I'm A Muslim (And That's Okay!)

*TRIGGER WARNING*: Episode speaks of suicide and suicidal ideation. Listener Discretion is advised.

This episode is a tough one because life threw a curve ball and it hit me square in the face. I discuss everything from major life changes to a very real mental health crisis I faced. I was caught unaware, but I got lucky, because it could have ended very badly for me.

I learned that suicide and suicidal ideation are not reserved for those who are "very depressed".

Please, if you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide call the Suicide hotline at: 988
They can and will help you! You can find more helpful resources at their website: https://988lifeline.org/ 

Or if you are just having a hard time and cannot reach your counselor or cannot afford one there are warmlines you can call. You can find the number in your state here: https://warmline.org/

If you are unsure of either of these resources you can find more information about how they work in this "Smarter in Seconds" video by the wonderful Blair Imani: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CmNMLBpA3kZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Or if nothing else, I'm always here if you need someone to talk to in private about this to sort this out. You can always email me at shehla.faizi01@gmail.com, or you can DM me on Instagram @imamuslimpodcast

This episode is also available to view on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/XpzbHwHahDY

Please don't forget to follow me here and on social media! Click the links to keep up with my shenanigans on social media and listen to all my episodes in one place:
https://www.imamuslimpodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/imamuslimpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/c/ImAMuslimAndThatsOkayPodcast

Sometimes your ideal guest just falls into your lap in the form of a book!

That's exactly what happened when I was sent a copy of, "Broken: The Failed Promise of Muslim Inclusion" , by one of the leading experts on the history of representations of Arabs and Muslims in the US. media, Evelyn Alsultany.

I had the great privilege of talking to her about how Muslim representation has evolved over the years, and how she outlines in her book that certain Muslim tropes in the past have been very problematic even when they move past the "terrorist" narrative. We also talk about her co-authored media benchmark, the Obeidi-Alsultany test and how studios are using that to create more authentic Muslim diversity in the media context.

You can also watch this interview on my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/0y3bjwK0kuE

You can find out more about Evelyn on her website at: www.evelynalsultany.com
You can also follow her on Twitter: @evelynalsultany
And on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelynalsultany/

You can buy Evelyn's book, "Broken: The Failed Promise of Muslim Inclusion", wherever books are sold and also on the NYUPress website: https://nyupress.org/9781479823963/broken/

Please don't forget to follow me here and on social media! Click the links to keep up with my shenanigans on social media and listen to all my episodes in one place:
https://www.imamuslimpodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/imamuslimpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/c/ImAMuslimAndThatsOkayPodcast

I know the Winter was hard without me! But I am back and bringing to you season 7 of "I'm A Muslim (And That's Okay!)", with all new solo episodes, interviews and the crowd favorite 'Ask a Muslim' segment. So, if you have any questions that you'd like this Muslim to answer just send them my way via email at shehla.faizi01@gmail.com . Or send me a DM on my socials (links below!)

And not just that, I have been podcasting now for THREE YEARS! Can you believe it??? I can't! And also I am coming up on 100 episodes, so tell me y'all should I do a giveaway for three years or 100 episodes? (unfortunately, I can't do two giveaways :')

But thank you to all of you who have stayed with me for so long , and enjoy this episode of my breakdown for this season. And if you'd rather watch this episode you can do so here: https://youtu.be/0igNaxZWyGk

Please don't forget to follow me here and on social media! Click the links to keep up with my shenanigans on social media and listen to all my episodes in one place:
https://www.imamuslimpodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/imamuslimpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/c/ImAMuslimAndThatsOkayPodcast

The end of 2022!!! How did that happen?? I mean, it started off with my 2 year, 50 episodes celebration giveaway. But the rest of the year...it's been a tricky, y'all, lots of things happened for me and for America. Some good, some not so good and I do a roundup of all that the year brought for me in terms of experiences and new episodes! I got to interview some amazing guests and you can check out all my previous episodes on your favorite platform through my linktree: https://linktr.ee/iamatopodcast

I had some episodes that were especially impactful for me that I mention in this episode and you can find them in the following links:

• The Muslim Perspective: https://youtu.be/7UD43DkuBQA
• Gift of the Gab!: Talking About Combating Sexual Assault Towards Children with Shariea Shoatz: https://www.imamuslimpodcast.com/podcast/episode/79aa03c8/gift-of-the-gab-talking-about-combating-sexual-assault-towards-children-with-shariea-shoatz
• The Whole Muslim with Dr. Sameena Zahoor: Fostering Change: https://www.imamuslimpodcast.com/podcast/episode/7b5a875c/the-whole-muslim-with-dr-sameena-zahoor-fostering-change
• Gift of the Gab!: Examining the Foster Care System from the Inside with Nahela Morales: https://www.imamuslimpodcast.com/podcast/episode/7d9d6a42/gift-of-the-gab-examining-the-foster-care-system-from-the-inside-with-nahela-morales
• The Whole Muslim: Re-Writing Perspectives with Leah V. : https://www.imamuslimpodcast.com/podcast/episode/7cdfb525/the-whole-muslim-re-writing-perspectives-with-leah-v

You can also watch my year end roundup on my YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/qeFJ1Y0-lKc

Thank you again for being with me through my podcasting journey. I'll be taking January off, but I'll be back with a new season in February of 2023! See you then!!

Please don't forget to follow me here and on social media! Click the links to keep up with my shenanigans on social media and listen to all my episodes in one place:
https://www.imamuslimpodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/imamuslimpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/c/ImAMuslimAndThatsOkayPodcast

In this episode I have the incredible opportunity to interview author, body-positivity activist and the first International plus-sized model, Leah V!

We talk about how her passion for writing gave way to her starting her modeling career, in an industry that doesn't take kindly to plus-sized models! But Leah V. pushed through the odds and has been featured in Vogue, The New York Times and has modeled for big brands like UGG, Adidas, Athleta, Dove, Target and SOOOO many more!

We discuss how all this culminated to her going back to her roots of writing and publishing her latest dystopian, fiction novel, "The Union".

Set in the future, "The Union" puts systems of class, race and oppression under the microscope in the most unconventional way possible. And I'm not gonna lie, I was not prepared by how uncomfortable 'the turning of tables' made me!

You can also watch this episode on my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/0r2Raiq6dVw

To get your own copy of "The Union" you can find them at your local bookstores or you can find them on Leah V. 's website: http://www.leahvernon.com/unashamedleahvernonbook

You can also follow Leah V. on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/lvernon2000/

Please don't forget to follow me here and on social media! Click the links to keep up with my shenanigans on social media and listen to all my episodes in one place:
https://www.imamuslimpodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/imamuslimpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/c/ImAMuslimAndThatsOkayPodcast

In this episode of my 'Gift of the Gab' segment, I interview DEI Practitioner, Rahimeh Ramizany, and we discuss the importance of being inclusive in the workplace to the religious needs of practicing minority groups.  Specializing in religious inclusivity for minorities, Rahimeh helps companies create an environment that is accepting and accommodating for workers of Faith.

You can also watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/LarTgOv7wZc

To find out more about Rahimeh and what she does, you can find her on the following links:

https://rahimehramezany.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahimeh-ramezany/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rahimehramezany/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rahimehramezany

Please don't forget to follow me here and on social media! Click the links to keep up with my shenanigans on social media and listen to all my episodes in one place:
https://www.imamuslimpodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/imamuslimpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/c/ImAMuslimAndThatsOkayPodcast

In this episode of the Gift of the Gab, I interview, Nahela Morales, well known
in Muslim circles as a public speaker, humanitarian and co-founder of the
Muslim convert organization, EMBRACE.

But what most people don't know is that as a child, she had been in the U.S.
foster care system and we closely examine her experience with the system and what
we can do to make it better!

You can also watch this episode on my YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/H5acQQh4RXw

To find out more about Nahela Morales and all the wonderful work she does, please visit her website at: https://nahelamorales.com/

Please don't forget to follow me here and on social media! Click the links to keep up with my shenanigans on social media and listen to all my episodes in one place:
https://www.imamuslimpodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/imamuslimpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/c/ImAMuslimAndThatsOkayPodcast

You know I'll never miss a chance to share a good, spooky story! And this year, for Halloween,  I decided to do a little bit of online hunting for some ghostly tales from other parts of the world!
From Venezuela to Myanmar, I got your global, spooky fix right here in this episode!

Also, I didn't share ALL of the stories I found, so if you want to read the rest of them, you can find them on these links:
https://www.holbrooktravel.com/blog/cultural/spooky-ghost-stories-around-world

https://www.secret-retreats.com/blog/general-info/6-famous-ghost-stories-from-around-asia.html

Please don't forget to follow me here and on social media! Click the links to keep up with my shenanigans on social media and listen to all my episodes in one place:
https://www.imamuslimpodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/imamuslimpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/c/ImAMuslimAndThatsOkayPodcast

This week I interview foster parent and co-founder of the Muslim Foster Care Association, Dr. Sameena Zahoor. We talk about how she went into fostering and how that led to the creation of the MFCA and delve into the real need for licensed foster parents, especially within the Muslim community.

You can also watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/32iwCR8aswk

To find out more about of what the Muslim Foster Care Association does and donate to support their cause, you can find them through these links:
https://muslimfostercare.org/
https://muslimfostercare.org/donate/
https://www.instagram.com/muslimfostercare/
https://www.facebook.com/mfcassn
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtOdFEYJmOcyPTMhm0ref4g

Please don't forget to follow me here and on social media! Click the links to keep up with my shenanigans on social media and to listen my episodes in one place:
https://www.imamuslimpodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/imamuslimpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/c/ImAMuslimAndThatsOkayPodcast
https://www.facebook.com/iamatopodcast/

Please don't forget to follow me here and on social media! Click the links to keep up with my shenanigans on social media and listen to all my episodes in one place:
https://www.imamuslimpodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/imamuslimpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/c/ImAMuslimAndThatsOkayPodcast

Calling all my fantasy nerds!!

I'm so happy to have on this "The Whole Muslim" episode fantasy cosplayer and Tiktoker, A'isha Saleh!

Join us as we talk about her inherited passion for all things fantasy and how that and the deep desire to see more Muslim women representation in popular media inspired her to create her AMAZING, hijab-friendly fantasy cosplay videos!

This episode is best watched because I do show some of the amazing work she does in her videos. You can view it on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/_U9v_91vLRM

You can view her amazing cosplay videos on TikTok and Instagram through these links:
https://www.instagram.com/nosi1ence/

https://www.tiktok.com/@nosi1ence

Please don't forget to follow me here and on social media! Click the to keep up with my shenanigans on social media and to listen my episodes in one place:
https://www.imamuslimpodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/imamuslimpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/c/ImAMuslimAndThatsOkayPodcast
https://www.facebook.com/iamatopodcast/

Please don't forget to follow me here and on social media! Click the links to keep up with my shenanigans on social media and listen to all my episodes in one place:
https://www.imamuslimpodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/imamuslimpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/c/ImAMuslimAndThatsOkayPodcast

In this episode of Gift of the Gab, I interview fellow podcaster, RJ Zimmerman, who documents his journey of sobriety in his podcast "Untapped Keg".

Me and RJ discuss all that he has learned on his journey and how that has also uncovered a simultaneous exploration of emotional wellness for him.

We delve deep into how that has changed him and how other men could benefit from emotional healing.

You can also watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/GYruwhEOsGk

To listen to "Untapped Keg" and to get in touch with RJ on social media you can follow these links:
https://www.untappedkeg.com/
https://www.facebook.com/UntappedKeg
https://www.instagram.com/untappedkeg/
https://www.youtube.com/c/UntappedKeg

Follow these links to keep up with my shenanigans on social media and to listen my episodes in one place:
https://www.imamuslimpodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/imamuslimpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/c/ImAMuslimAndThatsOkayPodcast
https://www.facebook.com/iamatopodcast/

Please don't forget to follow me here and on social media! Click the links to keep up with my shenanigans on social media and listen to all my episodes in one place:
https://www.imamuslimpodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/imamuslimpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/c/ImAMuslimAndThatsOkayPodcast

*TRIGGER WARNING* : Sexual Assault Discussion. LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.

In this episode of Gift of the Gab, I interview founder and CEO of the Buddy Speaks Foundation, Shariea Shoatz, and how she works to raise awareness against childhood
sexual abuse.
 
Shariea has also authored the book "My Voice is my Super Power" which is an invaluable tool to help parents arm children with the body safety rules, so they do not fall victim to devious grooming tactics of sexual predators.

This discussion is charged and may be triggering but it is an important one to help protect our children!

You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/eE5NKrYEzNg

To find out more about the Buddy Speaks Foundation, please visit: https://buddyspeaks.org/
Use this link to buy the book "My Voice is my Superpower" and other great support products: https://buddyspeaks.org/shop-1
To Donate to the Buddy Speaks Foundation you can Cashapp at: $buddyspeaks
You can find the book "The Body Keeps The Score" here: https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748

Please don't forget to follow me here and on social media! Click the links to keep up with my shenanigans on social media and listen to all my episodes in one place:
https://www.imamuslimpodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/imamuslimpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/c/ImAMuslimAndThatsOkayPodcast

My very first "The Whole Muslim" segment for Season 6 and I am overjoyed to have with me Chaplain Sondos Kholaki!

Join me in my conversation with Sondos and how chaplaincy became a part of her life and how she helps to bring spiritual comfort to those in crisis.

You can also watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/97tIGaCN9ks

You can use these links to follow her or get in touch with Chaplain Sondos Kholaki on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sondos.kholaki
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/by_thepen/

You can also purchase her books through these links:
Musings of a Muslim Chaplain
Mantle of Mercy

Please don't forget to follow me here and on social media! Click the links to keep up with my shenanigans on social media and listen to all my episodes in one place:
https://www.imamuslimpodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/imamuslimpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/c/ImAMuslimAndThatsOkayPodcast

I never left over the Summer, but I'm back anyway!

An intro to what has conspired this past Summer, in terms of surprise episode releases and new video segment and what's coming up! And if you have any suggestions for guests or how to improve my current segments please feel free to send me a DM on my social medias or email me at: shehla.faizi01@gmail.com

You can also watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/a6gxhvZo6vA

And if you haven't already please do follow me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube so you can access my "The Advice is Free" and "The Muslim Perspective" segments (which I usually don't do an audio version of):

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imamuslimpodcast/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ImAMuslimAndThatsOkayPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamatopodcast

Please don't forget to follow me here and on social media! Click the links to keep up with my shenanigans on social media and listen to all my episodes in one place:
https://www.imamuslimpodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/imamuslimpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/c/ImAMuslimAndThatsOkayPodcast

I'm still on vacation and I don't work on vacation! But sometimes some interviews happen that are timely and the discussion is important.
 
That was the case with this "Gift of the Gab" with fellow podcaster, Michael Rose.
Listen in as we talk about how he went from the conservative right to more center leaning, including discussions on the recent overturning of Roe Vs. Wade and gun-control in America (or the lack thereof!).

You can also watch this episode on my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/ZCXU3yThhCo

You can also listen to Michael's podcast, Master Mic here: https://anchor.fm/michael-rose70

And you can follow him on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/MasterMicPod

Please don't forget to follow me here and on social media! Click the links to keep up with my shenanigans on social media and listen to all my episodes in one place:
https://www.imamuslimpodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/imamuslimpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/c/ImAMuslimAndThatsOkayPodcast

LAST EPISODE OF THE SEASON!

That's right I'll be taking a break for the Summer and be back in August. BUT that doesn't mean I'm gonna leave y'all empty handed!

In this episode of Gift of the Gab, I interview a dear mom-friend, Madeleine Kanai, who was also recently diagnosed and treated for a rare type of blood cancer. We discuss the difficulties in getting initial diagnoses for less well-known cancers and the often prohibitive cost of cancer treatment!

You can also watch this episode on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/kIgrKiOf54A

To help cancer research and treatment please donate generously to cancer research and become a stem cell donor:
MD Anderson Moon Shots Program
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
DKMS.org
Bethematch.org

Please don't forget to follow me here and on social media! Click the links to keep up with my shenanigans on social media and listen to all my episodes in one place:
https://www.imamuslimpodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/imamuslimpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/c/ImAMuslimAndThatsOkayPodcast

In this week's episode of "Gift of the Gab!" I talk to I talk to fellow podcaster, dietitian, and marathon runner, Julianna Coughlin, who also happens to live with the chronic illness, Ankylosing Spondylitis.

We banter a little about the Harry Potter fandom, and delve deep into the everyday struggles that come with living with an invisible illness.

You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/uha41gtbNlQ

You can read more about Ankylosing Spondylitis here: https://spondylitis.org/

You can listen to Julianna's podcasts, "PuffCast" and "Into the Fold" using these links:

PuffCast: https://linktr.ee/Puffcast

Into The Fold: https://linktr.ee/IntoTheFold

Please don't forget to follow me here and on social media! Click the links to keep up with my shenanigans on social media and listen to all my episodes in one place:
https://www.imamuslimpodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/imamuslimpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/c/ImAMuslimAndThatsOkayPodcast

Almost to the end of Ramadan! And here it is the final episode for this month which delves into some of the prayer practices of Muslims during the Holy month.

I hope this series has given y'all a little deeper insight into Ramadan and how it is more than just fasting.

You can also watch this episode on my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/hYexQgnL9Gw

If you enjoy the content I create please don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on your preferred platform and on YouTube. This helps you to know when new episodes come out and it also helps give my podcast traction and allows other viewers to find my podcast. Thank you!

Please don't forget to follow me here and on social media! Click the links to keep up with my shenanigans on social media and listen to all my episodes in one place:
https://www.imamuslimpodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/imamuslimpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/c/ImAMuslimAndThatsOkayPodcast

In the second part of this year's Ramadan episode I go into some of the practices of charity,  and prayer Muslims do in Ramadan as a means of earning greater good deeds. A look at how Ramadan is more than just fasting from fasting from dawn to dusk!

You can also watch this solo episode on my YouTube channel here:  https://youtu.be/2Qcp3yrqwhw

Please don't forget to follow me here and on social media! Click the links to keep up with my shenanigans on social media and listen to all my episodes in one place:
https://www.imamuslimpodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/imamuslimpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/c/ImAMuslimAndThatsOkayPodcast

It's that time of year again! Your friendly, neighborhood Muslims are gonna start fasting again!

Although, I've had Ramadan episodes every year, for two years now, but I don't think I've every talked about WHY we fast. So, this year I'm going to go into some of the reasons behind the fast for Muslims.

This is part one of three episodes that will delve into Ramadan and some of what Muslims do during this sacred month.

You can also watch this episode on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/07kG2nYGk30

Please don't forget to follow me here and on social media! Click the links to keep up with my shenanigans on social media and listen to all my episodes in one place:
https://www.imamuslimpodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/imamuslimpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/c/ImAMuslimAndThatsOkayPodcast