Episodes

  • 14 Piping Hot Chai and Chat with Qaanitah Hunter

    14 Piping Hot Chai and Chat with Qaanitah Hunter
    Nov 11 2025
    Qaanitah Hunter talks about her new book, Why am I Like This.

    In this episode, Qaanitah Hunter opens up about what inspired her to write Why Am I Like This. As an award-winning journalist who achieved remarkable success at a young age, she reflects on her mental health at the height of her career, her journey through grief, and the personal challenges that shaped her story. Qaanitah also shares insights into her weight loss journey and the meaning of true friendship. Bring your tissues and your tea - this conversation will make you laugh, reflect, and shed a tear. Stay tuned until the end for a fun quiz to help you connect with the book’s characters. Buy The Mighty Watermelon Merch! · Buy Qaanita's book · Follow the Debrief Network · Visit Safeera's Website · Twitter X · Instagram · Facebook
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    59 mins
  • 13 Chai and Chat with Tasneem Valley

    13 Chai and Chat with Tasneem Valley
    May 20 2025
    Faith, Fashion, & Fighting Cancer - Tasneem Valley Gets Real.

    A Full-Circle Conversation with Tasneem Valley – From Modest Influencer to Skin Guru and Cancer Warrior.

    In this deeply personal and inspiring episode of The Chai Lounge, Safeera Kaka sits down with long-time friend and guest, Tasneem Valley — an OG modest fashion influencer, aesthetician, and now, cancer survivor.

    Together, they journey through Tasneem's evolution: from growing up with insecurity, to finding early confidence through skincare, to becoming one of South Africa’s most recognisable modest influencers in the pre-Instagram era.

    They also touch on the spiritual weight of influence, the responsibility of being a Muslim woman online, and how cancer forced Tasneem to reassess everything — including her purpose, faith, and health.

    This episode is a powerful full-circle moment between two women who started their media journeys together — and have found renewed clarity, strength, and grounding in their paths.

    Grab your cup of chai and tune in for an emotional and thought-provoking conversation about identity, influence, and inner peace. Visit Safeera's Website · Twitter X · Instagram · Facebook
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    56 mins
  • 12 Chai Time with Nadia Adam

    12 Chai Time with Nadia Adam
    Mar 2 2025
    Grief, widowhood, and faith.

    The passing of Ziyad Adam sent shockwaves through the Muslim community. Listen to his wife Nadia Adam talk about his death, dealing with grief, coping with a new normal, and the lessons through it all. Follow Nadia's journey · Listen to the podcast I did with kids at Qurtuba Islamic Academy · Visit Safeera's Website · Twitter X · Instagram · Facebook
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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • 11 Chai and Chat with Ayesha Jakoet

    11 Chai and Chat with Ayesha Jakoet
    Feb 7 2025
    In this episode of The Chai Lounge, host Safeera Kaka sits down with Ayesha Jakoet, a well-known social media influencer and mother of three daughters.

    Ayesha opens up about her journey from being a mom to becoming a successful TikTok star. She shares insights into her parenting style, especially when it comes to raising teenage daughters, and reflects on the realities of social media fame.

    The conversation delves into managing online hate, spirituality, prioritising mental health, and finding a balance between her online presence and personal life. Follow Ayesha on TikTok · Visit Safeera's Website · Twitter X · Instagram · Facebook
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    46 mins
  • 10 Chai and Chat 2024

    10 Chai and Chat 2024
    Jan 13 2025
    Reflecting on 2024 with all the love and lessons learnt. Visit Safeera's Website · Twitter X · Instagram · Facebook
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    19 mins
  • 09 The Tawkeel App

    09 The Tawkeel App
    Jan 2 2025
    Perform Umrah Badal from the comfort of your home with Tawkeel.

    In this episode of the Chai Lounge, Safeera Kaka interviews Mohammed Wadee, Managing Director of Tourizto, about the Tawkeel app which enables Muslims to perform Umrah Badal (proxy Umrah) through a digital platform. You are able to see the Umrah being performed in real time on the app.

    #ad Use the app by clicking this link · Visit Safeera's Website · Twitter X · Instagram · Facebook
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    18 mins
  • 08 Chai and Samoosa Runs

    08 Chai and Samoosa Runs
    Sep 11 2024
    Finding love as a single Muslim woman in the modern world.

    Finding a suitable marriage partner as a Muslim woman can be quite challenging. On this episode, we look at cultural expectations vs. personal desires, evolving partner preferences with age, and the challenges with the "samoosa run". We also explore the idea of becoming a second wife and the definition of love and personal growth. Order The Mighty Watermelon · Join the match-making initiative here · Link for Females · Visit Safeera's Website · Twitter X · Instagram · Facebook
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • 07 My very personal experience of the Hajj

    07 My very personal experience of the Hajj
    Jul 17 2024
    Safeera gets real and shares every aspect of her journey to Hajj.

    The Hajj is a journey every Muslim must endeavour to undergo at lease once in a lifetime. After a 7 year wait, I share my experience of performing Hajj during the 2024/1445 season.

    I share my journey to Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. The lessons I learnt, the bonds I forged, and about this journey of a lifetime. Tears are shed as I get very real about the emotions I experienced on my Hajj.

    I hope anyone who ever goes on the Hajj finds this episode useful and inspiring. Please vote for my podcast in the APVA 2024 awards · Register for Hajj via SAHUC (South Africa only) · Visit Safeera's Website · Twitter X · Instagram · Facebook
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    1 hr and 20 mins