Episodi

  • The Trad Wife
    Jan 19 2026

    In this episode of Yalla & Yap, hosts Lena, Deanna, Mariam, and Manal tackle the controversial topic of the 'Trad Wife'. They delve into what it means to embrace traditional gender roles within marriage and family life, examining how this concept applies both within and outside the Muslim community.


    00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic: The Traditional Wife

    00:34 The Final Boss: Nara Smith and Social Media Influence

    02:03 Misleading Perceptions and the Muslim Family Unit

    04:13 Generational Differences and Social Media's Impact

    07:44 Corporate America and the Myth of 'Having It All'

    14:16 The Reality of Traditional Roles and Financial Pressures

    19:21 The Importance of Realistic Expectations and Personal Plans

    27:04 Young Marriages and the Influence of Social Media

    33:29 The Modern Choice for Women: Respecting Homemakers

    34:42 Cultural Differences in Maternity Leave

    35:25 The Shift in Corporate Culture

    37:52 The Breastfeeding Debate

    38:35 Balancing Career and Motherhood

    39:39 The Reality of Corporate America

    43:56 The Soft Life Movement

    46:05 Financial Independence and Marriage

    01:02:01 The Importance of Contentment

    01:03:41 Concluding Thoughts on Women's Choices

    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    1 ora e 6 min
  • Being a Stay-at-Home Mom is not Hard.
    Dec 16 2025

    Welcome to Yalla & Yap! Join Lena, Manal, Deanna, and Mariam as they dive into a heated debate about the difficulties of being a stay-at-home mom versus a working mom. Discussing perspectives from a popular divorce lawyer, personal experiences, societal expectations, and cultural influences, the hosts explore what makes motherhood so challenging regardless of the path chosen. From managing time and household responsibilities to navigating societal judgments, this episode unpacks the complexities of modern motherhood.

    Don't miss the engaging discussion, real-life insights, and the acknowledgment that every mom's journey is unique.


    00:00 Introduction and Controversial Statement

    02:00 Context of the Divorce Lawyer's Opinion

    03:32 Discussion on Stay-at-Home Moms vs. Working Moms

    05:28 Personal Perspectives on Motherhood

    09:07 Cultural Expectations and Gender Roles

    13:02 Challenges of Balancing Work and Family

    17:45 Debating the Hardships of Stay-at-Home Moms

    21:37 The Shared Load in Parenting

    23:46 Final Thoughts on Motherhood and Work

    38:42 Balancing Motherhood and Work

    39:30 Societal Value of Stay-at-Home Moms

    41:10 Idle Time and Infidelity

    42:16 Different Types of Stay-at-Home Moms

    42:47 Challenges of Modern Motherhood

    46:04 Economic Factors and Parenting

    55:21 The Importance of Community Support

    56:18 The Role of Technology in Parenting

    01:04:57 Podcast Launch Party Highlights

    01:11:30 Final Thoughts and Reflections

    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    1 ora e 12 min
  • Is Vela a cult?
    Oct 8 2025

    In this episode, Lena, Mariam, and Deanna dive into a passionate and engaging discussion on the hotly debated topic of the Vela Hijab brand.

    They explore its origins, the challenges of being a hijabi in America, and the market landscape for hijab brands. The trio shares personal hijab experiences, discusses the evolution of hijab fashion, and addresses the backlash against Vela.

    They also touch on broader themes like consumerism, community support, and maintaining modesty while navigating societal pressures. Tune in for an insightful conversation that blends personal stories with critical analysis.

    00:00 Welcome to Y Yap

    00:33 The Hijab Brand Vela

    01:22 Hijab Struggles and Fashion Evolution

    02:38 Personal Hijab Stories

    04:28 Hijab Fashion Trends

    12:37 Vela's Impact and Controversies

    35:07 Exploring Hijab Brands and Preferences

    35:54 The Magnet Debate and Hijab Safety

    36:41 Challenges and Solutions in Hijab Wearing

    37:57 Supporting Muslim Businesses

    39:58 The Importance of Quality and Cost in Education

    45:24 Fashion Trends and Social Pressures

    49:08 The Impact of War on Personal Grooming

    01:04:23 Final Thoughts on Hijab and Personal Conduct

    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    1 ora e 6 min
  • Celebrities for Palestine
    Oct 1 2025

    Join Lena, Manal, Deanna, and Mariam as they discuss social and political issues, particularly the recognition of Palestine as a state and shifting global opinions about it. Celebrities' support for Palestine, the influence of political figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene, and the strategies of American Muslims in engaging with political movements are also covered.

    The hosts highlight the importance of unlearning propaganda and recognizing the humanity and rights of oppressed populations. Join the chat on societal and political topics, cultural experiences, and a mix of humor and serious discussion.

    00:00 Introduction and Instagram Reel Reaction

    03:06 Travel Stories and Summer Adventures

    06:16 Hajj Experience and Spiritual Reflections

    15:00 Celebrity Advocacy and Political Commentary

    26:25 Psychological Warfare

    26:43 Unlearning the Truth

    27:22 The Reluctance to Acknowledge Genocide

    29:22 Historical Parallels and Modern Implications

    29:59 The Struggle for Acceptance and Identity

    30:48 Political Hypocrisy and Double Standards

    31:44 Shifts in Political Allegiances and Public Opinion

    36:06 International Reactions and Actions

    37:29 The Role of Media and Propaganda

    45:24 Recognition of Palestinian Statehood

    57:33 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    59 min
  • Mamdani: Friend or Fake
    Jul 11 2025

    In this episode of Yalla & Yap, Lena, Deanna, and Manal discuss a variety of pressing issues in today's world, including the recent flooding in Texas, ongoing crises in Gaza, and the evolving political landscape in the U.S. They delve into the implications of Zoran Mamdani's political success, the establishment's response to his candidacy, and the intersection of faith, identity, and politics. The conversation also touches on the American media's treatment of Israel, the rise of independent journalism, and the political leanings of figures like Hakeem Jeffries.

    Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!


    00:00 Introduction and Summer Updates

    00:33 Texas Floods: A Tragic Event

    01:17 Political Turmoil and Media Coverage

    02:56 Zoran's Political Journey

    05:45 Controversies and Media Bias

    15:56 Campaign Strategies and Public Opinion

    28:08 Discussing APAC's Influence on Politicians

    28:37 Islamophobia in Politics

    30:08 Highlighting a Rising Political Star

    31:14 Satirical Commentary on Political Hypocrisy

    32:23 Criticism of Islamophobic Reactions

    37:03 Support for Pro-Palestine Stance

    46:45 Political Shifts and Public Opinion

    55:54 Concluding Thoughts on Political Change

    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    57 min
  • "Trump visits the mosque": The New Middle East Order?
    May 16 2025

    Lena, Mariam, Manal, and Deanna get into the latest hodgepodge of Middle Eastern news, highlighted by President Trump's recent visit to Abu Dhabi and the grand mosque, marking his first known visit to a Muslim house of worship. They discuss the intricacies of Trump's tour during his second term, including reactions to a controversial $400 million Boeing jet gift from Qatar, as well as his negotiations and diplomatic efforts in the region. The conversation also touches on the complex relationships and power dynamics in the Middle East, with opinions on Trump's evolving policies, his interactions with regional leaders, and the potential implications for global diplomacy. The discussion concludes with personal reflections on the significance of Palestine and hopes for future stability in the Middle East.

    00:00 Introduction and Hosts

    00:27 Trump's Visit to Abu Dhabi

    02:11 Controversial Boeing Jet Gift

    04:50 Reactions and Political Implications

    06:21 Trump's Diplomatic Shifts

    10:28 Middle East Power Dynamics

    13:35 Qatar's Strategic Moves

    24:45 Soft Power and Global Influence

    28:36 Trump and Netanyahu's Tensions

    29:38 Speculations on Diplomatic Relations

    30:55 Manipulation and Optics

    31:56 Reactions to Middle East Politics

    35:47 Saudi Deal and Normalization

    40:22 Palestinian Struggles and Perspectives

    45:15 Hopes and Future Predictions

    50:09 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    54 min
  • American Muslims and EPIC City, The Billion Dollar Investment
    May 2 2025

    In this episode of Yalla & Yap, Lena, Manal, and Deanna are joined by special guest Abdullah Khatib to discuss the significance of the Epic City Project and the importance of political engagement within the Muslim community.

    Reflecting on responses from their previous episode about Epic City, the hosts explore varying community perspectives, including concerns about segregation and the project's financial implications. Abdullah, a local Muslim community organizer and political activist, emphasizes the need for increased voter turnout and political contributions among Muslims to influence local elections and ensure their interests are represented.

    The discussion underscores the necessity of civic participation as a means to foster community growth and ensure equitable treatment in the political landscape.

    00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

    00:23 Community Reactions to Epic City

    02:57 Introducing Abdullah Khatib

    03:16 Epic 2.0: Civic Engagement and Investment

    10:53 Challenges and Opportunities in Political Engagement

    20:25 The Importance of Voting and Political Contributions

    29:45 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    33 min
  • Sincerely, Your Muslim Neighbor
    Apr 18 2025

    We are back with Season 2!

    In this episode of Yalla & Yap - Lena, Mariam, Manal, and Deanna dive deep into the topic of Epic City, a proposed master-planned Muslim community in the DFW area, which has faced significant backlash and investigation from Texas officials. The hosts explore the motivations behind Epic City, the current climate of Islamophobia, and the broader implications for Muslim communities in America. They also touch on personal experiences of maintaining Muslim identity, the role of neighbors and allies, and the importance of strong character and community support. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on faith, resilience, and the challenges of being Muslim in the United States.

    00:00 Welcome back with Season 2!

    00:16 Ramadan Reflections and Eid Celebrations

    01:00 Experiences in Medina and Mecca

    02:39 Parenting During Ramadan

    06:05 Growing Muslim Communities in DFW

    10:38 Epic City: A Controversial Development

    38:01 Reflecting on Gainesville and Microaggressions

    38:30 Comments and Reactions from Different Cities

    39:19 Introduction to Rare Foundation

    40:18 Racism and Islamophobia in Media

    41:07 Living as a Muslim in America

    43:46 Challenges and Fears of Muslim Communities

    45:49 The Importance of Character and Representation

    49:57 Debating Epic City and Community Safety

    57:58 Finding Common Ground with Other Faiths

    01:09:21 Concluding Thoughts and Positive Notes

    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    1 ora e 11 min