Episodios

  • Zahra Abdalla's story - I am more than my past
    Aug 8 2024

    In this enlightening episode of The Playground, Shamim Kassibawi welcomes Zahra Abdalla, a mother of three teenage boys, award-winning cookbook author, entrepreneur, and creative director. As the first mother of teenagers to join the podcast, Zahra brings a fresh and insightful perspective to the conversation.

    Join us as Zahra shares her journey and wisdom on:

    Manifestation: Zahra delves into how she practices manifestation and its impact on her life.
    Love for Reading: Discover her favorite books and the importance of reading in her life.
    Therapy and Trauma: Zahra emphasizes the importance of therapy for parents and dealing with past traumas.
    Raising Teenagers: Learn her approach to befriending, coaching, and guiding teenagers through their formative years.
    Overcoming Adversity: Zahra opens up about her challenging 30s, including being diagnosed with cancer while pregnant, and her healing journey.
    Medication vs. Therapy: Insights on choosing between medication and therapy for mental health.
    Encouraging Failure: The importance of teaching children to fail and learn from their mistakes.
    Marriage Growth: Tips on strengthening relationships and keeping personal details private.
    Mother’s Energy: How a mother’s energy shapes the household and why she is the core of the family.
    This episode is a treasure trove of advice, particularly for mums navigating the early years of motherhood. Zahra’s experiences in her 30s have profoundly transformed her life, and she shares valuable lessons for making the most of your 40s. She wraps up with a powerful message to all mums: YOU ARE ENOUGH.

    Tune in for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation that you won’t want to miss!

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    29 m
  • Modern Parenting with Hassan Al Sheikh
    Jul 16 2024

    Welcome to another insightful episode of "The Playground Podcast"! This week, we're thrilled to have our first male guest, the renowned media personality and father of three, Hassan Al Sheikh. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of modern-day parenting with Hassan, who shares his wisdom and experiences on raising children in today's fast-paced world.

    In this episode, Hassan opens up about the challenges and joys of keeping cultural traditions alive while navigating the influences of the online world. We discuss effective discipline styles, and Hassan offers invaluable advice on teaching children right from wrong.

    As we wrap up, Hassan leaves us with a heartwarming perspective on what success in parenting means to him, providing a touching conclusion that will resonate with parents everywhere.

    Recorded primarily in Arabic, this episode is a perfect listen for Middle Eastern families around the globe. Tune in to "The Playground" for an engaging conversation that blends cultural insights with practical parenting tips.

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    32 m
  • A New Life in Lockdown: Tala Ardalan's Story of Motherhood and Healing
    Jul 4 2024

    In this heartfelt and candid episode of The Playground, we sit down with Tala Ardalan, a new mother who bravely shares her journey through the challenges of parenting during the 2020 Covid pandemic. Tala opens up about the two years she battled depression, the struggle to manage her social circle, and the empowering process of learning to say no and doing things her way with her child.

    Listen as Tala discusses her unique approaches to discipline, her favorite brands for both mom and baby, and the importance of self-care in her parenting journey. She also shares touching stories about her two beloved dogs and reflects on her lifelong dream of becoming a mother.

    Tala's conversation is honest and open, shedding light on the often unspoken struggles new mothers face due to societal pressures. Her story is a powerful reminder that postpartum depression is real and that many of us silently endure it. Join us for an episode that offers comfort, solidarity, and valuable insights for all parents.

    Tune in to The Playground for an inspiring conversation with Tala Ardalan, where authenticity and resilience take center stage.

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    30 m
  • Juggling Work, Family, and Self-Care With Dina Butti
    Jun 28 2024

    In this heartfelt episode of The Playground, we are joined by the incredible Dina Butti, an Egyptian/Canadian TV presenter, content creator, and voiceover artist. Dina, a mother of two energetic boys, shares her deeply personal journey through motherhood, starting with the shocking moment she lost her job the same week she discovered she was pregnant.

    Dina opens up about her battles with anxiety and the pressures of self-imposed expectations and body image issues. She candidly discusses how these challenges have shaped her journey as a mother and a professional.

    Discover how Dina transitioned into the world of content creation, building a successful career while balancing the demands of motherhood. She also shares her favorite baby brands, invaluable tips for mothers returning to work, and so much more.

    Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with honesty, resilience, and practical advice that every parent can relate to and learn from. Don’t miss this episode of The Playground!

    Guest:
    Dina Butti - Egyptian/Canadian TV Presenter, Content Creator, and Voiceover Artist

    Topics Covered:

    Dina's personal journey through job loss and pregnancy
    Managing anxiety and self-expectations
    Body image challenges as a mother
    Transitioning to content creation
    Favorite baby brands and products
    Tips for mothers returning to work
    Subscribe to The Playground for more insightful and inspiring parenting stories and advice.

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    29 m
  • Egg Freezing: Hope or Hype?
    May 15 2024

    Welcome to another insightful episode of The Playground! Today, we are thrilled to have the incredibly multifaceted Nina Zandnia as our guest. Nina, a Persian/Swedish dynamo who grew up between New York and Sweden, is now making waves in Dubai. As a TV Presenter, United Nations Speaker, Producer, Director, Public Speaker, and Moderator, Nina has had a vibrant career that started at the young age of 14 when she hosted a children's show.

    In this episode, Nina shares her deeply personal and inspiring journey to motherhood. She opens up about the challenges she faced, including her experience with IVF and egg freezing, shedding light on the often unspoken low success rates and the stigma that surrounds these topics.

    Nina also discusses the vibrant influencer scene in Dubai, where she became one of the most recognized faces in the fashion industry back in 2008. Her candid conversation covers the highs and lows of being an influencer and the pressures that come with it.

    Join us as Nina Zandnia takes us through her extraordinary life, offering valuable insights and advice for anyone navigating the complex worlds of media, fertility, and motherhood. Whether you're a parent, aspiring influencer, or someone interested in the intricacies of IVF, this episode is packed with wisdom and heartfelt experiences.

    Tune in to The Playground and be inspired by Nina's journey of resilience, ambition, and the pursuit of dreams.

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    40 m
  • Breaking the Silence: Navigating Miscarriage and Motherhood with Alana from HUMAN | ING
    Mar 8 2024

    In this emotionally charged episode of The Playground, we sit down with Alana, a Dubai-based American expat whose journey through motherhood has been marked by profound loss and resilience. After experiencing the devastating loss of her first baby at 20 weeks, just before her wedding in Italy, Alana embarked on a journey to break the silence surrounding miscarriage and infant loss.

    Launching her Instagram account, HUMAN | ING, Alana sought to create a safe space for women to share their stories. In our conversation, she courageously opens up about her own experiences, shedding light on the taboo nature of miscarriage and the pervasive shame that often surrounds it.

    From the highs and lows of motherhood to the sleepless nights and the chaos of raising two boys, Alana shares the raw and unfiltered reality of her daily life. Amidst the challenges, she finds strength in her community and the bond she shares with other women who have walked similar paths.

    As she eagerly anticipates the arrival of her third baby, Alana reflects on the importance of destigmatizing miscarriage and fostering open conversations about the complexities of motherhood. Join us as we delve into Alana's story of loss, resilience, and the transformative power of sharing our truths.

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    30 m
  • Nurturing Connection: A Deep Dive into Conscious Parenting with Dr. Alya Alsuwaidi
    Jan 18 2024

    🎙️ Welcome to another insightful episode of "The Playground," where we navigate the world of parenting with expertise, empathy, and a touch of humour. In this episode, our esteemed guest, Dr. Alya Alsuwaidi, an Emirati conscious parenting expert, joins us for a heartfelt conversation on the challenges parents face and the transformative power of conscious parenting.
    👶 As we delve into the episode, Dr. Alsuwaidi shares her wisdom on handling tantrums, addressing iPad/gaming addiction, and debunking traditional disciplinary methods such as screaming and time-outs. Discover practical and mindful approaches to navigate the rollercoaster of emotions that come with parenting.
    🤔 Ever wondered about the significance of monitoring your child? Dr. Alsuwaidi sheds light on the importance of active communication, fostering a strong parent-child relationship, and nurturing a friendship with your little ones. Learn how these factors can be the cornerstone for a healthy emotional development in your children.
    🌈 Join us as we explore the subtle art of connecting with your child, understanding their perspective, and creating a safe space for open dialogue. Dr. Alya Alsuwaidi's invaluable insights will inspire you to embrace a conscious parenting approach, making your journey through parenthood a more enriching and rewarding experience.
    Tune in to "The Playground" and let's navigate the maze of parenting together! 🌟 #ConsciousParenting #ParentingJourney #ThePlaygroundPodcast #DrAlyaAlsuwaidi

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    26 m
  • Taleen Marie on Juggling Real Housewives Status, Mum Hustle, and Mental Health
    Jan 11 2024

    🎙️ Get ready to step into the glittering world of the Real Housewives of Dubai on this special episode of The Playground Podcast! In this riveting interview, Shamim Kassibawi sits down with the multi-talented Taleen Marie, the newest sensation to grace the cast. Known for her prowess as a singer/songwriter, fitness entrepreneur, advisor, and investor, Taleen takes us on a rollercoaster ride through the glamorous but demanding life of a Real Housewife and devoted Mum.

    👑 Join us as Taleen spills the tea on the upcoming season of The Real Housewives of Dubai. From the jaw-dropping moments to the behind-the-scenes hustle, she shares exclusive insights into the dynamics of the show and how she balances the glitz and glam with the challenges of motherhood.

    🤱 But that's not all! Taleen opens up about the raw and real aspects of her journey through pregnancies, the heartbreak of miscarriages, and her battle with postpartum depression. It's a candid conversation that dives deep into the highs and lows of being a Mum in the spotlight.

    💪 Discover the secrets behind her success, both in the business world and as a loving mother amidst the chaos of mommy hood!

    🌟 Whether you're a fan of reality TV, a fellow Mum navigating the complexities of parenthood, or someone looking for inspiration from a multifaceted powerhouse, this episode of The Playground Podcast is a must-listen! Tune in for laughter, and a peek into the glamorous yet challenging world of Taleen Marie.

    Subscribe now and join us on The Playground for this exclusive and unfiltered conversation with Taleen Marie! 🎉✨ #RealHousewives #MotherhoodHustle #TaleenMarie #ThePlaygroundPodcast

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    26 m