The Icon Edit https://theiconedit.podbean.com The Icon Edit is a weekly podcast for women who want real conversations about the things that shape our lives - identity, ambition, money, power, relationships, health, confidence, and reinvention. Hosted by Dubai-based Iwona Laub, each episode features honest, unfiltered stories and sharp insights from women who say the quiet part out loud. New episodes every Thursday.

]]> Thu, 02 Apr 2026 05:30:00 +0400 https://podbean.com/?v=5.5 en ae Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Society & Culture 1440 episodic The Icon Edit The Icon Edit No false https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/21835776/the-icon-edit-cover-2048.jpg The Icon Edit https://theiconedit.podbean.com 144 144 Episode 14 - Becoming Mother | Maddy Scott - Maternity Coach Episode 14 - Becoming Mother | Maddy Scott - Maternity Coach https://theiconedit.podbean.com/e/episode-14-becoming-mother-maddy-scott-maternity-coach/ https://theiconedit.podbean.com/e/episode-14-becoming-mother-maddy-scott-maternity-coach/#comments Thu, 02 Apr 2026 05:30:00 +0400 theiconedit.podbean.com/79dea4bd-e070-35a4-af19-fb85e3020351 Motherhood changes everything, but not enough people talk about what it really does to your identity. In this episode, I sit down with matrescence expert Maddy Scott to talk about the emotional, mental, and relational shift that happens when women become mothers. We discuss grief, loss of self, loneliness, and why this transition can feel so overwhelming even when it is deeply meaningful.

]]> Motherhood changes everything, but not enough people talk about what it really does to your identity. In this episode, I sit down with matrescence expert Maddy Scott to talk about the emotional, mental, and relational shift that happens when women become mothers. We discuss grief, loss of self, loneliness, and why this transition can feel so overwhelming even when it is deeply meaningful.

]]> Motherhood changes everything, but not enough people talk about what it really does to your identity. In this episode, I sit down with matrescence expert Maddy Scott to talk about the emotional, mental, and relational shift that happens when women become mothers. We discuss grief, loss of self, loneliness, and why this transition can feel so overwhelming even when it is deeply meaningful. The Icon Edit false No 2574 15 full Episode 13 - The Luxury Travel Insider | Maxime van Gelderen - Luxury Travel Advisor Episode 13 - The Luxury Travel Insider | Maxime van Gelderen - Luxury Travel Advisor https://theiconedit.podbean.com/e/episode-13-the-luxury-travel-insider-maxime-van-gelderen-luxury-travel-advisor/ https://theiconedit.podbean.com/e/episode-13-the-luxury-travel-insider-maxime-van-gelderen-luxury-travel-advisor/#comments Thu, 26 Mar 2026 05:30:00 +0400 theiconedit.podbean.com/3d5d1c72-0b84-3209-9eb8-264cb75a7c64 Luxury travel isn’t just about expensive hotels. It’s about access, discretion, relationships, and the invisible work that makes everything feel effortless.

In this episode of The Icon Edit, I’m joined by Maxime van Gelderen, a luxury travel advisor based in Dubai. We talk about what a luxury travel advisor actually does, how bespoke trips are designed around a client’s lifestyle, and the behind-the-scenes problem solving that turns last-minute requests into seamless experiences.

]]> Luxury travel isn’t just about expensive hotels. It’s about access, discretion, relationships, and the invisible work that makes everything feel effortless.

In this episode of The Icon Edit, I’m joined by Maxime van Gelderen, a luxury travel advisor based in Dubai. We talk about what a luxury travel advisor actually does, how bespoke trips are designed around a client’s lifestyle, and the behind-the-scenes problem solving that turns last-minute requests into seamless experiences.

]]> Luxury travel isn’t just about expensive hotels. It’s about access, discretion, relationships, and the invisible work that makes everything feel effortless. In this episode of The Icon Edit, I’m joined by Maxime van Gelderen, a luxury travel advisor based in Dubai. We talk about what a luxury travel advisor actually does, how bespoke trips are designed around a client’s lifestyle, and the behind-the-scenes problem solving that turns last-minute requests into seamless experiences. The Icon Edit false No 2678 14 full Episode 12 - Just Keep Asking | Gloria Esoimeme - Negotiation Expert Episode 12 - Just Keep Asking | Gloria Esoimeme - Negotiation Expert https://theiconedit.podbean.com/e/episode-12-just-keep-asking-gloria-esoimeme-negotiation-expert/ https://theiconedit.podbean.com/e/episode-12-just-keep-asking-gloria-esoimeme-negotiation-expert/#comments Thu, 19 Mar 2026 05:30:00 +0400 theiconedit.podbean.com/0778d335-0a09-357b-aebc-474333ea8518 Negotiation does not have to feel like conflict and you do not have to change who you are to ask for more.

In this episode of The Icon Edit, I am joined by negotiation expert Gloria Esoimeme. We talk about how to negotiate with confidence, what to say when you hear “there’s no budget,” how to name your number without guilt, and why you should negotiate the full package, not just salary.

]]> Negotiation does not have to feel like conflict and you do not have to change who you are to ask for more.

In this episode of The Icon Edit, I am joined by negotiation expert Gloria Esoimeme. We talk about how to negotiate with confidence, what to say when you hear “there’s no budget,” how to name your number without guilt, and why you should negotiate the full package, not just salary.

]]> Negotiation does not have to feel like conflict and you do not have to change who you are to ask for more. In this episode of The Icon Edit, I am joined by negotiation expert Gloria Esoimeme. We talk about how to negotiate with confidence, what to say when you hear “there’s no budget,” how to name your number without guilt, and why you should negotiate the full package, not just salary. The Icon Edit false No 2008 13 full Episode 11 - The Sleep Reset | Julie Mallon - Sleep Expert Episode 11 - The Sleep Reset | Julie Mallon - Sleep Expert https://theiconedit.podbean.com/e/episode-11-the-sleep-reset-julie-mallon-sleep-expert/ https://theiconedit.podbean.com/e/episode-11-the-sleep-reset-julie-mallon-sleep-expert/#comments Thu, 12 Mar 2026 05:30:00 +0400 theiconedit.podbean.com/d1c56e8c-3775-3d38-82cb-ad75572302d1 Julie Mallon, founder of Nurture2Sleep, joins The Icon Edit to unpack why so many high-functioning people feel “tired but wired.” We talk stress, nervous system overload, what actually works (and what’s just noise), and simple, science-backed resets to sleep better without turning bedtime into another performance metric.

 

]]> Julie Mallon, founder of Nurture2Sleep, joins The Icon Edit to unpack why so many high-functioning people feel “tired but wired.” We talk stress, nervous system overload, what actually works (and what’s just noise), and simple, science-backed resets to sleep better without turning bedtime into another performance metric.

 

]]> Julie Mallon, founder of Nurture2Sleep, joins The Icon Edit to unpack why so many high-functioning people feel “tired but wired.” We talk stress, nervous system overload, what actually works (and what’s just noise), and simple, science-backed resets to sleep better without turning bedtime into another performance metric The Icon Edit false No 2546 12 full Episode 10 - Dubai Staging Secrets | Rym Toumi - Home Stager Episode 10 - Dubai Staging Secrets | Rym Toumi - Home Stager https://theiconedit.podbean.com/e/episode-10-dubai-staging-secrets-rym-toumi-home-stager/ https://theiconedit.podbean.com/e/episode-10-dubai-staging-secrets-rym-toumi-home-stager/#comments Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:30:00 +0400 theiconedit.podbean.com/70d8c0e3-8459-3ee6-813c-da728dd18d4f Home staging can make a property feel instantly more expensive and sell or rent faster. In this episode, home staging professional Rym Toumi shares what buyers notice in the first seconds, why “less is luxury,” and the simple tweaks that elevate any space (especially online listings).

 ]]> Home staging can make a property feel instantly more expensive and sell or rent faster. In this episode, home staging professional Rym Toumi shares what buyers notice in the first seconds, why “less is luxury,” and the simple tweaks that elevate any space (especially online listings).

 ]]> Home staging can make a property feel instantly more expensive and sell or rent faster. In this episode, home staging professional Rym Toumi shares what buyers notice in the first seconds, why “less is luxury,” and the simple tweaks that elevate any space (especially online listings). The Icon Edit false No 2012 11 full Episode 9 - When It Feels Off | Leah Nicholls - Impulse Self-Defence Episode 9 - When It Feels Off | Leah Nicholls - Impulse Self-Defence https://theiconedit.podbean.com/e/episode-9-when-it-feels-off-leah-nicholls-impulse-self-defence/ https://theiconedit.podbean.com/e/episode-9-when-it-feels-off-leah-nicholls-impulse-self-defence/#comments Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:30:00 +0400 theiconedit.podbean.com/a0857375-34b6-3771-8274-a4e9082b6b9d In Episode 9, I’m joined by Leah Nicholls, founder of Impulse Self-Defence, for a practical conversation on what real-world self-defence actually looks like: trusting your intuition, spotting red flags early, using your voice and body language, and setting boundaries without guilt. We break down the fight/flight/freeze response, why training matters, and simple scripts you can use in everyday situations to feel safer and more confident.

]]> In Episode 9, I’m joined by Leah Nicholls, founder of Impulse Self-Defence, for a practical conversation on what real-world self-defence actually looks like: trusting your intuition, spotting red flags early, using your voice and body language, and setting boundaries without guilt. We break down the fight/flight/freeze response, why training matters, and simple scripts you can use in everyday situations to feel safer and more confident.

]]> In Episode 9, I’m joined by Leah Nicholls, founder of Impulse Self-Defence, for a practical conversation on what real-world self-defence actually looks like: trusting your intuition, spotting red flags early, using your voice and body language, and setting boundaries without guilt. We break down the fight/flight/freeze response, why training matters, and simple scripts you can use in everyday situations to feel safer and more confident. The Icon Edit false No 2049 10 full Episode 8 - The Hormone Shift | Sharon James - Menopause Coach Episode 8 - The Hormone Shift | Sharon James - Menopause Coach https://theiconedit.podbean.com/e/episode-8-the-hormone-shift-sharon-james-menopause-coach/ https://theiconedit.podbean.com/e/episode-8-the-hormone-shift-sharon-james-menopause-coach/#comments Thu, 19 Feb 2026 05:30:00 +0400 theiconedit.podbean.com/f6bcd869-317f-3da9-8963-7260e24924d3 Perimenopause can start earlier than you think and the symptoms don’t always look hormonal. Menopause Coach & Educator Sharon James joins The Icon Edit to unpack “The Hormone Shift”: the most overlooked signs, what gets misread as stress or burnout, how to track symptoms and advocate for yourself, and what you should know about HRT.

     ]]> Perimenopause can start earlier than you think and the symptoms don’t always look hormonal. Menopause Coach & Educator Sharon James joins The Icon Edit to unpack “The Hormone Shift”: the most overlooked signs, what gets misread as stress or burnout, how to track symptoms and advocate for yourself, and what you should know about HRT.

     ]]> Perimenopause can start earlier than you think and the symptoms don’t always look hormonal. Menopause Coach & Educator Sharon James joins The Icon Edit to unpack “The Hormone Shift”: the most overlooked signs, what gets misread as stress or burnout, how to track symptoms and advocate for yourself, and what you should know about HRT. The Icon Edit false No 2044 9 full Episode 7 - Science Over Hype | Athina Theodoridi - Skincare Chemist Episode 7 - Science Over Hype | Athina Theodoridi - Skincare Chemist https://theiconedit.podbean.com/e/episode-7-science-over-hype-athina-theodoridi-skincare-chemist/ https://theiconedit.podbean.com/e/episode-7-science-over-hype-athina-theodoridi-skincare-chemist/#comments Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:30:00 +0400 theiconedit.podbean.com/d15f0359-9a09-3b97-a6f0-ca6d1716813a Episode 7 is a science-first skincare deep dive with Athina, a skincare chemist who formulates the products we use every day. We unpack what’s hype vs what actually works, how to protect your skin barrier, and why ingredients like hyaluronic acid can behave differently in Dubai heat and constant AC. Plus: Korean skincare, underrated actives, and a simple routine framework that delivers real results.

]]> Episode 7 is a science-first skincare deep dive with Athina, a skincare chemist who formulates the products we use every day. We unpack what’s hype vs what actually works, how to protect your skin barrier, and why ingredients like hyaluronic acid can behave differently in Dubai heat and constant AC. Plus: Korean skincare, underrated actives, and a simple routine framework that delivers real results.

]]> Episode 7 is a science-first skincare deep dive with Athina, a skincare chemist who formulates the products we use every day. We unpack what’s hype vs what actually works, how to protect your skin barrier, and why ingredients like hyaluronic acid can behave differently in Dubai heat and constant AC. Plus: Korean skincare, underrated actives, and a simple routine framework that delivers real results. The Icon Edit false No 2709 8 full Episode 6 - Autopsy of an Ego | Vic Brugger - Storyteller & Cultural Philosopher Episode 6 - Autopsy of an Ego | Vic Brugger - Storyteller & Cultural Philosopher https://theiconedit.podbean.com/e/episode-6-autopsy-of-an-ego-vic-brugger-storyteller-cultural-philosopher/ https://theiconedit.podbean.com/e/episode-6-autopsy-of-an-ego-vic-brugger-storyteller-cultural-philosopher/#comments Thu, 05 Feb 2026 05:30:00 +0400 theiconedit.podbean.com/2b51a55e-2df7-38cd-97ac-d30d0b02dffb In Episode 6 of The Icon Edit, I sit down with Victoria Brugger - writer, cultural commentator, and the mind behind a rapid rise to over 100K followers through bold takes on capitalism, feminism, modern identity, and the uncomfortable truths people usually avoid. Victoria also self-published a 550-page book, Last Words of an Ego on Death Row, which she describes as the “autopsy of an ego” and the record of who she became on the other side of collapse, reinvention, and radical self-honesty.

]]> In Episode 6 of The Icon Edit, I sit down with Victoria Brugger - writer, cultural commentator, and the mind behind a rapid rise to over 100K followers through bold takes on capitalism, feminism, modern identity, and the uncomfortable truths people usually avoid. Victoria also self-published a 550-page book, Last Words of an Ego on Death Row, which she describes as the “autopsy of an ego” and the record of who she became on the other side of collapse, reinvention, and radical self-honesty.

]]> In Episode 6 of The Icon Edit, I sit down with Victoria Brugger - writer, cultural commentator, and the mind behind a rapid rise to over 100K followers through bold takes on capitalism, feminism, modern identity, and the uncomfortable truths people usually avoid. Victoria also self-published a 550-page book, Last Words of an Ego on Death Row, which she describes as the “autopsy of an ego” and the record of who she became on the other side of collapse, reinvention, and radical self-honesty. The Icon Edit false No 2674 7 full Episode 5 - Behind The Label | Maya Moghrabi - Founder of Innocent Sweets Episode 5 - Behind The Label | Maya Moghrabi - Founder of Innocent Sweets https://theiconedit.podbean.com/e/episode-5-behind-the-label-maya-moghrabi-founder-of-innocent-sweets/ https://theiconedit.podbean.com/e/episode-5-behind-the-label-maya-moghrabi-founder-of-innocent-sweets/#comments Thu, 29 Jan 2026 05:30:00 +0400 theiconedit.podbean.com/11f29ad3-76ce-3f2d-83d8-b0c6424de445 In this episode of The Icon Edit, I sit down with Maya Moghrabi, founder of Innocent Sweets - a sugar-free, gluten-free dessert brand (with a shop in Business Bay, Dubai) that started from a personal need and grew into a real business. We talk about the real story behind “healthy desserts,” the stigma people have when they hear “everything-free,” and the behind-the-scenes pressure of building a brand that people take seriously, especially when they only see 10 seconds of your day on social media.

]]> In this episode of The Icon Edit, I sit down with Maya Moghrabi, founder of Innocent Sweets - a sugar-free, gluten-free dessert brand (with a shop in Business Bay, Dubai) that started from a personal need and grew into a real business. We talk about the real story behind “healthy desserts,” the stigma people have when they hear “everything-free,” and the behind-the-scenes pressure of building a brand that people take seriously, especially when they only see 10 seconds of your day on social media.

]]> In this episode of The Icon Edit, I sit down with Maya Moghrabi, founder of Innocent Sweets - a sugar-free, gluten-free dessert brand (with a shop in Business Bay, Dubai) that started from a personal need and grew into a real business. We talk about the real story behind “healthy desserts,” the stigma people have when they hear “everything-free,” and the behind-the-scenes pressure of building a brand that people take seriously, especially when they only see 10 seconds of your day on social media. The Icon Edit false No 2300 6 full Episode 4 - Shameless On Stage | Imah Dumagay - Comedian Episode 4 - Shameless On Stage | Imah Dumagay - Comedian https://theiconedit.podbean.com/e/episode-4-shameless-on-stage-imah-dumagay-comedian/ https://theiconedit.podbean.com/e/episode-4-shameless-on-stage-imah-dumagay-comedian/#comments Thu, 22 Jan 2026 05:30:00 +0400 theiconedit.podbean.com/ff9dc562-6142-3a87-98ca-8ff764e45f73 From accountant to stand-up comedian, Imah Dumagay turned stage fright into sold-out theatres and became the first Filipino to build an English stand-up career in the Gulf region – all while being named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Filipinos in the world. In this episode of The Icon Edit, we talk about how laughter can change your life (and other people’s), what it means to represent overseas Filipinos, and why you sometimes have to be a little “shameless” to follow your purpose.

]]> From accountant to stand-up comedian, Imah Dumagay turned stage fright into sold-out theatres and became the first Filipino to build an English stand-up career in the Gulf region – all while being named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Filipinos in the world. In this episode of The Icon Edit, we talk about how laughter can change your life (and other people’s), what it means to represent overseas Filipinos, and why you sometimes have to be a little “shameless” to follow your purpose.

]]> From accountant to stand-up comedian, Imah Dumagay turned stage fright into sold-out theatres and became the first Filipino to build an English stand-up career in the Gulf region – all while being named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Filipinos in the world. In this episode of The Icon Edit, we talk about how laughter can change your life (and other people’s), what it means to represent overseas Filipinos, and why you sometimes have to be a little “shameless” to follow your purpose. The Icon Edit false No 1827 5 full Episode 3 - Real Over Perfect | Irene Steele - Stylist & Influencer Episode 3 - Real Over Perfect | Irene Steele - Stylist & Influencer https://theiconedit.podbean.com/e/episode-3-real-over-perfect-irene-steele-stylist-influencer/ https://theiconedit.podbean.com/e/episode-3-real-over-perfect-irene-steele-stylist-influencer/#comments Thu, 15 Jan 2026 05:30:00 +0400 theiconedit.podbean.com/24d9bbb3-e091-33f8-adc3-2eb22154369a Being almost 50 in a world of 18-year-old TikTokers, navigating perimenopause and building a thriving fashion career online – in this episode of The Icon Edit I sit down with Irene, Dubai-based content creator, stylist and fashion writer, to talk about what it really means to grow, evolve and stay visible as a Gen X woman in the influencer space.

]]> Being almost 50 in a world of 18-year-old TikTokers, navigating perimenopause and building a thriving fashion career online – in this episode of The Icon Edit I sit down with Irene, Dubai-based content creator, stylist and fashion writer, to talk about what it really means to grow, evolve and stay visible as a Gen X woman in the influencer space.

]]> Being almost 50 in a world of 18-year-old TikTokers, navigating perimenopause and building a thriving fashion career online – in this episode of The Icon Edit I sit down with Irene, Dubai-based content creator, stylist and fashion writer, to talk about what it really means to grow, evolve and stay visible as a Gen X woman in the influencer space. The Icon Edit false No 2215 4 full Episode 2 - Owning Your Freedom | Salwa Ali - Real Estate Agent Episode 2 - Owning Your Freedom | Salwa Ali - Real Estate Agent https://theiconedit.podbean.com/e/episode-2-owning-your-freedom-salwa-ali-real-estate-agent/ https://theiconedit.podbean.com/e/episode-2-owning-your-freedom-salwa-ali-real-estate-agent/#comments Thu, 15 Jan 2026 05:30:00 +0400 theiconedit.podbean.com/d082fd83-20c1-3022-9d58-923ccdf0632f In this episode, host Iwona Laub sits down with Salwa Ali, a Dubai-based real estate agent who has built a standout personal brand in one of the most competitive markets in the world. From Saudi Arabia to Toronto to Dubai, Salwa has turned courage, consistency, and social media savvy into a thriving career in property.

]]> In this episode, host Iwona Laub sits down with Salwa Ali, a Dubai-based real estate agent who has built a standout personal brand in one of the most competitive markets in the world. From Saudi Arabia to Toronto to Dubai, Salwa has turned courage, consistency, and social media savvy into a thriving career in property.

]]> In this episode, host Iwona Laub sits down with Salwa Ali, a Dubai-based real estate agent who has built a standout personal brand in one of the most competitive markets in the world. From Saudi Arabia to Toronto to Dubai, Salwa has turned courage, consistency, and social media savvy into a thriving career in property. The Icon Edit false No 2410 3 full Episode 1 - Design as Identity | Aga Al Rumaihi - Interior Designer Episode 1 - Design as Identity | Aga Al Rumaihi - Interior Designer https://theiconedit.podbean.com/e/episode-1-design-as-identity-aga-al-rumaihi-interior-designer/ https://theiconedit.podbean.com/e/episode-1-design-as-identity-aga-al-rumaihi-interior-designer/#comments Thu, 15 Jan 2026 05:30:00 +0400 theiconedit.podbean.com/99a0ba63-36ab-3b6c-86d9-cc95da1f1767 In this episode, host Iwona Laub sits down with Aga Al Rumaihi, an award-winning interior designer known for creating deeply personal, functional, and culturally inspired homes in the Middle East.

]]> In this episode, host Iwona Laub sits down with Aga Al Rumaihi, an award-winning interior designer known for creating deeply personal, functional, and culturally inspired homes in the Middle East.

]]> In this episode, host Iwona Laub sits down with Aga Al Rumaihi, an award-winning interior designer known for creating deeply personal, functional, and culturally inspired homes in the Middle East. The Icon Edit false No 2028 2 full Trailer: Welcome to The Icon Edit Trailer: Welcome to The Icon Edit https://theiconedit.podbean.com/e/trailer-welcome-to-the-icon-edit/ https://theiconedit.podbean.com/e/trailer-welcome-to-the-icon-edit/#comments Fri, 26 Dec 2025 13:28:20 +0400 theiconedit.podbean.com/66160bb6-7e7e-3a44-a2cf-188ad6a7ccbf Welcome to The Icon Edit — the podcast for women who want real conversations about the things that shape our lives. I’m Iwona Laub, based in Dubai, and every week I sit down with women who say the honest part out loud — about identity, ambition, money, power, relationships, health, confidence, reinvention, and everything in between.

We launch January 15 with three episodes at once. After that, you’ll get a new episode every Thursday.

Hit Follow so you don’t miss the launch.

]]> Welcome to The Icon Edit — the podcast for women who want real conversations about the things that shape our lives. I’m Iwona Laub, based in Dubai, and every week I sit down with women who say the honest part out loud — about identity, ambition, money, power, relationships, health, confidence, reinvention, and everything in between.

We launch January 15 with three episodes at once. After that, you’ll get a new episode every Thursday.

Hit Follow so you don’t miss the launch.

]]> The official trailer for The Icon Edit. Launching January 15 with three episodes, then new episodes every Thursday. Iwona Laub - The Icon Edit false No 62 trailer