Who Run the World

Reyzin Media

Award-winning podcast where two Arab women and best friends come together to talk about what's on their mind and the mind of their peers today. Join co-hosts Marilyn Zakhour and Rhea Chedid as they unpack their multifaceted identities through conversations between themselves and with other (wo)men from across the region and the world. Gold winner of the "Acast Moment of Comedy"  at the 2021 International Women's Podcast Awards.

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Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Episodes

Managing an Existential Crisis (w/ Elise Kossaifi)
4d ago
Managing an Existential Crisis (w/ Elise Kossaifi)
You have a great job doing something you’re passionate about. It pays great. You live in a bustling city with an active social life. You’re also overworked, burnt out, and something about your life just doesn’t feel right. What do you do next? In this episode, Marilyn and Rhea invite friend of the pod and sports consultant Elise Kossaifi to share stories of experiencing existential crises and changing career paths. What does an existential crisis look like? Can you see it coming and prepare for it? And what can you do to take a step towards the life you actually want to lead? Ever experienced an existential crisis and lived to tell the tale? Share with us your story by writing to us on Instagram @whoruntheworldpod or writing us an email on sayhi@whoruntheworldpodcast.com.Elise Kossaifi is an experienced consultant with 10 years experience in business consulting, leading projects and advising senior leaders on their sports business across the Middle East and Europe. Her career started out at McKinsey & Company in Dubai, where she spent a few years before moving to London to serve as a Senior Project Manager at the premier management consultancy for sports, Portas Consulting. 7 years later, Elise left Portas after a spiritual awakening to become an independent sports and wellness business consultant and co-founder of the gym Embody in Lisbon, Portugal. She’s also an avid sports fan and player, with a passion for football and women's sports.Who Run the World is a production of Reyzin Media. Hosted by Rhea Chedid and Marilyn Zakhour. Produced by Ahmed Ashour. Follow Who Run the World on Instagram and Tik Tok at @whoruntheworldpod.
Sleep Training Your Child (w/ Lamis Benjelloun)
Apr 3 2024
Sleep Training Your Child (w/ Lamis Benjelloun)
People of all ages – including Marilyn, Rhea, and Marilyn’s daughter Gabi – know what it’s like to wake up cranky and moody from a bad night’s sleep. For parents and caregivers, that issue is compounded by having children who are challenging sleepers. While some might choose to let their children establish their own sleeping habits, others might choose sleep training or working with a trainer who can help everyone involved have a better night’s sleep. In this episode, Marilyn and Rhea sit down with infant and child sleep consultant Lamis Benjelloun to understand what exactly is child sleep training, what it can (realistically) do for both parent/caregiver and child, and how to establish better sleeping habits for children. They also discuss “sleep shaming” in the parenting community and how there can never be a golden standard for child sleep.WRTW is off next week for Eid Al Fitr (Eid Mubarak everyone!), but we'll be back the following week with an all new episode! You won’t even know we were gone. Lamis Benjelloun is an Abu Dhabi-based Moroccan certified infant and child sleep consultant as well as a certified newborn sleep specialist.  She considers herself a sleep nerd because if she’s not talking about sleep, she’s reading about it.  Her love for sleep particularly intensified after the birth of her first son, Maher.  He showed her what true sleep deprivation looked like, inspiring her to solve the puzzle of child sleep for herself and other families. She founded One2Sleep in 2019 and has since been fortunate to meet many families and accompany them on their journey to better sleep.Things My Mother Didn’t Tell Me (But My Best Friend Did) is a spinoff of Who Run the World, a production of Reyzin Media. Hosted by Rhea Chedid and Marilyn Zakhour. Produced by Ahmed Ashour. Follow Who Run the World on Instagram and Tik Tok at @whoruntheworldpod.
Bringing Up Bookworms (w/ Deema Al Alami)
Mar 20 2024
Bringing Up Bookworms (w/ Deema Al Alami)
Ever tried picking out a book for a child to read? Marilyn and Rhea can confirm: it’s not easy, nor is it easy to get the child to actually read the book and enjoy it. In this episode, Marilyn and Rhea sit down with the founder of Oh The Books Deema Al Alami to understand how we can get children to love reading outside the classroom. They share tips for picking out new books and rotating the books on your child’s bookshelf, as well as recommend bookstores for caregivers to check out in Dubai. Finally, Deema talks about her new book, “48 Stories of Exile from Palestine,” and how children can fall in love with Palestine and its culture through reading. Deema Al Alami is a Dubai-based educator and author. Her career started over 15 years ago as a teacher, before shifting her focus to working on education-focused capacity building programs in both the private and public sector across the region. She’s the co-founder of Al Alami Book Club and the founder of Oh the Books, an Instagram account where she recommends the best children's books and offers caregivers the best literacy tips and tricks to nurture lifelong readers. She also launched “From Mother to Author,” a coaching program empowering parents and caregivers to author their own children’s books that celebrate Arab culture and values. Deema is a renowned author, having co-written the children’s book “Min Balad Esmo Falastin” (“From A Country Called Palestine”) and the new book, “48 Stories of Exile from Palestine,” out later this year.Deema’s recommendations for Dubai bookstores:The Old LibraryKinokuniyaMagrudyBookwormBook Hero Deema’s author recommendations:Mo WillemsJulia DonaldsonRod CampbellHervé TulletYou can follow Deema and her work on Instagram:Deema’s Account (@deema_al_alami)Oh The Books (@oh.thebooks)From Mother to Author (@mother_to_author)Who Run the World is a production of Reyzin Media. Hosted by Rhea Chedid and Marilyn Zakhour. Produced by Ahmed Ashour. Follow Who Run the World on Instagram and Tik Tok at @whoruntheworldpod.
We Watched AlRawabi School for Girls S2 and Barbie (w/ Marilyn and Rhea)
Mar 6 2024
We Watched AlRawabi School for Girls S2 and Barbie (w/ Marilyn and Rhea)
Lots happening this week in WRTW Land (which is about 25.6km away from Barbie Land). March is Women’s History Month. March 8th is International Women’s Day. Marilyn and Rhea both finally watched Barbie (yes, THAT Barbie, which is up for some Oscars later this week). They also just finished watching season 2 of the hit Netflix show AlRawabi School for Girls. They have so many thoughts on all of the above (especially Rhea)...but can they share them all in one episode? Well folks, they do it, because they are what? Women. International women. In this episode of Who Run the Time, Marilyn and Rhea put on their “scathing critic” hats and break down the nonsense, western origins of International Women’s Day. They then look at how Barbie and AlRawabi fit this year’s IWD theme, “Inspire Inclusion,” and share examples of comedians, journalists, and authors who they feel do a good job of telling authentic stories representing women today. Live from Casa Home de Ken (sic), it’s WRTW’s International Women’s Day episode!Marilyn’s recommendations:“An Unlasting Home” by Mai Al-Nakib.“Celestial Bodies” by Jokha Alharthi.“Against a Loveless World” by Susan Abulhawa.“The Day Nina Simone Stopped Singing” by Darina Al Joundi.Rhea’s recommendations:Lebanese comedian Shaden.Jordanian journalist Sara Obeidat. Check out our episode with Sara about how the media covers Palestine.Lebanese journalist Lina Mounzer.Lebanese journalist Dalal Mawad. Check out Dalal’s book, “All She Lost: The Explosion in Lebanon, the Collapse of a Nation and the Women who Survive.”Check out Spotify’s AlRawabi School for Girls Official Playlist!Read more about this year’s International Women’s Day theme “Inspire Inclusion” here.Who Run the Time is a spinoff of Who Run the World, a production of Reyzin Media. Hosted by Rhea Chedid and Marilyn Zakhour. Produced by Ahmed Ashour. Follow Who Run the World on Instagram and Tik Tok at @whoruntheworldpod.
Turning 5 on Valentine’s Day (w/ Marilyn and Rhea)
Feb 14 2024
Turning 5 on Valentine’s Day (w/ Marilyn and Rhea)
On Valentine’s Day 2019, a little show by the name Who Run the World was released into the world. 5 years later, that little show is thriving! Who would’ve thought? Marilyn and Rhea certainly did. In this 5th anniversary special, Marilyn and Rhea look back at the show and its (humble) beginnings, before sharing their favorite episodes. But what about Valentine’s Day? No worries, our girls got you. In classic WRTW fashion, our best friends completely dismantle the capitalist celebration that is Valentine’s Day, then naturally indulge in a conversation about their romantic types, ideal dates, and thoughts on love. Get your heart-shaped box of chocolates and your bev of choice so we can celebrate WRTW’s birthday together!Got a favorite WRTW episode? Share it with us on sayhi@whoruntheworldpodcast.com or on @whoruntheworldpod! You can also just wish us a happy birthday. We’ll appreciate it.Here’s a list of episodes Rhea and Marilyn mention in the episode. Copy them into your podcast search bae and listen now:It’s Labor to LaborMarilyn's Birth StoryStruggling with the Skin You Are InFeelings and Thoughts of LonelinessThe Bumble edit - We’re Swiping Left, We’re Swiping Right | Who Run The Time Online Dating & How to Be Flirty and Mysterious | Who Run the TimeDealing with our Anxiety & Mental Health with Dr. Saliha Afridi | Things My Mother Didn’t Tell MeWho Run the Time is a spinoff of Who Run the World, a production of Reyzin Media. Hosted by Rhea Chedid and Marilyn Zakhour. Produced by Ahmed Ashour. Follow Who Run the World on Instagram and Tik Tok at @whoruntheworldpod.
Financial Planning for Dummies (Single or Otherwise) (w/ Sharon Calderini)
Dec 13 2023
Financial Planning for Dummies (Single or Otherwise) (w/ Sharon Calderini)
Marilyn and her husband Hadi recently decided to buy a new car, a decision that turned out to be an 8-month ordeal. Making big financial decisions as a couple can be quite daunting, but that doesn’t mean that spending your money individually is a walk in the park. In this episode, Rhea and Marilyn invite Marilyn’s financial advisor Sharon Calderini to share tips with listeners for better financial planning in 2024. What are the pillars of wealth you should consider? Why should you be saving for the long term? And what are Rhea and Marilyn’s new year’s resolutions when it comes to their finances? Finally, after a bit of a hiatus, Marilyn and Rhea bring back the recurring segment “Two Kinds of People” to debate the value of spending on yourself. Got any financial new year’s resolutions? Share them with us on sayhi@whoruntheworldpodcast.com.Sharon Calderini is a financial advisor with over 16 years of experience. She is a partner at St. James’s Place Wealth Management, where she is helping clients and families in the UK and the UAE reach their full potential through solid financial advice, planning, and education. She has secured Fellow Chartered status as a financial advisor, a title held by only 3% of Chartered Insurance Institute members.Special thanks to Ciara Chown for her support with this episode.Who Run the World is a production of Reyzin Media. Hosted by Rhea Chedid and Marilyn Zakhour. Produced by Ahmed Ashour. Follow Who Run the World on Instagram and Tik Tok at @whoruntheworldpod.
Making It Count for Palestine
Dec 6 2023
Making It Count for Palestine
As the Israeli occupation’s brutal operation in Palestine enters its third month, Rhea and Marilyn take a moment to take stock of how they and the people around them have processed recent events. In what ways have we felt helpless, hopeful, and activated? Rhea and Marilyn then go on to highlight concrete ways in which we can make our actions for Palestine count as individuals, communities, and organizations.Got any tips or strategies for taking action and making your contribution towards Palestine count? Share them with us on sayhi@whoruntheworldpodcast.com.Some resources to check out from the episode:Make sure to check out our other episodes centering Palestine: How Does the Media Cover Palestine? (w/ Sara Obeidat) and Palestinian History Crash Course (w/ Tamara Reem). Our Instagram page also includes a list of recommendations for books to read/films to watch to learn more about Palestine, recommended by Tamara herself!Marilyn references 2 books during the episode: Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari and Humankind: A Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman.The Instagram post Rhea and Marilyn read from during the episode can be found on Dr. Ayesha Khan’s Instagram page @thewokescientist. Marilyn’s organizational development consultancy, Cosmic Centaurs, has many helpful resources for leaders and organizations looking to take action for Palestine available on its website. Make sure to check them out here.Donate to the Cosmic Centaurs edSeed Fund here to support digital inclusion for women in Lebanon.Who Run the World is a production of Reyzin Media. Hosted by Rhea Chedid and Marilyn Zakhour. Produced by Ahmed Ashour. Follow Who Run the World on Instagram and Tik Tok at @whoruntheworldpod.
Learning to Live with Grief (w/ Siira’s Sandra Salame)
Nov 1 2023
Learning to Live with Grief (w/ Siira’s Sandra Salame)
In 2023, Rhea and Marilyn experienced loss in more ways than one. They both lost their dear friend Dounya, and Marilyn lost her beloved father-in-law Noor. On top of all that, recent events in Palestine have been weighing heavy on their minds and hearts. How can they process all of this personal and collective loss of life? How can they grieve? Siira’s Sandra Salame joins WRTW this week to discuss grief, its stages, and why grieving and accepting loss can never be selfish acts. Instead of this week’s “2 Kinds of People” segment, Rhea, Marilyn, and Sandra share how they’ve been processing the collective grief over recent events in Palestine. This episode is dedicated to the loving memory of Dounya Zin, Noor Kabalan, and the many lives lost over the past few weeks. How have you managed your own grief over a personal or collective loss? Share with us your stories on sayhi@whoruntheworldpodcast.com.Sandra Salame is the founder of Siira, a mental wellbeing platform that provides free emotional support through harnessing the power of communities to overcome day-to-day struggles. Siira aims to educate and empower individuals, businesses, and governments by providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively solve wellbeing challenges and achieve personal and professional goals. WRTW stands in solidarity with Palestine. We would love it if you could find it in your hearts to donate to organizations providing relief and aid on the ground:UNRWAPCRFMedGlobalAneraThings My Mother Didn’t Tell Me But My Best Friend Did is a spinoff of Who Run the World, a production of Reyzin Media. Hosted by Rhea Chedid and Marilyn Zakhour. Produced by Ahmed Ashour. Follow Who Run the World on Instagram and Tik Tok at @whoruntheworldpod.
Let’s Talk About (In)Fertility (w/ Dr. Gaël Abou Ghannam)
Oct 18 2023
Let’s Talk About (In)Fertility (w/ Dr. Gaël Abou Ghannam)
In October 2020 (deep pandemic era WRTW), we released an episode titled “Let’s Talk About Our Periods” with Dr. Gaël Abou Ghannam that broached all sorts of taboo topics for Arab women, like taking the birth control pill and experiencing period pain. 3 years later, we’re back for round 2. Returning guest (and friend of the pod) Dr. Gaël helps Rhea and Marilyn understand the world of (in)fertility: the science, the myths, the social implications, and everything in between. As they exchange personal experiences and advice, they ask: how can we reduce shame around (in)fertility talk? Finally, in a more personal “2 Kinds of People,” Marilyn and Dr. Gaël tackle Rhea’s doubts and hesitation about freezing her eggs. Will she do it? To be continued…Embarked/Embarking on your own family planning journey? Share with us any lessons you’ve learned/are learning on sayhi@whoruntheworldpodcast.com.Dr. Gaël Abou Ghannam is a Lebanese OB/GYN, fertility specialist, and the co-founder of Metle Metlik, a digital education and community platform with courses on women’s reproductive and sexual health. She holds an executive masters degree in health management from the ESA Business School in Beirut.WRTW stands in solidarity with Palestine. We would love it if you could find it in your hearts to donate to organizations providing relief and aid on the ground:UNRWAPCRFMedGlobalAneraWho Run the World is a production of Reyzin Media. Hosted by Rhea Chedid and Marilyn Zakhour. Produced by Ahmed Ashour. Follow Who Run the World on Instagram and Tik Tok at @whoruntheworldpod.
BONUS: What’s Your Strategy? (2023 Cosmic Conference Special)
Oct 11 2023
BONUS: What’s Your Strategy? (2023 Cosmic Conference Special)
WRTW is back next week with its regular biweekly episode, but in the meantime, Marilyn and Rhea wanted to give you a little something extra to tide you over - Who Run the Time style. The 2023 Cosmic Conference is upon us, organized by Marilyn’s very own company Cosmic Centaurs. To mark the occasion, Rhea just had to sit down with Marilyn to get all the deets on this year’s conference and its theme: “Leading Organizations That Deliver,” or strategy execution. So many golden nuggets of organizational development knowledge are dropped in this episode, including common missteps/misunderstandings in strategy execution, elements of a good strategy, and thoughtful approaches for conference/event planning. For “Two Kinds of People,” Marilyn and Rhea debate the appropriate number of people to speak to or connect with at a conference/event. Fancy yourself a good strategist? Share with us your best strategy execution tips on sayhi@whoruntheworldpodcast.com.The 2023 Cosmic Conference runs October 6 - November 11. Learn more by checking out the conference website. You can also learn more about Cosmic Centaurs by checking out their website or following them on LinkedIn, Instagram, or YouTube. More WRTW episodes featuring the work of Cosmic Centaurs:Conversation Starters for TeamsTime for DecisionsA Year of EntrepreneurshipCheck out Marilyn’s event planning reading recommendations:The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact by Chip Heath and Dan HeathThe Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya ParkarAs always, we would love it if you could find it in your hearts to donate to one of these causes in Lebanon, as the country is going through a crippling economic crisis. Every little bit counts: Lebanese Red CrossBeit el BarakaOffre JoieWho Run the Time is a spinoff of Who Run the World, a production of Reyzin Media. Hosted by Rhea Chedid and Marilyn Zakhour. Produced by Ahmed Ashour. Follow Who Run the World on Instagram and Tik Tok at @whoruntheworldpod.
We Know What We Did Last Summer
Oct 4 2023
We Know What We Did Last Summer
Fall has officially arrived, yet it is still hot and sweaty in Dubai where our two best friends Rhea and Marilyn reside. And that? Is an excuse for them to tell you all about their summer adventures. In this episode of Who Run the Time, Rhea and Marilyn recap their summers, from the highest of peaks to the lowest of pits. Every summer topic you could think of, Rhea and Marilyn touch on. Summer goals? They dissect them. Vacations? They define them. Live performances? They review them. Lessons? They learn them. Rhea and Marilyn also introduce a new recurring segment to the show, “Two Kinds of People,” where each episode they will present their opposing opinions on a topic. So pack your bags, choose your aisle (or window) seat on WRTW Airlines, and enjoy this absolute vacation of an episode.What did you do this past summer? Share with us your favorite summer memories and reflections on sayhi@whoruntheworldpodcast.com.Check out Marilyn’s summer reading recommendations:A River Enchanted by Rebecca RossThe City of Brass by S.A. ChakrabortyAs always, we would love it if you could find it in your hearts to donate to one of these causes in Lebanon, as the country is going through a crippling economic crisis. Every little bit counts. Lebanese Red CrossBeit el BarakaOffre JoieWho Run the Time is a spinoff of Who Run the World, a production of Reyzin Media. Hosted by Rhea Chedid and Marilyn Zakhour. Produced by Ahmed Ashour. Follow Who Run the World on Instagram and Tik Tok at @whoruntheworldpod.