Seriously Planning Podcast

I love memoirs. There was a time though, when it was hard to find good memoirs by Muslim women, and I would get disappointed by books that stopped storytelling to defend Islam. Ayesha S Chaudhry's 2021 book "The Colour of God" does not do this, and was a wonderful read. Here are my thoughts, reflections, and critique. For text reflections, see For text help, full blog post here: https://seriouslyplanning.com/2021/07/13/the-colour-of-god-book-review-and-reflections/

This episode is a conversation with a very special guest, my dad, about his lifelong love of Urdu poetry. This is a conversation that I really enjoyed- we spoke about favourite poems, about the beauty of pens, about the challenges of trying to get current second language books in the library system, about letter writing, and so much more and I'm excited to share this with you.

From describing how race impacts our friendships, to helping us think through why we need to stretch in our friendships, to exploring the power of friendships of deep mutual investments, there is so much in Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman's new book, out everywhere on July 14th 2020. I loved it and this was a five star read for me. Here are my takeaways!

What does it mean to not be a mother? Who does such a life look like? This question lies at the heart of Sheila Heti’s extraordinary, deeply intimate and also strange book titled “Motherhood” and published in 2018. In this first podcast episode of 2019, I share six lessons and reflections I took away from this book.

It’s hard finding career books written by people of colour. Here are two I recommend.

From Mark Gonzales new book Yo Soy Muslim, to Shubnum Khan's novel "Onion Tears", to the Great British Baking Show, to reflecting on Canada's first tv news reporter in hijab, this International Literacy Day I am reminded of why stories are so powerful, and why grit, determination, storytelling matters.

It's been a rough week after the election, and we all need some self care. Today, a discussion on how I've been taking a timeout to take care of myself and two books that help when the world makes no sense.

Reflections and learnings from Brene Brown's newest book "Rising Strong." Best accompanied with icecream.

Reflections on "When Breath Becomes Air" by Paul Kalanithi, a book that should be on everyone's must read list this year -

Memories of libraries, falling in love with libraries in Joburg and why everyone needs a library card.

Thoughts on the Jan Seriously Planning book club pick "If the Oceans Were Ink".

On Reading in Joburg - Episode 24 by Seriously Planning

On Urban Commitment and Microcommunity -Episode 23 by Seriously Planning

https://seriouslyplanning.wordpress.com/2015/03/31/on-exercising-gratitude-thoughts-on-forming-new-habits/

On the sweetness and challenges of different cities.

Thinking about the January 2015 bookclub session, and what the bookclub has taught me about the beauty of group conversation, and the impact of small actions.

I'm reading Chimamanda Adichie's short story collection "The Thing Around Your Neck" and reflecting on how short stories are excellent training for life.

Chimamanda Adichie makes me want to be a better person. Reflections in today's audio story. ‪

What are your luxury items? What are the essentials of your life? This is what I'm reflecting on in today's audio story.

Audio reflections about home and the new year! ‪

I'm very, very excited about this year's Knowledge Retreat. Audio reflections about communities of interest, intentions, excitement, and hope.

Thoughts on seeing the familiar in film and literature, learning about SA in the film Material with Riaad Moosa, and thinking about local cultural production.

Saying goodbye at work, and reflecting on how one's professional life holds lessons for strong personal relationships as well.

On intentions to write and build community, the magic of bookclubs, meeting new friends in unexpected ways, and the generosity of those who help community spread.

An audio reflection on Elizabeth Gaskell's novel North and South and navigating the connections between culture and imperialism.