Who Said What?! With Heba & Nira is your go-to podcast that dives into the hilarious, raw, and honest world of two sisters in their 40's navigating life, love, and family, with the values of community and empowerment. With a global perspective shaped by their experiences living across Egypt, the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Europe, Heba and Nira bring a unique mix of cultural insights and perspectives, and deeply relatable personal stories to every episode. They also feature inspiring and influential guests; breaking barriers in regional media with a unique and unfiltered approach to tackling the topics that matter most.
Heba and Nira are the founders of the successful bakery The Four Fat Ladies, based in Egypt. Heba is an interior designer, and the author of Mommy's Happy Hour; Nira is the founder of her new dessert brand Nira's Wicked Whisk. From the dynamics of family life to sharing insights on entrepreneurship, motherhood, relationships, marriages, friendships, and even those topics most people shy away from—this podcast is as real as it gets. Whether we're debating life’s big questions, or unpacking cultural taboos, join Heba and Nira in empowering women in the Arab world and beyond. This podcast is your go-to for authenticity, relatability, and plenty of laughs.
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Who Said What?! With Heba & Nira is your go-to podcast that dives into the hilarious, raw, and honest world of two sisters in their 40's navigating life, love, and family, with the values of community and empowerment. With a global perspective shaped by their experiences living across Egypt, the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Europe, Heba and Nira bring a unique mix of cultural insights and perspectives, and deeply relatable personal stories to every episode. They also feature inspiring and influential guests; breaking barriers in regional media with a unique and unfiltered approach to tackling the topics that matter most.
Heba and Nira are the founders of the successful bakery The Four Fat Ladies, based in Egypt. Heba is an interior designer, and the author of Mommy's Happy Hour; Nira is the founder of her new dessert brand Nira's Wicked Whisk. From the dynamics of family life to sharing insights on entrepreneurship, motherhood, relationships, marriages, friendships, and even those topics most people shy away from—this podcast is as real as it gets. Whether we're debating life’s big questions, or unpacking cultural taboos, join Heba and Nira in empowering women in the Arab world and beyond. This podcast is your go-to for authenticity, relatability, and plenty of laughs.
In this unfiltered wrap-up, we go off-script as usual: from laughing
about surprise guest reveals to rehashing our introvert vs extrovert
showdown, debating Sahel vs. Gouna, and of course, weighing in on celebrity crushes and gossip.
We look back at our favorite guests, biggest lessons, what made us laugh
the hardest, and what we’re excited about for Season 5.
It’s a mix of reflection, real talk, and ridiculousness—basically, classic us.
In this high energy finale to Season 4, Heba and Nira sit down with Omar
Hikal, the creative force and founder of The Brand Company in Egypt. Known for his bold, storytelling-driven branding work, Omar opens up about everything from his early career and leadership evolution to the importance of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and knowing who you are in your business.
They dig into the psychology of branding, what makes a great leader (and
a terrible one), the visionary–integrator dynamic, and why personal branding is more powerful than ever.
Plus: thoughts on cultural identity, Japan, AI, and yes—Planet of the Apes. If you care about creativity, leadership, authenticity, and the future of
branding—you don’t want to miss this one.
For more on Omar Hikal:
https://www.instagram.com/omarhikal/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/omarhikal/?originalSubdomain=ae
https://thebrandcompany.co/
In this episode of Who Said What?!, we sit down with Palestinian-Canadian fashion designer Dunia Anabtawi, founder of her eponymous haute couture brand, to talk all things fashion, food, femininity, and fierce independence. From designing her first dress at 20 to navigating Egypt’s chaotic production scene, Dunia shares her journey, the soul of her brand, and why energy—whether from a dress or a client—matters deeply.
She opens up about how her love of cooking shaped her creativity, what it means to be a strong woman who still wants to be pampered, and the balancing act between business and marriage. Oh, and we definitely got into heels vs sneakers, marriage vs singlehood, the dating pool post-40, and the sacred art of saying no to difficult clients.
For more on Dunia:
https://duniaanabtawi.com/
https://www.instagram.com/duniaanabtawi/?hl=en
In this episode of Who Said What?!, Heba and Nira dive deep into
the question: Is romance dead? From teenage love letters and slow dancing in the ‘90s to ghosting, DMs, and dating apps today—they unpack what’s changed and what hasn’t when it comes to love.
They talk about decision paralysis, the myth of “better options,” the
death of emotional depth, and whether romance has disappeared or just… evolved. Along the way, they share old memories, discuss the rise of “trad wives,” singlehood, loneliness, love vs. mental health, and how dating today can feel more like a tech algorithm than a love story.
It’s funny, honest, and a little raw. And yes, someone proposes to a chatbot. Seriously??!
This week on Who Said What?! we sit down with artist, globetrotter, and human sunshine Amina El Demirdash. From her art residencies in Korea and Japan to aging, dating after divorce, and healing through creativity, Amina keeps it raw, real, and hilarious. We talk self-care rituals, anti-aging myths, perimenopause, why Egyptian WhatsApp culture is out of control, and how a hair growth expert in Korea changed her life. This episode is a mix of depth,
laughter, vulnerability, and even travel inspo.
Tune in for the laughter, stay for the wisdom.
For more on Amina:
https://www.aminaeldemirdash.com/
https://www.instagram.com/aminaeld
It’s that time again—no, not January. It’s the middle of the year and
Heba & Nira are doing a brutally honest check-in on those shiny New Year’s
resolutions. Did we stick to them? Did we abandon them by February? Do we even care anymore?
In this episode, Heba and Nira go head-to-head on the value (or futility)
of resolutions, how Heba is simplifying her life (and her people), and why Nira thinks resolutions are just another marketing gimmick. From TV show binges to letting go of toxic friendships and learning to say “no thanks” to
people-pleasing, this is your mid-year reminder to reflect, reset, or throw the list out entirely.
This week on Who Said What?!, we sit down with Mohamed Hefzy acclaimed film producer, writer, and founder of Film Clinic — whose name is
behind some of Egypt’s most iconic modern films. From childhood movie
obsessions and Cannes jury duties to navigating the minefield of censorship in Egypt, Hefzy opens up about the fine line between storytelling and controversy.
He also gets candid about turning 50, his thoughts on love, and why he believes cinema influences people more than books ever could.
For more on Mohamed Hefzy:
https://www.instagram.com/mohefzy/?hl=en
https://www.film-clinic.com/index.php
Remember when you had to rewind your VHS or face a fine? When your boyfriend made you a mix tape, not a Spotify playlist?
In this hilarious and painfully honest episode, Heba and Nira dive into the glorious chaos of growing up Gen X. From absentee parenting to cassette tapes, phone booths to pre-internet drama, they unpack why this weird and wonderful generation might just be the most underrated—and
emotionally damaged—one of all.
Also: did Gen X invent therapy? Probably. Most likely.
In this episode of Who Said What?!, Nira and Heba sit down with Tarek Ismail—an entrepreneur who’s navigated everything from law in the US to Cairo’s booming food scene. Tarek shares his journey from corporate law at Clifford Chance LLP and Baker & McKenzie to the F&B world, where he and his brother have built successful ventures.
We get real about family ties in business, shifting from retail to wholesale, the pressures of making money, and how personal values shape parenting. Tarek’s story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and staying true to what matters most.
For more on Tarek:
https://www.instagram.com/atorr_2018/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/p/Tarek-Ismail-100013704739599/
Are you an introvert or an extrovert—or do you just play one at parties?
In this hilariously heated episode of Who Said What?!, Heba and Nira
dive into the messy middle between labels, debating what it really means
to be introverted or extroverted in today’s world. From ghosting parties to
needing a hype-person to socialize, they unpack it all.
Heba tries to convince Nira she's not the introvert she claims to be,
while Nira insists her social battery dies fast (even if she is great at
small talk). Expect:
Google definitions that don't help
Triggered sisters
Social hangover confessions
A surprise agreement by the end (?!)
If you've ever wondered where you fall—or if your personality is being
misunderstood—this one’s for you.
In this episode of Who Said What?!, we sit down with Ingy
Ismail, PR consultant and founder of Flare PR, to talk about what it really
takes to carve out your place in a chaotic industry—and an even more chaotic world.
From leaving Egypt at 17 to live solo in Tuscany and chase a dream in
fashion, to interning at Diesel and later landing a coveted role at Salvatore
Ferragamo, Ingy shares how she pushed her way into Italy’s luxury fashion
scene—with no connections, just grit.
We dive into:
Why she never felt like she belonged in Egypt growing up
The burnout that made her walk away from Ferragamo
Hitting rock bottom—and how it led her to start Flare PR from scratch
Working with Egyptian icons like Azza Fahmy and Okhtein
Her unfiltered take on the PR industry today, from Instagrammable
events to the battle over creative value
She also opens up about relationships, living with regret, and why
comfort zones are creativity killers.
If you’re in your reinvention era, or just need a reminder that
great things come from hitting reset, this one’s for you.
For more info:
https://www.instagram.com/ingyism/?hl=en
https://ingyismail.com/
https://www.instagram.com/flarepr/?hl=en
We’re baaaaack! Season 4 kicks off with a candid catch-up between sisters Heba & Nira—no script, no filter, just real talk.
In this premiere episode, we unpack:
Our very different Ramadan experiences, and why Heba needed to shut the world out
Nira's update on life, baking, and why she's hitting pause on dating
Heba's flat renovation chaos and her need for a serious life reset
A heartwarming side of Nira: reconnecting with her ex, as friends!
Family milestones, fun shows to watch, and why Nira's desserts are low-key dangerous
Why Season 4 feels like the perfect time to reconnect, with old friends, with ourselves, and with you..
Whether you're decompressing post Ramadan, planning your summer, or just need a reset, this one's for you..
Radio host Zeinab Hegarty joins us for an honest, hilarious, and raw conversation about life in your 40s. From dating younger men and adjusting to life in Cairo after moving from London in her 20s, to navigating career, identity, and societal pressures—Zeinab brings her signature wit and wisdom to the mic.
We talk about aging, relationships, friendships, decision paralysis, and what no one really prepares you for as you grow older. She opens up about caring for her aunt with dementia, the emotional labor women are expected to carry, and how society subtly (and not-so-subtly) nudges women toward egg freezing—as if time is always running out.
Whether you're in your 20s, 30s, or well into your 40s, this episode is for anyone figuring out life on their own terms—without the pressure to follow a set timeline.
For more info on Zeinab:
https://www.instagram.com/zeinabhegarty/?hl=en
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zeinab-hegarty-08565435/?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egoogle%2Ecom%2F&originalSubdomain=eg
In this eye-opening episode of Who Said What?!, we sit down with leading OB/GYN Dr. Hussein Gohar, based in Cairo, Egypt, to talk all things perimenopause, menopause, and hormone health. After decades in gynecology, Dr. Gohar is now laser-focused on the often misunderstood and under-discussed phase of women’s lives: the menopause transition.
We dive deep into:
What perimenopause really is and when it starts
The difference between menopause and perimenopause
The truth about Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and bioidentical hormones
Why hormonal tests might be useless during this phase
Alternatives to HRT, including medications and lifestyle changes
Sexual dysfunction, aesthetic gynecology, and how taboo topics like FGM impact women's health
The importance of nutrition, resistance training, and education
And yes—do men go through their own “menopause”? We asked.
This episode isn’t just for women—it’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand female health better and help break the stigma. Dr. Gohar brings science, compassion, and bold truth to the table. Let’s talk about what nobody talks about.
For more info on Dr. Hussein Gohar and his clinic:
https://www.instagram.com/hsgohar?igsh=d3RxczNzNTlqeGpm&utm_source=qr
https://www.instagram.com/v.clinics_?igsh=cjZnMGVtbmpsbnlq
In this week’s episode of Who Said What?!, Heba and Nira get real about one of the trickiest topics out there: boundaries.
Nira opens up about how she's learned to say no without the guilt—and how standing her ground has brought her peace. Heba, on the other hand, admits that her struggle to set boundaries often leads to confusion, burnout, and blurred lines in both personal and professional relationships.
From friendship drama and childhood patterns to work stress and even White Lotus commentary, this episode is full of raw reflections, funny moments, and the honest back-and-forth that only sisters can have.
They also tackle:
Why saying no at work isn’t always helpful
When boundaries backfire
Why confrontation doesn’t scare Nira (but terrifies Heba)
And how setting boundaries with men hits differently
Plus, a rapid-fire round that spills all the tea.
If you’ve ever struggled with saying no—or felt guilty when you did—this one’s for you.
Ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes in interior design in Egypt? From difficult clients to Pinterest copycats, Cairo-based interior designer Ramzi Ebeid joins us to talk about the realities of the design industry.
We cover:
1. The secret to creating timeless, original designs 🏡
2. Why commercial projects move faster than residential ones
3. The importance of vetting clients before taking on projects
4. How OCD can actually be a design superpower ✨
5. Why your first interior design project should always be free
Plus, Ramzi reveals what he would be if he weren’t a designer (spoiler: it involves a microphone and a lot of jokes). 🎤😂
If you love architecture, design trends, client horror stories, and creative inspiration, this episode is for you!
For more info on Ramzi:
https://humannatureblog.net/
https://www.instagram.com/ramzi.humannature/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramzi-makram-ebeid-9008a31b/?originalSubdomain=eg
We attended an exclusive event in Cairo hosted for Steven Bartlett, where he spoke about his experiences, his book The Diary of a CEO, and his insights on success, hiring, and risk-taking.
In this episode, we share our biggest takeaways—from the event itself, what stood out the most in his talk, and whether his ideas would work in Egypt.
How is he so wise at such a young age? His clarity, sharp thinking, and ability to make every word count had us hooked.
Spending $250K on an NFT—genius or madness? We break down his boldest financial experiment.
Why failure and experimentation are actually the fastest way to succeed—and how the most successful people embrace mistakes.
Would his strategy work in Egypt? We debate the obstacles to success in our region.
Plus, we discuss cognitive dissonance, personal branding, and why Steven always wears black (hint: decision fatigue is real).
And yes, we somehow found time to talk about Tom Cruise’s botox. Because priorities.
Join us as we unpack all the highlights from this exclusive event and reflect on what we learned from one of the most influential voices in business today!
In this episode of Who Said What?!, we sit down with Fayrouz Eid, wellness coach and nutritionist, to unpack the real keys to sustainable weight loss, breaking unhealthy food cycles, and shifting your mindset for long-term health. Fayrouz opens up about her own weight gain journey after her first pregnancy, how she turned it around, and why deep health is more than just diet and exercise.
We also dive into the pressure women face around food and body image, stress and its impact on weight, and how movement combined with intentional eating habits creates real transformation. Plus, she shares essential tips for a healthier Ramadan, including smart ways to break your fast, managing cravings, and staying on track without feeling restricted.
For anyone struggling with emotional eating, food guilt, or the all-or-nothing approach, this episode is a must-listen! Fayrouz drops gems on replacing habits, why stress is sabotaging your weight loss, and how to shift your approach to food—without extreme dieting.
🎧 Tune in now for a refreshingly real conversation on health, mindset, and wellness!
For more on Fayrouz, you can follow her on:
https://www.instagram.com/fayrouzneid/?hl=en
Her website:
https://www.wellbco.com/
Are we addicted to social media, or is it just too much? This week, we get real about our love-hate relationship with the digital world.
Why Nira finds social media overwhelming and pointless
Heba’s take on why it makes us more connected yet more anxious
The selfie debate—cringe or totally normal?
The dangers of social media, AI, and why it’s ruining lives
Influencers, oversharing, and why attention is the new currency
Heba’s wild realization: a pediatrician said social media is worse than smoking for teens! 🤯
Why we all fear boredom but actually need it
Also: Blake Lively drama, Tinder Swindler, and why we’re ditching our phones in the morning.
Time for a social media detox? Maybe. Tune in now. 🎧
This week on Who Said What?!, we sit down with media mogul, storyteller, and all-around powerhouse Amy Mowafi. She joins us for a no-holds-barred conversation about building MO4 Network, navigating the chaos of working with family, and the insane sacrifices behind success.
In this episode, we dive into:
How Amy went from hustling her way into Enigma Magazine to leading one of Egypt’s most influential media companies
The reality of working with siblings—think Succession, but with an Arab touch
Why kids shouldn’t be on TikTok and the dark side of social media
The mental load of running a business and the sacrifices no one talks about
Aging, plastic surgery, and our strong feelings about Madonna vs. JLo (yes, we went there)
This episode is packed with hysterical moments, real talk, and raw insights—including my post-bronchitis coughing fits (don’t worry, we edited out the worst of them). Also, we may have accidentally started a new podcast tradition: when one of us rambles too much, the other just yells "shut the f* up!"** 😂
For more on Amy & MO4 Network:
https://www.instagram.com/amymowafi/?hl=en
https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Famymowafi
https://www.mo4network.com/
https://www.instagram.com/mo4network/?hl=en
Who Said What?! With Heba & Nira is your go-to podcast that dives into the hilarious, raw, and honest world of two sisters in their 40's navigating life, love, and family, with the values of community and empowerment. With a global perspective shaped by their experiences living across Egypt, the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Europe, Heba and Nira bring a unique mix of cultural insights and perspectives, and deeply relatable personal stories to every episode. They also feature inspiring and influential guests; breaking barriers in regional media with a unique and unfiltered approach to tackling the topics that matter most.
Heba and Nira are the founders of the successful bakery The Four Fat Ladies, based in Egypt. Heba is an interior designer, and the author of Mommy's Happy Hour; Nira is the founder of her new dessert brand Nira's Wicked Whisk. From the dynamics of family life to sharing insights on entrepreneurship, motherhood, relationships, marriages, friendships, and even those topics most people shy away from—this podcast is as real as it gets. Whether we're debating life’s big questions, or unpacking cultural taboos, join Heba and Nira in empowering women in the Arab world and beyond. This podcast is your go-to for authenticity, relatability, and plenty of laughs.