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NO FOR REAL
NO FOR REAL
Author: Thuraya Altai, Yasmeen Saab
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© Thuraya Altai, Yasmeen Saab
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No For Real, hosted by Thuraya Altai and Yasmeen Saab, is where real talk meets unfiltered laughs. From relationships and identity to cultural pressures and trending topics, the duo dives into the conversations everyone’s having—but rarely out loud. It’s raw, relatable, and feels like chatting with your closest friends—where nothing’s off-limits.
119 Episodes
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In this episode of No For Real, Thuraya and Yasmeen get into Netflix’s Diddy: The Reckoning, unpacking power, silence, and why accountability always comes too late for certain people. Then we talk about the side-eye surrounding SKIMS' opening a store in Dubai—how do brands claim inclusivity while profiting from Arab consumers after openly supporting Zionist causes? Is it business, hypocrisy, or both? No PR spin, no playing neutral, just real conversations and uncomfortable questions
The girls talk about Ambition and how it can shape your life in positive or negative way. They both share personal stories of themselves or people they know who was very ambition and how their lives turned out. Also, they talk about how ambition can be the reason of us having difficulties of being content with our lives and how in the past people used to have better judgements of working toward their goals but always remembering to be content with their current lives. This episode shares a lot of great lessons so do not miss out on it! We love you https://anchor.fm/noforrealpod
In this episode of No For Real, we unpack the idea of the magical, flawless partner we’ve been taught to wait for—and how that belief affects modern dating, commitment, and emotional availability. We talk about unrealistic expectations shaped by movies, social media, and fear of settling, and why chasing perfection can keep us stuck in cycles of dissatisfaction.We get honest about what actually makes relationships work: effort, emotional safety, accountability, and choosing each other through imperfection. Because love isn’t about finding someone who never disappoints you—it’s about finding someone willing to grow with you.If you’ve ever wondered whether your standards are protecting you or preventing you from real connection… this one’s no for real for you.
The girls are back with another Fun Arab Episode, playing Did you know Game: the Girls tell each other and yall things didn’t know about them. Tune in to listen to all new things from their childhood, Careers and many more! Xoxo ❤️https://anchor.fm/noforrealpod
In this episode of No For Real, Thuraya and Yasmeen dive into the power of starting over — in relationships, in careers, and in life as a whole. We get real about the fear that comes with starting again, why it's so natural, and how it often shows up right before our biggest breakthroughs.We talk about the emotional weight of letting go, the uncertainty of new beginnings, and the quiet courage it takes to choose a different path. But we also remind you that starting over isn’t a failure; it’s one of the most powerful decisions you can make, and it's never too late.With honest reflections, personal stories, and the unfiltered conversations you only hear on this podcast, this episode is your reminder that you’re allowed to rewrite your story at any point. And sometimes, the restart is exactly what you need.
On this episode of No For Real, we’re asking the question every woman thinks about: who actually decides what “girly” is? We dive into the pressure to be feminine, but not too feminine, and how women get judged from every angle. Too girly, not girly enough… is there even a right balance? We unpack where these standards come from, why they exist, and what it means to define femininity on your own terms.
In this episode of No For Real, Thuraya and Yasmeen talk with two University of Houston students who share their firsthand perspective on the ongoing hunger strike at their school. They discuss what led to it, how the campus community has responded, and what this movement reveals about student activism and accountability today. Find out more here : SJP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sjphtx?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Sign Petition here: https://www.change.org/p/stand-with-uh-hunger-strikers?recruiter=1213729674&recruited_by_id=94edc440-d9cf-11eb-9580-ed5702bbea6d&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=petition_dashboard&utm_medium=copylink
In this season opener, Thuraya and Yasmeen dive into the real struggles families face during back-to-school season, from endless supply lists to the pressure kids feel to fit in. They’re asking the question no one really wants to tackle: who should be responsible for making sure every child is prepared, parents, schools, or the system itself?Thuraya also opens up about navigating grief after losing her father and what it means to keep showing up for life when your world feels heavy
For our season finale, we dive into the real impact of online bullying and negative comments on creators and communities. From exploring how words can shape mental health to why people leave harmful remarks, we unpack the effects of today’s digital culture. We also take a step back to reflect on our journey this season—the first one where we introduced full Arabic episodes, sharing what we’ve learned, the growth of our community, and what’s next for No For Real. See you next season xoxo
In this episode, we switch things up with an all-Arabic Q&A. From lighthearted confessions to deeper reflections, we ask each other the kinds of questions only friends of 20+ years can get away with. Expect honesty, laughter, and a little bit of drama all in Arabic.Tune in xoxo
We’re back with a fun and unfiltered chit chat episode where we cover a little bit of everything. 🌍✨This week we talk about how we’ll be alternating between Arabic and English episodes, and how different the Arabic audience can be — let’s just say not everything slides, and the criticism can get real. We also dive into health, with Yasmeen sharing how putting off doctor checkups has finally caught up with her.Of course, we balance it out with some laughs — from reminiscing about our favorite childhood cartoons to debating celebrities who ended up in jail for all kinds of reasons.It’s honest, funny, and all over the place in the best way.https://anchor.fm/noforrealpod
In this all-Arabic episode of No For Real, we dive into the unspoken feelings of loneliness that exist even when people surround you. We talk about what it means to hide parts of yourself out of fear of judgment—especially in Middle Eastern culture—where shame and societal expectations often silence our truths.We also discuss the heartbreaking and controversial case of Dr. Ban Ziyad in Iraq. While her death was labeled as suicide, many, including us, believe the story doesn’t add up. We unpack why a deeper investigation is necessary and why her voice and justice should not be silenced.This episode is raw, real, and challenging, but it needs to be heard.
This week, The girls sit down with a very special guest — Yasmeen's best friend from architecture school, Houston-based designer Kieran Renfrow.They get real about the ups and downs of their friendship, how they overcame challenges, and what ultimately made their bond stronger. The conversation flows into dating culture, apps, and their honest takes on the best places to truly connect with people.They also dive into big-picture topics — from AI’s potential impact on design to the burnout that comes with learning one thing in architecture school and facing something entirely different in the corporate world.It’s a mix of personal stories, design talk, and unfiltered opinions you won’t want to miss.https://anchor.fm/noforrealpod
In this episode of No For Real, we took the mics on the go and recorded the first half straight from the best hot pot spot in Houston (yes, we said what we said). Over spicy broth and noodles, we talked about Yasmeen quitting her first job in her career and what it means to start over when things no longer feel aligned. Thuraya opened up about why she’s been sleeping more lately—and how she’s learning to let herself rest without guilt.Of course, we had to discuss Huda being the first Arab on Love Island and whether the drama is genuine or just part of the show. We also got into Thuraya’s random public interactions lately—from awkward encounters to ones that might actually lead to real estate collaborations. Living in the same city as your listeners and community? It's giving unexpected connection vibes.
In this episode of No For Real, Thuraya and Yasmeen dive into the messy truth about how women’s confidence is too often mistaken for arrogance, especially when it’s being judged by men. They get real about their own experiences navigating this double standard and how they’ve learned to hold their ground unapologetically.Then, the girls shift gears and unpack the constant changes in U.S. laws and regulations—why everything feels unstable and what that means for our day-to-day lives.And of course, don’t miss the weekly Oppositions: Thuraya is raving about the Huda Beauty Lip Stain that’s officially entered her makeup rotation, and Yasmeen is stepping into her soft girl era with her new go-to ballerina flats.It’s honest, hilarious, and so relatable. No for real—you don’t want to miss this one.
We’re backkkk! After a short break, Yasmeen and Thuraya return for Season 9 — and we missed you for real. This week, we’re diving into something that’s been sitting heavy on our hearts: the pressure to always be healing.In this deep (and slightly spicy) conversation, we unpack how self-help culture has become performative, commodified, and exhausting. From matcha and Pilates to silent retreats and “healed girl aesthetics,” we ask — who is this really helping? And why does healing feel like a job now?We also talk about the power of pausing your growth and just being… a person. Toward the end, things get lighter — we catch up on life, share some laughs, and drop our current favorite products of the week. Tune in for honesty, humor, and some very real talk.https://anchor.fm/noforrealpod
In this fun and unfiltered episode, Yasmeen puts Thuraya in the hot seat—and she does not hold back. For the first time, she asks the questions no one dared to, leading to an honest, surprising, and entertaining conversation. Tune in for deep thoughts, big laughs, and the best-friend banter we all live for. xoxo
In this special episode, your hosts, Thuraya and Yasmeen, switch things up! Instead of bringing on a guest, we turn the mics on each other. Thuraya puts Yasmeen in the hot seat with questions she's never asked before—about their friendship, what it’s really like hosting a podcast together and traveling side by sideTune in to this honest, unfiltered, and entertaining conversation between two best friends and co-hosts. xoxT
In this episode, Thuraya and Yasmeen dive into how much your environment can shape who you are from your mindset and values to your day-to-day lifestyle. They reflect on their own journeys, comparing life in the U.S. to life in the Middle East, and how navigating between these two very different environments has influenced their identities and personal growth. The conversation explores the contrast between individualistic vs. community-based cultures, and how each one impacts the way we connect, make decisions, and define success.
This week on No For Real, Thuraya and Yasmeen are joined by the one and only Bilal Rehman. They discuss everything—from calling out cringy design trends to why 50/50 relationships just aren’t it. It’s unfiltered, real, and full of laughs. If you’ve ever felt like the loud one in the room or needed a reminder to own your voice, this one’s for you. Love you and see you next time.↓https://anchor.fm/noforrealpod




