Noor Hadid is 32 years old, a Lebanese sprinter, and still getting faster.In a sport built for youth and powered by infrastructure, Noor is pushing back against both—rebuilding his career in the U.S. after years of training in post-crisis Lebanon, where inflation destroyed his savings and opportunities were scarce. In this episode, we talk about: 🏃♂️ Gaining speed after his so-called prime 💰 Surviving Lebanon’s economic collapse—at one point, living on a single piece of cheese a day 🧠 The me...
Jun 05, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 24
At just 19 years old, Omar Ismail has already competed on the biggest stage in the world—the Olympics. But for him, taekwondo isn’t just a sport. It’s purpose, discipline, and a way to carry the weight of Palestine with power and pride.In this episode of Beyond The Buzzer, we sit down with Omar to talk about: 🥋 What it means to step into the ring calm, present, and tactical 🌍 Representing a country under pressure—and not just showing up, but aiming to win 🧠 How he handles pressure, expectatio...
Jun 05, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Season 2Ep. 23
In this uniquely raw and dynamic episode of Beyond The Buzzer, we sit down with Ed—on and off the basketball court—for a conversation that moves in every sense of the word. Ed opens up about his early days in the game, his battles with mental health, and the quiet but powerful journey back to happiness after loss. We dive into what it means to be a father, a husband, and a man who’s still learning—still showing up. This conversation isn’t just about sport. It’s about: 🧠 Mental health, healing, ...
Jun 05, 2025•1 hr 48 min•Season 2Ep. 22
Jesse Chuku—better known online as Chewkz—has lived multiple lives: pro hooper, content creator, and disciplined student of self-reinvention. In this episode of Beyond The Buzzer, co-host Aboudi Al-Qattan reconnects with one of his oldest friends for an honest, wide-ranging conversation on navigating life after sport. Jesse shares his experiences playing professional basketball across Europe, and how stepping away from the game led him into the unpredictable world of content creation. They dive ...
Mar 25, 2025•59 min•Season 2Ep. 20
Layla Almasri isn’t just a runner—she’s a symbol of resilience, representation, and purpose. From growing up in Colorado as a first-generation Palestinian-American to breaking national records in the 800m, 1500m, 3K, and 5K, Layla’s journey has been anything but conventional. In this powerful episode of *Beyond The Buzzer*, Layla sits down with Aboudi Al-Qattan & Sam Daghlas to discuss: 🏃♀️ The emotional weight of representing Palestine on the world stage;' 🧠 How she battled imposter synd...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Season 2Ep. 19
From dominating the Jordanian basketball scene to stepping into the spotlight as a TV presenter, Rubi Habash has never backed down from a challenge. But her story is more than just a highlight reel—it’s a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of perseverance. In this deeply personal episode of Beyond The Buzzer, Rubi reflects on her rise in Jordanian basketball, the struggles of playing in a country with limited support for women’s sports, and her bold decision to switch from Ortho...
Mar 06, 2025•52 min•Season 2Ep. 18
Maria Saab is MENA's TOP High-Performance Coach. Her work spans top-level executives, athletes, and artists, but her message is always the same: the only thing that stops us from achieving our dreams is our own limiting beliefs. In this powerful episode, Maria delves into the techniques she uses not only with her clients, but also with herself. Maria is open, honest, and extremely insightfu-- ifyou are interested in learning how you can create habits that drive you towards success, then this is ...
Feb 18, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Season 2Ep. 17
Rui Hachemura is a superstar for the LA Lakers and the Japanese National Team--but before that, Rui didn't even know what the NBA was! In this candid conversation with Sam, Rui details his rise to international stardom and the adversity he faced along the way. Despite not speaking English until later in life, Rui had a dream, and he knew he could achieve it--internal perseverance, incessant persistence, and a great support system around him helped him reach the heights he has reached. This episo...
Feb 11, 2025•27 min•Season 2Ep. 16
Rasha Abdo is a professional hooper, a seasoned tech employee, and an active mother of two. While her schedule may sound packed for others, Rasha manages her time efficiently and effectively. She always balances her passion for basketball and motherhood with her desire to develop her career continuously. Most importantly, however, Rasha is a wonderful human with a real zest for life. This episode will inspire many, including young Arab women who struggle with the pursuit of sporting excellence a...
Feb 05, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 15
In this eye-opening episode, we dive into the remarkable journey of Valerie Tarazi, a Palestinian-American swimming sensation who has carved her place on the global stage through resilience, grit, and unparalleled determination. From her roots in Illinois to becoming a record-breaking swimmer representing Palestine, Valerie's story is one of pushing physical and mental limits to achieve greatness. A multi-medalist at the 2023 Arab games, and flag bearer for Palestine at the 2024 Paris Olympics, ...
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr 49 min•Season 2Ep. 14
The internal gang get together again to discuss what's been going on in the league. From OKC and Cleveland dominance, to Houston's surprise run, to end of season award picks, this episode is PACKED with NBA content.
Jan 14, 2025•58 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Drafted as the No. 5 pick in the 2002 NBA Draft after just five years of playing basketball, Nikoloz Tskitishvili faced immense pressure to live up to sky-high expectations. In this compelling episode, Nikoloz shares his journey through the weight of the NBA spotlight, the challenges of unmet potential, and how he forged a successful career across Europe and Asia. We explore his tough childhood, the love and brotherhood basketball brought into his life, and his current role in shaping the future...
Jan 07, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Rebecca Akl, a trailblazer in the world of basketball, became the first Arab woman to play professionally overseas, rewriting history along the way. In this candid episode, Rebecca shares her journey from growing up in Lebanon to traveling the globe as a professional athlete. She opens up about her close-knit family, the challenges she faced breaking into international basketball, and how those experiences shaped her resilience. Now a thriving business owner, Rebecca discusses her post-basketbal...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 2Ep. 10
In part two of this candid conversation, Anthony opens up about injury struggles that plagued his boxing career and ultimately caused him to retire early. Like in everything though, Anthony continued to manifest success and soon found himself at the peak of AEW wrestling. Outside the ring, Anthony discusses fatherhood and his recent app launch, Ogogo Fitness, and how he refuses to only identify as a boxer. Tune in for an incredible insight into the mind of a winner
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Anthony Ogogo’s journey to becoming an Olympic medalist is a story of grit, responsibility, and resilience. In this first installment of our two-part series, Anthony reflects on his early years, taking on the role of the family’s backbone as a child, his discovery of boxing as an outlet and passion, and the relentless drive that led him to the Olympic podium for Team UK. Now navigating life as a new father, Anthony opens up about the lessons he’s learned from his struggles and triumphs, offering...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 8
In this episode we explore Lamelo Balls ceiling, Luka Doncic's fitness, and how difficult it is to try and make the playoffs in the Western conference
Nov 29, 2024•29 min•Season 2Ep. 7
In part one of this weeks internal series, the team discuss the Lakers, the Sixers, and the Rockets. Sam thinks Austin Reaves is tradeable, while Aboudi disagrees. All three hosts align that this could be Embiids last year in Philly, and the guys are excited about the Rockets future, but disagree about who the ideal trade candidate is.
Nov 26, 2024•18 min•Season 2Ep. 6
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Kevin Ware, whose resilience and determination redefined what it means to overcome adversity. Kevin opens up about the life-altering injury that could have ended his basketball journey, the mental strength it took to persevere, and how he has turned his experience into a mission to help others succeed in the sport. From his playing career to mentoring aspiring athletes, Kevin shares the lessons he's learned and the legacy he's building within the game h...
Nov 18, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 5
In this weeks edition our BTB's internal series, Sam and Aboudi welcome on Nico Marsaglia, and aspiring actor/writer in LA with who boasts exceptional basketball knowledge. Nico has a rare sense of humor, combining wit with speed, yet ultimately his approach to the game is what brought him on the episode. Nico is an old friend of Aboudi's, meaning there is plenty of friendly banter throughout the show.
Nov 12, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Season 2Ep. 4
In this episode, we sit down with Mike Atkinson, one of the best performance coaches in the world. Not only does Mike train some of the top NBA players, but he’s also a deeply spiritual and candid individual who isn’t afraid to be open about himself and confront his own ego. Our conversation dives into the mindset, discipline, and self-reflection that drives elite performance, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the practices and philosophies that elevate the game’s greatest athletes. Whether...
Nov 04, 2024•2 hr 23 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Sam and Aboudi kick off their "internal series" by discussing Sam's newest gig, Aboudi's travels, and some predictions for the NBA Season. BTB will be releasing internal episodes every other week, in between their episodes with guests.
Oct 31, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 2
In this powerful season two premiere, we sit down with Sani Sakakini, one of the most accomplished basketball players to emerge from Palestine, for an intense and emotional conversation. Sani opens up about his journey growing up under occupation, navigating the challenges of playing professional basketball across the globe, and the personal toll of losing his father. He shares candid insights into how these experiences have shaped him both on and off the court, and what it means to run two busi...
Oct 21, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Alex McClean is an entrepreneur with businesses across the world and somebody who has impacted the lives of many. His journey with basketball began in Junior College and ended at the highest European level, showcasing how everybody can have their own unique path with professional sports. Having spent time as a player development coach with the Washington Wizards, Alex balances business, basketball, and family in a truly inspiring fashion.
Jun 17, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Join us in this exhilarating episode as we dive into the remarkable story of Nathalie Mamo, who shattered records and barriers as Lebanon's youngest female professional basketball player. Discover how Nathalie's fierce determination and unique insights from the basketball court have catapulted her into stardom as a beloved TV presenter. Nathalie opens up about the challenges and triumphs of her transition from sports to television, sharing lessons that resonate far beyond the basketball court. T...
Jun 03, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Cady Lalane was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs and has had an immensely successful international basketball career. However, to get where he is now, Cady overcame so much adversity that would deter the average person. His story is nothing short of remarkable, tune in to hear why!
May 20, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Dar Tucker boasts a phenomenal basketball career that saw him travel the world and play in Lebanon, Argentina, Jordan, and many more countries. Dar's journey is nothing short of remarkable. Off the court, Dar owns a restaurant, but in this episode, he speaks candidly about the struggles of attaching your identity to a sport. Tune in for some genuine life lessons
May 06, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 11
With Season 1 approaching the end, Sam and Aboudi catch up on life and NBA/NCAA basketball. The co-hosts speak candidly on the highs and lows of pursuing new projects and how the podcast continues to evolve.
Apr 22, 2024•35 min•Ep. 10
At only 23 years old, Aliya Boshnaq has already accomplished so much, but that hasn't curbed her ambition at all. An Olympic sprinter, Ivy League graduate, and current consultant at McKinsey, Aliya has a lot to say and does so candidly throughout this interview.
Apr 08, 2024•40 min•Ep. 9
Fadi is the most decorated basketball player to ever come out of the Middle East, but his accomplishments extend well beyond the court. Fadi is an entrepreneur, an activist, and a passionate family man--but like all successful people, his story is filled with adversity. Tune in for an insightful discussion between Fadi and the team.
Mar 25, 2024•51 min•Ep. 1
Amal Bin Haider is the captain of the UAE women's basketball team and a tremendous hooper, but her story is one filled with adversity. Having battled Alopecia since 2017, Amal candidly opens up about her struggles on and off the court, and how she uses adversity to fuel her incessant desire for improvement in life. Tune in for a remarkable episode with valuable insights on life.
Mar 11, 2024•40 min•Ep. 1
