Unscripted with Lubna & Hawa
Unscripted with Lubna & Hawa is a conversation podcast hosted by two friends, Lubna Kayyali and Hawa Ali, who explore life's biggest questions about identity, spirituality, morality, and culture. The show grew from their belief that their conversations always invite something deeper, offering honest and unfiltered discussions. Lubna is a lawyer, entrepreneur, and storyteller born in Qatar to Syrian roots and now living between Puerto Rico and elsewhere. Hawa is a longtime marketer and relentless questioner who returned to her New Jersey roots after nearly a decade in New York City. Together they aim for deep, slightly rebellious conversations that challenge the status quo.
Epizódok
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Erasing Humanity: Deconstructing Objectification and Male Violence 09.10.2026 56pWe’ve all heard the phrase—tossed around as a casual shrug or a built-in excuse for bad behavior. But what happens when "boys will be boys" stops being just an eye-rolling idiom and becomes a foundational permission slip for modern entitlement? In this episode, Lubna and Hawa strip away the noise of the news cycle to examine the invisible cultural machinery running beneath the surface. We zoom out from individual headlines to tackle the root of the problem: a deep-seated failure to see women as full human beings with independent agency, rather than transactional objects or props. We explore how everyday parenting, societal conditioning, and patriarchal norms normalize male violence by framing it as "biological" or inevitable. Tune in as we unpack how these dynamics warp our understanding of intimacy and consent, and discuss what it actually takes to break the cycle by reclaiming women's full humanity and demanding radical accountability from the ground up. -
Can Secrets Be a Good Thing? (Part 2) 10.08.2026 21pWe all have things we don't say out loud. But what is the actual cost of carrying those conversations in your head for years?In this unscripted episode, we are pulling back the curtain on the anatomy of secrecy.From the very first things we were told to hide as children to the unspoken generational rules that dictate what’s "taboo," we’re unpacking the heavy, messy, and deeply human reasons why we hide the truth.We explore the fine line between keeping a secret for protection and keeping one out of shame, and ask why society is so comfortable gossiping in private but completely terrified of nuanced, public conversations.In this episode, we explore:Protection vs. Shame: How to tell the difference in the secrets you keep.Generational Scripts: The unwritten family and cultural rules we all eventually have to unlearn.The Shadow Self: Do the things we hide define us more than the things we openly share?The Illusion of Transparency: Why having a strictly private, inner world might actually be a sacred thing.Breaking the Silence: The almost physical relief of finally letting a secret out, and the first steps to take if you’re terrified of the fallout.If you are sitting on a conversation you know you need to have out loud, but you're terrified of what happens next—this episode is for you. -
The Hidden Inner World: When to Speak and When to Hide (Part 1) 23.07.2026 23pWe all have things we don't say out loud. But what is the actual cost of carrying those conversations in your head for years? In this unscripted episode, we are pulling back the curtain on the anatomy of secrecy. From the very first things we were told to hide as children to the unspoken generational rules that dictate what’s "taboo," we’re unpacking the heavy, messy, and deeply human reasons why we hide the truth. We explore the fine line between keeping a secret for protection and keeping one out of shame, and ask why society is so comfortable gossiping in private but completely terrified of nuanced, public conversations. In this episode, we explore: Protection vs. Shame: How to tell the difference in the secrets you keep. Generational Scripts: The unwritten family and cultural rules we all eventually have to unlearn. The Shadow Self: Do the things we hide define us more than the things we openly share? The Illusion of Transparency: Why having a strictly private, inner world might actually be a sacred thing. Breaking the Silence: The almost physical relief of finally letting a secret out, and the first steps to take if you’re terrified of the fallout. If you are sitting on a conversation you know you need to have out loud, but you're terrified of what happens next—this episode is for you. -
The Physics of Forgiveness 02.07.2026 54pWhat does it actually mean to forgive? In this episode of Unscripted, Lubna and Hawa unpack the emotional, spiritual, and practical realities of forgiveness. It’s not about condoning someone else’s behavior; it’s about freeing yourself from the energetic loops that keep you stuck in the past. ✨In this episode, we discuss: The difference between performative forgiveness and true energetic release. Moving past the expectation of an apology to find your own closure. Forgiving past versions of yourself. How holding onto resentment impacts your current reality and future creations. 💬 Join the Conversation: What’s your personal relationship with forgiveness? Do you find it easy to let go, or is it a process? Let us know in the comments below! 🔔 Subscribe to the channel for weekly episodes on navigating life, business, and evolution completely unscripted. Follow Unscripted on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unscriptedwithlubnaandhawa -
Womanhood, Unfiltered: In the Studio with Farah Kayyali 25.06.2026 56pGrab your headphones, because this week we are hitting a massive milestone: we have our very first guest on the pod! And honestly, we couldn’t have picked a better person to break the ice. Joining us in the studio is someone incredibly close to our hearts—Lubna’s actual sister, the brilliant Farah Kayyali. Farah is the powerhouse Design Director at Jack Morton Dubai, where she spends her days masterminding massive brand experiences and spatial designs for some of the biggest clients in the Middle East. She’s Syrian, was born and raised in Qatar, and has been calling Dubai home since 2009. In this completely unscripted, unfiltered chat, we sit down to dive deep into what modern womanhood looks like when you're balancing a high-octane creative career, navigating cultural identities across the GCC, and just trying to figure it all out. -
Success (Part 2) 18.06.2026 33pWhat if everything we’ve been taught about "making it" is completely wrong? In this two-part episode of Unscripted, we are stripping away the traditional metrics of success—the professional accolades, the bank accounts, the optimized routines—and looking at what it actually means to live a successful life. We start by sharing the personal, unscripted moments where we felt incredibly successful, and spoiler alert: it had absolutely nothing to do with business or money. If you’re tired of the typical "how to make a million dollars" tropes and want a raw, grounded conversation about intuition, alignment, and the power of quitting, this one is for you. Hit that subscribe button, drop a comment with your definition of success, and let’s get into it. ✨ -
Success (Part 1) 10.06.2026 46pWhat if everything we’ve been taught about "making it" is completely wrong? In this two-part episode of Unscripted, we are stripping away the traditional metrics of success—the professional accolades, the bank accounts, the optimized routines—and looking at what it actually means to live a successful life.We start by sharing the personal, unscripted moments where we felt incredibly successful, and spoiler alert: it had absolutely nothing to do with business or money.If you’re tired of the typical "how to make a million dollars" tropes and want a raw, grounded conversation about intuition, alignment, and the power of quitting, this one is for you. Hit that subscribe button, drop a comment with your definition of success, and let’s get into it. ✨ -
Jealousy 20.05.2026 54pWe’ve all felt that sharp, uncomfortable sting—the one that happens when we look at someone else's career milestone, creative project, or lifestyle and feel a sudden sense of lack. But why do we treat this emotion like a personal failure instead of a valuable data point? In this episode of Unscripted, we’re pulling back the curtain on the emotions we usually try to hide. We break down the psychological difference between envy (the two-party desire for what someone else has) and jealousy (the three-party fear of losing what is yours to someone else). More importantly, we talk about how to turn this perceived poison into medicine. When you strip away the shame, these heavy feelings actually function as a highly accurate compass for your deepest, unfulfilled desires. Tune in as we discuss how to stop letting comparison hijack your timeline and how to start extracting the wisdom behind the sting. -
On Boldness 06.05.2026 30pAre you playing it safe in a world that is fundamentally changing? As we stand at the intersection of a massive technological revolution (AI) and a generational astrological shift (Pluto in Aquarius), the "old ways" of seeking permission and following the crowd are dissolving. The question is no longer if things will change, but how bold you are willing to be in the face of that change. We explore why the most valuable currency in a world of algorithms isn't your data or your skill set—it’s your courage. -
Debunking the 4 Biggest Myths About Healing 08.04.2026 16pToday, we are tackling the misconceptions and toxic narratives that often derail our personal growth. Healing is a profound journey, but it is rarely what society makes it out to be.In this episode, we break down the four most common myths surrounding the topic of healing and replace them with empowering, realistic truths.What We Cover in This Episode:Myth 1: "Time heals all wounds." We discuss why the passage of time is actually irrelevant if you aren't doing the work. Discover why taking an active, intentional role is required to prevent emotional wounds from festering into anxiety or trauma.Myth 2: "Healing is a straight, upward line." If you feel like you've taken two steps forward and one step back, you are doing it right. We explore the chaotic, non-linear spiral of recovery and why letting go of the "linear timeline" is crucial to banishing self-punishment and shame.Myth 3: "Healing means returning to exactly who you were before." Using the beautiful Japanese art of kintsugi (repairing broken pottery with gold), we explain why true healing isn't about going backward. Instead, it is about integrating your painful experiences to forge a new, more resilient, and empathetic version of yourself.Myth 4: "You cannot heal yourself." While therapists and external resources are incredibly valuable tools, the ultimate agency lies with you. We talk about why the healing process must start in the mind by rejecting negative rhetoric and taking ownership of your own belief systems.Tune in to reframe your perspective on recovery, drop the shame surrounding your setbacks, and take back the power in your own healing journey! -
Raising Free Children 01.04.2026 47pIn this episode, we dive deep into the revolutionary concepts presented by Akilah Richards in her powerful TEDx Talk, "Raising Free People." We explore the uncomfortable truth behind why we often view children as inherently untrustworthy and how our traditional parenting and educational systems are frequently rooted in fear and "tools of oppression." Richards challenges us to move away from compliance-based parenting and toward a life rooted in consent, respect, and confident autonomy. We discuss her journey from traditional schooling to "unschooling" and how she uses "mad question asking" to turn feelings of chaos into clarity. Watch the Original Talk: Raising Free People | Akilah Richards TEDxAsburyPark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgbD1qrJ0c4&t=309s *** Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review if you enjoyed this deep dive into liberating the next generation! -
Girls in Crisis 01.04.2026 43pIn this episode, we’re tearing down the stereotypes that follow girls from the classroom to the family. From the "beauty standard" trap to the truth behind the pay gap and education, we’re separating harmful fiction from the lived reality of being a girl today, from the East to the West. -
The Business of War & The Lies We're Sold 05.03.2026 33pIn this heavy-hitting episode of Unscripted, Lubna and Hawa pull back the curtain on the world’s most devastating industry: War. We often treat conflict as an inevitable part of the human experience—a "last resort" for safety—but what if almost everything we’ve been taught about why and how we fight is a carefully crafted myth? From the $2.3 trillion "victory" in Afghanistan that left the status quo unchanged, to the cold reality of "collateral damage," we’re breaking down the data that the military-industrial complex would rather keep quiet. We discuss why modern warfare targets civilians more than ever and how the pursuit of "security" often creates the very monsters we claim to be fighting. What We Cover: The Illusion of Winning: Why there are no true victors when you factor in generational trauma and the $886 billion price tags. The "Last Resort" Lie: A look at how diplomacy is often bypassed for resource interests and political gain. Deconstructing "Human Nature": Why war isn't inevitable, featuring the inspiring example of nations that have abolished their militaries entirely. The Blowback Effect: How interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan actually fueled global instability and radicalization. Featured Reading To truly understand how foreign intervention can reshape a nation’s destiny for decades, we highly recommend reading "All the Shah's Men: An American Coup and the Roots of Middle East Terror" by Stephen Kinzer. It is a vital deep dive into the 1953 CIA-led overthrow of Iran’s democracy—a masterclass in how "strategic" wars create long-term chaos. 👉 Get the book on Amazon here Highlights from the Episode:90%: The staggering percentage of war casualties that are civilians in modern conflict. The Versailles Lesson: How "winning" one war can directly plant the seeds for the next. "War is largely a 20th–21st century industrial phenomenon. Normalizing it as 'human nature' is just a way to shut down the search for alternatives." -
The Boy Crisis: Why Our Sons are Struggling and What We Can Do 04.03.2026 40pIn this episode, we tackle a conversation that is as controversial as it is essential: the "Boy Crisis." Inspired by a recent interview with Dr. Warren Farrell via the Institute for Family Studies, we explore the alarming decline in the well-being of boys and young men in modern society. From his roots in the women's liberation movement to becoming a leading voice for men’s advocacy, Dr. Farrell’s insights provide a provocative framework for understanding why so many boys feel a "purpose void." We break down the article's most striking points—from the "disposability" of men in the workforce to the profound impact of "dad-deprivation" on a boy's ability to succeed. In this discussion, we cover: The "National Afterthought": Why society often ignores the "squeaky wheel" of male struggle and the historical reasons we've trained boys to act tough at the expense of their mental health. The Dad Gap: Analyzing Farrell’s argument that "dad-enriched" versus "dad-deprived" homes are the single biggest predictor of a boy’s future economic and emotional success. The Purpose Void: How the "Era of Multi-Purpose Women" has given our daughters more options, while our sons are often left without a modern definition of what it means to be a successful man. The Social Cost: The sobering link between a lack of fatherly involvement and issues like video game addiction, ADHD, and even the rise of social violence. The Solution: Moving toward an "Era of Multi-Purpose Men" and how we can support the boys in our lives to find a sense of mission beyond just "working full-time." Resource Discussed: Boys in Crisis: An Interview with Warren Farrell (Institute for Family Studies): https://ifstudies.org/blog/boys-in-crisis-an-interview-with-warren-farrell "Anger is vulnerability's mask... boys who hurt will be the ones most likely to hurt us." -
Beyond the Mirror — Redefining Beauty in a Filtered World 27.02.2026 56pWelcome back to another heartfelt episode of Unscripted with Lubna and Hawa! In a world obsessed with filters, anti-aging creams, and viral aesthetics, we are pausing the scroll to ask a fundamental question: What is beauty, really? This week, Lubna and Hawa strip away the makeup and the societal expectations for a raw, honest conversation about the true meaning of beauty. If you've ever felt the heavy pressure of external expectations, or worried about how the next generation will view their own self-worth, this episode is for you. The Impossible Definition: Lubna and Hawa break down how society currently defines beauty, exploring how these definitions are often narrow, fleeting, and manufactured. We ask the tough question: Who gets to decide what is beautiful? The Beauty of the Soul & Nature: We explore the tragedy of overlooking what truly matters. Why do we consistently prioritize a symmetrical face over a kind heart? We discuss the profound, quiet beauty found in human nature, resilience, compassion, and the natural world around us. Breaking the Spell for Our Children: Perhaps our most important topic yet. How do we protect our kids from the overwhelming, loud messaging that their worth is tied to their physical appearance? Lubna and Hawa share actionable, compassionate strategies for teaching children to value their character, their minds, and their unique inner light over their reflection in the mirror. Join us as we unlearn the toxic conditioning of the beauty industry and start celebrating the radiant, unscripted beauty of the human spirit. Grab your favorite cup of tea, get comfortable, and let's get into it. -
The Beauty of the Unknown: Navigating Uncertainty 18.02.2026 1ó 1p"If you knew exactly how the story ended, would you even keep reading?" In this episode of Unscripted, Lubna and Hawa dive deep into the one thing we all try to avoid but can never escape: Uncertainty. Whether it’s the shift from a structured corporate career to the "choose-your-own-adventure" world of entrepreneurship, or the collective anxiety of navigating an AI-driven future, they get real about what happens when the map disappears. They explore why we’re so conditioned to fear the fog instead of walking through it, and how we can find our footing when the ground feels like it's shifting. -
The Geometry of Love: Circles, Lines, and Soulmates 15.02.2026 1ó 16pWe use the word "love" to describe how we feel about our partners, our siblings, and even a perfect cup of coffee—but are we actually talking about the same thing? In this episode of Unscripted, Lubna and Hawa strip away the Hallmark cards and the tropes to explore the messy, beautiful spectrum of human connection. What does love actually feel like when the noise stops? Is it a spark, a safety net, or a mirror? Join us as we discuss how these different forms of affection act as the ultimate antidote to isolation and the foundation of everything we do. -
Dark Forces: When Moral Decay Becomes Diabolical 05.02.2026 1ó 7pWhen we look at the depravity revealed in cases like the "Epstein Files," the human mind struggles to process the sheer scale of the cruelty. But is there more to the story than just human psychology and failed systems? In this episode, we use the backdrop of the Epstein case to examine the spiritual and psychological mechanics of soul-fragmentation. We dive into the sinister behavior of those with power and discuss how the pursuit of one's base desires without a spiritual anchor creates a vacuum that "dark forces" are all too happy to fill. -
The Currency of Living: Measuring Wealth Beyond the Balance Sheet 28.01.2026 56pIs your bank account growing while your "life account" feels empty? In a world obsessed with net worth, we’ve been conditioned to view wealth through a single lens: financial capital. But what happens when you reach your numbers and still feel bankrupt in the areas that actually matter? In this episode, we’re tearing down the traditional definition of wealth and rebuilding it for the modern age. We explore why money is a great tool but a terrible master, and how to start investing in the "Four Capitals" that lead to true fulfillment: Time, Health, Social Connection, and Purpose. -
Why the Modern School System is Failing Our Kids (and What’s Next) 23.01.2026 1ó 17p"The goal of education is not to increase the amount of knowledge but to create the possibilities for a child to invent and discover, to create men who are capable of doing new things." — Jean Piaget Is the modern school system a launchpad for the future, or an outdated relic of the industrial past? In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the "education machine" to examine how both public and private institutions often function as tools of the state—prioritizing conformity and standardized testing over true intellectual sovereignty. We dive deep into the widening chasm between an economy that rewards entrepreneurship and self-employment and a school system that still trains children to be obedient cogs. From the rise of homeschooling to the radical freedom of unschooling, we explore how parents and educators are opting out of the "one-size-fits-all" model to reclaim their children's curiosity. Finally, we tackle the most important question: Have we lost the "souls" of the kids we’re trying to educate? Join us as we discuss how to shift from a system of domesticating children to one that truly empowers them. What We Discuss: • The Factory Model: Why the current "Prussian" education system was designed for the state, not the individual. • The Entrepreneurial Gap: The economy is shifting toward the "Solo-preneur," yet schools are still stuck in 1950. We discuss why the most valuable skills (risk-taking, adaptability, and self-direction) are the ones schools actively discourage. • Opting Out: A look at the "Exit" strategy—homeschooling, micro-schooling, and unschooling—and why these aren't just "alternative" methods, but the future of learning.• The Human Spirit in Pedagogy: How we move past "rote memorization" to address the emotional and spiritual needs of a child.
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