S04E09 – Stuck in the Stigma Cycle – Rehana Meghani
June 20, 2026

S04E09 – Stuck in the Stigma Cycle – Rehana Meghani

In this episode, Ali sits down with Rehana Meghani, a clinical and organizational psychologist, for a thoughtful conversation about mental health, stigma, generational trauma, parenting, and the importance of creating safe spaces for healing.

Ali and Rehana explore why many people, especially in certain cultural and family systems, delay seeking mental health support until they are in crisis. They discuss how stigma can show up not only in society, but inside families, relationships, workplaces, and even within ourselves.

S04E08 – Women’s Health – Sophie Smith
June 1, 2026

S04E08 – Women’s Health – Sophie Smith

In this episode, Ali sits down with Sophie Smith, founder and CEO of NABTA Health, to explore one of the most overlooked areas in healthcare: women’s preventative health.
Sophie shares the story behind NABTA Health, the first women’s health tech company in the West Asia and Africa region, and explains why so many women are diagnosed late, dismissed by healthcare systems, or left without access to the care they need.

S04E07 – Coaching – Alaa Hamade
May 18, 2026

S04E07 – Coaching – Alaa Hamade

In this episode, Ali Khawaja sits down with Alaa Hamade, an ICF-certified professional coach, educator, and entrepreneur, for a practical and honest conversation about what coaching really is and what it is not.
Together, they unpack the difference between coaching, therapy, mentoring, and consulting, while exploring why coaching is not about “fixing” people, but about helping them gain clarity, shift perspective, and uncover their own answers.

S04E06 – Full Circle Moment – Manahil Ijaz
May 2, 2026

S04E06 – Full Circle Moment – Manahil Ijaz

Ali Khawaja is joined by Manahil Ijaz to discuss the role of authentic connection and community in supporting mental health. They explore life after COVID, the challenges of fast-paced city living, and how safe, non-judgmental spaces like Dubai Circle help people feel seen, heard, and supported.

S04E05 – Staying Grounded in Times of Uncertainty – Dr. Elif Celebi Adam
April 18, 2026

S04E05 – Staying Grounded in Times of Uncertainty – Dr. Elif Celebi Adam

In this episode, Ali Khawaja is joined by clinical psychologist Elif Adam to explore the psychological impact of ongoing uncertainty in the region, sharing practical strategies for managing anxiety, regulating information intake, supporting children, and maintaining emotional wellbeing.

S04E04 – The Bowen Method: A Gentle Approach to Healing – Genevieve Godward
April 1, 2026

S04E04 – The Bowen Method: A Gentle Approach to Healing – Genevieve Godward

The conversation explains how Bowen therapy uses light rolling movements over specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system, helping shift the body out of chronic fight-or-flight mode and into a parasympathetic state where healing, repair, and regulation can occur. Unlike invasive treatments, Bowen works by prompting the body to heal itself rather than forcing physical change.

S04E03 – Calm, Clarity, and Connection: The ICAN Collective Approach – Laura Brennan
March 14, 2026

S04E03 – Calm, Clarity, and Connection: The ICAN Collective Approach – Laura Brennan

Ali and Laura discuss cultural dynamics in the UAE, the role of caregivers, stigma around mental health, and the risks of waiting until crisis points before seeking support. Laura introduces the ICAN Collective as a collaborative model that empowers parents, supports schools, and connects professionals to create aligned, child-centered solutions.

S04E02 – Holistic Approach: Balance – Purpose – Harmony – Marina Judd
March 1, 2026

S04E02 – Holistic Approach: Balance – Purpose – Harmony – Marina Judd

Marina shares her personal journey from a corporate career in economics into holistic education, a transition sparked by personal loss and deep self-reflection. After experiencing the limitations of logic-based approaches during periods of grief and emotional distress, she discovered the transformative power of art therapy and holistic practices, both for herself and her family. This journey eventually led her to establish the Holistic Academy.

S04E01 – The Power of Coaching: Creating Positive Workplaces – Faten El Ayache
February 15, 2026

S04E01 – The Power of Coaching: Creating Positive Workplaces – Faten El Ayache

The episode explores what coaching truly is and how it differs from therapy or consulting. Coaching is described as a goal-oriented partnership that helps individuals unlock their own insights, overcome blind spots, and reconnect with their inner resources. Both Ali and Faten emphasize that coaching works best for people who are willing to be vulnerable, unlearn conditioned beliefs, and step outside their comfort zones.

S03E17 – Transforming Educational Support for Dyslexic Learners – Rehab
October 14, 2024

S03E17 – Transforming Educational Support for Dyslexic Learners – Rehab

Ali Khawaja hosts Rehab Shahbal, founder and CEO of DYStinct Learners, an online center that provides support for children with dyslexia and other learning challenges. Rehab shares her journey from a high-ranking corporate role to establishing a center dedicated to personalized learning support after her son was diagnosed with dyslexia. She discusses the emotional impact of navigating stigma and advocating for her child’s needs, underscoring the importance of parental involvement and research-backed educational methods.