06 - Muslims in Comedy

What is the process of starting a business like for the modern American Muslim? Are there any culture clashes to keep in mind? In this episode of the Cafe Tanweer Podcast, Aamina and Lelas sat down with Umar Warsi, founder of Book a Muslim, and Reema Hamadeh, founder of Hamadough Sweets - two talented individuals who founded and execute their own successful businesses and had a fun conversation about ambition, the entrepreneurial spirit, and the American Muslim's place in business!*Note: This episode was recorded on June 7, 2020.

Across time and culture, women’s value in society has been dictated by their physical appearance, so we decided to sit down and have an uncomfortable conversation dissecting how this impacts us. Is the body positivity movement a step in the right direction or does it distract from the message that women are more than what they look like? Does social media empower women or does it further exacerbate the hypersexualization of the female? What measures can be taken to counteract the fixation of beauty that disproportionately affects women?Our guests included Momina Khan, whose work in audiovisual media are tied to fashion and pop culture; Aneesa Patel, whose focus as a dietitian is in the realm of eating disorders; and Nour Jabri, a middle school teacher who watches the coming generation react to the world around them as they develop. Get ready to listen to this amazing conversation as this group of women sit down to try to make sense of the world they grew up in, approaching it from different perspectives. It was controversial, but necessary.**Note: This episode was recorded on April 22, 2020.

Education has been a hot button issue for as long as anyone can remember, but arguably now more than ever with the emergence of COVID. What types of educational opportunities exist for students, and are there disparities in access? What can we expect of the rise of ed tech? What long-term impact of the pandemic are we expecting to see on schools, children, and parents? Is vocational training the future?In this episode, Aamina and Lelas sit down with Chris Blauvelt, Nasiha Razvi, Baian Tbakhi, Yosra Yehia, and Raeesa Khan - each uniquely involved in the the realm of education - and discussed American schooling from the elementary through university levels. Listen to learn about what reforms these educators and administrators hope to see!**Note: This episode was recorded on May 31, 2020.

In this episode, Aamina and Lelas sit down with AK Agunbiade, Hiba Bhatty, and Najah Bhatty - three talented, intelligent, and hilarious individuals pursuing comedy and asked them all sorts of questions about the Muslim experience in the realm of entertainment - from intersectionality to the power of laughter.*Note: This episode was recorded on May 2, 2020.

How do the identities of Black American and Muslim American converge? How can non-Black Muslims be effective allies? Aamina and Lelas are joined by Muttaqi Ismail, Amir Felton, Mazin Khalil, and Daad Sharfi to discuss the multi-dimensional Black Muslim experience, efforts towards fostering community among all Muslims, and barriers to progress.*Note: This episode was recorded on Monday, May 27, 2020.

What role do Muslims have in the political realm? What are ways that we can get engaged? What are strides that Muslims have taken in recent years? What is it like to become an elected official when you're Muslim? What is the Muslim presence in social activism? With today's interesting political climate, Muslims find themselves in a position in which they are often alienated. And yet, we've still been able to demonstrate significant influence through social activism and various political campaigns, whether as the candidate running or as a crucial force in another politician's campaign. In this episode, Aamina and Lelas sit down with 5 extraordinary individuals, each with a different presence in the political realm - Wardah Khalid, Kifah Shah, Ammar Shamaileh, Bushra Amiwala, and Varisha Khan.**Note: This episode was recorded on 6/1/20

What is it like to be a Muslim in media? Where do we fit in the American narrative? What does representation look like? How can we use art to build bridges - both within our own community as well as with other communities? Aamina and Lelas sit down with Salwa Shameem, Sara Alattar, and Syed (Suede) Saud, three extremely talented individuals that have made a name for themselves in fields including photography, film, journalism, and digital art. Note: This episode was recorded on May 16, 2020.

Most of us can agree that adolescence is not the easiest time. What place do youth programs and mentorship have in the rollercoaster journey that is child development? Why are Muslim-specific programs important? What does providing these opportunities for the youth entail? In this episode, Aamina and Lelas speak with 3 leaders of successful Muslim youth programs: Azher Javaid and Hannan Chaudary, who are involved with the Orland Park Prayer Center in Orland Park, Illinois, and Imaani Ali, who is program director of the Muslim Youth Camp hosted by MCC masjid in Chicago, IL.Note: This episode was recorded on April 26, 2020.

1 in 5 adults and 1 in 6 youths living in the U.S. experience a mental illness, while less than half of sufferers receive treatment. In this first episode, Lelas and Aamina are joined by Dr. Ali Anwar (psychiatrist), Dr. Layla Khayr (social worker), and Danyah Subei (art therapist) to explore the Muslim experience with mental health, stigma associated with mental illness, and seeking treatment.Note: This episode was recorded on April 29, 2020.

Salaam! We are Aamina and Lelas, and we want to welcome you to Cafe Tanweer, a podcast dedicated to having enlightening conversations with Muslims. Our focus is quite broad - any issue that affects the contemporary Muslim is on-limits, which means that we have a LOT of interesting discussions across a wide range of disciplines with so many interesting people that come from diverse personal and professional backgrounds. Grab a cup of coffee and join the conversation!