Sage Takes Thyme

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....

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 p...

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: El...

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...

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 initia...

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. Subscr...

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 u...

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 treatme...

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 ea...

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 an...

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...

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 t...

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...