“No Excuses, Just Action” featuring A. Wahid, Founder of NEZ

In this episode of The People’s Podcast by Ismail, we sit down with Michael for an open and honest conversation about men’s mental health, the struggles he faced growing up, and how he continues to move forward in life. Michael shares his personal journey — the pain, the resilience, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Men’s mental health is an issue that doesn’t get talked about enough. The statistics are alarming: nearly 1 in 10 men experience depression or anxiety, and men die by suicide at a rate almost 4 times higher than women. Despite this, many men still feel pressure to stay silent, to “tough it out,” or to hide what they’re going through. Michael’s story is a powerful reminder that silence is not strength. By opening up about his experiences, he breaks down barriers and shows the importance of seeking help, finding hope, and building a healthier future. This conversation is raw, real, and needed. Whether you’re struggling yourself or want to better understand the challenges men face, this episode is for you. ⸻ Hashtags & Keywords for Reach: #MensMentalHealth #ThePeoplesPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #HealingJourney #BreakingTheSilence #MentalHealthMatters #GrowthMindset #Inspiration #PodcastInterview #Resilience #MentalHealthForMen Thank you for watching this important conversation with Michael. Men’s mental health is something we all need to talk about more. 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments: •What part of Michael’s story spoke to you most? •How do you think we can break the silence around men’s mental health? If you found this episode valuable, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share so more people can join the conversation. Your voice matters! #ThePeoplesPodcast #MensMentalHealth

In this powerful episode, Ismail sits down with A. Wahid, the visionary founder of NEZ — The No Excuse Zone. From humble beginnings to building a movement rooted in discipline, accountability, and self-determination, Wahid shares the mindset behind NEZ and how it’s inspiring people to push past their limits and eliminate excuses from their lives. We dive deep into his journey, the core principles of NEZ, and how he’s using this platform to challenge others to rise above their circumstances — mentally, spiritually, and physically. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a student, or simply seeking motivation, this conversation is packed with raw truth, practical gems, and spiritual insight. 🔊 Listen in as we explore: •The birth and meaning of No Excuse Zone •Overcoming inner and outer limitations •The role of faith, structure, and mindset in success •How NEZ is impacting lives around the country This isn’t just motivation — it’s a wake-up call. No more excuses. Just action.

Join host Ismail Shahid for a special edition recorded live at the 2025 ALA Conference in Philadelphia. In this episode, we explore the energy, stories, and voices from the heart of America’s largest library gathering. From passionate librarians to community leaders and authors, “Philly Stories” is a celebration of literacy, learning, and the people who make it all possible. Tune in for conversations that inspire, inform, and remind us why libraries still matter. The short talk we heard was from Dr Jamison the new appointed president of literacy Nation. Dr. Jamison is….. Librarianship at Illinois State University. Professor Jamison has more than 17 years of experience working in education and libraries. She speaks internationally on library inclusivity, intellectual freedom, and the interplay of race, power, and privilege in children's books. Her research involves examining equity issues in library services and the role that libraries play in either perpetuating or mitigating systems of inequity. She received her Master of Teaching from Concordia University and her Master of Library Science and Ph.D. in Information Studies from Dominican University School of Library and Information Science in River Forest, Illinois. She is currently the immediate past chair for ALA's Ethnic & Multicultural Information Exchange Roundtable, which promotes multiculturalism in librarianship, and a library ambassador for Lee and Low Books. #podcastforthepeople1 #podcast #changeyourmindsetchangeyourlife #librarian

In this powerful and thought-provoking interview with Podcast for the People, Ismail Shahid explores the true meaning of freedom through three critical lenses: religious, economic, and social. From spiritual independence and the right to practice faith freely, to the impact of economic systems on personal liberty, and the societal structures that shape our daily lives—this conversation goes beyond surface-level discussion. I break down how freedom is often misunderstood, and why reclaiming it starts with awareness, action, and unity. 🔹 Religious Freedom: What does it really mean to be free in your faith? 🔹 Economic Freedom: Are we truly in control of our financial lives? 🔹 Social Freedom: How do societal norms and systems impact our choices? Whether you’re seeking clarity, empowerment, or just a different perspective, this episode invites you to think deeper. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more honest conversations that matter. #Freedom #PodcastForThePeople1 #Ismailshahid #ReligiousFreedom #EconomicFreedom #SocialJustice #Empowerment

On this episode of The People’s Podcast, we’re joined by Jameel E. Shabazz — entrepreneur, small business owner, and a strong advocate for self-sufficiency and ownership. Our conversation dives deep into the realities and challenges of fatherless homes, the impact of social conditioning, and the role economics play in shaping our communities. Jameel shares his personal perspective and offers insight on how we can empower ourselves and each other through accountability, knowledge, and economic independence. Fatherless homes have significant social and economic implications. Children raised without fathers are more susceptible to mental health issues, behavioral disorders, and academic challenges. Economically, these households often face higher poverty rates. Key Statistics: •Mental Health and Behavioral Issues: •Children from fatherless homes are five times more likely to commit suicide. •They are 20 times more likely to have behavioral disorders. •They are 14 times more likely to commit rape. •They are nine times more likely to drop out of high school. •They are 20 times more likely to end up in prison. •Educational Challenges: •Fatherless children are twice as likely to drop out of school. •Children with involved fathers are 40% less likely to repeat a grade and 70% less likely to drop out. •They are more likely to achieve academic success and engage in extracurricular activities. •Economic Impact: •Children in father-absent homes are almost four times more likely to be poor. Short Story: “The Unseen Struggle” In the heart of a bustling city, Malik, a bright-eyed 12-year-old, navigated life without his father. His mother, working two jobs, provided for their modest apartment but couldn’t always be there for him. Malik often felt a void, a longing for guidance he couldn’t name. At school, Malik’s grades began to slip. He found it hard to concentrate, his mind wandering to questions about his father he dared not ask. His teachers noticed his withdrawn demeanor and declining performance. One afternoon, Malik’s school counselor, Ms. Thompson, invited him to her office. She spoke gently, asking about his interests and dreams. Through their conversations, Malik discovered a passion for art, a talent he had never explored. Ms. Thompson encouraged him to join the school’s art club, providing him with materials and support. As Malik immersed himself in art, he found an outlet for his emotions. His grades improved, and he began to smile more. While the absence of his father remained a silent ache, Malik learned that with support and self-discovery, he could navigate the challenges life presented. This story underscores the resilience of children facing adversity and the profound impact of mentorship and community support in their lives.

'Do you know what backbiting is?' They replied, 'Allah and His Messenger know best'. He said, It is saying something about your brother which he would dislike' Someone asked 'What if I say something about my brother which is true?' The Prophet (peace be on him) replied, If what you say of him is true, it is backbiting and if it is not true you have slandered him.'' When a person dislikes someone, he is likely to find faults in his appearance, behavior, lineage, and anything else which pertains to him. 'Aishah narrated that she said to the Prophet (pece be on him), "Do you see that Safiyyah (another wife of the Prophet) is such and such?" meaning that she was short. The Prophet (peace be on him) replied, "You have spoken a word such that, if it were mixed in the water of the ocean, it would darken it."? Backbiting is nothing but a desire to belittle people, to slander their honor, and to deride their accomplishments in their absence. Since this is stabbing in the back, it is an expression of narrow-mindedness and cowardice. Backbiting is a negative trait, and only those engage in it who themselves are not achievers. It is a tool of destruction, for one who is addicted to it leaves no one without throwing a dart at him and wounding him. It is no wonder then, that the Qur'an paints such a repulsive picture of this vile habit as would make people shrink from it in horror: And do not…..backbite one anther; would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would abhor that. (49:12) Since one feels sick at the very thought of eating human flesh, how much more revolting it is to think of eating the flesh of one's dead brother! Whenever an opportunity arose, the Prophet (peace be on him) stressed this Qur'anic imagery in order to imprint it on peoples' hearts and minds. Here's a glimpse of our profound conversation. As Ramadan approaches, we hope this discussion motivates us all to introspect, evolve, and embody the universal values of compassion and empathy that rise above faiths, offering invaluable lessons for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Imam Raqeeb Abdul Jabbar C L A S S E S T A U G H T Aqeedah & Islamic Worldview Dawah: Theory and Experiential Training Islamic History Fiqh Thematic Study of the Quran Chaplaincy & Counseling from Islamic Framework Teaching and Mentoring New Muslims Counseling the Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated I S L A M I C E D U C A T I O N Ijazah in Islamic Studies, 2022 Taught by Sheikh Haroun Faye, Mauritania and Senegal Bachelor of Islamic Studies, 1988 Madrassa Jamia in Jakarta, Indonesia Islamic Studies and Dawah Training, 1978 State Street Masjid, Brooklyn, NY One of the First Sunni Muslim Masajid in America Taught by Sheikh Dawud Faisal S E C U L A R E D U C A T I O N 2020 Master’s of Divinity, Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care United Theological Seminary of Twin Cities 2015 CPE Certificate, Clinical Pastoral Counseling & Patient Counseling Bon Secours Clinical Pastoral Care 1991 Associate of Science, Electrical Engineering TESST College of Technology 1991 Associate of Science, Computer & Info. Sciences NEC Electronics R E F E R E N C E S Imam Khalid Griggs Imam Siraj Wahhaj C O N T A C T M. 832-515-2458 P R O F E S S I O N A L E X P E R I E N C E IMAM & TEACHER Sacramento Islamic Resource Center, 2019 - 2022 Sacramento, California Masjid As-Sabur, 2018 - 2019 Sacramento, California Masjid Ibrahim, 2017 - 2018 Sacramento, California Masjid Umm Barakah, 2010 - 2013 Richmond, Virginia ISLAMIC CHAPLAIN AND COUNSELOR Texas Department of Criminal Justice, 2021 - Present Houston, Texas Ben Taub Hospital, 2023 - Present Houston, Texas St. Luke’s Hospital, 2022 - Present Houston, Texas VITAS Hospital, 2019 - 2022 Sacramento, California Corcoran State Prison, 2016 - 2018 Corcoran, California High Desert State Prison, 2015 - 2016 Susanville, California Bon Sescour Maryview Hospital, 2014 - 2015

Dr. Deborah Weidner, a seasoned child, adolescent, and general psychiatrist; recently returned from her Gaza mental health mission. She was sponsored by the Palestinian American Medical Association (PAMA) and Islamic Relief. She completed her psychiatry residency at the Unibersity of Pensylvania, her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Harvard Children's Hospital in Boston, and her MBA at MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She spoke passionately about her journey and experiences in a war-torn environment. And the resilience of the Gaze families who strive to live day by day, cherishing the small joys in life. All this in an environment where life is precarious from one minute to the next. Her message inspires us to continually appreciate the lives we have, the gifts we have received, and the freedoms we enjoy in America. 🇺🇸

As we step into a vibrant new year and a thrilling season of podcasting, we invite you to join us on a transformative journey of growth, self-discovery, and limitless possibility. In our previous episodes, we shared our personal stories and backgrounds, offering a glimpse into the host's life experiences. This season, we're excited to dive into practical strategies for maintaining peace of mind, with host Ismail Shahid sharing innovative approaches to mental resilience. Our goal is to provide actionable advice rooted in facts and personal experiences, empowering you to unlock your full potential, unleash your inner strength, and create profound positive change in your life.

Tahir Pearson, a devoted husband, father, and young entrepreneur, leads his life guided by his Muslim faith. He dedicates this show to the memory of Aunti Salima Bay, co-founder of Project Save Our Sons and Daughters, and Jamaal, a young man transformed by the organization. Tahir shares his upbringing, overcoming life's challenges, and advancing the project's mission. He emphasizes investing in youth as the most valuable investment, driving positive change. Join us as we follow his journey and explore ways to support the organization's growth, empowering communities.

I had the privilege of sharing a heartfelt and uplifting conversation with Luqman, a visionary entrepreneur and trailblazer. Our discussion traversed life's journey from our formative years in the 70s to the present, highlighting the challenges we've overcome. We reflected on the invaluable lessons from our parents and spiritual mentors, acknowledging the simplicity of the past while embracing the complexities of our spiritual growth. May our conversation inspire more transformative discussions, fostering personal growth and guidance as we navigate life's path together. We pray that this encounter sparks meaningful connections and illuminates our journey towards spiritual enlightenment.