? Love literature? You’ll love Paper Samwich. Through episodes ranging from just a few minutes to two whole hours, Anas Bin Hussein — host and producer of Paper Samwich — serves bite-sized intellectual meals, sharing insights into Arabic and international titles. From classic novels such as 1984 and Anna Karenina to influential non-fiction titles like Status Anxiety and The Power of Now, the podcast covers an array of literary works that cater to every palate.
Since its 2015 launch, the Arabic-language podcast has built an extensive backlog of over 320 episodes. Beyond book discussions, Bin Hussein shares personal reflections on topics such as dealing with frustration, self-esteem, and tips for effective reading.
In one episode, Bin Hussein delves into linguistic softening. As humans — regardless of cultural background or mother tongue — we tend to use softer language when discussing certain topics to avoid embarrassment or cast said topics in a more positive light. The concept is deeply intertwined with linguistic evolution, and the episode explores how words and expressions that were once used without negative connotations have now become socially unacceptable.
To put it simply, this is a fun, light podcast. The host’s storytelling style and the manner through which ideas are presented are both inspiring and entertaining. It’s an easy listen and an easy hook — and an incredibly rewarding one. Whether you’re a bookworm or simply yearn to expand the breadth of your knowledge, Paper Samwich is for you.
WHERE TO LISTEN- You can tune in on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube