MALALA! Saturn Returns, Sports & Her Song of the Summer

Summary

House of Maher: Episode Summary – "MALALA! Saturn Returns, Sports & Her Song of the Summer"

Release Date: August 12, 2025

Hosts: Alona Maher, Olivia Maher, Adriana “Dre Baby” Maher

Special Guest: Malala Yousafzai

---

1. Celebrating Milestones and Astrology

Timestamp: 02:18 - 08:46

In this episode, the Maher sisters kick things off by celebrating Alona's upcoming birthday, marking her turn to 29. They delve into the concept of Saturn Returns, an astrological event believed to signify a period of significant personal growth and change, typically occurring around the ages of 28-29.

Alona Maher shares her excitement about turning 29, highlighting her achievements at 28, which include participating in "Dance with the Stars," playing in England, winning an ESPY and a Clio Award, and attending Cannes. She expresses anticipation for what 29 will bring, aiming to make the most of her last year in her twenties.

Olivia Maher explains the Saturn Return, emphasizing its role in personal transformation:

“Everyone says that it's a time of great like, change or realization or you really settle into who you are, which I feel like you've had a fabulous Saturn return.” (05:08)

The sisters humorously discuss Mercury retrograde, equating its perceived chaos to everyday mishaps, reinforcing their casual and relatable approach to astrology.

2. Spotlight on Women's Empowerment and Technology

Timestamp: 09:07 - 17:30

Transitioning from astrology, the conversation shifts to women's empowerment in the digital age. The sisters discuss a new women-only dating app called Tea, designed to allow users to anonymously share reviews, stories, and advice about men they've interacted with.

Olivia Maher defends the app as a modern form of female camaraderie:

“I think it's another way for women to protect one another... Gossip is a very healthy, natural part of communication and helping your community.” (10:10)

However, Adriana Mar raises concerns about privacy and execution, pondering the implications if such platforms were mirrored for men. The conversation underscores the delicate balance between safety and privacy in digital spaces dedicated to women.

3. Exclusive Interview with Malala Yousafzai

Timestamp: 18:33 - 72:45

The heart of the episode features an in-depth conversation with Malala Yousafzai, focusing on her passion for sports, her upcoming book, and personal growth.

a. Malala's Journey with Sports

Malala recounts her introduction to sports after marriage, highlighting how engaging in activities like pickleball, cricket, and golf helped her rediscover confidence and resilience.

“So to see myself transform and understand that sports is for everybody... I realized that anyone can do it.” (22:55)

She emphasizes the role of sports in empowering women, stating:

“I also realized how sports can help girls gain confidence and self-esteem. It can help them no matter where they work and where they are in their life.” (22:55)

b. Building Friendships and Personal Growth

Malala shares her experiences in college, discussing the challenges of making friends and overcoming shyness. She highlights the importance of intentional effort in forming meaningful relationships.

“I have so many friends, so many friends. And they helped me grow... I can reach out to them anytime about anything.” (28:38)

Alona Maher relates her own journey of seeking deep friendships, underscoring the mutual understanding and support that comes from strong female bonds.

c. Love Languages and Relationships

The discussion transitions to love languages, with Malala identifying her primary love language as acts of service. She elaborates on how understanding each other's love languages strengthens relationships.

“My love language is acts of service. I appreciate them when I receive them. But for my husband, it's anything. He can be happy with anything.” (37:22)

Alona Maher shares her love language as quality time, emphasizing the value of spending meaningful moments together.

d. Malala's Upcoming Book: "Finding My Way"

Malala introduces her forthcoming book, "Finding My Way," which serves as a continuation of her journey post-activism. She describes the writing process as both therapeutic and enlightening, aiming to provide readers with insights into personal growth and overcoming challenges.

“This book is a coming of age story. It is the continuation of my story since my last book... It has been a healing process for me.” (35:43)

e. Personal Interests and Hobbies

The conversation lightens as the hosts explore Malala's interests outside activism and sports, including her love for music, journaling, and quirky hobbies like pen collecting.

“I love Kawali music, Sufi music. It can help you feel your emotions and connect to the story.” (46:15)

f. Rapid-Fire Questions: Try Hard with Malala

In a fun segment, Malala answers rapid-fire questions, revealing her favorite age (28), preferred drinks (English breakfast tea and black coffee), favorite songs (Harry Styles' "Watermelon Sugar"), and pet peeves (messiness).

“I have many pet peeves... leaving your clothes and laundry on the floor.” (64:35)

g. Promoting Women in Sports

Malala concludes by reiterating her commitment to empowering women through sports, advocating for equal opportunities and supporting female athletes worldwide.

“When you create these leagues, when you create these tournaments, when we invest in these athletes... it can help us ensure that women and girls have more equal opportunities.” (70:16)

4. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: 71:08 - 72:45

As the episode wraps up, the sisters express their gratitude to Malala for her insights and contributions to women's empowerment. They celebrate the synergy between sports, personal growth, and activism, reinforcing the episode's central themes of resilience and community support.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Olivia Maher on Saturn Return:

  “Everyone says that it's a time of great like, change or realization or you really settle into who you are, which I feel like you've had a fabulous Saturn return.” (05:08)

• Malala Yousafzai on Sports Empowerment:

  “I realized that anyone can do it... So to see myself transform and understand that sports is for everybody.” (22:55)

• Malala on Building Friendships:

  “I have so many friends... I can reach out to them anytime about anything.” (28:38)

• Malala on Love Languages:

  “My love language is acts of service... He can be happy with anything.” (37:22)

• Malala on Her Book:

  “This book is a coming of age story... It has been a healing process for me.” (35:43)

• Malala on Music:

  “I love Kawali music, Sufi music... It can help you feel your emotions and connect to the story.” (46:15)

• Malala on Promoting Women in Sports:

  “When you create these leagues... it can help us ensure that women and girls have more equal opportunities.” (70:16)

---

Conclusion

This episode of House of Maher masterfully intertwines personal milestones, astrological insights, and a powerful conversation with Malala Yousafzai. From celebrating birthdays and navigating Saturn Returns to championing women's sports and exploring personal growth, the Maher sisters deliver an engaging and inspiring narrative. Malala's candid discussions about her journey, upcoming book, and unwavering commitment to empowering women add profound depth, making this episode a must-listen for those seeking motivation and solidarity.

Transcript

[Malala Yousafzai]

One thing that truly fascinates me is how you love each other more and more day by day. I thought that wasn't true, because that's what we are told. But if you are meant for each other, you are going to love each other even more than you used to. And nearly four years, and we, Athar and I are more in love than before.

[Alona Mar]

I love it.

[Malala Yousafzai]

I need to stop. Okay.

[Alona Mar]

Awesome. You're in love, Malala. We get it. Some of us over here. Welcome to House of Mar ov. Original. We have a few house rules.

[Olivia Mar]

Girls are magic.

[Alona Mar]

Reading is hot, and so are you. And make sure to check out our YouTube because I actually put on makeup today. So if you want to see that because I'm glowing, go subscribe to our YouTube.

[Olivia Mar]

That was a gift for all of you. Yeah, you know, she got on, and I didn't want to do that thing where somebody, like, has, you know, put a little bit of effort in how they look, and you're like, oh, my God.

[Alona Mar]

Wow.

[Olivia Mar]

But, like, you look phenomenal. Sorry. You look so good.

[Alona Mar]

Is there foundation?

[Olivia Mar]

What's.

[Alona Mar]

What's your face a little foundation on? I think I need. It's more. Because I knew we would be on camera, and you can do a little bit more if you're on camera, you know, So I have. I did a little cont. Oh, did I blend that?

[Olivia Mar]

It's okay.

[Alona Mar]

I did a little contouring and I did a little of this and that, and I did some glowiness. Wow.

[Adriana Mar]

The lips came together.

[Alona Mar]

My lips.

[Olivia Mar]

Is that like a plumping lip or.

[Alona Mar]

That's my lips. Sorry. L. That's just my lips. Yeah.

[Olivia Mar]

In case you did not know, our darling sister Alona is a world class, award winning athlete. She is training hours every single day and she is flying across the world to play in the Rugby World Cup. So for the next several weeks, we will be taking a break from our regular format to give our sister the room she needs to focus on rugby. So there will not be a new episode next week, but wait for the rest of the summer. Dre and I are going to take you along with us to watch alone at the World Cup. So make sure to keep an eye on our YouTube and all our socials. Ouseofmar.

[Adriana Mar]

We'll still see you on Tuesdays on YouTube.

[Olivia Mar]

And if you're listening on Spotify or Apple podcasts or wherever you get your shows, make sure you go and subscribe over on YouTube to not miss a beat.

[Alona Mar]

Coming up on today's episode of House of Mar, we're talking Saturn returns, Love languages, and Malala's upcoming book.

[Olivia Mar]

I am the eldest daughter, Olivia.

[Adriana Mar]

I'm the baby, adriana. Nowhere near 30.

[Alona Mar]

That's disrespectful, but okay. I'm the middle sister, Alona Mar. And when this episode comes out, it will be my birthday. Yay. Confetti.

[Olivia Mar]

Confetti, confetti.

[Adriana Mar]

29, 29. 29. 29, 29.

[Olivia Mar]

How are you feeling?

[Alona Mar]

I feel good. I actually almost just want to be 30 at this point. I've heard 30s are a great time. You really know yourself. So I'm excited for 30, but one last year in my 20s to have some fun. Who knows what 29 will bring? 28 has been kooky kaka. 28. I turned 28 last year at the closing ceremonies. And then what I've done since then, Dance with the Stars, played in England, Sports Illustrated, won an espy, won an espy, won a Clio Award, went to Cannes. So I've done a lot with 28. 28 was a good number, a good age. So I'm. I'm excited to see what 29 brings. One last year to live it up, I guess. But when I do my birthday, when it is my birthday, when this comes out, we will be. It'll be a day of training. It'll be our hardest day of training. And I was texting my team, like, hey, guys, like, do you have a good restaurant we could go to when we're in England? And they said there's nothing around.

[Olivia Mar]

Oh, your British teammates from when you were playing over there.

[Alona Mar]

And a lot of my teammates on this team live there as well, in the. In the town we're going to. So I was like, hey, guys, is there, like, a nice restaurant? Like, I. I wanted to take everyone out to dinner or something like that.

[Olivia Mar]

Yeah.

[Alona Mar]

But there's. Turns out there's nothing really around.

[Adriana Mar]

And so you'll make the fun.

[Alona Mar]

Yeah, I don't think so. I don't think so.

[Olivia Mar]

Just go split some G's at a local pub. That's what 29 is all about.

[Alona Mar]

So about that. I'm in. In a World cup, so we don't drink often. Fair. Right.

[Olivia Mar]

So fair. And that's on me. And that's when you. Sorry about forgetting about Dre. Yeah, we'll have to do it for her.

[Adriana Mar]

Well, we'll split a G for you, Alona.

[Olivia Mar]

For your birthday, we'll split an extra G for you. So this also. 28 is a year of great change, because it's talked about as being Your Saturn return. Do you know much about this? Do you believe in this? What is your thoughts and feelings?

[Alona Mar]

I only know what is on the Ariana Grande album.

[Olivia Mar]

That intro.

[Alona Mar]

Yeah.

[Olivia Mar]

Long story short, your Saturn return means that when you are born, Saturn is somewhere in the sky. I also gotta say, I'm not an astrology girly. I don't really know, but I do love it all that bit of woo, woo. Saturn is somewhere when you're born. And it takes. It starts its return back to that place in at like 27 years. So it's completed its return. Come like 28, 29. So everyone says that it's a time of great like, change or realization or you really settle into who you are, which I feel like you've had a fabulous Saturn return. Everything we just listed off.

[Alona Mar]

Yeah, Saturn's. She's do. Yeah. Love that she's come back. It's been great. Missed you, Saturn. Did you, Olivia? Be so. For real. Did you know that or did you just. Are you listening off the Ariana Grande song? Be so.

[Olivia Mar]

I knew that. I knew that. Okay, fine. My Saturn, she didn't just return like she, like she. Remember that she made an entrance. She gave it the old. Like that's show business. The old razzle dazzle.

[Alona Mar]

Yeah.

[Olivia Mar]

I went through a large breakup for my Saturn return, but, I mean, there's nothing more fitting than that. And I think I am now even more so the woman I'm supposed to be. And that was a time of great change, great and powerful change, and it made me the woman that I am. But, yeah, I would say I had a. Can you say a successful outer return. It doesn't feel successful, but it was in the. For like the ultimate end goal of who I am.

[Alona Mar]

Yeah, I'd say.

[Adriana Mar]

Yeah, you grew.

[Olivia Mar]

Right.

[Adriana Mar]

You know your next Saturn return is in your 50s, is it?

[Alona Mar]

That's what they say.

[Olivia Mar]

I've never thought about that. You get another one.

[Adriana Mar]

It's kind of like quarter life crisis, midlife crisis.

[Alona Mar]

Oh, my God, that's Saturn. Huh? She's working. What's Mercury in retrograde?

[Olivia Mar]

Gatorade in the microwave. That's when Mercury has decided to shake things up. I don't know, Dre.

[Adriana Mar]

What's more, I. I could not tell you either, but it is. People always say, like, oh, Mercury isn't retrograde when like, something like, like a lot of chaos is happening. Apparently. It's a very unsettled time.

[Olivia Mar]

This just in. Roughly three to four times a year, the planet Mercury appears to move backwards in its orbit as seen From Earth. And so chaos ensues.

[Alona Mar]

Right?

[Adriana Mar]

When's that happening?

[Olivia Mar]

Probably right now.

[Alona Mar]

Probably World Cup.

[Olivia Mar]

Probably whenever I'm ovulating because I tell you what, the past couple months have been felt like going to war.

[Alona Mar]

I am just like, oh, interesting. Everyone always talks about that. And I don't. I never know what that means. I. To me, I'm thinking about the substance mercury for. So I don't think of the planet. And I'm like, what are you talking about? Mercury? Like the ones in thermometers.

[Olivia Mar]

Is that what's in thermometers?

[Adriana Mar]

The old fashioned.

[Alona Mar]

The old fashioned thermometers have mercury.

[Adriana Mar]

They no longer sell those because mercury is incredibly toxic to humans and putting them in your mouth. That being said, in our household, we still have a mercury thermometer.

[Alona Mar]

I trust those. I trust it. I trust. I trust mercury.

[Adriana Mar]

Mom always tells the story of like, growing up being at like, her grandmother's antique store, someone's antique store, and there's just a bowl of mercury and she would just play with it because, like, back then you didn't know how bad mercury was. So our mom was just like elbow.

[Alona Mar]

Deep in mercury as a kid.

[Olivia Mar]

I bet it was fun to play with.

[Adriana Mar]

It was so fun.

[Malala Yousafzai]

Yeah.

[Olivia Mar]

I accidentally ruptured one of those thermometers in the sink when I was little because I was like, oh, let me put it under hot water and watch the. The. Watch it like go up and it exploded. That wasn't fun. Mom and dad were a bit stressed. I got stressed.

[Alona Mar]

That might be why she's the way she is, Adriana.

[Adriana Mar]

Explains a lot.

[Alona Mar]

Explains a lot.

[Adriana Mar]

And now we can't even replace that thermometer cuz they don't sell those anymore.

[Alona Mar]

Thanks. That probably would be worth some money now.

[Adriana Mar]

Yeah.

[Alona Mar]

Thanks, Olivia.

[Olivia Mar]

Guys, what do you think it did to me? Am I super?

[Adriana Mar]

It's probably why your ovulation cycles are crazy.

[Alona Mar]

Mercury's throat flowing through you.

[Olivia Mar]

That was written in the stars, right? Ah, well, lo, we wish you the happiest of birthdays in your 29th year, and we cannot wait to see what you do.

[Alona Mar]

29.

[Olivia Mar]

Dre, it's coming for you.

[Adriana Mar]

Actually, now that Alona's 29, I'm like 26 is even younger. I got ID'd twice at the same.

[Olivia Mar]

Bar the other day and I gets mistaken for both of their twins. Oh, in D.C. yeah.

[Adriana Mar]

I had people being like, I love girl dinner.

[Olivia Mar]

You're like, me too, bitch. What does that have to do with me?

[Alona Mar]

Thank you.

[Adriana Mar]

Wrong one. Hey, not me. I'll take it, though. I'll take it and run. Time to touch some grass. This is when we like to slow things down and take a chill pill. Look around, see what's actually going on. Let's analyze things. So in news of women's empowerment, there's a new app on the dating scene called Tea. It's a women only app that allows users to anonymously post reviews, stories, and advice about men they've d or even just met. This is kind of similar to, like, the Facebook groups of are we dating the same guy? Which Olivia, I know that you've been a part of. Do you think that this app is needed?

[Olivia Mar]

I think so. I mean, I think it's definitely caused a bit of a stir. Men don't like it. But to that I say if you're a good dude, you literally have nothing to worry about. So if you're nervous and scared about this app, is that a red flag?

[Alona Mar]

I don't know.

[Olivia Mar]

I think it's another way for women to protect one another. It's that. It's that thing that you hear that's like, gossip was made to be seem evil by men and the church because it was how women would communicate and help one another. It gave power to women. Right. And so instead men tried to take that away from them. And saying gossip is evil, gossip is ungodly, it's not good. When actually it's a very healthy, natural part of communication and helping your community. And I think that an app like this is exactly that. As we mentioned earlier, I went through a breakup, and after that I went and joined one of those. Are we dating the same guys? I was nowhere near wanting to date, but I am nosy. It's always funny when I do see a post where somebody's like, starting to talk to this guy. Any red flags? And it is the scariest human being I've ever seen in my life. Spooky. Like, they snuck onto earth. Scary. You know what I mean? Like, I don't know. So I think it's a great resource.

[Adriana Mar]

I don't know exactly how to feel about this app and things because on one hand I do absolutely understand, like, that there's a high female mortality rate from men and, like, you need to protect yourself and that's such a great step to do so. But I also think about, like, the men's privacy and like, what we've kind of talked about before in this of like, what if you flipped it? Like, what if it was like, guys being like, any red flags from this girl? Like, we Would hate having all of our information out there of, like, especially, like, be like. Like, it would be like my picture Adriana and be like, where I live. Ah, yeah. I love the sentiment, but I worry about the execution.

[Alona Mar]

I also think, you know, men are. There's a lot of not good men, for sure. I know some kooky kaka women. I do. I know some women that I wouldn't. I don't know if I'd want my guy friends to be dating. So I think that, you know, it is interesting. There's. It's almost okay for just the women to say all this about the men, but I mean, if we created app, we would also. If we create SAP, T would then if a male were to create it, would. There'd be an uproar about it. You know, would people be so mad that he's created an app like this?

[Adriana Mar]

One thing that recently happened is that a bunch of the new users on Tease, all their information got leaked. So, like, what was supposed to be such, like, a safe place for women is now putting them in more danger.

[Olivia Mar]

Can women just exist?

[Malala Yousafzai]

No.

[Olivia Mar]

But apparently a man did create the T app because this man was catfished.

[Adriana Mar]

And why would a man be there?

[Olivia Mar]

True.

[Adriana Mar]

You're for an app made for women. Ah, I don't know how to feel about that.

[Olivia Mar]

That heat that a man made the app.

[Adriana Mar]

Yeah, because it's like. It's how I feel about male gynecologists.

[Alona Mar]

I'm sorry, why would a man be.

[Olivia Mar]

There without a male gynecologist? Audrana, we would never have the Broadway.

[Adriana Mar]

Play Waitress, and most of the plot makes me uncomfortable.

[Alona Mar]

What is the plot of Waitress?

[Olivia Mar]

Oh, you don't know the plot of. You ever seen Waitress?

[Alona Mar]

No, I just like the songs.

[Olivia Mar]

Okay, well, don't spoil it for her. Nobody in the comments spoil it for her.

[Adriana Mar]

She's not gonna watch it. Actually, you might watch it on a plane. The pro shot.

[Alona Mar]

Is it with.

[Olivia Mar]

With Sara Bareilles? Yeah. Or we'll watch it at home.

[Alona Mar]

Yeah.

[Olivia Mar]

I hope you're intrigued.

[Alona Mar]

Now, what's the slight premise of it?

[Adriana Mar]

So she obviously gets impregnated by her shitty husband.

[Alona Mar]

Obviously.

[Adriana Mar]

Obviously. Well, you've. You've listened to she Used to Be Mine.

[Alona Mar]

I don't know if I even know what she's saying in that. I just like it.

[Adriana Mar]

She's talking about what's inside me.

[Alona Mar]

Pregnant grow stronger each day.

[Olivia Mar]

Pregnant finally reminds me to fight Just a little.

[Alona Mar]

To take back the light I hear it now I hear it now I.

[Olivia Mar]

Just gave myself chills.

[Adriana Mar]

I'm putting on the pro shot after this. So she is a. A pregnant waitress who is in a relationship or married to a dirtbag.

[Alona Mar]

Mean.

[Adriana Mar]

Is he abusive? I can't remember. Probably. She goes to the gynecologist. Male, Brings him a pie and falls.

[Alona Mar]

In love with him. Okay, I'll watch this one because I'm not convinced on that plot line. That seems a little crazy.

[Adriana Mar]

The plot maybe is not for me, but the songs.

[Olivia Mar]

Oh, my God.

[Alona Mar]

Yeah, the songs are good.

[Olivia Mar]

The song, it's a very bad idea. Me and you.

[Alona Mar]

I don't know.

[Olivia Mar]

Oh, those two. It's so fun, though.

[Alona Mar]

Interesting.

[Olivia Mar]

But now you'll really understand the music.

[Adriana Mar]

As a nurse alone, you're gonna hate that plot. It's the same thing as, like, athletic books. You're gonna be like, that's not right.

[Alona Mar]

Yeah, Already he's kind of freaking me out.

[Olivia Mar]

But he's like, cute, tall, and nerdy, so it's all good.

[Adriana Mar]

Is that against hipaa?

[Alona Mar]

Probably. I don't know. Don't feel right. Don't feel right.

[Adriana Mar]

Like you should get your license taken away at that point.

[Olivia Mar]

What we are trying to say here is a space that was created for women to protect one another and be safe. Getting hacked by these men who feel threatened by this. They need to touch some grass.

[Alona Mar]

If you didn't already know, I'm training for the Rugby World Cup. I'm working hard every day. Working up a sweat in the middle of nowhere. When I'm reaching for a hydrating pickme up at practice, I'm reaching for Propel fitness water.

[Adriana Mar]

So I'm not in the middle of nowhere. But no matter where you are, it's always the right time and place to grab a nice cold propel with Gatorade, electrolytes, zero sugar, and vitamins.

[Olivia Mar]

Talk about the drink of the summer. Hello. Whether you're playing mermaids in the pool or headed to your Pilates class, propel helps you get the most out of your workout so you continue to be your best self.

[Alona Mar]

With a huge range of exciting flavors to choose from. I know I'm always making a good choice when I reach for propel. I. So, ladies, what flavor is calling your name today?

[Olivia Mar]

I've said it before. I'm such a grape girl. I've always been a grape girl. It just tastes like purple and it's beautiful. And I love peach as well right now.

[Alona Mar]

Tastes like purple. Yum, yum.

[Adriana Mar]

It's still insanely hot here in New York, but the evening is perfect for my summer strolls across the Highline or Riverside Park. And I know I always need a little Bev for my walks. And that summer bev of choice is Propel and I go classic Lemon.

[Alona Mar]

Okay, I'm going black cherry. That or maybe a strawberry lemonade. Propel helps you get the most out of your workout. Grab a Propel fitness water wherever you shop to help you get the most out of your next workout. What propels you?

[Olivia Mar]

Everyone loves a good hack, like warming.

[Alona Mar]

Up your mascara in your bra or.

[Olivia Mar]

Convincing your sister to buy a pair of pants because you want to borrow them. You can steal that one from me. That's a really good tip. But what if I told you there was a wireless hack Wireless that lets you live in the know? Well, there is and it's called Visible.

[Adriana Mar]

I love a good hack, especially the ones that involve me, barring Live in Alona's clothes. But Visible Visible is the ultimate wireless hack.

[Alona Mar]

If you're not plugged in, you won't be able to message me that cute sweater you just saw. So to be stylish and in the know, you gotta be smart and plugged in. But you also need great wireless. Visible is wireless that lets you live in the know.

[Olivia Mar]

Visible is the ultimate wireless hack. You get unlimited data and hotspot so you can stay connected on the go. Since I'm always traveling, I love knowing.

[Adriana Mar]

I always have a hotspot and it's powered by Verizon. Visible runs on Verizon's 5G network so you know you get great coverage. I don't have to think twice if I'll be able to share my photos from Alona's rugby games on the road because I know Visible has a reliable connection.

[Alona Mar]

Level up your wireless with new Visible plus Pro plan. It's premium wireless without the premium cost. Visible gives you access to 4K streaming which makes it easy to watch my upcoming match against Canada on August 1st anywhere you want.

[Olivia Mar]

The best part? Visible is an all digital wireless service so you can literally just use the phone you have. Then activate and manage your plan all in the app on your phone or online terms apply.

[Adriana Mar]

See visible.com for plan features and network management details.

[Alona Mar]

Ready for wireless that lets you live in the know? Make the [e-mail] One Line Wireless starting at 25amonth for our best features. Get the Visible Plus Pro plan for 45amonth. Visible live in the know.

[Olivia Mar]

And we are now going to kick things over to you Alona for a very exciting interview with our incredible special guest and friend Malala Yousafzai. Yay Alona, do you remember the first moment you first followed each other?

[Alona Mar]

I remember that she followed me and I was like, what the heck? And then I followed her back. And she, you know, is a big fan of women's sports. And so she came to a game when I was in England, came to our Harlequins game, and it was so cool to meet her in person. So I'm excited to chat with her and just really, just girls being girls, you know what I'm saying? Girls being girls.

[Olivia Mar]

Let's get into it.

[Alona Mar]

It is an honor to have you. The last time I saw you was in England. You came to one of my matches. Tell me, what did you think about Rug Hellona?

[Malala Yousafzai]

I think you have made rugby more fun. It was a Valentine's Day, and yes, and I, my husband, we were thinking about what to do, and usually, you know, we plan a dinner and we said, that is just boring. We have done that so many times. So that's why we said, oh, there's Bristol Bears. Ilona will be there. We must watch our rugby game. And it was a perfect day. Could not have imagined it better.

[Alona Mar]

Deeply romantic day for you and your husband. Watching some women tackle each other on a cold England night. There's Nothing better, really.

[Malala Yousafzai]

100%. It was freezing cold. I could not stand in those heels on the grass for that long. But it was truly worth it because that was when we met for the first time and was so grateful, like we could chat. But for me, the memory from the day was actually watching girls and especially younger women there waiting for you to just wave at you and take a photo with you. And. And I just saw the part of women's sports how young girls are gaining confidence and self esteem when they watch women's sports.

[Alona Mar]

And you definitely seem to be a big fan of that. I mean, you used to play cricket and a little badminton, and now you're even starting your own kind of women's sports fund recess. If you can tell me a little bit about that. That just sounds so cool. And for someone like you who sees that for women athletes that, oh, there's something here, there's something powerful.

[Malala Yousafzai]

Yes. So my story with sports is a long one and it's an interesting one because growing up, I was a big fan of sports and playing on the street with friends. But as we got older, I realized that life for women in girls in sports is very different. One example, in our school, on a sports day, the boys would go to the local cricket ground while girls had to stay back in the school. And it wasn't that that playground said boys only but that was the understanding, that was the perception that girls are supposed to stay inside. And it's sports was only meant for boys. And I had this mission of fighting for girls education. But as much as I believed in women being able to do anything, I think all of us sometimes give up to the perceptions we are told to hold. And sports was one of those things. I thought that you have to be naturally born with it. And because boys get a lot more opportunities to play so we sort of assume that they're good at it. My perception changed when I actually started playing sports again. It was after I got married to Astar. He comes from the sports world and he has worked in cricket. He took me to different sports from pickleball to cricket to golf. And I thought I could never do it. I thought I could never hit a ball, I could never kick a ball. And as soon as I started taking some lessons and practicing, I realized that anyone can do it. Because I was a person who used to love sitting. I could sit forever. I was not a person who could move around or I even hated walking. I mean forget about running and kicking a ball or any of that. So to see myself transform and.

[Olivia Mar]

Really.

[Malala Yousafzai]

Understand that sports is for everybody. At the same time I also realized how sports can help girls gain confidence and self esteem. It can be so important in their personal growth. Even if they don't want to be in sports as a career, it can help them no matter where they work and where they are in their life, at what stage age they are, you can pick up sports anytime. So that's what drew me to sports. And that's why my husband and I came together to do something where we can be more helpful for women's sports.

[Alona Mar]

Effy I so agree and I think it's something that you know, you know, I always preach is like sport taught me for somebody who had a body who didn't understand why I didn't look like my classmates and whatnot, it gave me a way to feel like capable and that my body was just something more than just to be looked at. And I don't, I preach like play rugby because I think rugby is one of those sports like you don't have to, you, you don't have to have played any sports or be athletic at all. Come out to a rugby pitcher as a community for you. But my big thing is like try any sport, try golf, get out there and try, you know, cricket, whatever it is, pickleball, do something that kind of moves and shows. Oh man, look at me. I, I can hit this ball or something. It just to me can do so much. And so I love that you've seen the value in that. I, I heard that you also tried out a little rowing back at Oxford. That's hard. Rowing is hard, extremely hard.

[Malala Yousafzai]

And you know, it's like you cannot stand in that boat. Right. It's there, there's just a huge protocol to how you get in, in. And. And then the first question I was asked was, can you swim? And that's when I realized I need to, I need to start with that before I get into rowing. So. Right, yeah, I still need to focus on that. And eventually, who knows, I might get into rowing. But for me it was just this new experience that I was going to try everything in college, at school, I was a very shy person. I had become a shy person, to be honest, because I thought I was a late comer. People now know me for my activism and I am going to these serious events and conferences. I get to talk to presidents and prime ministers, but still I don't know how to have a conversation with another 14 or 15 year old about just a normal day in school. So when I went to university, I told myself that everybody's new, don't be shy, try anything and everything, including rowing. And I think I regretted that in the end. But I think it was worth it because I met new people and I. And I saw myself in places and in which I could never imagine myself. I was, I was like literally on the river and I knew that I could drown any minute, but I survived. It was so. It was a lot of fun.

[Alona Mar]

We have a little similar in that way. So I've just kind of started reading your book. First off, I want to let you know I don't read books to learn. So I was like, I'm going to read some of Malala's. I was hooked. Malala, you got some good stuff and your book is coming out in October. But one thing that you and I are similar and is that I also, when I went to college, I didn't have a lot of friends. In high school. I, to me, my friends were whoever I was on a sports team with. And that's kind of where I got my respect. I was respected in high school for being such a good athlete, but I never had like strong friends and I was always jonesing for that. Like, I always wanted to find a friend. And so when I went to college, it was again, like, okay, I can kind of be Whoever I want to be. And I'm going to try and start fresh. And so friends have always been something I've jones for. Like, I just. It wasn't. And it wasn't until later that I found my, you know, best friend Nicole, till after college. But I think the value of female friendships, and if you can speak on it, it's just. It's kind of shaped me into who I am as well.

[Malala Yousafzai]

I had only one friend at school, and I was hoping that maybe I'll get two friends at college. And I am so grateful to say right now that I have so many friends, so many friends. And in college, I knew that I had to change. I had to approach people. I had to be the first one to say hi. And I'm so grateful for that. I think you do feel a bit weird. And I thought, you know, I'm a bit creepy if I'm approaching everybody. But it was truly worth it because I found the most amazing people from my subject group, from my year group, from my college, from other colleges, from different parts of the world. And they are just incredible people. We can talk about anything. We can talk about a silly topic. We can talk about a serious topic. We can talk about world politics. We can talk about how we want to use our platform, our role to help change the world. And then sometimes we just talk about astrology and what do we think about this boy? And what do we think about this profile on the dating app? And I am. I become their advisor. And it could be a conversation about anything and. And everything. But they helped me grow. They helped me be that old self of mine which I was missing in Pakistan. I was a very chatty person. I had a lot of friends, and I. I didn't know if I could ever be that old self of mine. I can now say that I feel that I was in a better place because I met so many incredible, smart, funny people who are still with me. They're on this journey with me, and I can reach out to them anytime about anything. And we can talk for hours and hours.

[Alona Mar]

That's it, though. Finding friends now, it's a work, though. It's work to get friends because I think we kind of sometimes can be so flimsy with it. We're like, oh, we should get coffee sometime. Yeah, let's get coffee sometime. But then we don't set a date. Like, when I want to be friends with someone, I have to be like, okay, we're going to get coffee at this date, at this time. I'll see you There because I don't know if it's with social media or with. You can meet so many people, it can be hard to really connect on that deeper level. And it takes work. Like you putting the work in for that.

[Malala Yousafzai]

I think nothing is harder than bringing your friends together for breakfast, coffee, lunch, anything you want to plan. I have arranged many events and go to many countries around the world. We can put a trip together to Tanzania or Nigeria in a few weeks. But I cannot bring all of my friends together. And I also. Sometimes I tell them that, like, let's be there at 1pm even though I have booked a place for 1:30 and they still manage to show up late and I'm still there before everybody, it still happens. And I'm like, how can you be an hour late? I try every tactic and it does not work.

[Alona Mar]

But, you know, you got to love them.

[Malala Yousafzai]

I love my friends. Yeah.

[Alona Mar]

What I loved is when you came to the game, I think everyone was like, oh, my gosh, Malala's here, Malala's here. And they. They put this idea of who you are in their heads. And then you were there just like, just to watch rugby and hang out with the girls. My. My sisters were there, my agent was there, and my agent's friends. And you just wanted to hang with the girls and watch the rugby. I think that this kind of preconceived notion of who you are follows you everywhere. Guys, Malala is just a girl. She wants to chill, she wants to hang. She just wants to chat as a girl would. And I feel like sometimes this idea of being a role model, I guess, follows you everywhere as well, with whatever you do and say, yes, it has.

[Malala Yousafzai]

Been there as part of my life for many, many years. Sometimes even I forget that I am still a young woman, I'm still a girl. Or, you know, you sort of forget that you are in your 20s. But it's really my time with my friends that remind me of that. And. And I also, you know, and it took me a while to figure this out, but now I feel I put less pressure on myself to sort of feel less guilty for trying to find myself and try to, like, try to grow and try to make mistakes and try not to know all the answers. And I think this is like, this is part of our life somehow. When you become a public figure at a young age, people expect you to have figured it all out, to know all the answers, and then you feel the pressure that you should know it. And if you don't, then somehow you are not Doing your job and you feel like this imposter syndrome. So it took me a while to overcome that and I knew there's just no other way. I have to be myself. I have to be myself. And I will learn along the way.

[Alona Mar]

One thing I don't think you're running the Malala Fun Instagram, but we've been loving the way that they comment on girls posts. Girls will do something funny like say, oh, I'm skipping school today. And Malala Fun will comment like, boo. We just love that. That's, that's how you connect with people, though. Just with humor. And even like it's something so funny and trivial, but just adding something light hearted to it, I think also still gets your message out there.

[Malala Yousafzai]

Yeah, no, I have asked my staff at Malala Fund. I said, if you see a girl not doing her homework, you better call her out. No, I'm just kidding. I think it's been really fascinating for me to see how I have a following among parents, teachers, among women who are in their 30s who are at that point in their life or they're deciding or starting their career. And then I also have a following among very little girls, school girls and school students. It's just fascinating for me when I see comments from kids or even when I meet kids who have like no idea that, that I'm like real or I'm alive. They thought, yeah, like happened like 50 years ago or something. And that's why the school teacher asked them to do a project on, on my story. So. So yeah, you know, I've been making these TikTok and I've been making these Instagram reels, sort of raise awareness that, you know, I'm. I'm alive.

[Alona Mar]

And yeah, that, that one was really funny. Making sure. What was it? Gen Z knows I'm still alive. At the comments, people are like, wait a second.

[Malala Yousafzai]

Hilarious.

[Alona Mar]

What?

[Malala Yousafzai]

Hilarious?

[Alona Mar]

Yeah, it's, it's a just great way to just also, like, continue to put that message out there. Because social media can be so powerful and that's where everyone's on. That's how I've built my brand. Because I'm like, okay, everyone, I want to target the young girls who I want to get into sport, to get into rugby, are scrolling their phones, just put a video out there. And also the messages like, never stop you. For me, it's a lot about body positivity and stuff like that. And I'll post one, but it can never be just like, all right, what's solved? We did it. I have to Continuously post because it's just continuous flood of information. One post for me about, you know, your body's capable, your body's strong, it's beautiful. And then the next post is it's be smaller, be skinnier, whatever it is. So it's like a, it's a never ending thing. And for the rest of your life as well, it's going to be kind of a never ending getting your message out there.

[Malala Yousafzai]

Social media is a very powerful platform and I love how you are using it to raise awareness and promote body positivity. I love the way you do your work and you know, when I, when I follow your account and come across your content, my dream is to have the same biceps and triceps as you. So thank you. Thank you. There you go.

[Alona Mar]

You get back in that rowing boat and you will, you start rowing again and you will. Malala.

[Malala Yousafzai]

Yes, yes. And I want to lift heavier weights and yeah, we'll get there, we'll get there. And I think it's important for us to promote self confidence among girls because social media can be very dangerous at the same time the way it puts pressure on young people. So it's a tool and it's up to us how we use it. And I think we have the power, we have the capacity and a lot of us have the following. And we need to ensure that we are promoting the right message among young people so that they realize that no matter where they come from or how they look and how tall or short they are or like, it's just like all of these things do not matter. It's all about what they decide to do for themselves, to make a difference. And that's what matters in the end.

[Alona Mar]

Now, from what I've heard, you met your husband through sport. Sport really brings us together. I personally am looking for that as well. Lala, if you can find me a husband through sport. It's been tough. How did that happen? Please don't leave out any details. I need to take notes and figure it out for myself. He still plays cricket.

[Malala Yousafzai]

Okay, here's the mystery part. So my husband comes from sports. He is actually not really a sports person because I was under the assumption that, oh, he works at cricket, so maybe he can play cricket. To this day, it's been seven years, I have not seen him play cricket because he just, he would not. He's under so much pressure and when I ask him, he says, you know, now we're married, there's no point. Like he said, yeah, so anyway, we will, we will eventually find out if he can actually play cricket well or not. All I can say is that when you meet the right person, you know, and it's, for me, it was respect, it was love, it was kindness. And I found all of that in Asar. But he's also funny and entertaining, and he looks after me. So I said, wow, like, he is the right person and we're both friends. Like, we still sort of joke about it that, you know, like, oh, we are married, but, you know, we're actually friends.

[Alona Mar]

And I love love languages. I love knowing people's love languages are. What's your love language? Do you, do you have one or do you have many?

[Malala Yousafzai]

So my love language is acts of service. I think. I, I, I am not a person who so much believes in, like, words of affirmation. I appreciate them when I receive them. But for me, it's the acts that speak louder. And I think then for my husband, it's, it's anything. He can be happy with anything, whatever. Acts, words, affection, whatever you give him. But what is yours? What is.

[Alona Mar]

Okay, mine.

[Malala Yousafzai]

So we need, we need the boys to know. We need them to know. So what is your love language?

[Alona Mar]

Okay, guys, listen carefully. Everyone listen up, please. Everyone be quiet. This is going to be clipped. I think my love language is quality time. I just love spending time together, and that's how my family kind of does it as well. Just us, my sisters and I on the back porch, just together. My friend and I. Even if it's like, just scrolling on your phone together, I love that. Yeah, I'm definitely not like an act of service person. I, My mom is. My mom wants to cook for everyone. She wants to do the little things for people. I also love. I kind of words of affirmation. At times, I think that I don't know if it's still the young girl growing, you know, young girl inside of me who feels sometimes insecure at moments, who wants just a little bit of, you know, all of that. It's kind of changing, I think, though, as I get older as well. But I don't, I don't know. I think it's different ways with different people. And it's so fun to also learn what somebody else's is, because if, if his is acts of service, well, all right, I got to start clocking in. I got to start doing what maybe isn't natural for me, but I also, I haven't really been in a relationship before to even kind of learn those things. And that's something that, you know, I'm as You found with Asher is like learning so much from them and how much it changes over the years. It's something I haven't experienced yet. And I really want to. I want to like, get deeper and learn somebody. And I mean, I don't know if you've. It maybe my fame, but I haven't really been on many dates in this past year. So I think once I. Once I take a little break, I'm going to see if I can really pull some in. I'm going to head to some cricket games, see if you two can help me out. And we'll go from there.

[Malala Yousafzai]

Yes, for sure. And one thing I have noticed is that when two people are considering partnership or living together, they sometimes ask each other questions or trying to judge each other as if they are the husband or as if they are the wife or the spouse. And I personally felt that I was trying to get all of those answers from ASR, that what would you be like in the husband role? How would you behave? How would you act? What roles and responsibilities are you expecting expecting from me in the house? Some of the questions sounded really silly, but I felt I had to ask them because of my. My upbringing and how I saw how women were losing more when they were deciding to get married. And for me, it was always about a compromise. I had seen stories of child marriage and how girls just work were. Were losing so much from their education and work and other things. So I was concerned for the right reasons. And I felt weird asking him all the questions, but I think it was worth it. One thing which I realized in the process was that we expect all of these answers from each other while we have never been exposed to that role. If he asked me a question about how I would be as a wife, my honest answer would be, I don't know, because I have never been a wife. And that changed my perspective because then I was more focused on thinking of him as a friend. Do I have a quality time with him? Do I enjoy my time with him? How do we feel when we talk? How do we feel when we don't talk and are just on our phones? Or do we like planning new things? I would have never tried this many sports in my life. It was him. Because of his company. I could enjoy pickleball, I could go to a cricket game, I could play golf. I could do all of these things. He also got exposed to my work as well, and he was enjoying it as well. And the more quality time you guys have, the more you enjoy each other's company. You Know that you can be together for the rest of your. You know that you can be together for the rest of your lives. And you also realize that you are learning along the way. So when we got married, I still felt weird. I said, like, what does it mean? Are things going to change the next day? And they don't, because you are still the same people. And one thing that truly fascinates me is how you love each other more and more, day by day. I thought that wasn't true, because that's what we are told. But if you are meant for each other, you are going to love each other even more than you used to. And nearly four years, and we, Azhar and I, are more in love than before.

[Alona Mar]

I love it.

[Malala Yousafzai]

I need. I need to stop. Okay.

[Alona Mar]

Awesome. You're in love, Malala. We get it. Some of us over here. You know what? I'm gonna.

[Malala Yousafzai]

I don't want to take Esther Perel's roles. Right? Like, I don't want. I don't want to. I don't want to be. Anyway. Anyway. Hands up.

[Alona Mar]

I bet Oscar is really good at cricket. I bet he's secretly amazing at it, and he just wants to be chill. He's like, no, no, no. I bet he's really good at it.

[Malala Yousafzai]

I agree. I think it's been seven years since he's been hiding this talent. And I'm sure he's taking lessons every day, so we should. We should see it.

[Alona Mar]

He's secretly just been going to the courts. No, no, no. Just going on a walk. He's been just, you know, bowling all day long.

[Malala Yousafzai]

Yes. Yes.

[Alona Mar]

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[Adriana Mar]

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[Olivia Mar]

Dre, it's so perfect that I just added the classic blue cornflower stripe duvet to my cart. I love how timeless and classic the stripes are. It will match perfectly with the Eburn Designs Terry accent lamp that I just bought.

[Alona Mar]

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[Olivia Mar]

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[Alona Mar]

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[Olivia Mar]

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[Alona Mar]

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[Olivia Mar]

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[Alona Mar]

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[Adriana Mar]

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[Olivia Mar]

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[Alona Mar]

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[Adriana Mar]

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[Alona Mar]

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[Olivia Mar]

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[Alona Mar]

Me about some things in pop culture. Are you a big music girl? Ajana just loves listening to all music. Who are you listening to now? Anything that gets you hyped up to do a speech? Well, I do. You know I do rugby. I like to listen to Shania Twain. Man, I feel like a woman. What? What gets you ready to go?

[Malala Yousafzai]

I love listening to any of the latest songs. I follow these big artists from Taylor Swift to Selena Gomez and I'm like waiting for everybody's next album. I mean, Rihanna and Beyonce.

[Adriana Mar]

Yeah.

[Malala Yousafzai]

And I. And you know, I like different music at different times. If I'm in the gym and I decide to run for one hour, then I do like songs that give me all of that energy to sort of, you know, like who Run the World Girls kind of song. So that I keep running and. And yeah. But I'm also a big fan of Kawali music that is a huge part of the, of the history and culture of India and Pakistan. Like the whole subcontinent. There's so much about connecting with yourself and connecting with God. So I love Kawali music, Sufi music. And yeah, then I'm like, I'm listening to music in different languages. In Hindi, in Urdu, in Pashto, in English. And I think that's the beauty of music. Like it can be from any culture, any country, in any language. And it can help you feel your emotions and it can help you connect to the story. It can help you connect to another person. So. So I really enjoy music.

[Alona Mar]

My sister Ajahn is always one who just like gets us in on all the coolest artists. And I also am the same. I pretty much listen to everybody else is listening to if you like. If I'm not, I'm not cool like that. If, if everybody else likes it. If it's on the today's top hits, I'll be listening to it. If it's just. It's clear that it's great songs. You are on Tick Tock. Are you loving a weird trend right now?

[Malala Yousafzai]

I love trends. Like you look happier, to be honest. You know, I think everybody's TikTok algorithm is different. So when I open it, I just get cooking videos. How to make, you know, a cake or like this pastry and like this sort of protein high. Something. Something like there's a protein high version of everything and I can't cook. And somehow I get those videos on my algorithm and I. And I love watching them and I know I could never, I could never ever cook any of that.

[Alona Mar]

A trend of yours that I liked was Malala's going to show you her pen collection and you better be cool about it. You had a lot of pens there. Big pen girl.

[Malala Yousafzai]

Yeah, I just, I just showed you guys a few because I did not want to be accused of, you know, imagine stealing pens. All hotels. Anything you can think of suddenly come out and they're like, we know. We know who it was. So that's why I said, I'll. I'll share with you. I. I love collecting pens and hotel keys. The card keys. I. I don't know. I have, like, these strange things collections with me. They sort of, like, remind me of all the places I have been to. And to be honest, like, a. A pen collection works really well for that. And. And. And I just love pens. I like trying a new penny.

[Alona Mar]

Do you journal? Like, I bullet journal, and my sisters and I bullet journal. So we'll get like a. Even a piece of paper or something from somewhere, and we put it in our journals. And you can kind of remember it's kind of the same thing, I guess.

[Malala Yousafzai]

So do you guys share the journal? Like, can your sisters read your journal?

[Olivia Mar]

No, no, no Secret journals.

[Alona Mar]

No. I talk. I talk about them. We each have our own. And so, like. But when we're together, we all find like a. That's a nice sticker. And then we all get the same sticker and pretty much put it in.

[Malala Yousafzai]

Okay. Yes, I do journal. I have actual diaries, journals. And I also use notes. I love notes because it's a lot easier. And I just. Sometimes I'm journaling every day, and then sometimes I take a month off because I have been so busy and I get no time to write down anything. And then I'm trying to remember. So I have a very long entry in my journal where I have written. I try to write about everything that happened for as long as I can remember. And I find it really helpful because it helps me just bring together everything that's been happening because work can be quite overwhelming. And just like in July this month, I was at so many different places from being at the gq. Then I went to Tanzania to visit Malala Funds projects. Then I have been here in London for a few weeks focusing on the work of Recess or Sports Fund. We have an incredible team that were all here together in England, and we were working on next steps from focusing on fundraising to then also looking at investment opportunities and just looking at how women's sports is actually thriving. And it's a great time for us to be investing in it. And then now I'm focusing on the book because I have to do the audiobook recording. So the whole next week, I will be doing the audiobook recording. And I know I should take care of my voice and speak softly and. Yeah, of course.

[Alona Mar]

Well, thank you for. Thank you for using your voice here today. Was writing the book almost cathartic for you. I wrote, I'm writing my own memoir, gonna come out later. Later. But it's been actually fun to go through and to write everything down and. And kind of relive things again and get it out there. How has it been to write it?

[Malala Yousafzai]

Two years ago, when I thought about sharing more about my life, I had no idea how it will work. What would that final draft look like? But I just could not wait for that moment. And the process in itself can be a bit challenging because there's just so much you can share and you can talk about and you want to explore. Explore. You want to go through every page of your journal. You want to talk to all of your friends. You want to talk to all of your family members. You want to, like, recall these events. It's truly fascinating that you remember it very differently than other people. And I found that just such an exciting experience that I remember things in a different way. And I think that's cool because that way we can share about it and then someone else can reflect on that story and tell us their perspective as well. And when the final draft was ready and I read through it, I knew that this is exactly how I wanted the book to look like. It is a coming of age story. It is the continuation of my story since my last book, which was just about the girl who was shot by the Taliban and stood up for her rights. But that was it. She was only 15 years old. She had not made friends. She did not know what she wanted to do in her life. So in this book, Finding My Way, I am sharing about the journey after that. How I was still a girl in school and I was lonely, and how I went to college, became a reckless college student, and made friends and found love, and had to come to a decision about if I want to get married or not, and how to set a new path of my activism and focus even more on protecting the right to education for girls because of how this right is still taken from girls, including girls in Afghanistan right now who are banned from learning by the Taliban. And they have not been in school for the past nearly four years. So this book has helped me to bring everything together. So as much as I am excited that this book is complete and I'm going to be sharing this story with other people, they will be able to benefit from it. And I hope that it helps somebody who's feeling lonely, who is struggling with mental health, who feels a bit lost, that it will help them find their way. But this book has also been a healing process for me, I have learned through it so much. It has helped bring everything together. There were so many topics, like, I did not want to go back to. I did not want to read my journals. I was like, I want to leave everything in the past. But when you bring it together as a story in a book, it is very powerful because you realize how when you are feeling so low and you are in the toughest moments of your life, you actually have overcome them. You have grown out of them. And now when I read all of that and I find myself in a different place, I'm just so grateful and I saying well done to myself for, For. For not giving up. So I hope that it can help so many other people out there. And. And I hope people enjoy reading it. They. I try to. I've tried to make this book a bit funny and as well. So I hope they enjoy the humor of it as well. And yeah, I hope it's a fun read.

[Alona Mar]

I've read, you know, the first part of. I honestly didn't want to read too much because I wanted to just hear more from you. You. But I can't wait for it to come out, to read in person. But what I did notice, even just from the beginning, was how much it feels like you're genuinely talking to us, which I like. I don't. Those books, when it's by somebody, I'm like, okay. It just feels very like, I want your own voice in it. I want to feel like this is what you were actually thinking in your head. And I think you do that so well. Just some of the little quotes you have in there. It's the little experiences and even how, you know, sometimes described some of your friends. I'm like, okay, this is. This is Malala. Just on the written page.

[Malala Yousafzai]

Yes. And I wanted my book to be that way because it's not a biography. It's not about writing a history book where you just want to put your life on record. Like, that was not the point for me. I wanted to express exactly what I went through openly with people because I know that we all go through similar emotions. And when I was in college and I was going through difficult times, or when I was deciding to get married and I had a billion questions on my mind. I wish I could read somebody else's story who were in that place, who could have helped me. And it's the stories of other people, their experiences and learnings that can help us understand that it will be okay. It will be fine. And I hope that this book is a small Contribution to that.

[Alona Mar]

I'm very excited. Any tips for me as I write my own memoir book?

[Malala Yousafzai]

I'm so excited for your memoir. I can't wait to read it. Just keep writing. And it's a process. The first draft is very different from the last draft, but you sort of know, you know it's heading in the right direction. And there will be a point where you have to decide that it's finished. You can keep editing it forever. So you have to say, okay, done. This is what I want to share for now, and I think people will absolutely love it. I want to know more about Ilona and the incredible journey that she has had and how she's become a role model to girls and women and men and boys, everybody. And I. And I want to know. I want to understand. I want to. I want to know everything about your story, Malala.

[Alona Mar]

I'm blushing. All right, I'll send you my advanced copy. It probably won't be till 2028. I've been writing it since 2022, but I just keep adding a little bit more. And so kind of what my sisters were saying, just keep writing. A lot of it might not go in the book, but just keep putting it down. And then, like you said, the first draft is not going to be like the last. But I'm just writing. I. Sometimes when I get mad at a date, I went on, I put a ch. And I'm like, this probably won't end up in the end, but it's a fun chapter to put in.

[Malala Yousafzai]

Yes, keep writing it, will you, will. You'll be so grateful for it that you wrote it. You can even use it in the second edition. You can have a memoir, too. You will. You will need it.

[Alona Mar]

Perfect. I can't wait with that, Malala. I'm going to bring my sisters back in, and we're going to have a fun segment with you. Hi, darlings.

[Olivia Mar]

Did you miss us?

[Alona Mar]

Yes. Oh, my gosh. Good, because.

[Malala Yousafzai]

Yeah. Couldn't stop talking about you guys. She was like, yeah, I have to bring my sisters. Yes.

[Alona Mar]

They're so fun. We. I love them. But you all hung out at the Harlequins game together, so you guys are all kind of besties anyway. Yeah.

[Malala Yousafzai]

Yeah. I mean, yes.

[Olivia Mar]

We were freezing together on Valentine's Day.

[Malala Yousafzai]

It was freezing cold. I don't get it. Like, my toes were actually frozen. I'm not kidding, actually.

[Olivia Mar]

And then, like, actually, I think about them on the field, like, hitting the hard, cold ground. I'm like, God, not. Thank you, Ilona, for your Service, like, for the entertainment.

[Malala Yousafzai]

And those little girls were waiting for Ilona for like, two hours. And I love that. I love that when little girls want to meet Elona. That was my favorite part of the whole game.

[Alona Mar]

I love them too. And I, I, as you saw, I tried to make a point to go around, to say it, that to see, say hi to them. They. Here they are. They've made the journey out here. The ones that are wearing their little lipstick and they're so excited to see me. I just feel like that's something also special about women's sports, is how much we want to connect with the fans. And I want, I want to go see them. And they're so excited. So I'll do it rain or shine. I broke my nose. I was still out there seeing my fans. I'm for the. I'm for the girls, and I will see them.

[Olivia Mar]

Today we have a fun segment we would love to do with you called Try hard with Malala. So. And as you know, in rugby, to score a point, it's called a try. So we're gonna hit you with some rapid fire questions that you have to try and answer quickly. Are you ready?

[Malala Yousafzai]

I like the try part, so I will try.

[Alona Mar]

Yes. Go.

[Olivia Mar]

Perfect.

[Alona Mar]

All right.

[Olivia Mar]

You have two younger brothers. Who is the most competitive among the three of you?

[Malala Yousafzai]

All of them are very competitive. I think the middle one among your.

[Alona Mar]

Siblings, were you the peacekeeper or the rebel?

[Malala Yousafzai]

Peacekeeper. But I think my brothers will disagree.

[Alona Mar]

That's. I think I'm the peacekeeper too, Malala. Turns out I'm not. They. I really thought that. And they were like, no, this is the funny part.

[Malala Yousafzai]

So my, my two younger brothers, they would get into a quarrel. They would be fighting. I would intervene, try to mediate, stop their fight, and then they would turn against me. I was like, I am here to resolve the issue. And then they would unite, become like one, and just called me out. And I was like, excuse me. I'm just here for my, you know, playing my, my part.

[Olivia Mar]

But anyway, you try to do a good thing.

[Adriana Mar]

What has been your favorite age so far?

[Malala Yousafzai]

Oh, 28, I think. I love the age that I am right now. And if you had asked me a year later, I would have said 27. I, I like getting older. For now. That's what I'll say. I like getting older because I am. I don't want myself to be stuck in the past, to be thinking so much about the old days. I know that they were fun and good, and there was a lot of excitement to it. But it's when you learn and when you grow as a person, you become a better person for yourself and for everybody around you. I love that. So I have learned so much in the past many, many years that I love this age of mine.

[Alona Mar]

Malala, I don't want to, like, brag, but when this episode comes out, it's my birthday and I'm turning 29. We're the same age right now.

[Malala Yousafzai]

Amazing.

[Alona Mar]

And also I agree with that. One of my favorite quotes is your. Your greatest accomplishment is your next one. I think that there's so much more I want to do. And everyone's like, what's the best thing? I'm like, I'm so excited for what's going to happen. I'm excited for my 30s. I've told my sisters, I hear your 30s are great. You know yourself more and I'm letting.

[Olivia Mar]

You know they're cool.

[Alona Mar]

So far.

[Olivia Mar]

Do you have a drink of choice?

[Malala Yousafzai]

I love English breakfast tea. Black tea. I could have that anytime these days. I'm trying Americano and like, you know, black coffee. Because maybe, you know, I am getting older. As we said, I am 28, so I do need more caffeine. But other than that, any, any drink would work. Yeah, but tea. Tea is my favorite.

[Olivia Mar]

We're big Earl Grey girls. Like, we just always have that at our house. We're always drinking Earl Grey or Minty. Alona and I tried breakfast tea when we were living in Bristol for those three months. It didn't agree with us. I don't know, maybe it's the high tannins in it, but we, we opted for the Earl Grey, which some of our new British friends called me an old lady for. But I'm not holding it against them.

[Malala Yousafzai]

Yeah, we can give it a try. I would love to invite you to my place and maybe you would reconsider your.

[Alona Mar]

Oh, we'll be there.

[Malala Yousafzai]

Black tea. Yes.

[Adriana Mar]

A proper breakfast tea. So I heard you guys talking about music. That is my first love. Always. Do you have a song of the summer?

[Malala Yousafzai]

Song of the summer? I think I'll just say Harry Styles. Watermelon sugar.

[Olivia Mar]

Okay.

[Alona Mar]

Yeah, that's a good one.

[Adriana Mar]

That is a good one. Very summer esque.

[Olivia Mar]

What is your girl dinner?

[Malala Yousafzai]

I love dark chocolate. I can have dark chocolate anytime. I love, like mixed nuts. I love it with tea. I love hummus. Just, you know, with dips, anything. It could be bread and I love bread. I love bread. I can have any bread, bread and butter. Like the list goes on. Anything that I can just oh, and this is the summertime. So I love mangoes right now because it's the season. Yeah, Pakistani mangoes are like the sweetest, delicious mangoes. I love them.

[Olivia Mar]

That's a perfect girl dinner.

[Alona Mar]

You killed it. Perfect girl dinner. Good job. Favorite movie movie you can watch over and over again.

[Malala Yousafzai]

Okay, so I. I love comedy and I can watch any fun movies. I really love the Dictator. I don't know if you guys have seen it, but the Dictator is one of those fun movies that I love. I love animation. I can, like, watch all the Madagascar movies. I can watch Shrek. I can watch Minions. I can watch any of those movies. You pick. I can watch them anytime.

[Adriana Mar]

Do you have any pet peeves?

[Malala Yousafzai]

I have many pet peeves. I think we can talk about it forever. And here's the thing. Like, when somebody else does it, then it bothers me. But if I do it myself, then I'm less bothered. But it's like, you know, leaving your clothes and, like, laundry on the floor. Or, you know, for me, it's always like, oh, I'll come back and figure it out. Or, like, sort it out, but you never have enough time. Sort of like when people throw their socks on the floor. I don't know. Like all of these things. All of these things. I like things to be tidy. As tidy as they can be.

[Adriana Mar]

Yeah, that's good answer.

[Alona Mar]

All right, let's head on into the Book Nook. So in the Book Nook, we chat about books. We're all big readers. We love fantasy books. And we saw on your story. I think I even commented on it. I saw Oster's niece gifted you a copy of Acotar. Thoughts on it? How's it going?

[Malala Yousafzai]

You know, I noticed that people have very strong feelings about Acotar. And I was getting so many DMs and comments asking me about what I think, and I have been very careful. I said, I'll share when I finish the book. That's what I say. Because I'm like, what if I. Like, what if people call me out? Or, you know, so I'm like, I don't want to get into a whole controversial thing. So when I finish, I'll let everybody know.

[Adriana Mar]

We are waiting.

[Malala Yousafzai]

Yes, I know, I know. I feel like, okay, I'll be ready.

[Alona Mar]

Do you love fantasy books? What do you mostly read? Like, are you a fantasy reader? Are you, you know, fiction, nonfiction? What. What's. What are you reading? And do you have a book that you've really loved?

[Malala Yousafzai]

My favorite books are usually nonfiction. I love Memoirs. I love people's personal stories. But I'm also, you know, I can read nonfiction. I can read fiction as well. I can read a fantasy book. I have brought a few books here with me. So. My Beautiful Sisters is by Khalida Popal. She was the captain of the soccer team for women in Afghanistan. And her story is really powerful. Like, when you, if you read My Beautiful Sisters, you will learn all about, you know, the incredible work she has done, how she took women's soccer to Afghanistan. And then she shares more about what has happened in the past four years. When the Taliban took over, the Afghan women's team had to bury their uniform and, and literally hide their trophies or medals, any record that they had ever played sports. Because suddenly sports became a crime for women. And the Taliban since then have issued these restrictions on women and girls, banning them from education, work, any public and political participation. And sports. Sports should be the right for any girl, any woman to have. But in Afghanistan, that's not the reality. Women's sports teams are banned from cricket, from soccer, and from the Olympics. And all of these players are in exile right now in Australia and Portugal in different parts of the world. But they're advocating, they're advocating calling out FIFA, ICC Olympics, all of these international bodies that they need to stand together with the Afghanistan female athletes and they need to find ways for them to play because helping Afghan women play right now is a form of resistance for them against the Taliban. And people need to side with the Afghan women and really challenge what the Taliban are doing. Afghan women and human rights activists call it a gender apartheid because it is a systematic oppression when half of the population, by law, are banned from all of their rights from education to work, and they're punished if they dare to disobey any of those laws. So we are hoping that this becomes recognized as an international crime. This is called a gender apartheid. And people like the Taliban, perpetrators like them are held accountable. And that we give more support to Afghan women, support their work, fund their work, support the. The different education initiatives that they're leading. Malala Fund supports their work, including their campaign for gender apartheid and online learning for girls. And that we help the female athletes as well. So we have a lot that we can do. So, yeah, this is her book, Khalida Popal. I love her story, Frankenstein, I was reading recently. I'm sure everybody knows Frankenstein. And then the final one is. This is heavy, is this one. It's actually a birthdays book, the Secret Language of Birthdays. And it is heavy, but it's like Two pages on every. Every date. And this is like, like gold. Ilona and Adriana and Olivia. I'll send you a screenshot or, like, I'll send you a photo of your dates and just tell me if you agree or disagree. But this book is, like, epic. Of course, not everybody has to take my recommendations for reading. So if you guys want to ignore the birthdays one, you can. But I'll definitely recommend these other ones for you guys to read.

[Olivia Mar]

Adding to my to be read pile. All of those for sure, but also the birthday ones. I love that. I was literally going to go, that's okay. Just read me my pages right now. I'm so curious. So. So I'll definitely take that photo.

[Malala Yousafzai]

Yeah. Yes.

[Alona Mar]

I'm going to read Beautiful Sisters. That's amazing. That is so cool. And, you know, once you have sisters in the title, it works out for us over here, huh?

[Malala Yousafzai]

One of the reasons why I was looking at starting recess a women's sports fund was because I met so many women from different parts of the world who want to get the opportunity to play, but they do not have that right. They do not have those opportunities because of different reasons. And the story of Afghan women is one of them, because right now, their teams are banned from playing. And I support them, I advocate with them. So I do believe that resource will become that platform that will create more opportunities for women and girls to play from any part of the world. When we create these leagues, when we create these tournaments, when we invest in these athletes, they could be from any part of the world, and it can help us ensure that women and girls have more equal opportunities. So. So, yeah, that's. That's sort of my hope.

[Alona Mar]

Well, that is amazing. And I'm coming over to England soon for the World Cup. I'll get you to a game again, and hopefully, you know, it'll be a little warmer. Hopefully. But again, thank you for coming on, Malala, for what you're doing for, you know, the world in general for women's sports. It's. It's so, you know, dear to my heart. I'm so excited to read your book fully. I'm going to get a hard copy, and I'm going to really dive into it. You're amazing. You are a girl's girl. And we're so honored you decided to join us here in the House of Mar.

[Malala Yousafzai]

Yeah. Thank you so much. And all of you are incredible. I love your. The, you know, the sister's friendship. And Ilona, thank you for all that you do. Truly, you are inspiration. We have been doing sports work for the past two and a half years. You get mentioned in every meeting. You are already changing things. You may not know this, but the conversation is different in rooms now because of you. So thank you for what you do and I hope that we will be inspiring many more girls and women to believe in themselves to do what they love and we will have many more Ilonas in every sport. And yes, they will shine. They will thrive.

[Alona Mar]

I'm blushing again. Thank you so much. And make sure to check out Malala's new book, Finding My Way out this October.

[Adriana Mar]

Thanks so much for coming over to the House of a Wave Original.

[Alona Mar]

Be sure to watch and subscribe on YouTube and listen wherever you get your podcasts.

[Olivia Mar]

Plus follow the show on social media ouseofmar for clips and behind the scenes content.

[Alona Mar]

Bye bye Bye bye. Love you.