Yalla & Yap

Is there a Muslim single women crisis, or does it just look that way? A new trend is flooding our Instagram feeds: the “wifey application.” Single Muslim women, mostly in their 30s, are posting slides with their photos, career, values and deal-breakers, putting themselves out there after traditional matchmaking and the apps haven’t worked. Lena, Deanna and Manal ask the real questions. Is it brave, empowering, or a sign the system is failing our women? Where are the men? What happened to the auntie network? And would we ever post one?

But first, we open with the midterms. Texas is at the center of the most expensive midterm in U.S. history. We talk about record-breaking attack ads, the irony of who’s funding the governor’s race, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed’s run to become the first Muslim American U.S. senator, and Muslims voting Republican when it suits them.

Grab your latte or Yemini tea, because we have opinions. Yalla, let’s yap! 🎙️

Mariam couldn’t join us for this episode. We missed you!

00:00 Introduction to Season 3

00:58 Texas Midterms Overview

02:31 Attack Ads Shock Factor

03:21 Talarico Name Controversy

04:39 Trans Fearmongering Tactics

06:53 Money Behind The Campaigns

09:00 Michigan Spotlight Abdul El-Sayed

13:04 Islamophobia And Media Smears

17:07 Muslim Voting And Donor Bombshell

22:33 Marriage Resume Slide Trend

26:19 Debating Apps And Alternatives

30:43 Stigma And Modern Courtship

32:08 Exposure vs Real Life

33:19 Culture Shift and 50 50

35:12 Preferences and App Complaints

36:24 Who These Profiles Help

38:17 Approaching Men Debate

39:14 Reviewing a Viral Profile

40:22 Creeps and Community Risks

42:06 Men Making Profiles Too

42:45 Love Is Blind Habibi Talk

47:30 Height Obsession Breakdown

51:44 Shallow Standards Both Ways

54:44 Do What Works and Vote

Edited and produced by Lena Dirbashi
 Marketing and social media by Deanna Ayyash

Hosts Lena, Mariam, Manal, and Deanna unpack an Instagram controversy alleging that Khaled Beydoun received a significant cut from funds raised for Gaza through Human Appeal. They examine whether paid fundraising is ethical, what commissions and overhead typically look like in the nonprofit world, and why transparency with donors is the core issue.

Drawing on firsthand nonprofit experience in Gaza, Mariam highlights the importance of verifying NGO registration and on-the-ground work. The group also questions influencer-led fundraising, public callouts, and the impact of online dogpiling, while discussing practical donor due diligence tools and best practices.

The episode closes with Ramadan reminders: give generously, ask respectful questions, verify before sharing, and approach influencer-linked donations with care. The show will pause during Ramadan and return after Eid.

00:00 $2M Fundraising Accusation Goes Viral — What Happened?

00:25 Meet Khaled Beydoun: Lawyer, Professor & Activist Background

02:35 Nonprofit Insider Story: Spotting Sketchy NGOs After the 2021 War

06:11 Who Is ‘We Are The Peace’? Brand Origins, Mission & Pricing Questions

07:44 Did They Jump the Gun? Public Callouts vs Private Accountability

09:02 The $7M Raised, 29% Cut Explained — What’s Ethical in Fundraising?

09:41 Human Appeal’s Role: Overhead, Disclosure, and Donor Transparency

12:27 Khaled’s Response vs Receipts: ‘It Went to My Charity’ Claim

16:52 How Fundraiser Commissions Work (and Why People Don’t Know)

21:35 Influencers + NGOs: Red Flags, Marketing Arguments, and Who Else Got Paid?

27:43 Timing, Epstein Files, and Tools to Vet Charities (Nonprofit Explorer)

29:39 Imams vs Influencers: Trust, Kickbacks, and That 29% Cut

30:51 NGO Expense Ratios & What Transparency Should Actually Look Like

32:07 “Zionist Playbook” Accusations and the Problem With Lazy Labels

35:54 What “Grifting” Means: Receipts, Scandals, and Social Media Pile-Ons

40:47 Due Diligence 101: Vetting Charities Without Airing Dirty Laundry

42:02 Unintended Consequences: Defamation Risk, NGO Scrutiny, and Community Fitna

49:19 Real-World Swindling Stories in Muslim Communities (and Why Outrage Happens)

51:24 Deanna’s Hot Take: Influencer Culture, Paid Promotions, and “It’s a Job”

54:02 Wrap-Up: Ramadan Advice, Give Generously—Ask Respectfully

Join Lena, Mariam and Deeana in this episode of Yalla and Yap, where they host Zeeshan Hafeez, a national candidate for Texas’ 33rd district. 

Hafeez shares his journey into politics, which began in the wake of the 9/11 attacks while he was the only Muslim student at his liberal arts college and then reignited after October 7, 2023.

Hafeez passionately speaks about his campaign’s commitment to addressing domestic issues, ending U.S. financial support for Israeli actions, and prioritizing progressive policies such as universal healthcare, workers’ rights, and abolishing ICE. He calls for collective action and voter registration while sharing his vision of true representation for all Americans. 

The episode wraps up with fun rapid-fire questions, giving viewers a personal glimpse into Zeeshan Hafeez.

00:00 Guest Introduction: Zeeshan Hafeez

00:36 Han Ifis' Political Journey

02:58 Impact of October 7th and Gaza Conflict

04:12 Running for Office: District 33

04:42 Campaign Focus: Domestic Issues and Palestine

06:28 Challenges and Criticisms

09:57 Opponent Profiles and Campaign Strategy

12:49 Voter Engagement and Support

26:36 Islamophobia and Political Climate

37:59 Getting to Know the Candidate

38:26 Community Involvement and Public Service

39:10 DFW Refugee Outreach Services

40:31 Challenges Faced by Refugees

42:34 Voting in the Democratic Primary

44:35 Supporting Local Organizations

52:40 Unapologetic Campaign Values

54:20 Motivation and Guiding Principles

57:24 Addressing Islamophobia and Bigotry

01:05:42 Rapid Fire Questions

01:10:00 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

In this episode of Yalla & Yap, hosts Lena, Deanna, Mariam, and Manal tackle the controversial topic of the 'Trad Wife'. They delve into what it means to embrace traditional gender roles within marriage and family life, examining how this concept applies both within and outside the Muslim community. 

00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic: The Traditional Wife

00:34 The Final Boss: Nara Smith and Social Media Influence

02:03 Misleading Perceptions and the Muslim Family Unit

04:13 Generational Differences and Social Media's Impact

07:44 Corporate America and the Myth of 'Having It All'

14:16 The Reality of Traditional Roles and Financial Pressures

19:21 The Importance of Realistic Expectations and Personal Plans

27:04 Young Marriages and the Influence of Social Media

33:29 The Modern Choice for Women: Respecting Homemakers

34:42 Cultural Differences in Maternity Leave

35:25 The Shift in Corporate Culture

37:52 The Breastfeeding Debate

38:35 Balancing Career and Motherhood

39:39 The Reality of Corporate America

43:56 The Soft Life Movement

46:05 Financial Independence and Marriage

01:02:01 The Importance of Contentment

01:03:41 Concluding Thoughts on Women's Choices

Welcome to Yalla & Yap! Join Lena, Manal, Deanna, and Mariam as they dive into a heated debate about the difficulties of being a stay-at-home mom versus a working mom. Discussing perspectives from a popular divorce lawyer, personal experiences, societal expectations, and cultural influences, the hosts explore what makes motherhood so challenging regardless of the path chosen. From managing time and household responsibilities to navigating societal judgments, this episode unpacks the complexities of modern motherhood. 

Don't miss the engaging discussion, real-life insights, and the acknowledgment that every mom's journey is unique.

00:00 Introduction and Controversial Statement

02:00 Context of the Divorce Lawyer's Opinion

03:32 Discussion on Stay-at-Home Moms vs. Working Moms

05:28 Personal Perspectives on Motherhood

09:07 Cultural Expectations and Gender Roles

13:02 Challenges of Balancing Work and Family

17:45 Debating the Hardships of Stay-at-Home Moms

21:37 The Shared Load in Parenting

23:46 Final Thoughts on Motherhood and Work

38:42 Balancing Motherhood and Work

39:30 Societal Value of Stay-at-Home Moms

41:10 Idle Time and Infidelity

42:16 Different Types of Stay-at-Home Moms

42:47 Challenges of Modern Motherhood

46:04 Economic Factors and Parenting

55:21 The Importance of Community Support

56:18 The Role of Technology in Parenting

01:04:57 Podcast Launch Party Highlights

01:11:30 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode, Lena, Mariam, and Deanna dive into a passionate and engaging discussion on the hotly debated topic of the Vela Hijab brand. 

They explore its origins, the challenges of being a hijabi in America, and the market landscape for hijab brands. The trio shares personal hijab experiences, discusses the evolution of hijab fashion, and addresses the backlash against Vela. 

They also touch on broader themes like consumerism, community support, and maintaining modesty while navigating societal pressures. Tune in for an insightful conversation that blends personal stories with critical analysis.

00:00 Welcome to Y Yap

00:33 The Hijab Brand Vela

01:22 Hijab Struggles and Fashion Evolution

02:38 Personal Hijab Stories

04:28 Hijab Fashion Trends

12:37 Vela's Impact and Controversies

35:07 Exploring Hijab Brands and Preferences

35:54 The Magnet Debate and Hijab Safety

36:41 Challenges and Solutions in Hijab Wearing

37:57 Supporting Muslim Businesses

39:58 The Importance of Quality and Cost in Education

45:24 Fashion Trends and Social Pressures

49:08 The Impact of War on Personal Grooming

01:04:23 Final Thoughts on Hijab and Personal Conduct

Join Lena, Manal, Deanna, and Mariam as they discuss social and political issues, particularly the recognition of Palestine as a state and shifting global opinions about it. Celebrities' support for Palestine, the influence of political figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene, and the strategies of American Muslims in engaging with political movements are also covered. 

The hosts highlight the importance of unlearning propaganda and recognizing the humanity and rights of oppressed populations. Join the chat on societal and political topics, cultural experiences, and a mix of humor and serious discussion.

00:00 Introduction and Instagram Reel Reaction

03:06 Travel Stories and Summer Adventures

06:16 Hajj Experience and Spiritual Reflections

15:00 Celebrity Advocacy and Political Commentary

26:25 Psychological Warfare

26:43 Unlearning the Truth

27:22 The Reluctance to Acknowledge Genocide

29:22 Historical Parallels and Modern Implications

29:59 The Struggle for Acceptance and Identity

30:48 Political Hypocrisy and Double Standards

31:44 Shifts in Political Allegiances and Public Opinion

36:06 International Reactions and Actions

37:29 The Role of Media and Propaganda

45:24 Recognition of Palestinian Statehood

57:33 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

In this episode of Yalla & Yap, Lena, Deanna, and Manal discuss a variety of pressing issues in today's world, including the recent flooding in Texas, ongoing crises in Gaza, and the evolving political landscape in the U.S. They delve into the implications of Zoran Mamdani's political success, the establishment's response to his candidacy, and the intersection of faith, identity, and politics. The conversation also touches on the American media's treatment of Israel, the rise of independent journalism, and the political leanings of figures like Hakeem Jeffries. 

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!

00:00 Introduction and Summer Updates

00:33 Texas Floods: A Tragic Event

01:17 Political Turmoil and Media Coverage

02:56 Zoran's Political Journey

05:45 Controversies and Media Bias

15:56 Campaign Strategies and Public Opinion

28:08 Discussing APAC's Influence on Politicians

28:37 Islamophobia in Politics

30:08 Highlighting a Rising Political Star

31:14 Satirical Commentary on Political Hypocrisy

32:23 Criticism of Islamophobic Reactions

37:03 Support for Pro-Palestine Stance

46:45 Political Shifts and Public Opinion

55:54 Concluding Thoughts on Political Change

Lena, Mariam, Manal, and Deanna get into the latest hodgepodge of Middle Eastern news, highlighted by President Trump's recent visit to Abu Dhabi and the grand mosque, marking his first known visit to a Muslim house of worship. They discuss the intricacies of Trump's tour during his second term, including reactions to a controversial $400 million Boeing jet gift from Qatar, as well as his negotiations and diplomatic efforts in the region. The conversation also touches on the complex relationships and power dynamics in the Middle East, with opinions on Trump's evolving policies, his interactions with regional leaders, and the potential implications for global diplomacy. The discussion concludes with personal reflections on the significance of Palestine and hopes for future stability in the Middle East.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts

00:27 Trump's Visit to Abu Dhabi

02:11 Controversial Boeing Jet Gift

04:50 Reactions and Political Implications

06:21 Trump's Diplomatic Shifts

10:28 Middle East Power Dynamics

13:35 Qatar's Strategic Moves

24:45 Soft Power and Global Influence

28:36 Trump and Netanyahu's Tensions

29:38 Speculations on Diplomatic Relations

30:55 Manipulation and Optics

31:56 Reactions to Middle East Politics

35:47 Saudi Deal and Normalization

40:22 Palestinian Struggles and Perspectives

45:15 Hopes and Future Predictions

50:09 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of Yalla & Yap, Lena, Manal, and Deanna are joined by special guest Abdullah Khatib to discuss the significance of the Epic City Project and the importance of political engagement within the Muslim community. 

Reflecting on responses from their previous episode about Epic City, the hosts explore varying community perspectives, including concerns about segregation and the project's financial implications. Abdullah, a local Muslim community organizer and political activist, emphasizes the need for increased voter turnout and political contributions among Muslims to influence local elections and ensure their interests are represented. 

The discussion underscores the necessity of civic participation as a means to foster community growth and ensure equitable treatment in the political landscape.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:23 Community Reactions to Epic City

02:57 Introducing Abdullah Khatib

03:16 Epic 2.0: Civic Engagement and Investment

10:53 Challenges and Opportunities in Political Engagement

20:25 The Importance of Voting and Political Contributions

29:45 Final Thoughts and Call to Action