Alaa Balkhy is a Saudi creative director working at the intersection of fashion, design, and culture. On this episode of the podcast, she shares her experience as a third-culture kid, her perception of identity, and her efforts to stay connected to and to celebrate her Middle Eastern roots.
Jul 2022
Leen Sadder: The Decision to Freeze Your Eggs – and All It Entails
Leen Sadder is a Dubai-based designer, founder, community builder, and one of my dearest friends. On this episode of the podcast, she discusses her decision to freeze her eggs, why it took her so long and the fears that held her back from it, and the reaction of the people around ... Show More
1h 1m
Jun 2022
Kelsey Wells: A Story of Healing
One of world's biggest fitness personalities, Kelsey Wells, opens up about her healing journey, overcoming postpartum depression, managing her anxiety, overcoming body image issues, and making peace with her body.
48m 51s
Jun 2022
Dr. Heather Eade: Rethinking the Treatment of PCOS
Dr. Heather Eade is a naturopathic physician, specializing in integrative medicine in Dubai. On this episode of the podcast, she unpacks one of the most common disorders plaguing women today, polycystic ovary syndrome, and offers a refreshingly different take on the treatment of ... Show More
58m 18s
Jan 2025
“Your Role Models Are Making You Miserable!” - The Hala 135 | Challenges Faced as a Creative, Telepathic Connections, Overcoming Loss & Practicing Gratitude
Hala Abdallah is a Saudi Arabian content creator, entrepreneur, and global influencer. A graduate of OTIS College of Art and Design in Los Angeles. And jewelry design from IGI she combines her passion for art, design, and fashion through her brand, OFA. Known for her striking sty ... Show More
1h 43m
Feb 2022
Living outside the Middle Eastern stereotypes with Alya Mooro
In this episode, Specialist ED Dietitian Hala Abu Taha meets Egyptian born, London raised writer Alya Mooro. Together, they discuss some of the cultural stereotypes Alya talks about in her book “The Greater Freedom: Life as a Middle Eastern woman outside of the stereotypes” and h ... Show More
39m 30s
May 2024
Your Ancestry Is Only a Thread Away | Hana Almilli
Hana Almilli is a multimedia artist, textile designer, and poet based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Her research-based practice explores the idea of recreating affected, and resurrected identities through the material culture of textile and assemblages. Belonging to Turkish, Syrian, K ... Show More
53m 37s
Aug 2025
Season 2 Episode 5｜Islam, Culture & Identity : Growing up as a Diaspora Kid with Bayan Fares, Founder of the Badan Collective
In this episode, I’m joined by Bayan Fares, founder of the Badan Collective, to talk about navigating identity, balancing cultural and societal expectations, and the role of faith in maintaining mental health—especially during difficult times for Palestine. Bayan also shares how ... Show More
1h 12m
Oct 2024
Redefining Faithful Strength and Self-Belief
On this week's podcast, we sit down with Khadijah Safari, a remarkable figure who shares her journey of self-discovery, spirituality, and the founding of the UK’s first women's only martial arts club. Khadijah delves into her transition to Islam, shedding light on the power of in ... Show More
30m 26s
Mar 2024
Unapologetic Path to Authenticity and Understanding: A Conversation with Dana Alhanbali
On this week's episode, we speak to entrepreneur and podcast host Dana Alhanbali on multicultural identity, intersectionality, humanity, and activism. Through Dana's personal journey, she explores the profound impact of embracing one's roots in the face of global challenges and t ... Show More
36m 22s
Aug 2024
Cultural Diplomacy and Self-Awareness
On this week's episode, we welcome the insightful Rozan (Razan), an intercultural visionary who delves into the complexities of identity, belonging, and the power of self-awareness. Rozan shares her journey of navigating multiple identities as a Sudanese, African, and British wom ... Show More
31m 40s
Dec 2023
Being Gay & Persian with Zoya Biglary
Zoya Biglary joins Mal on the conversation couch to share her struggles with fitting in, coming out to her conservative Persian parents, and defying cultural expectations. Even though Zoya forgot to bring a piece of fruit, she peels back the layers of trauma and challenges that m ... Show More
36m 58s