Karak with Mahreen

This episode is brought to you by Amazon.ae. Don't miss out on the Amazon White Friday Sale happening this November from the 21st to 30th. BUT if you're a Prime Member, you get earlier access to all the discounts on the 20th. It's Amazon's BIGGEST sale of the year. Check it out now: https://www.amazon.ae/whitefriday?_encoding=UTF8&tag=wfs24-retail-influencer-na-mahreenmunir-ae-podcast2-na-21 In this episode of "Shopping the Desi Way," we dive into fun and relatable shopping habits with Jumana. From getting our moms’ approval to making the most of Amazon's White Friday Sale, we share tips, laughter , the joy of snagging great deals and why Amazon.ae is our go to for all things shopping! Don't miss out on our hilarious take on Desi family dynamics and online shopping!

This episode is brought to you by Amazon.ae. Don't miss out on the Amazon White Friday Sale happening this November from the 21st to 30th. BUT if you're a Prime Member, you get earlier access to all the discounts on the 20th. It's Amazon's BIGGEST sale of the year. Check it out now: https://www.amazon.ae/whitefriday?_encoding=UTF8&tag=wfs24-retail-influencer-na-mahreenmunir-ae-podcast1-na-21 In this episode, I sat down with Priti Malik to explore the quirks of Desi shopping culture. We shared personal stories about the beloved “Walk Away” bargaining technique, family shopping traditions, and how Amazon.ae is changing the way desi families shop. Tune in for a lighthearted look at cultural shopping habits and the excitement of scoring the best deals.

In this episode, Wilonda, founder of The Brush Spa in Dubai, dives into her journey from Haiti to the UAE. She opens up about embracing her Caribbean heritage, the challenges of building a beauty business, and the impact of social media on body image and eating disorders. She also discusses the pressure of unrealistic beauty standards and subtle racism that often goes unnoticed. Tune in for a powerful discussion on beauty, culture, and the unique experiences of life in Dubai.

In this episode, Keith Pereña, a Filipino journalist in the UAE, shares his inspiring journey from selling pens at trade shows to interviewing top personalities like Olympic medalists and Miss Universe. Keith talks about his family’s move to Dubai, Work life in the UAE, Linguistic racism, Filipino expats in the UAE, Similarities between Emirati and Filipino culture, and the challenges expats face. He also touches on media’s role in connecting cultures and navigating his identity while working at top publications. Grab your Karak and join the conversation!

In this episode, Umar Punjabi dives into his personal journey of making money at 10, experiencing homelessness, and enduring an abusive father. He shares how the constant violence led him to hallucinate fights, and how cultural views on divorce made it harder to escape the situation. Umar also talks about the religious bias he's observed, where people selectively preach what benefits them. He believes that instead of therapy, success is the key to overcoming life's struggles. Grab your karak and join us for this deep and inspiring conversation.

Join Sahil Sajan as he explores the complexities of managing a family business and the pressure to meet family expectations. He candidly discusses growing up in a South Asian household, the privilege of inheriting a business, and the importance of working hard to earn that privilege. Sahil also reflects on his parents' expectations and how it stems from their care for his safety and success. The episode also touches on whether it's better to join the family business or start from scratch, and the unmatched comfort of living in the UAE. Grab your Karak for this insightful chat!

In this episode, Ahmed, the founder of Aqua Fun, shares his journey from bankruptcy and legal battles to building the world’s largest inflatable water park in Dubai. He dives deep into the cultural differences between the UAE and the West, and whether there’s a real divide between Emiratis and expats. Ahmed also explores the challenges and positives of living in Dubai, the blend of tradition and modern life, and the importance of tolerance and respect in a diverse society. Join us for an honest and inspiring conversation on resilience, culture, and success in the UAE.

In this episode, Manisha Chhabra, the founder of Numaish, shares how she built one of the UAE's biggest fashion exhibitions, empowering over 2,000 designers and promoting South Asian culture. She talks about the power of financial independence for women, turning exhibitions into a new way to shop, and keeping traditional fashion alive. Manisha also dives into her own journey, breaking down barriers, finding fresh talent, and creating a legacy. Grab your Karak and join us for an inspiring conversation!

In this episode, Mariah Al-Idrisi shares her story as a Moroccan-Pakistani growing up in the UK. She talks about being the first hijabi model and how it changed the fashion industry. Mariah discusses the rise of Islamophobia, judgment within the Muslim community, and the importance of real media representation. Grab your Karak and listen in for an engaging conversation!

In this episode, Shadia Siddiqui, host of "What's Brown Got to Do With It," shares her journey. She talks about growing up with an Indian father and Pakistani mother in the UK, facing racism, and dealing with strict cultural norms. Shadia discusses how immigrant families hold onto old values while their home countries evolve and how her modern family helped her embrace her culture. She highlights her diverse friend groups, the influence of her open-minded father, and the evolving attitudes of newer generations. Shadia also talks about the impact of financial independence and being a single mother facing societal judgments. Grab your Karak and join us for an inspiring conversation!

Join Mahreen in this enlightening episode as she converses with Priti Malik, a charismatic radio host from Dubai, renowned for her vibrant presence on the Kris Fade Show. She opens up about the challenges she faced in the media industry, confronting stereotypes, and advocating for greater cultural representation. Priti also shares heartfelt stories about her family's impact on her life choices, her experiences navigating an interfaith marriage, and her ongoing commitment to celebrating her cultural roots. Tune in to explore how Priti Malik embraces her cultural identity while breaking barriers and stereotypes in the international media landscape. Grab a cup of chai and enjoy this inspiring tale of culture, identity, and success.

In this episode, Dr. Hasia, the creator of Doctor's Dose, shares her journey of building a global skincare brand. She talks about the power of mindset, positive energy, and manifesting dreams. Dr. Hasia also discusses her love for makeup, fashion, and dressing up, and how she defied the stereotype that nerds can't be fashionable by excelling academically while embracing her girly side. She shares her experience moving from the UK to Dubai, the cultural adjustments, and rapidly building her business. Grab your Karak and join us for an inspiring conversation!

In this episode Layla talks about entitlement, feminism, and the impact of Western culture on society. She talks about tackling entitlement in social media, shares her unique perspective on feminism versus typical Western views, and discusses how Western norms broadly influence people's behaviors and beliefs. This episode focuses on the complexities of embracing personal values against the backdrop of global ideologies. Grab your Karak and join us for a thoughtful conversation

In this episode, Umer talks about starting a creative hub in Dubai and dealing with mental health challenges. He reflects on how creativity has deeply influenced his life, supported by his family. Umer also dives into the changing social and cultural norms in Pakistan, discussing how attitudes towards mental health are improving, the challenges of old expectations, and how these changes impact personal identity and society. Grab your karak and join us for an inspiring discussion on creativity, identity, and resilience. Enjoy the show!

In this episode Abbey talks about moving from America to Dubai and finding Islam. She talks about her first challenges, facing stereotypes, and how these led her to Islam. Abbey shares how prayer gave her purpose and the change after accepting a new faith. She also mentions feeling part of the Muslim community and how her views have changed. It's a story of adjusting, finding faith, and fitting in. So, grab your Karak and enjoy the show.

In this episode, we talk about the tough choices we make between following our dreams and meeting family expectations. We hear from people with different stories on how they kept true to themselves while staying close to their families and culture. From picking careers to deciding where to live or who to marry, we dive into the struggles and wins of balancing personal goals with family ties. So grab your Karak and get ready to hear real stories about making your own path with family and culture in mind.

In this episode Divya Bhathela talks about her unexpected career as a cabin crew member and the adventures that followed. She shares how her mother's strength and unique views on life helped shape her into the person she is today. From dealing with surprises to finding her own way in Dubai, Divya's journey is all about staying strong and believing in yourself, thanks to her family's support. This episode is a heartwarming look at growing up, facing challenges, and the importance of family. So, grab your Karak and enjoy the show.

This episode features Neeti Sharma, who dives into her journey of growing up with a Desi background in a Western context. Neeti shares her insights on the struggles of identity formation, the pressure of academic and professional ambitions, and the complex dynamics of love and approval in Desi families. Her personal anecdotes shed light on the challenges of fitting in, battling societal beauty standards, and decoding the unique ways Desi parents express affection. Join us as Neeti discusses embracing her heritage while forging her path in a different cultural landscape, reflecting the intersections of culture, aspiration, and emotional bonds. Grab your Karak and enjoy the show

In this conversation with Mohammed we explore his journey about life's challenges, mental wellness, and the often overlooked realm of couple therapy. Uncover the power of positive thinking and learn to navigate self-doubt. From conquering Kilimanjaro to scaling the peaks of personal growth, this podcast delves into uncharted territories, offering insights on resilience, love, and the untapped potential within us all. Grab a cup of Karak and enjoy the show!

In this conversation with Sundeep Fernandes we explore the layers behind the laughter. Sundeep, a digital star renowned for his comedic genius, reveals the complexities of navigating life as an introvert in the spotlight. From humorous takes on societal expectations to profound insights on personal identity and the essence of happiness, Sundeep shares his journey beyond the jokes. He shares with us his honest thoughts on love, marriages, and divorces in today's society. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

In this insightful chat with Richard Fitzgerald, founder of Lovin Dubai, we dive deep into the heart of media evolution, entrepreneurship, and positive storytelling of Dubai. Richard shares his candid thoughts on navigating the media landscape, emphasizing the importance of ethical journalism, the power of positive news, and the building of a media brand that genuinely reflects and impacts society. From discussing the challenges of sensationalism to celebrating the human spirit, this episode shares how meaningful content can connect and uplift society. Grab your cup of Karak and enjoy the show. ---------------------------------------------------------------------Chapters:00:00:00 - Building an Entrepreneurial Journey in the Media Space00:05:24 - Building a Business with No Shortcuts00:10:55 - The Significance of New Media00:16:23 - Competition and the Production of Bad Media00:21:47 - The Evolution of Digital Marketing in Different Markets00:27:28 - Celebrating People's Successes00:32:54 - The Power of Media in Promoting Social Good00:38:23 - The Impact of Media on Society 00:43:39 - Dealing with Cancel Culture00:49:01 - Gift Opening --------------------------------------------------------------------- Feel Good Tea 'MAHREEN' for 30% off Make sure to get your Feel Good Tea tea boxes for 30% off using the code 'MAHREEN' in checkout. https://thefeelgoodtea.co/ I absolutely love their tea boxes, their values, and their community. It's such a wholesome gift for your family, friends, or even for yourself. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Richard FitzGerald Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitzyrichard/ LovinDubai: https://www.instagram.com/lovindubai/ --------------------------- Follow Karak With Mahreen for more meaningful conversations on life, identity, and culture with fascinating individuals of the UAE. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karamwithmahreen TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@karakwithmahreen YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@karakwithmahreen

In this episode, Anand takes us on a hilarious yet insightful journey from his early days in traditional roles across the US, India, and the UAE to finding his true calling in comedy. He shares the cultural shocks, the quirks of corporate life, and how humor became his bridge between worlds. Anand's stories are not just laughs; they're about chasing dreams, understanding diverse cultures, and finding joy in the unexpected. Join me for a ride filled with laughter and revelations by sipping your own cup of Karak along the way. ---------------------------------------------------------------------Chapters:00:00:00 - Introduction to Anand Raman and his Comedy Career00:05:59 - Job Hunt Struggles in India, USA00:11:42 - Micromanagement and Toxic Work Cultures00:17:34 - Job Interviews, Salaries, and Visa Issues00:23:25 - Know Your Rights and Work Culture00:29:15 - Cultural Expectations in South Asian Families00:35:16 - Navigating Different Perspectives on Comedy and Creativity00:41:01 - Boarding School and Comedy Journey00:47:00 - Balancing Comedy and Offensive Jokes --------------------------------------------------------------------- Feel Good Tea 'MAHREEN' for 30% off Make sure to get your Feel Good Tea tea boxes for 30% off using the code 'MAHREEN' in checkout. https://thefeelgoodtea.co/ I absolutely love their tea boxes, their values, and their community. It's such a wholesome gift for your family, friends, or even for yourself. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Anand Raman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anandraman_/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sundeepandanand--------------------------- Follow Karak With Mahreen for more meaningful conversations on life, identity, and culture with fascinating individuals of the UAE. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karamwithmahreen TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@karakwithmahreen YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@karakwithmahreen

This episode takes you on a fast-paced journey from the traditions of India to the buzz of New York City. We chat about the crazy world of modern matchmaking, the evolving roles of women, and how to make it big in NYC. Keziah has lived in NYC for a major portion of her life before moving to India to be CEO of Dholakia Foundation for the past 6 months. Enjoy this interesting episode about the experiences within two distinct yet beautiful cultures with your own cup of Karak! --------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapters: 00:00:00 - Youngest CEO of Dholakia Foundation in India 00:06:12 - The Significance of COP 00:12:28 - Empowering People through Choice 00:18:40 - Extreme Dating in Different Cultures 00:25:13 - Cultural Differences and Comments 00:31:44 - Finding Comfort in Starbucks 00:38:14 - Embracing Different Cultures and Traditions 00:44:50 - Impacting and Inspiring Others 00:51:06 - Living in New York City 00:57:31 - Thank You --------------------------------------------------------------------- Feel Good Tea 'MAHREEN' for 30% off Make sure to get your Feel Good Tea tea boxes for 30% off using the code 'MAHREEN' in checkout. https://thefeelgoodtea.co/ I absolutely love their tea boxes, their values, and their community. It's such a wholesome gift for your family, friends, or even for yourself. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Keziah Gerosano Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kzgerosano/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keziah-theresee-gerosano-08a1a718b --------------------------- Follow Karak With Mahreen for more meaningful conversations on life, identity, and culture with fascinating individuals of the UAE. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karamwithmahreen TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@karakwithmahreen YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@karakwithmahreen

In this episode of Karak With Mahreen, we explore Chinese parenting through the eyes of our guest, Hana, a successful Chinese entrepreneur who credits her achievements to the strict discipline instilled by her parents. We're talking tough love, high expectations, and how these shaped her today. She shares personal anecdotes, revealing how a balance of strictness and support from her family not only pushed her towards excellence but also taught her the value of resilience and hard work. From discussing the pressures of academic success to familial expectations, this episode offers a nuanced look at the impact of Chinese cultural values on personal growth. So, pour yourself a cup of Karak, and enjoy the show. --------------------------- Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:04:58 - Starting a Company and Taking Care of Workers 00:09:33 - The Importance of Continuous Learning 00:14:28 - Learning English and Female Entrepreneurship in China 00:19:08 - Raising Strong Girls in China 00:23:44 - Support and Selection of Customers 00:28:26 - The Role of My Father in My Life 00:33:23 - Chinese Culture and Education 00:37:55 - The Importance of Strict Parenting 00:42:43 - Gift Time! --------------------------- Feel Good Tea 'MAHREEN' for 30% off Make sure to get your Feel Good Tea tea boxes for 30% off using the code 'MAHREEN' in checkout. https://thefeelgoodtea.co/ I absolutely love their tea boxes, their values, and their community. It's such a wholesome gift for your family, friends, or even for yourself. --------------------------- Follow Karak With Mahreen for more meaningful conversations on life, identity, and culture with fascinating individuals of the UAE. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karamwithmahreen TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@karakwithmahreen YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@karakwithmahreen

*Tahrim and I are both wearing these beautiful sets made by Tahrim Munir. You can find them here: https://www.instagram.com/tahrimmunir/* In this episode of "Karak With Mahreen," we dive into the touching story of Tahrim and Harris, a couple who found love through an arranged marriage. Tahrim opens up about her life as a deaf individual and how it's shaped her approach to love and relationships. Harris brings in his perspective on how he is making the relationship work. We talk about everything from the little misunderstandings to the big, life-changing moments, showing us that at the end of the day, it's all about listening to each other. So grab your favorite cup of Karak, sit back, and enjoy the show. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introductions 00:06:34 - How They Met 00:12:57 - Concerns about Communication and Cultural Differences 00:18:51 - Adjusting to a Different Lifestyle in the UK 00:24:58 - Marriage and Family Pressure 00:31:14 - Understanding Red Flags and Communication in Arranged Marriages 00:37:16 - Moving to Dubai 00:43:07 - The Importance of Individuality in a Relationship 00:49:19 - Navigating Expectations in Marriage 00:55:34 - Gift Time - Feel Good Tea --------------------------------------------------------------------- Feel Good Tea 'MAHREEN' for 30% off Make sure to get your Feel Good Tea tea boxes for 30% off using the code 'MAHREEN' in checkout. https://thefeelgoodtea.co/ I absolutely love their tea boxes, their values, and their community. It's such a wholesome gift for your family, friends, or even for yourself. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Tahrim Munir TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@mrstahrim Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrstahrim/ Harris Ahmed https://www.instagram.com/harrisjournals/ Find our outfits here: https://www.instagram.com/tahrimmunir/ --------------------------- Follow Karak With Mahreen for more meaningful conversations on life, identity, and culture with fascinating individuals of the UAE. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karamwithmahreen TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@karakwithmahreen YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@karakwithmahreen

You may know Umang Shandilya as Dubai’s incredible Dance influencer, but she is also an architect, an astrologer, a Vastu consultant, a numerologist, and now she is declared to be Instagram’s most loved entertainer blogger. In this conversation, we dived into her love for dance, why it is so culturally important in India, and her learnings from Hinduism and Vastu. We explored a brand new realm of topics in this episode where I learned a lot more about some of the important practices in Indian culture. It's always super fun to talk to Umang! --------------------------------------------------------------------- Feel Good Tea Make sure to get your Feel Good Tea tea boxes for 30% off using the code 'MAHREEN' in checkout. https://thefeelgoodtea.co/ I absolutely love their tea boxes, their values, and their community. It's such a wholesome gift for your family, friends, or even for yourself. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapters:00:00:00 - Dance as a Divine Energy00:08:53 - The Cultural Power of Dance00:17:31 - Dealing with Negativity and Overthinking00:26:15 - The Impact of TikTok on Dance Culture00:35:06 - Overcoming Body Shaming00:44:09 - The Study of Vastu in Architecture00:53:00 - Influence of Energy Flow in a House01:01:53 - Nurture and Karma in Astrology01:11:01 - Hindu Caste System in India01:20:10 - Ending --------------------------------------------------------------------- Umang Shandilya Dosanjh Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/umangshandilya/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCvgzQLHWclaNMaGzspW1_1w --------------------------- Follow Karak With Mahreen for more meaningful conversations on life, identity, and culture with fascinating individuals of the UAE. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karamwithmahreen TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@karakwithmahreen YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@karakwithmahreen

Erim Kaur is a powerhouse. She has built a multi-million pound luxury hair care brand from scratch. She also uses her platform to empower women all over the world, those without moms, without sisters. In this conversation, we dove deep into the Punjabi culture to understand why there is a strong pride among Punjabis. We also discussed some of the challenges among the Punjabi community including alcoholism before understanding how Erim has navigated through social media scrutiny, especially as a female influencer. Lots of laughters, interesting experiences, and insights shared in this episode! It's a must-watch if you're a Punjabi yourself. -------------------------- Feel Good Tea Make sure to get your Feel Good Tea tea boxes for 30% off using the code 'MAHREEN' in checkout. https://thefeelgoodtea.co/ I absolutely love their tea boxes, their values, and their community. It's such a wholesome gift for your family, friends, or even for yourself. ---------------------------------------------------------------------Chapters:00:00:00 - Punjabi Cultural Identity and Pride00:04:39 - Challenging Punjabi Drinking Culture00:09:10 - Women Empowerment00:13:38 - Comparison on Social Media00:17:55 - Double Standards and Hate Comments00:22:26 - Social Media and Beauty Standards00:27:06 - The Choice to Use Filters and Beauty Standards00:31:26 - Empowering Women of Color in Corporate Spaces00:36:01 - Relationship Preferences and the Pressure of Marriage00:40:13 - The Fear of Being Single00:44:40 - Winning the Beauty Influencer Award in Dubai00:53:30 - Outro ---------------------------------------------------------------------Erim Kaur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erim/ ByErim Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byerim/ Website: https://www.byerim.com/ --------------------------- Follow Karak With Mahreen for more meaningful conversations on life, identity, and culture with fascinating individuals of the UAE. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karamwithmahreen TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@karakwithmahreen YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@karakwithmahreen

Omar Ghanem is a social impact genius, the co-founder of U-Light, a company that impacts 12,000+ families with access to energy. He’s raised $2m for his Web3 gaming startup. An entrepreneurial wizard with a crazy storytelling power that got him all the way to United Nations. In this episode, we talked about the power of storytelling, the beauty of being in a collectivist, family-based culture, and the significance of teachers in our lives. -------------------------- Feel Good Tea Make sure to get your Feel Good Tea tea boxes for 30% off using the code 'MAHREEN' in checkout. https://thefeelgoodtea.co/ I absolutely love their tea boxes, their values, and their community. It's such a wholesome gift for your family, friends, or even for yourself. -------------------------- CHAPTERS 00:00:00 - Introduction00:08:08 - The Power of Storytelling and Being Stubborn00:15:42 - The Impact of ULite on People's Lives00:23:33 - Networking and its Importance00:30:48 - The Influence of Dubai's Culture00:38:07 - Influence of Family and External Circles00:45:49 - Comparisons and Grounded Values in Arab Culture00:53:08 - The Importance of Making the Most of Education Years01:00:41 - The Influence of Environment and Luck01:08:22 - Outro --------------------------- Omar Ghanem https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsomarghanem/?originalSubdomain=ae --------------------------- Follow Karak With Mahreen for more meaningful conversations on life, identity, and culture with fascinating individuals of the UAE. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karamwithmahreen TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@karakwithmahreen YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@karakwithmahreen

Saba Yussouf is an investor, a speaker, and the CEO of InvisiSmart, a tech company that kills germs. She is revolutionizing the science industry, all while being a badass woman and a really cool Pakistani female living and enjoying life. In this episode, we talk all about how Saba navigates through the judgement and criticism she faces as she lives her life differently from Pakistani norms. She is breaking social norms and empowering women all over the world by redefining what it means to be a women in this day and age. -------------------------- Feel Good Tea Make sure to get your Feel Good Tea tea boxes for 30% off using the code 'MAHREEN' in checkout. https://thefeelgoodtea.co/ I absolutely love their tea boxes, their values, and their community. It's such a wholesome gift for your family, friends, or even for yourself. -------------------------- CHAPTERS 00:00:00 - Being an Outsider 00:06:47 - Being an Introvert in Social Settings 00:12:49 - Family Relationships and Hard Work 00:19:26 - The Importance of Family and Overcoming Judgement 00:25:51 - Breaking Boundaries and Defying Expectations 00:32:30 - The Pressure of Marriage and Societal Expectations 00:39:11 - Society's Blame on Divorced Women and Men 00:45:51 - The Meaning of Real Religion 00:52:44 - Reflecting on Relationships and Dating Advice 00:59:39 - Feel Good Tea Gift Opening --------------------------- Saba Yussouf Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabayussouf/ --------------------------- Follow Karak With Mahreen for more meaningful conversations on life, identity, and culture with fascinating individuals of the UAE. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karamwithmahreen TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@karakwithmahreen YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@karakwithmahreen

In this episode, Mashal and I dive into a vast array of topics from understanding the rights of women in South Asia and how that has evolved to the privilege of freedom and safety in Dubai. We discuss stories of social media hate and cancel culture, as well as how to navigate through that. In the realms of mental health, we touched upon the perception of therapy in society and how to manage that. This was quite an enlightening discussion that I am sure you'll enjoy too with a cup of Karak. -------------------------- Feel Good Tea Make sure to get your Feel Good Tea tea boxes for 25% off using the code 'MAHREEN' in checkout. https://thefeelgoodtea.co/ I absolutely love their tea boxes, their values, and their community. It's such a wholesome gift for your family, friends, or even for yourself. -------------------------- Mashal Waqar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mashalwaqarr/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mashalwaqar/ --------------------------- Follow Karak With Mahreen for more meaningful conversations on life, identity, and culture with fascinating individuals of the UAE. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karamwithmahreen TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@karakwithmahreen YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@karakwithmahreen

Craig Fernandes is on a mission to make education more accessible for students across the world. He founded Lock&Stock, a platform that improved students' digital wellbeing, and is now the founder of SecureMyScholarships, a company that bridges the gap between students' dream universities and funding. He is making a difference in this world by reducing educational inequality, one student at a time. In this episode, we dive into the intricacies of educational inequality, the importance of scholarships, and how messed up the education system is. It is a very interesting conversation on all things school, university, and education. ___________________________________ CHAPTERS 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:05:15 - Discovering Digital Addiction00:10:33 - Impact on Students' Education00:15:31 - Scaling Secure My Scholarship00:20:25 - Helping a Struggling Mother's Child00:25:44 - Pursuing Dreams of Studying in America00:30:57 - Disruption in the Education System00:36:12 - The Importance of Learning in the Real World00:41:09 - The Importance of Managing Mental Health00:46:25 - Outro ___________________________________ Craig: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-fernandes-securemyscholarship/ ___________________________________ Follow Karak With Mahreen for more meaningful conversations on life, identity, and culture with fascinating individuals of the UAE. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karamwithmahreen TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@karakwithmahreen YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@karakwithmahreen

 @YourFellowArab  is a YouTuber on a mission to show the human side behind the most dangerous places in the world. He is challenging stereotypes in every place he visits with the aim to understand the people rather than judge them. From being a professional gamer to a successful streamer and now, a worldwide renowned YouTuber, Arab has dominated every industry he has been in. In this fascinating episode, we dive deep into the stories of his visits to understand the circumstances the people have been put into resulting in what they do. We talk about the stereotypical views of the underprivileged individuals to not justify their actions but to understand where they come from. This was one of the most interesting conversations I've had to date. ___________________________________ CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 1:40 - USA Passport Privilege 5:32 - Online Judgement 06:28 - Stereotypes 13:27 - Fighting For Change 16:11 - How Travelling Has Impacted Arab 19:40 - Humor as a Defense Mechanism 20:32 - Happiness in the Poorest vs Richest Places 22:40 - USA Creates Issues 27:42 - Why the Gangs Do What They Do35:27 - The Passion for Gaming and Starting to Travel42:08 - Trash Talking and Gender Stereotypes48:47 - Removing Videos from YouTube55:12 - Breaking the Ice with Respectful Jokes ___________________________________ Arab: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arab Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC8H9Zmx8CslalkliFegKXhQ ___________________________________ Follow Karak With Mahreen for more meaningful conversations on life, identity, and culture with fascinating individuals of the UAE. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karamwithmahreen TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@karakwithmahreen YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@karakwithmahreen

Simrin Gupta is an incredibly passionate woman who has mastered the art of journalism, presenting, broadcasting, and more. She is a ball of energy, love, and enthusiasm. She also happens to be a shrimp-addict turned vegetarian who is passionate about animal rights. In this diverse conversation, we talk about so many different topics from love to relationships to animal rights advocacy and radical feminism. Simrin breaks down the true meaning of feminism, the reason for respecting animals, and the secrets behind finding love. One of the most enriching conversations I have had till date. ___________________________________ Simrin Gupta: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simmyyg/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Simmyyg ___________________________________ Follow Karak With Mahreen for more meaningful conversations on life, identity, and culture with fascinating individuals of the UAE. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karamwithmahreen TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@karakwithmahreen YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@karakwithmahreen

In this episode, Mohammed and I explore the intricacies about UAE and its culture. We discuss the different elements of the culture that has shaped him to become who he is. We also explore things he would like to see improved in his society. Mohammed Aljasmi is a presenter, cultural guide, content creator, and educator who does it all to inform people about the UAE culture. He takes on the world with his big, wide smile. Above all, he values the importance of being a 'good human being'. ________________________________ Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 04:16 - What do you love about the UAE? 10:00 - What do tourists find very different about the UAE? 12:34 - Why did you want to learn more about the history of your country? 15:35 - The pitfalls of our school system. 23:20 - What is your view on the impacts of AI? 25:05 - How do you think the collectivist culture of UAE impact happiness? 32:00 - How important is being alone? 36:50 - Stereotypes of the Arab World? 42:25 - Is it difficult to create personal space when you love being around people? ________________________________ Mohammed Aljasmi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/withmohammed/ Follow Karak With Mahreen for more meaningful conversations on life, identity, and culture with interesting people of the UAE. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karakwithma... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@karakwithmahreen YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@karakwithmahreen  

In this episode, I talk to Avni about the stereotypes imposed on women entering into the tech industries and the ways one can tackle and eliminate them as they advance in their careers. We talked about the nature of workplaces today and how such biases emerged in the first place. Avni Barman is a sensational woman who empowers young women in tech for a living. She has founded her company, Generation She, which provides a platform for ambitious Gen Z women in tech to connect with top tech startups and lead leading the next generation of billion dollar companies. She is an absolute legend.

In this episode, I talk with Ghaliaa, a multi-talented woman who is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. We discuss about how our childhood and upbringing influences our ability to express ourselves emotionally. This was a personal conversation where we dive deep into finding outlets to release our emotions in, how music has been that outlet for her, and how we can overcome the toxic process of bottling up feelings.

Nouf Al Katheeri is a presenter from Abu Dhabi, who has participated in various programs and spoken at TEDx Zayed University! In today's unmissable episode, we talk about paradigms and prejudices related to women in her culture, challenging several divergent thoughts from reality. Beyond her personal experience, we delve into her journey and all her experiences.

Yasmina Alidodova is an actress, model, singer, and songwriter from the United Arab Emirates, who works in the film industry. She made her film debut with the movie "Camp-Off" in 2014. She also made her Malayalam film debut with "Meow" in 2021. In addition to having various cover videos, Yasmina has also produced her own compositions such as "Never Let Me Go" and "I Was an Angel." In this incredible episode, I talk with Yasmina about her insecurities, her professional and personal identity, and, most importantly, her journey as a woman to stand out!

Mohamed Magdi is a young entrepreneur who has built his life from scratch, initially working in part-time jobs from selling school uniform to selling electronics in exhibitions since the age of 17. He is now on a mission to help businesses in the Middle East successfully embark on their social media journey ever since he launched his company, Knine Unit, approximately two years ago through which he has successfully marketed 150+ businesses and individuals in UAE and the GCC on both Tiktok and Instagram. In this interesting episode, I converse with Magdi about his insecurities, the challenges he faced in life, and whether he is happy after all the success.

Welcome to another exciting episode! Today we are pleased to welcome a special guest, an incredible woman who explored and excelled the world of education, content creation, consulting, tech, entrepreneurship, and more. Prepare to be inspired and captivated as we delve into the experiences and achievements of our multi-talented guest. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sheen Gurrib, an exceptional woman. She paved the way for success with her dedication and passion for knowledge. We discussed her journey in conquering societal expectations and norms as a powerful woman. I particularly cherished this conversation as it truly resonated and inspired me as a woman of color.

In this episode, we are honored to welcome Alina Hayat, an inspiring woman who was born in New Zealand, has explored Pakistan and now calls Dubai home. Throughout this interview, we dive into her unique journey, discussing the challenges and joys of living in different countries. Alina shares her personal experiences in adapting to new cultures, languages, traditions and reveals to us the fascinating details of her multifaceted life.

A 16-year old Pakistani in the UAE who’s blown up on social media and won the hearts of many young kids merely by here lightheartedness and humour. She uses her platform to spread smiles, to showcase her life, to relate others, and to simply make people happy. She is a TikToker, a YouTuber, and she also happens to be my sister. Let me welcome Fozi Munir.