Who said what? With Heba and Nira

This week on Who Said What?!, we sit down with media mogul, storyteller, and all-around powerhouse Amy Mowafi. She joins us for a no-holds-barred conversation about building MO4 Network, navigating the chaos of working with family, and the insane sacrifices behind success. In this episode, we dive into: How Amy went from hustling her way into Enigma Magazine to leading one of Egypt’s most influential media companies The reality of working with siblings—think Succession, but with an Arab touch Why kids shouldn’t be on TikTok and the dark side of social media The mental load of running a business and the sacrifices no one talks about Aging, plastic surgery, and our strong feelings about Madonna vs. JLo (yes, we went there) This episode is packed with hysterical moments, real talk, and raw insights—including my post-bronchitis coughing fits (don’t worry, we edited out the worst of them). Also, we may have accidentally started a new podcast tradition: when one of us rambles too much, the other just yells "shut the f* up!"** 😂   For more on Amy & MO4 Network: https://www.instagram.com/amymowafi/?hl=en https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Famymowafi   https://www.mo4network.com/ https://www.instagram.com/mo4network/?hl=en

It’s Valentine’s Day, and you know what that means… love is in the air! Or at least it is for some people. In this special episode, Heba puts Nira in the hot seat, grilling her on all things dating, relationships, and why she might just be too good at ignoring red flags. From cringy love poems to ghosting vs. awkward second dates, we get the inside scoop on Nira’s love life, her ultimate relationship advice, and her hilarious take on modern romance. Buckle up for some brutal honesty, relatable dating fails, and a whole lot of laughs. For more on BTS don't forget to follow us here https://www.instagram.com/whosaidwhatpodcast/ And Heba https://www.instagram.com/hebashunbo/?hl=en And Nira https://www.instagram.com/nirashunbo/?hl=en

What happens when an engineer leaves corporate life to follow his passion for coaching? You get Mohamed Eid—the founder of Elevate, a gym built for people who actually need help training, whether recovering from injuries or looking for a smarter approach to fitness. In this episode, Eid shares his journey from engineering to coaching, how his mother encouraged him to take the leap, and why he’s obsessed with helping people get stronger (not just shredded). He also dives into the biggest fitness myths, from intermittent fasting to Ozempic, and why women’s bodies aren’t built to be super lean. Plus, we talk fatherhood, biohacking, aging gracefully, and the real way to train during Ramadan—spoiler: it’s not high-intensity workouts before iftar. Whether you're into fitness or just trying to be healthier, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss. For more on Mohamed Eid: https://www.instagram.com/mohamedeid/?hl=en For more on Elevate Gym Egypt: https://www.instagram.com/elevate.egypt/?hl=en For more on the Rich Roll podcast episode with Peter Diamandis, that Heba talks about: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/slow-stop-reverse-aging-peter-diamandis-on-longevity/id582272991?i=1000683761251

We’re thrilled to kick off Season 3 of Who Said What?! with an exciting episode featuring Nour Hassan, the creative mind behind the newly rebranded The Curation Pod (formerly known as The Radical Contemporary). Nour opens up about her journey as a podcaster and entrepreneur, reflecting on the challenges of staying true to herself in a world dominated by societal expectations and the pressures of social media. In this episode, Nour shares the inspiration behind rebranding her podcast and what The Curation truly represents. She discusses her take on her "IT girl" video that went viral, the sense of freedom she’s found in her 30s, and how they have given her a fresh perspective on life after the whirlwind of her 20s. Nour dives into her fascination with Human Design and astrology, explaining how these interests have influenced her approach to life and creativity. She also offers a candid look at her personal experiences, including navigating relationships as an outsider in Egypt, and marrying an Egyptian. Nour is honest and funny, and unpacks the complexities of social media, the realities of podcasting, and why standing out in a crowded space is no easy feat. Packed with relatable anecdotes and inspiring takeaways, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking real conversations and fresh insights. Don’t miss it! For more on Nour, follow on: https://www.instagram.com/nourhassan/ https://www.instagram.com/the.curation.pod/

In this episode, we sit down with our good friend, Maha Abouelenein, a communications PR executive whose impressive roster of clients reads like a who's who of industry leaders. With a career marked by bold turns and strategic pivots, Maha embodies the spirit of resilience, consistently returning to the spotlight bigger and stronger than before. We dive into her newly launched book, "7 Rules of Self-Reliance," where she shares her key insights on building a successful career. She emphasizes the invaluable asset of leveraging relationships, the importance of hard work, and the power of staying true to oneself. Join us for an inspiring conversation that will motivate you to embrace your journey and harness the power of self-reliance in both personal and professional realms. You can get more on Maha here https://www.mahaabouelenein.com/  To order her book: https://diwanegypt.com/product/7-rules-of-self-reliance-pre-order/ https://www.amazon.com/Rules-Self-Reliance-Moving-Invest-Yourself/dp/1401978665/  And you can find Maha on the following social media platforms: Instagram X (Twitter) LinkedIn TikTok

Welcome to Season 2 of our podcast! In this episode, we’re reflecting on our summer experiences—sharing our highlights, funny mishaps, and everything in between. Join us for our chaotic and sisterly banter as we kick off another season of Who Said What?! it’s all about everything and nothing at all!

In this unfiltered wrap-up, we go off-script as usual: from laughing about surprise guest reveals to rehashing our introvert vs extrovert showdown, debating Sahel vs. Gouna, and of course, weighing in on celebrity crushes and gossip. We look back at our favorite guests, biggest lessons, what made us laugh the hardest, and what we’re excited about for Season 5. It’s a mix of reflection, real talk, and ridiculousness—basically, classic us.

In this high energy finale to Season 4, Heba and Nira sit down with Omar Hikal, the creative force and founder of The Brand Company in Egypt. Known for his bold, storytelling-driven branding work, Omar opens up about everything from his early career and leadership evolution to the importance of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and knowing who you are in your business. They dig into the psychology of branding, what makes a great leader (and a terrible one), the visionary–integrator dynamic, and why personal branding is more powerful than ever. Plus: thoughts on cultural identity, Japan, AI, and yes—Planet of the Apes. If you care about creativity, leadership, authenticity, and the future of branding—you don’t want to miss this one. For more on Omar Hikal: https://www.instagram.com/omarhikal/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/omarhikal/?originalSubdomain=ae https://thebrandcompany.co/

In this episode of Who Said What?!, we sit down with Palestinian-Canadian fashion designer Dunia Anabtawi, founder of her eponymous haute couture brand, to talk all things fashion, food, femininity, and fierce independence. From designing her first dress at 20 to navigating Egypt’s chaotic production scene, Dunia shares her journey, the soul of her brand, and why energy—whether from a dress or a client—matters deeply. She opens up about how her love of cooking shaped her creativity, what it means to be a strong woman who still wants to be pampered, and the balancing act between business and marriage. Oh, and we definitely got into heels vs sneakers, marriage vs singlehood, the dating pool post-40, and the sacred art of saying no to difficult clients. For more on Dunia: https://duniaanabtawi.com/ https://www.instagram.com/duniaanabtawi/?hl=en

In this episode of Who Said What?!, Heba and Nira dive deep into the question: Is romance dead? From teenage love letters and slow dancing in the ‘90s to ghosting, DMs, and dating apps today—they unpack what’s changed and what hasn’t when it comes to love. They talk about decision paralysis, the myth of “better options,” the death of emotional depth, and whether romance has disappeared or just… evolved. Along the way, they share old memories, discuss the rise of “trad wives,” singlehood, loneliness, love vs. mental health, and how dating today can feel more like a tech algorithm than a love story. It’s funny, honest, and a little raw. And yes, someone proposes to a chatbot. Seriously??!

This week on Who Said What?! we sit down with artist, globetrotter, and human sunshine Amina El Demirdash. From her art residencies in Korea and Japan to aging, dating after divorce, and healing through creativity, Amina keeps it raw, real, and hilarious. We talk self-care rituals, anti-aging myths, perimenopause, why Egyptian WhatsApp culture is out of control, and how a hair growth expert in Korea changed her life.  This episode is a mix of depth, laughter, vulnerability, and even travel inspo. Tune in for the laughter, stay for the wisdom. For more on Amina: https://www.aminaeldemirdash.com/ https://www.instagram.com/aminaeld

It’s that time again—no, not January. It’s the middle of the year and Heba & Nira are doing a brutally honest check-in on those shiny New Year’s resolutions. Did we stick to them? Did we abandon them by February? Do we even care anymore? In this episode, Heba and Nira go head-to-head on the value (or futility) of resolutions, how Heba is simplifying her life (and her people), and why Nira thinks resolutions are just another marketing gimmick. From TV show binges to letting go of toxic friendships and learning to say “no thanks” to people-pleasing, this is your mid-year reminder to reflect, reset, or throw the list out entirely.

This week on Who Said What?!, we sit down with Mohamed Hefzy acclaimed film producer, writer, and founder of Film Clinic — whose name is behind some of Egypt’s most iconic modern films. From childhood movie obsessions and Cannes jury duties to navigating the minefield of censorship in Egypt, Hefzy opens up about the fine line between storytelling and controversy. He also gets candid about turning 50, his thoughts on love, and why he believes cinema influences people more than books ever could. For more on Mohamed Hefzy: https://www.instagram.com/mohefzy/?hl=en https://www.film-clinic.com/index.php

Remember when you had to rewind your VHS or face a fine? When your boyfriend made you a mix tape, not a Spotify playlist? In this hilarious and painfully honest episode, Heba and Nira dive into the glorious chaos of growing up Gen X. From absentee parenting to cassette tapes, phone booths to pre-internet drama, they unpack why this weird and wonderful generation might just be the most underrated—and emotionally damaged—one of all. Also: did Gen X invent therapy? Probably. Most likely.

In this episode of Who Said What?!, Nira and Heba sit down with Tarek Ismail—an entrepreneur who’s navigated everything from law in the US to Cairo’s booming food scene. Tarek shares his journey from corporate law at Clifford Chance LLP and Baker & McKenzie to the F&B world, where he and his brother have built successful ventures. We get real about family ties in business, shifting from retail to wholesale, the pressures of making money, and how personal values shape parenting. Tarek’s story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and staying true to what matters most. For more on Tarek: https://www.instagram.com/atorr_2018/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/p/Tarek-Ismail-100013704739599/

Are you an introvert or an extrovert—or do you just play one at parties? In this hilariously heated episode of Who Said What?!, Heba and Nira dive into the messy middle between labels, debating what it really means to be introverted or extroverted in today’s world. From ghosting parties to needing a hype-person to socialize, they unpack it all. Heba tries to convince Nira she's not the introvert she claims to be, while Nira insists her social battery dies fast (even if she is great at small talk). Expect: Google definitions that don't help Triggered sisters Social hangover confessions A surprise agreement by the end (?!) If you've ever wondered where you fall—or if your personality is being misunderstood—this one’s for you.

In this episode of Who Said What?!, we sit down with Ingy Ismail, PR consultant and founder of Flare PR, to talk about what it really takes to carve out your place in a chaotic industry—and an even more chaotic world. From leaving Egypt at 17 to live solo in Tuscany and chase a dream in fashion, to interning at Diesel and later landing a coveted role at Salvatore Ferragamo, Ingy shares how she pushed her way into Italy’s luxury fashion scene—with no connections, just grit. We dive into: Why she never felt like she belonged in Egypt growing up The burnout that made her walk away from Ferragamo Hitting rock bottom—and how it led her to start Flare PR from scratch Working with Egyptian icons like Azza Fahmy and Okhtein Her unfiltered take on the PR industry today, from Instagrammable events to the battle over creative value She also opens up about relationships, living with regret, and why comfort zones are creativity killers. If you’re in your reinvention era, or just need a reminder that great things come from hitting reset, this one’s for you. For more info: https://www.instagram.com/ingyism/?hl=en https://ingyismail.com/ https://www.instagram.com/flarepr/?hl=en

We’re baaaaack! Season 4 kicks off with a candid catch-up between sisters Heba & Nira—no script, no filter, just real talk. In this premiere episode, we unpack: Our very different Ramadan experiences, and why Heba needed to shut the world out Nira's update on life, baking, and why she's hitting pause on dating Heba's flat renovation chaos and her need for a serious life reset A heartwarming side of Nira: reconnecting with her ex, as friends! Family milestones, fun shows to watch, and why Nira's desserts are low-key dangerous Why Season 4 feels like the perfect time to reconnect, with old friends, with ourselves, and with you.. Whether you're decompressing post Ramadan, planning your summer, or just need a reset, this one's for you..

Radio host Zeinab Hegarty joins us for an honest, hilarious, and raw conversation about life in your 40s. From dating younger men and adjusting to life in Cairo after moving from London in her 20s, to navigating career, identity, and societal pressures—Zeinab brings her signature wit and wisdom to the mic. We talk about aging, relationships, friendships, decision paralysis, and what no one really prepares you for as you grow older. She opens up about caring for her aunt with dementia, the emotional labor women are expected to carry, and how society subtly (and not-so-subtly) nudges women toward egg freezing—as if time is always running out. Whether you're in your 20s, 30s, or well into your 40s, this episode is for anyone figuring out life on their own terms—without the pressure to follow a set timeline. For more info on Zeinab: https://www.instagram.com/zeinabhegarty/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/zeinab-hegarty-08565435/?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egoogle%2Ecom%2F&originalSubdomain=eg

In this eye-opening episode of Who Said What?!, we sit down with leading OB/GYN Dr. Hussein Gohar, based in Cairo, Egypt, to talk all things perimenopause, menopause, and hormone health. After decades in gynecology, Dr. Gohar is now laser-focused on the often misunderstood and under-discussed phase of women’s lives: the menopause transition. We dive deep into: What perimenopause really is and when it starts The difference between menopause and perimenopause The truth about Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and bioidentical hormones Why hormonal tests might be useless during this phase Alternatives to HRT, including medications and lifestyle changes Sexual dysfunction, aesthetic gynecology, and how taboo topics like FGM impact women's health The importance of nutrition, resistance training, and education And yes—do men go through their own “menopause”? We asked. This episode isn’t just for women—it’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand female health better and help break the stigma. Dr. Gohar brings science, compassion, and bold truth to the table. Let’s talk about what nobody talks about. For more info on Dr. Hussein Gohar and his clinic: https://www.instagram.com/hsgohar?igsh=d3RxczNzNTlqeGpm&utm_source=qr https://www.instagram.com/v.clinics_?igsh=cjZnMGVtbmpsbnlq