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In this compelling conversation, Raya sits down with Saif Al-Yasi, a health coach, men’s mentor, and founder of Alphacast Studios, to explore the realities of modern masculinity. Raised between Baghdad and the UK, Saif brings a unique perspective on identity, cultural expectations, and the unspoken pressures placed on men today.

Together, they unpack the beliefs boys inherit about strength, emotional availability, and what it truly means to be a good man. Saif speaks candidly about the moments that shaped him, the roles men and women misunderstand about each other, and why raising boys in today’s world requires more nuance than ever. They discuss the influence of social media on young men, the weight men carry silently, and how fathers can show up with authority without losing their humanity.

This episode challenges familiar narratives around relationships, parenting, vulnerability, and legacy. It offers a rare and honest look into the internal world of men and the conversations many are still afraid to have.

Tune in to They Say It Takes a Village on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

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Breast cancer is often spoken about with fear—but rarely with clarity.
In this powerful episode, Breast Imaging Specialist Dr. Tatiana Khoury from King’s College Hospital London – Dubai joins Raya to demystify one of the most talked-about—and misunderstood—diseases affecting women today.

With over 500 lives saved through her work in Breast Interventional Radiology, Dr. Tatiana brings both expertise and empathy to the conversation. Together, they explore:

Why breast cancer is increasingly affecting younger women

The truth about mammograms, radiation, and early detection

The real role of lifestyle, stress, and toxins in prevention

How to emotionally and physically support someone through diagnosis and recovery

More than a medical discussion, this episode is a reminder that awareness isn’t about fear—it’s about empowerment, courage, and taking control of your health.

Tune in to They Say It Takes a Village on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

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What if ADHD isn’t something to be fixed... but something to finally be understood?

In this episode of They Say It Takes A Village, we sit down with Dominic Watts holistic coach, former teacher, mindfulness practitioner, and author of Diary of a Mindful Dad - to unpack a radical yet refreshing approach to ADHD.

Dominic challenges the mainstream narrative around attention, behavior, and neurodiversity by asking deeper questions rooted in both philosophy and lived experience. Together, we explore how presence—not punishment—can transform the way we view, support, and raise children (and adults) who think differently.

This isn’t just a conversation about ADHD. It’s a call to rethink how we define intelligence, success, and emotional well-being in a world that often rewards conformity over authenticity.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or someone navigating your own neurodivergent path, this episode will leave you with more compassion, insight, and practical wisdom than you expected.

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What if “the change” was really just the beginning of a whole new chapter?

No more whispering about hot flashes in the corner or Googling symptoms at 2 AM - it's time to have the talk. You know the one: about hormones, moods, sleep, sex, and the sneaky changes that show up before we even know what “perimenopause” means.

In this refreshingly honest episode, I sit down with the brilliant and wildly relatable Dr. Sarah Sharif - a Family Medicine Consultant with over 20 years of experience and a real passion for women’s health.

Together, we get into:

💥 The real definition of menopause (spoiler: it’s not what you think)
💥 Why you can still get pregnant in perimenopause (yep, really)
💥 What’s up with the mood swings, intimacy shifts, and “am I losing my mind?” moments
💥 Hormonal therapy: what it is, who it's for, and why it’s not as scary as it sounds
💥 How to advocate for yourself, tune into your body, and make peace with the shift

Dr. Sarah isn’t just a doctor; she’s a champion for every woman who's ever felt confused, dismissed, or just plain exhausted by the changes no one warned us about.

✨ This episode is your permission slip to ask the questions, break the taboos, and take back control of your health, on your terms.

So grab a cup of tea (or a glass of wine; we’re not judging), press play, and let’s turn this “midlife mystery” into a power move.

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In a world that constantly demands more - more energy, more approval, more sacrifice; how do you protect your peace without guilt?

In this deeply inspiring episode, Mais Mohammed - media powerhouse, life coach, and global Goodwill Ambassador, opens up about what it truly means to set boundaries, reclaim your energy, and live from a place of inner alignment.

From navigating public life and personal healing to learning how to say no with love, Mais shares the wisdom behind tuning into your emotions, honoring your intuition, and building the kind of self-worth that doesn’t rely on external validation.

If you’ve ever struggled with people pleasing, burnout, or the fear of putting yourself first, this conversation will feel like the permission slip you didn’t know you needed.

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What if ADHD isn’t a limitation, but a doorway to understanding how your child learns, thinks, and thrives?

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Aalia Thobani—Founder & CEO of The Brain Accelerator, speech-language pathologist, and learning specialist with over 20 years of experience—to explore how neuroscience can shift the way we approach learning, attention, and behavior.

We dive into what’s really happening when a child is labeled as “distracted” or “unmotivated,” and how understanding cognitive profiles like attention, processing speed, and executive function can unlock both potential and confidence.

Whether you're a parent navigating school challenges, an educator, or just someone curious about how the brain works—this conversation offers practical tools, deep insights, and a hopeful perspective on raising resilient, self-aware learners in today’s fast-paced world.

Press play and join us in rethinking ADHD—not as a problem, but as a pathway to empowerment.

Aalia Thobani's Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/aaliathobani/

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https://www.instagram.com/ittakesavillage.me/

Wear That Now Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/wear.that.now/

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What does it really take to raise a child in today’s fast-paced world?

In this heartwarming and honest episode, I sit down with Ashleigh Lloyd and Nick Blair, co-founders of The Baby Expo Dubai, to talk all things parenting—from the emotional rollercoaster of new parenthood to the magic that happens when a community comes together to support one another. With backgrounds in events, marketing, and entrepreneurship, Ashleigh and Nick share how their own journeys as parents inspired them to build a space where families can connect, learn, and feel less alone.

We explore the guilt, the pressure, the joy, and the sheer chaos of juggling work, family, and personal time—and why having a “village” is more important than ever. From navigating school routines and toddler tantrums to carving out time for yourself, this conversation is a reminder that we’re all figuring it out, one day at a time.

Tune in for relatable stories, shared struggles, and powerful insights on building a parenting community that truly makes a difference.

👉 The Baby Expo Dubai takes place on May 16 & 17—have you grabbed your tickets yet?

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What if your greatest breakdown could lead to your most powerful breakthrough?

In this powerful episode, I sit down with emotional health expert, 5x award-winning author, and host of The Brave Table podcast, Dr. Neeta Bhushan. A former cosmetic dentist turned resilience coach, Neeta shares her remarkable journey of loss, healing, and radical reinvention. From navigating grief and narcissistic relationships to redefining self-worth and overcoming burnout, Neeta opens up about the messy middle that so many women face—but few speak about.

We dive deep into how to process suppressed emotions, let go of limiting beliefs, and reconnect with your inner strength so you can rebuild with more clarity, purpose, and confidence. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the chaos of life’s unexpected turns, this conversation will give you the tools and courage to rise, reset, and reclaim your power.

It’s raw. It’s real. It’s the truth about what it means to fall apart—and come back stronger.

Neeta Bhushan's Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/neetabhushan/

They Say It Takes A Village Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ittakesavillage.me/

Wear That Now Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/wear.that.now/

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What does true health and self-love really look like in today’s world?

In this powerful episode of They Say It Takes a Village, we sit down with Alex, a high-performance coach for CEOs and athletes, and Dr. Jenna, a seasoned medical director with 17 years of international healthcare experience and the driving force behind ZOIME Longevity Clinic in Dubai. Together, they challenge the modern definition of wellness, going beyond physical appearance to explore the deeper connection between mental health, emotional well-being, nutrition, and sustainable self-care.

We dive into body image, eating disorders, teenage struggles, emotional resilience, and how social media distorts our perceptions of health and success. From unpacking mental overload to the importance of asking for help—even when you think you “should” know what to do—Alex and Dr. Jenna share actionable insights and personal reflections that will resonate with anyone seeking real, balanced wellness.

Whether you're navigating stress, burnout, or the pressure to “bounce back,” this episode offers a grounded and compassionate take on how to redefine health from the inside out.

Dr.Jenna's Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/drjennaburton/

Alex's Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/buleyfit/

They Say It Takes A Village Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ittakesavillage.me/

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https://www.instagram.com/wear.that.now/

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Negotiation isn’t just about boardrooms and business deals—it’s a skill that shapes our careers, relationships, and everyday interactions. So, how do you remain calm in stressful situations? How do you handle rejection, difficult conversations, and emotional triggers without losing control?

In this powerful episode, Lousin Mehrabi, a globally recognized negotiation expert and leadership coach, shares game-changing insights on the art of negotiation and how mastering self-control can lead to better outcomes in all aspects of life. With over 23 years of experience in high-stakes negotiations, Lousin reveals her VEST method, a practical approach to strengthening resilience, navigating high-pressure conversations, and unlocking opportunities—whether in the workplace, at home, or in personal relationships.

We also dive into the emotional side of negotiation, discussing how ego, fear, and emotional intelligence play a role in our ability to influence and be heard. From tackling everyday disagreements to making life-changing deals, this conversation will empower you with the tools and mindset to negotiate with confidence.

Ready to elevate your negotiation skills and take charge of your conversations? Tune in now for expert strategies that will change the way you approach negotiations—big or small!

Lousin Mehrabi's Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/lousinmehrabi/

They Say It Takes A Village Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ittakesavillage.me/

Wear That Now Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/wear.that.now/