This month, we’re joined by the incredible Naseem Sayani, who opens up about her journey from a traditional immigrant upbringing to her current role in tech and venture capital.

Naseem shares her experience with endometriosis, IVF, and fertility challenges, plus her decision to adopt. She talks about the importance of financial literacy, building connections, and advocating for more diversity in VC.

"Trust is a big one," she says, and it's a reminder that the path to success isn’t always linear—it’s about adaptability, perseverance, and building meaningful connections.

[Chapters]
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:54 Family Dynamics and Cultural Expectations
06:00 Childhood Influences and Lessons Learned
09:05 Navigating Career Choices and Education
12:06 Transitioning from Biology to Economics
14:57 Misconceptions in Entrepreneurship
18:10 The Importance of Feedback and Adaptability
20:56 Core Personal Values in Professional Life
23:51 Building Relationships and Active Listening
26:56 Personal Challenges and Fertility Journey
27:44 The Journey of Understanding Endometriosis
32:41 The Decision to Adopt
36:13 Empowering Women Through Fertility Awareness
39:21 The Intersection of Money, Power, and Purpose
46:32 Redesigning the Venture Capital Ecosystem
49:54 Shifting Perspectives on Gender and Power

In this week’s conversation on The Tending, we’re honored to welcome Meliza Mokrani—a writer, healer, and space-holder who shares her powerful story of resilience, transformation, and deep self-discovery.

From navigating the complexities of family dynamics and childhood trauma to facing a life-threatening health crisis, Meliza opens up about the ways pain, grief, and beauty have shaped her. We talk about the healing power of community, the neuroscience behind trauma, and the grounding force of intergenerational wisdom.

💫 “My story is worth telling.”
💫 “Nothing in life is guaranteed.”
💫 “You don’t have to do these things alone.”

Tune in for a deeply human, heart-opening episode about becoming who we truly are. 

[Chapters]
00:00 Empowerment and Personal Growth
02:10 Family Background and Cultural Heritage
05:56 Childhood Experiences and Family Dynamics
11:43 Understanding Parental Pain and Its Impact
17:51 Navigating Adolescence and Identity
21:12 Life-Altering Health Crisis
27:37 Grief, Loss, and Self-Discovery
31:49 The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Writing
35:30 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact
39:59 Creating a Holistic Wellness Space
41:23 The Neuroscience of Stress and Trauma
45:01 The Importance of Community and Support
51:06 Bearing Witness to Beauty as Healing
56:34 Intergenerational Wisdom and Learning
01:02:21 Reflections from the Future Self

Kati Douglas from Xilophotography joins The Tending for a heart-to-heart about her journey through motherhood, education, and finding her passion in photography. 

We dive into the complexities of navigating ethnic ambiguity, the importance of representation in arts, and how ballet taught her discipline and community values. Plus, she shares her experiences in the educational system and her vision for a child-centered curriculum. 

Kati's story is a beautiful reminder of the power of storytelling and capturing authentic moments, especially in underrepresented communities.  And, let's talk about self-care - she shares how photography became her therapeutic outlet during postpartum depression and why boundaries are essential for her well-being. 

Tune in for this inspiring conversation about embracing identity, creating change, and honoring diverse stories.

[TIMESTAMPS]

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections

02:50 Growing Up in a Diverse Yet Conservative Community

06:02 Navigating Ethnic Ambiguity and Identity

09:06 Parenting and Teaching Cultural Awareness

11:59 The Importance of Representation in Arts

15:07 Ballet: Discipline, Expression, and Community

29:06 Journey into Education and Teaching Philosophy

35:07 Navigating Motherhood and Career Challenges

39:15 The Flaws in the Educational System

44:30 Creating a Child-Centered Curriculum

48:23 The Journey into Photography

55:14 Capturing Joy in Underrepresented Communities

01:01:52 The Importance of Storytelling

01:10:22 Self-Care and Boundaries for Well-Being

In this inaugural episode, we sit down with the dynamic Maryjane Fahey—a creative director who designed Women's Health Magazine and helped launch Fast Company, an author, and founder of Glorious Broads, a platform celebrating the power and smashing stereotypes of women over 50. 

We dive into her journey from a bold Brooklyn childhood to a trailblazing career in design and storytelling. With humor and deep insight, Maryjane opens up about aging on her own terms, sensuality, self-discovery, and the evolving nature of friendships. We also explore the impact of menopause, the balance between feminism and self-expression, and the joy of intergenerational connection. 

Please enjoy this conversation about agency, reinvention, and living unapologetically at every stage of life with the indomitable Mary Jane.

[TIMESTAMPS]

00:00 Introduction and Early Life
03:05 Family Dynamics and Influences
05:57 Education and Artistic Awakening
09:00 Career Beginnings and Industry Insights
12:00 The Birth of Glorious Broads
14:59 Aging and Emotional Shifts
17:59 Courage and Self-Discovery
21:00 Sensuality and Aging
25:50 Exploring Sexuality and Freedom
29:14 The Importance of Open Conversations
32:22 Intergenerational Connections
34:03 The Freedom of Aging
36:51 Self-Perception and Aging
39:42 The Balance of Feminism and Self-Expression
41:56 Future Aspirations and Creative Projects
43:52 Rediscovering Joy in Media
46:54 Reflections on Agency and Independence
48:02 Health, Cooking, and Well-Being
50:54 The Power of Purpose in Aging
52:15 Final Thoughts and Future Self

Sound Engineering: Andro Bagasbas
Music: Against All Odds by Tiko Tiko