The Tending by hey freya

This month, we’re joined by the incredible Naseem Sayani, who opens up about her journey from a traditional immigrant upbringing to her current role in tech and venture capital.Naseem shares her experience with endometriosis, IVF, and fertility challenges, plus her decision to adopt. She talks about the importance of financial literacy, building connections, and advocating for more diversity in VC."Trust is a big one," she says, and it's a reminder that the path to success isn’t always linear—it’s about adaptability, perseverance, and building meaningful connections.[Chapters]00:00 Introduction and Background02:54 Family Dynamics and Cultural Expectations06:00 Childhood Influences and Lessons Learned09:05 Navigating Career Choices and Education12:06 Transitioning from Biology to Economics14:57 Misconceptions in Entrepreneurship18:10 The Importance of Feedback and Adaptability20:56 Core Personal Values in Professional Life23:51 Building Relationships and Active Listening26:56 Personal Challenges and Fertility Journey27:44 The Journey of Understanding Endometriosis32:41 The Decision to Adopt36:13 Empowering Women Through Fertility Awareness39:21 The Intersection of Money, Power, and Purpose46:32 Redesigning the Venture Capital Ecosystem49:54 Shifting Perspectives on Gender and Power

In this week’s conversation on The Tending, we’re honored to welcome Meliza Mokrani—a writer, healer, and space-holder who shares her powerful story of resilience, transformation, and deep self-discovery.From navigating the complexities of family dynamics and childhood trauma to facing a life-threatening health crisis, Meliza opens up about the ways pain, grief, and beauty have shaped her. We talk about the healing power of community, the neuroscience behind trauma, and the grounding force of intergenerational wisdom.💫 “My story is worth telling.”💫 “Nothing in life is guaranteed.”💫 “You don’t have to do these things alone.”Tune in for a deeply human, heart-opening episode about becoming who we truly are.  [Chapters]00:00 Empowerment and Personal Growth02:10 Family Background and Cultural Heritage05:56 Childhood Experiences and Family Dynamics11:43 Understanding Parental Pain and Its Impact17:51 Navigating Adolescence and Identity21:12 Life-Altering Health Crisis27:37 Grief, Loss, and Self-Discovery31:49 The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Writing35:30 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact39:59 Creating a Holistic Wellness Space41:23 The Neuroscience of Stress and Trauma45:01 The Importance of Community and Support51:06 Bearing Witness to Beauty as Healing56:34 Intergenerational Wisdom and Learning01:02:21 Reflections from the Future Self

Kati Douglas from Xilophotography joins The Tending for a heart-to-heart about her journey through motherhood, education, and finding her passion in photography. We dive into the complexities of navigating ethnic ambiguity, the importance of representation in arts, and how ballet taught her discipline and community values. Plus, she shares her experiences in the educational system and her vision for a child-centered curriculum. Kati's story is a beautiful reminder of the power of storytelling and capturing authentic moments, especially in underrepresented communities.  And, let's talk about self-care - she shares how photography became her therapeutic outlet during postpartum depression and why boundaries are essential for her well-being. Tune in for this inspiring conversation about embracing identity, creating change, and honoring diverse stories.[TIMESTAMPS]00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections02:50 Growing Up in a Diverse Yet Conservative Community06:02 Navigating Ethnic Ambiguity and Identity09:06 Parenting and Teaching Cultural Awareness11:59 The Importance of Representation in Arts15:07 Ballet: Discipline, Expression, and Community29:06 Journey into Education and Teaching Philosophy35:07 Navigating Motherhood and Career Challenges39:15 The Flaws in the Educational System44:30 Creating a Child-Centered Curriculum48:23 The Journey into Photography55:14 Capturing Joy in Underrepresented Communities01:01:52 The Importance of Storytelling01:10:22 Self-Care and Boundaries for Well-Being

In this inaugural episode, we sit down with the dynamic Maryjane Fahey—a creative director who designed Women's Health Magazine and helped launch Fast Company, an author, and founder of Glorious Broads, a platform celebrating the power and smashing stereotypes of women over 50. We dive into her journey from a bold Brooklyn childhood to a trailblazing career in design and storytelling. With humor and deep insight, Maryjane opens up about aging on her own terms, sensuality, self-discovery, and the evolving nature of friendships. We also explore the impact of menopause, the balance between feminism and self-expression, and the joy of intergenerational connection. Please enjoy this conversation about agency, reinvention, and living unapologetically at every stage of life with the indomitable Mary Jane.[TIMESTAMPS]00:00 Introduction and Early Life03:05 Family Dynamics and Influences05:57 Education and Artistic Awakening09:00 Career Beginnings and Industry Insights12:00 The Birth of Glorious Broads14:59 Aging and Emotional Shifts17:59 Courage and Self-Discovery21:00 Sensuality and Aging25:50 Exploring Sexuality and Freedom29:14 The Importance of Open Conversations32:22 Intergenerational Connections34:03 The Freedom of Aging36:51 Self-Perception and Aging39:42 The Balance of Feminism and Self-Expression41:56 Future Aspirations and Creative Projects43:52 Rediscovering Joy in Media46:54 Reflections on Agency and Independence48:02 Health, Cooking, and Well-Being50:54 The Power of Purpose in Aging52:15 Final Thoughts and Future SelfSound Engineering: Andro BagasbasMusic: Against All Odds by Tiko Tiko