On this episode of the Sumud Podcast, we’re joined by Palestinian storyteller and writer Jenan Matari, who brings voice to the narratives of resistance, diaspora, motherhood, and identity. From volleyball courts to viral blog posts and political storytelling, Jenan’s journey is one of reclamation; of land, language, and self.
Jenan opens up about growing up in a Palestinian-Brazilian-American household, her early years of struggling to fit in, and how faith and culture were both repressed and later rediscovered on her own terms. She shares the origin story of her groundbreaking blog Miss Muslim, the intergenerational wisdom that shaped her, and how a deeply personal trip to Palestine redefined her sense of home forever.
We dive into her upcoming children’s book, the role of her family (especially her grandfather), and what it means to raise kids who are not afraid to speak up about their identity and heritage. Through her storytelling, Jenan reminds us that home isn’t just a place—it’s a calling.
🎧 Watch more episodes: https://sumudpod.com/
🧥 Shoutout to @wearthepeace for the incredible hoodies, as featured in this episode, and for their inspiring brand mission.
Follow Jenan: https://www.instagram.com/jenanmatari
Follow our host: https://www.instagram.com/dredhasan/
📌 Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
04:19 – Navigating her Palestinian-Brazilian-American identity
12:00 – Parenting Palestinian Children in the U.S.
20:50 – Reclaiming Faith & Creating MissMuslim
32:55 – Storytelling, Writing & Finding Voice
42:26 – Returning to Palestine & Feeling Whole
52:31 – Her Grandfather’s Garden & Upcoming Children’s Book
1:06:05 – Diaspora Debt, Fear, and Choosing to Speak