Dr. Fady Joudah: Poetry, Palestine, and the Language of Resistance | Sumud Podcast

In this episode of the Sumud Podcast, we are honored to host Dr. Fady Joudah—a Palestinian-American poet, translator, and physician whose work bridges the worlds of healing, resistance, and storytelling. A doctor of both medicine and metaphor, Dr. Joudah masterfully intertwines themes of exile, memory, and steadfastness (sumud) in his poetry, offering a deeply reflective exploration of Palestinian identity and survival.

From his upbringing as the son of Palestinian refugees to his work as a poet and physician, Dr. Joudah discusses:

➡️ The nature of sumud (steadfastness) and what it means to resist

➡️ The power of language in shaping Palestinian identity and resistance

➡️ Poetry’s role in documenting struggle and inspiring hope

➡️ His personal journey of navigating exile, medicine, and art

Dr. Joudah's literary and humanitarian contributions have made him one of the most vital Palestinian voices today. His translations of Mahmoud Darwish and Ghassan Zaqtan have brought Palestinian literature to wider audiences, ensuring that the stories of his people remain undeniable, unforgettable, and unerasable.

📢 Don’t miss this profound conversation on poetry, history, and the Palestinian struggle for justice.

🔴 For all things Sumud Podcast: https://sumudpod.com/

📚 Explore Dr. Fady Joudah’s work:

👉 Milkweed Editions Author Page: https://milkweed.org/author/fady-joudah

👉 Follow Dr. Joudah on X: https://twitter.com/FadyJoudah

🎙️ Follow our host: https://www.instagram.com/dredhasan/

📲 Follow Sumud Podcast: https://sumudpod.com/

Special thanks to @ZeinaAshrawi

📌 CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction

02:18 Dr. Fady’s background

14:26 Why his parents chose to leave the U.S.

21:35 When he realized he is a Palestinian

37:58 On being a doctor and a poet

49:05 Readings from Progress Notes

01:04:26 The fragility and power of hope in times of genocide

#SumudPodcast #FadyJoudah #PalestinianPoetry #Art #literature #MahmoudDarwish #Exile #Palestine

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