Sage Takes Thyme
Womena's founders open a new dialogue with their community, sharing perspectives on topical issues that affect women in and from the Arab world. Though playfully described as not a cooking show, it aims to nourish the soul by exploring themes of belonging, balance, and identity. Through personal storytelling, the hosts seek to reclaim and redefine the distorted narratives that surround them, offering a space for genuine exploration of their authentic experiences as women.
Episodes
S3 EP06 | How is the Manosphere Shaping Culture and Politics?
The manosphere turns male loneliness and the pressures of patriarchy into resentment towards women, fueling a gender war that reinforces existing power structures rather than challenging them. In this episode, we explore the rise of incel culture and the roles of capitalism, evangelical fundamentalism, and white supremacy in shaping these ideologies. How do we hold space for men's struggles w
S3 EP05 | SAGE BAITING: Pick Me
New segment unlocked: welcome to SAGE BAITING!We give our hosts a blind topic and absolutely no time to prepare. They have 20 minutes and one rule: keep talking until the time runs out. No one knows where the conversation will take us, so tune in and let’s find out together. For our first SAGE BAITING episode, our blind topic is “Pick Me.” Our hosts unpack what pick me behavior actually means
S3 EP04 | Do You Need To Brand Yourself?
In this episode, we explore how creativity has become increasingly commercialized, with artists and creators feeling the pressure to constantly share their work, build a personal brand, and stay visible online. We reflect on what it means to be creative beyond the algorithm, and how making space for play and imperfect hobbies, embracing self expression, and finding inspiration offline can help us
S3 EP03 | Creating Space for New Talent at Gouna Film Festival: Hayat Aljowaily
What does it take to create space for emerging filmmakers? We sat down with Hayat Aljowaily (@xhayatyx), founder of Kalam Aflam (@kalamaflam.fr) and director of CineGouna Emerge at El Gouna Film Festival (@gff), to talk about filmmaking, cultural programming, and creating space for stories from the region. We dive into her work of supporting young creatives, spotlighting new voices, and build
S3 EP02 | No One Is Coming To Save You
Can online activism really create change?As the public square moves online, we dissect how on ground and online activism can shape change, and why each creates impact on different timelines and at different scales. We also reflect on our role, individually and collectively, in creating change. Why does boycotting still matter? And what role do storytelling, art, and documentation play in preservin
S3 EP01 | WE'RE BACK: why we’re taking up space in Season 3
How much can you change in a year? More than you might realize. We’re opening season 3 by reflecting on the past year and everything it entailed, the ways we’ve grown, the losses we’ve navigated, and the parts of ourselves we’ve had to reconsider along the way. We’re unpacking what it means to take up space more authentically, and be intentional about the people, relationships, and communitie
It’s the time of the year… | S3 Trailer
In Season 3 of Sage Takes Thyme, Womena’s founders expand the table, bringing in more voices, more lived realities, and more difficult questions shaping the Arab world and its diaspora today.We take a deeper dive into the forces influencing women’s lives across the region: power, labor, technology, identity, resistance, and the politics of visibility. We examine not only what is changing, but who
S2 Bonus | Why is "Girlboss" Problematic?
Let’s talk about the rise and fall of girlboss culture. We unpack why some women founders had to adopt problematic values to succeed, why calling someone a boss lady feels strange, and how today’s female leadership can be supportive, creative, and far from competitive toxicity.
خلينا نتكلم عن صعود وسقوط ثقافة الست القائدة "Girl boss." هنتكلم عن ليه بعض رائدات الأعمال اضطروا يتبنوا قيم غلط عشان ينج
S2 EP20 | Five Life Lessons We Learned The Hard Way
What would you tell your younger self if you had met her? For us, the first advice we would give our younger selves is learning how to accept advice, how to slow down in a world that glorifies constant doing, and how to make space to simply exist. In this episode, we explore the importance of surrounding yourself with friends who lift you up and the value of nurturing connections that soothe the s
S2 EP19 | Who Taught Men This? The Patriarchy is Exhausting
In this episode, we unpack what toxic masculinity really is, not as a label to shame men, but as a pattern that often hurts men first before anyone else. Through an open conversation with mental health advocate Mohamed Elma'andi we explore how men are shaped by childhood and social expectations that leave little room for vulnerability. We dive into how therapy, leaving corporate life, movement, an
S2 EP18 | Are we still waiting for Mr Darcy? The World of Period Dramas; From Pride and Prejudice to Bridgerton
In this episode, we step into the world of historical fiction, Regency romance, and period dramas, moving from “Pride and Prejudice” to “Bridgerton” to ask why these romantic classics still matter today. We look at how writers like Jane Austen and Louisa May Alcott quietly pushed against a society that confined women, showing that their ideas about choosing love, desire, and independence were actu
S2 EP17 | Is Ozempic fueling a "heroine chic" comeback?
Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of eating disorders, which some listeners may find distressing.
Kardashian curves, “heroine chic,” Ozempic diets, and what’s considered a “tea body.” — In this episode, we dive into eating disorders and the pressures women face to fit ever changing ideals. We talk about how social media trends, AI, and deepfakes blur what’s real and how family and
S2 EP16 | Femininity, health and wellness with Tadros sisters
In this episode, we sat down with sisters Solenne and Christina Tadros to discuss femininity as a practice rooted in wellness, ease, and self-empowerment. Solenne Tadros (@solenneternet) is a Jordanian designer and creative technologist who brings ideas to life through storytelling, art, and immersive VR experiences.Keena (Christina Tadros) (@keena_ofc) is a Jordanian singer and DJ who blends Ara
S2 EP15 | Glorifying individualism and its effects on collective liberation
In this episode, we unpack the clash between collectivist cultures and individualistic ideals. We talk about what it means to carry one another through grief and joy. Reflecting on how community can be deeply nourishing and emotionally demanding, and how commercialization has turned human connection into a burden. We also explore women’s role in preserving family stories and lineage. This episode
BONUS | Relationships: From Red Flags to the Madonna-Wh*re Complex
This is a republished conversation from Season One where we dive into the ups and downs of personal relationships. In this episode, we explore the trials, mistakes, and lessons we’ve learned along the way, reflecting on the complexities of love in modern society and the growing awareness of red, green, and even beige flags that previous generations may not have noticed. Happy New Years from all of
BONUS | A Woman is a School with Celine Semaan
This is a re-uploaded conversation originally released last year, in which we sit down with Céline Semaan, co-founder of The Slow Factory, to discuss her book A Woman is a School, a memoir exploring discredited ancestral tales from Lebanon and the surrounding region.They also talk about the intersections of culture and politics, Western beauty standards, immigration systems, the importance of inde
S2 EP14 | 2025 was predicted? Story Thyme with "Parable of The Sower"
In this Story Thyme book club episode, we’re talking about "Parable of the Sower” by Octavia E. Butler, a dystopian novel written in 1985 but set in 2025 that feels way too real right now. Octavia imagined a future where climate change goes unchecked, water is scarce and expensive, wealth inequality is extreme, wildfires are constant, and a fascist “Make America Great Again” style movement is risi
S2 EP13 | Are Pinkpilling and Microfeminism the Latest Feminist Trends?
How much power do tiny, everyday actions have to challenge the status quo? In this episode, we explore the world of microfeminism and “pink pilling” — small, intentional acts and insights that reveal the subtle ways gender discrimination shapes our lives. From the choices we make in language and online spaces to the hidden biases we often take for granted, we unpack how awareness and simple shifts
S2 EP12 | Unpaid labor and weaponized incompetence: The hidden costs of women's work
Why do we still treat women’s labor as invisible even though society relies on it every day? In this episode, we examine the emotional, physical, and mental workload women carry at home and why it’s recognized as unpaid labor, unpacking how gender roles and social conditioning reinforce this unequal burden. We discuss the pressure placed on women across cultures, especially in Arab households, and
S2 EP11 | Embodying Pleasure and Unlearning Sex as a Performative Act With Mariam Aziz
Sex Therapist and Educator Mariam Aziz (@mariam.aziz.sextherapy) joins us to explore why women’s pleasure is often overlooked and how desire naturally shifts over time. We discuss cultural shame, communication barriers — especially in Arabic — and practical ways couples can enjoy sex more. Consent is part of every moment, and Mariam explains how it goes beyond a simple yes or no. Hosted by Elissa
S2 EP10 | The Power of Female Friendships: More Than Just “Besties”
In this episode, we open up about the women who’ve carried us through heartbreak, growth, and change — and the ones we’ve had to let go of along the way. We talk about how female friendships shape our sense of belonging, and why they’re often misunderstood or reduced to envy and competition. We examine how love between women endures, even in its imperfection. It’s about letting go with grace, hold
S2 EP09 | When Your Coworker Is Your Friend: Lessons from Our Entrepreneurial Journey | Pt. 2
What happens when best friends become business partners?This episode dives into the real dynamics of mixing friendship and business. We talk about redefining roles, managing power with care, and how bringing in a business coach helped us lead Womena with more clarity and compassion. Tune in to hear how, over the years, we’ve built a meaningful platform together without losing the bond that started
S2 EP08 | Inside Lebanon’s Independent Music Scene | Blu Fiefer
Join us as we sit down and chat with Blu Fiefer, a Lebanese musician redefining independence and authenticity in the region’s music scene. From starting her journey at 15 to founding her own label, “Mafi Budget.” Blu shares how Beirut’s explosion, the Lebanese revolution, and years of war have left a profound mark on her life and her art. She opens up about finding her voice through her Lebanese d
S2 EP07 | Book Club: The Handmaid's Tale
We’re back with our Book Club episodes! This time, let’s dive into Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale,” a dystopian vision of a society, based in the United States, where women are stripped of autonomy, constantly surveilled, and reduced to reproductive machines. The story explores the oppressive structures of a patriarchal dictatorship and draws parallels to today’s world — showing how rights
S2 EP06 | From Project 2025 to Korea’s 4B Movement: Women Fighting Back
In this episode, we examine the deeper agenda behind Project 2025. From the erasure of gender and scholarly research to banning language itself. We look at how authoritarian power grabs often begin with controlling women’s bodies, and why movements like Korea’s 4B are rising in response. If the most liberal societies are stripping women’s rights, what does that say about where the world is headed?
S2 EP05 | Burnout Is Not Cute: Managing Mental Health in a Feminist Company
Is mental health part of your workplace?In light of World Mental Health Day, we explore how human-centered leadership protects the well-being of both leaders and teams. At Womena, we’re redefining the workplace through feminist values and radical empathy for life’s unpredictable ups and downs. Hosted by Elissa Freiha (@freiha) and Amira Salah-Ahmed (@amiralx)SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts for EXCLUSI
S2 EP04 | How Consumerism Profits from Women’s Insecurities
What if beauty is just a sales tactic?Let’s talk about how women, especially from a young age, are targeted by marketing that promotes harsh products and quick fixes that often backfire. From childhood toys like Barbies to teen magazines and early skincare routines, consumerism molds our ideas of beauty and what we think we need to fit in. We talk about anti-aging culture and the pressure to stay
S2 EP03 | Have Reality Shows Become Everyone’s Guilty Pleasure?
Can You Enjoy Reality TV as a Feminist?This episode, we explore reality TV through both a media-savvy and feminist lens. From bingeing “Love is Blind” to analyzing the gender politics of “The Bachelor,” we talk about why reality shows are more than just entertainment—they’re complex, addictive, and sometimes deeply problematic. Especially for those of us who work in media, it’s impossible not to n
S2 EP02 | How will AI drive the Arab world's sexual health revolution? (ft. Nour Emam)
This week, we’re joined by Nour Emam — Co-Founder and President of Daleela. Nour opens up about what it took to launch a platform dedicated to women’s health in a region where even basic terminology for women’s sexual health is often taboo. From confronting the hymen myths to learning how to speak openly in Arabic about anatomy. We explore the backlash, the breakthroughs, and how her work is helpi
S2 EP01 | What is feminine and how do we redefine womanhood?
We kick things off by unpacking how misogynistic ideals have historically molded femininity into a performance — from how we dress and laugh, to how we’re expected to serve and shrink ourselves for others. We explore how younger generations are both challenging and, at times, unknowingly reinforcing these outdated roles, and ask what it means to truly define femininity for ourselves. Hosted by El
S2 E00 | What We Learned (and What’s Coming) | Season Recap
WE’RE BACK! It’s Elissa and Amira, kicking off Season 2 of Sage Takes Thyme. In this premiere episode, we reflect on the growth of Season 1 and the amazing love from you, our listeners. Your support has shaped our vision for this new chapter, and we’re ready to go deeper than ever.Stay tuned for Episode 1 dropping next Tuesday.🎙️ A @womena podcast, hosted by Elissa Freiha (@freiha) and Amira Salah
S1 E15 | Learning Self Compassion Before You Reach Burnout is Essential
In this episode, our hosts Elissa and Amira delve into how compassion shapes the way we live, love, and lead - especially as women. They speak about the wisdom that comes with age, sharing some of the lessons they’ve learned about self-love, relationships, and managing life's complexities. They also explore the concept of impact and how they aim to see positive effects in their lives and in the li
S1 E14 | Arab/Other: How our perception of identity and privilege changes over time
In this episode, we explore the topic of decolonizing our Arab identities and owning our narrative. We take a deeper look into identity, who we are to ourselves and others, but also how the identity of women in the region has been amplified and even weaponized and what we can do to help this.For exclusive “Sage Takes Thyme” content and early release episodes subscribe to Womena on Apple Podcasts.H
S1 E13 | A Set Takes Thyme; behind the scenes with the Art Director
In this week’s episode, our hosts sit down with Monica Abadir, the creative producer and director that brought our podcast’s art direction and set design to life. Monica shares her journey of moving to Cairo after being born and raised in Canada and reflects on how this cultural shift has influenced her work. They delve into the inspiration behind the set design, spotlighting the incredible art pi
S1 E12 | Finding Purpose Again: Lessons from Our Entrepreneurial Journey
In this episode, we talk about entrepreneurship and what it entails to turn a vision into a thriving business. Our hosts reflect on their entrepreneurial journeys and share insightful stories on the challenges and triumphs that led to the reinvention of Womena into what it is today. For exclusive “Sage Takes Thyme” content and early release episodes subscribe to Womena on Apple Podcasts.Hosts: Eli
S1 E11 | Story Thyme: Inspiring Book Recommendations
A previous version of this episode discussed the author Zadie Smith in more depth, but it has been re-edited after it was brought to our attention that the author's stance on PAL has been problematic and not aligned with our values. The episode, which was filmed months before Smith's recent views were made public, was re-edited to remove specific praise of the writer's values, style, and positions
S1 E10 | 10 years of Womena: What has changed for women in the Arab world?
In this special episode of Womena celebrating its 10-year milestone, our hosts take a moment to reflect on the past decade in the region.They explore the question of whether representation alone can drive real change. The episode dives into the progress made, the ongoing challenges that women still face, and the continued fight for women’s rights in the Arab world, highlighting some of the initiat
S1 E09 |Trad Wives & The Soft Life: America's Influence on Global Trends
This week’s episode zooms in on the American influence on global realities, particularly in the MENA region. We explore the impact of US elections, political and social trends, and laws on the region. Our hosts also discuss related topics such as the enforcement of the patriarchal system by the US and the West, the misappropriation of feminism, and how the feminist conversation is evolving.Subscri
S1 E08 | Purpose Over Profit: Navigating Impact Driven Media in the age of Viral Content
Purpose over profit, what does it mean and how is it impacting media today?In this episode, we explore the reality and challenges faced by independent media companies in creating media and generating revenue. Our hosts, and co-founders of Womena, share insights from their journey on what it takes to sustain a platform like ours, the guiding principles and morals we uphold as a company that help us
S1 E07 | Raising Breast Cancer Awareness with Baheya featuring Dr. Jaylan Ahmed (In Arabic)
In this episode of Sage Takes Thyme, host Amira sits down with Dr. Jaylan Ahmed, the managing director of the Baheya Foundation for Early Detection and Treatment of Breast Cancer. They discuss the inspiring story behind the founding of Baheya Hospital and the journey of establishing the first charity organization of its kind in Egypt, which specializes in early detection and provides free treatmen
Bonus | How Israel “shrinks” the category of civilian to justify ethnic cleansing
To mark one full year of the ongoing gen.ocide, we are re-releasing a conversation we had last November with Noura Erakat, a Palestinian-American activist, legal scholar, human rights attorney and professor, where she explains how Isr/ael continuously violates international law by “shrinking” the category of civilians to justify the ethnic cleansing of Pale.stini@ns.Catch exclusive content and ear
S1 E04 | What Does Pa.lest!ne Mean to You?
In this episode, we talk about P.@lestine, the significance of bearing witness and engaging in conversations about the gen.ocide taking place in G.aza, and the importance of using precise language to accurately convey information in a nuanced way. Our hosts also share tips and insights on battling the algorithm and maintaining our mental well-being in challenging times. Catch exclusive content and
S1 E02 | Is feminism a “dirty” word?
Would you call yourself a “feminist”?In this episode, our hosts Elissa and Amira explore topics around "Feminism," what it means, how it's perceived by wider society, and the misconceptions that lead to detrimental labels being associated with the word itself. They dive into what feminism means to us in the region and its effects on women focused platforms - such as ours, as well as the battle of
S1 E01 | Why do we need feminist storytelling for Arab women?
Womena’s brand new podcast “Sage Takes Thyme” dives into the journey and perspectives of the Womena co-founders Elissa Freiha and Amira Salah-Ahmed. As a media company, we always get asked “Why Womena?” and why we have chosen to tell the stories of women in the region. In this first episode they open up about how Womena got started, why we do what we do and how their friendship kept them sane thr
Introducing Sage Takes Thyme by Womena… It’s not a cooking show
Welcome to Sage Take Thyme by Womena founders Elissa Freiha and Amira Salah-Ahmed.This new podcast dives into our perspectives on relevant, topical issues that affect women in and from the Arab world. It will serve as a space for genuine exploration of the authentic experience of two women in search of belonging and balance, using storytelling to reclaim and redefine the distorted narratives that
