Sage Takes Thyme

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 Octa...

Duration: 00:17:09

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)

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Duration: 00:41:34

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)

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- IG: https://www.instagram.com/sagetakesthyme/
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Duration: 00:51:34

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)

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Duration: 00:51:04

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)

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Duration: 00:41:12

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)

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Duration: 00:59:06

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)

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Duration: 01:04:23

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...

Duration: 00:22:58

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)

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Duration: 00:52:25

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)

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Duration: 00:44:52

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 par...

Duration: 00:38:26

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...

Duration: 00:55:01

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 r...

Duration: 00:54:42

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)

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Duration: 01:06:57

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)

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Duration: 00:09:19

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 t...

Duration: 00:40:55

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)

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Duration: 00:41:33

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...

Duration: 00:17:28

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)

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Duration: 01:08:52

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 e...

Duration: 00:11:09

In this episode, join Amira and Elissa as they share and discuss four books that have profoundly impacted their lives. Reflecting on their experiences as Arab women, they explore how these books resonate with their personal journeys and cultural identities.

Featured books in the episode:

"A Woman is No Man" by Etaf Rum (@etafrum)"White Teeth" by Zadie Smith (@zadie_smith)"The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig(@mattzhaig)"The Map of Love" by Ahdaf Soueif (@asoueif)

🎙️ Hosts: Elissa Freiha (@freiha), Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)

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Duration: 00:12:32

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.

...

Duration: 00:41:02

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 📩

...

Duration: 00:44:06

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! 

Ca...

Duration: 00:42:34

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...

Duration: 00:19:19

In this episode, our hosts Elissa and Amira discuss the remote work model, sharing the journey that led them to implement remote work model in Womena and reflect on their experience managing a full regional team remotely. They shed light on the pros and cons of this approach, and they also reveal some surprising stories on the truths behind remote work model and why they believe it works - especially for women. 

Catch exclusive content and early release episodes only on Apple Podcasts by subscribing!

Watch along on our YouTube with English and Arabic subtitles. Duration: 00:49:23

In this episode of Sage Takes Thyme, our hosts Elissa and Amira interview Chloe Kattar, a historian of modern Lebanon and researcher at the University of Oxford, to talk about the reality we are living almost a year after Oct 7 and the start of the genocide in G.aza. 

They discuss Israel's recent escalation of war and the deliberate attacks on civilians in Lebanon, delving into topics such as the political dynamics of Lebanon, the Lebanese resistance, and the role of mainstream media in creating false narratives and spreading propaganda that Israel exploits while it practices the s...

Duration: 00:36:56

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 Pale.stini@ns.

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)

Guest: Nour...

Duration: 00:18:39

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) Duration: 00:38:07

In this episode of “Sage Takes Thyme”, our hosts Elissa and Amira have an intimate conversation with Céline Semaan, co-founder of The Slow Factory, to discuss her latest book “A Woman is a School”, a memoir of discredited ancestral tales from the region, particularly from Lebanon.

They also discuss the intersectionality between culture and politics, imposed Western beauty standards, immigration systems, the importance of independent media platforms, and the role of plurality in a world with a false sense of objectivity. 

Catch exclusive content and early release episodes only on Apple Podcasts by subscribing!

Watch...

Duration: 00:43:50

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 Ar...

Duration: 00:35:05

Did you catch the debate? In this bonus episode, our hosts delve into the Harris vs. Trump 2024 presidential debate, dissecting the key points and looking into how influential America is in the grand scheme of global policymaking. They share their opinions as Arab-Americans living in the Arab world and challenge the notion that leading as a “woman of color” is enough to bring about the change we want to see.

Catch exclusive content and early release episodes only on Apple Podcasts by subscribing!
Watch along on our YouTube with English and Arabic subtitles.

Hosts: Elis...

Duration: 00:36:03

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...

Duration: 00:35:08

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. e...

Duration: 00:01:08