Saudi Life: Unpacked
Saudi Life Unpacked is a podcast that explores the expat experience in Saudi Arabia. Hosts Lily Moffatt and Frankie Hilton demystify life in the kingdom, covering topics from daily living to cultural insights. The show aims to answer common questions and highlight the positive aspects of living and working in Saudi Arabia. It serves as a resource for those considering or already living in the country.
حلقات
Ep 91. Building a Saudi Beauty Brand: Purpose, Representation & Growth with Sara Al-Rashed
What does it really take to build a beauty brand that feels authentically made for the women of the region?In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie sits down with Sara Al Rashed, Saudi entrepreneur and founder of Asteri Beauty, for a conversation about beauty, business, identity and building a brand with the Arab woman at its heart.Sara shares the story behind Asteri - from the early idea
Ep 90. Building with Purpose: Motherhood, Entrepreneurship & Life in Saudi Arabia with Lujain Abulfaraj
What does it really look like to build a business, raise a family and dream bigger in Saudi Arabia?In this episode of Saudi Life Unpacked, Frankie sits down with Lujain, Saudi entrepreneur and founder of Akwan, for a conversation about motherhood, entrepreneurship, identity and being part of Saudi Arabia’s rapidly changing story.After growing up between Jeddah, Kuwait and Dubai, Lujain returned ho
Ep 89. Expat Motherhood in Saudi Arabia: Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond with Lina and Christie
What if your closest mum friend was due to give birth... on exactly the same day as you?In this episode, Frankie sits down with Lina and Christie, two expat mums who met in Riyadh, discovered they shared the exact same due date, and welcomed their baby boys just two days apart.Together, they share their honest experiences of pregnancy, giving birth in Saudi Arabia, navigating the healthcare system
Ep 88. Pregnant in Saudi Arabia: What It's Really Like Having a Baby in the Kingdom with Nikki
Would you move to Saudi Arabia... and have a baby there?When Australian mum Nikki first heard about moving to Saudi Arabia, she never expected it would one day feel like home.Fast forward a few years, and she's now raising her family in Riyadh and preparing to welcome her third child in the Kingdom.In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie is joined by Nikki, an Australian mum who shares he
Ep 87. Perimenopause, Hormones & HRT in Saudi: What Every Woman Needs to Know with Dr. May & Dr. Laura
Brain fog. Mood swings. Poor sleep. Fatigue. Sound familiar?Many women assume it's simply stress, a busy season of life or just part of getting older. But what if it's something more?In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie is joined by Dr. May and Dr. Laura from Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital to unpack one of the biggest conversations in women's health today: perimenopause, menopause and
Ep 86. Building Your Tribe in Saudi Arabia: Real Expat Stories with Sarah, Victoria and Jules
Thinking about moving to Saudi Arabia... but worried you'll feel lonely?One of the biggest questions we hear is: "How do you actually make friends in Saudi Arabia?" In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie is joined by Sarah, Victoria and Jules, three women at very different stages of their Saudi journey, to talk honestly about building a life in the Kingdom. From arriving with no support
Ep 85. Breastfeeding in Saudi Arabia: Expert Advice for New & Expecting Mums with Dr. Eman Galal
Thinking about having a baby in Saudi Arabia? Wondering what breastfeeding support is really like?In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie sits down with Dr. Eman, a pharmacist, certified lactation consultant, VBAC educator, and pediatric nutritionist, to answer the questions every new and expectant mum has.Together, they discuss what breastfeeding looks like in Saudi hospitals, whether yo
Ep 84. Moving to Saudi Arabia: Fitness, Confidence & Building a New Life with Milla Aguiar
Moving to Saudi Arabia changed Mila's life in ways she never expected. In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie sits down with the Brazilian fitness coach to explore her journey from teaching CrossFit to becoming a leading voice in women's fitness and wellness in the Kingdom. We explore the realities of relocating to Saudi, building a new life from scratch, finding community, adapting
Ep 83. Frankie and Lily Catch Up: AlUla, Red Sea & Exploring Saudi More
What if the best family memories you’ll make in Saudi are the ones just a road trip away?In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down for a catch-up episode reflecting on a whirlwind few weeks of recording, exploring, and experiencing more of Saudi Arabia than ever before.From AlUla and The Red Sea to authentic Saudi homes, desert discoveries, local restaurants, family travel
Ep 82. The Red Sea Saudi Arabia: Inside The Kingdom’s Most Luxurious Destination with Olly Wood
You can visit Saudi’s Red Sea - and still have no idea how big it really is.In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down with Olly from The Red Sea to unpack what’s really happening behind one of the world’s most ambitious tourism projects. From Desert Rock and Six Senses to SLS, St. Regis and the upcoming wellness destination Amala, this conversation goes far beyond beautifu
Ep 81. What It’s Really Like Inside a Saudi Home (Hi Home Experience)
You can live in Saudi for years - and still never experience this.What if the most authentic way to understand Saudi Arabia isn’t through what you see, but through who you sit with?In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily step inside a Saudi family home joined by their host Fatima through the Hi Home experience and it completely shifts their perspective on what Saudi hospita
Ep 80. Exploring Saudi Food: Traditional Dishes, Modern Twists and Eid Feasts with Chef Elia Kaady
What is Saudi cuisine really like - and what should you expect when dining in Saudi Arabia? In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily head to Maiz restaurant in Bujairi Terrace for a special on-location episode, sitting down with Chef Elia Kaady to explore the richness of Saudi food, culture, and tradition. From iconic dishes like jareesh, salig, and kubeba to the role of
Ep 79. Two Expat Mums Share Their AlUla Experience With Kids with Cami and Emma
What is it really like to move to Saudi Arabia with children and can you actually travel to places like AlUla as a family? In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily are joined by two expat mums at different stages of their journey - Cami recently moved from Sydney with her family and is navigating the early stages of settling in, while Emma, originally from the UK, has been in
Ep 78. Traveling Saudi Arabia: Beyond the Resorts and Uncovering Hidden Gems with Izabella Rekiel
What if the most interesting place to travel right now… isn’t somewhere you fly to - but somewhere you live? Saudi Arabia is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about destinations in the world, yet for many, what travel here actually looks like still feels unknown. In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down with Izy - a sports media presenter whose journey in Saudi
Ep 77. Frankie and Lily Catch Up: This Is the Conversation We Have Been Having All Week
What does life in Saudi Arabia actually feel like right now?In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down for a raw, unfiltered catch-up after a month of unexpected change, uncertainty, and emotional highs and lows.From leaving the Kingdom temporarily, navigating homeschooling and disrupted travel plans, to returning and adjusting to a new “in-between” reality - this is an hon
Ep 76. Expat Life in Saudi Arabia, Motherhood & Identity with Dani in KSA
What is it really like to live in Saudi Arabia as an expat mum?In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie sits down with Dani (Dani in KSA), a luxury media founder, content creator, and mum of four, to unpack her journey from the West to building a life in Riyadh.From navigating cultural differences and early challenges to raising teenagers between identities, Dani shares a deeply honest loo
Ep 75. Luxury Travel, Vision 2030 and the Future of Tourism in Saudi with Thomas Staunton
What if the world’s next luxury travel destination wasn’t in Europe or the Maldives - but in Saudi Arabia?Saudi Arabia is becoming one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the world, but most people still have no idea what travel here actually looks like.In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down with Thomas Staunton, a luxury tourism expert working at the forefro
Ep 74. A Mum & daughter duo; Navigating Culture, Family & Identity in Saudi Arabia with Ruba Tursun, and Dr. Rihab Alsaeed.
Moving countries with teenagers is one of the hardest transitions a family can face - but no one really talks about it.In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down with Saudi content creator Ruba Tursun and her mother Dr. Rihab, a marriage and family therapy consultant based in Riyadh.Together they explore the emotional realities of moving countries, raising teenagers between
Ep 73. Saudi’s Most Talked-About New Destination: Our Red Sea Experience
What is the Red Sea Project really like - and is it worth visiting right now?In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily record live from SLS Red Sea, one of Saudi Arabia’s newest luxury resorts.We share our first impressions, what surprised us the most, and answer the questions we constantly get from expats: How do you get there? Can you bring kids? Is it worth the price?From the fu
Ep 72. Exploring Riyadh’s History & Culture Through a Local Lens with Fatimah Abusrair
What’s really hidden inside Old Riyadh?In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down with Fatimah Abusrair, a licensed tour guide, communication consultant and cultural storyteller who is helping people experience a different side of the city.Fatimah runs the first tip-based walking tour in Saudi Arabia, guiding guests through the historic Qasr Al-Hukm district - home to Masma
Ep 71. From Paralysis to Purpose: An Artist’s Inspiring Journey in Saudi Arabia with Aida Murad
What would you do if your life changed overnight?In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down with artist Aida Murad, whose life changed overnight when she became partially paralysed with rheumatoid arthritis in her early twenties. Instead of focusing on what she had lost, she chose to focus on the 1% she could still use - and that decision led her to a completely new purpose
Ep 70. Saudi’s Red Sea Unpacked: Travel, Hotels & What to Expect
What is the Red Sea really like - and is it worth the trip for expat families in Saudi?In this special catch-up episode, Frankie and Lily record live from the SLS Red Sea, sharing their first impressions of one of the Kingdom’s newest destinations.From the striking contrast of desert, mountains and turquoise water to how established the resorts already feel, they talk through what surprised them m
Ep 69. Female Founder Life in Riyadh: Gaming, Motherhood & Starting From Scratch with Kris Stephan
What does it really look like to build a company, raise a family, and make Saudi home - all at the same time?In this episode, Frankie and Lily were joined by Kris Stephan - a business owner, mum of two, and CEO in the fast-growing esports industry.Kris shares her journey from growing up in Saudi as an expat child to returning years later as a founder and working mum.We talk about what it’s really
Ep 68. Ramadan Unpacked: How Life Changes in the Kingdom
Ramadan Kareem! If this is your first Ramadan in Saudi Arabia, or you’re simply wondering what to expect, this episode is your practical, expat-friendly guide.Frankie and Lily share what really changes during Ramadan, from working hours and supermarket schedules to iftar etiquette, traffic patterns, and the cultural rhythm of daily life. They also talk about the spirit behind the holy month and ho
Ep 67. What It’s Really Like Moving to Saudi as a Young Woman with Sharn Jaye
What happens when you say yes to moving somewhere most people don’t understand?In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down with Sharn, an Australian social media manager who recently moved to Riyadh and has already made waves online sharing her experience of life in the Kingdom.From going viral with a falcon video to navigating culture shock, homesickness, and Riyadh traffic
Ep 66. Leading List Magazine in Saudi Arabia with Noirin Hegarty
What is it really like living and working in Saudi Arabia as an expat woman in leadership?In this episode of Saudi Life Unpacked, Frankie Lily sit down with Noirin Hegarty, Editor-in-Chief of List Magazine Saudi, who shares her honest journey from once believing the media stereotypes about Saudi Arabia… to now calling it one of the most exciting places she’s ever lived and worked.We talk about wo
Ep 65. Frankie & Lily's first catch up of 2026 - What We Missed, What’s New & What’s Next
Welcome back, it’s our first catch up of 2026 and we’re kicking off the year with a proper life update!Frankie and Lily kick off the new year with big updates - including Saudi Life: Unpacked officially launching on YouTube and a brand new recording space in the works before diving into a real, honest catch-up on winter break travels (UK + Ireland), expat family life, and the reality of getting ba
Ep 64. Solo Female Adventure in Saudi Arabia: Walking the Kingdom From North to South with Alice Morrison
What does it really take to walk across Saudi Arabia on foot - as a woman?In this extraordinary episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Lily sit down with Alice Morrison, a British explorer, journalist, and adventurer who has just completed a world-first journey: walking 2,195km across Saudi Arabia over 112 days, from the Jordan border all the way down through the Kingdom.Recorded only moments after she
Ep 63. Saudi Women Changing the Narrative with Rawan Al-Turki: Photography, Culture & Life in Jeddah
What is life in Jeddah really like - beyond the stereotypes?In this episode of Saudi Life Unpacked, Frankie Lily sit down with Rawan Al-Turki, a Saudi photographer born and raised in Jeddah, to explore the city through truly local eyes. From the historic streets of Al-Balad to fish markets, fashion shoots, and everyday moments most visitors never see, Rawan shares how photography has become a way
Ep 62. Building a Business After Cancer: Umniah Alzahery’s Story from Jeddah
What happens when life forces you to stop - and start again?In this episode of Saudi Life Unpacked, Frankie Lily sit down with Umniah Alzahery, a Saudi entrepreneur based in Jeddah, to talk about career ambition, burnout, illness, and building a business that brought joy back into her life.Umniah shares her journey from a high-pressure corporate HR career to surviving cancer during the pandemic -
Ep 61. Frankie & Lily end of year catchup, and Q&A from our community to end 2025 into 2026
In this episode of Saudi Life Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down for an honest, end-of-year conversation about expat life in Saudi Arabia - the highs, the challenges, and the moments that make the Kingdom start to feel like home.They share personal life updates, winter travel plans, parenting reflections, and what it really looks like to raise happy children while living abroad. The conversation
Ep. 60 Drinking Water!!!! Everything you need to know (with all the research done!)
Can you drink the tap water in Saudi Arabia? And what’s actually the safest, healthiest option for your family?In this research-led episode of Saudi Life Unpacked, Frankie and Lily deep dive into one of the most asked (and most misunderstood) expat topics: water quality in Saudi Arabia. From desalinated tap water and delivery gallon bottles, to glass spring water and under-sink filtratio
Ep 59. Rozana Albanawi: The Heartbeat of Human-Centred Leadership (and golden Insights into Jeddah!)
Ep 59. Rozana Albanawi: The Heartbeat of Human-Centred Leadership (and golden Insights into Jeddah!)
Ep 58. From Identity to Anxiety: Psychologist, Carl Garner on the Real Emotional Impact of Moving Abroad
Ep 58. From Identity to Anxiety: Psychologist, Carl Garner on the Real Emotional Impact of Moving Abroad
Ep. 57 "So Here's the tip...." We answer some FAQ's & give some tips on 'what to wear' to 'how to drive' (and all in-between)
Ep. 57 "So Here's the tip...." We answer some FAQ's & give some tips on 'what to wear' to 'how to drive' (and all in-between)
Ep 56. Through His Eyes: A Husband’s Take on Moving to Saudi. Frankie sits down with her husband Michael to unpack highs, lows & lessons of moving to Saudi
In this special episode of Saudi Life Unpacked, Frankie is joined by her husband Michael for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about what it’s really like moving to Saudi Arabia as a married couple and raising a young family in Riyadh. From long-distance marriage during the transition and early culture shock, to career growth in the Kingdom, compound life, having children in Saudi, an
Ep. 55 Bonjour Arabia! Frankie & Lily sit down with Cecilia Pueyo, co-founder & CEO of Bonjour Arabia (formally 'Bonjour Saudi') - expert on cultural experiences in Saudi.
Ep. 54 Bonjour Arabia! Frankie Lily sit down with Cecilia Pueyo, co-founder CEO of Bonjour Arabia (formally 'Bonjour Saudi') - expert on cultural experiences in Saudi.
Ep 54: The Stories Behind the Hosts – Frankie & Lily’s Path to Saudi Arabia
The Stories Behind the Hosts – Frankie & Lily’s Path to Saudi Arabia
Ep 53. Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Dr Felwa AlMarshad joins Lily & Frankie for a practical and honest discussion on her mission to educate (Men & women) in the region.
Ep 53. Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Dr Felwa AlMarshad joins Lily & Frankie for a practical and honest discussion on her mission to educate (Men & women) in the region.
Ep 52. Frankie & Lily catch up - Start of a new school year and we're off and running! Events, concierge and Riyadh season (and great weather!)
Ep 52. Frankie & Lily catch up - Start of a new school year and we're off and running! Events, concierge and Riyadh season (and great weather!)
Ep.51 *Special SLU update* - SLU Concierge Launch! Hear about how 'Saudi Life: Unpacked' is expanding
Ep.51 *Special SLU update* SL Concierge Launch! - hear about how 'Saudi Life: Unpacked' is expanding
Ep 50. Q & A with Lama Alhamawi: Saudi journalist, Head of Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs at Arab News, and founder of the Discussions podcast - to unpack her powerful career journey.
Ep 50. Q A with Lama Alhamawi: Saudi journalist, Head of Diplomacy Foreign Affairs at Arab News, and founder of the Discussions podcast - to unpack her powerful career journey. If you're still bringing assumptions about the Kingdom in your carry-on, this episode will change that.
Ep 49. Q & A with Tulin Meric Sahin, makeup artist and skincare professional - talking bringing up children through their formative years in Saudi, practical tips & tricks on everything from skin care to parenting grounded children - we cover it all.
Ep 49. Q A with Tulin Meric Sahin, makeup artists and skincare professional - talking bringing up children through their formative years in Saudi, practical tips tricks on everything from skin care to parenting grounded children - we cover it all.
Ep 48. Q & A with Palavi Kele, Cross-cultural Psychologist. We discuss her work helping individuals and organisations navigate the rich and nuanced cultural landscape of Saudi Arabia.
Ep 48. Q & A with Palavi Kele, Cross-cultural Psychologist. We discuss her work helping individuals and organisations navigate the rich and nuanced cultural landscape of Saudi Arabia.
Ep 47. Frankie & Lily 'post summer' catch up - Changing schools & feelings about returning to Saudi after a long summer break abroad.
Frankie & Lily 'post summer' catch up - Changing schools & feelings about returning to Saudi after a long summer break abroad.
EP 46. Q & A with Nada Alrasheed, Saudi record-breaking freediver - chatting about smashing records & stereo types in and out of the water for Arab women. A true mermaid and inspiration!
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EP 45. Q & A with Rateel Alshehri, youngest Arab podcaster & social media influencer on the future of Saudi youth and adjusting to change in the region. Truly empowering young Saudi women.
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Ep 44. Frankie & Lily on the emotional hardships of being an expat. Living abroad and the guilt associated with being away from family and friends. Bring the tissues!
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Ep 43.Q & A with Nat Bristowe: an insight into a child free life in Saudi, adult only compounds & embracing a healthy mindset and body (being both a PT & Mindset Coach!)
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Ep. 42. Q & A with Marriam Mossalli: "Investor in Woman" in Saudi. The powerhouse behind 'Under The Abaya', entrepreneur and a fierce advocate for female empowerment across the Kingdom.
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Ep 41. Frankie & Lily 'pre summer' catch up - What can you bring into Saudi? Summer plans abroad and what to do in Saudi over summer.
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Ep 40. Q & A with Linda Al-Faisal, a 13 year old Saudi podcaster, ballerina and all round change maker. She is championing the next generation of Saudi women excited by Saudi now (and in the future)!
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EP 39. Q & A with Byron Cooke, host of 'The Byron Cooke show' on MBC loud - the first english speaking radio station: on being unapologetically ambitious to a dedicated dad to his son in Paris.
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EP 38. Q & A with 4 amazing women who moved to Saudi in the 60s, 70s & 80s from the U.K & U.S.A. We discuss their first impressions, what life was like & embracing the recent wave of change.
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EP 37. Q & A with David, Founder & Managing Director of Expat Logistics: talking relocating pets to and from Saudi.
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EP 36. Q & A with Tamara, owner of 'Homegrown Market' the curated concept store showcasing Arab brands: talking Saudi style and starting a business in the region.
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Ep 35. Q & A with Sam from Elite Sports, extra curricular sports activities!!! For little to big kids (and adults!) keeping them active and engaged in learning and competing in sports in the region.
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Ep 34. Q & A with Basma, food entrepreneur, chef & famed restaurateur. We cover pioneering a revolution of a typically male dominated industry (as a Saudi female), as well as much, much, more!
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Ep 33. Lily & Frankie catch up: including FAQ's - Driving in Saudi, schools in Saudi and accomodation!
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Ep 32. Q & A with Dr Maisa Alfalah, Dermatologist and owner of Age Clinics. Chatting all things skin care in Saudi.
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Ep 31. Q & A with Hilary, an 'Expert Expat'. Chatting about life in Jeddah, after moving from Riyadh & a handful of other cities. Raising children abroad and tips for finding your tribe as an expat.
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Ep 30. Q & A with Zeina Kilani, Jeddah born stylist & designer. Discussing the difference between Jeddah and Riyadh including style in both cities.
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Ep 29. Lily & Frankie catch up: CAMPING (from glamorous Alula ‘caravans’ to the more rustic style with kids in tents near Riyadh)
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Ep 28. Q & A with Rana, Founder & Managing Director of Kinder Land Preschool. With 20 years of regional experience in education, Rana is a wealth of knowledge for those with preschoolers in KSA
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Ep 27. Q & A with Hollie, THE hairdresser to see in Riyadh and life long expat in the region. We find out all the hair tips for the Saudi climate/water and growing up in the Middle East.
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Ep 26. Q & A with Pete Kaminski, Personal Trainer and long-time U.K Expat in Jeddah. We talk learning Arabic, mental and physical health and tips for settling in Saudi.
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Ep 25. Lily & Frankie catch up: The Jeddah trip review & what to expect over Ramadan!
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Ep 24. Q & A with Corinne, founder of The Yoga House. Insights into yoga in Saudi & the special community, as well as tips on creating a business in Saudi.
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Ep 23. Lily & Frankie catch up: Winter desert activities as well as Q&A's on weekend escapes in the region (and others queries....like tattoos!!)
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Ep 22. Q & A with Yasmine, Saudi/American & founder of Mumsway. Doula, Lactation Consultant & Birth Educator, Yasmine answers our questions on giving birth (and pre and post care) in the kingdom
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Ep 21. Q & A with Hani, founder of REJUV Salon. Insights into life as an expat business owner, sports star wife and mum.
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Ep 20. Lily & Frankie catch up: We're back for 2025! We cover 'home for holidays' v's 'home in riyadh' and some topical Q&A's
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Ep 19. PREGNANCY & CHILD BIRTH Q & A with Lou & Annie, expat mums telling us the their experiences and the 'need to knows' of pregnancy and child birth in Saudi
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Ep 18. Q & A with Sarah aka @Swirlthefork. She shares her invaluable foodie intel (where to eat and the must try dishes) for anyone in Saudi and the wider region.
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Ep 17. Q & A with Dr May Aldean, a British Family Medicine Doctor on medical care in Saudi and moving her teenagers from the U.K to Riyadh
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Ep 16. Lily & Frankie catch up: Some (solo!) parenting realities of living in Saudi with work travel requirements. (also answer Q's on Nannies!)
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Ep 15. Q & A with Alex: Director of Expansion at AstroLabs - Helping businesses set up in Saudi.
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Ep 14. Lily & Frankie catch up: traveling ‘home’ from the holidays with kids - our tips and tricks to survive those long haul flights.
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Ep 13. Q&A with Kate: Certified Sleep Physiologist and Coach on adapting to a relatively nocturnal life in Saudi.
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Ep 12. Q & A with Deborah Sharifi: Downe House Riyadh Head of School. A premium British school in Saudi for girls (and boys till year 4)
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