Stories and a Cup is a reflective podcast centered on meaningful conversations about identity, faith, belonging, and becoming. Through gentle, raw, unscripted dialogue with women, the podcast explores the stories we carry, the ones we silence, and the courage to speak them aloud. Each episode invites listeners to slow down, listen deeply, and reconnect with what matters- best enjoyed with a warm cup of coffee or tea and an open heart!
**DISCLAIMER:
This podcast features personal stories and perspectives shared by guests. The views expressed are their own and are not intended to represent professional, medical, or therapeutic advice, nor the views of the host or podcast.
Summary
Barista and entrepreneur Haela Ghasani reflects on starting a business at 12, finding purpose in coffee, and building a mobile coffee-cart business while navigating marriage and personal growth. She shares practical lessons about perfectionism, customer empathy, choosing a partner, and resisting comparison.
Chapters
00:00 A business mindset from childhood
01:56 Let go of perfection and start
03:02 Nearly a decade behind the coffee bar
04:59 Adjusting to independence and a new routine
06:35 Why her coffee-cart journey is called “The Hustle”
09:16 Degrees, student loans, and leaving corporate work
10:21 The customer encounter that revealed coffee’s human side
12:11 Newlywed life and finding the right partner
16:03 Relationship red flags and family fit
17:26 How Haela recharges
18:08 Why start with a cart before opening a café
20:30 A wedding photo and advice against comparison
1 Nov 2026
Introduction to Season 4
Welcome to the new season of Stories in a Cup, where we turn our attention to the voices of a younger generation. In this exciting fourth season, I’m inviting young women aged 19 to 26 to share their experiences, dreams, and the challenges they face as they navigate life.
Embracing Diverse Perspectives
This season is all about listening. We’ll dive deep into topics such as growing up between cultures, the complexities of friendships, career choices, and the delicate balance of family expectations versus personal aspirations. Each conversation will reveal the unique ways these young women are discovering their identities and forging their paths.
"You don't need to have reached a milestone or overcome something extraordinary to talk about your story. Sometimes it's all about a meaningful conversation."
These words remind us that every story matters, no matter how big or small. It’s an invitation to pause and really listen to what the younger generation has to say.
Curiosity and Connection
As we embark on this journey, we’ll also explore themes of confidence, independence, and relationships. Expect unexpected questions and light-hearted moments that highlight the beauty of curiosity in our conversations. By sharing these stories, we hope to foster understanding between generations.
If you’re a parent, friend, or simply someone curious about the youth today, this season will offer fresh insights and perspectives.
So grab your coffee, tea, or matcha, and settle in for conversations that uplift and inspire. Welcome to Season 4 of Stories in a Cup!
29 Aug 2026
The Courage to Keep Becoming: Motherhood, Resilience & Finding Herself Again
Summary:
In this episode, we explore the journey of Hiba Abdullah, a woman who transformed her life through faith, motherhood, and entrepreneurship. Her story highlights resilience, cultural identity, and the power of community support for women living abroad.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Hiba Abdullah's inspiring journey
01:57 Hiba's migration from Lebanon and early dreams
03:56 The role of faith and prayer in her life
07:06 Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship
10:00 Cultural identity and maintaining traditions abroad
12:52 Community support and personal resilience
15:51 The impact of faith on overcoming obstacles
19:00 Hiba's message to women in the diaspora
21:49 The importance of support networks and community
24:54 Future projects and ongoing inspiration
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Contact Stories and a Cup
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