Farah Podcast

In this powerful and inspiring episode, I sit down with Dr. Samar Ghura, a breast cancer survivor who faced her diagnosis head-on with incredible strength and resilience. Samar shares her journey from the moment she learned she had breast cancer, through the decision to undergo a double mastectomy, and into her transformative path to recovery. Samar opens up about the physical and emotional challenges she faced, and how she refused to let cancer define her. Instead, she adopted a new, healthier, both physically and mentally, lifestyle that not only aided in her recovery but also helped her find a renewed sense of purpose and positivity, focusing on finding joy in everyday moments. One of the most empowering messages Samar brings to our listeners is the idea that life doesn’t end after 40 for women. She passionately promotes the notion that women can and should continue to thrive, set new goals, and embrace new opportunities at any age. Her story is a testament to the power of positive thinking, resilience, and the importance of self-care. Tune in for an episode that’s sure to leave you feeling inspired and uplifted as Dr. Samar Ghura reminds us all that with the right mindset and support, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges and live our best lives. Learn more about her journey and be inspired by her unyielding spirit and optimism. This is a very real and authentic episode that you wouldn't want to miss!

🎙️ Meet Aline, a dynamic and multifaceted post-rehab trainer dedicated to transforming lives. At 29 years old, Aline has already made significant strides in the fitness world, blending expertise from a rich athletic background with a compassionate approach to training. As an everything-altogether specialist, Aline excels in working with a diverse clientele. Whether helping pregnant women stay active and healthy, assisting individuals in overcoming stiffness, or guiding clients toward achieving their fitness goals, Aline’s approach is holistic and empathetic. Aline’s philosophy is simple yet profound: encourage people to work out diligently while ensuring they don’t stress or pressure themselves. It’s about finding the balance between staying fit and enjoying life, unless there’s a specific goal to achieve. Join us on our podcast as we explore the inspiring journey of Aline, a trainer who not only motivates others to reach their fitness goals but also teaches them to enjoy the process. Tune in to hear Aline’s insights and passion for helping others live their best lives. 🎧🔥

Bayan Al Khatib a mother of a 14 year old girl & an educator is a passionate advocate for personal growth and social and emotional learning. After navigating the challenging journey of divorce, Bayan discovered a renewed sense of self and purpose. This transformative experience ignited a deep commitment to helping others harness their inner strength and emotional intelligence. She shares her insights and strategies on how to cultivate resilience & how she saw her challenge as an opportunity for growth. How life can always take a turn for the better if we decide to take risks and chances. She taps into the importance of raising a healthy daughter regardless of the circumstances & how pivotal it is to be aware of the consequences of unintentional damage to children caused by divorced parents.

Gigi Alaqqad is a mom of two girls and a certified kids life coach who has always been passionate about working and connecting with children. She left her career of 10 years in project management and decided to find her purpose in pursuing her kids life coaching certification. Her passion, love, and interest in all children related topics made this such a natural decision. Gigi works with children ages 6 and above in a private one-on-one basis and group workshops. She has worked with helping children learn life skills related to emotional regulation, self-confidence, communication and social skills, conflict resolution, attention and focus skills, positive and growth mindset, and more. Her goal is to empower a generation of children to navigate life with confidence and resilience. Gigi believes that there is a story behind every child’s behavior. There is always a ‘why’ to the way they act. Working on the ‘why’ in addition to giving them the necessary life skills will help children gain a more positive mindset towards life. Through this episode, Gigi gets vulnerable sharing her journey through childhood, motherhood, and coaching children. She shares common challenges that children are facing these days as well as some helpful tips for parents.

Meet Dalia Arja, a Palestinian chef and baker dedicated to preserving her rich culinary heritage, focusing on the rustic art of fallahi baking and ancient recipes. Dalia’s creations are more than just food; they are stories encapsulating the taste and smell of her homeland. From the pungent olive oil to the earthy zaatar, every bite tells a story of connection and heritage. She is the founder of the artisan bakery ‘Karmiyeh’, a tribute to traditional bakeries from the villages of Palestine. The concept centers around her signature product, the Palestinian Eid Bread (أقراص العيد), an olive oil-infused bread symbolizing the connection of ancient Palestinian farmers to their land. She’s also the host of the ‘Dinner in Palestine’ supperclub, where she serves elaborate dinners around a communal table, following a storytelling approach that highlights the history and traditions behind the dishes and how Palestinian food acts as an expression of identity and connection. Dalia’s story is not only about her culinary creations, but also about her deep connection to her ancestors and heritage. Growing up, she watched her mother create culinary magic in the kitchen and heard endless stories from her father about traditions of preserving and honoring seasonal produce in Palestine. Through these moments, Dalia absorbed the essence of Palestinian cuisine, rooted in community and love for the land. Her journey took a pivotal turn when she moved to Dubai, where she began recreating her mother’s recipes to reconnect with her roots. Although her journey didn’t start in the kitchen—after 10 years in the tech industry, she eventually worked on developing a supperclub online marketplace. A project that inspired her to pursue cooking full-time—this shift led her to dedicate herself to sharing the flavors of Palestinian cuisine with the world. “Through my food, I’ll tell you a love story about a land and its people, one that transcends barriers and divides. It’s the story of Palestine, told one dish at a time.” - Dalia

🎙️ Meet Zina Ashour, a figure of inspiration and innovation in the digital world. Zina’s story is not just about her accomplishments, but also about her passion for empowering others and her spiritual empathy. 🌐 Zina is a leading marketing strategist who developed a special interest in Blockchain when she stepped into the crypto space in 2017. She has spent over two decades in start-ups, some of which were dedicated to the Blockchain and cryptocurrency domain. But her expertise doesn’t stop there. She’s a certified Metaverse Expert, an MBA holder from the New York Institute of Technology, and a Certified Business Strategist. 🚀 She founded Women in Crypto Arabia, a platform that encourages women’s participation in the crypto space. She also serves as a marketing consultant for Mining Race, the world’s first Bitcoin mining network. In her entrepreneurial journey, she established Dhad World, an educational channel that once taught kids various topics in Arabic. 📚 Zina is an active investor with a strategic focus on Blockchain and cryptocurrency projects. Her curiosity is unending. She’s always learning and currently exploring NFTs, Metaverse, and Web3. She shares her knowledge through workshops on Blockchain basics and Cryptocurrencies. 🧠 Join us on our podcast as we delve into the inspiring journey of Zina Ashour, a woman who’s not just surviving, but thriving in the digital age. Tune in as she shares her knowledge and passion. 🎧🔥

Nimati is a seasoned communications and brand-building strategist and advisor, boasting over 20 years of experience in strategy, integrated marketing, and brand communications, handling some of the region’s most complex and rewarding mandates. She is the founder of Jaleelah, a thriving community for successful women, aimed at informing, challenging, and inspiring them to reach their utmost potential. Through Jaleelah, Nimati orchestrates peer-to-peer coaching, circle meetings, webinars, trainings, events and tailored 1:1 career coaching sessions. Established in 2013 as a result of a Fellowship, Jaleelah stems from Nimati’s deep dive into the role of media in fostering gender equality and empowering women. Empowering women in business fuels Nimati’s drive, as she remains steadfast in building brands and legacies within the region while truthfully showcasing its narratives to the world. Nimati is passionate about writing and has contributed to platforms like the Huffington Post, further amplifying her impact and influence. Holding a BA in Marketing and an MBA from the University of Kent, she embodies expertise and dedication in her endeavors.

As I reflect on my journey through recording, interviewing, and getting to know some remarkable ladies through season 1, it's time for the season finale of Fa/ra7 Podcast. In this special episode, I take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to my incredible supporters and listeners whose encouragement has fueled this journey. Join me as I reflect on the profound lessons learned from the courageous and resilient women which I had the honor of interviewing throughout Season 1. From entrepreneurs breaking barriers to athletes championing change, each story shared has left a mark in our hearts and minds. These women have taught us that strength comes in many forms and that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. As I bid farewell to Season 1, I am thrilled to announce that Season 2 is just around the corner, brimming with even more empowering stories, thought-provoking discussions, and inspiring guests. Get ready to embark on another journey of discovery and empowerment as we continue to celebrate the resilience, strength, and wisdom of women from all walks of life. Thank you for being a part of this empowering community, and I can't wait to see where the next chapter takes us.

Introducing Hala Al-Fares the creative mind behind Hijab Fashion Icon Brand, a beacon of elegance and sophistication in the world of modest fashion. With a passion for blending modesty with modern styles, Hala Started her journey in modest fashion design during her college days, her strong desire for novelty was driven by the lack of creative modest stylish garments in the market. This was combined with her attraction to eccentric textiles, sheer embroideries and unconventional beadings. Beyond her talent on the runway, Hala is also a devoted mother, finding inspiration in her children and the beauty of family life to infuse her designs with warmth and authenticity. Join Hala Al-Fares on a journey of style and motherhood, where passion, creativity, and maternal grace intertwine to create fashion that is empowering as well as elegant.

In 2015, Israa took a leap of faith and left her full-time job and invested herself in the etiquette and protocol world. Since then, she has delivered projects all across the GCC and worked primarily with executive clientele, government entities, and royal households. Born and raised in the UAE, Israa holds a master’s degree in leadership and human resources management and has been certified by The European School of Protocol in London, England. Additionally, she has continued to enhance her knowledge and skills through various certifications, including, Herrmann HBDI®️ Certified Practitioner, and Masterclass in Modern Protocol from Protocol bureau in the Netherlands. Recently, Israa earned her ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential. And with this, Israa is now a trainer, a consultant, and a coach! In this FARAH podcast episode, Israa walks us through the career shift that she made and the reasons that drove her decisions . She tells us more about Etiquette & Protocol, and their role and importance in our social and professional lives. "Through etiquette and protocol, we shape a more gracious world, one courteous gesture at a time." – Israa Shaheen

At the age of 5, Raya found herself playing the UAE national anthem on the keyboard and singing it out along with her school mates until the age of 9. She graduated from high school with distinction awards and received numerous recognitions for her grades, talents in music & arts, and sports. Growing up to being mom and dad’s trophy daughter, she followed her parents’ dreams of pursuing a career to become a doctor at York University, Toronto. She had faced a lot of challenges with cultural shocks and behavioral changes. She realized that there was actually a lot more to learn than what she already knew. Bringing these reality checks back home, her parents were not on board but of course helped Raya to find her way through the start of her journey. Through this podcast episode, Raya will tell her story on how important it is to trust your parents’ judgement, whilst following what your heart deeply desires. Bridging those gaps makes the wildest dreams come true 💫

Life is like a roller coaster, an unexpected ride filled with the hype of achievement and accomplishment and the lows of being away from a loved one. Every turn life takes is purposeful, a means to a beautiful destination where everything meets to form a fulfilling and unique life filled with service and giving. Tine in and listen to what is definitely an interesting talk with Dr. Sana! Listen to her story to find out more about resilience and determination.

A compelling narrative of a resilient woman's journey as she fought for education, ultimately becoming a teacher. Her personal experiences unfold, showcasing the transformative power of education and the positive impact she has had on the lives of others. In this FARAH podcast, Sheikha delves into the theme of turning life hardships into success in the professional realm. It sheds the light of the story of a young female who faced challenges, illustrating how resilience, determination, and learning from adversity can lead to eventual triumphs in their careers. As the conversation is narrowed into teaching aspects in UAE, the focus is on the often overlooked side of teacher wellbeing. FARAH was a platform through which the host emphasized the importance of prioritizing the mental and emotional health of educators being a wellbeing coordinator herself. The discussions highlights the impact of teacher wellbeing on both the individuals and the broader education system, shedding light on strategies to enhance their overall quality of life for the benefit of students and the education community as a whole.

From cultural nuances to the evolving landscape of women’s empowerment in the UAE, Hind provides a fresh perspective that may challenge preconceived notions. As a successful Emirati woman, she shares anecdotes from her own journey, illustrating how personal experiences can shatter stereotypes about the society. Tune in for an engaging conversation that dismantles myths, inspires change, and celebrates the multifaceted nature of women.

Passion is key to your self-motivation, that's how you get things done! And that's what we are going to hear from Farah Ghanem (a Certified Nutritionist and Hormone Health Coach) on following what she loves the most and being what she is today! Throughout her journey, she has helped loads of people get back on track, create healthy ways of living, reach their dietary goals, repair their blood tests and enabled them to achieve a healthy relationship with food while building healthy habits that lasts! Listen to us go through Farah's journey with some exciting stories and great tips!

Navigating through massive life changes is no easy task, but some new situations are more challenging to adjust to, than others. In this episode of FARAH podcast, Hind Mustafa, a working mom, discusses navigating a seriously busy life. She talks about the challenges of parenthood, retuning to work after a maternity leave, and the existential questions we think about when faced by the hardships of life. Tune in to this raw conversation where things are told as they are and emotions are exposed, we promise it’ll be relatable and beautiful.

Join us on a captivating journey as Judy unfolds the chapters of her athletic experience, starting from her childhood until our present day. In this episode, Judy delves into the challenges she conquered from the basketball courts to the race tracks to mountain summits. Every step reflects a story full of passion and resilience showing the unique journey of a women athlete living in the Middle East. Discover the highs and lows and the lessons learnt along the way through her story!

In this compelling podcast episode, Zahraa Jaber, a third-year psychology student, intimately shares her personal journey navigating the intricate web of generational trauma within Arab society. With heartfelt honesty, Zahraa delves into the complexities of her relationship with her mother, unveiling the profound impacts of inherited narratives, cultural expectations, and historical influences. Through her introspective lens, she eloquently explores the interplay between societal pressures and familial dynamics, revealing the challenges and triumphs of working through generational trauma. Zahraa's narrative unveils the resilience required to navigate these complexities, offering a touching insight into the transformative power of understanding, healing, and self-discovery within the context of familial ties and societal expectations. Join us for a touching conversation as Zahraa Jaber provides invaluable perspectives on the nuanced layers of generational trauma, emphasizing the profound impact on personal growth and familial relationships within the Arab community.

A Journey of Transformation   When you see the work of the Palestinian artist, Laila Masri, what will become immediate is her great love of color, line, and form. There is an abstract quality to her work but just like with the famous ink blot test, different people will see different images emerging from her work. Shapes and concepts from the real world appear and disappear in an exploration of what it truly means to move and be moved. After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Western Ontario and completing residency programs at the School of Visual Arts in New York, Laila became a citizen of the world, allowing the expansion of her geographical boundaries to spill over into her artistic expression. As I converse with Laila today, we learn more about her artistic and life journeys from the early beginnings to her current status as an established artist who has exhibited her work in locations such as New York, London, France, Canada, Jordan, and the UAE. Through understanding her personal journey, we get an insight into her artistic style and can comprehend by reliving phases of her life together. There definitely is something to learn from her journey for every one of us.

Tune in to this captivating episode as I sit down with Omar Odali, a Palestinian culinary expert who has captured the hearts and taste buds of Dubai with his exquisite knafeh. Delving into the depths of identity and tradition, Omar shares how this delectable dessert serves as more than just a culinary delight—it's a symbol of Palestinian heritage and resilience. From the bustling streets of Dubai to the kitchens of Palestine, discover the journey behind his rise to fame and how he became a trend as he discusses his entrepreneurial spirit as well as the reason behind his success. Join me in a thorough exploration of culture, cuisine, and the sweet taste of tradition in this “special” episode with Omar.