The Playground Podcast
The Playground Podcast
Shamim Kassibawi
There’s no hood like parenthood! How often do we really get to hear real, open, and honest conversations? The Playground was launched to share real human stories, the good, the bad, the funny and the sad. We also host some leading regional experts who offer tips and tricks for our listeners to benefit from.We want to walk away knowing that we made a parent’s life somewhat easier, or even just made them smile! 
Modern Parenting with Hassan Al Sheikh
Welcome to another insightful episode of "The Playground Podcast"! This week, we're thrilled to have our first male guest, the renowned media personality and father of three, Hassan Al Sheikh. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of modern-day parenting with Hassan, who shares his wisdom and experiences on raising children in today's fast-paced world.In this episode, Hassan opens up about the challenges and joys of keeping cultural traditions alive while navigating the influences of the o...
Jul 16, 2024
31 min
A New Life in Lockdown: Tala Ardalan's Story of Motherhood and Healing
In this heartfelt and candid episode of The Playground, we sit down with Tala Ardalan, a new mother who bravely shares her journey through the challenges of parenting during the 2020 Covid pandemic. Tala opens up about the two years she battled depression, the struggle to manage her social circle, and the empowering process of learning to say no and doing things her way with her child.Listen as Tala discusses her unique approaches to discipline, her favorite brands for both mom and baby, and ...
Jul 4, 2024
29 min
Juggling Work, Family, and Self-Care With Dina Butti
In this heartfelt episode of The Playground, we are joined by the incredible Dina Butti, an Egyptian/Canadian TV presenter, content creator, and voiceover artist. Dina, a mother of two energetic boys, shares her deeply personal journey through motherhood, starting with the shocking moment she lost her job the same week she discovered she was pregnant.Dina opens up about her battles with anxiety and the pressures of self-imposed expectations and body image issues. She candidly discusses how th...
Jun 28, 2024
28 min
Egg Freezing: Hope or Hype?
Welcome to another insightful episode of The Playground! Today, we are thrilled to have the incredibly multifaceted Nina Zandnia as our guest. Nina, a Persian/Swedish dynamo who grew up between New York and Sweden, is now making waves in Dubai. As a TV Presenter, United Nations Speaker, Producer, Director, Public Speaker, and Moderator, Nina has had a vibrant career that started at the young age of 14 when she hosted a children's show.In this episode, Nina shares her deeply personal and inspi...
May 15, 2024
40 min
Breaking the Silence: Navigating Miscarriage and Motherhood with Alana from HUMAN | ING
In this emotionally charged episode of The Playground, we sit down with Alana, a Dubai-based American expat whose journey through motherhood has been marked by profound loss and resilience. After experiencing the devastating loss of her first baby at 20 weeks, just before her wedding in Italy, Alana embarked on a journey to break the silence surrounding miscarriage and infant loss.Launching her Instagram account, HUMAN | ING, Alana sought to create a safe space for women to share their storie...
Mar 8, 2024
29 min
Nurturing Connection: A Deep Dive into Conscious Parenting with Dr. Alya Alsuwaidi
🎙️ Welcome to another insightful episode of "The Playground," where we navigate the world of parenting with expertise, empathy, and a touch of humour. In this episode, our esteemed guest, Dr. Alya Alsuwaidi, an Emirati conscious parenting expert, joins us for a heartfelt conversation on the challenges parents face and the transformative power of conscious parenting.👶 As we delve into the episode, Dr. Alsuwaidi shares her wisdom on handling tantrums, addressing iPad/gaming addiction, and debun...
Jan 18, 2024
25 min
Taleen Marie on Juggling Real Housewives Status, Mum Hustle, and Mental Health
🎙️ Get ready to step into the glittering world of the Real Housewives of Dubai on this special episode of The Playground Podcast! In this riveting interview, Shamim Kassibawi sits down with the multi-talented Taleen Marie, the newest sensation to grace the cast. Known for her prowess as a singer/songwriter, fitness entrepreneur, advisor, and investor, Taleen takes us on a rollercoaster ride through the glamorous but demanding life of a Real Housewife and devoted Mum. 👑 Join us as Taleen ...
Jan 11, 2024
26 min
Navigating New Parenthood: Insights from a Veteran Midwife
Welcoming a new baby is a thrilling yet challenging journey for every family. In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Cecile, a revered midwife with decades of invaluable experience supporting new parents and their precious bundles of joy. Join us as Cecile delves into the intricacies of this transformative phase. From discussing the evolving role of fathers in modern parenting to the profound changes mothers undergo both physically and emotionally, this conversation offers a trea...
Jan 4, 2024
30 min
Resilience, Motherhood, and Victory: Navigating Challenges with Rehab Al Mehairi
Join us in this powerful episode as we sit down with the multifaceted Rehab Al Mehairi, an incredible Emirati woman who wears multiple hats with grace and resilience. From being a devoted mother, actress, TV presenter, to a thriving entrepreneur, she shares her inspiring journey through the highs and lows of life.Rehab delves into her deeply personal story, recounting the trials she faced during a tough pregnancy and the emotional hurdles that followed, including the heartbreaking loss of bot...
Dec 28, 2023
27 min
My biggest regret about my parenthood journey
In this touching episode, Tina Chikhani Nader, a successful leader, opens up about her personal journey. She bravely discusses the challenges of balancing a demanding career and the emotional turmoil of unsuccessful IVF attempts while navigating motherhood decisions. Tina candidly shares the societal pressures, emotional struggles, and internal conflicts she faced, revealing the resilience needed to overcome setbacks and the valuable lessons learned. Her story highlights the profoun...
Dec 22, 2023
33 min