Reem Edan: Comedy, Dreams, and the Art of Making Your Iraqi Parents Go Viral
New Podcast Episode Out Now, with the Exceptionally Funny Reem Edan: Maybe Let Your Kids Go into Entertainment!
I first heard of Reem Edan a few years ago when my sister sent me an Instagram skit of typical Arab Aunties - every family has an Iraqi Auntie, whether you acknowledge it or not, whether you’re Iraqi or not.
From there, I saw Reem perform live at the Arab American Comedy Festival earlier this year. It was a true needed break from the insanity of this year, and was a break from the struggle to feel ok about laughing. She, and the comics that night, showed us our collective humanity and need to nurture our souls.
Aside from the fact that meeting Reem for this podcast episode revealed layers of depth to the laughs; her upbringing to Iraqi immigrants to the US - something she and I have in common, but also shined a light on how much humor connects us, and how much the immigrant or first-generation experience is relatable. Listen here on Apple:
Join us for this fun conversation with comedian and viral content creator Reem Edan, who joins host Hazem Jamal for a heartfelt and hilarious dive into Iraqi culture, identity, and the role of humor in bridging cultural gaps. From her iconic sketches with her Iraqi baba and later, her mama, to her global stand-up success, Reem shares the story of how she found her voice in comedy—and how it wasn’t her original plan when she moved to LA to work in entertainment.
We test just how Iraqi Reem really is, unpack the cultural significance of food and family expectations, and explore the surprising role confidence and "networking" played in pivotal career moments. If you’re Iraqi or the child of immigrants, this episode is a relatable, laughter-filled break you won’t want to miss. Listen here on Spotify:
-Hazem Jamal
📲 Follow Reem Edan:
Instagram: @ReemEdan
All links: linktr.ee/reemedan
Special P.S.
Next week is #GivingTuesday, which is also my birthday. For my birthday week, I'm asking you to contribute to The PCRF.
We’ve all seen the images of the children in Gaza and Lebanon - this is unsustainable for humanity. Here is one way to help.
The PCRF provides free medical care to children in the Middle East, regardless of their nationality or religion, who do not have access to the care they need.
The PCRF brings volunteer surgical teams to the Middle East to perform life-changing and life-saving procedures, and trains local medical staff.
They created the first pediatric cancer department in Palestine and need all the help they can get to help the most devastated population of children we’ve seen in my lifetime. Please help:
https://www.facebook.com/donate/8680636598656854/8681400921913755/