MBN show

Founding Encounters

Founding Encounters is a podcast series about the lesser known stories of the relationship between the Middle East and America in its earliest years. To mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this show will focus on unexpected and overlooked details of the founding years, taking listeners through the harbors of Morocco, the narrow bazaars of Tunis, the tobacco fields of Virginia, the naval battles in the distant seas, and much more.

Latest episode

When Americans Were Slaves in Tripoli

August 20, 2026

episodes

Episodes

Morocco: America's First Friend

Morocco became America’s first friend when it recognized the young nation and opened its ports to American ships. Roya Hakakian explores this overlooked chapter…

July 24, 2026

Thomas Jefferson's Quran | Founding Encounters

Premier, Arabic-first language source of news, commentary and information that connects the Middle East and the United States. 🌐 http://alhurra.com/en/ Subscribe to our channel:…

July 2, 2026

Host

Hosted by

Roya Hakakian

Roya Hakakian is an Iranian American author and essayist. Her books include Assassins of the Turquoise Palace, a 2011 New York Times Notable Book, and A Beginner’s Guide to America for the Immigrant and the Curious. Her essays have appeared in The New York Times, The New York Review of Books, and The Atlantic. She is a recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship in nonfiction writing.