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The Shadow Sessions

Hiba Balfaqih
Mental Health
Child Abuse
Incest
Identity
Survival
Prison System
Childhood Trauma
Grief
Hacking
Bankruptcy
Cybersecurity
Financial Education
Resilience
Familial Relationships
Violence
Forgiveness
Gang Culture
Personal Transformation
Abuse Survivorship
Systemic Injustice

The Shadow Sessions is hosted by Hiba Balfaqih, an unconventional psychologist and trauma alchemist. We explore the stories that most people bury—particularly those tied to shame, trauma, and identity. Our goal is to shed light on the hidden corners of human experience, allowing listeners to hear stories that challenge societal norms and spark deep,introspective conversations.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes7Founded2 months ago
Number of ListenersCategories
True CrimeHealth & FitnessMental Health

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Artwork for The Shadow Sessions

Latest Episodes

What if your biggest sin is being born a girl? What happens when violence is justified as tradition and silence is enforced as honor?

In this episode of The Shadow Sessions, Hiba Balfaqih speaks with Nina Aouilk, a survivor of honor‑based violence w... more

Not all shadows look like darkness. Some look like ambition. Some look like discipline, perseverance, and the pressure to hold everything together while quietly falling apart.

In this episode of The Shadow Sessions, Hiba Balfaqih speaks with Amber D... more

We’re taught to imagine hackers as men in hoodies—isolated, brilliant, dangerous. But what if the real story isn’t about code or breaches at all? What if it’s about psychology?

In this episode of The Shadow Sessions, Hiba Balfaqih speaks with a man ... more

Not all shadows are dark. Some are quiet. Some are tender. Some ask us to slow down and sit with the one certainty we spend our lives trying to outrun.

In this episode of The Shadow Sessions, host Hiba Balfaqih speaks with Mikey, a death doula who s... more

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Recent Guests

James Linton
Former hacker known for impersonating high-profile figures and initiating discussions on identity and psychology.
Episode: Hacker & Identity James Linton
Aziza Kibibi
Survivor, author, and advocate for truth regarding abuse.
Episode: The Secret She Carried for Decades: Her Father Was the Father of Her Children

Host

Hiba Balfaqih
Host of The Shadow Sessions, Hiba Balfaqih is an unconventional psychologist and trauma alchemist who focuses on exploring narratives tied to shame, trauma, and identity. Through her work, she seeks to shed light on hidden aspects of human experience and foster deep, introspective conversations.

Chart Rankings

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Hacker & Identity James Linton
Q: If we go back to James right before he sent out that first prank email, what would you tell him?
Go for it.
Hacker & Identity James Linton
Q: Do you feel there are two parts of you during your hacking days?
Yeah, definitely. There's the naughty trickster wanting to explore and the cautious part scared of consequences.
Hacker & Identity James Linton
Q: What's the cost of not stopping your hacking?
I mean, it was upsetting people. I lost my job at the time because it was bringing my company into disrepute.
Hacker & Identity James Linton
Q: Why do you hack people?
I always saw it as a bit of a game. It was a puzzle.
After the Collapse: Bankruptcy, Identity Loss and Building Again
Q: What is one tip as a mother, you can be like, hey, guys, parents, do this?
Reframe discussions about money, encouraging the mindset of saving for opportunities instead of saying 'we can't afford this.'

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Shadow Sessions

What is The Shadow Sessions about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Exploring the unspoken narratives of trauma, identity, and shame, the content showcases compelling stories that most people shy away from discussing. Listeners are taken on a journey through profound and often challenging life experiences, with topics ranging from financial crises and personal empowerment to the psychology of hacking and the complexities of familial relationships. Each episode often features emotional storytelling paired with insightful commentary, aiming to elevate conversations around mental health and societal taboos. This unique approach not only fosters understanding but also promotes healing and transformation by allowing vulnerable discussions to surface in a supportive environment.

Where can I find podcast stats for The Shadow Sessions?

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How many listeners does The Shadow Sessions get?

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What are the audience demographics for The Shadow Sessions?

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How many subscribers and views does The Shadow Sessions have?

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Which podcasts are similar to The Shadow Sessions?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Shadow Sessions:

1. UNMARKED: A True Crime Podcast
2. Drug Story
3. Valley of Shadows
4. Mind Games
5. The Psychology of Relationships

How many episodes of The Shadow Sessions are there?

The Shadow Sessions launched 2 months ago and published 7 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Shadow Sessions?

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Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Shadow Sessions?

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What guests have appeared on The Shadow Sessions?

Recent guests on The Shadow Sessions include:

1. James Linton
2. Aziza Kibibi

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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