31 Embracing Individuality

20:53 Final Thoughts and Advice

مناقشة مجزأة بين المسافر العربي والدكتوره تغطي مواضيع مختلفة بما في ذلك التواصل والتنمية الشخصية والرفاهية النفسية. استكشفت المحادثة مواضيع الوعي الذاتي والتأمل والسلام الداخلي مع الدكتوره. تبادل خبراتهم المهنية في العمل مع المرضى والانتقال إلى العمل الإذاعي الذي يركز على الطمأنينة والنمو الشخصي. واختتمت المناقشة بأفكار حول تحقيق السلام الداخلي من خلال الوعي الذاتي والتنظيم العاطفي، مؤكدة على أهمية قبول العيوب أثناء العمل نحو التنمية الشخصية والرعاية الصحية

النفسية.السلام الداخلي من خلال الوعي الذاتي

وركزت المناقشة على تحقيق السلام الداخلي، الذي أوضحت الدكتورة أمينة التميمي أنه لا يتعلق بغياب المشكلات بل بالاعتراف بالضعف الشخصي والتغلب عليه. وأكدت على أهمية ممارسة الوعي الذاتي والتنظيم العاطفي، مقارنتها بتعلم أي مهارة تتطلب التكرار وتكوين العادات. كما تناولت الدكتورة التميمي الميل البشري الطبيعي لتبرير التناقضات وأهمية قبول عيوب المرء والعمل من أجل النمو الشخصي والرعاية الصحية النفسية.

Summary

In this episode, Mohammad Bader, the host of The Arabian Traveler Poetry, shares his journey of personal growth and transformation. He reflects on his experiences as a Palestinian immigrant, his career transition from public administration to psychotherapy, and the impact of poetry on his life. Bader discusses the importance of mental health, the challenges he faced, and the lessons learned through his journey. He also shares original poetry that encapsulates his experiences and emotions, emphasizing the significance of storytelling in understanding one's identity and cultural background.

#ArabicCulture #MiddleEasternArt #GlobalPoetry #TheArabianTraveler #CulturalHeritage

Zainab Ladha, poetry, The Unsolicited Thoughts, mental health, perfectionism, creative process, young authors, vulnerability, self-reflection, emotional healing

In this conversation, Zainab Ladha, a young Canadian and Pakistani author from Doha, shares her journey of writing 'The Unsolicited Thoughts,' a poetry book that serves as an emotional outlet during her struggles. She discusses the creative process, the themes of vulnerability and self-reflection in her work, and the

challenges of navigating perfectionism. Zainab offers valuable advice for young authors and emphasizes the importance of connecting with readers through genuine expression.takeaways

In this conversation, host Mohammed Bader speaks with Grace El-Khal, a Syrian-American poet and advocate, about her experiences growing up amidst the Syrian war and how it shaped her identity and artistic expression. Grace shares her journey of finding solace in poetry, the impact of war on her cultural heritage, and the importance of using art as a means of advocacy and healing. The discussion delves into the shared experiences of grief and loss within the Middle Eastern community, the power of storytelling, and the role of poetry in connecting individuals across different backgrounds. Grace emphasizes the need for empowerment through writing and encourages others to share their stories.

Grace ElKhal is the author of the book The Sorrows That Bury Us

In this episode of Arabian Traveler Poetry, host Mohammad Bader speaks with Amanda Lameche, a French-born Swedish artist who transitioned from a successful music career to writing poetry. They discuss Amanda's journey, the creative process behind her poetry, and the themes of self-empowerment and love that permeate her work. Amanda shares insights into her writing process, the impact of poetry on her personal growth, and the cultural connections that influence her art. The conversation culminates in reading Amanda's poetry, showcasing her unique voice and perspective.

خط في الرمل Line In The Sand

This is a special release for Podcasthon.

Please donate for your favorite charity between 3/15-21, 2025

Miles Spencer is an American digital media entrepreneur, angel investor, and explorer. He is best known for his role as co-host and co-creator of MoneyHunt, a reality-based business advice show distributed to US PBS stations beginning in 1997. He cooks, writes, and paints watercolors based on his travels. He mentors two kids and several entrepreneurs.

I am intrigued by his genius and ambition as a multi-talented individual who could hold divergent fields. Money, culture, art, and food. As our focus is on art and poetry we won’t Dulve into politics but we might end up wandering there’s as his novel : A line in the Sand  Co- authored by Mells Jones (aka Tad Jones) captures the essence of the Middle East with a richly detailed historical fiction of two lifelong friends - Magnus and Finn - thrown into a sleuthing adventure where mysteries of the Middle East and its people are gradually revealed. Following the trail of clues left by one TE Lawrence - Lawrence of Arabia - the Gentlemen ramble from Europe to the Levant to Arabia as their quest gains momentum, the situation on the ground unwinds, and history repeats itself.

Aided by a discarded artifact and two younger proteges- one Jew, one Arab- the Gentlemen experience a rich tapestry of the Middle East rarely experienced by Westerners- locations, customs, food, languages, behaviors, and historical perspective. As the treasure is revealed, the reader gains a greater understanding of the meaning of their adventure, and why it must be shared.

You can find this book on Amazon and on Audible and Kindle.

The Traveler (المسافر) was first story written in Arabic by Mohammad Bader in 1992 to start the book The Traveler. Originally called The Arabian Traveler.

هذه الحلقه للعربيه عن اربع قصائد غزل مجهول

.

سيدتي

تمنيت

دثريني

من انت

The Night is a poem written and read both in Arabic and English by the author Mohammad Bader.

والليل هو بدلتي التي تغطي جسدي

والتي تخبئ عيوبي

الليل هو منتجعي ومأواي

الليل هو سرابي وحسابي

الليل يواري الالامي وأحزاني

الليل يضمني يحتضنني

كعاشق يأنسني

كشريد يطاردني

كقديسٍ يوانسني

كحلمٍ يسليني

ككابوس يفزعني

كنبع يروي ظمأي

وكسرابٌ يزيد عطشي

الليل نعمة تلاحقني

ونقمة توقظني

الليل صديقتي وعشيقتي

الليل. ..

يقرّبني الي البديع

The night is my friend

My lover;

My suit;

That covers my body,

And my shortcomings.

A lover that keeps me company,

A hound that chases me,

A priest that comforts me,

A nightmare that awakens me,

A brook that quenches my thirst,

A mirage that keeps me thirsty,

A blessing that follows me,

A misfortune that shocks me,

The night is my friend and lover.

The night brings me closer to the Creator!

Mawal songe number 2 Roses

English Translation by Mohammad Bader

Roses الورد

اتعنيت لأهل الورد I looked for a florist

ردت اشتري وردة wanting to buy a rose

لاقيت اسمر لحلو اتبسملي واتعدي

I ran into a beatiful brunette who smiled at me and walked away

اشتميت ريحة عطر تسوي الف وردة

I smelled a perfume worth a thousand roses

أنا اشتميت ريحة عطر تسوي الف وردة

تاريها مو بالورد

I found out that the scent was not from roses

تاريها من خدا

It turns out it’s from her rose’s check’s (face)

اه Oh.

الورد يدبل شو ما طالت المدة

Roses wither as they age

بس الحلو شو ما كبر مثل الطفل بعدة

But the beautiful one remains youthful even with age

يلي تبيع الورد هات الورد ردة

Oh ye rose monger take it back

ما ظل قيمة الورد بالعطر لا تردة

Roses no longer have value so take them back

In this episode, host Mohammad Bader delves into the rich tradition of Mawal, a form of Arabic poetry that intertwines music and storytelling. He highlights its historical significance, particularly in Iraqi culture, and shares a poignant poem, 'Sa'a Wit Ghib Il Shames,' which reflects on themes of nostalgia, immigration, and the longing for home. Through the exploration of this art form, Bader connects with listeners on a personal level, sharing his own experiences as an immigrant and the universal feelings of missing family and home.

موال ساعة وتغيب الشمس مترجم إنجليزي

ترجمة محمد بدر

A Mother's Call is a poem written in 1996 by Mohammad Bader, remembering home and his mother. Read both in English and Arabic by the Arabian Traveler.

A poem written by Refaat Al- Areer رفعت العرعير read by The Arabian Traveler.

Refaat Alareer, a prominent Palestinian professor, poet and writer, was killed in an airstrike in northern Gaza, on December 7.

If I must die,

you must live

to tell my story

to sell my things

to buy a piece of cloth

and some strings,

(make it white with a long tail)

so that a child, somewhere in Gaza

while looking heaven in the eye

awaiting his dad who left in a blaze—

and bid no one farewell

not even to his flesh

not even to himself—

sees the kite, my kite you made, flying up above

and thinks for a moment an angel is there

bringing back love

If I must die

let it bring hope

let it be a tale

The Arabian Traveler Poetry spends time with Chancellor Jackson to talk about love and how he was able to overcome adversities by finding love and compassion for himself.  He talks about his journey to teach English in China and how that transformed his life. He came over adversities through the deep love his family had for him, and his early years of playing football. As someone who came late to play football, he had to overcome adversities and find emotional intelligence to help guide him as a male of color.  He talks lovingly of his single mom who raised him along with his brother in a very busy neighborhood and gave him everything he needed. Chancellor K Jackson (1995) was born in Fulton County, Georgia, to Native American parents, grew up in Smyrna, Georgia, and attended Stetson University. For nine years he played football at the high school and collegiate levels. After graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication and Media Studies, Chancellor lived abroad in China from 2018-2019. Chancellor fell into writing after his traumatic experience of being arrested and detained in Beijing for 14 days. His first book, "14 Days in Beijing" has ranked #1 over fifteen times on Amazon in multiple genres. Chancellor has recently released his first romance drama titled 'You Love and You Learn' now available on Amazon.

Are you looking for ways to enhance your love life and relationships?  What is Unconditional Love? Can it improve your mood and outlook on life?  Can it improve your relationships and self-esteem? According to science, it does. Zach Beach is a best-selling author and poet, internationally renowned yoga teacher, love coach, founder of The Heart Center love school, and host of the Learn to Love Podcast. Zach will reveal his latest book Pebblesand teachings on unconditional love and how how to deepen love and connection between couples in an exclusive interview on The Arabian Traveler Poetry. He reads some of his poetry and talks about ways to be authentic and in harmony with oneself and the universe.