Advertise on podcast: They Say It Takes A Village

Send us Fan Mail This one is for every woman who has ever been called مسكينة (miskeenah). In this deeply honest and refreshingly raw episode, we sit down with Maha Gorton - social impact professional, writer, brand ambassador, and mother of three - for a conversation that so many women have needed to hear but rarely get to have. We go there. All the way there. From the impossible juggle of modern womanhood to the crushing silence around divorce, Maha unpacks the cultural expectations, the stigma, and the unspoken judgments that women carry every single day and why it's time we stop pretending everything is fine when it isn't. In this episode, we talk about: - Divorce stigma and the painful misconceptions women face  - The myth of work-life balance and why women juggle rather than balance - The raw reality of motherhood  - The power of storytelling and why sharing our experiences matters more than we think - Navigating hardship without letting it consume everything around you -Self-compassion, dropping the ball, and giving yourself permission to be human Maha brings warmth, wisdom, and a no-filter honesty to every question — and by the end of this episode, you will feel seen, understood, and far less alone. For every mother who has whispered "can I just have a little break?" For every woman holding too many balls and afraid to drop a single one. You are not broken. You are not failing. You are human. 🎧 Like, subscribe, and share this episode with a woman who needs to hear it today. 📩 Follow us on Instagram for more clips and conversations.

Send us Fan Mail In this deeply personal Mother’s Day episode, I sat with someone who has shaped my life in every possible way my mother, Ban Altoumah. A clinical biochemist, a mother, and a woman who has lived through the many layers of what it means to give, nurture, and grow, she brings both wisdom and honesty into this conversation. Together, we explore the realities of motherhood beyond the surface. What it means to sacrifice while still trying to hold onto yourself. The pressure of “having it all” and how that definition is different for every woman. The invisible skills and strength that motherhood builds, and the constant effort it takes to stay grounded in a world full of distractions. We speak about balance, identity, faith, and the quiet responsibility mothers carry as they raise the next generation with intention and care. At its core, this episode is a reminder that there is no single formula, only the one each woman creates for herself, shaped by her values, her circumstances, and her heart. This conversation is raw, reflective, and filled with the kind of wisdom that only a mother can give. Tune in to They Say It Takes a Village on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Send us Fan Mail In this deeply moving episode, I sat with Caroline Labouchere, a woman whose story challenges everything we’ve been taught about beauty, worth, and aging. Known today for redefining visibility as a silver-haired model who began her career at 54, Caroline shares the quieter, more vulnerable chapters that came long before the spotlight. We talk about growing up never feeling beautiful, being taught not to look in the mirror, and carrying feelings of insignificance well into adulthood. Caroline reflects on marriage, motherhood, reinvention, and the moment she finally stopped second-guessing herself. Together, we unpack the most damaging lies sold by the beauty industry, the pressure women place on themselves and each other, and why aging has become such a contested space for female worth. This conversation explores femininity, traditional and modern gender roles, raising empathetic sons, partnership, and why men and women don’t need to compete to be equal. Caroline speaks honestly about invisibility, responsibility, and the freedom that comes with choosing authenticity over expectation. At its heart, this episode is about being seen — by the world, by others, and most importantly, by yourself. A powerful listen for anyone navigating identity, self-worth, and what it truly means to grow older without shrinking. Tune in to They Say It Takes a Village on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Send us Fan Mail In this profound and unfiltered conversation, I sat with Rima Zanoun -  entrepreneur, holistic coach, speaker, and founder of Makaw and Kream by Makaw - to explore what it truly means to live as a sovereign woman in today’s world. Drawing from over 15 years of experience in coaching, family and systemic constellations, and conscious entrepreneurship, Rima challenges modern narratives around femininity, power, choice, and equality. Together, we unpack the pressures women face from society, patriarchy, and each other, questioning whether today’s version of freedom has come at an unseen cost. Rima speaks candidly about victimhood, responsibility, and maturity, offering a powerful reframe on suffering, self-sabotage, and reclaiming personal agency. The conversation weaves through themes of feminine and masculine harmony, leadership, spirituality, motherhood, creativity, and what it means to live in alignment with one’s inner truth rather than external expectations. This episode is not about prescribing answers. It is about remembering what we already carry within us, and having the courage to live from that place. A deep, thought-provoking dialogue for anyone questioning identity, power, and what authentic expression truly looks like in the modern world. Tune in to They Say It Takes a Village on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Send us Fan Mail In this compelling conversation, Raya sits down with Saif Al-Yasi, a health coach, men’s mentor, and founder of Alphacast Studios, to explore the realities of modern masculinity. Raised between Baghdad and the UK, Saif brings a unique perspective on identity, cultural expectations, and the unspoken pressures placed on men today. Together, they unpack the beliefs boys inherit about strength, emotional availability, and what it truly means to be a good man. Saif speaks candidly about the moments that shaped him, the roles men and women misunderstand about each other, and why raising boys in today’s world requires more nuance than ever. They discuss the influence of social media on young men, the weight men carry silently, and how fathers can show up with authority without losing their humanity. This episode challenges familiar narratives around relationships, parenting, vulnerability, and legacy. It offers a rare and honest look into the internal world of men and the conversations many are still afraid to have. Tune in to They Say It Takes a Village on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Send us Fan Mail Breast cancer is often spoken about with fear—but rarely with clarity. In this powerful episode, Breast Imaging Specialist Dr. Tatiana Khoury from King’s College Hospital London – Dubai joins Raya to demystify one of the most talked-about—and misunderstood—diseases affecting women today. With over 500 lives saved through her work in Breast Interventional Radiology, Dr. Tatiana brings both expertise and empathy to the conversation. Together, they explore: Why breast cancer is increasingly affecting younger women The truth about mammograms, radiation, and early detection The real role of lifestyle, stress, and toxins in prevention How to emotionally and physically support someone through diagnosis and recovery More than a medical discussion, this episode is a reminder that awareness isn’t about fear—it’s about empowerment, courage, and taking control of your health. Tune in to They Say It Takes a Village on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Send us Fan Mail What if ADHD isn’t something to be fixed... but something to finally be understood? In this episode of They Say It Takes A Village, we sit down with Dominic Watts holistic coach, former teacher, mindfulness practitioner, and author of Diary of a Mindful Dad - to unpack a radical yet refreshing approach to ADHD. Dominic challenges the mainstream narrative around attention, behavior, and neurodiversity by asking deeper questions rooted in both philosophy and lived experience. Together, we explore how presence—not punishment—can transform the way we view, support, and raise children (and adults) who think differently. This isn’t just a conversation about ADHD. It’s a call to rethink how we define intelligence, success, and emotional well-being in a world that often rewards conformity over authenticity. Whether you're a parent, educator, or someone navigating your own neurodivergent path, this episode will leave you with more compassion, insight, and practical wisdom than you expected.

Send us Fan Mail What if “the change” was really just the beginning of a whole new chapter? No more whispering about hot flashes in the corner or Googling symptoms at 2 AM - it's time to have the talk. You know the one: about hormones, moods, sleep, sex, and the sneaky changes that show up before we even know what “perimenopause” means. In this refreshingly honest episode, I sit down with the brilliant and wildly relatable Dr. Sarah Sharif - a Family Medicine Consultant with over 20 years of experience and a real passion for women’s health. Together, we get into: 💥 The real definition of menopause (spoiler: it’s not what you think) 💥 Why you can still get pregnant in perimenopause (yep, really) 💥 What’s up with the mood swings, intimacy shifts, and “am I losing my mind?” moments 💥 Hormonal therapy: what it is, who it's for, and why it’s not as scary as it sounds 💥 How to advocate for yourself, tune into your body, and make peace with the shift Dr. Sarah isn’t just a doctor; she’s a champion for every woman who's ever felt confused, dismissed, or just plain exhausted by the changes no one warned us about. ✨ This episode is your permission slip to ask the questions, break the taboos, and take back control of your health, on your terms. So grab a cup of tea (or a glass of wine; we’re not judging), press play, and let’s turn this “midlife mystery” into a power move.

Send us Fan Mail In a world that constantly demands more - more energy, more approval, more sacrifice; how do you protect your peace without guilt? In this deeply inspiring episode, Mais Mohammed - media powerhouse, life coach, and global Goodwill Ambassador, opens up about what it truly means to set boundaries, reclaim your energy, and live from a place of inner alignment. From navigating public life and personal healing to learning how to say no with love, Mais shares the wisdom behind tuning into your emotions, honoring your intuition, and building the kind of self-worth that doesn’t rely on external validation. If you’ve ever struggled with people pleasing, burnout, or the fear of putting yourself first, this conversation will feel like the permission slip you didn’t know you needed.

Send us Fan Mail What if ADHD isn’t a limitation, but a doorway to understanding how your child learns, thinks, and thrives? In this powerful episode, I sit down with Aalia Thobani—Founder & CEO of The Brain Accelerator, speech-language pathologist, and learning specialist with over 20 years of experience—to explore how neuroscience can shift the way we approach learning, attention, and behavior. We dive into what’s really happening when a child is labeled as “distracted” or “unmotivated,” and how understanding cognitive profiles like attention, processing speed, and executive function can unlock both potential and confidence. Whether you're a parent navigating school challenges, an educator, or just someone curious about how the brain works—this conversation offers practical tools, deep insights, and a hopeful perspective on raising resilient, self-aware learners in today’s fast-paced world. Press play and join us in rethinking ADHD—not as a problem, but as a pathway to empowerment. Aalia Thobani's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aaliathobani/ They Say It Takes A Village Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ittakesavillage.me/ Wear That Now Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wear.that.now/

Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to raise a child in today’s fast-paced world? In this heartwarming and honest episode, I sit down with Ashleigh Lloyd and Nick Blair, co-founders of The Baby Expo Dubai, to talk all things parenting—from the emotional rollercoaster of new parenthood to the magic that happens when a community comes together to support one another. With backgrounds in events, marketing, and entrepreneurship, Ashleigh and Nick share how their own journeys as parents inspired them to build a space where families can connect, learn, and feel less alone. We explore the guilt, the pressure, the joy, and the sheer chaos of juggling work, family, and personal time—and why having a “village” is more important than ever. From navigating school routines and toddler tantrums to carving out time for yourself, this conversation is a reminder that we’re all figuring it out, one day at a time. Tune in for relatable stories, shared struggles, and powerful insights on building a parenting community that truly makes a difference. 👉 The Baby Expo Dubai takes place on May 16 & 17—have you grabbed your tickets yet?

Send us Fan Mail What if your greatest breakdown could lead to your most powerful breakthrough? In this powerful episode, I sit down with emotional health expert, 5x award-winning author, and host of The Brave Table podcast, Dr. Neeta Bhushan. A former cosmetic dentist turned resilience coach, Neeta shares her remarkable journey of loss, healing, and radical reinvention. From navigating grief and narcissistic relationships to redefining self-worth and overcoming burnout, Neeta opens up about the messy middle that so many women face—but few speak about. We dive deep into how to process suppressed emotions, let go of limiting beliefs, and reconnect with your inner strength so you can rebuild with more clarity, purpose, and confidence. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the chaos of life’s unexpected turns, this conversation will give you the tools and courage to rise, reset, and reclaim your power. It’s raw. It’s real. It’s the truth about what it means to fall apart—and come back stronger. Neeta Bhushan's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/neetabhushan/ They Say It Takes A Village Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ittakesavillage.me/ Wear That Now Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wear.that.now/

Send us Fan Mail What does true health and self-love really look like in today’s world? In this powerful episode of They Say It Takes a Village, we sit down with Alex, a high-performance coach for CEOs and athletes, and Dr. Jenna, a seasoned medical director with 17 years of international healthcare experience and the driving force behind ZOIME Longevity Clinic in Dubai. Together, they challenge the modern definition of wellness, going beyond physical appearance to explore the deeper connection between mental health, emotional well-being, nutrition, and sustainable self-care. We dive into body image, eating disorders, teenage struggles, emotional resilience, and how social media distorts our perceptions of health and success. From unpacking mental overload to the importance of asking for help—even when you think you “should” know what to do—Alex and Dr. Jenna share actionable insights and personal reflections that will resonate with anyone seeking real, balanced wellness. Whether you're navigating stress, burnout, or the pressure to “bounce back,” this episode offers a grounded and compassionate take on how to redefine health from the inside out. Dr.Jenna's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drjennaburton/ Alex's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/buleyfit/ They Say It Takes A Village Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ittakesavillage.me/ Wear That Now Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wear.that.now/

Send us Fan Mail Negotiation isn’t just about boardrooms and business deals—it’s a skill that shapes our careers, relationships, and everyday interactions. So, how do you remain calm in stressful situations? How do you handle rejection, difficult conversations, and emotional triggers without losing control? In this powerful episode, Lousin Mehrabi, a globally recognized negotiation expert and leadership coach, shares game-changing insights on the art of negotiation and how mastering self-control can lead to better outcomes in all aspects of life. With over 23 years of experience in high-stakes negotiations, Lousin reveals her VEST method, a practical approach to strengthening resilience, navigating high-pressure conversations, and unlocking opportunities—whether in the workplace, at home, or in personal relationships. We also dive into the emotional side of negotiation, discussing how ego, fear, and emotional intelligence play a role in our ability to influence and be heard. From tackling everyday disagreements to making life-changing deals, this conversation will empower you with the tools and mindset to negotiate with confidence. Ready to elevate your negotiation skills and take charge of your conversations? Tune in now for expert strategies that will change the way you approach negotiations—big or small! Lousin Mehrabi's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lousinmehrabi/ They Say It Takes A Village Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ittakesavillage.me/ Wear That Now Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wear.that.now/

Send us Fan Mail What if 90-95% of your behavior was ruled by your subconscious mind? How many times have limiting beliefs, self-doubt, or fear of failure held you back from the life you truly want? In this powerful episode, I sit down with Kai Simmonds, Soul Purpose Coach and Yoga Teacher, to explore how we can rewire our minds, break through self-imposed barriers, and step into the highest version of ourselves. Kai has worked with over 100+ clients, guiding them through anxiety, burnout, and self-limiting patterns using mindset shifts and somatic practices. We dive deep into the truth about perfectionism and why it’s keeping you stuck, how childhood conditioning shapes your beliefs and how to break free, the science behind stress, anxiety, and subconscious programming, and how to reframe failure and take aligned risks in life. Kai also shares the number one trait that determines long-term success, and it’s not what you think. Are you ready to take control of your thoughts, release the past, and move forward with confidence? Tune in now for a transformative conversation that could shift your entire perspective. Kai Simmond's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/iamkaisimmonds/ They Say It Takes A Village Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ittakesavillage.me/