Unswtnd + Unfltrd (Unswtnd+Unfltrd)
Explorez tous les épisodes de Unswtnd + Unfltrd
| Date | Titre | Durée | |
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| 19 Mar 2019 | The Dark Side of Our Culture with Etaf Rum | 00:37:46 | |
In Episode 1, we are joined by Etaf Rum, author of the debut novel “A Woman is No Man”. We kick off our podcast with a discussion about marriage, divorce, domestic violence, etc. We dive into the notion of culture versus religion, how our community is in need of healing, as well as focusing on the worth of a woman and how we can find our voices even when society tries to silence us into obedience. | |||
| 06 Mar 2019 | Unswtnd + Unfltrd: It's Really Happening! | 00:17:57 | |
Welcome to the Introduction Episode of the "Unsweetened & Unfiltered" podcast. Hosts, Zaina and Dounya, are so excited to start this new venture! They discuss the need for this initiative and what to expect in the upcoming episodes. Get to know them and their vision for this podcast. | |||
| 16 Feb 2022 | Is God Angry w/ Me: The Journey of Surrender and Acceptance w/ Shakirah Sabira | 00:47:22 | |
*Content Warning: this episode discusses topics such as pregnancy loss and miscarriage* How does one come to terms with any hardship in their life where you have to accept what is happening to you while it’s happening to you? From time to time I am hit with the realization that sends a chill down my spine, that everything that has happened to me, not only affects me, but also affects so many others, even strangers whom i’ll never meet. Every single thing that is written for us is just a piece of a puzzle that is larger than us and every hardship and life experience we go through connects each and every single one of us to one another. Today’s special guest is Shakirah Sabira, founder of Barakah's Doula, and someone who wears many hats which includes being a midwife, womb healer, and meditation teacher to name a few. Through this conversation with Shakirah she takes us on a very intimate journey recalling a moment in her life that had changed her forever, that while a baby was growing inside of her, little did she know what she was truly preparing for. Shakira's story reminds us of our own moments in life where we had asked ourselves...is Allah angry with me, am I not good enough and what did I do to deserve this? Subhnallah, how every woman carries with her a story that has changed her forever, and even though Shakira and I may have each been tested differently by our Creator, we have found commonalities in the process of surrendering and understanding that the pain we may be experiencing does not mean that Allah intends to hurt us. To every woman out there who has experienced a loss in the form of a miscarriage, I am deeply sorry and I know that grief knows no timeline, and I pray that you are surrounded by loved ones who remind you to be gentle with yourself and that you are not alone. Enjoy and follow the pod on Instagram: Follow Barakah's Doula here: | |||
| 26 Mar 2019 | Finding the Silver Lining with Lisa Vogl | 00:36:23 | |
In Episode 2, we are joined by Lisa Vogl, who is an award winning international fashion photographer and founder of Verona Collection modest fashion brand. Vogl's Verona Collection is aimed at Muslim women and others who prefer to dress modestly. The collection launched last year online at Macy's, but now will be offered in the Dearborn store. We also discuss how to heal and find the silver lining through our hardships. | |||
| 02 Mar 2022 | Cultural Constructs: Stigma of Being Single and Navigating Relationships Post Divorce | 01:05:24 | |
How do you handle being pressured into a relationship you don’t want and why does society stigmatize women who choose to be single? At times society tends to be outspoken when it comes to seeing people engaging in different life choices and that includes being single. It seems as though, whatever cultural background you come from, being divorced and choosing single-hood can make those around you scratch their heads a bit. In this episode, I sit down with Mai Abdeljaber, a first generation Palestinian-American writer, editor, content creator and media professional. She earned her degree in Communications, Media Studies and Psychology and is currently pursuing a Masters of Science in Psychology. The topic of divorce is no stranger to this podcast, but today’s conversation will peel back a few more layers that are in dire need of attention. Mai and I each delve into our own personal life journey post divorce and the unsolicited advice we’ve received from others, including strangers, about how to move forward. When strangers find out that Mai has chosen to be single for the last couple of years, their match making skills take center stage. So why is being single viewed as a shortcoming and why aren’t we talking about the cultural constructs that are to blame at times when it comes to the demise of certain relationships? In this conversation, we discuss the impacts of divorce and how it can make you question everything you know about love and even yourself. We dive into the stark contrasts between the life choices we are making versus that of our parents and how it’s not a marker of failure if our lives do not mirror theirs. Most importantly we discuss the complexities of how men have been conditioned to view relationships, the pressures that they face themselves and regardless, if you’re single, married or divorced, this conversation touches on the various family dynamics and how they affect the way that we navigate today’s relationships. Enjoy and follow the pod on Instagram: | |||
| 02 Apr 2019 | Preserving Our Identities with May El Calamawy | 00:41:40 | |
In Episode 3, we talk to May El Calamawy who stars in the upcoming American comedy series titled "Ramy” which is set to premiere on April 19th on Hulu. The show follows the life of a first-generation Egyptian American Muslim learning to balance his dual-identity. May plays Dena, Ramy’s younger sister, who struggles to live her life under her Egyptian family’s rules and all of the double standards that come with it. We dive into the importance of representation in the media, why more young Arabs need to create their own roles and the possibility of a spin-off.
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| 15 Mar 2022 | Highly Sensitive Person: The Signs, Challenges and Strengths of Being Sensitive w/ Dr. Ketam Hamdan | 00:52:25 | |
You know for the most part I’m a pretty laid back person. I only care about two things: If you ever found yourself in battle with literally yourself on a daily basis, then this conversation is just for you. It will shed light on the possible culprit which is the trait better known as Highly Sensitive Person or HSP for short. For thirty years of my life I have struggled with being, quote on quote, too sensitive and the crushing psychological weight of feeling everything on a much deeper level than anyone else. The ability to pick up on the most subtle changes, even a change of tone via text that will leave me wondering all week long if I did something wrong. Or my most impressive talent yet which is the ability to knock out anywhere at anytime because my nervous system is constantly on overdrive from experiencing emotional burnout as an HSP. For the longest I had wondered to myself, why did God create me to have too much feelings. I lack the ability to detach myself from everything and avoid becoming emotionally invested in anyone. This was all before I read Elaine Aron’s book, The Highly Sensitive Person and now everything that I was experiencing started to make sense to me. In today’s episode, I had the honor to sit down with Dr. Ketam Hamdan, an Arab American licensed therapist and educator who is also the managing director of Annisa’s mental health department, a non profit organization that works with Muslims in crisis. As an HSP herself, Dr. Ketam gives us an insight of what it means to navigate life when we may have high levels of sensory processing sensitivity and a strong reactivity to our surroundings. We also delve into the positive and admirable aspects of being an HSP which includes being creative, the ability to cultivate deep connections with others and our thirst for knowledge. This episode is recommended for anyone who may know an HSP or may be an HSP themselves. There is so much to cover in regards to growing up as an HSP, overcoming the struggles of setting boundaries and how our spiritual journeys may differ from others. Enjoy and follow the pod on Instagram: | |||
| 29 Mar 2022 | Seeking Closure: What Does it Mean When We Say Closure Comes from Us w/ Sara Kuburic | 00:43:00 | |
What does it truly mean when we say closure comes from us and what if we feel like the relationship isn’t really over? When you really think about it - no one ever really goes away completely. They either live in our minds, our hearts or both. From time to time we may find ourselves in a chapter in our lives where we may be dealing with a generous amount of unanswered questions and the lingering feeling of not knowing if we made the right choice. From dealing with a relationship ending, to trusting yourself again, and of course the struggles we face when giving and receiving the honest, and at times, brutal truth - we can't help but to desperately search for the closure we need in order to move forward in life. When focusing on the topic of honesty - I find myself searching for it but am I really ready to receive it - unfiltered and void of it being sugarcoated? How does honesty play a role when seeking closure and what do we do when self trust and self forgiveness are not things that we have yet mastered? How do we not fall into the trap of believing that closure comes from those who have potentially hurt us and where an apology is still pending? In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Sara Kuburic, who is also better known as the Millennial Therapist for her instagram account where she shares tips and content related to mental health, self reflection and real life human experiences. I am truly grateful to have had this discussion with Sara - and her ability to lead with compassion in answering every question I had asked. Enjoy and follow the pod on Instagram: | |||
| 10 Apr 2019 | 'Not Your Habibti' with Yasmeen Mjalli | 00:45:57 | |
In Episode 4, we bring on Yasmeen Mjalli, the founder of BabyFist. She is the driving force behind the three words that have started a revolution, Not Your Habibti. We discuss the need to confront street harassment head on while also educating young girls about their bodies. Through Yasmeen’s various efforts, she has put together the Typewriter Project as well as the Menstrual Education Campaign. We also dissect the term feminist, what it means to be one as a woman of color and not allowing the West to continue narrating our stories.
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| 05 Apr 2022 | Connecting to the Quran: Navigating Shame and Imposter Syndrome While Connecting to our Faith featuring Dr. Saadia Mian | 00:46:02 | |
If you find darkness in your heart after you’ve sinned, know that in your heart there is light, and only because of this light you felt the darkness. Ramadan Kareem everyone, subhanallah, what a beautiful gift we have received from Allah to witness another Ramadan. Take a moment to soak this in. May this month soften our hearts to allow the blessings of Allah to make their way in. May we find the ease we have been desperately seeking and the guidance we have been praying for. May every one of our tears and every one of our prayers reach the Heavens and in return we reap the rewards of trying our best to spiritually connect to our Creator. May we be overwhelmed by the infinite love of Allah, the time spent with our loved ones over Iftar and may Allah protect those who are oppressed. May we truly come together as an Ummah, to hold compassion for one another and truly welcome each other with no judgment, may our hardships allow us to extend our mercy onto others, knowing that they too have faced their own battles. May this Ramadan truly change us, Ameen. Recently I came across a question that I would like to share with you all: What use is armour anyway, when the worst critic is in your own head? I want you to take a moment to reflect upon this question, put pause on this episode if needed. In Ramadan, we are reminded of how the Shaytaan is locked up and so we realize it is our responsibility to try our best to work on our nafs and take accountability of our actions. I dont want to share this reminder to overwhelm you with the feeling of you are not a good Muslim if you’ve experienced anger or any sort of shortcoming for the past few days of Ramadan. Instead I want you to realize that the shame you are still carrying, the shame that is preventing you from performing various acts of worship may be coming from our own limiting beliefs. In my own personal experience, a few months ago, I felt an immense amount of shame dusting off my Quran, physically dusting it off. And in that moment I could have chosen to drown in that shame and have the Quran continue to collect dust or I could thank Allah for planting this desire in my heart to connect to His words. And so in this episode I sit down with Dr. Saadia Mian, author of The Crowning Venture, to discuss her own personal journey of connecting with the Quran. How she had gone from initially wanting to learn Arabic to instead memorizing the Quran, mashallah. It was honestly meant to be for me to cross paths with her book and it’s truly what pushed me to find my own way to connect with the Quran. This episode is tailored to anyone who wants to start their journey of connecting to the Quran, to anyone who is struggling with shame or guilt, and to those who are looking for a space where they are not overwhelmed with the notion that they are not good enough for Allah’s mercy or guidance. Enjoy and follow the pod on Instagram: | |||
| 12 Apr 2022 | Am I Worthy of God's Forgiveness: How Do We Bring Our Imperfections to His Perfection w/ Samia Mubarak | 00:58:53 | |
I once heard that if the battle is bigger than you, than it’s not only your battle to fight, God is reminding you to seek His help in these moments, too. I believe that sometimes we tend to focus more so on the state that we’re in when entering Ramadan instead of shifting our focus to our potential in this month. We can be discouraged in where our hearts may be when approaching Ramadan, not realizing that the purpose of this month is for us to seek the healing we desperately need. I truly believe we always leave Ramadan better than we have entered it. When growing up, to no one’s fault, I felt like our faith was more about restriction than anything else, but over the years I set the intention to truly connect to Allah and the more knowledge I sought, the more I understood that our faith was about protection. Allah has protected us from harm in more ways than we can ever count, in ways that are not so visible to us and in moments when we forgot to even make dua to receive His protection in the first place. Allah’s protection is one of the many ways His mercy is shown to us. My heart erupts with so much love for Allah, when I look back on moments where I felt so lost and so alone, and yet He lovingly nudged me back onto the right path, reminding me that no matter how far I’ve strayed, He always called me back to Him. In today’s episode I sit down with Samia Mubarak, a student and teacher of the Quran and a Special Needs Advocate. This episode brought tears to my eyes and relief to my heart because of the way Samia invokes such love in our hearts for our Creator and in the ways she breaks down every verse, showing us that every surah is a love letter written to us by Allah (swt), guiding us back to Him. The topics may be heavy within this discussion but Samia’s reminders are filled with pockets of ease that we truly need to hear and for us to allow it to wash over our hearts, hearts that may be shattered and in need of mending. Within this conversation, we discuss the purpose of our hardships, how to soften our hardened hearts and to not be discouraged by our sins and our shortcomings, how to truly bring our imperfections to our Creator who is perfect, how to know the difference between the hardships we can overcome on our own and what can we leave for Allah to take care of on our behalf and how to know we have truly been forgiven? I highly recommend that you check out Samia’s instagram account for inspiring content that reminds us of Allah’s love and mercy and to sign up for her Quranic Reflection classes. A great way to truly strengthen this sisterhood and to reap the rewards by doing so, is donating a Quranic class so that other women can connect to the Quran and our faith. Let’s dive in. Enjoy and follow the pod on Instagram: | |||
| 17 Apr 2019 | Overcoming Anxiety & Depression with Summer Shatat | 01:14:53 | |
In Episode 5, we get real with Summer Shatat, the owner of Anonymous Addictions. She is a daughter, mother, wife, entrepreneur and mental health advocate. Summer opens up about her struggles with anxiety, PTSD and depression that all stem from a traumatic event she went through at the age of 16. We discuss her healing process and road to recovery. We hope you use this episode as a wake up call to take control of your mental health and benefit from the advice given by our guest. | |||
| 26 Apr 2022 | Spiritual Death of the Heart: What Happens in Between Our Death and the Hereafter | 01:20:02 | |
Death isn’t the greatest loss in life, it’s the spiritual death of our hearts while we are still living. I once heard that we treat death like a mystery, when in fact, it’s the one experience all of us are guaranteed to share. As human beings living in this dunya, we tend to not see the shape of the life we’ve lived until we have reached the end of it. Subhanallah how death is the one thing that simultaneously kills us but also motivates us to live a very fulfilled life, a life that Allah is pleased with. Through seeking knowledge surrounding this topic I have read that the acceptance of death is not the same thing as giving up on life, instead it allows us to bring meaning to our lives. But why do we fear it so much? And for me personally, if I can’t handle the death of a loved one, how can I ever prepare myself for my own death? In today’s episode I sit down with Lena Tleib, a humanitarian, a community leader, and someone who is very active in the civic and social sector. Lena is someone whom I’ve had the pleasure of attending her lectures and someone who gives great advice and insight pertaining to our faith. And so, she was the perfect guest to discuss the topic of the Hereafter. She is also someone who performs ghusl at our local Masjid - which is the process of washing the bodies of the deceased. I wanted to learn more about how this experience has shaped her connection to Allah and strengthened her in her faith. How can we be more comfortable with transitioning from this dunya to the Hereafter? How can we have the Akhira in our hearts and the dunya in our hands? If the belief in life after death is central to the meaning and purpose of our lives as Muslims, then how can we truly believe in the temporariness of this dunya and the permanence of the Hereafter? Enjoy and follow the pod on Instagram: | |||
| 24 Apr 2019 | Overcoming the Fear of Hijab with Nilly Naseer-Farooqui | 00:47:09 | |
In Episode 6, we are joined by the lovely Nilly, who is behind the Instagram page @wordsbehindasmile , to discuss all things hijab related! She shares her story behind the first moments in her life where she decided to put the headscarf on. Nilly gives us tips on how to take this next step and gives us insight on overcoming the fear of becoming a hijabi. We touch upon how one defines what the hijab means to them and we also dissect the struggles that hijabis + non hijabis face in today’s world. Enjoy and remember to follow us on Instagram: @unsweetenedandunfiltered | |||
| 10 May 2022 | Egg Freezing Journey: Discussing Our Biological Clock and the Pressures of Having Children w/ Koko Zuberi | 00:53:09 | |
Each of us are on our own unique life journey and for some of us we have yet to find the one to start a family with, so what do we do when society is constantly reminding us of our ticking biological clock and how do we approach the conversation of having kids when we are truly ready? For the past year, I have been a bit anxious when I think about my future and having children of my own inshallah. This anxiety stemmed from realizing that marriage may not be written for me at this very moment and my age is definitely not waiting on me to find the one. Like most, this is a very intimate conversation that I have been having within my circle of close girlfriends. Unfortunately, for some of us, we didn't learn much about fertility in our early 20s and fast forward to today, we are in our 30s and unsure of what next steps to take when it comes to the topic of having kids and what options we have in preserving our fertility. We are all asking ourselves the question: should I be worried about my biological clock? Thankfully, there have been notable technological advances when it comes to reproductive health care but what does that mean for us? In today’s episode, I sit down with Koko Zuberi, she holds an impressive background in working with UN Women in the Partnerships and Outreach sector and someone who is graciously choosing to share her own personal experience with the egg freezing process. In this conversation, we share our thoughts on the pressures women face to start a family, how we truly feel being in our 30s and being unmarried, and what motivated Koko to make the decision of freezing her eggs? We stress the importance of paying our doctors a visit to get checked, regardless if we are ready to have kids or not and how does one have this super serious conversation with our potential partners - especially when they may be oblivious to our biological clock. And of course we can't forget our parents and what this means for them as well. Having conversations like this is vital, while some of us may have a strong support group, there are many others out there who may not have someone to turn to when discussing topics such as fertility - and so I hope this discussion sheds light on this, quote on quote, taboo topic. I also want to stress the fact that Koko and I are not medical professionals, nor are we scholars. Please consult with your trusted doctors and Islamic advisors if you are seriously thinking about egg freezing.
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| 24 May 2022 | Self Growth for an Arab Woman: Balancing a Relationship w/ Our Parents and Navigating Emotional Independence w/ Abeer Najjar | 01:05:37 | |
Going after what makes you happy as an Arab Muslim woman doesn’t always come with instant gratification. There is pain and guilt involved when finally making a decision for yourself. I often wonder to myself, will I ever experience happiness without allowing myself to poison the moment by the idea that I’m making others unhappy in return. But I’m trying my best to not allow grief to paralyze me, or to instill fear in me and prevent me from entering this new chapter of my life. I am someone who has stayed in her comfort zone for far too long and so, naturally self doubt is trying to keep me here a bit longer but for the first time I’m refusing to do so. Someone else who may understand what I am going through is none other than Abeer Najjar. She is a self taught chef and food writer, born on the Southside of Chicago to Palestinian immigrant parents - and in today’s episode Abeer shares with us her journey of self growth and self development as an Arab woman. I have a heart to heart with Abeer in regards to some of her most recent decisions that she has made and how that has impacted her relationship with her parents. I’ve realized that when discussing the topic of self development as an Arab woman it is almost impossible to not touch upon our past and current relationship with our immigrant parents and how that has shaped the decisions we are making today. As grown adults how can we transform our bond with our parents to welcome them into the new chapters of our lives? We also can't forget about the picture of Abeer at Umrah going viral - a picture that had captured a beautiful moment between Abeer and her brother - but I also wanted to discuss the experiences she had at Umrah, the ones that weren't captured within this photo and the reflections she can share with us that she has brought back from her trip. How does ihsan and taqwa play a role in our lives as Muslim women who are trying to forge a new path for themselves, while balancing a relationship with their parents and working towards emotional independence? Enjoy and follow the pod on Instagram: | |||
| 01 May 2019 | Beyond the Kitchen with Abeer Najjar | 01:38:30 | |
In Episode 7, we discuss food, self love, improving ourselves spiritually for Ramadan and everything in between with Abeer Najjar. Abeer is a self-taught chef, blogger and the founder of the Huda Supper Club. Through her Palestinian background and her childhood growing up on the south side of Chicago, Abeer is using food and her cooking to break down cultural barriers. Enjoy and remember to follow us on Instagram: @unsweetenedandunfiltered | |||
| 07 Jun 2022 | God's Plan vs Our Plans: The Intersection of Grief and Gratitude w/ Halima Jama | 00:49:54 | |
What do you do when the things you want most are happening for everyone but you? Who do you become when your plans don't fall through? When you are in the waiting period of your life? When I look back on my own life journey thus far, I realize that if everything had gone according to my plans and not God’s Plan, I don't think I would have been as intentional or filled with all of the gratitude I have for all that I was blessed with today. Maybe my relationship with Allah wouldn’t be as strong as it is today, either. Today I am a bit more grateful that my life path came with a couple of bumps in the road and just the right amount of rerouting. I am where God has intended for me to be. Subhanallah, how even in the delay there is khair and you can almost see how Allah is working on you, bettering you for the next chapter of your life. A chapter that includes an answered dua of yours. And so while your dua is coming to life, Allah is also preparing you for it. In today’s episode, I sit down with a dear friend of mine, Halima Jama. Not only is she a talented photographer but she is the type of sister that is always right on time with her words of encouragement. She is the friend who will send you a reminder at 2am letting you know how much you are loved. And for me she is a reminder of Allah’s mercy. And in our discussion Halima reminds us that two things can be true - we can grieve what we had hoped to be and we can be grateful for what is right in this moment. In the process of holding on and believing that relief is being sent our way from Allah, we have to also come to terms that there will be setbacks and loss along the way. Every single thing that happens to us, is happening for us and it’s all part of the most intricate puzzle known to mankind and that is God’s Plan. Let that sink in - look back at how things in the past have unfolded and how you had become grateful for the way that things worked out. How every detail and every single event happened in the way that Allah had written. Look at how meticulous God is - how He creates every single thing with a purpose and you are no different. In today’s conversation we are reminded that our life story is in the palms of Allah. Our life story is in the hands of our Creator. Our life story is being handled by the most Merciful and loving beings we will ever come to know. | |||
| 21 Jun 2022 | Muslim Women in the Workplace: Advice on Pivoting Careers and Gaining Confidence w/ Maariyah Choudery | 00:49:29 | |
We have all heard the phrase : follow your passion and everything will fall into place. I find it funny that when I was younger and I was asked 'what do you want to be when you grow up', my response was one that was very confident and it came with no hesitation…mind you I was also five years old at the time. But if you were to ask me this same question today, I would be confident in saying that I actually don’t know. Now this isn't to say it’s a bad thing to not be able to pinpoint what it is that you want to do for the rest of your life…and that’s because we’re finally realizing we are multifaceted human beings who are constantly growing, learning and embracing different versions of ourselves. Of course, change can be frightening, especially in today’s world which is laced with so much uncertainty, but what do you do if you no longer enjoy the career path you had chosen for yourself? In today’s episode, I have an insightful conversation with none other than Maariyah Choudrey, who is a Chief of Staff at Uber, content creator and your big sis in tech! Chances are you have come across a post or video of Maariyah’s account, which is @lifewithmaars, where she shares business tips and advice for working women, her love of modest fashion and beauty, and where she documents her adventures as a foodie in NYC. So, what is the secret of those who do make it to the other side? The ones who take the leap and pivot careers? In this conversation, Maariyah shares her career transition journey from pre-med to finance and her most recent role in tech. We also navigate the ways in which one can leverage their skills and their network to successfully pivot careers. Fear of failure may be at the forefront of our minds, but Maariyah discusses her own personal experiences with self doubt and finding the confidence within her that is needed to move forward. As Muslim women, in today’s society, how can we show up as our full selves in the workplace without comprising our beliefs and faith? Tune in to find out! | |||
| 08 May 2019 | Breaking the Silence Around Infertility with Faten Odeh | 01:02:36 | |
In Episode 8, our guest Faten Odeh shares her story about her struggles with infertility. We learn about the IVF process and the effects it has had on her physical and mental health. Faten discusses the hardships she has dealt with in regards to conceiving and how she has found the silver lining throughout it all. We hope this episode leaves our listeners with more knowledge about infertility and how to better approach this topic with family and friends. Watch our IGTV sit down with Dr. Abeer Salhia where we talk all things fertility. | |||
| 22 May 2019 | Using our Platforms for Good with Isra Chaker | 00:48:33 | |
In Episode 9, we are joined by Isra Chaker, a civil rights activist, campaigns and advocacy expert, and public speaker. Isra walks us through her high school days and explains how the bullying she endured essentially influenced her decision to become an activist. We also talk about the Muslim Ban and how we can use our voices and platforms to fight for what's right, especially in the current political climate. If you're ready to feel enlightened, take a listen! | |||
| 29 May 2019 | Spiritual Healing with Youssra Kandil | 00:55:12 | |
In Episode 10, we sit down with Youssra Kamel Kandil, a motivational speaker whose videos have gone viral by capturing the hearts of thousands of Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Youssra shares her thoughts on maintaining patience during hardships, keeping our faith strong even post-Ramadan, the importance of giving back and so much more. If you’ve felt a disconnect this Ramadan, then this episode is a must listen. | |||
| 05 Jun 2019 | Allow us to Reintroduce Ourselves with Zaina and Dounya | 01:16:28 | |
In Episode 11, we celebrate our three month anniversary! Yes, three months despite what Zaina might have said - hey we never promised to be good at math lol! To commemorate this milestone we get a little personal by letting our walls down and by answering all of your questions regarding our personal lives. We talk about how we met and the ins and outs of the UNSWTND + UNFLTRD podcast. So please allow us to reintroduce ourselves - cue Jay Z’s voice! | |||
| 12 Jun 2019 | Defeating Postpartum Depression with Faten Albanna | 01:11:30 | |
In Episode 12, we are joined by Faten Albanna, a teacher, photographer and mother of two who had suffered from Postpartum Depression. PPD is the most common pregnancy complication, with one in seven mothers experiencing it, but it is still highly stigmatized. Faten uses her personal experience to break down some of those stigmas as she discusses her journey through new motherhood, the signs of depression she initially ignored and the reason having a support system is crucial. | |||
| 19 Jun 2019 | Eating Disorders in the Muslim Community with Adeline Ania Hocine | 01:03:28 | |
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode focuses primarily on eating disorders. If you feel the content discussed could be triggering, please either proceed with caution, or feel free to listen to any one of our previous episodes. Enjoy and remember to follow us on Instagram: @unsweetenedandunfiltered | |||
| 26 Jun 2019 | Unapologetically Me with Shaymaa Ismaa’eel | 01:23:50 | |
In Episode 14, Shaymaa Ismaa’eel joins us to discuss her journey in connecting spiritually to her faith. Although, that journey varies from one person to the next, Shaymaa's approach to finding her place in Islam is truly inspirational. We also talk about what it's like to be visibly Muslim in today's political climate and how she deals with racism. We learn though that racism doesn't always come from outside of one's religious group and as a Black-Muslim, Shaymaa deals with this problem in different forms, including from within the Muslim community. | |||
| 03 Jul 2019 | How to Heal Post Divorce | 01:07:00 | |
In Episode 15, we are joined by an anonymous guest who takes us through the roller coaster ride that was her marriage. An unexpected pregnancy and already unsure of where her relationship stood, she discovers something truly unbelievable about her now ex-husband. Our guest walks us through her thought process on why she initially decided to stay and when she decided enough was enough. Wise beyond her years, she explains her healing process, the way she regained the strength to stand on her own two feet and the reason co-parenting is a necessity. This is an episode full of audible gasps and realizations. Enjoy and remember to follow us on Instagram: @unsweetenedandunfiltered | |||
| 10 Jul 2019 | A Mother's Intuition with Fawzieh Kahook Awad | 01:03:12 | |
In Episode 16, we sit down with Fawzieh Kahook, a mother of two beautiful boys. Fawzieh walks us through the first time she began noticing things about her younger son that set him from apart from his older brother. These little red flags set alarms off in her head, but seemed minimal to family and friends when she expressed her concerns. The toys he liked, not answering to his name and the way he avoided eye contact were all warning signs. Fawzieh explains why she decided to finally listen to her own gut instincts and get her son in front of a doctor. She walks us through the emotional rollercoaster of receiving the diagnosis and how she felt when she found out the news. Explaining to others, especially in our community, of her son's condition was not easy. Nonetheless, Fawzieh decided to learn all there is to know about his diagnosis and how she became a resource for other parents dealing with a similar situation. | |||
| 17 Jul 2019 | Dear Baba, I Miss You with Mna Eldaas | 01:10:33 | |
Grab some tissues! In Episode 17, we talk to Mna Eldaas, who unfortunately lost her father to liver cancer in 2016. Coming from an extremely tight-knit family, Mna walks us through the pains, struggles and upsets she had experienced after his passing. In a completely vulnerable state, she explains her grieving process, why it's crucial to understand that grief is unique to each individual and the reason why finding a way to connect to those who we have lost is fundamental in order to heal. Through this heavy loss she has found a special way to honor her father by creating an Arab American platform called @themeemshop , which empowers us through humor. | |||
| 24 Jul 2019 | Navigating Life Through Trauma and Body Dysmorphia with Leah Vernon | 01:13:36 | |
In Episode 18, Leah Vernon blessed us with her presence. As a plus-size model, author, body-positive activist and Muslim feminist, Leah is creating a new narrative for women who don't fit into normalized beauty standards. We dive deep into Leah's childhood and the trauma she had endured, why she decided to embrace her body after a lifetime of shaming and the ways she deals with an influx of social media hate. Whether it's through her eccentric outfits, documenting her bouts with mental health or sharing her dancing videos with her supporters, Leah is the breath of fresh air that you’ve been looking for on Instagram! | |||
| 31 Jul 2019 | Sorry Not Sorry with Jackie Courtney | 01:25:49 | |
In Episode 19, we talk to Jackie Courtney, the mastermind behind the incredible website NearlyNewlywed.com. Prior to creating Nearly Newlywed, Jackie worked as a publicist for international fashion designers including Marni, Thakoon, Matthew Williamson and Emilio Pucci and top stylists/editors at Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, InStyle and more. Jackie walks us through where the idea of her business came about, why it's so important we unlearn the habit of apologizing (yeah, sorry not sorry is actually a thing), the reason taking up space is something we need to be proud of and how we need to quit the habit of saying we are bad at things. If you're in need of an (almost) new designer wedding dress at an affordable price or have one taking up way too much space in your in-law's basement (guilty) take a look at NearlyNewlywed.com, a place to sell or shop preowned or new wedding dresses.
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| 07 Aug 2019 | Intercultural Marriage, Infertility and the Shift in Modest Fashion With YazTheSpaz | 01:17:37 | |
In Episode 20, we chat with Yasemin Kanar aka YazTheSpaz and trust me she doesn’t hold back. Yasemin gives us an in depth look into the melting pot of cultures which is her life. With a mother from Cuba and her father from Turkey, she decided to add to her hybrid life when she found her soulmate, who is of an Egyptian background. We talk about the struggles that come with an intercultural marriage and the beauty it also brings. Yasemine lets down her walls to also discuss the truth about marriage outside of a perfectly curated Instagram photo. With a positive attitude, this OG hijabi fashion icon talks about her struggles off camera with infertility, her battle with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and how she came about having her two beautiful children (mashallah). Talk about being completely Unsweetened and Unfiltered, Yasemin sure gave us a run for our money. | |||
| 14 Aug 2019 | Conversations with a Muslim Therapist and Learning How to Humanize our Prophet with Sara Bawany | 01:39:13 | |
In Episode 21, Sara Bawany gives us a crash course on all things mental health. Scheduling an appointment with a therapist isn't on the top of every Muslim's to-do list due to the intimidation and misconceptions that surround therapy, however, Sara explains why paying attention to our mental health is just as important as our physical health. We learn about what traits to look for while choosing a therapist, instances in the Quran that highlight the importance of mental health and how to de-stigmatize therapy in our culture. We also discuss certain moments in the Prophet's (pbuh) life where mental health was a priority and reasons why we should humanize the feelings he had shared with those around him. Sara is a clinical social worker, a writer and published poet. She currently works at the Muslim Community Center for Human Services in Fort Worth, where she provides free mental health counseling and education. Sara is also on the board of FACE, an organization that tackles spiritual abuse in the Muslim community. She is also the author of her debut poetry and prose book titled, "(w)holehearted". Resources: | |||
| 21 Aug 2019 | Pelvic Pain, PMS, Migraines and Everything in Between with Heba Shaheed | 01:34:52 | |
In Episode 22, we get down to the real truth with Heba Shaheed, in regards to period pain, the many myths surrounding PMS, how to be more in tune with our bodies and the importance of mental health overall! Heba provides women’s health and pediatric pelvic health services including physiotherapy, exercise, nutrition and pain education. She specializes in sexual pain, pelvic pain and endometriosis just to name a few! Through her personal story, Heba unravels almost everything we need to know about our bodies, such as where do migraines come from or what’s the difference between a migraine and a headache? We learn if there’s a difference between a natural birth vs a C-section when it comes to the effects they have on your pelvic floor. Trust me we don’t hold back and Heba answers all of your questions in this special episode. It’s time that we learn more about our bodies and remove the shame behind wanting to know what really goes on down there! | |||
| 28 Aug 2019 | "No, I'm Not Done Venting" with Ayesha Malik | 00:54:40 | |
In Episode 23, we are joined by Ayesha Malik, the Pakistani-American woman who unapologetically called out Priyanka Chopra at Beautycon. The reason for the confrontation: Kashmir. Pakistan and India have been in a custody battle over Kashmir for over 7 decades now. With tensions rising, a tweet by Priyanka supporting India’s armed forces at a time where Ayesha'a family feared for their lives, was all the motivation Ayesha needed to confront the actress and goodwill ambassador of UNICEF. Ayesha is a blogger, inter-faith activist and natural-hair influencer who lives in Alaska with her family. She wants to bring attention to the Kashmir situation at a time where it is rarely mentioned in mainstream media and urges others to pass down the mic to Kashmiris, too.
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| 04 Sep 2019 | Practicing Mindfulness & Sunnah Through our Diet with Alaa Elharezi aka Haus of Blush | 01:22:35 | |
In Episode 24, Alaa Elharezi enlightens us as we talk about health and wellness in a whole new way. As a certified Hijama therapist, Yoga Instructor and Ayurvedic Health Advisor, Alaa offers up some simple ways to improve our daily lives and overall health. Although, the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) and those of Ayurvedic medicine vary, she finds a way to incorporate both into her regimen, seamlessly. By integrating Prophetic wisdom and medicine into the way we eat, drink and sleep, | |||
| 11 Sep 2019 | From Shamed to Unashamed: Turning Wounds Into Wisdom with Khitam Masoud | 01:16:17 | |
In Episode 25, we are joined by Khitam Masoud, a cancer survivor and nonprofit organization founder. In 1998, when she was just 16 yrs old, Khitam decided to take her parents to court and fight for her emancipation in order to avoid an arranged marriage. With no relationship with her family she has had to overcome obstacles on her own, which proved to be silver linings once the dust had settled. Khitam walks us through the struggles she had faced as she learned to navigate life on her own at such a young age. She balanced multiple jobs as she tried to stay afloat, scrambled to find the time and funds to get an education, and dealt with a cancer diagnosis on her own. Khitam talks about her hardships and how she has found the motivation to get up everyday and work on bettering herself. But it was through her struggles that "Blessons for Women" was born. Khitam's non-profit organization provides free mentorship, educational workshops and wellness clinics for all women, in addition to scholarships to disadvantaged, low-income women who are 25 years or older and who have had their higher education interrupted due to challenging life lessons such as: mental health conditions, physical or emotional abuse, sex trafficking or who are first generation female immigrants. Her life goal is turning wounds into wisdom and lessons into blessings. Shop FabFitFun: Use coupon code UNSWEETENED for $10 off your first box at www.fabfitfun.com | |||
| 18 Sep 2019 | Befriending Failure and Embracing Our Thirties with Sahar Shafi | 01:05:40 | |
In Episode 26, Sahar Shafi leaves us feeling all types of ways with her vulnerability, honesty and all around adorable charm. Although, she's currently a successful Periodontal & Implant Surgeon (mashallah), Sahar tells us she's no stranger to failure. After moving away to attend a fairly large university, her grades suffered tremendously during her freshman year. Sahar talks about accepting the fact that something she once really wanted wasn’t in God’s plan for her. She discusses her choice to move back home and how she pulled herself out of that hole and to go on and graduate Magna Cum Laude. Her positive outlook on life is prevalent in everything she does; from aging to tackling life’s toughest obstacles, Sahar gives us some insight on how she uses her faith to keep moving forward. This positivity is put to the test as Sahar begins to discuss her journey with Crohn’s disease and Endometriosis. She explains how they have impacted her life and the ways she’s found peace in accepting the diagnosis. Sahar also opens up about her infertility journey and she shares with us the life changing decision that she has had to make.
Enjoy and remember to follow us on Instagram: @unsweetenedandunfiltered | |||
| 25 Sep 2019 | Finding the Root of Happiness Through Faith and Positive Thinking with Aminah Musa | 01:45:57 | |
In Episode 27, we sit down with Aminah Musa at The Wing and we dive deep into who this powerhouse of a woman truly is. Through self-love and affirmations she explains the ways her life has changed for the best. Pack your bags, because the California-native also walks us through her recent travels across the world. Aminah explains the reasons she submerges herself in other cultures, taking the opportunity to see the world for herself. Her love for adventure and her passion for Palestine also birthed the creation of the “Palestine Travel Series”, which gives both Palestinians and non-Palestinians alike, a chance to experience the beauty of the country through well-crafted Youtube videos.
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| 02 Oct 2019 | Expect the Unexpected: Navigating Life in My Thirties with Breast Cancer | 01:24:07 | |
In Episode 28, we kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Bassema. Statistically - less than 2% of all women diagnosed are in their early to mid 30’s and in a series of unfortunate events, Bassema became part of that statistic. In an extremely vulnerable episode, she walks us through how she dealt with her mother's breast cancer diagnosis, the signs she began noticing on her own body, her experience with doctors who at first didn't taker her pain seriously and the aftermath of learning she, indeed, had breast cancer, too. Alongside her diagnosis, Bassema also shares another unfortunate surprise that will change her life forever. Resources: | |||
| 09 Oct 2019 | Empowering our Daughters, Juggling Marriage and Motherhood and Rediscovering Who We Are with Sahar Hamdan | 01:14:35 | |
In Episode 29, Sahar Hamdan-Khalaf stops by to talk to us about marriage, motherhood and how she's taking the necessary steps to rediscovering herself after all these years. Enjoy and remember to follow us on Instagram: @unsweetenedandunfiltered | |||
| 16 Oct 2019 | Finding Your Voice in the Workplace, Battling Imposter Syndrome and Promoting Sisterhood with Sofia Haq | 01:13:24 | |
There's nothing dirty about our Dirty 30 episode. We decided to keep it professional as we're joined by Sofia Haq, the founder of Muslim Women Professionals. MWP is an organization that promotes empowerment amongst Muslim women by educating, uplifting, and mobilizing a global network. This organization serves as a space where Muslim women are inspired to thrive in both their personal and professional lives through networking, mentorships, and content. Sofia explains why this type of networking group is crucial for Muslim women in the workforce, she discusses ways in which we can become more supportive of one another and how we can help elevate the next generation of Muslim women. She emphasizes the point that there is enough space for us all! Life isn't meant to be taken as a competition and Sofia further explains why helping our fellow sisters succeed will help us in the long run. We also dissect the term Imposter Syndrome and how we can create more space for other Muslim women! As we always say here at U + U, keep that door of success open behind you so that other women can join you! Listen to this week's episode to find out how you can help support your community's female entrepreneurs and check out our upcoming Instagram post on how you can win some delicious Knafeh from @knafehqueens!
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| 30 Oct 2019 | Dealing with Criticism for Being a Non-Hijabi, Overcoming Heartbreak and Juggling Life | 01:03:04 | |
In Episode 32, we’re shaking things up a bit and bringing you guys in on the conversation. To mark being on-air for more than 6 months, we reached out to our supporters who didn’t hold back when it came to asking super intimate and personal questions. From how to deal with heartbreak to why we don’t wear the hijab (yet), we let our guard down and bare it all in this episode. We also talk about our personal struggles with embodying self-love and learning to teach ourselves that we are enough, with or without a partner. We also give our two cents on the awkward conversation you’re supposed to have with your partner about splitting the bills and handling finances in general. Should you be dividing expenses right down the middle? We discuss budgeting and how it’s actually crucial in keeping a happy and thriving relationship! Work, family, friends, this podcast and some me-time? Too bad there’s only 24 hours in a day. As we fight to avoid burn-out, we talk about how we’re learning (and sometimes failing) to balance our busy lives, and how we finally learned that taking a break doesn’t actually mean you're falling behind or that you’re lazy. We can’t thank you enough for joining us on this journey for the past 6 plus months, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for us and our Unsweeteners.
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| 23 Oct 2019 | Removing the Hijab, Connecting With God Spiritually and Ritualistically and Losing a Parent with Alia Taha | 01:54:39 | |
In Episode 31, Alia Taha joins us as she shares her take on the current state of the hijab. As a hijabi, Alia offers some insight on the battle most women are dealing with; the struggle to keep it on. As we have seen an influx of women deciding to remove the hijab, it’s Alia’s faith and connection to God that keeps her motivated it put it on every day. But that connection hasn’t always been as solid as it is today. Alia opens up about the moments she grappled with the idea of removing the hijab and what it was that brought her back to it. The term “Modern Muslim” is also dissected throughout this episode. Is there really such a thing? Alia explains that because our religion is timeless, the term “Modern Muslim” is really just an oxymoron. When it comes to anxiety, Alia tells us she is no stranger to that struggle as well. But it’s through a creative outlet that she begins to find her peace. Alia’s writing serves as a tool that helps her and her many followers bond over the life experiences many of us deal with. Losing a loved one is beyond tough, but losing a parent is indescribable. Alia talks about losing her father ( Allah yer7amo), the hardships she faced coming to terms with his passing and the way she’s used those moments to realize there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Alia's new outlook on life is one we can all learn and benefit from. | |||
| 06 Nov 2019 | Double Standards, Dissecting the Fragility of Our Reputations as Women and Encouraging Sisterhood with Dearborn Girl | 01:10:50 | |
In Episode 33, we take U+U on the road for the first time as we sit down with the brilliant minds behind Dearborn Girl, the podcast. You read that right, your two favorite podcasts all in one episode! It can't get any better than this. Rima, Yasmeen and Malak join us in an extremely unfiltered conversation to discuss double standards in our community, marriage and where the pressure surrounding the topic really stems from, our reputations and the struggle we face trying to protect it as well as how women can really support other women. Ladies, it's all about collaboration over competition here at U+U. Enjoy and remember to follow us on Instagram: @unsweetenedandunfiltered | |||
| 13 Nov 2019 | Walking Away from Toxic Friendships, Mourning Relationships and Forgiving Yourself with Dear Chereen | 01:04:55 | |
Move over Dear Abby! In Episode 34, we are joined by Chereen, a therapist, life coach and the mastermind behind DearChereen.com. In a much needed therapeutic episode, we discuss grief in all of its varying forms. Chereen explains that grieving is an essential part of moving forward. Whether it's a loved one who is gone too soon, an end of a relationship with a significant other or even the demise of a friendship, we all grieve in different ways. As for toxic relationships, why do we choose to stay in them? According to Chereen, so many of us are guilty of this. It's all about getting too comfortable and stuck in our own ways. Throughout the conversation she teaches us how to spot these red flags, how to defuse the situation, and how to tell it's time to walk away. We also talk about forgiveness but not for the other's sake, but for your own. Chereen stresses the importance of learning to forgive yourself. She teaches us that a negative cloud over your head and choosing to hold a grudge only affects you and your mental and physical well-being. DearChereen.com was inspired by her love for scribbling in diaries as a kid and from the Dear Abby columns in magazines. Today, Chereen takes that passion and her professional experience to offer advice on a plethora of topics ranging from loss, personal growth and mental health. We hope that you are able to walk away with a sense of clarity in regards to your past, present and future relationships with friends, significant others and most importantly, yourself! Enjoy and remember to follow us on Instagram: @unsweetenedandunfiltered
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| 20 Nov 2019 | Living with Depression/Anxiety, Struggles with Birth Control and First Generation Guilt with Hemali Mistry | 01:14:08 | |
In Episode 35, we sit down with Hemali Mistry as we dive into an unfiltered conversation about mental health, birth control, the struggle of being a first-gen child and the effects social media can have on our lives. Throughout this conversation, Hemali has taught us that being open and honest with our struggles can help us in our healing process. We hope you all can benefit from her humble wisdom. Enjoy and remember to follow us on Instagram: @unsweetenedandunfiltered | |||
| 27 Nov 2019 | Love and Marriage, Toxic Partners and Building a Relationship with God feat. Ascia Sahar | 01:35:07 | |
Love and marriage, love and marriage...in Episode 36, Ascia Sahar joins us to talk about all things relationship related. Ascia has a piece of advice for those who are trying to figure out what it is that they want and how to heal by taking time to reflect. Use your past experiences to figure out what you really want out of a relationship.
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| 04 Dec 2019 | Grieving a Miscarriage, Coping with Infertility and the Truth About IVF with Pari | 01:32:08 | |
Grab a tissue...no wait, go back for the entire box. Trust us, you'll need it! In Episode 37, Pari joins us for an emotional yet inspirational conversation about infertility and the struggles she had faced, both physically and mentally, as she navigated her way towards motherhood. For years, Pari tried for a baby of her own, but with every step she took to becoming the mother she knew she was destined to be, a tragedy would strike. Three miscarriages, a failed IVF attempt and a few unexpected medical diagnoses, Pari began feeling helpless. But, she knew the pain she was enduring would, inshallah, pay off if she kept her faith in Allah. Throughout this episode, Pari gives us some perspective into her life full of doctor appointments, uncertainty, and the conversation she had shared with her friends, family and husband about her struggle to carry out a full-term pregnancy. We recorded this episode back in September. when a picture perfect baby bump sat right in front of our incredibly strong and courageous guest. We are so happy to share, since then Pari has gained a new title: Mommy. Alhamdillah and Mashallah x a billion. Pari's upbeat personality and her drive to never give up on what you truly want should be a lesson to us all. Put your faith in God and never stop working toward the things that bring you happiness, no matter the pain you may endure along the way,
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| 11 Dec 2019 | Creating a Sisterhood and Finding Your Purpose on Social Media with Erim Kaur | 01:18:38 | |
In Episode 38, we are joined by our special guest Erim Kaur, the big sister you never knew you needed. Erim opens up about losing her mom at the age of 8, growing up without any sisters and being raised by her father and grandparents. Using her life experiences and her past childhood, Erim is now stepping into the role of big sister, helping those who grew up without a mother or sister, navigate life. She hosts Sister Sundays, which focus each week on different topics like relationships, dealing with conflict and self love. When it came to finding her purpose on social media, Erim says she didn't set out to become this big sister, but instead it grew out of necessity and her supporters giving her this inspiring role. Erim's supporters began looking up to her and her practices before she even realized her purpose. We also talk about Erim's faith and how she's choosing to honor her Sikh beliefs. Coming from a community that remains misrepresented, Erim is working to bring the Sikh people into the spotlight and highlighting all of their accomplishments. Erim also shares with us her new and exciting project! If you've got damaged hair, listen up! Erim gives us the inside scoop into her new business venture, By Erim. As a child, her grandmother used to apply oil treatments to Erim's hair to help her achieve the long, healthy locks her mother had before her passing. And now, Erim is sharing that secret potion with the world. We can't wait to get our hands on a bottle! We hope this episode provides young women out there who grew up without any female figures to find solace in the content that Erim shares. She has expressed how this social media community is a two way street and the bonds that have been created are irreplaceable!
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| 18 Dec 2019 | Finding the Silver Lining Within Our Hardships and Embodying Gratitude with Lina Bettayeb | 01:05:10 | |
In Episode 39, Lina Bettayeb joins us as she dives into the family trip that had completely changed her life. At the age of 16, Lina and her family embark on a journey to Umrah. Her memory jumps from a joyous van full of her loved ones on their way to complete their pilgrimage to waking up in the hospital connected to several life-saving machines. Although, she still can't piece together the memories of what happened that day, Lina tells us that her dad was the one to fill her in: A reckless driver crashed into their vehicle leaving Lina and her mother both paralyzed. Lina spent one year in the hospital and was told by multiple health professionals that she would never be able to walk again. But she didn't let that stop her from trying. She spent her time in the hospital with her nose nuzzled in books, conducting her own research and working on a rehabilitation plan that was best suited for her. Through this experience that had shook the core of her livelihood, Lina explains how she trained her brain to see the silver lining within this hardship and how she truly connected to her faith for the first time and strengthened her relationship with God. Lina's message to the world is to truly believe in the power of our mind. She explains to us how our positive thinking and overall attitude towards life's situations has a real impact on the way our body heals. As you listen to Lina share her story and her message, we hope that you can take away a new definition of gratitude. | |||
| 25 Dec 2019 | Kissing 2019 Goodbye and Finally Taking Our Own Advice | 01:09:30 | |
In Episode 40, we’re kissing 2019 goodbye. Ma3a salama! We discuss stress, dealing with conflicts, mistakes we’ve made in the past and all things in between. We laugh, we (almost) cry and we let it all out. You’ll just have to listen to find out. But on a serious note, thank you for making our small circle much bigger than we could have ever imagined it to become! This sisterhood is here to stay! | |||
| 05 Feb 2020 | Domestic Violence: From Victim to Survivor | 01:57:10 | |
*Trigger warning: We discuss domestic violence in length throughout this episode. If you feel the content discussed may be triggering, please either proceed with caution or feel free to listen to any one of our previous episodes.* In our first episode of Season Two, we are joined by an anonymous guest who opens up about her experience with domestic violence and the impact it has had on her life to this day. We respect our guest's decision to remain anonymous due to her children not knowing the extent of their father's abuse. Sometimes our minds are so clouded by love that we're blinded to what's really going on around us. Other times, no matter how vigilant we are, abusers can be extremely deceitful. It's important to realize that when we find ourselves in similar situations - it is never our fault. Our guest walks us through her engagement period and describes the red flags she didn't realize were early warning signs. She discusses her first few years of marriage when the physical abuse first began alongside the pre-existing emotional/verbal abuse, and how the mind games slowly trickled in. Several failed attempts of repairing the marriage, multiple pregnancies and a plethora of mental, physical and spiritual abuse, our guest spent years dealing with a nightmare she had only wished she could wake up from. She also opens up about the moment that will forever be etched into her memory of what finally made her decide to stand on her own two feet and leave the abusive relationship once and for all. This life-changing decision was also potentially a life-saving one. We hope this episode will raise awareness in regards to the stages of abusive relationships, how a victim can find his/her way out, how we can collectively prevent a loved one from facing abuse and in what ways we could be of assistance to those who are facing domestic abuse. Important Resources! We have listed out credible resources below to help those who are struggling in a domestic relationship to get the help that they deserve. Remember to also seek assistance from your local mosque, women shelters, and licensed mental health professionals. 1. PEACEFUL FAMILIES PROJECT: WWW.PEACEFULFAMILIES.ORG | |||
| 12 Feb 2020 | Finding Your Naseeb: The Good, The Bad, and The Extremely Awkward with Suzie | 01:41:27 | |
There are a few things in life that are hard to find: perfectly fitting jeans, eyeliner that doesn’t smudge, and a naseeb. In Ep 2 of Season 2, we’re joined by Suzie, a 26 year old Palestinian-American from the D.C. area, for a much needed girl talk. We discuss the journey of finding the one, and let me tell you the struggle is REAL. All three of us share our very different approaches when it comes to meeting someone and the process of getting to know them. We dive into personal anecdotes of the good, the bad and the extremely awkward. Uncomfortable first meet-ups, red flags, meeting the family, expectations, relationship timelines - we get into it all and hold nothing back. There’s plenty of fish in the sea, but from where some of us are standing, it sure doesn’t feel that way. HEADS UP: You can look forward to our upcoming episode with Yasmin Elhady aka Yasguru, where we’ll talk about life after the wedding bells have stopped ringing and the zagrootas have come to an end! | |||
| 19 Feb 2020 | Lights, Camera, Action: Following Your Dreams and Narrating Your Own Life Story with Samah Safi Bayazid | 01:14:52 | |
We’re flipping the script and rewriting our own narrative! In Ep 3 of Season 2, we’re joined by award-winning screenwriter, filmmaker and producer Samah Safi Bayazid - talk about being a triple threat! Going against cultural norms and paving a way for others to follow, Samah explains her personal journey of finding a career that she is truly passionate about. Samah is fed up with the racial stereotypes and blatant Islamophobia portrayed in movies and on television (as are the rest of us!), but now she’s stepping in with her own script and a camera crew to tell stories much closer to reality. If you’ve ever longed to be “seen and heard”, Samah’s work is definitely for you! With all of the success that follows the Jordanian turned Washingtonian, Samah says she couldn’t have done most of what she accomplished if not for the support of her family and husband. We dig into why having a spouse that also serves as a motivator is crucial for a healthy and happy relationship. Support is a two-way street after all. The topic of hijab also comes up in this conversation. While the media is typically a male-dominated field and on a typical movie set you might be surprised to find a female director and a hijabi at that, but Samah doesn’t let anything get in her way. She talks to us about how the hijab empowers her and how she’s deciding to let her work speak for itself. No matter how many films she makes or scripts she writes, Samah couldn’t escape that nagging question that follows us all: “When are you planning on having a baby?” We discuss the societal pressures we women face and how we can overcome it together. You’re definitely going to want to listen to find out how she responded to anyone who dared ask that question! Enjoy and remember to follow us on Instagram: @unsweetenedandunfiltered | |||
| 26 Feb 2020 | Inspiring Teachers: Educating and Empowering Our Youth with Bayan Founas | 01:29:58 | |
Toss out those outdated lesson plans and forget about sticking to the book. Teaching is by far one of the most important careers out there. Bayan spends a good chunk of her day shaping the future leaders, doctors, lawyers and artists of our next generation. But as rewarding as this may sound, teaching can also be extremely difficult. With limited resources and disruptive environments, a career in education can be time-consuming and can provide little to no stability. Bayan dives into the unjust disruption of funding throughout the public school system and with the lack of technology and baseline materials, some low-income areas are set up to fail. We also discuss a disturbing national trend: The School To Prison Pipeline. This happens when minors and young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds become incarcerated because of increasingly harsh school and district policies. What this means is that the kids who need help the most are shut off and ignored. Bayan dives into the world of the negative consequences of disciplining students, and how most of the time “acting out” is a cry for help with several underlying factors. When it comes to the classroom, Bayan explains it's never just black and white. Adapting lesson plans and teaching methods to her present students can make a world of a difference. Comparing “Shakespeare” to “The Lion King” is a much more efficient way to teach. Science and math are very important topics, this we know. But we can't forget about the arts, which allows kids to push the envelope when express themselves. Bayan realizes the importance of it, which is why she began the first poetry club at the school she teaches at. Speaking of poetry…did we mention Bayan has her own poetry book? Diary of a Daughter In Diaspora focuses on Bayan’s life experiences as a child of Algerian immigrants living in America. The highs, the lows and all things in between, this book gets the Unfiltered and Unsweetened seal of approval for sure! | |||
| 04 Mar 2020 | One Year Down + Inshallah Many More To Go: Celebrating Sisterhood And Placing Our Faith in the Forefront With Hassanah El-Yacoubi | 01:42:54 | |
Let the zagroutas ring like Shakira at this year’s Super Bowl Half-Time Show! In Ep.5 of Season 2, we sit down with Hassanah El-Yacoubi or as we like to call her: A mother, wife, doctoral student and entrepreneur are just a few titles Hassanah holds under her belt and she’s not here to sugarcoat anything. When it comes to life, Hassanah says it's all one big balancing act and one she’s still trying to figure out. Keeping God on your mind and in your heart. That’s the message Hassanah has for our listeners. Connecting to her faith is what helps this soon-to-be mother of two stay grounded and true to herself. Her motto: follow God and not the crowds! When it comes to social media and the heightened focus on influencers, we definitely have a lot to say. Posting on your feed comes with a responsibility- a responsibility Hassanah says most pay no mind to. Enough is enough with mindless posting just to stay relevant. She also gets candid about the struggles she faces balancing work, life, school and home. It’s not always pretty and it’s not always conventional, but Hassanah is writing her own rule book when it comes to these things. Hassanah is also the creative drive behind the “Perfect For Her” convention and blog. This initiative was born out of her struggle to find fashionable pieces that meet her level of modesty. The PFH Convention features a bazaar full of products useful to Muslim women in this day in age, panel discussions, fashion shows and so much more. This episode also includes a special appearance by OG Unsweetener Lisa Vogl as she tells us about her new initiative, Hijabs For Humanity, in partnership with Penny Appeal! We can’t thank you enough for joining us on this journey of self discovery, cultivation of a sisterhood like no other and a bond that’s stronger than Turkish coffee!
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| 11 Mar 2020 | First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage: How To Maintain A Happy and Healthy Marriage While Avoiding Pulling Out All Of Your Hair w/ Yasmin ElHady aka YasGuru | 01:31:42 | |
After the big white dress is taken off, the party planners have packed away all of the decor you spent months going back and forth on and the guests have all gone home - that’s when reality really kicks in. In Ep. 6 of Season 2, we are joined by matchmaker, comedian and all around lovable Yasmin ElHady aka Yasguru to discuss life after the wedding. Marriage is a beautiful thing - it really is! But, it also brings along some not so picture perfect moments such as picking up laundry off the floor for the umpteenth time, deciding on how to raise your kids, discussing budgets and coming to terms with the fact that you now have a roommate for life. Marriage takes some getting used to and learning how to adjust to a new lifestyle takes time. Yasmin walks us through how to avoid losing your mind, your sanity and all of your hair. We totally get it : fights happen. But, learning how to diffuse the situation is critical in keeping a healthy relationship going. Yasmin explains why we need to throw out the old saying, “don’t go to bed angry.” It’s ok to walk away, cool off, and approach the issue at hand with a clear mind. As you scroll through your feed you see - flowers, vacations, kisses on the cheek, a new diamond ring, so on and so forth. It’s easy to get jealous and it’s hard not to compare. But, as Yasmin explains, a perfectly cropped and filtered post only captures a fraction of what’s truly happening. Social media may be the culprit but comparison is truly the thief of joy. Pointing the finger at your spouse every time something goes wrong is something we are all guilty of. We dive into the reasons why it’s important to note our own faults. Being self-aware can help you and your spouse get on the same page and avoid similar future conflicts. We also discuss preserving our identity after marriage. We all know that one person who got engaged and was never seen or heard from again. Don’t let your relationship status become your identity. As Yasmin explains, spending all day everyday with your partner will get old, real quick. You know the saying, “distance makes the heart grow fonder.’ Whether you're engaged, married or happily single, Yasmin has a ton of great insight when it comes to maintaining a successful marriage that's built on love, trust and a mutual understanding that dirty laundry belongs in the hamper not on the floor beside it. | |||
| 18 Mar 2020 | Dedicating Our Lives To Uncovering The Truth and Facing Our Fears with Malika Bilal | 01:09:27 | |
We’re done with allowing fear to dictate our lives and keep us from truly living out our dreams. In Ep.7 of Season 2, we talk to Malika Bilal about how we can look our fears straight in the eye, and conquer them. When it came to choosing a career, Malika didn’t allow her fears to sway her decision. And yes, she deals with the unknown and the mental chatter in her head from time to time- but Malika explains how she’s able to move past these obstacles. As a black-Muslim-female journalist, Malika is a walking billboard of all her identities. She explains to us how she’s using her platform both on social media and through her work at Aljazeera’s AJ+, to debunk any false information and squash any stereotypes. As an on-air journalist with a flourishing social media account, it's hard to picture Malika as someone who is reserved. But as a self-proclaimed introvert, Malika lets us into her world and opens about her struggle with balancing a successful career. Yes, you can be an introverted person in the media, and yes - we exist! Malika is a force to be reckoned with, and we’re so grateful for the many women who have dedicated their lives to fighting for knowledge and uncovering the truth. | |||
| 25 Mar 2020 | Mother and Daughter: An Open Dialogue About Depression and Anxiety w/ Summer Shatat and Bayan Rafati | 01:45:40 | |
There’s no set guideline on what to do when it comes to helping your child through their mental illness and no such thing as a perfect parenting plan. In Ep. 8 of Season 2, we sit down with Summer Shatat and her 17 year-old daughter, Bayan Rafati, to talk about their journey to mental wellness. You probably remember Summer who joined us back on Ep. 5 of Season 1, where she opened up about her personal struggles with mental illness, but in this episode, the conversation shifts over to her kids and how she’s choosing to talk to them about their personal mental health journey. The door is always open in Summer’s house. She’s given her kids a judgement free-zone to express their worries, anxieties and bouts with whatever they may be facing as teenagers in today's society - ranging from bullying to health issues in general. But although it was known that this door remained open, it took Bayan some time to build up the confidence to walk through it and let her parents know that she was suffering. The high schooler discusses the struggles she faced in silence and the events leading up to the moment she confided in her parents. We talk about seeking therapy, how to properly discuss mental health with your teenagers and why it’s important to let them be in charge. We also discuss how to break down the barrier between a daughter and her father and how important it is to allow our children to sit in the driver's seat of their healing journey. Parenting is tough and being a teenager with unexplainable emotions is a hardship in itself, too. In a time when mental illness is very prevalent and suicide is on the rise - it is crucial that we educate ourselves in the best ways to approach this and normalize these conversations together as a community. | |||
| 01 Apr 2020 | From Finding God To Life After Taking The Shahada with Rebecca Khan | 01:12:26 | |
We often hear stories about why people decided to convert to Islam, but what’s life like after taking the shahada? In Ep. 9 of Season 2, Rebecca Khan shares with us her journey to becoming Muslim and what attracted her heart to the religion. A change of diet, new wardrobe and a flip in lifestyle, Rebecca opens up about her struggles with her identity post-converting. She explains adjusting to the change and how she managed not to lose sight of herself throughout it all. While some who are new to the religion change their name, Rebecca explains the decision behind keeping the one given to her at birth, and why she believes everyone should make their own personal choice in what feels right to them. Being born and raised a visible minority is a struggle in itself, but becoming one in your twenties is on a whole new level. The now-mother of two shares her initial experience of wearing the hijab publicly for the world to see for the first time, and how she handled any negativity thrown at her. Rebecca also gives us a glimpse into her new business venture - Safinah Sailing! It’s a halal luxury yacht experience that offers private chefs, prayer spaces, halal food, and privacy. All of the things that make for an incredible getaway! We hope this episode gives you an insight of what a convert/revert experiences as they are welcomed into this new chapter of their lives. | |||
| 08 Apr 2020 | You're Not Alone: Dealing With Sadness and Hopelessness with Berak Hussain | 01:21:35 | |
*TRIGGER WARNING*: In this episode we discuss mental illness, suicide and self-harm in length. If you feel the content discussed may be triggering, please either proceed with caution or feel free to listen to any one of our previous episodes. We have also provided a list of credible resources below. | |||
| 15 Apr 2020 | The One Ramadan We'll Never Forget With Amasi Decor | 01:02:34 | |
We have waited all year for this month: Taraweeh prayers, azumas surrounded by loved ones and the chance to bond with family and friends! But this year we’ll forgo the gatherings for our own safety and this Ramadan will definitely be one to remember. In Ep. 11 of Season 2, we sit down with Saja and Suha, the women behind Amasi Decor, to talk about celebrating the holy month while social distancing. Just because this Ramadan doesn’t look like any others that we’ve participated in, it doesn’t mean we still can’t bring the excitement into our homes. If anything, it means we really should be amping it up! Saja and Suha explain how we can get both the younger generation and our elders to take part in Ramadan festivities. There are so many ways to bring that spiritual feeling back this year: decorating our homes, designating certain corners of our living spaces for prayer and Quran readings and creating new traditions to pass along to our little ones. Speaking of traditions, we each share our memories from our childhood and what we plan to incorporate into our daily Ramadan practices this year! Being away from family and friends may be the toughest part, but Saja and Suha walk us through how we can still maintain those relationships while also practicing social distancing. Zoom iftar date, anyone? Explore all AmasiDecor has to offer this Ramadan by shopping their website and make sure to check out their Ramadan playlist and other freebies! Head over to their site to receive 20% at checkout by using promo code: UNSWEETENERS20 | |||
| 22 Apr 2020 | Simple Tips For A Successful Mind & Body Connection During Ramadan with Zainab Ismail | 01:10:08 | |
With Ramadan on the horizon, most of us are wondering how we’ll survive the coffee-withdrawals, thirst and random hunger pains. When it comes to what we should eat - that’s a question on everyone's mind this time of year. We hope you enjoy this episode that’s jam packed with simple yet important tips for Ramadan! As always, we wish you all a blessed month of peace, love and spiritual healing! | |||
| 29 Apr 2020 | Purifying Our Intentions, Softening Our Hearts and Understanding Allah's Mercy with Fatima Shendy | 01:17:38 | |
The goal isn’t to just make it through this month, but it’s to leave it a better person than when we had entered it. In Episode 13 of Season 2, we’re joined by Fatima Shendy to talk about purifying our intentions, understanding Allah’s infinite mercy and all things in-between. When Ramadan comes around most of us expect a miracle to occur. We suddenly expect our connection to God and to our prayer to strengthen overnight, but when that doesn’t happen we’re left feeling empty and disappointed. Fatima explains that sometimes that disconnection comes from the struggle to understand the true purpose of the month and just who our Creator is. Building a solid relationship with Allah starts with the intention to do so. Fatima talks about the importance of purifying those intentions in order to discover where that disconnect lies. It’s crucial to sit down with yourself and ask, “why do I want to be closer to Allah?” and “am I truly practicing the religion, or am I going through the obligations, robotically?” It’s a blessing to be able to memorize Quran - but do you know the meaning behind the Surahs you are reciting? Learning Islam on a deeper level can help bridge that gap and bring you closer to Allah. We discuss the importance of understanding word for word what we are reciting while we perform our daily prayers. No matter where you are at on your spiritual journey, we hope that this episode can help get you to where you wish to go. Ramadan Mubarak, and may you achieve all you set your heart on this month! | |||
| 06 May 2020 | A Black Muslim Woman's Fight Against Anti-Blackness and Islamophobia with Ayesha Jihad | 01:11:53 | |
Unfortunately, Muslims are used to being on the opposite end of racism and inequality. What’s even more disappointing than that, is when at times that intolerance may also be coming from our own Ummah. Growing up in Saudi Arabia, Ayesha explains her first bouts with racism and the effect it has had on her relationship with her identity. At a young age, she began distancing herself away from the parts of her that didn’t please her classmates. Ayesha says it’s important to note that everyone experiences racism in different ways and after a long conversation with her own father, she realized how unique her encounter with it truly is. When Ayesha and her family moved back to America, the racism didn’t stop - the mode just shifted. She walks us through key moments that stuck with her years later, like snarky remarks made at the Mosque, overhearing assumptions about her family’s social status, and audible gasps when others found out her brother was the one leading prayer. Ayesha digs into how that racism has affected her in her most formative years, and the way it shaped her into becoming the successful twenty-something that she is today. You might be listening to this and thinking to yourself what can I do to help… Ayesha says the answer to that is the one you would least expect. And that’s listening more than talking. Oftentimes, we try to relate our struggles to others by sharing our “similar” stories. Instead, we should be intensively listening. | |||
| 13 May 2020 | The Benefits Of Laylut Al-Qadr: Making Dua And The Power of Istikhara Prayer with Youssra Kamel Kandil | 00:57:31 | |
Whether you think time is flying by or it's stuck at a standpoint, we’ve made it to the final ten days of Ramadan, alhamdillah! | |||
| 20 May 2020 | The Unconscious Mind: How To Silence Our Mental Chatter and Protect Ourselves From Loneliness and Disconnection with Iman Boundaoui | 01:31:52 | |
What goes on in your mind has the power to change your life. But when you have a million thoughts racing through your head all at once, it’s hard to focus on the present moment. In Episode 16 of Season 2, we are joined by Iman Boundaoui to discuss mindfulness, cherishing the essence of time and how to better make sense of our mental chatter. One of the hardest quests in life is finding your life’s purpose. When it comes to choosing a career path, many of us just settle. Iman says the journey isn’t always an easy one, we have to do the work instead of waiting for our purpose to show up at our doorstep. Now let’s talk about the unconscious mind. It has the ability to control everything in your life from your feelings, to behaviors and your experiences with others - if you allow it to do so that is. It will force you to be highly critical of yourself, thus causing you to drift away from your authentic self. Thankfully, Iman gives us a step-by-step guide on how to evict these unwanted thoughts. We are also in a time where we are connected to the entire world with just a press of a button, yet it’s so easy to feel alone. You would think that with the endless devices and apps that help connect us to our family and friends it would be nearly impossible to feel lonely. But many of us find ourselves feeling completely on our own, even in a room filled to the brim with loved ones. When it comes to loneliness and disconnection she offers advice on how we can overcome these issues before they turn into something more serious. We conclude with discussing the value of time. We know that it passes by with every blink of an eye, so why do we spend our time with things that are not beneficial to us? Iman explains ways that we can shift our perspective to see time as an asset worth more than just hours of bad reality tv shows or a dead-end full-time job. The goal is to live a happy and fulfilled life and with Iman’s advice we hope to shift gears and immerse ourselves in the present moment! | |||
| 27 May 2020 | How To Harness Your Self-Worth, Finding Purpose Through Pain and Dealing with Toxic Friendships With Fariha Rub | 01:19:47 | |
Finding your tribe is important. That group of women who you can turn to for help, to have a good time with or seek advice from. But we all know, making friends as adults doesn’t come easy. | |||
| 10 Jun 2020 | From Allies To Accomplices: Fighting Racism Within Our Own Communities with Remaz Khalaleyal | 01:13:19 | |
As Muslims, we have no other choice but to stand alongside our Black brothers and sisters.
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| 17 Jun 2020 | The Power Of Our Voices: How To Incite Change by Making an Impact with Jael Kerandi | 01:20:24 | |
Your voice is your power. Use it to speak up against any injustices you may see, and fight for what you truly believe in. That’s our duty as Muslims. | |||
| 24 Jun 2020 | Spiritual Check In: Dealing With Our Nafs And Becoming More God Conscious with Hosai Mojaddidi | 01:16:02 | |
How can you tell if it’s your nafs or the Shaytan luring you away from Allah? How many times should you ask for forgiveness for the same sin? What are the differences between a hypocrite and a believer? | |||
| 01 Jul 2020 | Unmasking Microaggressions & Taking Anti-Racism Discussions Beyond The Dinner Table with Eman Idil Bare | 01:17:09 | |
Black Lives Matter isn’t an Instagram trend, it’s a commitment to justice. And it’s not just a moment, but a movement that will never not be important. We also want to mention that often-times the mental health of the Black community goes unchecked. And much more than often, the Black community isn’t given the same opportunity to heal from their trauma, since they are constantly reliving it and experiencing one traumatic event after the next. We talk about what we can do as allies to bring focus to the well being of those in the black community. This is a cause that isn't going away, it's a battle we will continue to fight until justice is served. | |||
| 08 Jul 2020 | Finding Yourself Post Divorce: Honoring Our Hardships And Empowering Ourselves | 01:09:53 | |
Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, but it’s through these ups and downs that we are shaped into who we are truly meant to be. Allah truly tests those He loves the most, and although at times it may feel hard to feel blessed in those trying moments, remember it’s through those dark times that we find light. | |||
| 15 Jul 2020 | Spiritual Bypassing: How To Not Use Faith as an Avoidance Mechanism with Sumayyah Taufique | 01:06:12 | |
No one said practicing self-growth was going to be easy, but we can promise you it will be worth it.
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| 29 Jul 2020 | ‘Does God Even Know You’, Thoughts on the Evil Eye and "Ramy" with May Calamawy | 01:08:45 | |
It’s important to remember that your relationship with God is no one else’s but yours. So learn to leave the judgement, the comparisons and envy at the door. Enjoy and remember to follow us on Instagram: @unsweetenedandunfiltered | |||
| 05 Aug 2020 | From Broke to Woke: How to Deal with Financial Stress and Take Control of Your Finances w/ Kenya Imani | 01:20:08 | |
Your worth shouldn’t be defined by your bank account balance or your credit score, but that shouldn’t mean you should ignore these figures, either. In Ep. 25 of Season 2, Kenya Imani gives us great insight on how to take control of our finances by creating a budget, investing and tackling our loans. We discuss financial trauma and how the topic of money can be very stressful for many people. It's important to not dismiss the healing portion of the financial process. There’s a lot we aren’t taught in school, and unfortunately managing our finances is one of them. Kenya walks us through why we should set life goals and the importance of living within our means. Creating a budget may not sound like too much fun, but Kenya explains how this simple task can help us save up for rainy days and allow us to be in control of our money. Budgeting is meant to give you the ability to treat yourself, too! College can be exciting for many reasons but when it comes to student loans - we rarely get the 411 on the ins and outs of these loans and that little thing called interest. The majority of graduates are stuck with student loan debt and the feeling that it will never go away. Kenya puts our hearts at ease by offering us some words of wisdom and comfort. We stick by this platform’s goal, and that’s to empower women in all avenues of their life, and what better way to do so then by giving them the right tools they need to understand and control their finances. It’s never too late to start working toward a debt-free life! | |||
| 12 Aug 2020 | Why Are We So Afraid Of Letting Go with Shazia Imam | 01:13:07 | |
Your happiness shouldn’t amount to the number of checkboxes you tick, but instead the things that truly put your heart and soul at ease.
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| 19 Aug 2020 | Understanding Sexual Health and Confronting Sexual Violence with Aisha Ismail | 01:32:31 | |
Trigger Warning: In this episode we discuss sexual violence. If you find this topic to be triggering, please hit pause and check out some of our older episodes instead! In Ep. 27 of Season 2, we speak to Aisha Ismail about the lack of sexual health & reproductive education in the Muslim community, the importance of understanding and confronting sexual violence and all that the Muslim-led organization Heart has to offer. It's our body and it's about time we get to know it. Aisha outlines the importance of sexual health literacy and why it's crucial that we increase the spread of this vital information throughout our community. Understanding our bodies is a right, because sexual education covers more than just the birds and the bees- it expands across areas like menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum and so much more. We shouldn't be caught-off guard or left in the dark when it comes to our own physical health. This episode is a chalk full of incredibly useful and crucial information that helps learning about our bodies at any given age much easier. We're proud to be a part of an ever-growing circle of women, who like Aisha, share a common goal: empower the ladies in our community with knowledge. | |||
| 26 Aug 2020 | The Role Of A Lifetime & How The Role Of Our Parents Can Influence Our Dreams with Zoha Rahman | 01:11:10 | |
A chance to play a role of a lifetime is a dream come true for this week's guest, but how did the role of her parents influence her decision? | |||
| 02 Sep 2020 | UNFLTRD THOUGHTS: Forgiveness | 00:05:04 | |
In our first "Unfltrd Thoughts", we talk about forgiveness. | |||
| 09 Sep 2020 | Postpartum Journey: Navigating Depression, Bridging the Generational Gap and Loving Our Bodies with Sara Ahmed | 01:22:40 | |
No matter how much time you take to prep the nursery, baby-proof your home or reread “What To Expect When You’re Expecting” - nothing will ever truly prepare you for what's to come. | |||
| 16 Sep 2020 | UNFLTRD THOUGHTS: Soulmates | 00:11:01 | |
On this week’s “Unfltrd Thoughts", we talk about soulmates and whether or not we think they exist. | |||
| 23 Sep 2020 | The Journey of Finding Love Again and Discussing the Negative Perception of Divorced Women with Lisa Vogl | 01:11:48 | |
When it comes to finding a naseeb, it seems like the odds are stacked against us from the start. But as a divorcee, the challenges are stacked even higher. | |||
| 30 Sep 2020 | UNFLTRD THOUGHTS: Sorry, But We Can’t Be Friends Anymore | 00:06:05 | |
On this week’s “Unfltrd Thoughts", we talk about how to handle finding out your friend’s true colors. | |||
| 07 Oct 2020 | Dealing with Hair Loss as Women: Debunking Myths and Sharing Tips with Dr. Sarah Kiani and Pari | 01:28:48 | |
Leaving a trail of hair strands everywhere you go? If you’re worried about hair loss and hair thinning, trust us when we say you’re not alone. | |||
| 14 Oct 2020 | UNFLTRD THOUGHTS: Truth vs. Lies | 00:06:19 | |
On this week’s “Unfltrd Thoughts”, we answer the question: “Would you rather know the truth no matter how painful, or would you prefer being comforted by little white lies?” | |||
| 21 Oct 2020 | The Mind, Body & Spiritual Connection with Zermina Akbary | 00:54:26 | |
Stressed out? Ladies, let’s talk! | |||
| 28 Oct 2020 | UNFLTRD THOUGHTS: Dealbreakers | 00:07:26 | |
On this week’s “Unfltrd Thoughts”, we discuss silly, but still kind of important deal breakers. | |||
| 04 Nov 2020 | Why is God Angry With Me and What To Do If You’re Too Depressed to Pray with Sarah Sultan | 00:56:45 | |
Why is God angry with me? | |||
| 11 Nov 2020 | UNFLTRD THOUGHTS: POST ELECTION | 00:13:16 | |
Our votes have been cast, our ballots have been counted, the new President-elect and VP have been announced and the world can finally let out a collective sigh...temporarily. | |||
| 18 Nov 2020 | Skincare Journey: How to Deal w/ Acne Breakouts and Avoiding Common Skincare Mistakes w/ Dr. Fatima Fahs | 01:00:08 | |
If you've ever experienced anxiety walking down the skincare aisle of your local drugstore, trust me when we say this, you're not alone! | |||
| 25 Nov 2020 | The Resilient Act of Loving Oneself Through Our Journey Back to God w/ Alia Taha | 00:54:01 | |
If I asked you, do you love yourself, what would you say? | |||
| 09 Dec 2020 | Growing Up Sheltered and Dealing with Codependency in Adulthood w/ Zaynab Bajwa | 00:52:07 | |
Most of us have a story or two....ok maybe a whole book series...about how we grew up sheltered. Enjoy and remember to follow us on Instagram: | |||
| 16 Dec 2020 | Why Do We Marry Our Unfinished Business with Zahra Aljabri | 01:05:16 | |
How do we go from relationship struggles to relationship goals? | |||
| 23 Dec 2020 | Season Finale: Here's to Bittersweet Endings and New Beginnings | 00:45:06 | |
Pinch us...no really, please do, because we can't believe we are closing out another season of this podcast. | |||
| 06 Jan 2021 | Journey Back to Self: Recalibrating Our Souls and Resetting Our Intentions w/ Sara Luchetti | 00:58:27 | |
Have you ever taken an honest moment to look at the life you have created only to realize it wasn’t your own? | |||
| 12 Jan 2021 | Secrets of Divine Love: The Purpose of Our Existence w/ A. Helwa | 01:08:47 | |
"We do not worship God because God needs it, we worship God because we need it. Prayer is not you reaching out for God, it is you responding to God, Who first reached out to you." | |||
| 27 Jan 2021 | Setting Boundaries: Communicating Expectations While Navigating Resentment and Anger w/ Yasmine Cheyenne | 00:49:27 | |
Have you ever loved and resented someone at the same time and is it healthy? | |||
| 03 Feb 2021 | Intimacy in Islam: Haram vs Halal, Navigating Sexual Desires and the Power of No w/ Noha Alshugairi | 00:58:53 | |
The topic of intimacy in Islam is a conversation that may at times come laced with shame and stigma. In today's episode, I sit down with Noha Alshugairi, to dismantle the misinformation surrounding this while also educating women about their rights, the power of no in a marriage and diving deeper into what is haram vs halal. I am excited to be joined by Noha Alshugairi, who is a licensed marriage and family therapist, who will help us answer the many questions we all have, especially the ones we may be too shy or embarrassed to ask. Moving past the birds and the bees talk, I wanted to finally understand the rights we have in Islam when it comes to being emotionally and physically intimate with our significant other. Some of the topics Noha addresses are the differences in sexual desires between partners, what is deemed to be absolutely haram and what comes with a difference in opinion, lack of sexual compatibility and physical intimacy between couples, as well as bleeding on the first night and the pressure placed on couples to consummate their marriage right away. We cover this and so much more and I can't thank Noha enough for being a resource in this sometimes uncomfortable but necessary conversation. Enjoy and follow the pod on Instagram: | |||
