Mommying While Muslim

Rowaida Abdelaziz joins us today to talk about the accidental journalism bug and why it’s important in our endeavor to experience fair and balanced news coverage. 

We also discuss moms’ roles in supporting their kids’ dreams, role models and mentors when there are so few, keeping our heads down and ears up listening for the scoop, and getting paid in pizza. What opportunities does the media landscape offer to writers and consumers of news?

Fighting disinformation and misinformation is our job, not just as humans, but as Muslims, and supporting truth in all its forms is critical and true diversity takes work, even in the news!

It’s not us, we’re not crazy, per Rowaida! Studies prove that news coverage, much of which is informing policy, is not unbiased or stereotypical. Nuance is news, and we can pick up our pens to do that. Get writing!

Links:

1. Learn more about Rowaida: heruproar.com
2. Rowaida on FB: Rowaida Abdelaziz and Twitter: @Rowaida_Abdel 
3. When Swimming as a Muslim Woman is a Political Act: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/muslim-women-are-fighting-to-swim-in-america_n_5d5594d1e4b056fafd08aa70 
4. Motivated Muslim Voters: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/muslim-voters-impact-swing-states_n_5f99d1c1c5b6a4a2dc81c9eb 
5. Web: www.mommyingwhilemuslim.com
6. Email: [email protected]
7. FB: Mommying While Muslim page and Mommyingwhilemuslim group
8. IG: @mommyingwhilemuslimpodcast

Did you know you can send us a text? Feedback, questions, or recommendations welcomed!

Support the show

1. Web: www.mommyingwhilemuslim.com

2. Email: [email protected]

3. FB: Mommying While Muslim page and Mommyingwhilemuslim group

4. IG: @mommyingwhilemuslimpodcast

5. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrrdKxpBdBO4ZLwB1kTmz1w

The first to kick off August’s Muslims in the News series is Laila Alarian, Emmy and Peabody award winning journalist and Executive Producer of the Al Jazeera English investigative documentary program Fault Lines. She takes over the soapbox today, which is not to be missed. 

While she’s breaking news on narcotics and Palestine, she’s also dealing with pandemic homeschooling and the emotional struggles working moms, which is ALL moms on our podcast to be clear, deal with, so it should resonate on multiple levels. Gem from the episode: “Perfect is the enemy of the good” (Laila Alarian is #smartmomgoals).

Find out what the mainstream news agenda is and if there is a conspiracy making Muslims look bad in the news. How do we break through that while we break glass ceilings at the same time?  

Links:

1. Watch Fault Lines: https://www.aljazeera.com/program/fault-lines
2. Made in Bangladesh by Laila Alarian: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aubn7BKi47g 
3. Email Laila Alarian: [email protected]
4. Palestinian teen shot at funeral of Palestinian teen July 2021: https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/palestinian-teen-shot-by-israeli-forces-dies-hundreds-attend-funeral-47606 
5. Jonathan Brown Georgetown faculty (See, we included you, Jonathan!): https://gufaculty360.georgetown.edu/s/contact/00336000014RYoCAAW/jonathan-brown 
6. Lama Alarian on Sheikh Jarrah for Vice News: https://youtu.be/ZiSRCPiklhI 
7. Web: www.mommyingwhilemuslim.com
8. Email: [email protected]
9. FB: Mommying While Muslim page and Mommyingwhilemuslim group
10. IG: @mommyingwhilemuslimpodcast

Did you know you can send us a text? Feedback, questions, or recommendations welcomed!

Support the show

1. Web: www.mommyingwhilemuslim.com

2. Email: [email protected]

3. FB: Mommying While Muslim page and Mommyingwhilemuslim group

4. IG: @mommyingwhilemuslimpodcast

5. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrrdKxpBdBO4ZLwB1kTmz1w

As we kick off our August series, “Muslims in the News,” Zaiba and Uzma review past big headlines that affected their physical and mental safety. Ask yourself how news coverage would have been different, and HAS been different for non-Muslims suspects. When do Muslim Americans hold their collective breaths and why? 

This is a series asking the hard questions about what we expect from the news and how biased news coverage can endanger Muslim American moms and their kids. Learn about their perpetual grief process and follow along this month as they highlight some solutions to prevent the dissemination of Islamophobic news coverage.

 There’s slamming of our hands on the table--we apologize!

Links:

1. Interim Recommendations for Fully Vaccinate People: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html 
2. Book mentions by Uzma: Mornings in Jenin and The Blue Between Sky and Water by Susan Abulhawa
3. Book mention by Zaiba: City of Brass by S.A. Chakroborty
4. San Bernadino shooter coverage: https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/12/04/458502872/frenzied-media-pour-over-home-of-san-bernardino-killers-during-live-broadcasts 
5. John Ritzheimer and the Phoenix Masjid Free Speech Rally: https://youtu.be/55b3-jBqztU 
6. Ahmed Mohammad and the atomic clock: https://www.cnn.com/2015/09/16/us/texas-student-ahmed-muslim-clock-bomb/index.html 
7. Las Vegas shooting coverage: https://www.cnn.com/2015/09/16/us/texas-student-ahmed-muslim-clock-bomb/index.html
8. Phoenix doctor fired for speaking out: https://www.newsweek.com/thirst-kill-us-pediatric-doctor-fired-accusing-israel-cannibalism-1604992 
9. Web: www.mommyingwhilemuslim.com
10. Email: [email protected]
11. FB: Mommying While Muslim page and Mommyingwhilemuslim group
12. IG: @mommyingwhilemuslimpodcast

Did you know you can send us a text? Feedback, questions, or recommendations welcomed!

Support the show

1. Web: www.mommyingwhilemuslim.com

2. Email: [email protected]

3. FB: Mommying While Muslim page and Mommyingwhilemuslim group

4. IG: @mommyingwhilemuslimpodcast

5. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrrdKxpBdBO4ZLwB1kTmz1w

When we discuss entertainment, we think about music, too. Muslimahs have been making music for centuries, but a lot of us haven't been taught that. Amira Daugherty talks about her path from law to music, from activism to making history on American Idol, all without encouragement or accolades because Muslimah voices don't get them. This rapper, singer, and spoken word artist is literally using her voice to communicate across boundaries and connect with humanity, facing hurdles within and outside of her community. 

She’s also got a special ability you'll want to hear about as she attempts to create more inclusive American Muslimah representation. 

Hit the high notes with us on this episode airing at 6pm EST on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, or Alexa.

Links:

1. Find Amira online and SUPPORT HER ALBUM: https://amiraunplugged.onuniverse.com/
2. Follow Amira on IG: @amiraunplugged
3. Follow Amira on YouTube: Amira Unplugged
4. Web: www.mommyingwhilemuslim.com
5. Email: [email protected]
6. FB: Mommying While Muslim page and Mommyingwhilemuslim group
7. IG: @mommyingwhilemuslimpodcast

Did you know you can send us a text? Feedback, questions, or recommendations welcomed!

Support the show

1. Web: www.mommyingwhilemuslim.com

2. Email: [email protected]

3. FB: Mommying While Muslim page and Mommyingwhilemuslim group

4. IG: @mommyingwhilemuslimpodcast

5. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrrdKxpBdBO4ZLwB1kTmz1w

Serena Rasoul, founder of Founder of Muslim American Casting, LLC joins us today to talk about Muslims in Entertainment. After House of Cards and other acting opportunities, Serena decided to pursue authentic representation of SW Asian, North African and Arab Muslims. Like other sheroes on the podcast this month, she addresses miscasting, Muslim tropes, and compromises that Muslim talent may have to make in Hollywood because the industry doesn’t understand their values and work ethic. It certainly doesn’t understand Muslims telling their own stories, which is why Muslim writers and filmmakers can get support from Serena and her company. Through Muslim American Casting, Serena is “Creating spaces, adding new faces.” 

​Hear her on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, or Alexa tonight at 6pm EST.

Links:

1. Find Mama Africa Muslimah: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdxJPUOBuLbgnj8Uqqsa3Zg
2. GoFundMe for Mama Africa Muslimah’s legal fees: https://gofund.me/8580557a 
3. Find Muslim American Casting, LLC: https://www.muslimamericancasting.com/about
4. Find Serena Rasoul on IG: @iamserenara
5. Watch “We Are Lady Parts” on Peacock TV
6. Website: mommyingwhilemuslim.com
7. IG: @mommyingwhilemuslimpodcast
8. FB: Mommying While Muslim

Did you know you can send us a text? Feedback, questions, or recommendations welcomed!

Support the show

1. Web: www.mommyingwhilemuslim.com

2. Email: [email protected]

3. FB: Mommying While Muslim page and Mommyingwhilemuslim group

4. IG: @mommyingwhilemuslimpodcast

5. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrrdKxpBdBO4ZLwB1kTmz1w

Kicking off this month’s Muslim Representation in Entertainment series is scholar Dr. Maytha AlHassen. We explore the historical origins of the most common Muslim tropes, discuss the findings of recent studies done on movies that negatively depict Muslims, and discuss how we can counter them. You may even hear some hints about what’s coming next on a popular TV series that Dr. AlHassen co-produces. 

Links:

1. Learn more about Dr. AlHassen’s work: https://www.mayalhassen.com/
2. Haqq and Hollywood: Illuminating 100 Years of Muslim Tropes and How to Transform Them: https://popcollab.org/learning/haqq-and-hollywood/
3. Muslim Narrative Change Cohort: https://pillarsfund.org/culture-change/muslim-narrative-change-cohort/#:~:text=In%20January%202020%2C%20we%20launched,behaviors%20and%2C%20ultimately%2C%20society 

4.     Missing & Maligned: The Reality of Muslims in Popular Global Movies: https://assets.uscannenberg.org/docs/aii-muslim-rep-global-film-2021-06-09.pdf 

5.    The Blueprint for Muslim Inclusion: https://pillarsfund.org/content/uploads/2021/06/SOURCE-The-Muslim-Blueprint.pdf 

1. Web: www.mommyingwhilemuslim.com
2. Email: [email protected]
3. FB: Mommying While Muslim page and Mommyingwhilemuslim group
4. IG: @mommyingwhilemuslimpodcast

Did you know you can send us a text? Feedback, questions, or recommendations welcomed!

Support the show

1. Web: www.mommyingwhilemuslim.com

2. Email: [email protected]

3. FB: Mommying While Muslim page and Mommyingwhilemuslim group

4. IG: @mommyingwhilemuslimpodcast

5. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrrdKxpBdBO4ZLwB1kTmz1w

Aseel Elborno joins us today to discuss her longtime research of a particular country where she would like to transplant her family, even if temporarily. Her reasons for doing so should resonate with ALL moms in need of a village and who feel burned out. From community building to family planning, to how to prepare for an international move, we talk about all of it with this amazing expat in the making. 

Let it open our eyes to more opportunities for our families, and convince us that Allah’s world is big enough and worth it to experience FULLY! 

Links:

1. Support high school senior Huda attacked at her graduation: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/protect-students-we-stand-with-huda 
2. Web: www.mommyingwhilemuslim.com
3. Email: [email protected]
4. FB: Mommying While Muslim page and Mommyingwhilemuslim group
5. IG: @mommyingwhilemuslimpodcast

Did you know you can send us a text? Feedback, questions, or recommendations welcomed!

Support the show

1. Web: www.mommyingwhilemuslim.com

2. Email: [email protected]

3. FB: Mommying While Muslim page and Mommyingwhilemuslim group

4. IG: @mommyingwhilemuslimpodcast

5. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrrdKxpBdBO4ZLwB1kTmz1w

Isra Hashmy joins us today to discuss her epiphany during the rat race of life and following Allah’s guidance to pursue her dream until it manifested into reality. Following the expat life isn’t as easy as we think, so she explains some of those details that could provide hiccups to a family planning on living overseas. Then there’s the hiccups you DON’T plan for, like a pandemic that separates your family and you’re with the kids in a country where you don’t speak the language. So, not traumatic at all. The hard parts didn’t make it on House Hunters International, but the fun ones did, so check out her family on there.

Get the details tonight at 6pm EST on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or ask Alexa.

Links:

1. Find Isra on FB: Muslimah Simple and Decluttered Living: https://www.facebook.com/groups/simpledeclutteredlife
2. Web: www.mommyingwhilemuslim.com
3. Email: [email protected]
4. FB: Mommying While Muslim page and Mommyingwhilemuslim group
5. IG: @mommyingwhilemuslimpodcast

Did you know you can send us a text? Feedback, questions, or recommendations welcomed!

Support the show

1. Web: www.mommyingwhilemuslim.com

2. Email: [email protected]

3. FB: Mommying While Muslim page and Mommyingwhilemuslim group

4. IG: @mommyingwhilemuslimpodcast

5. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrrdKxpBdBO4ZLwB1kTmz1w

If you’ve been a fan of Maroc Mama, you’ll be so excited for this one. For those who don’t know her, you will fall in love. Amanda Moutakki  joins us today to discuss her expat achievements and challenges, and running a tourism business in a pandemic. Her POV about living abroad is inspirational AND aspirational. Tune in to also find out about momcations and how she curates those.

Links:

1. Find Amanda Mouttaki on on IG: @marocmama
2. Check out her travel blog: www.marocmama.com
3. Web: www.mommyingwhilemuslim.com
4. Email: [email protected]
5. FB: Mommying While Muslim page and Mommyingwhilemuslim group
6. IG: @mommyingwhilemuslimpodcast

Did you know you can send us a text? Feedback, questions, or recommendations welcomed!

Support the show

1. Web: www.mommyingwhilemuslim.com

2. Email: [email protected]

3. FB: Mommying While Muslim page and Mommyingwhilemuslim group

4. IG: @mommyingwhilemuslimpodcast

5. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrrdKxpBdBO4ZLwB1kTmz1w

Author mom Adeeba Jafri @adeebajafri_official comes on to discuss what precipitated her move abroad, what life is like, and shares info on the IB program for teens. On top of all that, she's a teacher and author with a new book on the way. 

Can you believe she stayed up all night nervous about coming on? For NOTHING! She is terrific and you can find out more on your podcast apps! Tune in at 6pm EST on Apple podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or iHeartRadio. Or, ask Alexa!

Links:

1. Find Adeeba Jafri on IG: adeebajafri_official
2. Check out her writing and books: https://www.adeebajafri.com/about/
3. Web: www.mommyingwhilemuslim.com
4. Email: [email protected]
5. FB: Mommying While Muslim page and Mommyingwhilemuslim group
6. IG: @mommyingwhilemuslimpodcast

Did you know you can send us a text? Feedback, questions, or recommendations welcomed!

Support the show

1. Web: www.mommyingwhilemuslim.com

2. Email: [email protected]

3. FB: Mommying While Muslim page and Mommyingwhilemuslim group

4. IG: @mommyingwhilemuslimpodcast

5. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrrdKxpBdBO4ZLwB1kTmz1w