What if your sovereignty… your safety… was threatened—while on holiday?
Not in the usual ways we brace for...Not by illness, a breakup. Not by accident. Where the world you knew stood eerily still…And the silence - louder than the news. When the sky lit up. When the sirens started. When people in Doha held their breath. My body knew before the headlines reached me. Atightness in the chest. A familiar bracing in my breath. And I’ve asked myself — why does this feel so deep, when I wasn’t even there?

Trauma doesn’t care where you are on the map. It listensfor the rhythm of threat. And it remembers everything. This isn’t a political episode. It’s a human one. In this deeply personal return to The Anatomy of Life, I unpack a week that shook my sense of home, triggered old traumas, and reminded me that fear—real, body-shaking fear—doesn’t care about proximity.

I open up the topic of Cumulative trauma reactivation, what it is and how to handle it. What it looks like & what it means to heal in public when you’ve been taught to do it silently.

This was The gut punch & The chokehold I didn’t see coming.

#expatlife #invisibleweight #doha #travelstories #ibiza #lifeabroad #unexpectedmoments

Whether you're navigating chronic health challenges or simply curious about new models of care, this episode is a grounding, enlightening journey into what it really means to be well.

In this powerful episode, we go beyond the surface of conventional healthcare to explore the roots of functional medicine with Sara Abuissa and Rawan Hadid, co-founders of Seed Health in Qatar.

Their pioneering wellness center blends ancient healing traditions with cutting-edge science to treat the root causes of illness—not just the symptoms.

Together, they share how personalized care, environmental design, and tools like epigenetics and nutrigenomics are transforming lives.

We explore what makes functional medicine different, the role of education in healing, and the invisible impact of creating a space where wellness is deeply understood.

Life doesn’t come with a manual—but the What Now Transformation program comes close. In this episode, Anna Wallace-Scott and Valerie Loose share how their worksupports you through major life shifts—career changes, motherhood, grief, relocation, identity transitions, and more. We explore the tools, mindset, and community needed to move from stuck to empowered—at any stage of life.

Think all personal trainers push protein shakes, six-pack obsessions, and “no pain, no gain” mantras? Think again. In this raw and refreshingly honest conversation, we sit down with a seasoned personal trainer who's breaking the mold—and breaking down the myths. From the truth about cardio and weight loss to the industry lies that keep you spinning your wheels, we’re diving into what really works, whatabsolutely doesn’t, and what most trainers are too afraid (or too sponsored) to say out loud. No fluff, no filters—just real talk about real bodies, real results, and the BS we all need to stop believing.

Midlife isn’t a crisis—it’s a comeback. In this episode, certified Menopause Wellness Specialist Anna Wallace-Scott joins me to redefine how we support women through perimenopause and menopause. From hormones and mindset to movement and nutrition, Anna shares practical tools and a powerful vision for helping women thrive—not just survive—this transformative life stage.

I was so excited to sit down with contemporary and celebrated artist Noor Abu Issa to explore how creativity is more that just expression but is also about play and that it can transform mental well-being, foster connection, personal growth and inspire community.

Noor shares her personal journey, insights on mindfulness through painting. Whether you consider yourself creative or not, this candid conversation offers fresh ways to incorporate art, play, and imagination into your everyday routine.

Discover how creativity can enhance your cognitive function, reduce stress, and bring you back to your true self.

In Part 2 of our powerful conversation with Mary Bugg, we move beyond her personal healing journey and into the heart of the wellness spaces she’s helped create—from The SimpleRetreat to The Path Yoga Centre.

Mary opens up about the philosophies and practices that guide her work in community building, yoga, and neuromuscular therapy. We explore how creativity, movement, and social connection become powerful tools for healing—and why cultivating safe, soulful environmentsis essential for true well-being.

This episode is a rich tapestry of insight for anyone passionate about holistic health, mindful leadership, orcreating impact through wellness. Mary shares lessons from years of working in the Doha wellness scene and offers thoughtful guidance for anyone seeking to bridge personal growth with collective care. Tune in to discover what it reallymeans to build healing spaces that are rooted in authenticity, simplicity, and shared purpose.

In this heartfelt two-part series, The Anatomy of Life podcast welcomes Mary Bugg — founder of The Simple Retreat, stakeholder in The Path Yoga Centre, and a dedicated Neuromuscular Therapist whose work in Doha’s wellness scene has redefined what it means to heal, connect, and grow in community.

In Part 1, I sit down with Mary to explore the personal journey that led her to yoga, neuromuscular therapy, and holistic healing. Mary shares how her lived experiences helpedshape her vision for creating soulful, safe spaces—where movement meets meaning, and healing is deeply personal.

Part 2 dives deeper intothe creation of wellness communities like The Simple Retreat and The Path Yoga Centre. Mary reflects on the power of creativity in healing, the essential role of social connection, and the philosophies that guide her work in both movementand bodywork. Together, these episodes offer a powerful look into how wellness can be reimagined—not just as personal care, but as a collective, transformative practice. Whether you’re a wellness professional, yoga lover, or someone seeking reconnection, Mary’s story will leave you inspired to see health as an act of community, creativity, andauthenticity.

An exploration on the intersection of creativity, community, and mental well-being with Abdulla Al Mosallam — founder of Geekdom and Chief Administrative Officer at the Doha Film Institute. Geekdom isn’t just an event; it’s a vibrant movement celebrating play, imagination, and belonging.

I uncover the inspiring journey Abdulla had in the creationof Geekdom, the challenges of introducing a pop culture platform in Qatar, and how it has evolved into a hub for artists, gamers, and creators alike. We unpack the powerful role of creative expression in reducing isolation, boostingemotional health, and fostering personal growth.

From cosplay and e-sports to storytelling and entrepreneurship, this episode is a deep dive into how playful spaces can transform lives and communities. Tune in to hear success stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and Abdulla’s vision for the future of Geekdom — plus his take on the legacy of creating space for joyful connection.

In this heartfelt bonus episode of AOL – The Anatomy ofLife Podcast, we delve into the intricate tapestry of family relationships and their profound impact on our identities. Join us as we explore the dynamics of familial bonds, from navigating conflicts to celebrating the strength of love and support.

I share personal stories of growing up in a segregatedcommunity in South Africa, reflecting on the contrasting influences of my mother’s inclusive spirit and my father’s internal battles. Through vivid memories, including a memorable visit to a hairdresser who embraced our uniqueness, listeners will uncover how family shapes our perceptions and resilience.

As Season 2 wraps up, tune in to discover insights on understanding family relationships, the challenges they present, and the qualities that foster strong connections.

Whether you're new to the podcast or a returning listener, this episode invites you to reflect on your own familystories and the narratives that define us all.