Those Avoided Topics

In this raw and deeply reflective episode, host Ibtisam Habib sits down with Mariam Thabit;a petroleum engineer with a background in Islamic psychology—to pull back the curtain on the unspoken realities of marriage. Moving past the fairy tales and societal milestones, they hold a mirror up to the things we typically avoid: from the way unhealed childhood trauma wrecks communication, to financial literacy, to a honest, necessary breakdown of the emotional fairness required in polygamy.This isn't just a conversation about relationship dynamics; it’s an urgent blueprint for self-reflection. Mariam shares a powerful reminder that true marital stability only begins when you ground your identity in your relationship with Allah, learn to love Him more than your spouse, and find the courage to heal exactly where you are.

In this candid return of Those Avoided Topics, host Ibtisam Habib steps back into the studio, This time with a newborn in tow to tackle a subject most parents feel but few dare to say out loud: Postpartum Visiting Etiquette.Fresh from her own journey into "girl mama" territory for the second time, Ibtisam dives into the social friction that often follows a new arrival. From the "Nairobi vs. Coast" cultural clash to the unintended stress of unsolicited advice and unannounced morning visits, this episode breaks down the unspoken rules that protect a mother’s mental and physical health during recovery.

In this eye-opening episode of Those Avoided Topics, host Ibtisam Habib sits with Sumayya Hassan, an Islamic finance expert and founder of Inuwah.com, to challenge one of the biggest myths in our communities — that being wealthy and being Muslim can’t coexist.They dive into what it really means to build a halal relationship with money — from saving and budgeting to investing with faith and purpose. Together, they break down cultural misconceptions, share practical financial tips, and show how Islam encourages smart wealth management, not poverty.Explore Sharia-Compliant Investing: https://inuwah.com/Contact: [email protected]

In this thoughtful episode of Those Avoided Topics, host Ibtisam Habib sits down with Zain from Playroom to explore a question many parents wrestle with: When is the right time to take children to school?Together, they unpack their own experiences of being taken to school at different ages, and the societal pressure parents face to hurry the process. From cultural expectations to modern parenting trends, the conversation challenges the idea that “earlier is always better.”Instead, Ibtisam and Zain advocate for a slower, more mindful approach — one that values every stage of a child’s growth outside the classroom as much as inside it. Because childhood isn’t a race, and each moment of growth deserves its space.If you’re a parent, guardian, or just curious about how we shape the next generation, this episode will give you perspective, reassurance, and permission to let kids simply be kids.

In this deeply personal episode of Those Avoided Topics, host Ibtisam Habib turns the mic on herself to share the unfiltered story of her career — the wins, the missteps, and the quiet revolutions in between.From being a top-performing university student to landing a coveted role at Unilever, Ibtisam seemed to be ticking all the right boxes. But behind the scenes was a hijabee woman navigating culture shock, code-switching, and corporate politics in rooms that weren’t built for her. She opens up about the growing pains of first-time leadership, the isolating experience of working as an African expatriate in India, and the moment she realized that asking for help is its own kind of power.Her journey comes full circle when she returns home to revive a brand on the brink — and does it successfully. But even then, she knew the climb wasn't the whole story. This episode is her reclamation — a reminder that career “success” isn’t always linear, and sometimes, walking away is the most courageous move of all.If you've ever questioned your path, felt unseen in your workplace, or wrestled with the fear of leaving something “good” for something more meaningful — this one’s for you.

In this bold first episode of Those Avoided Topics,  host Ibtisam Habib sits down with Nadia Abdalla to unpack the weighty, often unspoken pressures facing women over 30. With honesty and nuance, Nadia shares how society's obsession with timelines — marriage, children, career “milestones” — has shaped her decisions, self-worth, and silence.Together, they explore what it means to age as a woman in a world that equates value with youth, submission and motherhood. This is not just a story about gendered expectations — it’s a mirror held up to culture, community and the quiet inner battles so many women fight alone.#ThoseAvoidedTopics #WomenOver30