In this warm episode of The Playground Podcast, our host Shamim Kassibawi sits down with Principal Lisa, a beloved figure known as the "godmother" to countless children in Dubai. With a huge following on social media and a reputation for being a beacon of support to families, Principal Lisa shares her inspiring story.  Growing up, she always knew she wanted to support families and work with children. From juggling her training as a teacher while raising three kids of her own, to dedicating herself to working with children that others often excluded—those with special needs—Principal Lisa ..read more

In this enlightening episode of The Playground, Shamim Kassibawi welcomes Zahra Abdalla, a mother of three teenage boys, award-winning cookbook author, entrepreneur, and creative director. As the first mother of teenagers to join the podcast, Zahra brings a fresh and insightful perspective to the conversation. Join us as Zahra shares her journey and wisdom on: Manifestation: Zahra delves into how she practices manifestation and its impact on her life. Love for Reading: Discover her favorite books and the importance of reading in her life. Therapy and Trauma: Zahra emphasizes the importance o ..read more

Welcome to another insightful episode of "The Playground Podcast"! This week, we're thrilled to have our first male guest, the renowned media personality and father of three, Hassan Al Sheikh. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of modern-day parenting with Hassan, who shares his wisdom and experiences on raising children in today's fast-paced world. In this episode, Hassan opens up about the challenges and joys of keeping cultural traditions alive while navigating the influences of the online world. We discuss effective discipline styles, and Hassan offers invaluable advice on teaching ..read more

In this heartfelt and candid episode of The Playground, we sit down with Tala Ardalan, a new mother who bravely shares her journey through the challenges of parenting during the 2020 Covid pandemic. Tala opens up about the two years she battled depression, the struggle to manage her social circle, and the empowering process of learning to say no and doing things her way with her child. Listen as Tala discusses her unique approaches to discipline, her favorite brands for both mom and baby, and the importance of self-care in her parenting journey. She also shares touching stories about her two b ..read more

Welcome to another insightful episode of The Playground! Today, we are thrilled to have the incredibly multifaceted Nina Zandnia as our guest. Nina, a Persian/Swedish dynamo who grew up between New York and Sweden, is now making waves in Dubai. As a TV Presenter, United Nations Speaker, Producer, Director, Public Speaker, and Moderator, Nina has had a vibrant career that started at the young age of 14 when she hosted a children's show. In this episode, Nina shares her deeply personal and inspiring journey to motherhood. She opens up about the challenges she faced, including her experience wit ..read more

In this emotionally charged episode of The Playground, we sit down with Alana, a Dubai-based American expat whose journey through motherhood has been marked by profound loss and resilience. After experiencing the devastating loss of her first baby at 20 weeks, just before her wedding in Italy, Alana embarked on a journey to break the silence surrounding miscarriage and infant loss. Launching her Instagram account, ＨＵＭＡＮ | ＩＮＧ, Alana sought to create a safe space for women to share their stories. In our conversation, she courageously opens up about her own experiences, shedding light on the ta ..read more

?️ Welcome to another insightful episode of "The Playground," where we navigate the world of parenting with expertise, empathy, and a touch of humour. In this episode, our esteemed guest, Dr. Alya Alsuwaidi, an Emirati conscious parenting expert, joins us for a heartfelt conversation on the challenges parents face and the transformative power of conscious parenting. ? As we delve into the episode, Dr. Alsuwaidi shares her wisdom on handling tantrums, addressing iPad/gaming addiction, and debunking traditional disciplinary methods such as screaming and time-outs. Discover practical and mindful ..read more

?️ Get ready to step into the glittering world of the Real Housewives of Dubai on this special episode of The Playground Podcast! In this riveting interview, Shamim Kassibawi sits down with the multi-talented Taleen Marie, the newest sensation to grace the cast. Known for her prowess as a singer/songwriter, fitness entrepreneur, advisor, and investor, Taleen takes us on a rollercoaster ride through the glamorous but demanding life of a Real Housewife and devoted Mum.   ? Join us as Taleen spills the tea on the upcoming season of The Real Housewives of Dubai. From the jaw-dropping moments ..read more

Join us in this powerful episode as we sit down with the multifaceted Rehab Al Mehairi, an incredible Emirati woman who wears multiple hats with grace and resilience. From being a devoted mother, actress, TV presenter, to a thriving entrepreneur, she shares her inspiring journey through the highs and lows of life. Rehab delves into her deeply personal story, recounting the trials she faced during a tough pregnancy and the emotional hurdles that followed, including the heartbreaking loss of both her parents. With raw honesty, she reflects on how these challenges tested her strength but also sh ..read more

In this touching episode, Tina Chikhani Nader, a successful leader, opens up about her personal journey. She bravely discusses the challenges of balancing a demanding career and the emotional turmoil of unsuccessful IVF attempts while navigating motherhood decisions.  Tina candidly shares the societal pressures, emotional struggles, and internal conflicts she faced, revealing the resilience needed to overcome setbacks and the valuable lessons learned.  Her story highlights the profound impact these experiences had on her perspective as both a professional and a mother ..read more