21 JUN 2024 · In this episode titled "Grace Under Fire," we sit down with Belal Nassar, a Palestinian American content creator and actor dedicated to amplifying the voices of the voiceless in Gaza. Belal shares his journey from his upbringing in America to his rise as a digital storyteller, highlighting the profound psychological toll of facing daily aggression and hostility online. We explore the intersection of activism and art, the power of social media as a battleground for truth and justice, and the resilience and courage of those standing against the ongoing genocide and occupation in Palestine. Belal’s story underscores the importance of staying firm in the face of adversity and using digital platforms to inspire global action and awareness.

14 JUN 2024 · In a raw conversation, we meet the Palestinian artist MC Gaza who has raised funds to get his family, including his mother and brother with Down Syndrome, out of Gaza to safety in Egypt. He shares his experience being inspired by legends such as Tupac to use rap as resistance against illegal occupation as well as his heartbreak over the way Israeli forces have destroyed every aspect of life in Gaza and the amount of innocent lives lost.

12 DEC 2023 · In the compelling 101st episode of UNSUGARCOATED with Aalia, we get the Lebanese perspective as Lebanese-American award-winning author Dana Dargos takes center stage. She discusses her journey from the Bay Area to literary acclaim with her debut, "Einstein in the Attic." The episode explores Dana's diverse interests, cultural values blending Lebanese heritage with American upbringing, and her impactful storytelling. Listeners are immersed in Lebanon's rich history, the struggles of its people, and Dana's humanitarian work. The conversation delves into Dana's commitment to activism, highlighting her efforts to raise awareness about the Palestinian cause globally. Throughout, Dana's experiences, challenges, and hopes create a heartfelt plea for humanity, urging listeners to stand against racism, genocide, and injustice. Aalia and Dana navigate the complexities of history, culture, and the call to action that defines Dana's inspiring journey as a humanitarian, activist, and impactful author.

1 DEC 2023 · In the 100th episode, UNSUGARCOATED with Aalia welcomes Thomas Madden, the son of a Belgian diplomat, is a filmmaker, journalist, activist and founder of A Mad Production. Having personally documented life in Congo, South Sudan, Nepal, Iraq and Gaza on behalf of UNICEF, Thomas sheds light on how different stakeholders approach global geopolitical and humanitarian crises. Especially calling attention to the atrocities, oppression, and genocide taking place right now, he urges Western media to convey the reality and break the systematic oppression towards Palestinian people.

20 NOV 2023 · In this limited series and the 99th podcast episode of the show, host Aalia Lanius welcomes Quinn the Eskimo, a full-time digital “slowmad” who has been traveling the world for the last 3 years is now shifting his efforts to travel to Gaza. Quinn discusses his upcoming journey to the region, his collaboration with local organizations, and his commitment to sharing stories from conflict zones to raise awareness and inspire action. Quinn, as a white male, talks on dispelling ignorance as they explore the complexities of the Gaza conflict, emphasizing the importance of humanizing those affected and recognizing commonalities across cultural and political divides. The episode underscores the power of individual action in addressing global humanitarian crises and encouraging listeners to engage empathetically with these critical issues.

16 NOV 2023 · In this limited series, and the 98th podcast episode of the show, our host, Aalia is joined by Jewish-born, New York-based, Canadian Jess Salomon, to share her remarkable journey from U.N. war crimes lawyer to the spotlight of the comedy stage with her wife, a Palestinian Muslim. In this interview, they explore Salomon’s early experiences with Jewish traditions, her foray into the world of comedy, and the unique perspective she brings to the stage. Beyond the laughter, they talk about weighty topics, including her experiences with family and her understanding of Israel as a safe haven, the complexities surrounding Zionism, and the narratives surrounding Palestinians.

13 NOV 2023 · As part of this limited series and 97th episode of UNSUGARCOATED with Aalia, our host welcomes to the conversation United Kingdom based Fitness Trainer and Influencer, Nazia Khatun. After discussing her background and work to empower clients through fitness, neuroscience and trauma healing they dive into their critical perspectives of what “role model” means in a world that wants to cancel those speaking up for Palestinians suffering genocide as part of what is being dubbed the second Nakba, of “Catastrophe” since October 7th, 2023.

10 NOV 2023 · In this compelling podcast episode, our host engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Morani Kornberg, a distinguished Israeli-born Jewish scholar, writer, and poet holding a PhD. The focus of the episode revolves around the intricate history of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and what it would be like to be born Palestinian in contrast to Jewish, aiming to provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the region's complexities. Titled "From Los Angeles to Gaza: A Plea for Humanity," this episode aligns with the broader theme of this limited series as a podcast season. It seeks to bridge geographical and cultural gaps, fostering empathy and understanding. Through the insights provided by Kornberg, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted dynamics at play in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, emphasizing the importance of a humanitarian perspective in navigating the complexities of this enduring issue.

19 MAY 2023 · In our final episode of season 11, Aalia is joined by Johannes Bhakdi, the Founder and CEO of Quantgene. Jo brings his expertise in the biotech industry as they discuss the use of AI and genomics in preventative healthcare, to aid in the early detection and prevention of diseases. They also talk about the role emotional intelligence plays in the industry. Jo highlights the potential of genomics and AI in developing personalized treatment plans and bridging gaps in healthcare access. He also shares Quatgene's goals to make preventative care more accessible to all, and extend the healthy human lifespan by a decade within the next decade. Like, comment, and subscribe! Stay connected with your host on IG: @aalia_unsugarcoated Stay connected to our guest: @quantgene UNSUGARCOATED™ Media is a 501c3 media enterprise, using podcasts, print publications, short documentaries, and more to tell stories of empowerment in the face of adversity and trauma. For more information on our goals, content, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit our website.

12 MAY 2023 · In this episode, Aalia is joined by Aaron Michael Sanchez, author, talk show host and business strategist. Are you trying to figure out where to start when launching a business? Aalia and Aaron talk about the challenges and opportunities of starting one in a down economy, and how self-regulation, resilience and emotional intelligence are important qualities for entrepreneurs to possess. Aaron discusses his co-authored book "How to Start a Business in a Down Economy," sharing real-world advice and strategies. Like, comment, and subscribe! Stay connected with your host on IG: @aalia_unsugarcoated Stay connected to our guest: @aaronmsanchez UNSUGARCOATED™ Media is a 501c3 media enterprise, using podcasts, print publications, short documentaries, and more to tell stories of empowerment in the face of adversity and trauma. For more information on our goals, content, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit our website.