Category: Podcasts

As the holiday season sparkles to life and the clock inches closer to a new year, this episode is a warm toast to traditions, laughter, and the magic of festive customs. I’m joined by Lucas Ciscato, who brings stories of Italian Christmas dinners, the whimsical La Befana, and the symbolic ritual of burning away the old to welcome the new.

We wander through snowy German Christmas markets, savor Dutch “oliebollen,” and marvel at Russian New Year’s traditions involving champagne glasses and ashes of wishes—a quirky nod to hope and good fortune. Along the way, we laugh about group Halloween costumes and ponder how traditions shape not only our holidays but also our identities.

Through these tales, I reflect on the joy of connecting with loved ones, the meaning of home during the holidays, and the fun of quirky customs—like sitting in red underwear for good luck or scribbling your dreams on paper before midnight.

As 2025 approaches, let this episode be your cozy companion, filled with good vibes, gratitude, and a sprinkle of holiday cheer. Thank you for an incredible semester and for being part of “The Identity Library”! Here’s to your New Year’s resolutions, a festive break, and all the champagne glasses brimming with possibilities. May we see each other next semester again.

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What happens when you venture deep into the Everglades, armed with nothing but curiosity, a love for nature, and a resilient spirit? For Josie Houchard, it marked the start of an adventure that would change her life.

In this episode, Josie takes us on a journey through wetlands, rivers, and the winding paths of self-discovery. From growing up as the youngest in a bustling North Carolina family to finding her calling in the lush Everglades, her story is one of grit, humor, and an unshakable connection to the environment. Along the way, we explore her dream of reclaiming wetlands and managing stormwater—transforming her passion into purpose.

But the heart of our conversation lies beyond the wetlands. Josie opens up about what it means to find home, not just in a place, but within us. She reflects on the challenges of being an extrovert, balancing her bold personality with the desire for connection, and learning to stay true to who she is despite life’s pressures.

This is more than a story about wetlands; it’s a story about resilience, authenticity, and the courage to take up space in the world. Join us as we wade through the waters of identity, adventure, and the beautiful mess of being human.

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Hollie Mckay, a war journalist, joins Abdullah Najjar for a conversation on passion, the realities of war, giving a voice to the voiceless, and much more. Hollie shares a few of the lessons learned from her experiences in different countries and the balance she has to draw between family and the work she’s engaged in.

Be sure to Get Hollie’s recent publication, a novel called “The Dictator’s Wife”. Be sure to also check out her new podcast, “Dispatches on Parenting Across Cultures”, which is available on all platforms.

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Stone and Griffin wrap up Light it Red as they finish their time at NC State. The duo recaps important Wolfpack news, including volleyball making the NCAA tournament, men's soccer making a run to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament and football beating UNC and earning a bowl game.

Welcome to Chapter 10 of Identity Library– an episode where we immerse ourselves in the warmth, flavors, and timeless traditions of Italian culture through the eyes of Lucas Ciscato.
In this captivating conversation, Lucas takes us from the lively streets of Italy, where the scent of fresh espresso mingles with the sounds of animated conversations, to the intimate moments around family tables where food and stories are shared in equal measure. He reflects on how these moments—like the cherished daily coffee ritual, big family dinners, and expressive gestures—have shaped him and stayed with him, no matter where he goes.

Lucas shares tales of his time in Italy, staying in an Airbnb passed down by his father, where the essence of “la dolce vita” came alive in every corner. He opens up about how weddings, the role of wine, and the art of celebration are more than customs; they are the heartbeat of the Italian way of life. And as we journey with him from Italy to China, we see how these roots infuse his modeling career and bring an unmistakable Italian flair to the global stage.

This episode is more than a story—it’s an invitation to feel the joy of community, the power of heritage, and the beauty of a life that embraces every moment. Pull up a chair, pour yourself a glass of wine, and let Lucas’s journey take you from the cozy kitchens of Italy to the bustling cities of China.

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Dr. Ghadir Haikal is a civil engineering professor whose research is in the area of computational mechanics. In this episode, Dr. Haikal describes her journey from growing up in Syria to becoming a professor at NC State, and discusses her work on modeling interfaces in complex structures and materials, and its role in facilitating new discoveries in engineering. Dr. Haikal is one of the most caring professors I have had during my time at NC State and I’m grateful she took the time to talk with me. Enjoy!
Dr. Haikal’s NC State Website

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In this episode, Menna Elsayed chats with Edgar Bernal, the founder of Revista Latina, about his journey in creating the cultural organization and magazine. They discuss the publication’s impact and significance within North Carolina’s Latino community, as well as a glimpse into the cultural events it helps organize around The Triangle. 

Professor Richard Mahoney, who was a former secretary of the state of Arizona, joins Abdullah Najjar to talk a little bit about his background in addition to recent political developments, both domestically and internationally. In addition to his many hats, professor Mahoney is an author, a traveler, and a former speech writer for Obama.

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Join your devilish host DJ Crush as they interview Seattle-based indie pop dream pop sensation Fiona Moonchild!

Stone and Griffin discuss men's soccer, and their upcoming postseason run. The duo also discusses NC State on a greater scale in terms of the future of its programs, especially football in what has been a down year.