Now You Know

After going undiagnosed for years, Ayah Jaghoub discovered she had two autoimmune diseases and thyroid cancer. She speaks to Samantha about her journey, and the years of neglect she says she experienced by the medical industry. We also talk to an endocrinology consultant to better understand thyroid issues. On this episode of Now You Know, we want to know why it can take so long to get a diagnosis...

Today, we bring you on the Now You Know feed True Crime Reports, a new global crime show from Al Jazeera Podcasts. Crime stories from the global south and beyond that often haven’t reached the outside world. Find them wherever you get your podcasts and subscribe. Thabo Bester: Prison Break Thabo Bester is South Africa’s most notorious con man. In 2012, he was locked away for life for m...

In 2024, Jasmin Paris became the first woman to complete the Barkley Marathons, a 100-mile race that snakes through Frozen Head State Park in the state of Tennessee. The runners have 60 hours to finish the course and Paris completed it with only seconds to spare.  On this week’s Now You Know, we speak to Paris about what it takes, physically and mentally, to be the only woman to have co...

Hey, Samantha here. Now You Know is on a winter break. But please come back and listen on January the 6th, because I'll be talking to ultra runner, Jasmine Paris. She became the first woman to ever finish the Barkley Marathons. If you've never heard of the race, trust me, that's a triumph. Jasmine also has some great advice on how you can achieve what you want in 2025. See you soon! Connect with u...

Since April 2023, the civil war in Sudan has claimed more than 60,000 lives in fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Famine is imminent, sexual violence against women and girls is widespread. On this week’s episode of Now You Know, we talk to a young Sudanese woman who fled to neighboring Egypt, and a policy analyst on Sudan who explains why this war...

When living under conditions of extreme violence, the burden of trauma becomes inescapable. For Palestinians, life under Israeli occupation and persistent bombardment, the struggle is profound. How can they embark on a journey toward healing?  Now You Know speaks with Ashira Darwish, a Palestinian trauma therapist who shares her own story of perseverance and survival. When Israeli soldiers broke h...

Khalida Popal’s passion is football and her purpose, fighting for women’s rights. Both put her life in danger in Afghanistan. Forced to flee and become a refugee, Khalida has found a new and stronger voice to help all women. In this episode of Now You Know, Khalida talks about creating the Afghan women’s national football team, and how football gave her a sense of freedom that her country did not....

Research by the United Nations highlights a critical issue: climate change could push an additional 158 million women and girls into poverty by 2050. Yet, despite this alarming statistic, just 8 out of 78 leaders at this year’s UN climate change conference were women. Why is that? Now You Know speaks with a scientist and climate advocate about the essential role of gender in tackling climate chang...

Over the last 10 years, egg freezing has become a game-changer for many women, giving them a powerful tool to take charge of their reproductive futures. Yet, in some parts of the world, there is still a stigma attached to it, especially when it comes to unmarried women making this choice. Now You Know chats with one woman about her own egg freezing journey and her hopes to break social barriers. P...

Francesca Albanese is the first woman to serve as the UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories. Since her appointment in 2022, and especially following the events of October 7, 2023, she has witnessed some of the worst aspects of humanity. She has also faced slander and threats for her commitment to holding those in power accountable. In this episode of  Now You Know , Frances...

The US faces a pivotal election on November 5. Two years after Roe v. Wade was overturned by a conservative-led Supreme Court, abortion access and women’s reproductive rights are shaping the presidential race. Also on the ballot are every seat in the House of Representatives and about a third of the Senate. In this episode of Now You Know, we speak with Dr. Kristin Lyerly, an OB/GYN specialising i...

Kamala Harris is the first African-American and South Asian woman running for president of the United States under a major party ticket.  With over 34 million eligible Black voters ready to make their voices heard this election, we explore the shifting dynamics of their voting patterns. Will tradition hold, or is change in the air?  In this episode of Now You Know , we explore the power of the Bla...

When it comes to starting a business, or becoming an entrepreneur, the odds are stacked against women. Less support, less funding and fewer chances to succeed. When it comes to money in general, women still earn less. Sixteen percent less. In this episode of Now You Know , we find out what it takes to create a billion-dollar company. Tech entrepreneur, Silvina Moschini, is the first Latina to lead...

Navigating menopause can be a complex journey marked by a variety of symptoms. From brain fog and hot flashes to sleepless nights and mood swings. In this episode of Now You Know, during Menopause Awareness Month, we dive into discussions about navigating menopause and empowering women during this transformative phase of life. And, as the conversation surrounding menopause is changing in the Globa...

In the year since Israel’s war on Gaza began on October 7, more than 40,000 people have been killed, with nearly 30,000 of those being women and children. Medical staff are risking their lives to help Palestinians in unimaginable circumstances. Among them has been paediatric intensive care physician, Dr. Tanya Haj-Hassan. In this episode of Now You Know , Dr. Tanya shares what keeps her going in t...

Anita Jones suffers from endometriosis, a disease that impacts more women than you may know. It is extremely painful and affects the lives of 1 in 10 women. Yet, most cases go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. That’s what happened to TV presenter Anita Jones. She was told by doctors that her debilitating period pains were normal. Sound familiar?  In this episode of Now You Know, Anita tells u...

In 2022, Sara Sabry earned the opportunity of a lifetime. She was selected from thousands of international applicants for the Space for Humanity Citizen Astronaut Program, a program that provides every day citizens from all walks of life the opportunity to go to space. In this episode of Now You Know , we speak to Sara about being the first Egyptian, the first Arab woman and the first African woma...

World Afro Day is a time to educate and celebrate the beauty and cultural significance of afro hair. For years, natural black hair and styles like braids, locs, and twists have been discriminated against. It was considered “unprofessional” or “distracting” in the workplace and schools. But that’s changing. Big time.  In this episode of Now You Know , we speak to an international journalist about h...

When the odds feel stacked against you, how do you come out swinging and winning? Former TV producer Sam McAlister went from working behind the scenes to hitting the headlines after securing the high-stakes interview with Prince Andrew following the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. In her autobiography, Scoops, and its recent Netflix adaptation, McAlister reveals how she overcame feeling like an outsider...

Now You Know is a new series from Al Jazeera dedicated to amplifying women’s voices, stories, and, at times, some pretty uncomfortable topics. This is a safe space where we go all in so that by the end of each episode, you can say, 'Now I Know'. In this conversation-driven series, we dive into topics ranging from women in film, finance, sport, health, and career ambition. We talk to women who keep...