I didn't expect it but I found motherhood to be the most challenging thing I've done to date. Getting pregnant much later in life after a long struggle with infertility meant I felt isolated from friends and people in society because I wasn't a mother. Two and a half years after I had my twins, I continue to find the advice I get from people to be one extreme or the other. So I'm curious to figure out what advice and theories have worked for mothers, connect with them and just vent about the things we deal with daily. So join me, Heba Shunbo, for Mommy's Happy Hour every second Wednesday.
I love yoga! Yoga is a practice that helps balance and restore harmony to the body, mind and soul.. Today life is hectic to say the very least, hence yoga is so important for our wellbeing these days, it is the best form of physical and mental therapy I know. However it depends on how we approach our practice. How do we reap the benefits of yoga on the physical, mental and spiritual level.
Who is feeling burnout? To me, it feels like many people around me are feeling emotionally, mentally and physically drained. I know I certainly am. Is it the effect of the pandemic? Life can feel very overwhelming these days, and I think we need to recognize it so that we can do something about it..
Maha Abouelenein is a strategic communications consultant, with a roster of the who's who of clients. During our talk, she talks about how she kept her focus narrow, during her 30-year career span, she focused on the one thing she loves and that is how to create value for her clients through communications. She talks about how it hasn't been all rosy, and she's had some challenges along the way. Maha doesn't shy in the face of adversity and in fact she has learnt to pivot those challenges into successes and prides herself on being a workhorse, she always gives 100%, and always stays ahead of the curve. We discuss NFTs, VeeCon – the first conference to be focused entirely on NFTs – and how she is giving back through the creation of her own NFT.
In this episode, I ponder the world that is crypto, NFTs, and the digital world.. Firstly, I try to wrap my head around what NFTs are; try to understand it and break it down. And, secondly, I ask the question to myself and to my listeners, do we dive into the world of digital investment blindly in order to stay relevant and out of FOMO – fear of missing out? In this day and age, new things keep popping up, and life seems to be flashing before us at the speed of light, I'm just trying to keep up! Who is with me?
Have you ever felt like something is wrong with you? Do you hear very often “you're too sensitive”, “stop overthinking everything”? do you very often feel overwhelmed by the world and what's going on around you? Too many people? So much bad news, needing a lot of recovery time to get over the constant bombardment of information and external stimuli? Then you just might be a highly sensitive person. HSPs are misunderstood and can grow up feeling isolated, and are often judged and criticized because of their differences and their extreme sensitivities. However, once you discover you are a highly sensitive person, all of it starts to make sense. With that comes greater self-awareness and self-confidence and makes it easier for you to channel your emotions better, and protect yourself from feelings of continued anxiety and depression from the world around you and the things outside of your control.
Yoga is about creating harmony between body, mind and soul; which even after 20 years, I have to honestly admit, I am not even close to achieving. At times, yoga can even feel very much like the opposite of harmony, when all we see on social media is yogis doing handstands, effortless looking backbends, and other contortion type postures. After all these years, I've come to the realization that my yoga practice is not a linear path, it's a reflection of my state of mind and ultimately my self-acceptance. I talk with Dylan Bernstein, an Ashtanga yoga instructor – a practice that is driven by the breath and postures – about his unwavering commitment to the practice, and what it symbolizes to him. As a teacher, he's discovered that at times it's not about the postures at all and rather about connection and self-acceptance. Can we benefit from yoga without a daily practice? Listen more to find out. You can connect with Dylan via his website or his Instagram account.
I'm back with Season 3, kickstarting the new year with an episode on my vision for 2022. I loved taking this time to think about how to shift gears, reflect on 2021, try to digest the rocky start of 2022, and how to turn it around to make it a great year. You'll get to hear all the commitments I've made to myself, and I'm also calling on you to make some of your own. What will you commit to this year?
Infertility is a condition that affects both men and women, and even though 15% of couples worldwide experience infertility, it is considered a dirty little secret that no one is comfortable talking about. My guest Nathalie Carpenter describes it as a mental, emotional, and physical condition that never goes away. As women, we power through it even though it takes a serious toll on our emotional wellbeing; we are expected to suffer silently and mostly alone, because for some reason, most societies have labeled it a female issue.
Today, I sat with Georgina Fuller, writer for The Telegraph, The Guardian, and Grazia UK, for a candid discussion on the challenges of raising kids nowadays. From social media, helicopter parenting, COVID-19 and dealing with comparison to other mothers, we hash out everything about the difficulty of just raising our kids the way we want to.
When was the last time you and your partner honestly talked about sex? Have you ever even talked about it? I'm joined by sex therapist ... who answers all the questions some of us are too afraid to ask. How often should I be having sex? Is it ok that I'm not enjoying it as much as I used to? What's the right amount of foreplay? Are porn and masturbation bad for my sex life? And most importantly, we talk about the importance of being honest with your partner and how to navigate those difficult - and even awkward - conversations. For more info on where to find Tara, you can find more info on her website, and on Instagram.
From mama to influencer, Sonia was a typical mother and wife living in Vancouver with her 4 children. During quarantine, like billions of us, Sonia turned to TikTok to watch silly videos and connect with others virtually during a worldwide pandemic. One day Sonia realized she could make some of these 15 second videos and gave it a try, fast forward to now she has over 5 million followers and growing and has become an influencer on one of the world's current mainstream platforms. Heba sits down with Sonia to hear not only how she's built her influence, but how she juggles her new found inspiration while being a mother and wife. Links: Mommy's Happy Hour Website Mommy's Happy Hour Instagram Mommy's Happy Hour TikTok
Heba brings aboard her husband, Hazem, again to interview Fara and Yehiaa, a married couple who have chosen not to have children. The four share their different lives and how children has affected their marriages and who they are individually. Links: Mommy's Happy Hour Website Mommy's Happy Hour instagram Mommy's Happy Hour TikTok
Can you believe we've reached the end of season one? This podcast has taught me so much about myself, the strength of mothers and what it means to just be human. I've learned so much from the incredible women on this show. My producer and I relive some moments that made us laugh, made us cry and some that left us with a lot to think about. Thanks for being with us on this journey, and I'll see you in season 2! And with the end of season I've got a great achievement to share. Can you guess what it is?
If there's one thing I've learned since having kids, it's that there's no one right way to parent. But, there are a million ways to make it easier and healthier for yourself and your kids. Maddie Milani talks about positive discipline, knowing how to say no, setting boundaries, and how potty training will happen when it's just time.
Can you believe we've reached the end of season one? This podcast has taught me so much about myself, the strength of mothers and what it means to just be human. I've learned so much from the incredible women on this show. My producer and I relive some moments that made us laugh, made us cry and some that left us with a lot to think about. Thanks for being with us on this journey, and I'll see you in season 2! And with the end of season I've got a great achievement to share. Can you guess what it is?
Can you believe we've reached the end of season one? This podcast has taught me so much about myself, the strength of mothers and what it means to just be human. I've learned so much from the incredible women on this show. My producer and I relive some moments that made us laugh, made us cry and some that left us with a lot to think about. Thanks for being with us on this journey, and I'll see you in season 2! And with the end of season I've got a great achievement to share. Can you guess what it is?
If there's one thing I've learned since having kids, it's that there's no one right way to parent. But, there are a million ways to make it easier and healthier for yourself and your kids. Maddie Milani talks about positive discipline, knowing how to say no, setting boundaries, and how potty training will happen when it's just time.
If there's one thing I've learned since having kids, it's that there's no one right way to parent. But, there are a million ways to make it easier and healthier for yourself and your kids. Maddie Milani talks about positive discipline, knowing how to say no, setting boundaries, and how potty training will happen when it's just time.
I'm catching up with my old friend Rania Sidky, a health coach, mother of three and host of a new cooking show, who was married, divorced, then remarried the same guy. Over the past few years, she's been able to reinvent herself by getting to know her children over again, finding new passions like opening up a hotdog restaurant, and starting couples therapy with her husband, a taboo subject here in Egypt. Join us as she talks about her inspiring journey of finding her love for life — and herself — again.
I'm catching up with my old friend Rania Sidky, a life coach, mother of three and host of a new cooking show, who was married, divorced, then remarried the same guy. Over the past few years, she's been able to reinvent herself by getting to know her children over again, finding new passions like opening up a hotdog restaurant, and starting couples therapy with her husband, a taboo subject here in Egypt. Join us as she talks about her inspiring journey of finding her love for life — and herself — again.
If you're trying to get pregnant, you're going to want to listen to this. Fiona Boulton is a holistic fertility expert who works with clients experiencing infertility. While her treatments rely on medicine, nutrition and physical health, they also revolve around mental and psychological methods, like energy hygiene and training yourself to think positively. Connect with us on Instagram.
If you're trying to get pregnant, you're going to want to listen to this. Fiona Boulton is a holistic fertility expert who works with clients experiencing infertility. While her treatments rely on medicine, nutrition and physical health, they also revolve around mental and psychological methods, like energy hygiene and training yourself to think positively. Connect with us on [Instagram](https://instagram.com/mommys.happyhour).
Nour Aboulela is an Instagram influencer with almost half a million followers. While she poses for brands and events, behind the scenes she's a hardworking mother who's been through tough times. She joins me to talk about the trauma she's suffered as she raises a son who experiences seizures, therapy and antidepressants, free diving, and realizing there's never a moment you'll be ready for motherhood.
Nour Aboulela is an Instagram influencer with almost half a million followers. While she poses for brands and events, behind the scenes she's a hardworking mother who's been through tough times. She joins me to talk about the trauma she's suffered as she raises a son who experiences seizures, therapy and antidepressants, free diving, and realizing there's never a moment you'll be ready for motherhood.
Egypt celebrated Mother's Day a few days ago, so I talked to the mother I know best: my own. She's an outspoken woman, and she makes some good points on how times have changed, my sister's decision to not have kids, and being lax in parenting style. But, when it comes to my potty training strategy and disciplining my kids, let's just say we can agree to disagree.
Egypt celebrated Mother's Day a few days ago, so I talked to the mother I know best: my own. She's an outspoken woman, and she makes some good points on how times have changed, my sister's decision to not have kids, and being lax in parenting style. But, when it comes to my potty training strategy and disciplining my kids, let's just say we can agree to disagree.
If you've had kids, you know pregnancy cravings all too well. But what should we know about the things we don't usually crave, like vitamins, minerals and balanced diets? My guest this week is Janine Higbie, a certified nutritionist, and she's got alll the tips on what and how to eat while you're pregnant, during the pre and post-natal days, when you're breastfeeding, intermittent fasting, and more.
If you've had kids, you know pregnancy cravings all too well. But what should we know about the things we don't usually crave, like vitamins, minerals and balanced diets? My guest this week is Janine Higbie, a certified nutritionist, and she's got alll the tips on what and how to eat while you're pregnant, during the pre and post-natal days, when you're breastfeeding, intermittent fasting, and more.
Eiman had her life planned out for her when she moved back to Saudi Arabia and got married soon after. Turns out as much as she'd planned, some things just go differently. Join us as we talk about how marriage may not be for everyone, Eiman's experience living and dating in Saudi and how kids deal with divorce.
Eiman had her life planned out for her when she moved back to Saudi Arabia and got married soon after. Turns out as much as she'd planned, some things just go differently. Join us as we talk about how marriage may not be for everyone, Eiman's experience living and dating in Saudi and how kids deal with divorce.
They say that perfection is a journey that never ends. To be honest, my friend Cindy and I would like it to. Join us as we talk about how we've learned to accept becoming first time mothers after the age of 40, mental health during covid, the challenges of single motherhood, and the adventures of dating.
They say that perfection is a journey that never ends. To be honest, my friend Cindy and I would like it to. Join us as we talk about how we've learned to accept becoming first time mothers after the age of 40, mental health during covid, the challenges of single motherhood, and the adventures of dating.
I'm joined today by my friend Naila Halawa--in person! Naila was diagnosed with an auto-immune disorder at 24, and we spoke about how she copes with it and how it affected her decision to become a mother. We also come to the lovely realization that we've turned into our own mothers. Shit, how did that happen?! Enjoyed the episode? [Tell me about it](https://instagram.com/mommys.happyhour)!
I'm joined today by my friend Naila Halawa--in person! Naila was diagnosed with an auto-immune disorder at 24, and we spoke about how she copes with it and how it affected her deicsion to become a mother. We also come to the lovely realization that we've turned into our own mothers. Shit, how did that happen?! Enjoyed the episode? Tell me about it!
He's back by popular demand! My husband Hazem joins me back on the show to recap 2020 and talk about our aspirations for 2021. We were intrigued by the launch of Prince Harry & Meghan Markle's podcast, so naturally we listened to their first episode, and we had some thoughts and wanted to challenge the royal couple this year. Hopefully this message reaches them! Wishing everyone a happy new year!
He's back by popular demand! My husband Hazem joins me back on the show to recap 2020 and talk about our aspirations for 2021. We were intrigued by the launch of Prince Harry & Meghan Markle's podcast, so naturally we listened to their first episode, and we had some thoughts and wanted to challenge the royal couple this year. Hopefully this message reaches them! Wishing everyone a happy new year!
I’m joined on the show by Kaz Castillo, a yogi who runs her own practice specialized in Ashtanga Yoga, a close friend and a recent mother—her son was born in December 2019. We chat about her returning to work just a couple months after becoming a mother, traveling for extended periods of time very nonchalantly with her toddler, and discovering what she calls ‘baby minutia’—those little things you only discover once you become a mother. I'd love to hear what you think of the episode, give us a shout on Instagram or a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser.
I'm joined on the show by Kaz Castillo, a yogi who runs her own practice specialized in Ashtanga Yoga, a close friend and a recent mother—her son was born in December 2019. We chat about her returning to work just a couple months after becoming a mother, traveling for extended periods of time very nonchalantly with her toddler, and discovering what she calls ‘baby minutia'—those little things you only discover once you become a mother. I'd love to hear what you think of the episode, give us a shout on [Instagram](https://instagram.com/mommys.happyhour) or a review on [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mommys-happy-hour/id1534545253) or [Podchaser](https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/mommys-happy-hour-1486020).
I've known Nicole Sprague for many years, back when she lived in Cairo, before we had kids and life consisted of endlessly socializing over drinks with friends. And while we don't have endless hours to discuss our "relationships" anymore, we do make time to compare notes about marriage and motherhood. And I was relieved to learn Nicole overthinks being an older mother just as much as I do, and how we'll be much older as our kids go through childhood compared to our own mothers, and the other mothers around us. I'd love to hear what you think of the episode, give us a shout on [Instagram](https://instagram.com/mommys.happyhour) or a review on [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mommys-happy-hour/id1534545253) or [Podchaser](https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/mommys-happy-hour-1486020).
I've known Nicole Sprague for many years, back when she lived in Cairo, before we had kids and life consisted of endlessly socializing over drinks with friends. And while we don't have endless hours to discuss our "relationships" anymore, we do make time to compare notes about marriage and motherhood. And I was relieved to learn Nicole overthinks being an older mother just as much as I do, and how we'll be much older as our kids go through childhood compared to our own mothers, and the other mothers around us. I'd love to hear what you think of the episode, give us a shout on Instagram or a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser.
My friend Nadine Dumas is a mother to her 8 year old boy, lives in the Cayman Islands and is a former accountant-turned-successful-entrepreneur. She's an eating psychology practioner, mind & body nutrition coach and 11x international cover model while also being a leading business woman and influencer in the worldwide fitness market. But what I found the most interesting is that she actually takes her son with her everywhere, something she's done since he was less than a year old. Whaaat?! Nadine is inspiring, compassionate and really passionate about what she does; she talks to me about how she juggles work, parenting, and finding time for romance.
My friend Nadine Dumas is a mother to her 8 year old boy, lives in the Cayman Islands and is a former accountant-turned-successful-entrepreneur. She's an eating psychology practioner, mind & body nutrition coach and 11x international cover model while also being a leading business woman and influencer in the worldwide fitness market. But what I found the most interesting is that she actually takes her son with her everywhere, something she's done since he was less than a year old. Whaaat?! Nadine is inspiring, compassionate and really passionate about what she does; she talks to me about how she juggles work, parenting, and finding time for romance.
I had no idea how sleep deprived I would be after I had the twins. Four months of minimal sleep and screaming babies all-day-long led to a complete nervous breakdown. That's when I decided to sleep-train the twins, and it still remains the best decision I made. On the episode, I speak to Ann Marks about her consulting service, [Full Feedings](http://fullfeedings.com), and how she supports mothers to build the foundation for their babies' healthy sleep from birth. As she says, "getting your baby consistently sleeping through the night isn't something that happens by chance. It takes planning, commitment to a daily routine, and hard work".
Updated audio Sorry about that guys, we had an error with our audio file, which is now resolved. I had no idea how sleep deprived I would be after I had the twins. Four months of minimal sleep and screaming babies all-day-long led to a complete nervous breakdown. That's when I decided to sleep-train the twins, and it still remains the best decision I made. On the episode, I speak to Ann Marks about her consulting service, Full Feedings, and how she supports mothers to build the foundation for their babies' healthy sleep from birth. As she says, "getting your baby consistently sleeping through the night isn’t something that happens by chance. It takes planning, commitment to a daily routine, and hard work".
My husband and I recount our first year as parents, and not sure how we made it through our first year with twins. We discuss candidly, the good, the bad and the funny of the first year of parenting.
My husband and I recount our first year as parents, and not sure how we made it through our first year with twins. We discuss candidly, the good, the bad and the funny of the first year of parenting.
My husband and I recount our first year as parents, and not sure how we made it through our first year with twins. We discuss candidly, the good, the bad and the funny of the first year of parenting.
A new podcast about all things motherhood, coming October 2020.
A new podcast about all things motherhood, coming October 2020.
A new podcast about all things motherhood, coming October 2020.
Eiman had her life planned out for her when she moved back to Saudi Arabia and got married soon after. Turns out as much as she'd planned, some things just go differently. Join us as we talk about how marriage may not be for everyone, Eiman's experience living and dating in Saudi and how kids deal with divorce.
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