This Being Human

Episode 11 - Jamaluddin Aram

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Jamaluddin Aram is a documentary filmmaker, producer, and writer from Kabul, Afghanistan. He is the associate producer of the Academy Award-nominated film Buzkashi Boys, and his debut novel, Nothing Good Happens in Wazirabad on Wednesday was published in June, 2023. On this episode of This Being Human, Abdul-Rehman and Jamaluddin discuss how he fell in love with writing, the complexity of war stories, and his experience growing up in Afghanistan.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human, and The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human Season 3.

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Episode 10 - Shahjehan Khan

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Shahjehan is a voice-over artist, actor, and musician based in Boston. He is the current host of the award-winning King of the World Podcast, where he explores his life as a Pakistani American Muslim. In this episode of This Being Human, Shahjehan Khan reflects on his history with music, addiction and identity in post-9/11 America. He and Abdul-Rehman talk about his time with the seminal Muslim punk band The Kominas, mental health, his attempt to find himself while living in Pakistan, and where he stands today, as an aging punk rocker who’s finding a new path in acting and producing.

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Episode 9 - Zakir Hussain

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT

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 the collaboration As We Speak and Shakti’s This Moment. In this episode, Zakir Hussain talks to Abdul-Rehman about how his craft continues to evolve 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.

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Beyond Boundaries with Pakistani Artist Yousuf Bashir Qureshi

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 10:00:00 GMT

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.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Hisham Matar on Friendship and Writing from the Margins

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 10:00:00 GMT

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.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Krista Tippett on Wisdom, Love, and the Art of Deep Listening

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 10:00:00 GMT

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.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stories That Shape Us: Saima Hussain on Libraries, Identity, and Heritage

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 09:00:00 GMT

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.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Finding Joy and Connection in Storytelling with Marguerite Richards

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 09:00:00 GMT

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.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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The Legacy of Qawwali with Bilal Chishty

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 09:00:00 GMT

Join us as we journey into the heart of Qawwali with Bilal Chishty, a descendent of the great Chishti Sufi lineage and a musician devoted to preserving this sacred art form. In this episode, Bilal shares his stories of learning under Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, reflects on the history of Qawwali, and discusses the delicate balance between maintaining tradition and embracing modernity. We explore the profound spiritual power of Sufi music and Bilal’s mission to keep this timeless tradition alive.

Listen in for an inspiring conversation on music, mysticism, and the search for divine love.

Follow Bilal’s work on Instagram @dhruvsangarimusic, or listen to his music on Spotify by searching Dhruv Sangari.

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.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gardens of the Soul: Emma Clark on the Sacred Art of Islamic Gardens

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 09:00:00 GMT

In this episode of This Being Human we sit down with Emma Clark, an expert in Islamic garden design, to explore her journey from a childhood surrounded by English gardens to her spiritual awakening through Islamic art and Sufism. Emma reflects on her time at the Royal College of Art, where she studied under the renowned Keith Critchlow, who introduced her to the beauty and meaning within Islamic art. She discusses how Sufism became her path to Islam, how it transformed her understanding of beauty and the natural world, and how she uses her designs to reflect paradise on Earth.

Learn more about Emma’s work and her philosophy of garden design at emma-clark.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.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Art Fazil's Revival of the Folk Music of Nusantara

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 09:00:00 GMT

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.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Kazem Abdullah: Conducting Change in Classical Music

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 09:00:00 GMT

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/thisbeinghuman

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nasir Sirikhan’s Philosophy of Dance

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 22:03:14 GMT

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.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Faig Ahmed Melts Tradition with His Mind-Bending Rugs

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 09:00:00 GMT

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.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Aanchal Malhotra Collects Stories of Partition

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 09:00:00 GMT

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.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How Deeyah Khan Faces Hate With Humanity (Live!)

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 09:00:00 GMT

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.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.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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dina Amin's Treasure Trove of Trash

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 05:00:00 GMT

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.

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.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Data Dreams: The Artistic Universe of Refik Anadol

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 09:00:00 GMT

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.

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.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Alia Syed's Career In Experimental Filmmaking

Tue, 21 May 2024 05:00:00 GMT

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.

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.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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The Sci-Fi Sufism of Saks Afridi

Tue, 07 May 2024 05:00:00 GMT

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.

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.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Amir Sulaiman's Journey From Poet to Screenwriter

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 05:00:00 GMT

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.

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.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Kiran Ahluwalia on blending cultures and making music

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 05:00:00 GMT

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.

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.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Jude Chehab Made A Beautiful Film about her Mother

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Meet Jude Chehab, the rising-star filmmaker whose debut documentary “Q” is making waves in the industry! Named one of Vogue Magazine’s top documentaries of 2023, “Q” paints a mesmerizing portrait of her mother’s relationship to an all-female religious group in Lebanon. It has won multiple awards including Best New Documentary Director at the Tribeca Film Festival, a Cinema Eye Honor, and earned Jude her spot on DOCNYC’s ’40 under 40′ list. This week on the podcast, Jude 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 film teachers, 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/thisbeinghuman.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Haroon Siddiqui's Love Letter to Canada

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 05:00:00 GMT

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.

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.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Season 4 Teaser

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 09:55:51 GMT

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.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Sandra Saenz on the art of makeup

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 10:00:00 GMT

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.

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.

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Hassan Hajjaj on his Iconic Photography

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 10:00:00 GMT

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.

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Wael Shawky Doesn't Believe in History

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 10:00:00 GMT

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.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.

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Shezad Dawood's Virtual Garden of Love

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 10:00:00 GMT

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 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.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.

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Best of: Marina Tabassum

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 10:00:00 GMT

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.

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Kameelah Janan Rasheed isn't interested in being legible

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 05:00:00 GMT

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.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.

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A.R. interviews his sister, Toronto Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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.

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Yasmeen Lari on Rethinking the Values of Architecture

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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.

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Episode 8 - Deqo Mohamed

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 19:00:00 GMT

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. The village provided healthcare, education and more to 90,000 people during its peak. 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.

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Episode 7 - Nazeem Hussain

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 09:00:00 GMT

Nazeem Hussain has fast become one of the biggest stars of Australian comedy, and a much-loved television and radio personality. He is the creator and star of two television comedy shows, Legally Brown (2013-14) and Orange Is the New Brown (2018). Nazeem’s Netflix special ‘Nazeem Hussain: Public Frenemy’, filmed in Montreal at the Just for Laughs Festival, started streaming globally in 2019, introducing Nazeem to a legion of new fans, and critical acclaim. He has recently released the children’s book Hy-Larious Hyena! and is currently working on the sequel. Nazeem talks to AR about being an outsider who broke through in Australia’s comedy scene.

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Episode 6 - Noor Tagouri

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 19:00:00 GMT

Noor is an award-winning journalist and producer, a touring speaker for over 10 years, and has told stories in every medium, from radio and print to documentaries and brand campaigns. In 2019, Noor founded At Your Service Imprint, a consulting and production company telling representative stories as a form of service. In 2022, Noor launched her investigative series Rep, in partnership with iHeartMedia, a story about the stories we tell. She joins AR to talk about why she stopped worrying about representing others – and started creating spaces for people to tell stories on their own terms.

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Episode 5 - Murad Subay

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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.

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Episode 4 - Voice of Baceprot

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 19:00:00 GMT

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 falling in love with rock music, finding their voice, and how they overcame their families’ skepticism about their musical careers.

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Episode 3 - Coleman Barks

Mon, 01 May 2023 09:00:00 GMT

Coleman Barks is an American poet and translator whose translations brought Jalaluddin Rumi, the 13th-Century Persian mystic, to mass contemporary audiences, turning him into one of the most popular poets in the modern English-speaking world. 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.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human, and The Hilary and Galen West

on Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human Season 3.

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Episode 2 - Abbas Rattani

Sun, 30 Apr 2023 23:00:00 GMT

Abbas Rattani is an academic, entertainer, and founder of MIPSTERZ. He is a strong advocate for individuality and self-expression in minority communities. Abbas talks about co-founding the MIPSTERZ collective, and their decade-long mission to change the face of young Muslims in America. MIPSTERZ is a non-traditional arts and culture collective for emerging Muslim creatives that enables and amplifies Muslim creative voices by presenting and producing original works for general audiences.

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Najwa Zebian, the Oracle of Instagram

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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.

FURTHER RESOURCES:

You can learn more about Najwa’s work on her website: https://najwazebian.com/

And follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/najwazebian/

If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to: agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman

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Season 3 Teaser

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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.

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Episode 21 - Leah Vernon

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT

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 sci-fi, her inspiring career, and about having difficult conversations.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 20 - Shanaaz Majiet

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 01:00:00 GMT

Shanaaz Majiet is a disability rights advocate. Struck by a bullet at 17 years of age, she eventually returned to her studies, then went on to become National Advocacy manager for South Africa’s leading disability rights and inclusion organization, Disabled People South Africa. She is now a leading public policy thinker and city government troubleshooter in South Africa and her work is recognized around the world.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 19 - Mariam Ghani

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT

Mariam Ghani is an artist, writer, and filmmaker. Her work looks at places, spaces and moments where social, political and cultural structures take on visible forms, and spans multiple disciplines.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 18 - EAST Architecture Studio

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 20:00:00 GMT

Charles Kettaneh and Nicolas Fayad are the founders of EAST Architecture Studio, an architectural design and research collective based in Beirut. They have worked on various projects ranging from master planning to interior design with a focus on sustainability, adaptive reuse, and history.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 17 - Anida Yoeu Ali

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 23:00:00 GMT

Anida Yoeu Ali’s art mixes humour, public confrontation, and science fiction to explore issues of identity. As a Muslim Khmer woman, Anida is a minority whether she’s in her native Cambodia or in the United States, where her family relocated to escape the regime of Pol Pot. She talks about her work across disciplines, from absurdist poetry to public performances such as the Buddhist Bug, where she meets the public, dressed as a large, orange worm-like creature.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 16 - Soumik Datta

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 21:00:00 GMT

Soumik Datta is an award-winning musician, composer and television presenter. He plays the 19 stringed sarod and connects his Indian classical roots with colourful electronica and musical styles from around the world.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 15 - Malak Mattar

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 11:00:00 GMT

Malak Mattar is an artist from the Gaza Strip. She paints expressionist faces, figures and semi-abstract designs. Malak started painting at the age of thirteen. While she was trapped inside during a 51-day day military assault on Gaza, she began painting with supplies from her school to help deal with her emotions. She has since made hundreds of paintings.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 14 - Yazz Ahmed

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT

Yazz Ahmed is a British-Bahraini Trumpet and Flugelhorn player. Through her music, Yazz Ahmed seeks to blur the lines between jazz and electronic sound design, bringing together the sounds of her mixed heritage in what has been described as “psychedelic Arabic jazz, intoxicating and compelling.”

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 13 - Karimah Hassan

Sun, 21 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT

Born in Wales with Yemeni and Bangladeshi heritage, Karimah Hassan has an expressive, bold aesthetic and is heralded for “taking stories of community gatekeepers full circle, from the canvas to the streets.” Karimah creates live paintings at performance events across London and New York to highlight the importance of communities in the city.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 12 - Uzma Jalaluddin

Sat, 20 Nov 2021 21:00:00 GMT

Uzma Jalaluddin is a writer, high school teacher, and published author of her debut novel Ayesha At Last and her latest bestselling novel that has been optioned for film by Amazon Studios, Hana Khan Carries On. Uzma talks about making sure that Muslim women are represented through her storytelling, the journey from publishing her debut novel in 2018 to having her work optioned for film, and finding inspiration in classics like Pride and Prejudice and You’ve Got Mail.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 11 - Ali Hassan

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT

Ali Hassan is a stand-up comic, actor, and host of both CanadaReads 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 upcoming memoir is called Is There Bacon In Heaven?

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 10 - Mohammed Ali (Aerosol Arabic)

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 21:00:00 GMT

Under the name Aerosol Arabic, Mohammed Ali was a pioneer in blending street art with Arabic script and imagery. He has made murals, installations, videos and theatrical productions around the world, from his native Birmingham, UK, to the US, Australia, and even the Vatican. He talks about developing his unique style and why he believes graffiti is both an ancient art and an innate part of humanity.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 9 - Alsarah

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 17:00:00 GMT

With her band Alsarah and the Nubatones, Alsarah brings a modern sensibility to the music she grew up with in Sudan. She talks about developing her unique sound, the music she carried with her when she left home, and how the public library played a crucial role in her artistic awakening.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 8 - Elamin Abdelmahmoud

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT

Elamin Abdelmahmoud’s new book Son of Elsewhere is about struggling to find a place between two worlds: his birthplace of Sudan and his home in Canada. He talks to AR about what it was like to show up in an Ontario town as an African pre-teen who spoke no English; how WWE wrestling gave him an entrypoint to Canadian society; and why he wants his daughter to grow up with the burden of having roots “elsewhere.” Elamin Abdelmahmoud is a culture writer for BuzzFeed News and hosts the CBC podcast Pop Chat. His new book is called Son of Elsewhere.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 7 - Gulshan Khan

Sun, 14 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT

Gulshan Khan talks about her path from social advocacy to becoming an acclaimed photojournalist. She also discusses her ongoing project documenting Muslim culture in South Africa, and how apartheid, which ended in her childhood, continues to affect her country.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 6 - Mark Gonzales

Sat, 13 Nov 2021 21:00:00 GMT

Mark Gonzales is a futurist, but much of his work involves looking to the past. He believes the key to a better society is not just about the latest technology, but also about things like ancestral wisdom and sharing meals. The key to much of his approach is what he refers to as “empathy technology.” Mark talks about what empathy technology is, how he overcame trauma in his own life, and why he remains hopeful about the future, despite some of the challenges society is currently facing.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 5 - Fariha Róisín

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT

Faria Róisín spent 18 years working on her debut novel, Like a Bird, since dreaming about it as a child. She talks to AR about art, migration, the “new Muslim Renaissance” and how writing helped her deal with childhood trauma.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 4 - Yasir Khan

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 21:00:00 GMT

Yasir Khan has covered wars, revolutions, and has chased camels through the Australian Outback. As a journalist and documentary filmmaker, he has worked for outlets including CBC, CNN, Al Jazeera and Euronews, and is currently Editor-in-Chief of Thomson Reuters Foundation. He talks about lessons from his career, including how he avoided becoming the “Muslim correspondent,” and how empathy may have literally saved his life.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 3 - Aïda Muluneh

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT

Aïda Muluneh’s photographs are almost like paintings, featuring women in majestic outfits and facepaint, set against vivid, stylized backdrops. She talks about developing her artistic voice, the role of spirituality in her work, her series on Islam in Ethiopia, and what she thinks Westerners get wrong about African art. Aïda Muluneh is the founder of the Addis Foto Fest in Ethiopia and the company Desta for Africa Creative Consulting.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 2 - Farah Alibay

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT

Farah Alibay speaks 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.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Season 2 Teaser

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT

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.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 1 - Zarqa Nawaz

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT

Zarqa Nawaz is going through a bit of a rebirth. It’s been roughly a decade since the end of her hit show Little Mosque on the Prairie. Recently, Zarqa got into stand-up comedy, she’s about to star in the web series ZARQA, and she is on the verge of releasing her first novel, Jameela Green Ruins Everything, a dark comedy about American intervention in the Middle East. Zarqa talks about using comedy to address uncomfortable or taboo topics, from dating and divorce in Muslim culture, to the rise of ISIS. She also discusses how she has dealt with backlash from her community and what it’s like to step out from behind the camera.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Bonus Episode: Tea or Coffee?

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 19:00:00 GMT

In this bonus episode, we share rapid-fire Q&As with food writer Anissa Helou, photographer Tasneem Alsultan, performance artist Wafaa Balal and women’s rights advocate Dr. Alaa Murabit.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 25 - Dr. Hamid Dabashi

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT

Hamid Dabashi calls himself “the first Muslim intellectual.” He is the author of more than twenty books, a consultant on major Hollywood films, a curator and juror of film festivals, and a professor of Iranian Studies and comparative literature at Columbia University.

He talks about how an early love of Indian musicals, his mother’s poetry and travelling storytellers led him towards a life of writing and criticism. And he reflects on his friendship with renowned cultural critic Edward Said.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 24 - Roni Helou

Sun, 07 Nov 2021 20:00:00 GMT

Roni Helou is a rising star from Lebanon’s fashion scene. The young designer talks about making fashion with a message, why he staged a photoshoot on a mountain of garbage, and surviving the explosion that devastated Beirut in 2020.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 23 - Misha Euceph

Sun, 07 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT

Misha Euceph is the host of the podcast Tell Them, I Am and CEO of Dustlight Productions. Tell Them, I Am features major Muslim celebrities telling stories of little moments that changed their lives.

She talks about her rise to podcast fame, her struggle to gain ownership over her show, and making the Quran more accessible. You can watch her Quran Book Club on her Instagram page.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 22 - Khalid Albaih

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 09:00:00 GMT

Khalid Albaih is a Sudanese political cartoonist, who publishes cartoons online under the name Khartoon! as well as in galleries and publications around the world.

He talks about how Superman shaped his worldview, the dangers of his work, and why he’s trying to change his relationship with the internet.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 21 - Marina Tabassum

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 20:00:00 GMT

Marina Tabassum is an acclaimed 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 why she designed $200 mobile houses to address climate change.

Marina Tabassum is the founder of Marina Tabassum Architects and the academic director of the Bengal Institute for Architecture, Landscapes and Settlements.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 20 - Ian Abdal Latif Whiteman

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 09:00:00 GMT

Ian Whiteman was a fixture of the 60’s UK music scene and member of the cult classic bands Mighty Baby and The Habibiyya. He reflects on the early early days of psychedelic rock, and talks about how Islam became a major part of that scene, leading to his own conversion and his friendship with Yusuf Islam, A.K.A. Cat Stevens.

His latest album is called Poor Man’s Prayer.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 19 - Nargis Jahan-Uddin

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 20:00:00 GMT

As the founder of the popular online community Muslim Mamas, Nargis Jahan-Uddin has a front row seat to the ongoing interests and concerns of Muslim mothers.

She gives us a look into the contemporary online world of Muslim motherhood, and talks about her own journey from an impoverished neighbourhood of London, to creating this growing online community, which now includes a lifestyle website and a public Facebook page with over 130,000 followers.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 17 - Shahzia Sikander

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 09:00:00 GMT

Shahzia Sikander is a visual artist who revolutionized miniature painting, and is now widely credited for creating the neo-miniaturist movement. She looks back on her life and her thirty-year career in the arts.

A retrospective of Shahzia Sikander’s work, called Extraordinary Realities, is currently on display at The Morgan Library and Museum.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 18 - Tasneem Alsultan

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 09:00:00 GMT

Tasneem Alsultan is a photographer based in Saudi Arabia. Her work has documented major changes in Saudi culture for The New York Times, National Geographic and others. But she also captures the more ordinary aspects of life. She won first prize in the 2017 World Photography Organisation Awards for Saudi Tales of Loves, a series showcasing love stories of all kinds, from divorcees and widows to happily married couples.

She talks about breaking stereotypes, capturing intimate moments and a time she had to wear a disguise to get the job done.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 16 - Anissa Helou

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 09:00:00 GMT

Anissa Helou is an award-winning cookbook author, whose books include Lebanese Cuisine, Mediteranean Street Food and Feast: Food of the Islamic World.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 15 - Asad Ali Jafri

Sun, 31 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT

Asad Ali Jafri spent his early childhood in Kuwait, but found himself in the suburbs of Chicago after the outbreak of war. Hip hop became his entry point to American culture, quickly taking over his life and leading him down a path to the arts and community organizing. He started DJing under the name Man-O-Wax, staged major festivals, and became a visionary curator of contemporary Muslim arts.

Today, Asad Ali Jafri is the executive director of the South Asia Institute in Chicago.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 14 - Salim-Sulaiman

Sun, 31 Oct 2021 01:00:00 GMT

Brothers Salim and Sulaiman Merchant have composed some of the biggest anthems in India as the film composing duo Salim-Sulaiman. They’ve also produced pop songs, devotionals, a sports anthem, and remixed Lady Gaga.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 13 - Shireen Ahmed

Sat, 30 Oct 2021 13:00:00 GMT

Shireen Ahmed is a sports journalist and advocate. She’s a go-to voice for TSN and The Guardian and co-hosts the podcast Burn It All Down.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 12 - Wafaa Bilal

Sat, 30 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT

Wafaa Bilal has pushed his body to extreme lengths in the name of art. He has subjected himself to waterboarding, mounted a camera to the back of his head, and spent a month living in a gallery, where strangers shot him with tens of thousands of paintballs. He talks about escaping Iraq during the war and why he puts his body on the line for art.

Wafaa is currently a professor at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 11 - Tanya Muneera Williams

Sat, 30 Oct 2021 01:00:00 GMT

Tanya Muneera Williams is a poet and member of the hip-hop duo Poetic Pilgrimage. She talks about her childhood in Bristol, England, the city’s rich music scene, and the spiritual journey she took from her mother’s church to her conversion to Islam.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 10 - Nadir Nahdi

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 20:00:00 GMT

Nadir Nahdi runs the popular YouTube channel BENI, where he documents contemporary Muslim life around the world. Nadir comes from a tradition of thought and debate. His father, Fuad Nahdi, was a well-known journalist and satirist, as well as a giant in the UK Muslim community and a major figure in interfaith discussions.

Nadir talks about what he’s learned from his parents, his mixed feelings about being called a social media influencer and the deeply personal journey he took to find his roots while the world watched in real time.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 9 - Kevork Mourad

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT

Kevork Mourad is an Armenian-Syrian artist who collaborates with musicians, creating visual art in front of live audiences. He has worked with some of the most celebrated performers in classical music including Yo-Yo Ma, violist Kim Kashkashian and the Los Angeles Master Chorale. He talks about growing up as an Armenian in Syria, developing his unique practice, the thrill of creating art in front of a crowd, and how war has changed the way he paints.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 8 - Ayesha Khanna

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 20:00:00 GMT

Dr. Ayesha Khanna is a global leader in artificial intelligence and an advocate for good governance in the tech sector. As the co-founder and CEO of ADDO AI, she has helped develop projects like smart cities and financial innovations.

She talks about why she believes the world should look east for models of tech governance, the ethical struggles involved in AI and what technology can teach us about humanity.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 7 - Professor Omid Safi

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT

Omid Safi is a leading expert on 13th century poet Jalāl ad-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī, who is the best-selling poet in modern day America.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 6 - Dr. Alaa Murabit

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 10:00:00 GMT

Dr. Alaa Murabit was born in Saskatoon, but moved to Zawiya, Libya at the age of 15 to study medicine. While she was there, she witnessed the 2011 Revolution, which changed the course of her life.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 5 - Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi

Sun, 24 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi is a member of the ruling family of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, and the founder of the Barjeel Art Foundation.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 4 - Ginella Massa

Sat, 23 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Ginella Massa is the host of Canada Tonight on CBC, making her the first national news anchor who wears a hijab in Canada. She talks about her upbringing in a Catholic Afro-Latina family, growing up as an immigrant in Toronto and how she ended up in TV news.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 3 - Dr. Craig Considine

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

In spring of 2020, when America was first grappling with COVID-19, Dr. Craig Considine wrote an article for NewsWeek about what the Prophet Muhammad had to say about living through a pandemic. He found a lot that still resonates today. He talks about those lessons and others, what the current state of the world could mean for interfaith dialogue and how, as a Catholic from Boston, he became a prolific writer on Islam. Dr. Craig Considine is a lecturer in the Department of Sociology at Rice University.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

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Episode 2 - Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy talks about what propelled her to expose social injustices in unflinching documentaries like Saving Face and A Girl In the River. It’s a journey that took her from a childhood in Karachi, Pakistan to the offices of the New York Times, to winning two Academy Awards.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 1 - Wajahat Ali

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Wajahat Ali became one of the most high-profile Muslims in the American media following the September 11th attacks, making regular appearances on CNN, writing for The New York Times and hosting a show on Al Jazeera America.

He talks about growing up in a Pakistani-American household, writing an acclaimed play about the American Muslim experience, and dealing with his young daughter’s cancer diagnosis.

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If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to This Being Human

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 19:49:27 GMT

This Being Human is a new podcast by the Aga Khan Museum. In every episode, host Abdul-Rehman Malik interviews an incredible person at the top of their game on Muslim art, culture, history, and society. They'll explore everything from prayer and pilgrimage, politics and pop culture, love and education, feminism, and film, sports and music, and so much more. Through deep, thoughtful conversation, this one-of-a-kind podcast hopes to bridge divides, dispel myths, and learn things we didn’t know about the kaleidoscope of the Muslim experience.

The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their leadership support to develop and produce This Being Human.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.