About Ancy Alexander

Ancy was born and raised in Dubai and early in her childhood, it was identified that she was born with Cerebral Palsy, a condition that affected her walking. Her therapist prescribed dance as an activity to complement her physiotherapy sessions and this would stay with her throughout her journey. She has trained in Indian classical dance styles Bharatanatyam and Kathak, Yoga, and martial arts. She has also attended creative movement and inclusive choreography training in the United States, India, and Dubai.

She is also an advocate for equal opportunities in education and performing arts for people of all abilities. In her pursuit to democratize dance for all abilities, she founded KriyAbility and conducts dance exploration sessions for people of determination.

About this Episode

In this episode we talk to Ancy about her personal experience with cerebral palsy, her passion and journey with dance and how she founded her dance class, and the different dance workshops she holds. We also tackle the common misconceptions about people of determination and their abilities.

Quotes

“At times you need someone who can really be persistent with trying to get you out of your shell.” - Ancy Alexander

“I have a lot of respect for authentic art and commitment to process, commitment to discipline.” - Ancy Alexander

“Struggles… I remembered not being able to do my sports at school. I didn’t have an accurate understanding of my disability at that time.” - Ancy Alexander

“I have come across some people who assume that the moment they see someone with a disability or a condition, they already assume what that individual can do and cannot do.” - Ancy Alexander

“Movement is just so natural to human beings, it’s in our body.” - Ancy Alexander

“It’s a crazy ride but it’s worth it. When you’re able to break free and come out of it and you’re able to commit your art, when you’re able to commit your purpose, it’s entirely really worth it.” - Ancy Alexander

Useful Links

Dance Workshop: So You Think I Can’t Dance

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ancy_alexander_03/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kriyability/about/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avegadancecreations/

Featured article: https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/wellbeing/inside-an-inclusive-dubai-dance-class-designed-for-people-of-determination-1.982790

The Matrix Green Pill Podcast: https://thematrixgreenpill.com/
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About Habiba Al Mar’ashi

Habiba is the Co-founder and Chairperson of Emirates Environmental Group (EEG). EEG, is a pioneering non-governmental organisation established in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 1991. She single-handedly established the Arabia CSR Network in 2004, as the MENA region’s pioneering and only multi-stakeholder platform with local and multinational entities. 

About this episode

In this episode, we talk to Habiba Al Mar’ashi about her incredible and inspiring life. We talk to Habiba about how she founded Emirates Environmental Group, the accomplishments that they have achieved, the challenges they faced, and all the amazing work they continue to do. If you are looking to find out more about some of the pressing environmental issues of today and learn about how you can join this green community in the UAE, tune into this episode.

 Show highlights

“The main purpose of raising awareness on environmental issues working with government authorities to ensure that environmental issues are at the forefront.” - Habiba Al Mar’ashi

“We look at the challenges that are out there and we turn these challenges into objectives.” - Habiba Al Mar’ashi

“When you want something and you want it badly, you really work for it and you push boundaries and you scale higher and higher.” - Habiba Al Mar’ashi

“Environment is a cross-cutting issue, it’s not a specific subject or specialty. It is everything in life.” - Habiba Al Mar’ashi

“One of my main objectives is to keep the door of the Emirates Environmental Group open, to expand it, to make it as relevant as it was when we first established it, to gain the interest of the younger generation and bring them on board.” - Habiba Al Mar’ashi

“We have it so easy, that we don’t even think about what are the difficulties that go behind the scenes to ensure that we get this high quality water at the touch of our taps. That leaves members of our society over using it, to the level of abusing it. When you have things so easy, you don’t appreciate how it came to you.” - Habiba Al Mar’ashi

“We are a consumer society. That is why we really work with future generations on tackling this issue. To build their understanding and appreciation of what do they need, not what they want. The needs are more important than the wants.” - Habiba Al Mar’ashi

“I do have an impact on my people and this is a responsibility. It’s a privilege but it’s a huge responsibility, so I really have to ensure that I am setting a good example. If they are going to follow me, then I have to be a proper role model and I have to ensure that I do it correctly and that I lead from the front, so that was one of the moments that woke me up.” - Habiba Al Mar’ashi

Useful Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eegemirates/ 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/eegemirates 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/habiba-al-marashi-09134b31/?originalSubdomain=ae 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/eegemirates/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/eegemirates 

Website: https://www.eeg-uae.org 

The Matrix Green Pill Podcast: https://thematrixgreenpill.com/
Please review us: https://g.page/r/CS8IW35GvlraEAI/review

About Meghna Naidu

Meghna grew up in Mumbai, India, and started off her career at the young age of only 18. She became a model and an actress and rose to fame with the success of a music video called “ Kaliyon Ka Chaman”. Meghna then continued her acting career in Bollywood by starring and featuring in south Indian movies. She is now creating a name for herself in Dubai as a fitness trainer, life coach, and the owner of Meghna Naidu Dance Academy.

About this Episode

Who is the famous Kaliyon Ka Chaman girl? And what is she up to these days? Tune into this episode to find out as we talk to Meghna Naidu about her rise to fame with that one music video, her life as a Bollywood actress, and the struggles she faced in the industry. We also discuss her change in career after her move to Dubai with her husband, her passion for dancing and fitness, her dance academy, and more about her life journey overall.

Show Highlights

“In today’s day and age the one downfall is that you either make it in the industry, or you don’t.” - Meghna Naidu

“My challenge was to learn the ropes of the industry, it wasn’t something I was prepared for at all and it was pretty tough.” - Meghna Naidu

“Don’t stop yourself from eating anything, eat smartly, the day you stop yourself and you say I’m not going to do it, is when you end up doing it more.” - Meghna Naidu

“My proudest moment was when I bought my own very first home at the age of only 23.” - Meghna Naidu

“My life is non-stop on the go, it never ends, every day you think, okay today I will get two hours for myself but it never happens.” - Meghna Naidu

“If I could, I would tell my younger self that I should educate myself no matter what happens and to be smart with money-making and money-saving decisions.” - Meghna Naidu

Useful Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghnanaidu1/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/MeghnaENaidu

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQVYqSC5eksyvfRVhiYiORw 

Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKzTpM_KQsQ&feature=youtu.be 

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1614895/ 

The Matrix Green Pill Podcast: https://thematrixgreenpill.com/
Please review us: https://g.page/r/CS8IW35GvlraEAI/review

About Alaric Gomes

Alaric Gomes is originally from Goa, India, and has been living in the UAE for the last 24 years. He first started serious sports as a long-distance runner when he was only 6 years old, then went on to represent his State in athletics at the national level (5,000 m and 10,000 m). After completing his masters in English and a degree in Journalism, Alaric joined the OHeraldo newspaper in Goa for four years, until he decided to move to the UAE in 1996, where he worked for Gulf today until 2002 until finally joining Gulf News. 

After suffering an unfortunate heart condition in 2005, Alaric had a pacemaker installed and was put off physical activity for 2 years by doctors. Once his condition had improved, Alaric began playing football with friends five to six times a week. And due to his career as a sports journalist, he has had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing some of the greatest sportsmen on the planet some of which included Federer, Djokovic, Nadal, Serena Williams, and Mo Salah.

About this episode

In this episode, we bring you someone who is used to conducting interviews rather than giving them. He has interviewed most of the greatest sportspeople on the planet, is a national level sportsperson himself, and has an intriguing back story. We are excited to introduce Alaric Gomes, who is the chief reporter for Sports at Gulf News. Alaric lets us into his world of sports celebrities, his inspiring personal story about his condition, and a deeper dive into the life of a sports journalist.

Show highlights

“All of us have the same assets, two hands a mind, but some of them have been blessed” - Alaric Gomes

“I always had a hand over me, to show me the way” - Alaric Gomes

“Along the way, the best part is, you form so many friendships, friendships which are endearing which are lasting” - Alaric Gomes

“You’ve got to be disciplined, if you have no discipline in your life, you better not do it” - Alaric Gomes 

“I just give thanks, that I am still alive, that I can do what I can do, I live life to the fullest. When you’re given a second chance, there aren't many people who get a second chance and I've had this second chance, so I make the best of it, I live life to the fullest.” - Alaric Gomes

Useful Links

Twitter: https://twitter.com/algom

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaric-gomes-2ab298/

Muck Rack profile: https://muckrack.com/alaric-gomes

The Matrix Green Pill Podcast: https://thematrixgreenpill.com/
Please review us: https://g.page/r/CS8IW35GvlraEAI/review

About Dalia Halabi

Dalia is a certified life coach, NLP practitioner, Hypnotherapist, ThetaHealing instructor, Reiki Master, Access Bars facilitator, and yoga teacher. She also has a Masters of Science in Applied Psychology.  Her approach to therapy is holistic and borrows from multiple disciplines to leave the client feeling empowered. She has been a mental health therapist for over seven years and offers sessions, workshops, training, and free content on her social media to help people take control of their lives. Dalia’s drive in life is to educate people and give them access to different approaches to natural self-healing.

About this episode

In this episode we talk to Dalia about mental health, focusing mainly on anxiety and how to manage it, shedding light on how social media can negatively impact and cause anxiety, as well as the different disciplines that we can practice in order to gain control over our demons.

Show highlights

“If we are living life looking down constantly onto our screens we are missing out on everything that is happening around us." - Dalia Halabi

“Even though you work on yourself and you can be a healer, you can still be susceptible to things like anxiety and panic attacks, and it’s absolutely normal and absolutely okay.” - Dalia Halabi

“Your brain doesn’t know what is real or what is imagined”. - Dalia Halabi

“You can be aware that you have all these demons, but if you’re not taking the action to face them in a healthy way, then that awareness is not enough.” - Dalia Halabi

“I try to live a life by example”. - Dalia Halabi

“The more open we are about our experiences, the more we can normalize it.” - Dalia Halabi 

“Whether you’re happy or not, that’s mental health.” - Dalia Halabi

Useful Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daliahalabi88/ 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6xIet2l_vA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqRhYmC070s 

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/dalia-halabi-why-are-we-so-damn-anxious-part-1/id1494624379?i=1000488903055 

Article features

https://www.buro247.me/culture/insiders/meet-dalia-halabi-a-millennial-healer-who-is-your.html 

The Matrix Green Pill Podcast: https://thematrixgreenpill.com/
Please review us: https://g.page/r/CS8IW35GvlraEAI/review

About Priyanka Sarkar - Founder, Chief Executive & Designer at the House of Biori

Priyanka Sarkar is a designer by heart (and training), retailer by mind, and omnipreneur by choice!

An entrepreneurial-driven senior management professional with over 16 years in the Fashion Retail Industry that reflects an exceptional record of achievements in delivering strong market-oriented product performance (apparel and accessories) and operational results across India, GCC, and KSA.

Her vast international experience includes working, traveling, and conducting a business and a supply chain in the Middle East, UK, Europe, and the Far East regions. She is a motivational team leader with strong communication and diplomacy skills, and the ability to easily work with and manage a multinational staff. Her passion lies in success and maintaining a positive, upbeat attitude, energy, and style.

About this episode

In this episode, Namita and Priyanka discuss sustainable jewelry, some interesting mantras from Priyanka’s entrepreneurial journey, and her Green Pill Moment. Ever wondered what’s the difference between building a brand and building a business? If you are not sure, you will not want to miss this episode!

Show highlights

“In business  how many pieces you are selling matters, but when you are building a brand what matters is to whom you are selling.” - Priyanka Sarkar

“We as women entrepreneurs, wear multiple hats at the same time. So it’s important that we are ready to unlearn, to engage and disengage and to keep moving forward.” - Priyanka Sarkar

“Building a brand is to connect with your audience on a personal level, to focus on building a social currency, focus on earning trust, earning respect & consistency.” - Priyanka Sarkar

“When you are trying to build a brand, you have to wear that cap, that your first four years is your incubation period, where you are building the connection of the audience with the brand.” - Priyanka Sarkar

“To me, to whom am I selling always holds more importance than how many pieces I am selling.” - Priyanka Sarkar

Useful links

Website: http://biori.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebiori/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biori2016

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyanka-sarkar-a9528a6/

The Matrix Green Pill Podcast: https://thematrixgreenpill.com/
Please review us: https://g.page/r/CS8IW35GvlraEAI/review

About Franky Barreto

Franky is an ex-professional footballer with an enviable track record.  He has represented top clubs in India for 12 years, including Salgaocar Sports Club, East Bengal Club, Churchill Bros Sports Club, and Vasco Sports Club. 

He has represented the Indian National team (between 1996-99) in the Nehru Gold Cup, SAFF Cup, Asian Games as well as for Goa University team, Goa State U-21 team, Goa State senior team, and Bengal State senior team on several occasions. His proudest achievement as a footballer was scoring a free-kick goal from 35 yards in the U21 finals against Bengal which Goa won 2-0 in 1993. His other proud moment was captaining Salgaocar in the 1997 Federation cup that won the championship in Kolkata defeating East Bengal in the finals.  This stunning Golden goal victory silenced more than 105,000 East Bengal supporters at the stadium

Now based in Dubai, Franky is working with the Association of Indian Football Coaches (AIFC and has helped groom over 45 young Indian Coaches.  Franky’s love for the game is in his blood and one can see him play football three times a week. His unique skills are still evident. He spends the rest of his time with his wife and two children.

Introduction to episode

In this episode, we talk to former Indian football star and captain Franky Barreto. Franky is the recipient of the prestigious Kerkar Award and has played with some of the top Indian football clubs. He has also represented India in the Nehru Gold Cup, the SAFF cup and Asian Games and he works closely with the AIFC in grooming young Indian coaches.  In the episode, we delve into Franky’s illustrious career as a football captain and now coach.

Show highlights

“Taking football as a career, especially in India, it’s a gamble” - Franky Barreto

“I was never thinking of becoming a football player, but growing up I definitely liked watching Maradonna, Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini, I really enjoyed watching them play”. - Franky Barreto

“I attribute my success to hard work, commitment and the support from my family” - Franky Barreto

“Dare to dream big, be ambitious, and work hard, if you are destined you will definitely achieve success” - Franky Barreto

Useful Links

Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franky-barreto-60b38a26/?originalSubdomain=ae

AIFC: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=219178529009182

Articles featured in

https://www.goal.com/en-ae/news/happy-for-east-bengal-making-it-to-the-isl-franky-barreto/1u5c1r9r1u7ep18r2jyywqxlhd

https://gulfnews.com/sport/uae-sport/former-india-skipper-franky-barreto-hails-restart-of-german-bundesliga-1.71494500

The Matrix Green Pill Podcast: https://thematrixgreenpill.com/
Please review us: https://g.page/r/CS8IW35GvlraEAI/review

About Tamila -  Artist, photographer & founder of “No Boys Allowed” 

Tamila Kochkarova is a Dubai based artist whose work mainly revolves around empowering women. She’s put out a photography book and held an exhibition by the name of ‘Girls’ which is dedicated to all the powerful women in her life. She has also recently launched a platform called “No Boys Allowed” for all the women that are into sneakers and streetwear in the Arab world. 

Apart from photography and fashion, Tamila also loves music and has recently been trying out her DJing skills. Her love story with her husband Ahmed is not one from your typical romance novel, but their sweet story is bound to put a smile on anyone's face.

About this Episode

In this episode, we get an insight into Tamila as an individual, her interests, passions, and hobbies. We also delve into her work as a photographer and the start of her new female-only platform, which is the first of its kind in the Middle East. Listen to Tamila chat about her fashion creations, and her tips for other young women interested in launching their own platforms.

And as a special surprise, an exclusive…. we unveil a secret about Tamila. Something you don’t want to miss.

Show highlights

“I was ridiculed by boys for my knowledge on sneakers and by girls for not being feminine enough” - Tamila Kochkarova

“I was hoping to find a community, or that someone would start something that would make me feel welcomed, but no one did. So I decided if no one's going to do it, then I shall”. - Tamila Kochkarova 

“The best thing you can do is focus on yourself, build a community, find a community you can relate to, just do you”. - Tamila Kochkarova 

“When you want to start something, you got to just dive right in, don’t think about it” - Tamila Kochkarova 

Useful Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kochkarovatamila/ 

Platform: https://www.instagram.com/noboysallowed.ae/ 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/tamshrr 

Tamila’s Muse: https://www.instagram.com/raayya/ 

Shoutouts:
https://www.instagram.com/djliutik/
https://www.instagram.com/parvbar/ https://www.instagram.com/thisiskristinakiseleva/ 

The Matrix Green Pill Podcast: https://thematrixgreenpill.com/
Please review us: https://g.page/r/CS8IW35GvlraEAI/review

About the Guests

Chinie Jane Ching - "Cow Mama"

Chinie, aka Chin Chin, earned her Bachelor of Science in Tourism at Mindanao State University Marawi City in the Philippines. She is an explorer, adventurer, and loves to connect with people from different cultures and different walks of life.

Stop and Help gave her the perfect platform to connect with mothers who sadly cannot produce milk to their new-born babies. It has also helped her support helped new-borns who have lost their mothers due to medical conditions including COVID 19.

Heather Harries - Founder of "Stop and Help"

From a young age, Heather has dedicated her life to helping others and making a difference. During her late teens, she worked with juvenile offenders in Canada who had been convicted of serious crimes from murder to major theft. This experience left her with a strong awareness of how difficult it is for a lot of children growing up in a society that still fosters inequalities.

At the start of this year, Heather set up a new online project – “kindness exchange”, called Stop and Help. Through the service, fortunate families are connected with unfortunate people who have struggled during this pandemic. The project has already put around 800,000 meals onto the tables of families since the pandemic started.

Heather is originally from Pembrokeshire, in West Wales but has lived in the UAE for the last 15 years.  She is also an energetic mum to three children and five dogs, a passionate cook and baker, and a full-time nurse to her mother who has dementia.

About this Episode

In this episode, we are going to be talking to two superwomen who are doing their bit to make this world a better place.

Heather Harries - the founder of kindness initiative Stop & Help launched this platform to connect people in the UAE who are in need with those who are able to support them.

Chinie Jane Ching - aka Chin Chin - who is fondly known as the ‘cow mama’ of the UAE, has been donating her frozen breast milk, to help feed babies who have either lost their mothers or to support mothers who are not able to breastfeed for whatever reason. 

Show highlights

“Growth was our problem. Growth in a new business is hard but growth in something that was never set up with a proper structure, that was kind of run from my back garden was just a massive massive issue” - Heather Harries

“My proudest moment was when I became a mom. That’s all I ever wanted to do” - Heather Harries

“I am blessed I could embrace my calling in life” - Chinie Jane Ching

“I realised what is my life purpose and that is to give life, to give hope and to be a mother for those who are motherless” - Chinie Jane Ching

“It is very physically draining and mentally exhausting but I was so sure and so determined to really give breastmilk for the kids who lost their mothers especially because of COVID 19” - Chinie Jane Ching

“People want to help. The whole population really really wants to be involved but finding that one person at that particular time that needs help is the real tough part” - Heather Harries

The Matrix Green Pill Podcast: https://thematrixgreenpill.com/
Please review us: https://g.page/r/CS8IW35GvlraEAI/review

About Jennifer Sault

Founder/Chief Cheerleader – “Thrift for Good”

This plastic-free pescatarian has her Masters in Nonprofit Leadership and Philanthropy and over 14 years of experience working with charitable organisations.

Her most recent role was as the Operations Manager with Gulf for Good, who raise funds for children’s charity projects around the world through adventure challenges.

Jen is passionate about the environment as well as raising funds for children’s projects and is delighted to be the rallying force behind TFG.


About this Episode

In this episode, we learn more about a great social enterprise called Thrift For Good, with its founder, Jennifer Sault.

Thrift For Good has a vision of ‘Zero Waste’, where they get items donated, repurposed, and sold second hand for profits that they donate to their chosen charity; Gulf For Good.

Jen started Thrift For Good in February 2020 with the help of other Gulf for Good supporters, Clare Hartnett, Nickey Jones, Christie Campita and so many others.

"Our dollar is our vote and when we shop we help build empires that set a precedent in terms of accepted practices." - Jennifer Sault

“I really believe build it and they will come” – Jennifer Sault

“There is no more excuse for apathy” – Jennifer Sault

The Matrix Green Pill Podcast: https://thematrixgreenpill.com/
Please review us: https://g.page/r/CS8IW35GvlraEAI/review