The Seeds

Every story starts with a seed. Alana Hadid is on a mission to dig into the tiny, weird, wonderful moments that shape us — one silly, vulnerable and deep conversation at a time. The Seeds is where artists, activists, and icons open up like you’ve never heard them before. This season, Alana sits down with folks like Hasan Piker (political firestarter), Mona Chalabi (Pulitzer Prize winning data queen), Aja Monet (award-winning poet of your dreams), Kendrick Sampson (activist/heartthrob, Insecure & I’m A Virgo), Melissa Barrera (hello, horror icon), and Poppy Liu (actual magic, Hacks). We get into childhood memories, big feels, late-night thoughts, early crushes, politics, love, art — the real stuff. So pull up a seat. New episodes every Tuesday, starting June 4. Follow on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Presented by Watermelon Pictures. Produced by Dustlight Productions.

Last refreshed: July 28th, 2025 at 10:47 PM ⓘ

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Episodes

Iraqis Deserve an Apology | Mona Chalabi on the Seeds

In this episode of The Seeds, Mona Chalabi—Pulitzer Prize–winning data journalist and artist—joins host Alana Hadid for a warm, funny, and deeply reflective conversation about childhood, being Iraqi, how journalists manufacture consent for genocide, and data in dating. Plus Mona gets Melissa Barrera's seed! Chapters: 00:00 – Intros, and Who’s More Awkward? 00:22 – Skip Intro 00:38 – Childhood Memories 02:14 – Pulling a Seed 03:37 – Mona's Life Purpose 05:08 – Going into Journalism 09:14 – Being ...

Jul 11, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 6

Doomscrolling Isn't Solidarity | Aja Monet on The Seeds

In this soul-stirring episode of The Seeds, poet and activist Aja Monet sits down with host, Alana Hadid, to talk about the cost of being online, bearing witness to injustice, and how poetry and faith can heal us. From the overwhelm of social media to solidarity with Palestine, Aja opens up about her upbringing, the legacy of her grandparents, and the journey of becoming a poet rooted in resistance, tenderness, and truth. She even shares a live reading of her poem, Los Angeles. Chapters: 00:00 –...

Jul 04, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 5

From Insecure to Activist: Kendrick Sampson on Art as Resistance | The Seeds with Alana Hadid

Why does Kendrick Sampson have beef with Leos? (We get into that… but this conversation goes way deeper.) Actor, activist, and creative force Kendrick Sampson ( Insecure, Miss Juneteenth ) joins host, Alana Hadid , for a bold and honest conversation about power, identity, and the lies we've been sold about success. He opens up about growing up as a misfit in Texas, the influence of his radical collaborations with Boots Riley, and how spirituality and community shape everything he does — on scree...

Jun 27, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 4

Melissa Barrera: From Soap Operas to Horror Queen | The Seeds with Alana Hadid

Host Alana Hadid talks to actress, Melissa Barrera, about the actress’s life purpose and her inspiring journey — from growing up as a tomboy in Monterrey, Mexico, to breaking barriers in Hollywood as a leading Latina actress to speaking about Palestine. In this episode, Melissa opens up about her identity, her rituals, and the ghosts (metaphorical and possibly literal 👀) that she’s carried with her through life and into every role. From In the Heights to Scream, she’s more than a breakout star ...

Jun 20, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 3

Hasan Piker Breaks Down Streaming, Socialism, and Internet Hate | The Seeds with Alana Hadid

In this episode, host Alana Hadid sit down with Hasan Piker — political streamer, political commentator, and king of thirst traps — to talk about the day-to-day behind streaming, dodging online death threats, and the role of luck in life. From his early days working in Hollywood to becoming one of the internet’s most-watched political voices, Hasan shares unfiltered stories about burnout, fighting with Donald Trump and Elon Musk, and that one time he accidentally created chaos on stream with a w...

Jun 13, 2025•50 min•Ep. 2

How Palestine Transformed Poppy Liu of Hit Show, Hacks | The Seeds with Alana Hadid

In the very first episode of The Seeds , host Alana Hadid sits down with Poppy Liu (they/she) — actor, doula, and activist — to talk about ancestry, speaking out for Gaza, postpartum rituals, immigration and motherhood. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Poppy 00:22 SKIP INTRO 00:36 The Chicken Saga Begins 01:15 Sitting the Month Tradition 02:32 Chicken Trauma and Survival 06:35 Citizen App and Archery 08:56 Poppy's Identity and Self-Description 11:00 Childhood and Cultural Transitions 15...

Jun 06, 2025•54 min•Ep. 1

The Seeds - Trailer

Every story starts with a seed. Alana Hadid is on a mission to dig into the tiny, weird, wonderful moments that shape us — one lighthearted, vulnerable, and deep conversation at a time. The Seeds is where artists, activists, and icons open up like you’ve never heard them before. This season, Alana ( IG ) sits down with: Hasan Piker ( IG | YouTube ) Mona Chalabi ( IG ) Aja Monet ( IG ) Kendrick Sampson ( IG ) Melissa Barrera ( IG ) Poppy Liu ( IG ) We get into childhood memories, big feels, late-...

May 20, 2025•1 min

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