Welcome to Ismail’s Kitchen! This week, we’re taking on the challenge of baking our very first Matcha cake. It's been a crazy collective social media obsession, and it has steadily increased to the point that no one has ever anticipated. But the real question is: does it actually taste like grass? Join me on this week's episode to find out.

Welcome to Ismail Kitchen, a brand new series that blends culinary, storytelling, and conversation. In this episode, we’re joined by a brand-new guest, Yasmin, as we prepare a meal that we both constantly crave. We’re all about making things from scratch whlist diving into the latest controversial topics, plus breakups, food, fitness, and anything else that feels real in the moment. Tune in as we whip up a chaotic meal and see if we can cook while tackling some of the wildest topics.

In today's episode, Ismail dives into the depths of creating and making art, making what makes you happy, doing something you are profoundly deeply connected to. I've been exploring the journey of being a new "writer," and the possibilities of creating from your imagination are such a beautiful process. We conclude with a lively debate on whether tragedy serves as a catalyst for inspiring art—does hardship enhance the creative journey? Do we need tragedy and misery to make good art? Well, join me as we have a fun chat.

In this episode, Ismail delves into the myths, facts, and personal experiences surrounding Ramadan fasting. He explores why Ramadan is considered the holiest month for Muslims—a time dedicated to fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. From dawn to sunset, Muslims refrain from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs, using this sacred period to reconnect with Allah and strengthen their spiritual bond. Life’s challenges may pull us away, but Ramadan offers a chance to reflect on our past and present, drawing us closer to Allah while fostering empathy for those less fortunate. Along the way, Ismail shares some of his own funny Ramadan moments—hope you enjoy the episode!

In this episode, we talk about the aftermath of Valentine's Day. As I share my personal experiences, like my neighbor's heartbreak after being cheated on, and the emotions stirred by witnessing couples' proposals. Being single on such an occasion can feel daunting, surrounded by celebrations everywhere you look. We explore the societal pressure to participate in Valentine's Day, fueled by social media, which can make those without a romantic partner feel inadequate. We also reflect on whether we are truly obligated to celebrate Valentine's and the unrealistic expectations set by seemingly perfect love stories, leaving some questioning their own worth and whether love is attainable for everyone.

In this episode, Adwoa Minta joins us to explore how to break bad habits, repairing family relationships, and navigating the complexities of vulnerability with our parents to cultivate deeper connections. We'll also tackle pressing dilemmas, such as the impact of "gentle parenting," the dynamics of modern relationships, and the balance between honoring family traditions and personal values. Tune in for valuable insights on enhancing family dynamics and fostering personal growth through shared experiences and practical tips.

In this episode, I dive into a deeply personal journey of reflection and growth. After much introspection, I'm ready to discuss a topic something that's very personal to me. As we talk about Letting Go whether it's releasing old behaviors, jobs, friendships, or even past relationships, I've learned the importance of finding a balance between what I share and what I keep private. Through journaling and self-reflection, I've gained clarity on my emotional landscape. I've navigated the complexities of dating, from being a serial dater to finding someone truly special. I've faced the challenges of self-worth and the fear of being loved, ultimately discovering that healing requires active steps, not just time. Join me as I share insights on healing, forgiveness, and the transformative power of letting go.

In this episode, I sat down with a few friends to reflect on their experiences in 2024. Together, we all share personal insights, challenges, and growth from the past year. Sharing my insight and hardship on what I have gone through this year may touch some but hearing different perspectives reaches far and beyond imaginable. We also set goals and resolutions for the coming year, committing to achieve them and holding each other accountable by the end of 2025. Through this candid discussion, we all learn from each other's mistakes and successes, uncovering what drove their resilience throughout the year. Tune in to hear everyone's unique journey and discover lessons that might resonate with you. Happy 2025 and Happy New Year.

Everyone is struggling, well, I am too. In today’s episode, I’m opening up about the mental, emotional, and financial struggles I’ve been facing over the last few months. It’s been a tough time, and I’ve had to navigate who to reach out to for support. Sharing information can only take you so far, but sharing it with the right people—those who truly understand and can offer meaningful insight—makes all the difference. So, how do you find the right people to talk to? Tune in to hear how to deal with hardship, find the right support, and begin the journey of working through hardship.