Why acne isn't your fault, the transformative power of sobriety, inclusivity in the aesthetics industry, and the life of a CEO with Marya Khalil-Otto of VI Peel
Release Date: 07/11/2025
Beyond the Lens: Shahed Khaddash on Film, Identity, and Resistance
Well Rooted
In this re-released episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Shahed Khaddash — a Palestinian-American director and producer whose work is redefining how stories from our communities are told. With an eye for truth and authenticity, Shahed has collaborated with powerhouse brands like OLAY, Lexus, and Elle Magazine, crafting visual stories that bridge cultures and challenge stereotypes. We explore her groundbreaking approach to storytelling — from her highly anticipated Palestinian docuseries to an upcoming HBO project that’s turning heads in the industry. Shahed opens up about her...
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Nael Atweh on Building Grass Fed Music: Artist Development, R&B Innovation, and Redefining the Music Industry”
Well Rooted
In this re-release episode of Well Rooted, host Haneen Jarrar sits down with Nael Atweh, founder and president of Grass Fed Music, to dive into the world of music industry innovation and artist development. Known for discovering and nurturing top-tier talent, Nael represents breakout R&B star Sabrina Claudio and DJ Habibeats, a cultural icon shaping today’s global music scene. Nael opens up about his journey in talent management, his passion for developing authentic artists, and the inspiration behind launching Grass Fed Music with his wife and partner Alyce Hayek, who serves as the...
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Unapologetically Alana Hadid-Power, Protest, and Burning it all Down
Well Rooted
In this powerful and unfiltered episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Alana Hadid — a sustainable fashion icon, model, creative director of Watermelon Pictures, soon-to-be two-time author, activist, and proud member of the prestigious and deeply respected Palestinian Hadid family. Alana opens up about reclaiming narratives, the inevitable evolution we've all experienced over the past two years, the personal and professional cost of speaking her undeniable truth, and what it means to stay rooted in justice when the world demands silence. We talk about the urgency of decolonizing our minds,...
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From Paris to Palestine, resistance in creation, fashion as revolution, and the best type of revenge with Sylwia Nazzal of Nazzal Studios
Well Rooted
In this powerful episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Sylwia Nazzal — Palestinian fashion designer, founder of Nazzal Studio, and winner of the Fashion Trust Arabia Debut Talent Award. Sylwia shares the deeply personal journey behind her award-winning senior thesis at Parsons, What Should Have Been Home — a fashion collection that confronts the realities of Palestinian life under occupation through archival imagery and intentional design. But this story goes far beyond fashion. Sylwia opens up about the very real obstacles she faced for daring to speak out about...
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Why acne isn't your fault, the transformative power of sobriety, inclusivity in the aesthetics industry, and the life of a CEO with Marya Khalil-Otto of VI Peel
Well Rooted
In this powerful episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Marya Khalil-Otto, CEO of VI Peel—the first-of-its-kind, painless chemical peel designed for all skin tones. Originally created by her father, Dr. Khalil, to help treat Marya’s acne, VI Peel has grown into one of the most trusted brands in the aesthetics industry. Marya opens up about stepping into leadership after her father’s passing, moving cross-country to LA, and going back to school to become a licensed aesthetician—all to deepen her connection to the brand and its community. We also dive into: The science and truth...
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Jenan Matari | Everything Grows: Storytelling, Identity & Rooted Resistance
Well Rooted
In the latest episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Jenan Matari — award-winning author, publicist, activist, and creator — to explore the deeply personal and political themes woven through her upcoming children’s book, Everything Grows in Jiddo’s Garden. Jenan shares how reclaiming and preserving her Palestinian heritage shapes her storytelling, and what it means to raise children with a strong connection to their roots — especially in a world that often challenges indigenous and diasporic identities. We discuss the sacred relationship indigenous people have with the land,...
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Nadia Khaled-Manifestation Coach and Content Creator | "The only thing standing between you and the life that you are dreaming of is just one leap of faith"
Well Rooted
In this empowering episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Nadia Khaled—a dynamic content creator, manifestation coach, and host of the Limitless with Nadia podcast. Nadia shares her transformative journey from being unexpectedly fired for posting a TikTok at work to building a thriving six-figure business and living her dream life. Discover how Nadia harnessed the power of neuroscience, quantum physics, and universal laws to manifest her desires. She delves into the science behind manifestation, the importance of embracing your divine feminine energy, and how to cultivate success in...
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Ebraheem Al Samadi - Entrepreneur and Star of Dubai Bling | "I will always be who I am"
Well Rooted
In this captivating episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Ebraheem Al Samadi — the breakout star of Dubai Bling, founder of Forever Rose and Forever Rose Café, and a self-proclaimed “unfiltered” force of nature. From his Florida upbringing to building a luxury empire in the heart of the UAE, Ebraheem shares his journey with raw honesty, humor, and heart. We dive into his early start in entrepreneurship, the business mindset that shaped his success, and the unapologetic confidence that keeps him standing firm — especially when using his platform to speak up for the causes that...
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Why we need laughter more than ever, Arab girl dating problems, double standards, and humanitarian work for Palestine with comedian, Abeer
Well Rooted
In this inspiring and hilarious episode, we sit down with breakout content creator and comedian Abeer, whose fearless voice and relatable storytelling have captivated audiences across platforms. We dive into her journey into content creation—what sparked it, how she's navigated it, and the deeper purpose behind her viral moments. Abeer opens up about her advocacy work, the power of humor in breaking down barriers, and how she challenges cultural norms around women, dating, and “socially acceptable” behavior—often with a laugh, always with intention. This conversation is a blend of...
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Why "art should be a revolutionary force," the healing powers of the Middle East, and building a brand rooted in resistance with Lara Salmon of For Your Viewing Pleasure
Well Rooted
In this powerful episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Lara Salmon — a world-renowned Irish-American performance artist and co-founder of the social justice apparel brand For Your Viewing Pleasure (FYVP), created alongside her partner and designer, Vanessa. Lara opens up about her life and work, from her deeply immersive artistic practice to her transformative experiences living in the Middle East. She shares how witnessing both the beauty and the heartbreak of life in conflict zones reshaped her understanding of community, solidarity, and the responsibility of artists to speak truth to...
info_outlineIn this powerful episode of Well Rooted, we sit down with Marya Khalil-Otto, CEO of VI Peel—the first-of-its-kind, painless chemical peel designed for all skin tones. Originally created by her father, Dr. Khalil, to help treat Marya’s acne, VI Peel has grown into one of the most trusted brands in the aesthetics industry.
Marya opens up about stepping into leadership after her father’s passing, moving cross-country to LA, and going back to school to become a licensed aesthetician—all to deepen her connection to the brand and its community. We also dive into:
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The science and truth behind acne and skin health
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The evolution of the aesthetics industry and VI Peel’s inclusive mission
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How sobriety transformed her life and leadership
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What it really takes to juggle motherhood, personal wellness, and running a thriving company
This is an episode about legacy, healing from the inside out, and choosing growth—personally and professionally.
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