The Playground Podcast

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Welcome to a powerful and unfiltered episode of The Playground Podcast. This week, Shamim sits down with one of the UAE’s most influential voices, Dr. Maya Al Hawary, for a deep dive into the realities of modern parenting, mental health, and marriage.

In this honest and emotional conversation, we cover:

💔 Why more couples are divorcing and delaying marriage
👩‍🍼 The traditional “Nafas” & Postpartum  period and why it matters today
🧠 What to do when your partner is struggling with mental health
💍 The truth behind second wives and how men really get there
📉 The societal pressure on new mums and why we need a mindset shift
👶 Advice every expecting or new mum needs to hear — no matter your culture

This episode is for every millennial or Gen Z parent who’s navigating the chaos of marriage, babies, and emotional balance — and for anyone who’s ever felt like no one talks about the hard parts of it all.

🎧 Listen now and share with a mum, dad, or couple who needs this.
📍 Hit subscribe for more real, raw conversations every week.

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In this powerful episode of Playground Unfiltered, host Shamim Kassibawi sits down with three guests to unpack real and raw messages from our listeners—because parenting isn’t always picture-perfect.

We dive into:

A working mum’s guilt—juggling a career and missing out on precious moments with her kids.
A husband who feels he lost his wife after they became parents.
A new mum feeling lonely and unsupported, contemplating divorce.
A mum struggling with overbearing in-laws and setting boundaries.
Navigating cultural differences in marriage and parenting.
These are real stories, real struggles, and real conversations that so many families face but rarely talk about. Join us as we break the silence, offer support, and remind every parent that they are not alone.

🔗 Listen now and be part of the conversation—because parenting is messy, but we’re in it together.

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Welcome to the first episode of Playground Unfiltered, a special series on The Playground podcast where no topic is off-limits. Host Shamim Kassibawi is joined by three incredible guests to dive deep into the unspoken challenges of modern parenting.

In this candid conversation, we explore:

• Managing time with family members when their values don’t align with yours.
• The struggle of losing yourself after becoming a mum.
• The role of nannies in family dynamics.
• Emotional journeys through IVF and the stigma surrounding it.

And that’s just the beginning. This episode is raw, honest, and designed to show you that you’re not alone in your parenting journey. Tune in for real talk, shared experiences, and unfiltered advice to help mums and dads navigate life’s complexities.

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In this captivating episode of The Playground Podcast, host Shamim Kassibawi sits down with Real Housewives of Dubai stars and entrepreneurs, Caroline Stanbury and Sergio Carrillo. Join us for an exclusive, no-holds-barred conversation that goes far beyond the glitz and glam of reality TV. Caroline and Sergio open up about life beyond the cameras, sharing insights on their entrepreneurial journeys, future business plans, and upcoming projects.

They don’t shy away from the personal either – Caroline speaks candidly about her decision to leave a marriage after 18 years, navigate parenting teenage kids, and embrace a relationship with Sergio, who’s 19 years her junior. With plans for surrogacy on the horizon, Caroline and Sergio offer a rare glimpse into their lives and the resilience it takes to thrive in the face of judgment.

From discussing Caroline’s honest approach on social media, where she covers everything from weight loss to her facelift, to their views on life in the spotlight, this episode is filled with humor, authenticity, and heartfelt moments. Whether you’re a fan of the show or simply curious about their journey, this is a must-listen for anyone seeking a real, raw look into the lives of two bold personalities.

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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's journey has been one of compassion and resilience. She also shares her experience working in a high school with older children who faced challenges like hunger and neglect, which led her to set up a community group to provide much-needed support.

Principal Lisa opens up about her relationship with her husband, how their life was entwined with her demanding job, and how this eventually led to their move to Dubai. She tells the incredible story of how a phone call from Dubai changed their lives, leading them from a 300-year-old house in the UK to a modern apartment on the 70th floor in Dubai Marina. In a twist of fate, two years before their move, Lisa had written in her journal about wanting to move to Dubai and had even taken a picture in front of the building they ended up calling home.

Today, Principal Lisa continues her mission by supporting families in Dubai and around the world. She shares insights into common parenting challenges, such as knowing when to seek help, the importance of not getting stuck in the infant stage, tips on toilet training by 18 months, and feeding practices that aid in speech development.

Whether you’re a parent of young children or someone looking for wisdom from a seasoned educator, this episode with Principal Lisa is a must-listen. Her story and advice are not just valuable for those in Dubai but resonate with families globally. Tune in to learn from the experiences of Dubai's very own godmother!

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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 of therapy for parents and dealing with past traumas.
Raising Teenagers: Learn her approach to befriending, coaching, and guiding teenagers through their formative years.
Overcoming Adversity: Zahra opens up about her challenging 30s, including being diagnosed with cancer while pregnant, and her healing journey.
Medication vs. Therapy: Insights on choosing between medication and therapy for mental health.
Encouraging Failure: The importance of teaching children to fail and learn from their mistakes.
Marriage Growth: Tips on strengthening relationships and keeping personal details private.
Mother’s Energy: How a mother’s energy shapes the household and why she is the core of the family.
This episode is a treasure trove of advice, particularly for mums navigating the early years of motherhood. Zahra’s experiences in her 30s have profoundly transformed her life, and she shares valuable lessons for making the most of your 40s. She wraps up with a powerful message to all mums: YOU ARE ENOUGH.

Tune in for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation that you won’t want to miss!

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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 children right from wrong.

As we wrap up, Hassan leaves us with a heartwarming perspective on what success in parenting means to him, providing a touching conclusion that will resonate with parents everywhere.

Recorded primarily in Arabic, this episode is a perfect listen for Middle Eastern families around the globe. Tune in to "The Playground" for an engaging conversation that blends cultural insights with practical parenting tips.

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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 beloved dogs and reflects on her lifelong dream of becoming a mother.

Tala's conversation is honest and open, shedding light on the often unspoken struggles new mothers face due to societal pressures. Her story is a powerful reminder that postpartum depression is real and that many of us silently endure it. Join us for an episode that offers comfort, solidarity, and valuable insights for all parents.

Tune in to The Playground for an inspiring conversation with Tala Ardalan, where authenticity and resilience take center stage.

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In this heartfelt episode of The Playground, we are joined by the incredible Dina Butti, an Egyptian/Canadian TV presenter, content creator, and voiceover artist. Dina, a mother of two energetic boys, shares her deeply personal journey through motherhood, starting with the shocking moment she lost her job the same week she discovered she was pregnant.

Dina opens up about her battles with anxiety and the pressures of self-imposed expectations and body image issues. She candidly discusses how these challenges have shaped her journey as a mother and a professional.

Discover how Dina transitioned into the world of content creation, building a successful career while balancing the demands of motherhood. She also shares her favorite baby brands, invaluable tips for mothers returning to work, and so much more.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with honesty, resilience, and practical advice that every parent can relate to and learn from. Don’t miss this episode of The Playground!

Guest:
Dina Butti - Egyptian/Canadian TV Presenter, Content Creator, and Voiceover Artist

Topics Covered:

Dina's personal journey through job loss and pregnancy
Managing anxiety and self-expectations
Body image challenges as a mother
Transitioning to content creation
Favorite baby brands and products
Tips for mothers returning to work
Subscribe to The Playground for more insightful and inspiring parenting stories and advice.

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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 with IVF and egg freezing, shedding light on the often unspoken low success rates and the stigma that surrounds these topics.

Nina also discusses the vibrant influencer scene in Dubai, where she became one of the most recognized faces in the fashion industry back in 2008. Her candid conversation covers the highs and lows of being an influencer and the pressures that come with it.

Join us as Nina Zandnia takes us through her extraordinary life, offering valuable insights and advice for anyone navigating the complex worlds of media, fertility, and motherhood. Whether you're a parent, aspiring influencer, or someone interested in the intricacies of IVF, this episode is packed with wisdom and heartfelt experiences.

Tune in to The Playground and be inspired by Nina's journey of resilience, ambition, and the pursuit of dreams.