Pop Culture Playdate with Sahar & Anna

Sahar and Anna are back with Part 2 of their “Here For It” series — where they run through the trends, topics, and internet debates everyone’s talking about and decide if they’re… well, here for it. This week, they weigh in on many things, including Golden Goose shoes, the ongoing obsession with nepo babies, and whether cancel culture has finally run its course. Expect hot takes, strong opinions,...

Sahar is joined by guest co-host Anna for Part 1 of a fast-paced pop culture round-up where they dive into some of 2025's biggest trends — Expect plenty of laughter, strong opinions, and a few unfiltered takes along the way.

In this episode, Sahar is joined by guest host Anna, a mom of four — including a set of twins — who opens up about the beautiful chaos of raising multiple kids. Anna shares how becoming a twin mom has reshaped her outlook on motherhood, identity, and friendship, and why nurturing meaningful connections has become such an important way to refill her cup.

In today’s episode, Sahar and her friend Vanessa begin by talking about the everyday realities of solo parenting—the challenges, the resilience it requires, and the unexpected moments of joy. The conversation then shifts into Vanessa’s deeply personal story of growing up with a mother who faced substance abuse and mental health struggles. She shares how those early experiences shaped her, the copi...

Sahar is joined by special guest Judy Cho for an insightful conversation about growing up in immigrant households. Together, they reflect on the unique experiences that shaped them and explore how those influences show up in their parenting today.

In this episode, Sahar is joined by guest co-host Vanessa Nish for an honest conversation about motherhood and the ways it has reshaped their identities, priorities, and perspectives. From the small daily shifts to the big life changes, they explore how becoming a mom transforms not just how you parent, but who you are! Connect with @unprepared_w_sahar_and_rachel for more!

We flashback to one of our favorite episodes, we're diving into the whirlwind world of social media and how it shapes our experiences as moms. Join us as we explore the double-edged sword of connectivity that platforms like Instagram and TikTok. We’ll discuss the ways social media has become a lifeline for community and support during motherhood, while also examining the overwhelming tide of judgm...

Ever wonder what your life would look like if you'd taken a different path? This week, Rachel (35 weeks pregnant and over the heat) and Sahar (drowning in school apps) dive into their fantasy alternate lives. Sahar dreams of a chic life as a skincare esthetician in New York City, while Rachel fantasizes about running an animal rescue in Europe. They debate the mental load of school lunches vs. bed...

Welcome back to Unprepared with Rachel and Sahar! This week, we’re diving into a topic every parent can relate to—how our own upbringings shape the way we raise our kids. From strict immigrant households to free-spirited third-child chaos, we compare our childhoods and discuss the values, discipline styles, and traditions we’ve carried forward (or left behind). Plus, Sahar spills on her wildly dif...

Welcome back to Unprepared with Sahar and Rachel after a brief hiatus—and boy, do we have stories to share! In this episode, the hosts recap their very different recent trips: Sahar’s rustic, chaotic family adventure at a spider-filled Canadian lake cottage (complete with 10 kids and zero showers) versus Rachel’s ultra-luxurious, butler-serviced baby moon at Nemacolin Resort. From debating "outdoo...

This week we are feeling nostalgic! Join us for a look back on our journey so far, remixed and remastered for your listening pleasure. It's hard to believe it has already been 25 episodes since we first began this wild ride and we appreciate each and everyone of you for continuing to tune in to our show. So lets hop in the imagination time machine and check out where it all began! Whether you are...

Welcome back to Unprepared with Sahar and Rachel! This week, we’re diving into the wild world of babysitters. The girls share their craziest sitter stories, from a woman who definitely is(n’t) a smoker, to a girl who recognized ADHD in Sahar’s child and brought it up in the worst way possible, and these aren’t even the craziest you’ll hear! Then, we pivot to the bedtime struggle bus—how do you wra...

Welcome back to Unprepared! In this dynamite episode, Sahar and Rachel hang out with Cameron Kaplan, Rachel’s sister-in-law! They talk about Cameron’s yearly visit to Rachel’s house, and the inevitable chaos that comes when 2 families of littles crash together. From chocolate bunny disasters, to great ideas for wholesome family fun, this episode is electric from the first second, to the last! The...

This week on Unprepared, Sahar sits down with Lauren Proffitt, the sleep trainer who saved her sanity when her first child refused to sleep more than 45 minutes at a time. They revisit Sahar’s desperate early days of motherhood—crippling sleep deprivation, postpartum anxiety, and the moment she realized this isn’t normal—and how Lauren’s in-home sleep training transformed their family. Lauren brea...

Welcome back to Unprepared with Sahar and Rachel. This week your favorite working moms dissect a controversial TikTok trend where women proudly embrace extreme gender roles: refusing to speak to waitstaff, letting their husbands tie their shoes, and performing quiet, demure femininity as a lifestyle. Is this a harmless personal choice, or does it reinforce dangerous stereotypes about women’s auton...

CONTENT WARNING: Discussion of Mental Health and Graphic Medical Procedures In this episode of Unprepared, Sahar and Rachel dive deep into the emotional rollercoaster of birth with special guest, doula Hannah. Their conversation was so juicy, we had to split it into 2 parts! From the unpredictable twists of labor to the importance of trauma-informed support, we explore what no one prepares women f...

CONTENT WARNING: Discussion of Mental Health and Graphic Medical Procedures In this raw and powerful episode of Unprepared, Sahar and Rachel sit down with Hannah, a doula with a story that reshapes everything we think we know about birth, trauma, and postpartum mental health. The girls leave no subject on the table and Hannah shares her own harrowing birth experience—from a prolapsed umbilical cor...

Welcome back to Unprepared with Sahar and Rachel! With summer in full swing, we dive into the challenges of the summer schedule, the merits and drawbacks of summer camps, and setting proper sleep over boundaries. We also discuss the importance of fostering independence, instilling trust, and setting boundaries around social media, TikTok, and the unfiltered nature of the internet. Join us as we un...

In this episode of Unprepared, join us for a candid and lively chat about summer adventures, family travel, and the wild ride of expecting number three! From overpacking on a cruise to toddler mayhem at the pool, we share funny mom fails, parenting hacks, and heartfelt moments. Plus, get the scoop on Rachel’s pregnancy journey at 23 weeks and her thoughts on welcoming another little one. Whether y...

In this episode of Unprepared with Sahar and Rachel, we dive into the raw realities of mom rage — those moments when patience runs out and emotions boil over. From bedtime battles to that boiling over moment, we share our personal experiences, struggles, and surprising tips for managing the chaos. Whether you're a seasoned mom or new to the journey, you'll find comfort in knowing you're not alone....

As the days get longer and summer approaches, moms everywhere feel the pressure to make the most of the season — from activities and festivals to endless outings. But how do we balance all the fun without burning out? In this episode of Unprepared with Sahar and Rachel, we dive into the chaos, joys, and best practices of summertime parenting. Plus, in a new segment, Sahar and Rachel share their bi...

In this episode of Unprepared, Sahar and Rachel dive into the trending world of tradwives, social media influence, and the complex issues surrounding body image, parenting, and cultural expectations. From exploring the romanticized 1950s gender roles to the realities behind influencer lifestyles, we examine how social media shapes our perceptions of family, success, and identity.   Plus, we d...

In this introspective episode of Unprepared, Sahar (not Sean) and Rachel reflect on the importance of strong friendships, how to do Mother’s Day the right way, and the importance of using getaways to recharge your batteries. With kids, husbands, and parents pulling you every which way, spending time with your village is not only fun, but necessary to be your best for the people that matter! As the...

This week, Sahar is fresh off a whirlwind weekend celebrating her brother's gorgeous wedding in Austin, Texas. She shares all the behind-the-scenes details, from the beautiful Persian rehearsal dinner, complete with a saxophonist and napkin dance, to the stunning wedding day itself! Sahar also raves about the incredible live band that kept the party going as well as the touching speeches that brou...

Welcome back to another episode of Unprepared! In this lively and candid discussion, we embrace the chaos of parenting as we dive into the unsolicited opinions and judgments that can often come from friends, family, and even strangers. Rachel and Sahar share their personal anecdotes about the pressures of parenting, from personal doubts, to managing your kids in public. Listen in as they explore w...