👂 Stirring discussions under the lamplight: Since 2017, Saudi journalist and storyteller Lubna Al Khamis has used Pixel House ’s Abajura podcast to explore fascinating topics that begin with a simple question. Al Khamis delves into humanities, social sciences, and personal reflections to cover ground on a variety of topics like the dopamine-driven impact of social media, how language shapes our consciousness and identity, or the meaning of intelligence in the Arab world.

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One standout episode serves as a love letter to coffee. Al Khamis weaves together stories connecting the beverage to famous literary and artistic figures, while sharing intriguing statistics that can change how you understand its function. She shares her observations from travels through Scandinavia — particularly Finland, where residents consume an astonishing nine cups daily — contemplating how coffee culture permeates everyday life in the continent, even influencing their daily vocabulary.

A passion brewed to perfection: In the same episode, Al Khamis interviews Mishari Al Rashid, a fellow Saudi who gave up dentistry to become a barista, driven by his passion. Al Rashid’s approach to coffee is like a precise science — from cultivation and storage to temperature control and final presentation. He offers a unique perspective on the role coffee plays in the lives of its devotees and attempts to answer intriguing questions like: Does your coffee order reflect your personality?

Abajura masterfully combines entertainment with substance, offering something for everyone interested in psychological, social, and cultural explorations. The thoughtfully curated topics are prepared by a dedicated team and perfectly complement Al Khamis’s exceptional storytelling ability that keeps listeners engaged — a great pick if you’re looking for enlightening discussions to enjoy during your commute or alongside your morning coffee.

WHERE TO LISTEN- You can listen to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.