Cool Copts Doing Cool Things

Jacky Habib, a Nairobi-based freelance journalist reporting on human rights and global development, sits down with us to discuss her background as a Coptic-Canadian journalist. Tune in to hear more about the importance of diverse representation when storytelling, the inside scoop on living and reporting in Africa, and a unique scholarship opportunity for aspiring journalists.

In today's episode, we sit down with Michael Elgamal, the mind behind Creative Orthodox on Instagram, Facebook, and creativeorthodox.com. Michael has published graphic novels, board books, and other wonderful resources for kids and adults alike who are interested in learning more about Orthodox mothers and fathers. Tune in to hear about the ancestral instinct behind the unique Coptic art form, Michael's upcoming projects, and learn how our precious children in Egypt are expressing their creativity, too! Don't forget to like and subscribe so you never miss an episode of Cool Copts doing Cool Things.

On today's episode, we sit down with Mireille Mishriky, author of the children’s book series SuperHolies, a series that reimagines the fruits of the Holy Spirit as superpowers and teaches children about their faith and its glory. Marina and Mireille discuss the importance of seeing our Coptic heritage as a superpower, the ways technology has spurred the Coptic renaissance, and the importance of keeping in touch with your sponsored children by writing them letters.

When Hany Takla was 12 years old, a thought struck him while he walked to Sunday School: "Learn Coptic." No one in his family knew the language nor did they encourage him to learn it. But years later, Hany left his engineering studies behind and dedicated his life to studying and preserving the Coptic language. Listen to our latest episode to hear more about the importance of preserving the Coptic language, how a Coptologist might stumble upon ancient manuscripts on eBay, and more!

In this episode we sit down with Dina Daniel, the Founder, Owner, and Chef at Fava Pot. Fava Pot celebrates its ninth anniversary of bringing delicious Egyptian food to the D.C. metro area this year. Tune in to hear Dina tell us how Fava Pot grew from a food truck to getting glowing reviews from the Washington Post, the secret to the perfect bowl of molokheya, and hear a little about Coptic Orphans' latest initiative, too.

In this Labor Day episode, we sit down with Dr. Sherry Shenoda, author of The Lightkeeper and the newly-published poetry collection Mummy Eaters. Sherry tells us about the writing process behind her two works, grief, ancient history (including gruesome mummy practices), and shares some tips for juggling parenthood with writing and full time work. We also share some insight into the workshops Coptic Orphans provides to improve the psychological and emotional health of the families we serve in Egypt. You can find Sherry on her website, sherryshenoda.com, and Mummy Eaters is now available for purchase! For more episodes like this, make sure to follow Cool Copts: Doing Cool Things on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen!

Marina sits down with sisters Sonia and Sophia Samantaroy, authors of In a Dry Land, to discuss their new book, the significance of the desert and environmental imagery from an Orthodox perspective, and their experience with Coptic Orphans’ Serve to Learn program. In addition to being published authors, Sophia is studying Environmental Health and History at the University of Rochester and Sonia - who will attend William & Mary this fall - served as editor-in-chief at her high school newspaper.

This week, Cool Copts talks to Mena Basta, best known as Egyptian musician (and composer of our new intro theme) Coptic Oud, about his musical backstory, the cultural disparity between high school orchestra and band, and preserving the melodies of the ancient church. Mena tells us some amazing background on Egyptian musical history, the differences between American and Egyptian children, and student commutes.

Featured on famous platforms like Comedy Central Arabia, comedian Fady Rizk incorporates his Coptic Orthodox identity into a medium that otherwise lacks it: stand-up comedy. Nermien and Fady discuss relatability, Fady’s new music, Coptic evangelism, and the importance of hitting milestones when the time is right. This episode also includes a segment of his new song, “Bas Kefaya Bas.”

This week, Nermien talks to fellow podcaster Tasoni Laura. Tasoni is the founder of the blog Coptic Dad & Mom and the podcast Raising Up Copts and the author of the children’s book, The Story of the Copts. Tasoni shares her experience growing up in one of the only Coptic Christian families for miles in central Virginia and how this experience motivated her to help other Coptic Christians grow in their faith and thrive in Western society.

Mona Shand is currently an aid in the House of Representatives, but her work history is incredibly diverse; she has worked as a TV journalist, a public school teacher, and occupies the ongoing role of mother of three. In this episode, Nermien and Mona cover what constitutes “cool,” running for political office, educating an audience through journalism, and the blessing of having your voice heard.

Anthony Marcos is the author of A Spring in Sinai, which details the life and martyrdom of Fr. Mina Abood, who was martyred in 2013. In this episode of Cool Copts, Nermien and Mina discuss Fr. Mina's life and legacy, Anthony's process of writing the memoir with Tasoni,  and how we can all use our gifts to give glory to God.

Mark Hanna left his job as an engineer in Canada to pursue his dream as a director and filmmaker in Egypt - and it paid off! Mark has worked with big names like Netflix, Uber, and Redbull to bring their ideas to life on the big screen. In this episode of Cool Copts, Nermien and Mark discuss his dramatic career transition, the state of education in Egypt, and how Mark's Coptic identity has influenced his work behind the screen.

Nermien sits down with Fr. Anthony Messeh of St. Timothy & St. Athanasius Orthodox Church in Arglinton, VA. Abouna talks with Nermien about his passion sharing the Orthodox faith with those outside usual Orthodox circles and Abouna's Book, Whatever, God. 

In this episode, Nermien interviews Nader Anise, the Director of the American Lawyers Public Image Association, and the founder of the Coptic Chamber of Commerce and Global Coptic Day. The two talk about Coptic identity, the early presence of Copts in the U.S., and how they imagine future generations of Copts can uphold the Coptic heritage and faith!

Nermien Riad interviews Dallas-based painter and visual artist Marian Mekhail, where they discuss Marian's solo exhibition "Maktub," how Marian's Coptic heritage influences her art, and encourage Copts everywhere to follow their God-given talents.

Nermien sits down with mental health activist and podcaster, Mark Metry, where they discuss Mark's work with mental health, tips on how we can improve our own health, and what Coptic Orphans does for children in Egypt to support mental and emotional health. 

Mark Metry is an entrepreneur, author, creator, mental health advocate, coach, teacher, keynote speaker, and podcast host. He has interviewed over 300+ top leaders around the world from billionaire philanthropists, to neuroscientists, professional athletes, New York times bestselling authors, philosophers, and innovative disrupter’s on his Top 100 Humans 2.0 podcast, which NASDAQ, and Yahoo Finance placed in the "Top 21 Growing Podcasts you must listen to..” Mark is also the bestselling author of Screw Being Shy: Learn How to Manage Social Anxiety and Be Yourself in Front of Anyone! Mark has been featured in Forbes, TEDx, HuffPost, Mindvalley, Inc and many more. You can learn more about Mark and his work with mental health on his website: www.markmetry.com