Now You Know

Hey, Samantha here. Now You Know is on a winter break. But please come back and listen on January the 6th, because I'll be talking to ultra runner, Jasmine Paris. She became the first woman to ever finish the Barkley Marathons. If you've never heard of the race, trust me, that's a triumph. Jasmine also has some great advice on how you can achieve what you want in 2025. See you soon! Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Since April 2023, the civil war in Sudan has claimed more than 60,000 lives in fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Famine is imminent, sexual violence against women and girls is widespread. On this week’s episode of Now You Know, we talk to a young Sudanese woman who fled to neighboring Egypt, and a policy analyst on Sudan who explains why this war can’t be ignored.   In this episode: Kholood Khair, (X) Political Analyst | Researcher Omnia Mustafa, (IG), Displaced Sudanese woman Episode credits: This episode was produced by Fahrinisa Campana, Ruby Zaman, Zaina Badr, and our Host, Samantha Johnson.  Munera AlDosari is the engagement producer. Aya Elmileik is our lead of engagement. Our sound designer is Joe Plourde. Our video editor is Catherine Hallinan.  Jo de Frias is Now You Know’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube  

When living under conditions of extreme violence, the burden of trauma becomes inescapable. For Palestinians, life under Israeli occupation and persistent bombardment, the struggle is profound. How can they embark on a journey toward healing?  Now You Know speaks with Ashira Darwish, a Palestinian trauma therapist who shares her own story of perseverance and survival. When Israeli soldiers broke her spine leaving her paralyzed, she learned how to walk again. She was able to find a new path to healing that’s far from typical Western methods, and she’s now sharing her techniques with others.  In this episode: Ashira Darwish, (Instagram), Palestinian Trauma Therapist  Episode credits: This episode was produced by Fahrinisa Campana, Ruby Zaman, Zaina Badr, and our Host, Samantha Johnson.  Munera AlDosari is the engagement producer. Aya Elmileik is our lead of engagement. Our sound designer is Joe Plourde. Our video editor is Catherine Hallinan.  Jo de Frias is Now You Know’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.  This episode features clips from Where Olive Trees Weep. You can watch it at: www.whereolivetreesweep.com Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube  

Khalida Popal’s passion is football and her purpose, fighting for women’s rights. Both put her life in danger in Afghanistan. Forced to flee and become a refugee, Khalida has found a new and stronger voice to help all women. In this episode of Now You Know, Khalida talks about creating the Afghan women’s national football team, and how football gave her a sense of freedom that her country did not. In this episode:  Khalida Popal, (X / IG), Co-Founder | Afghanistan Women’s National Football Team Episode credits: This episode was produced by Fahrinisa Campana, Ruby Zaman, Zaina Badr, and our Host, Samantha Johnson.  Munera AlDosari is the engagement producer. Aya Elmileik is our lead of engagement. Our sound designer is Joe Plourde. Linus Bergman mixed this episode. Our video editor is Catherine Hallinan.  Jo de Frias is Now You Know’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Research by the United Nations highlights a critical issue: climate change could push an additional 158 million women and girls into poverty by 2050. Yet, despite this alarming statistic, just 8 out of 78 leaders at this year’s UN climate change conference were women. Why is that?Now You Know speaks with a scientist and climate advocate about the essential role of gender in tackling climate change. We explore how empowering women and ensuring their voices are heard could hold the key to effective climate solutions.    In this episode: Rumaitha Al Busaidi, (X / IG), Climate advocate                                                    Episode credits: This episode was produced by Fahrinisa Campana, Ruby Zaman, Zaina Badr, and our host, Samantha Johnson.  Munera AlDosari is the engagement producer. Aya Elmileik is our lead of engagement. Our sound designer is Joe Plourde. Our video editor is Catherine Hallinan.  Jo de Frias is Now You Know’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Over the last 10 years, egg freezing has become a game-changer for many women, giving them a powerful tool to take charge of their reproductive futures. Yet, in some parts of the world, there is still a stigma attached to it, especially when it comes to unmarried women making this choice. Now You Know chats with one woman about her own egg freezing journey and her hopes to break social barriers. Plus, we get a gynaecologist to break down what egg freezing actually involves.  In this episode: Zayna Al Hamarneh, (X / Instagram), CEO & Co-Founder of Mode Markering & PR Dr. Aylin Pelin Cil, (Instagram), Gynaecologist and Obstetrician Episode credits: This episode was produced by Fahrinisa Campana, Ruby Zaman, Zaina Badr, and our Host, Samantha Johnson.  Munera AlDosari is the engagement producer. Aya Elmileik is our lead of engagement. Our sound designer is Joe Plourde. Our video editor is Catherine Hallinan.  Jo de Frias is Now You Know’s Executive Producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Francesca Albanese is the first woman to serve as the UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories. Since her appointment in 2022, and especially following the events of October 7, 2023, she has witnessed some of the worst aspects of humanity. She has also faced slander and threats for her commitment to holding those in power accountable. In this episode of Now You Know, Francesca Albanese discusses how the war in Gaza symbolises the breakdown of the international system and emphasises that her fight for justice will continue. In this episode: Francesca Albanese, (X / IG), UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories Episode credits: This episode was produced by Fahrinisa Campana, Ruby Zaman, Zaina Badr, and our Host, Samantha Johnson.  Munera AlDosari is the engagement producer. Aya Elmileik is our lead of engagement. Our sound designer is Joe Plourde. Our video editor is Catherine Hallinan.  Jo de Frias is Now You Know’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

The US faces a pivotal election on November 5. Two years after Roe v. Wade was overturned by a conservative-led Supreme Court, abortion access and women’s reproductive rights are shaping the presidential race. Also on the ballot are every seat in the House of Representatives and about a third of the Senate. In this episode of Now You Know, we speak with Dr. Kristin Lyerly, an OB/GYN specialising in reproductive health and a candidate for the House. She discusses the ongoing struggle for reproductive freedom in a divided country. In this episode: Dr. Kristin Lyerly, (X and IG), OB/GYN Physician | Candidate for US Representative Episode credits: This episode was produced by Fahrinisa Campana, Ruby Zaman, Zaina Badr, and our Host, Samantha Johnson.  Munera AlDosari is the engagement producer. Aya Elmileik is our lead of engagement. Our sound designer is Joe Plourde. Our video editor is Catherine Hallinan.  Jo de Frias is Now You Know’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Kamala Harris is the first African-American and South Asian woman running for president of the United States under a major party ticket.  With over 34 million eligible Black voters ready to make their voices heard this election, we explore the shifting dynamics of their voting patterns. Will tradition hold, or is change in the air?  In this episode of Now You Know, we explore the power of the Black vote and dissect the critical numbers in this fiercely competitive election race between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump. In this episode: LaTosha Brown, (X / IG), Cofounder, Black Voters Matter (X / IG) Kiana Cox, Senior Researcher, Pew Research Centre Episode credits: This episode was produced by Fahrinisa Campana, Ruby Zaman, Zaina Badr, and our Host, Samantha Johnson.  Munera AlDosari is the engagement producer. Aya Elmileik is our lead of engagement. Our sound designer is Joe Plourde. Our video editor is Catherine Hallinan.  Jo de Frias is Now You Know’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

When it comes to starting a business, or becoming an entrepreneur, the odds are stacked against women. Less support, less funding and fewer chances to succeed. When it comes to money in general, women still earn less. Sixteen percent less. In this episode of Now You Know, we find out what it takes to create a billion-dollar company. Tech entrepreneur, Silvina Moschini, is the first Latina to lead a company to unicorn status - a business that’s valued over a billion dollars without being listed on the stock market. And, she’s determined to hold the door open for all women to achieve financial success and independence.       In this episode:  Silvina Moschini, X and IG, Speaker | Entrepreneur | Future of Money Expert Episode credits: This episode was produced by Fahrinisa Campana, Ruby Zaman, Zaina Badr, and our Host, Samantha Johnson.  Munera AlDosari is the engagement producer. Aya Elmileik is our lead of engagement. Our sound designer is Joe Plourde. Our video editor is Catherine Hallinan.  Jo de Frias is Now You Know’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Navigating menopause can be a complex journey marked by a variety of symptoms. From brain fog and hot flashes to sleepless nights and mood swings. In this episode of Now You Know, during Menopause Awareness Month, we dive into discussions about navigating menopause and empowering women during this transformative phase of life. And, as the conversation surrounding menopause is changing in the Global North, we ask: What's the conversation being had in the Global South? In this episode: Sue Mbaya, (@suembaya) / X, Founder, Menopause Solutions Africa | Host, Pause for Menopause podcast  Episode credits: This episode was produced by Fahrinisa Campana, Ruby Zaman, Zaina Badr, and our Host, Samantha Johnson.  Munera AlDosari is the engagement producer. Aya Elmileik is our lead of engagement. Our sound designer is Joe Plourde. Our video editor is Catherine Hallinan.  Jo de Frias is Now You Know’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

In the year since Israel’s war on Gaza began on October 7, more than 40,000 people have been killed, with nearly 30,000 of those being women and children. Medical staff are risking their lives to help Palestinians in unimaginable circumstances. Among them has been paediatric intensive care physician, Dr. Tanya Haj-Hassan. In this episode of Now You Know, Dr. Tanya shares what keeps her going in the face of such despair. In this episode: Dr Tanya Haj-Hassan, (X or IG), Paediatric Intensive Care Doctor Episode credits: This episode was produced by Fahrinisa Campana, Ruby Zaman, Zaina Badr, and our Host, Samantha Johnson.  Munera AlDosari is the engagement producer. Aya Elmileik is our lead of engagement. Our sound designer is Joe Plourde. Our video editor is Catherine Hallinan.  Jo de Frias is Now You Know’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Anita Jones suffers from endometriosis, a disease that impacts more women than you may know. It is extremely painful and affects the lives of 1 in 10 women. Yet, most cases go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. That’s what happened to TV presenter Anita Jones. She was told by doctors that her debilitating period pains were normal. Sound familiar?  In this episode of Now You Know, Anita tells us about her journey with endometriosis. We also talk to an expert who helps us understand what exactly endometriosis is and its symptoms. And did you know some women with endometriosis may experience infertility? In this episode:  Anita Nneka Jones, (X or Instagram), TV Presenter Jandra Mueller, (X  or Instagram),  Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist   Episode credits: This episode was produced by Fahrinisa Campana, Ruby Zaman, Zaina Badr, and our Host, Samantha Johnson.  Munera AlDosari is the engagement producer. Aya Elmileik is our lead of engagement. Our sound designer is Joe Plourde. Our video editor is Catherine Hallinan.  Jo de Frias is Now You Know’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

In 2022, Sara Sabry earned the opportunity of a lifetime. She was selected from thousands of international applicants for the Space for Humanity Citizen Astronaut Program, a program that provides every day citizens from all walks of life the opportunity to go to space. In this episode of Now You Know, we speak to Sara about being the first Egyptian, the first Arab woman and the first African woman to enter space. In this episode:   Sara Sabry (X or Instagram), Astronaut & entrepreneur Episode credits: This episode was produced by Fahrinisa Campana, Ruby Zaman, Zaina Badr, and our Host, Samantha Johnson.  Munera AlDosari is the engagement producer. Aya Elmileik is our lead of engagement. Our sound designer is Joe Plourde. Our video editor is Catherine Hallinan.  Jo de Frias is Now You Know’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

World Afro Day is a time to educate and celebrate the beauty and cultural significance of afro hair. For years, natural black hair and styles like braids, locs, and twists have been discriminated against. It was considered “unprofessional” or “distracting” in the workplace and schools. But that’s changing. Big time.  In this episode of Now You Know, we speak to an international journalist about her hair journey and how she’s helping to break barriers for younger generations. We also explore how and why Black women's hair got to be so stigmatised. In this episode:  Lukwesa Burak, (X or Instagram), News Presenter Lori L. Tharps, (X or Instagram), Author  Episode credits: This episode was produced by Fahrinisa Campana, Ruby Zaman, Zaina Badr, and our Host, Samantha Johnson.  Munera AlDosari is the engagement producer. Aya Elmileik is our lead of engagement. Our sound designer is Joe Plourde. Our video editor is Catherine Hallinan.  Jo de Frias is Now You Know’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

When the odds feel stacked against you, how do you come out swinging and winning? Former TV producer Sam McAlister went from working behind the scenes to hitting the headlines after securing the high-stakes interview with Prince Andrew following the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. In her autobiography, Scoops, and its recent Netflix adaptation, McAlister reveals how she overcame feeling like an outsider to achieve remarkable success. In this episode:  Sam McAlister (X and Instagram), TV producer and Author Episode credits: This episode was produced by Fahrinisa Campana, Ruby Zaman, Zaina Badr, and our Host, Samantha Johnson.  Munera AlDosari is the engagement producer. Aya Elmileik is our lead of engagement. Our sound designer is Joe Plourde. Our video editor is Catherine Hallinan.  Jo de Frias is Now You Know’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Now You Know is a new series from Al Jazeera dedicated to amplifying women’s voices, stories, and, at times, some pretty uncomfortable topics. This is a safe space where we go all in so that by the end of each episode, you can say, 'Now I Know'. In this conversation-driven series, we dive into topics ranging from women in film, finance, sport, health, and career ambition. We talk to women who keep the ladder down so the girls who follow in their footsteps can climb up. Host Samantha Johnson meets people from around the world who share their experiences so that others can gain the knowledge to keep themselves healthy or be inspired to achieve their own goals. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube