Those Avoided Topics

Grounding the Heart: Reclaiming Love and Identity Before Marriage

In this raw and deeply reflective episode, host Ibtisam Habib sits down with Mariam Thabit;a petroleum engineer with a background in Islamic psychology—to pull back the curtain on the unspoken realities of marriage. Moving past the fairy tales and societal milestones, they hold a mirror up to the things we typically avoid: from the way unhealed childhood trauma wrecks communication, to financial literacy, to a honest, necessary breakdown of the emotional fairness required in polygamy. This isn't just a conversation about relationship dynamics; it’s an urgent blueprint for self-reflection. Mariam shares a powerful reminder that true marital stability only begins when you ground your identity in your relationship with Allah, learn to love Him more than your spouse, and find the courage to heal exactly where you are.

Visiting a New Mum: The Unspoken Rules

In this candid return of Those Avoided Topics, host Ibtisam Habib steps back into the studio, This time with a newborn in tow to tackle a subject most parents feel but few dare to say out loud: Postpartum Visiting Etiquette. Fresh from her own journey into "girl mama" territory for the second time, Ibtisam dives into the social friction that often follows a new arrival. From the "Nairobi vs. Coast" cultural clash to the unintended stress of unsolicited advice and unannounced morning visits, this episode breaks down the unspoken rules that protect a mother’s mental and physical health during recovery.