PODCAST · society
Karak with Mahreen
by Mahreen Munir
A show where I invite fascinating individuals from across the UAE to explore how our cultures make each of us who we are. We talk all things happiness, identity, life, culture, and philosophy to provide thought-provoking and meaningful insights to the youth about how society shapes us about from the people who seem like they’ve figured it all out…or not.
Episodes
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Dubai Perfumes are Overtaking the World| Karak with Mahreen | Cassim & Ahsan Pardesi
Mahreen sits down with Cassim and Ahsan Pardesi, the visionary founders behind a huge family-owned perfume brand based in Dubai, for a deep session on the booming fragrance industry. They talk about the global rise of Dubai perfumes, overtaking international competitors, the secrets behind…
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Is Dubai Still Safe? (The Truth No One Is Talking About) | Karak with Mahreen | Siraj Ahmed
Mahreen sits down with Siraj, who is the Head of Real Estate Strategy at one of the UAE's top firms where he guides governments, developers, and leader is property decisions, for a deep session on all things UAE. We talk about regional tensions, the stay-or-leave expat debate, resilience, free...
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Shae Gill on Art, Identity, Coke Studio & Building a Career in Pakistan | Karak With Mahreen
A deep, heartfelt conversation with Shae Gill on global fame, identity, faith, and navigating Pakistan’s music industry as a young woman. From the viral explosion of Pasoori and the magic of Coke Studio to growing up Christian in Pakistan, financial independence before marriage, and breaking…
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The TRUTH About Female Friendships (Why They’re So Complicated) | Always x Karak With Mahreen
A real and honest conversation with Alina and Umer about periods, first periods, and the taboos girls grow up with. From everyday girl problems to confidence, self-care, and feeling supported, this episode creates a safe space for conversations we don’t have enough of. Follow Karak With Mahreen…
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Inside Ali Zafar’s Life: Music, Movies & Lessons on Being a father
A deep, honest conversation with Ali Zafar on music, philosophy, fatherhood, and Pakistan’s cultural identity. From his album Roshni and Lahore’s influence on his craft to freedom of expression, industry realities, and how the world perceives Pakistan, this episode blends personal insight with...
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Bollywood vs Pakistani Music: Farhan Saeed On Karak With Mahreen
A deep, honest conversation on music, culture, “Khat,” Lahore’s influence, and the realities of the Pakistani industry. We talk Urdu vs Punjabi, why “Lahore Lahore Aye” hits, and the fears artists have investing in themselves. He opens up about fatherhood, social-issue dramas, and the lines that...
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Small Town Dreams to Dubai Reality | Karak With Mahreen | Brooke Bond Red Label
In this Chaiwallahs Roundtable, Karak With Mahreen brings together the faces behind Dubai’s most loved café culture — the chaiwallahs whose stories often go untold. From leaving home for the UAE to serving thousands of cups with heart, they share the highs, the struggles, the smiles, and the…
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The Truth About Women, Work & Marriage in Pakistan | Sidra Iqbal On Karak with Mahreen
In this episode of Karak With Mahreen, we dive into the unspoken realities of womanhood in Pakistan — from the invisible rules that shape daily life to the emotional burdens women silently carry. Our guest unpacks why self-sacrifice is often mistaken for strength, how over-giving begins in...
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Natasha Baig: Sufi rock, Coke Studio, Female Artist From Pakistan Reality | Karak with Mahreen
In this episode, Mahreen sits down with the powerhouse voice of Natasha Baig, one of Pakistan’s most soulful artists redefining the sound of modern Sufi music. From her early days breaking into Sufi rock to finding divine connection through song, Natasha shares how her music became a medium for...
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The Most Honest Conversation About Islam You’ll Ever Hear | Yousuf Bashir Qureshi On Karak With Mahreen
In this episode, we journey through the intersections of culture, faith, and human experience—seen through the eyes of a traveler who has lived between worlds. From discovering kindness in unexpected places to reflecting on religion beyond dogma, we explore how love, tolerance, and humility shape...
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Why Eastern & Western Cultures See Life So Differently | Karak with Mahreen | Brooke Bond Red Label
In this episode, we dive deep into the meeting point of Eastern, Western, and Islamic philosophies, exploring how each shapes our understanding of identity, happiness, and the human condition. From the roots of individualism to the influence of modernity, we unpack how doctrines, traditions, and...
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He Cracked the Desi Fat-Loss Code | Nathan Johnson on Karak with Mahreen
In this episode, we dive into the mind of an entrepreneur, exploring what drives ambition, resilience, and vision in the face of risk and uncertainty. From his first venture and early failures to finding mentors, raising capital, and building strong teams, Nathan shares the raw realities behind…
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Cricket, Chai & Culture: The Religion of South Asia | Karak With Mahreen | Brooke Bond Red Label
In this episode, we step onto the pitch of cricket culture, exploring its power to unite, divide, and inspire across South Asia and the Gulf. From the craze of fans who idolize their favorite players, to the business, superstition, and rituals behind the game, this conversation dives into cricket...
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What Living in the Gulf Is REALLY Like? | Karak with Mahreen | Brooke Bond Red Label
In this episode, we journey through the heart of Gulf culture with stories spanning the UAE, Kuwait, and Oman. From the warmth of Arab hospitality to the history of Omani trade, the politics of Majlis gatherings to how Gulf youth preserve identity in a globalized world, this conversation uncovers...
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What REALLY Happens on MasterChef India? | Chef Kunal On Karak With Mahreen
In this episode, we sit down with celebrity chef and MasterChef India judge Kunal Kapur for a delicious deep dive into the heart of Indian cuisine. From the science of food oils to why we don’t like eating alone, this conversation uncovers the beauty, complexity, and cultural weight of what’s on...
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Expat VS Emirati Life in UAE | KarakWithMahreen: South Asians, Emiratis & Chai | Brooke Bond Red Label
This episode is brought to you by Brooke Bond Red label! In this episode, we bring together two voices who don’t often share the same mic — a South Asian expat raised in Dubai and a young Emirati local. From growing up in a city full of emigrants to navigating cultural assumptions, language gaps,...
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Chai, Biryani & Marriage Pressure - South Asia’s Reality | KarakWithMahreen | Brooke Bond Red Label
This episode is brought to you by Brooke Bond Red label! In this episode, we bring together creators from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal to unpack what it means to be South Asian, together and apart. From biryani debates to marriage pressure, language barriers to chai traditions, we…
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Reality of Pakistan’s 2% Divorce Rate | Karak with Mahreen
In this episode, we explore fatherhood, identity, and what it means to stay in a broken system. Topics include raising kids abroad, desi marriages falling apart, men’s mental health, public pressure, cancel culture, and doing business in Pakistan — all through the lens of Junaid Akram’s...
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Why You Feel LOST, Real Truth About Trauma | Sundeep Fernandes on Karak With Mahreen
In this episode, we explore parallel universes, reincarnation, and the nature of our thoughts. Topics include self-awareness, the struggle to sit with your mind, finding purpose, craving attention, and Gen Z’s growing interest in spirituality.
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This Generation Is Broken - Relationships, Brown Parents & More | Karak With Mahreen
In this episode, we explore the realities of modern relationships, what causes breakups, gender roles, and mental health. We discuss divorce rates, societal expectations in brown families, long-distance love, and the ideal age for marriage across cultures.
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Is Canada really BETTER than the UAE? | Karak with Mahreen
In this episode, we discuss how it is like living in Canada with Mo Amir, host of Vancolour in British Columbia, Canada. He discusses about everyday life, his experience as a Pakistani immigrant in Canada, racism, and cultural practices.
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Living in China – It's NOT What You Think! | Karak With Mahreen
In this episode, we discuss how life is like in china with Hannah, a multimillionaire businesswoman in China. She discusses how relationships, everyday life, technology, and cultural practices are like in the country compared to the West.Follow Karak With Mahreen for more meaningful conversations...
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The Truth About Being a Delivery Driver in Dubai | Karak With Mahreen
This International Worker’s Day, we got the opportunity to talk to Talha, an incredible Careem Captain who is balancing his intense work with social media. He dreams to be a business man and buy a BMW for his best friend. We talked about his life, experiences, earnings, and challenges as a Careem...
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Parul Gulati on Shark Tank, Building a Multi-Million Dollar Brand & More! | Karak With Mahreen
In this episode, Parul Gulati, actress and founder of Nish Hair, shares her journey from the entertainment industry to building her own business. She talks about growing up in a culture with strong family values, the challenges of independence for women, and how her background shaped her career...
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Pharmacist QUITS Job to Travel, Stories, Pakistan and More!
In this episode, Dr. Nabila Ismail, a licensed pharmacist turned travel content creator, shares her incredible journey of quitting her stable healthcare job to explore the world. She opens up about navigating stereotypes, traveling solo as a Pakistani-American woman, and her transformative trip…
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How Martin Al Masri Built One of Dubai’s Leading Fashion Brands | Karak With Mahreen
In this episode, Martin Al-Masri, founder of the House of Victor, shares his inspiring journey of coming to Dubai and building one of the city’s leading fashion brands. He talks about his deep connection to Dubai, the discipline and opportunities it offers, and the life lessons he’s learned along...
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We Should Save Kids From The Internet! | Shayoon on Karak With Mahreen
In this episode, Shayoon, an entrepreneur and healer, shares her inspiring journey of building a healing center while balancing life between Kenya and the UAE. She talks about the importance of reconnecting with nature, sustainable living, and raising children with conscious values. Shayoon opens...
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How 9/11 Affected Americans Life? | Leila Gharagozlou on Karak With Mahreen
In this episode, Leila shares her experience growing up as an Iranian-American after 9/11 and how it shaped perceptions of Middle Easterners. Leila talks about the misconceptions surrounding Islam and its surprising similarities to Christianity and Judaism. She also explains the difference…
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Pakistan EXPOSED by a Foreigner | Gabriel on Karak With Mahreen
In this episode, Gabriel shares his journey of moving from Brazil to Dubai as a teenager and how his perspective of the city transformed after experiencing it firsthand. He opens up about his travels to Pakistan, especially the breathtaking northern areas, and his take on the food, hygiene, and...
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How an Indian Village Girl Built a Dubai Rich Life! | Manpreet Kaur on Karak With Mahreen
In this episode, Manpreet Kaur, a successful real estate agent and social media influencer, shares her inspiring journey from a small village in Punjab to building a thriving career in Dubai. She opens up about the challenges of breaking cultural norms, the struggles of being a financially...
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Watch This If You Feel Depressed! | Karak With Mahreen | Misha Akbar
In this episode, Misha Akbar, founder of Sama Health, shares her personal mental health journey and how it inspired her to create a platform for culturally relevant therapy for South Asians in the UAE. She discusses the deep rooted stigma surrounding mental health in South Asian cultures, the…
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Desi Gifting Secrets You Should Know 🙈 | Shop The Desi Way E3 | 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:...
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Why Desi Moms Are Shopping Queens? | Shop The Desi Way | Karak With Mahreen | Jumana Abdu Rahman
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:...
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Desi Bargaining Secrets I Wish I Knew Sooner! | Shop The Desi Way | Karak with Mahreen | Priti Malik
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:...
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Dubai Freedom, Beauty, Life , Parties | Wilonda Previlon
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...
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Filipino Stereotypes in UAE - The Shocking Truth? | Keith Pereña | Ep 39
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…
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How His Childhood Trauma Made Him a Millionaire at 22 | Umar Punjabi
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...
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Are Indians Forced Into Family Businesses? | Ep 37 | Sahil Sajan
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...
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#36 - Building Dubai's Largest Water Park, UAE vs. West & Embracing Cultures With Ahmed Ben Chaibah
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...
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#35 - "I'm Building a Legacy!" Empowering Women & Redefining Fashion with Manisha Chhabra
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…
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#34 - Hijabi Fashion, Islamophobia, and Media with Mariah Al-Idrissi
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...
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#33 - Immigrant Families, Overcoming Racism & Open Minded Desi Parents with Shadia Siddiqui
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…
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#32 - Indian Stereotypes in Media, Interfaith Marriage, & Cultural Identity with Priti Malik
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…
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#31 - Skincare, Entrepreneurship, and Breaking Stereotypes with Dr. Hasia
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…
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#30 - Entitlement, Feminism, and Western Impacts with Layla K. Saleh
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...
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#29 - Reality of Mental Health and Evolving Social Norms in Pakistan with Umer Noman Khan
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...
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#28 - Journey to Islam: From American Stereotypes to Dubai's Welcome - Abbey Hafez
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...
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#27 - Finding Balance: Individualism vs. Collectivism - Sami, Tariq And Seline
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…
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#26 - Raised by a Single Indian Mom, Being a Cabin Crew, and Finding love in Dubai - Divya Bhathela
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…
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#25 - Identity, Ambition, and Love: Neeti Sharma on Growing Up Desi in the West
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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
A show where I invite fascinating individuals from across the UAE to explore how our cultures make each of us who we are. We talk all things happiness, identity, life, culture, and philosophy to provide thought-provoking and meaningful insights to the youth about how society shapes us about from the people who seem like they’ve figured it all out…or not.
HOSTED BY
Mahreen Munir
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Karak with Mahreen have?
Karak with Mahreen currently has 74 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Karak with Mahreen about?
A show where I invite fascinating individuals from across the UAE to explore how our cultures make each of us who we are. We talk all things happiness, identity, life, culture, and philosophy to provide thought-provoking and meaningful insights to the youth about how society shapes us about from...
How often does Karak with Mahreen release new episodes?
Karak with Mahreen has 74 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Karak with Mahreen?
You can listen to Karak with Mahreen on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Karak with Mahreen?
Karak with Mahreen is created and hosted by Mahreen Munir.
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