335: “What Will People Think?” Sara Hamdan on Culture, Courage & Creative Rebellion

What if the thing that made you feel “too much” growing up is the very thing meant to set you free? In this powerful episode of The Brave Table, I sit down with my brilliant and bold friend, Sara Hamdan—former New York Times journalist, Googler, and now debut novelist of What Will People Think?. We explore the messy, joyful, and deeply human journey of writing fiction that challenges cultural expectations, honors Palestinian identity, and makes space for Arab women to be funny, flawed, and fierce. From Mia, the Arab stand-up comic at the center of her story, to Sara’s own decade-long battle with self-doubt, motherhood, and creative dreams—we go there. This isn’t just a conversation about publishing a book. It’s about daring to live a life that’s fully your own, even when the world wants you to shrink. You’re going to feel cracked open, seen, and inspired to finally go after that dream. Yeah, the one you’ve been hiding. What you'll get out of this episode… The behind-the-scenes story of how What Will People Think? took 10 years to write—and why it was worth every moment How Sara Hamdan turned cultural pressure into powerful creative fuel The mindset shift that helped her stop writing for validation and start writing for herself Why Arab women deserve to be hilarious, heartbroken, bold, and human on the page What it really looks like to chase a creative dream while raising a family and working full-time Insight into how fiction can become a vehicle for healing generational shame How comedy became the most powerful tool in rewriting her identity and reclaiming her voice What happens when you stop asking for permission—and write the story you’ve never seen told Connect with Sara WEB / sarahamdan.com IG / @bysarahamdan LINKEDIN / @sara-hamdan-writer BOOK / What Will People Think? Want more? 🧘🏽‍♀️ Mama, your nervous system deserves a pause. The Chai Tonics Ritual Starter Kit was made to help you reset with blends that support focus, calm, and energy—without the coffee crash. Create your sacred moment at ⁠https://bit.ly/trychaitonics⁠ with code BRAVE for 15% off. ☕ Love chai + self-care? Grab my free 12-month ritual guide → ⁠neetabhushan.com/chaitonics⁠ 🌿 Which chai blend matches your vibe? Take my FREE quiz now → ⁠ neetabhushan.com/chaiquiz Follow along for more tips, community, and resources to brave a better you! YOUTUBE / @TheBraveTable IG / @neetabhushan IG / @thebravetable TIKTOK / @neeta.bhushan WEB / https://neetabhushan.com If you loved this episode, check out… Ep. #208: Taking 10 Years to Write Your Story, Rewriting Cultural Narratives, Pursuing Your Dreams with Journalist Sara Hamdan ( Apple | Spotify | YouTube ) Ep. #219: Why Every Person is an Artist and How to Spark Your Creativity with James McCrae ( Apple | Spotify | YouTube ) Ep. #251: The Hard Truths of Being a Mom and a Writer That No One Talks About ( Apple | Spotify | YouTube ) To receive a free gift, email a screenshot of your 5-star review of The Brave Table to support@globalgrit.co 😘 Dr. Neeta Bhushan is a 5x award-winning author, emotional health advocate, and host of The Brave Table podcast. CEO of Highest Self Institute and author of That Sucked, Now What, she’s been featured in Forbes, ABC, and more. A former dentist turned global speaker, Neeta’s work blends psychology, ancient wisdom, and resilience from her own life experiences. She's also a mom, wellness lover, and chai enthusiast.