This Being Human

In this episode, we sit down with Yousuf Bashir Qureshi, known to many as YBQ, a visionary artist whose work blends music, culture, and storytelling to craft a truly global sound. From his roots to his rise, YBQ shares his journey of artistic discovery, the influences that shaped his music, and the profound themes of identity, belonging, and transformation that echo through his work. Whether you’re a fan of his genre-bending soundscapes or curious about how art can bridge cultural divides, this episode will leave you inspired and enlightened. Tune in for an intimate, reflective conversation that celebrates creativity, resilience, and the power of connection. Learn more about YBQ’s work at https://www.ybqds.com. To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey. If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hisham Matar joins This Being Human to discuss his latest novel, My Friends. He reflects on themes of friendship, exile, and the complexities of writing from the margins. Matar shares how his work explores life's central question: How might we live? Through meditations on cities, memory, and the human condition, he offers a tender and profound view of what it means to connect with others. To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey. If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.oSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of This Being Human, host Abdul-Rehman Malik sits down with Krista Tippett, the celebrated creator of On Being. Known for her gift of drawing out insights from some of the world's most profound thinkers, Krista reflects on her journey through wisdom, love, and radical listening. She shares what it means to pursue understanding in a time when we are overloaded with information, and how her approach to conversations invites us to open up to life's mystery and grace. Krista also shares the unexpected joy of new love in her life and how it has deepened her sense of connection and presence. Join us for an intimate, timeless conversation with one of today's most trusted voices in exploring what it means to truly be human. Learn more about Krista's work at onbeing.org. To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey. If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we sit down with writer, editor, and librarian Saima Hussain. From her book The Arab World Thought of It: Inventions, Innovations and Amazing Facts, to the anthology The Muslimah Who Fell to Earth, Saima's work uncovers the forgotten contributions and personal stories of Muslim cultures. She shares her journey from Pakistan to Canada, her reflections on the power of storytelling, and how libraries serve as spaces for connection, learning, and equality. Saima also discusses the importance of oral histories, the complexities of identity, and her mission to make knowledge accessible to everyone, especially through her work with young people in library spaces. To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey. If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we sit down with Marguerite Richards, editor of The Ordinary Chaos of Being Human, an anthology of personal stories from around the world. Marguerite opens up about her love for helping writers bring their visions to life, the intimate relationship between editor and author, and the power of memoir in understanding our shared humanity. We also explore themes of identity, home, and connection across cultures. Listen in for an inspiring conversation about storytelling and the human experience. Learn more about Marguerite's work at margueriterichards.com. To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey. If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Join us for a captivating conversation with Art Fazil, as we explore his journey through the rich cultural tapestry of Nusantara. Celebrating 30 years of his self-titled debut album, Art shares insights into his timeless music, the influence of Malay folk traditions, and his unique blend of global sounds. Dive into the history of Nusantara, the significance of traditional songs like "Rasa Sayang," and the impact of spirituality on Art's work. This episode offers a deep dive into Art's role as a cultural ambassador and educator, preserving and innovating the musical heritage of Southeast Asia. Listen and be inspired by Art's stories, reflections, and his commitment to creating meaningful art.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we delve into the life and career of Kazem Abdullah, exploring his path from a clarinetist to a prominent conductor. We will discuss his notable achievements, including his tenure as Generalmusikdirektor in Aachen, Germany, and his pioneering work in bringing contemporary and diverse repertoires to traditional concert halls. Kazem's work with American operas and his efforts to expand the American repertoire will be highlighted, showcasing his dedication to both classical and modern music. You can learn more about Kazem's work at kazemabdullah.com To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghumanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nasir Sirikhan and Abdul-Rehman Malik discuss Nasir's viral wedding dance video and the joy and connection it brought to millions of viewers. They talk about the origins of QuickStyle and how Nasir, Suleiman, and Bilal met and formed their dance crew. Nasir shares the emotional journey of performing and the camaraderie among the group. They also discuss the influence of hip-hop and their love for music in their dance style.  Nasir Sirikhan, a member of the dance crew Quick Style, discusses his background growing up in Oslo as a Thai Pakistani kid and the diverse cultural influences he experienced. He explains how Quick Style Studio was born and how they decided to build community by teaching dance to young students. Nasir Sirikhan discusses the power of dance to connect people and break down barriers. He shares his experiences of witnessing love and unity in different cultures and how it has shaped his perspective. Nasir also reflects on his personal growth as a dancer and artist, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and finding his own unique style. He describes dance as a spiritual practice that allows him to connect with his emotions and find strength and hope in difficult times. Nasir and Abdul-Rehman Malik discuss the significance of movement in human expression and the role of dance in bringing joy and inspiration to the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we sit down with renowned contemporary artist Faig Ahmed, celebrated for his revolutionary approach to traditional Azerbaijani carpet weaving. Faig's work transcends cultural and artistic boundaries, creating a unique dialogue between the ancient and the modern. We delve into his artistic journey, exploring the inspirations and creative processes behind his avant-garde masterpieces. Faig shares how he deconstructs and reimagines centuries-old patterns, blending historical craftsmanship with contemporary artistry to challenge our perceptions of tradition and modernity. Join us for an enlightening conversation as we uncover the profound cultural significance of Faig's work and the message he hopes to convey through his transformative pieces.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of This Being Human, Abdul-Rehman Malik sits down with Aanchal Malhotra, author and oral historian, to explore the emotional legacies of the partition of India and Pakistan. Aanchal shares personal stories, insights from her books "Remnants of Separation, In the Language of Remembering, and The Book of Everlasting Things, and reflects on the importance of documenting personal histories. Join us as we delve into the human side of history and its impact on our present and future. To learn more about Aanchal's work, you can check out aanchalmalhotra.com or museumofmaterialmemory.com. To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey. If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of "This Being Human," we sit down with Deeyah Khan, an acclaimed filmmaker and activist renowned for her transformative documentaries. Deeyah shares her remarkable journey from being a music artist to becoming a powerful voice against extremism through film. Growing up as a Norwegian of Pakistani descent, she faced significant cultural and racial challenges that shaped her worldview and ignited her passion for storytelling. Deeyah recounts her transition from music to filmmaking, driven by a desire to address critical social issues and humanize those often seen as enemies.Deeyah delves into her profound experiences engaging with white supremacists and jihadis, offering an unfiltered look at the roots of their beliefs and the power of empathy. Her films, including encounters with former extremists, have not only shed light on the psychology of hate but have also sparked moments of transformation for her subjects. Through heartfelt dialogue and unwavering courage, Deeyah's work demonstrates the possibility of change and understanding even in the most polarized situations.Throughout the conversation, Deeyah reflects on the importance of empathy, love, and humanizing others as acts of defiance and resistance. She discusses the personal impact of her work, including how motherhood has deepened her commitment to creating a better world. This episode offers a powerful exploration of art as activism and the enduring hope that comes from seeing beyond hatred to our shared humanity. Join us as we uncover the stories behind Deeyah Khan's impactful films and her unwavering belief in the transformative power of empathy.To learn more, visit deeyah.comTo fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey.If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of This Being Human we sit down with dina Amin, an innovative stop motion artist from Cairo, Egypt. dina shares her unique journey from studying Industrial Design in Malaysia to creating her acclaimed Instagram series, 'Tinker Friday.' Through 'Tinker Friday,' she combines her design expertise with animation to reveal the hidden intricacies of everyday objects, shedding light on consumerism in a captivating and educational way.We delve into the foundation of dina's Tinker Studio, where she produces imaginative stop motion videos for a diverse range of clients, including Vice TV and Sony Alpha. dina discusses the creative process behind her work, how she has overcome challenges, and the satisfaction of bringing discarded items to life through storytelling. Her multidisciplinary approach, blending product design with animation, offers a fresh perspective on art and cultural commentary.Throughout the conversation, dina reflects on how her cultural background influences her work and shares valuable advice for aspiring artists.Join us for an insightful discussion that unveils the magic of stop motion and the power of reimagining the ordinary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we delve into the artistic universe of Refik Anadol, a Turkish-American new media artist renowned for his innovative use of data-driven machine learning algorithms in art. From his early days in Istanbul to his advanced studies and creative endeavors in Los Angeles, we explore the formative experiences that shaped his pioneering approach to digital art. Refik discusses his groundbreaking projects like "Machine Hallucination" and "Virtual Depictions," revealing how he transforms abstract data into immersive, sensory experiences that challenge traditional notions of art and space. The episode also highlights his cultural collaborations and the impact of his work on global art narratives, all while contemplating the evolving role of artists in our technology-driven world. Join us as we journey through Refik Anadol's vision, where data not only informs but also inspires the future of artistic expression.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of This Being Human, we speak with Alia Syed, a British experimental filmmaker whose work has been shown all around the art world for the last 25 years.Born in 1964 in Swansea to a Welsh mother and Indian father, Alia uses her film cameras to meditate on issues of subjectivity and narrative, identity and memory.Her films have been shown at numerous institutions around the world including BBC Arts Online, the Museum of Modern Art, New York ; Museo National Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, Madrid ; XV Sydney Biennale ; Tate Modern, as well as several solo exhibitions at the Talwar Gallery in New York and New Delhi.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saks Afridi is an artist who refers to his work as ,scfi-fi sufism., His pieces include prayer rugs depicting UFOs, visual art that blends images of circuitry with classic Islamic design, and an extensive, multi-disciplinary project based on a mythological world that he calls Space Mosque.Saks talks about blending the spiritual with the speculative, why the idea of prayer factors into so much of his work, and how his day job in advertising informs his art practice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of This Being Human we delve deep into the profound significance of poetry in modernity through the lens of renowned poet and artist, Amir Sulaiman. Hailing from Rochester, New York, Amir's poetic journey has traversed continents, resonating with audiences globally.From his exploration of existential inquiries to the unraveling of universal themes such as love, spirituality, and human connection, Amir's verse serves as a sacred mirror reflecting the complexities of the human soul.Traversing continents with Amir's poetic resonance and universal appeal, we explore how poetry serves as a bridge, transcending cultural boundaries and uniting hearts across the expanse of our shared humanity, and how personally it's led him to collaborate with other celebrated artists like Ramy Youssef, Dave Chappelle, and Robert Glasper.As we contemplate the future of poetry in the digital age, Amir envisions its continued relevance as a guiding light amidst the complexities of modern life, serving as a compass for the human spirit amidst the noise and chaos of contemporary society.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiran Ahluwalia is a true innovator-her songs blend the music of India with influences from Mali and western blues, rock, R&B and jazz to create a sound unlike any other artist. Over the last two decades, Kiran has studied under masters of classical Indian music and collaborated with iconic North African artists, most notably the iconic desert blues group Tinariwen. On this episode, she talks about her new single, Pancake, her decision to leave her career in Canada to study music in India, and her family's experience of the partition of India.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jude Chehab is a young filmmaker whose first feature film, Q, has cemented her in lists of best new directors to watch. Q is a beautifully shot and intimate portrait of Jude's mother's relationship to an all-female religious group in Lebanon. It has won multiple awards, including at the Tribeca Film Festival, and is being lauded for being a genre-breaking documentary film. She tells us how she learned to weave a story that retains some level of mystery, but is grounded in humanity—as she learned from one of her teachers in film, the legendary Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami.You can learn more about Jude's work at www.judechehab.com.To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey.If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghumanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new season of This Being Human is almost here! We'll be back soon with more fascinating conversations with amazing people whose lives, ideas, and art have been shaped by Muslim culture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Haroon Siddiqui has had many titles. Reporter, columnist, editor... the list goes on. He can now add author to his resume with the release of his memoir "My Name is Not Harry". It's a profound reflection on his career, Canadian values, his immigrant superpowers and the role he believes luck, or perhaps divine destiny, has played in his incredible life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sandra Saenz joins us to talk about the art of makeup, navigating the world of beauty as a Mexican Muslim, and her first video art exhibition.She is the first Mexican hijabi makeup artist to secure agency representation in the USA. Her work has been featured in magazines and advertisements worldwide for Sephora. She's currently a Global Brand Ambassador for KVD Beauty.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Photographer Hassan Hajjaj has an iconic style that blends elements of pop art, hip hop culture and North African fashion. It spans series like Kesh Angels, which depicts biker women in Marakesh, as well as celebrity photoshoots and album art. He joins AR to talk about developing his unique style, his initial reluctance to call himself an artist, and how he's seen the photography world change for the next generation.    See more of Hassan Hajjaj's work here: https://www.193gallery.com/artists/84-hassan-hajjaj/overview/   Or on his Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/hassanhajjaj_larache/?hl=en   If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman   The Museum wishes to thank The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Egyptian artist Wael Shawky explores the connections between history and myth. His work includes installations and sculpture, as well as films like Cabaret Crusades and I Am Hymns of the New Temple, which use marionettes to revisit big moments in history from a new perspective.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shezad Dawood is a multidisciplinary artist whose work blends stories, reality and symbolism to engage with big questions about humanity, and explore alternative futures.He speaks to AR about his latest project, Night in the Garden of Love, an immersive experience that uses virtual reality to bring visitors into a fantastical world. It's based on a science fiction novella of the same name by the late musician and polymath Yusef Lateef. Shezad talks about Lateef's unique view of the world, collaborating with an artist who he never met, and his own lifelong discomfort with choosing an artistic medium.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marina Tabassum is a Bangladeshi architect whose work includes Bangladesh's underground Museum of Independence and the award-winning Bait Ur Rouf mosque. She talks about working with local materials, the rich landscape of Bangladesh's capital city, Dhaka, and how architects should embrace social responsibility, as with her $200 houses for displaced Bangladeshis.Marina Tabassum is the founder of Marina Tabassum Architects and the academic director of the Bengal Institute for Architecture, Landscapes and Settlements.This episode originally aired in November, 2021.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kameelah Janan Rasheed is an artist whose work focuses on Black knowledge production, re-shaping history, and unlearning the things we think we know. Her projects, spanning photography, installations, text, sound, and more, have been shown around the globe and earned her a 2021 Guggenheim Fellowship.She joins us to talk about resisting easy definitions, finding new ways to think about the marks that we leave on the world, and her lifelong engagement with emerging technologies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ausma Malik was the first woman in a hijab to be elected to public office in Canada, and the first Muslim-identifying, hijab-wearing woman on Toronto city council. She was recently appointed Deputy Mayor of Toronto.She also happens to be the sister of This Being Human host Abdul-Rehman Malik. In this episode, A.R. asks Ausma the questions only a brother can ask. She talks about some of the pivotal moments that sent her down her current path, her reluctant entrance to politics, and how family and art shaped her values.The Museum wishes to thank The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Pakistan's first female architect, Yasmeen Lari left a major imprint on the country's visual identity, with modern buildings like the Finance and Trade Centre, the Taj Mahal Hotel in Karachi, and the Pakistan State Oil Head Office. But her career later took a turn from working for the powerful few, towards assisting the most vulnerable members of society. She now focuses on the intersection of architecture, environmental activism and social justice, working to build sustainable structures for displaced people and helping to set up self-sufficient economies. She calls her approach Barefoot Social Architecture. The Museum wishes to thank The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There was a time in history when the entire world's coffee supply came from Yemen. But the industry went through a major decline, so that by 2013, when Yemeni-American Mokhtar Alkhanshali became obsessed with coffee, coffee from Yemen was hard to come across. Mokhtar spent three years in Yemen learning everything he could and started the company Port of Mokha to help revitalize the industry. These days, Yemeni coffee is coveted by connoisseurs, who pay top dollar for it. Mokhtar's life and journey was immortalized in the Dave Eggers book The Monk of Mokha. He talks to AR about this journey, which continues ten years on. The Museum wishes to thank The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Humaira Abid is an artist who works in wood sculpture and miniature painting. Her pieces, which are intricately detailed, contain strong social messages around topics like motherhood and the plight of refugees. She talks to AR about why she chose the male-dominated craft of wood sculpture to tell stories about women and about using her art to encourage conversation about taboo topics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nothing Good Happens in Wazirabad on Wednesday is a darkly funny novel about daily life during wartime. The action is not about the war itself; it's about the interpersonal relationships of a rich cast of characters living in a small town. It is the debut novel of Jamaluddin Aram, an Afghan writer currently living in Toronto. The Museum wishes to thank The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human. FURTHER RESOURCES: You can find links on where to buy Nothing Good Happens in Wazirabad on Wednesday here: https://www.simonandschuster.ca/books/Nothing-Good-Happens-in-Wazirabad-on-Wednesday/Jamaluddin-Aram/9781668009871 Watch Buzkashi Boys, a short film Jamaluddin worked on that was nominated for an Academy Award: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2sYUtzxRBQSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the award-winning podcast, King of the World, Shahjehan Khan reflects on his history with music, addiction and identity in post-9/11 America. He talks to AR about his time with the seminal Muslim punk band The Kominas, mental health, his attempt to find himself in Pakistan, and where he stands today, as an ageing punk rocker whose acting and producing career is starting to take off.The Museum wishes to thank The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zakir Hussain's name is practically synonymous with the tablas. His work ranges from classical Indian compositions to Hollywood film scores, to collaborations with rockstars like George Harrison and Van Morrison. His latest albums are Shakti's "This Moment,” and “As We Speak” – a collaboration with Béla Fleck and Edgar Meyer. Zakir Hussain talks to AR about what he continues to learn about his craft at the age of 72; his father Alla Rakha, who introduced tablas to the West; his mother's crucial role in his career; and what prevented him from becoming a rock drummer. The Museum wishes to thank The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human. FURTHER RESOURCES: You can see Zakir Hussain's upcoming tour dates with Shakti and Béla Fleck here: https://zakirhussain.com/tour/ Watch a performance from As We Speak here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTsE_8JNhqE If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to: agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghumanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Deqo Mohamed spent her teen years coordinating with NGOs, teaching, and arranging breakfast for thousands of displaced people. That's because her mother, Dr. Hawa Abdi, was the founder of a sanctuary in Somalia called Hope Village. At its peak, the village provided health care, education and more to 90,000 people. It earned Dr. Habdi a nomination for a Nobel Peace Prize.In this episode, Dr. Deqo Mohamed speaks candidly about growing up in Hope Village, sharing her mom with thousands of others, and how she and her sister are carrying on the family legacy.The Museum wishes to thank The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human. If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to: agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman FURTHER READING: Read more about Hope Village and the Dr. Hawa Abdi Foundation here:www.dhaf.orgRead more about the Hagarla Institute here:hagarlainstitute.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nazeem Hussain is an Australian comedian and creator of the TV shows, "Legally Brown" and "Orange is the New Brown." He talks to AR about growing up in Melbourne as a Muslim/Sri Lankan child of a single mom, writing his first children's book, "Hy-Larious Hyena!" and how he ended up hosting a Christmas special.Nazeem's most recent comedy special is called "Hussain in the Membrane."The Museum wishes to thank The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human. If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman  FURTHER RESOURCES:  Watch Hussain in the Membrane:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6idjFQoYZM  See Nazeem's Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/nazeemhussain/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Noor Tagouri grew up with the goal of being the first woman in a hijab to anchor the news. But as she tells AR, when she did get a job as a news anchor, it wasn't what she had dreamed of. So instead, she focused on reporting big stories about American society and eventually started her own media company.Tagouri's most recent podcast, "Rep," is an investigation into representation of Muslims in media and how that affects American culture. She talks about how the show transformed into something much bigger than that, what it was like to revisit a foundational story about her own family, and why this process changed her mind about what representation means.The Museum wishes to thank The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human.See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.

Murad Subay is a street artist from Yemen. His campaigns such as “Faces of War,” “Ruin” and “Color the Walls of Your Street” reflect his experiences living through revolution and war. He talks to AR about what drives him to paint, his mixed feelings about being called the “Yemeni Banksy,” and about collaborating with the public on his work. The Museum wishes to thank The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human. If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman FURTHER RESOURCES: You can see Murad's campaign on his website: https://muradsubay.com/ And his Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/muradsubay/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The heavy metal band Voice of Baceprot was formed by three middle schoolers in a small town in Indonesia. Over the years, they built an international following that includes rock legends like Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine, Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers and Slash from Guns N' Roses. They joined AR from a studio in Jakarta, where they were at work on their debut album, to talk about their upbringing, falling in love with rock music, and how they overcame their families' skepticism about their musical careers. Songs included in this episode:"PMS" and "God, Allow Me [Please] To Play Music" by Voice of Baceprot, courtesy of Voice of Baceprot and 12Wired"Forever In Love" by Imade Seputra. FURTHER RESOURCES: Go to Voice of Baceprot's website for videos, tour dates and news about the band: https://www.voiceofbaceprot.com If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman The Museum wishes to thank The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How exactly did Jalaluddin Rumi, a 13th-Century Persian mystic, become one of the most popular poets in the modern English-speaking world? Coleman Barks played a major role. Barks' free verse interpretations of Rumi have at times been the top-selling poetry books in America. Now 86 years old, Barks joins AR to talk about how he was given a mission to bring Rumi's words to the masses, which turned into a lifelong pursuit. He also talks about how his interest lately has shifted from Rumi to Rumi's teacher, Shams Tabrizi.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Abbas Rattani is the co-founder of MIPSTERZ, an arts collective that has been a vital part of the conversation around Muslim identity in contemporary, urban America. He talks about what it means to be a Muslim hipster, the group's first viral video, and their recent work in Muslim Futurism. The Museum wishes to thank The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Najwa Zebian is a bestselling writer of poetry and inspirational books, including Mind Platter and Welcome Home: A Guide to Building a Home for Your Soul. She also shares simple, yet profound words of wisdom with her 1.3 million Instagram followers.She speaks with raw honesty about how writing saved her from aimlessness, about her struggles immigrating to Canada as a teenager, and about where she finds the words that tell so many people what they need to hear at the right moment. The Museum wishes to thank The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Being Human is coming back with more conversations from incredible people all over the world whose life, ideas and art are shaped by Muslim culture. Take a sneak peek at what we have waiting for you in Season 3.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ali Hassan is a stand-up comic, actor, and host of both Canada Reads and the CBC Radio show Laugh Out Loud. He talks about Canadian fame, being forced by his children to face difficult questions about his identity, and why he came to think of himself as a "cultural Muslim."His memoir is called Is There Bacon In Heaven?This episode was originally broadcast in July, 2022.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malak Mattar was born and raised in the Gaza Strip. She started to paint as a teenager while taking shelter from an attack on her city. Before long, her paintings were being sold and exhibited around the world. She talks about her drive to document life in Gaza, access to art in Palestine, and how leaving her home country affected her work and perspective.This episode was originally broadcast in October, 2022.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farah Alibay often sounds more like a philosopher than an engineer. She works at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where she helps operate the Perseverance Rover, which searches for evidence of ancient life on Mars. She talks about how her job has changed her views of Earth, her rise through a male-dominated field, and why she thinks the prospect of extraterrestrial life raises major questions around how we understand humanity.This episode was originally broadcast in March, 2022.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leah V made her name as a Black, Muslim, plus-size model. She has worked on major campaigns for companies like Dove and Fitbit, while also being outspoken around issues she sees in the industry. Now, she's also a sci-fi author. She recently released her debut novel, The Union, a dystopian thriller that turns contemporary notions around race and body size upside down. She talks to AR about her love of scifi, her inspiring career, and about having difficult conversations.Host: Abdul-Rehman MalikSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shanaaz Majiet was a promising young student on the verge of highschool graduation, when she was accidentally shot by a friend. The incident left her in a wheelchair. Throughout a difficult recovery, she pushed forward, determined to return to her goals. She has since become a leading voice for the rights of people with disabilities in South Africa, as well as a leader in broader issues of policy and local government. In this episode, she talks about making change, falling in love, and finding a path when life doesn't go how you expect.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artist and filmmaker Mariam Ghani joined AR in 2021 to talk about her movie "What We Left Unfinished," which explores Afghanistan's film industry during the Soviet Era. She also discusses "Index of the Disappeared," a long-running project focusing on people who went missing during the U.S.'s War on Terror, and a pre-COVID movie she made about pandemics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charles Kettaneh and Nicolas Fayad are the founders of EAST Architecture Studio. Their work is innovative and intellectual, with projects that take into account local history, culture, and encourage a connection with nature. They are among the winners of the 2022 Aga Khan Award for Architecture. They won for their renovation of The Niemeyer Guest House, a project begun by renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer as part of an international fair in Tripoli, Lebanon, which was abandoned during the civil war. They talk about what it was like to try to revitalize the vision of one of the world's most famous architects, how Lebanon's built environment has shaped the country's imagination, and they offer a vision for rebuilding Beirut in the wake of the 2020 explosion. If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman Additional resources: See more projects by EAST Architecture Studio on their website: https://www.eastarchitecture.net/ Read more about the Aga Khan Award for Architecture and the other winners here: https://the.akdn/en/how-we-work/our-agencies/aga-khan-trust-culture/aga-khan-award-for-architecture/aga-khan-award-for-architecture-2022-winnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.