Sage Takes Thyme

What would you tell your younger self if you had met her? For us, the first advice we would give our younger selves is learning how to accept advice, how to slow down in a world that glorifies constant doing, and how to make space to simply exist. In this episode, we explore the importance of surrounding yourself with friends who lift you up and the value of nurturing connections that soothe the soul. We also discuss financial independence, building a fulfilling life outside of relationships, and entering partnerships in a healthy way. لو قابلتي نفسك وإنتي صغيرة، كنتي هتقوليلها إيه؟ بالنسبة لينا، أول حاجة كنا عايزين نقولها لنفسنا هي إزاي نتعلم نقبل النصايح، نهدى شوية وسط زحمة الحياة، و نعمل لنفسنا مساحة نكون فيها موجودين وبس من غير توقعات. في الحلقة دي بنتكلم عن أهمية الصحاب اللي بنقويك، العلاقات اللي بتغذي الروح، الاستقلال المالي، وبناء حياة مرضية وكاملة بعيدة عن أي علاقة، وكمان إزاي ندخل علاقات صحية. Hosted by Elissa Freiha (@freiha) and Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx) SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts for EXCLUSIVE content and show us your love and support! : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sage-takes-thyme/id1765472572 Follow Sage Takes Thyme: - IG: https://www.instagram.com/sagetakesthyme/ - Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sagetakesthyme Follow Womena everywhere: - Subscribe to YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/womena ) - Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/womenaco ) - Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/womena ) - Tiktok (https://www.tiktok.com/@womena) - LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/womenaco ) - Find out more (https://womena.com/ ) - Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://subscribepage.io/Womena-Collective Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we unpack what toxic masculinity really is, not as a label to shame men, but as a pattern that often hurts men first before anyone else. Through an open conversation with mental health advocate Mohamed Elma'andi we explore how men are shaped by childhood and social expectations that leave little room for vulnerability. We dive into how therapy, leaving corporate life, movement, and spirituality helped him rewrite his own definition of masculinity. The episode also explores how women have been carrying much of the emotional labor, why male friendships rarely go beyond the surface, and what it would take collectively to build spaces where men can actually feel, share their emotions, and be understood.في الحلقة دي بنشرح إيه معنى الرجولة السامة، مش كاتهام للرجالة أو عيب عليهم، لكن كنمط غالبًا بيأذي الراجل نفسه قبل أي حد تاني. من خلال حوار مفتوح مع الناشط في مجال الصحة النفسية محمد المعاندي، بنتكلم عن إزاي الطفولة وتوقعات المجتمع بتشكل الرجالة وتخليهم ما عندهمش مساحة كافية لإظهار مشاعرهم. بنتعمق كمان في إزاي العلاج النفسي، وترك بيئة الشركات، والحركة، والروحانيات ساعدوا معاندي يعيد تعريف الرجولة بالنسبة له. الحلقة كمان بتناقش إزاي الستات غالبًا بيتحملوا معظم العبء العاطفي، وليه صداقات الرجالة غالبا بتكون سطحية، وإيه اللي محتاجين نعمله كمجتمع علشان نخلق مساحات تقدر تسمح للرجالة يحسوا، يشاركوا مشاعرهم، ويكونوا مفهومين.Hosted by Elissa Freiha (@freiha) and Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)Guest: Mohamed Elma'andi (@ma3andi)SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts for EXCLUSIVE content and show us your love and support! : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sage-takes-thyme/id1765472572 Follow Sage Takes Thyme:- IG: https://www.instagram.com/sagetakesthyme/- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sagetakesthyme Follow Womena everywhere:- Subscribe to YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/womena )- Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/womenaco )- Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/womena )- Tiktok (https://www.tiktok.com/@womena)- LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/womenaco )- Find out more (https://womena.com/ )- Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://subscribepage.io/Womena-Collective Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we step into the world of historical fiction, Regency romance, and period dramas, moving from “Pride and Prejudice” to “Bridgerton” to ask why these romantic classics still matter today. We look at how writers like Jane Austen and Louisa May Alcott quietly pushed against a society that confined women, showing that their ideas about choosing love, desire, and independence were actually radical for their time. We also reflect on “Little Women” as an example of how this genre shaped Amira’s love for literature, reminding us that while the language may feel formal and slow today, it carried an early form of feminism that opened new possibilities for women.في الحلقة دي، هنتكلم عن عالم الروايات التاريخية والرومانسية الكلاسيكية، وهننتقل بين "كبرياء وتحامل" و"بريدجرتون" علشان نفهم ليه القصص دي لسه مهمة لحد النهاردة. هنشوف إزاي كتاب زي جين أوستن ولويزا ماي ألكوت تحدوا المجتمع اللي كان مقيد حياة الستات، وورونا إن أفكارهم عن الحب والرغبة والاستقلال كانت جريئة جدًا وقتها. كمان هنتكلم عن "نساء صغيرات" كمثال على إزاي النوع ده من الروايات حبب أميرة في القراءة، ويفكرنا إن رغم إن اللغة ممكن تحسها رسمية وبطيئة دلوقتي، إلا إنها كانت بتحمل شكل بدائي من النسوية وفتحت فرص جديدة للستات.Hosted by Elissa Freiha (@freiha) and Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts for EXCLUSIVE content and show us your love and support! : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sage-takes-thyme/id1765472572 Follow Sage Takes Thyme:- IG: https://www.instagram.com/sagetakesthyme/- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sagetakesthymeFollow Womena everywhere: - Subscribe to YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/womena ) - Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/womenaco ) - Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/womena )- Tiktok (https://www.tiktok.com/@womena) - LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/womenaco ) - Find out more (https://womena.com/ ) - Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://subscribepage.io/Womena-Collective Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of eating disorders, which some listeners may find distressing. Kardashian curves, “heroine chic,” Ozempic diets, and what’s considered a “tea body.” — In this episode, we dive into eating disorders and the pressures women face to fit ever changing ideals. We talk about how social media trends, AI, and deepfakes blur what’s real and how family and society’s invasive comments can amplify negative body image. We also share personal stories, the multilayered nature of these struggles, and our ways of reclaiming our bodies and confidence as we grow to embrace womanhood with all its fluctuations. تنبيه مهم: الحلقة دي بتتكلم عن اضطرابات الأكل، وممكن تأثر على بعض المستمعين. أجسام الكارداشيانز، “هيروين شيك”، ريجيم الأوزيمبيك والجسم اللي الناس بتعتبره مثالي… في الحلقة دي بنتكلم عن اضطرابات الأكل والضغط اللي الستات بتتعرض ليه عشان يلبّوا معايير الجمال اللي دايمًا بتتغير. كمان بنتكلم عن إزاي تريندات السوشيال ميديا، الذكاء الاصطناعي، والديب فيك بيخلو صعب التفريق بين الحقيقي والمصنع، وإزاي كلام العيلة والمجتمع ممكن يخلي إحساسنا بجسمنا سلبي أكتر. وكمان بنشارك قصصنا الشخصية والصعوبات المختلفة اللي واجهناها، وإزاي بنحاول ثقتنا بنفسنا ونحس براحة مع أجسامنا ونعيش أنوثتنا الكاملة على طبيعتنا. Hosted by Elissa Freiha (@freiha) and Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx) SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts for EXCLUSIVE content and show us your love and support! : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sage-takes-thyme/id1765472572 Follow Sage Takes Thyme: - IG: https://www.instagram.com/sagetakesthyme/ - Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sagetakesthyme Follow Womena everywhere: - Subscribe to YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/womena ) - Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/womenaco ) - Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/womena ) - Tiktok (https://www.tiktok.com/@womena) - LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/womenaco ) - Find out more (https://womena.com/ ) - Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://subscribepage.io/Womena-Collective Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we sat down with sisters Solenne and Christina Tadros to discuss femininity as a practice rooted in wellness, ease, and self-empowerment. Solenne Tadros (@solenneternet) is a Jordanian designer and creative technologist who brings ideas to life through storytelling, art, and immersive VR experiences.Keena (Christina Tadros) (@keena_ofc) is a Jordanian singer and DJ who blends Arabic lyrics and melodies with electronic music, bringing Arab identity into a contemporary global sound.They reflect on how generational influences from the women in their lives shaped the way they care for their bodies and carry themselves. This conversation reframes femininity beyond aesthetics and performative trends, and asks: what if femininity began with honoring yourself and your wellbeing first?في الحلقة دي بنتكلم مع الأختين سولين وكريستينا تادروس عن الأنوثة كحاجة مرتبطة بالراحة والصحة واختيار نفسك.سولِين تادروس مصممة وتقنية إبداعية أردنية، بتحوّل الأفكار لواقع من خلال السرد القصصي، الفن، وتجارب الواقع الافتراضي التفاعلية.كينا (كريستينا تادروس) مغنية ودي جي أردنية، بتمزج الكلمات والألحان العربية مع الموسيقى الإلكترونية، وبتقدّم الهوية العربية بصوت معاصر للعالم. بيتكلموا عن تأثير والدتهم وجدتهم عليهم وإزاي علموهم يهتموا بنفسهم ويقدموا نفسهم قدام العالم. في الحلقة دي بنحاول نبعد الأنوثة عن المظاهر أو الترندات، وبنسأل: ازاي الأنوثة ممكن تبدأ بتقدير نفسك وصحتك أولا؟ Hosted by Elissa Freiha (@freiha) and Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts for EXCLUSIVE content and show us your love and support! : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sage-takes-thyme/id1765472572 Follow Sage Takes Thyme:- IG: https://www.instagram.com/sagetakesthyme/- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sagetakesthymeFollow Womena everywhere: - Subscribe to YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/womena ) - Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/womenaco ) - Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/womena )- Tiktok (https://www.tiktok.com/@womena)- LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/womenaco ) - Find out more (https://womena.com/ ) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we unpack the clash between collectivist cultures and individualistic ideals. We talk about what it means to carry one another through grief and joy. Reflecting on how community can be deeply nourishing and emotionally demanding, and how commercialization has turned human connection into a burden. We also explore women’s role in preserving family stories and lineage. This episode is a discussion on how to honor community without burning ourselves out, and why choosing not to live in solitude remains a radical act.في الحلقة دي، بنتكلم عن الصدام بين الثقافات الجماعية والفكر الفردي. بنناقش معنى إننا نقف جنب بعض في الحزن والفرح، وإزاي المجتمع ممكن يكون مصدر دعم كبير وفي نفس الوقت يتطلب مجهود عاطفي. كمان بنستكشف دور الستات في الحفاظ على قصص العيلة وذكرياتها. الحلقة دي مناقشة عن إزاي نقدر نحافظ على التكاتف الإجتماعي من غير ما نرهق نفسنا، وليه اختيارنا لعدم العيشة في عزلة لسه فعل مهم وجريء. Hosted by Elissa Freiha (@freiha) and Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts for EXCLUSIVE content and show us your love and support! : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sage-takes-thyme/id1765472572 Follow Sage Takes Thyme:- IG: https://www.instagram.com/sagetakesthyme/- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sagetakesthymeFollow Womena everywhere: - Subscribe to YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/womena ) - Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/womenaco ) - Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/womena )- Tiktok (https://www.tiktok.com/@womena)- LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/womenaco ) - Find out more (https://womena.com/ ) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This is a republished conversation from Season One where we dive into the ups and downs of personal relationships. In this episode, we explore the trials, mistakes, and lessons we’ve learned along the way, reflecting on the complexities of love in modern society and the growing awareness of red, green, and even beige flags that previous generations may not have noticed. Happy New Years from all of us at Sage Takes Thyme! ✨ Hosted by Elissa Freiha (@freiha) and Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts for EXCLUSIVE content and show us your love and support! : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sage-takes-thyme/id1765472572 Follow Sage Takes Thyme:- IG: https://www.instagram.com/sagetakesthyme/- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sagetakesthymeFollow Womena everywhere: - Subscribe to YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/womena ) - Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/womenaco ) - Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/womena )- Tiktok (https://www.tiktok.com/@womena)- LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/womenaco ) - Find out more (https://womena.com/ ) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This is a re-uploaded conversation originally released last year, in which we sit down with Céline Semaan, co-founder of The Slow Factory, to discuss her book A Woman is a School, a memoir exploring discredited ancestral tales from Lebanon and the surrounding region.They also talk about the intersections of culture and politics, Western beauty standards, immigration systems, the importance of independent platforms, and ask: Is there such a thing as an objective truth?Happy holidays from all of us at Sage Takes Thyme! 🎄✨ Hosted by Elissa Freiha (@freiha) and Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts for EXCLUSIVE content and show us your love and support! : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sage-takes-thyme/id1765472572 Follow Sage Takes Thyme:- IG: https://www.instagram.com/sagetakesthyme/- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sagetakesthymeFollow Womena everywhere: - Subscribe to YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/womena ) - Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/womenaco ) - Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/womena )- Tiktok (https://www.tiktok.com/@womena)- LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/womenaco ) - Find out more (https://womena.com/ ) - Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://subscribepage.io/Womena-Collective Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this Story Thyme book club episode, we’re talking about "Parable of the Sower” by Octavia E. Butler, a dystopian novel written in 1985 but set in 2025 that feels way too real right now. Octavia imagined a future where climate change goes unchecked, water is scarce and expensive, wealth inequality is extreme, wildfires are constant, and a fascist “Make America Great Again” style movement is rising in the United States. We reflect on why this book has resurfaced during today’s climate disasters and what it asks us about adaptability, belief, and survival. Are we already living in the world Octavia warned us about? Hosted by Elissa Freiha (@freiha) and Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts for EXCLUSIVE content and show us your love and support! : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sage-takes-thyme/id1765472572 Follow Sage Takes Thyme:- IG: https://www.instagram.com/sagetakesthyme/- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sagetakesthymeFollow Womena everywhere: - Subscribe to YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/womena ) - Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/womenaco ) - Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/womena )- Tiktok (https://www.tiktok.com/@womena)- LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/womenaco ) - Find out more (https://womena.com/ ) - Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://subscribepage.io/Womena-Collective Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How much power do tiny, everyday actions have to challenge the status quo? In this episode, we explore the world of microfeminism and “pink pilling” — small, intentional acts and insights that reveal the subtle ways gender discrimination shapes our lives. From the choices we make in language and online spaces to the hidden biases we often take for granted, we unpack how awareness and simple shifts can spark sustainable change. Tune in to explore small, actionable ways to make feminism part of everyday life.قد إيه للأفعال الصغيرة اليومية القدرة على تحدي الوضع القائم للنساء؟ في الحلقة دي، هنستكشف عالم الميكروفيمنزم و"البينك بيلينج" — أفعال صغيرة مقصودة وحقائق بتكشف الطرق الخفية اللي التمييز بين الجنسين بيأثر بيها على حياتنا. من اختياراتنا في اللغة وفي المساحات الرقمية لحد الانحيازات الخفية اللي غالبًا بنتجاهلها، في الحلقة دي بنوضح إزاي الوعي وتغييرات بسيطة ممكن تخلق تغيير مستدام.تابعونا وتعرفوا على طرق صغيرة وقابلة للتطبيق تخلي النسوية جزء من حياتنا اليومية. Hosted by Elissa Freiha (@freiha) and Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts for EXCLUSIVE content and show us your love and support! : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sage-takes-thyme/id1765472572 Follow Sage Takes Thyme:- IG: https://www.instagram.com/sagetakesthyme/- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sagetakesthymeFollow Womena everywhere: - Subscribe to YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/womena ) - Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/womenaco ) - Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/womena )- Tiktok (https://www.tiktok.com/@womena)- LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/womenaco ) - Find out more (https://womena.com/ ) - Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://subscribepage.io/Womena-Collective Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why do we still treat women’s labor as invisible even though society relies on it every day? In this episode, we examine the emotional, physical, and mental workload women carry at home and why it’s recognized as unpaid labor, unpacking how gender roles and social conditioning reinforce this unequal burden. We discuss the pressure placed on women across cultures, especially in Arab households, and the imbalance in modern relationships. We also explore how naming and sharing unpaid labor is key to building fairer partnerships and more balanced communities.ليه لسه بنعتبر شغل الستات غير مرئي، مع إن المجتمع بيعتمد عليه كل يوم؟ في الحلقة دي، بنناقش الحمل العاطفي والبدني والذهني اللي الستات بيشيلوه في البيت وليه بيسمى بالعمل الغير مدفوع. وبنحلل إزاي الأدوار التقليدية والتنشئة الاجتماعية بتقوي الحمل ده، وكمان الضغط اللي الستات بيتعرضوله في ثقافات مختلفة، خصوصًا في البيوت العربية، وعدم التوازن في العلاقات الحديثة. كمان بنتكلم عن أهمية إننا نسمي الشغل ده ونتقاسمه عشان نقدر نبني شراكات أكتر عدل ومجتمعات أكتر توازن.Hosted by Elissa Freiha (@freiha) and Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts for EXCLUSIVE content and show us your love and support! : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sage-takes-thyme/id1765472572 Follow Sage Takes Thyme:- IG: https://www.instagram.com/sagetakesthyme/- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sagetakesthymeFollow Womena everywhere: - Subscribe to YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/womena ) - Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/womenaco ) - Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/womena )- Tiktok (https://www.tiktok.com/@womena)- LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/womenaco ) - Find out more (https://womena.com/ ) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sex Therapist and Educator Mariam Aziz (@mariam.aziz.sextherapy) joins us to explore why women’s pleasure is often overlooked and how desire naturally shifts over time. We discuss cultural shame, communication barriers — especially in Arabic — and practical ways couples can enjoy sex more. Consent is part of every moment, and Mariam explains how it goes beyond a simple yes or no. Hosted by Elissa Freiha (@freiha) and Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts for EXCLUSIVE content and show us your love and support! : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sage-takes-thyme/id1765472572 Follow Sage Takes Thyme:- IG: https://www.instagram.com/sagetakesthyme/- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sagetakesthymeFollow Womena everywhere: - Subscribe to YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/womena ) - Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/womenaco ) - Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/womena )- Tiktok (https://www.tiktok.com/@womena)- LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/womenaco ) - Find out more (https://womena.com/ ) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we open up about the women who’ve carried us through heartbreak, growth, and change — and the ones we’ve had to let go of along the way. We talk about how female friendships shape our sense of belonging, and why they’re often misunderstood or reduced to envy and competition. We examine how love between women endures, even in its imperfection. It’s about letting go with grace, holding on with care, and finding strength in sisterhood and chosen family. Hosted by Elissa Freiha (@freiha) and Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts for EXCLUSIVE content and show us your love and support! : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sage-takes-thyme/id1765472572 Follow Sage Takes Thyme:- IG: https://www.instagram.com/sagetakesthyme/- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sagetakesthymeFollow Womena everywhere: - Subscribe to YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/womena ) - Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/womenaco ) - Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/womena )- Tiktok (https://www.tiktok.com/@womena)- LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/womenaco ) - Find out more (https://womena.com/ ) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when best friends become business partners?This episode dives into the real dynamics of mixing friendship and business. We talk about redefining roles, managing power with care, and how bringing in a business coach helped us lead Womena with more clarity and compassion. Tune in to hear how, over the years, we’ve built a meaningful platform together without losing the bond that started it all. Hosted by Elissa Freiha (@freiha) and Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts for EXCLUSIVE content and show us your love and support! : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sage-takes-thyme/id1765472572 Follow Sage Takes Thyme:- IG: https://www.instagram.com/sagetakesthyme/- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sagetakesthymeFollow Womena everywhere: - Subscribe to YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/womena ) - Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/womenaco ) - Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/womena )- Tiktok (https://www.tiktok.com/@womena)- LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/womenaco ) - Find out more (https://womena.com/ ) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join us as we sit down and chat with Blu Fiefer, a Lebanese musician redefining independence and authenticity in the region’s music scene. From starting her journey at 15 to founding her own label, “Mafi Budget.” Blu shares how Beirut’s explosion, the Lebanese revolution, and years of war have left a profound mark on her life and her art. She opens up about finding her voice through her Lebanese dialect, documenting grief without erasing it, and creating music that is fearless, deeply personal, and timeless. Hosted by Elissa Freiha (@freiha) and Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts for EXCLUSIVE content and show us your love and support! : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sage-takes-thyme/id1765472572 Follow Sage Takes Thyme:- IG: https://www.instagram.com/sagetakesthyme/- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sagetakesthymeFollow Womena everywhere: - Subscribe to YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/womena ) - Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/womenaco ) - Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/womena )- Tiktok (https://www.tiktok.com/@womena)- LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/womenaco ) - Find out more (https://womena.com/ ) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’re back with our Book Club episodes! This time, let’s dive into Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale,” a dystopian vision of a society, based in the United States, where women are stripped of autonomy, constantly surveilled, and reduced to reproductive machines. The story explores the oppressive structures of a patriarchal dictatorship and draws parallels to today’s world — showing how rights can quietly erode, financial independence can be weaponized, and women’s freedoms systematically restricted. We get into all the reasons why this classic remains urgently relevant in the current political climate, especially with movements like Project 2025 on the rise. Hosted by Elissa Freiha (@freiha) and Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts for EXCLUSIVE content and show us your love and support! : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sage-takes-thyme/id1765472572 Follow Sage Takes Thyme:- IG: https://www.instagram.com/sagetakesthyme/- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sagetakesthymeFollow Womena everywhere: - Subscribe to YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/womena ) - Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/womenaco ) - Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/womena )- Tiktok (https://www.tiktok.com/@womena)- LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/womenaco ) - Find out more (https://womena.com/ ) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we examine the deeper agenda behind Project 2025. From the erasure of gender and scholarly research to banning language itself. We look at how authoritarian power grabs often begin with controlling women’s bodies, and why movements like Korea’s 4B are rising in response. If the most liberal societies are stripping women’s rights, what does that say about where the world is headed? Hosted by Elissa Freiha (@freiha) and Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts for EXCLUSIVE content and show us your love and support! : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sage-takes-thyme/id1765472572 Follow Sage Takes Thyme:- IG: https://www.instagram.com/sagetakesthyme/- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sagetakesthymeFollow Womena everywhere: - Subscribe to YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/womena ) - Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/womenaco ) - Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/womena )- Tiktok (https://www.tiktok.com/@womena)- LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/womenaco ) - Find out more (https://womena.com/ ) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is mental health part of your workplace?In light of World Mental Health Day, we explore how human-centered leadership protects the well-being of both leaders and teams. At Womena, we’re redefining the workplace through feminist values and radical empathy for life’s unpredictable ups and downs. Hosted by Elissa Freiha (@freiha) and Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts for EXCLUSIVE content and show us your love and support! : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sage-takes-thyme/id1765472572 Follow Sage Takes Thyme:- IG: https://www.instagram.com/sagetakesthyme/- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sagetakesthymeFollow Womena everywhere: - Subscribe to YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/womena ) - Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/womenaco ) - Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/womena )- Tiktok (https://www.tiktok.com/@womena)- LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/womenaco ) - Find out more (https://womena.com/ ) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if beauty is just a sales tactic?Let’s talk about how women, especially from a young age, are targeted by marketing that promotes harsh products and quick fixes that often backfire. From childhood toys like Barbies to teen magazines and early skincare routines, consumerism molds our ideas of beauty and what we think we need to fit in. We talk about anti-aging culture and the pressure to stay youthful at all costs. We also discuss how breaking free from these messages requires reclaiming our worth and embracing aging as a natural and beautiful part of life. Hosted by Elissa Freiha (@freiha) and Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts for EXCLUSIVE content and show us your love and support! : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sage-takes-thyme/id1765472572 Follow Sage Takes Thyme:- IG: https://www.instagram.com/sagetakesthyme/- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sagetakesthymeFollow Womena everywhere: - Subscribe to YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/womena ) - Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/womenaco ) - Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/womena )- Tiktok (https://www.tiktok.com/@womena)- LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/womenaco ) - Find out more (https://womena.com/ ) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Can You Enjoy Reality TV as a Feminist?This episode, we explore reality TV through both a media-savvy and feminist lens. From bingeing “Love is Blind” to analyzing the gender politics of “The Bachelor,” we talk about why reality shows are more than just entertainment—they’re complex, addictive, and sometimes deeply problematic. Especially for those of us who work in media, it’s impossible not to notice how narratives are shaped and characters are crafted.We also look at why reality TV hasn’t taken off in the same way in the Arab world: what does it mean to air your personal life in a culture that values privacy? And why is there still so much shame attached to watching shows that millions of people clearly love? Hosted by Elissa Freiha (@freiha) and Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts for EXCLUSIVE content and show us your love and support! : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sage-takes-thyme/id1765472572 Follow Sage Takes Thyme:- IG: https://www.instagram.com/sagetakesthyme/- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sagetakesthymeFollow Womena everywhere: - Subscribe to YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/womena ) - Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/womenaco ) - Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/womena )- Tiktok (https://www.tiktok.com/@womena)- LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/womenaco ) - Find out more (https://womena.com/ ) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, we’re joined by Nour Emam — Co-Founder and President of Daleela. Nour opens up about what it took to launch a platform dedicated to women’s health in a region where even basic terminology for women’s sexual health is often taboo. From confronting the hymen myths to learning how to speak openly in Arabic about anatomy. We explore the backlash, the breakthroughs, and how her work is helping reshape public dialogue. She also shares how “Daleela,” their AI app, is designed to support women all day, in their own dialects, offering a more accessible future for reproductive care in the Arab world. Hosted by Elissa Freiha (@freiha) and Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts for EXCLUSIVE content and show us your love and support! : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sage-takes-thyme/id1765472572 Follow Sage Takes Thyme:- IG: https://www.instagram.com/sagetakesthyme/- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sagetakesthymeFollow Womena everywhere: - Subscribe to YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/womena ) - Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/womenaco ) - Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/womena )- Tiktok (https://www.tiktok.com/@womena)- LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/womenaco ) - Find out more (https://womena.com/ ) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We kick things off by unpacking how misogynistic ideals have historically molded femininity into a performance — from how we dress and laugh, to how we’re expected to serve and shrink ourselves for others. We explore how younger generations are both challenging and, at times, unknowingly reinforcing these outdated roles, and ask what it means to truly define femininity for ourselves. Hosted by Elissa Freiha (@freiha) and Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts for EXCLUSIVE content and show us your love and support! : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sage-takes-thyme/id1765472572 Follow Sage Takes Thyme:- IG: https://www.instagram.com/sagetakesthyme/- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sagetakesthymeFollow Womena everywhere: - Subscribe to YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/womena ) - Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/womenaco ) - Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/womena )- Tiktok (https://www.tiktok.com/@womena)- LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/womenaco ) - Find out more (https://womena.com/ ) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WE’RE BACK! It’s Elissa and Amira, kicking off Season 2 of Sage Takes Thyme. In this premiere episode, we reflect on the growth of Season 1 and the amazing love from you, our listeners. Your support has shaped our vision for this new chapter, and we’re ready to go deeper than ever.Stay tuned for Episode 1 dropping next Tuesday.🎙️ A @womena podcast, hosted by Elissa Freiha (@freiha) and Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)Follow Sage Takes Thyme:- IG: https://www.instagram.com/sagetakesthyme/- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sagetakesthymeFollow Womena everywhere: - Subscribe to YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/womena ) - Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/womenaco ) - Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/womena )- Tiktok (https://www.tiktok.com/@womena)- LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/womenaco ) - Find out more (https://womena.com/ ) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, our hosts Elissa and Amira delve into how compassion shapes the way we live, love, and lead - especially as women. They speak about the wisdom that comes with age, sharing some of the lessons they’ve learned about self-love, relationships, and managing life's complexities. They also explore the concept of impact and how they aim to see positive effects in their lives and in the lives of others through the choices they make.For exclusive “Sage Takes Thyme” content and early release episodes subscribe to Womena on Apple Podcasts and support us for less than a price of a cup of coffee. ☕Hosts: Elissa Freiha (@freiha), Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)Follow Womena everywhere: 🌐-Subscribe to YouTube-Facebook-Instagram-Twitter (X)-Linked In-Womena.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we explore the topic of decolonizing our Arab identities and owning our narrative. We take a deeper look into identity, who we are to ourselves and others, but also how the identity of women in the region has been amplified and even weaponized and what we can do to help this.For exclusive “Sage Takes Thyme” content and early release episodes subscribe to Womena on Apple Podcasts.Hosts: Elissa Freiha (@freiha), Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)Follow Womena everywhere: 🌐-Subscribe to YouTube-Facebook-Instagram-Twitter (X)-Linked In-Womena.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this week’s episode, our hosts sit down with Monica Abadir, the creative producer and director that brought our podcast’s art direction and set design to life. Monica shares her journey of moving to Cairo after being born and raised in Canada and reflects on how this cultural shift has influenced her work. They delve into the inspiration behind the set design, spotlighting the incredible art pieces and talented artists from Egypt and across the region that shaped the podcast’s atmosphere, sharing the stories behind the art that shaped our set for every episode.For exclusive “Sage Takes Thyme” content and early release episodes subscribe to Womena on Apple Podcasts and support us for less than a price of a cup of coffee. ☕Hosts: Elissa Freiha (@freiha), Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)Follow Womena everywhere: 🌐-Subscribe to YouTube-Facebook-Instagram-Twitter (X)-Linked In-Womena.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we talk about entrepreneurship and what it entails to turn a vision into a thriving business. Our hosts reflect on their entrepreneurial journeys and share insightful stories on the challenges and triumphs that led to the reinvention of Womena into what it is today. For exclusive “Sage Takes Thyme” content and early release episodes subscribe to Womena on Apple Podcasts.Hosts: Elissa Freiha (@freiha), Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)Follow Womena everywhere: 🌐-Subscribe to YouTube-Facebook-Instagram-Twitter (X)-Linked In-Womena.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A previous version of this episode discussed the author Zadie Smith in more depth, but it has been re-edited after it was brought to our attention that the author's stance on PAL has been problematic and not aligned with our values. The episode, which was filmed months before Smith's recent views were made public, was re-edited to remove specific praise of the writer's values, style, and positions on other topics. Some of the discussion around the content of one of her novels is still included in the episode to stay true to the original idea of the episode, where our hosts discuss books that impacted them over the years. Featured books in the episode:"A Woman is No Man" by Etaf Rum (@etafrum)"The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig(@mattzhaig)"The Map of Love" by Ahdaf Soueif (@ahdafsoueif)🎙️ Hosts: Elissa Freiha (@freiha), Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)Follow Womena everywhere:-Subscribe to YouTube-Facebook-Instagram-Twitter (X)-Linked In-Womena.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special episode of Womena celebrating its 10-year milestone, our hosts take a moment to reflect on the past decade in the region.They explore the question of whether representation alone can drive real change. The episode dives into the progress made, the ongoing challenges that women still face, and the continued fight for women’s rights in the Arab world, highlighting some of the initiatives that are changing the status quo for women in the region and address issues like harassment and rape, sexual and reproductive health, call-out and cancel culture, citizenship laws, and more. For exclusive “Sage Takes Thyme” content and early release episodes subscribe to Womena on Apple Podcasts.Hosts: Elissa Freiha (@freiha), Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)Follow Womena everywhere: 🌐-Subscribe to YouTube-Facebook-Instagram-Twitter (X)-Linked In-Womena.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week’s episode zooms in on the American influence on global realities, particularly in the MENA region. We explore the impact of US elections, political and social trends, and laws on the region. Our hosts also discuss related topics such as the enforcement of the patriarchal system by the US and the West, the misappropriation of feminism, and how the feminist conversation is evolving.Subscribe to Womena on Apple Podcasts for early release and exclusive episodes! We also want to hear your opinion on this episode! So drop us a DM on Instagram @womena 📩Hosts: Elissa Freiha (@freiha), Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)Follow Womena everywhere: 🌐-Subscribe to YouTube-Facebook-Instagram-Twitter (X)-Linked In-Womena.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Purpose over profit, what does it mean and how is it impacting media today?In this episode, we explore the reality and challenges faced by independent media companies in creating media and generating revenue. Our hosts, and co-founders of Womena, share insights from their journey on what it takes to sustain a platform like ours, the guiding principles and morals we uphold as a company that help us navigate through these challenges and finding balance between purpose and profit. Send us a message on Instagram @womena and share your thoughts on this episode! Catch exclusive content and early release episodes only on Apple Podcasts by subscribing & Watch along on our YouTube with English and Arabic subtitles.Hosts: Elissa Freiha (@freiha), Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)Follow Womena everywhere:-Subscribe to YouTube-Facebook-Instagram-Twitter (X)-Linked In-Womena.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Sage Takes Thyme, host Amira sits down with Dr. Jaylan Ahmed, the managing director of the Baheya Foundation for Early Detection and Treatment of Breast Cancer. They discuss the inspiring story behind the founding of Baheya Hospital and the journey of establishing the first charity organization of its kind in Egypt, which specializes in early detection and provides free treatment for breast cancer. The conversation emphasizes the crucial role of raising awareness about breast cancer, strategies for early detection, and the healing journeys of breast cancer fighters. They also highlight the importance of family and community support in this challenging process.Catch exclusive content and early release episodes only on Apple Podcasts by subscribing!Watch along on our YouTube with English and Arabic subtitles.Host: Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)Guest: Dr. Jaylan Ahmed - Managing Director of Baheya Foundation (@baheyafoundation) Follow Womena everywhere:-Subscribe to YouTube-Facebook-Instagram-Twitter (X)-Linked In-Womena.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

To mark one full year of the ongoing gen.ocide, we are re-releasing a conversation we had last November with Noura Erakat, a Palestinian-American activist, legal scholar, human rights attorney and professor, where she explains how Isr/ael continuously violates international law by “shrinking” the category of civilians to justify the ethnic cleansing of [email protected] exclusive content and early release episodes only on Apple Podcasts by subscribing!Watch along on our YouTube with English and Arabic subtitles.Hosts: Elissa Freiha (@freiha), Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)Guest: Noura Erakat (@nouraerakat) Follow Womena everywhere:-Subscribe to YouTube-Facebook-Instagram-Twitter (X)-Linked In-Womena.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we talk about P.@lestine, the significance of bearing witness and engaging in conversations about the gen.ocide taking place in G.aza, and the importance of using precise language to accurately convey information in a nuanced way. Our hosts also share tips and insights on battling the algorithm and maintaining our mental well-being in challenging times. Catch exclusive content and early release episodes only on Apple Podcasts by subscribing!Watch along on our YouTube with English and Arabic subtitles.Hosts: Elissa Freiha (@freiha), Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)Follow Womena everywhere:-Subscribe to YouTube-Facebook-Instagram-Twitter (X)-Linked In-Womena.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Would you call yourself a “feminist”?In this episode, our hosts Elissa and Amira explore topics around "Feminism," what it means, how it's perceived by wider society, and the misconceptions that lead to detrimental labels being associated with the word itself. They dive into what feminism means to us in the region and its effects on women focused platforms - such as ours, as well as the battle of two feminisms – law and societally.Catch exclusive content and early release episodes only on Apple Podcasts by subscribing!Watch along on our YouTube with English and Arabic subtitles.Hosts: Elissa Freiha (@freiha), Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)Follow Womena everywhere:-Subscribe to YouTube-Facebook-Instagram-Twitter (X)-Linked In-Womena.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Womena’s brand new podcast “Sage Takes Thyme” dives into the journey and perspectives of the Womena co-founders Elissa Freiha and Amira Salah-Ahmed. As a media company, we always get asked “Why Womena?” and why we have chosen to tell the stories of women in the region. In this first episode they open up about how Womena got started, why we do what we do and how their friendship kept them sane through the hurdles of building this community. Catch exclusive content and early release episodes only on Apple Podcasts by subscribing! Watch along on our YouTube with English and Arabic subtitles.Hosts: Elissa Freiha (@freiha), Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)Follow Womena- Subscribe to YouTube-Facebook-Instagram-Twitter-Linked In-Find out more Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to Sage Take Thyme by Womena founders Elissa Freiha and Amira Salah-Ahmed.This new podcast dives into our perspectives on relevant, topical issues that affect women in and from the Arab world. It will serve as a space for genuine exploration of the authentic experience of two women in search of belonging and balance, using storytelling to reclaim and redefine the distorted narratives that surround them. Find out who we are, why we do what we do, what it means to be a feminist media company battling the algorithm, our thoughts on the U.S. elections and so much more! First Episode drops SEPTEMBER 10TH but for our Apple Podcasts subscribers, the EARLY RELEASE of the first episode is available NOW on Apple Podcasts!Watch along on our YouTube with English and Arabic subtitlesHosts: Elissa Freiha (@freiha), Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)Follow Womena- Subscribe to YouTube -Facebook-Instagram-Twitter-Linked In-Find out more Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.