Take a Leap

Amin Aaser talks about his company, Noor Kids, which helps Muslim kids build confidence in their religious identity through picture books. Noor Kids publishes one of the world’s fastest-growing Islamic children’s book series with titles in over 250,000 homes across 25 countries. Amin shares about his rocky first attempt at writing a children's book, as well as how to invest our time for the best returns.

Amin began his career in business management, working for Fortune 500 companies such as 3M, Target Corporation, and General Mills. He gained his Master’s Degree at UC Berkeley where he focused in faith-based social enterprises. He graduated magna cum laude with distinction from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. He lives with his family in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Take a Leap is a production of BYUradio.

In this episode of Take a Leap, we welcome a new co-host: James Sturdevant. James is a sophomore at BYU majoring in cybersecurity. He’s been working behind the scenes (or in TikToks) for a while, and we are happy that he is making his hosting debut.

James and Lia are joined in this episode by Tivvi Pare, the executive director of Horton Center, a camp and retreat center on Pine Mountain in New Hampshire. Tivvi believes that Horton Center is a 'thin place' where the divide between us and the divine feels smaller. So, make a s’more and dive into another great episode of Take a Leap!

Tivvi Pare was born and raised in Nashua, New Hampshire. Tivvi attended Clemson University where she earned two degrees in elementary education and went on to teach 4th and 5th grade. Tivvi grew up attending Horton Center as a camper and has been on staff since 2016. Her favorite camp activities involve hiking with her collie mix Zimmi, sleeping out under the stars, and jumping into the refreshing Peabody river for a swim.

Take a Leap is a production of BYUradio.

We are searching far and wide for young people of faith. As BYU students, we are no strangers to blending our everyday life and faith life. Join us as we learn about the cool things people our age are doing to better their communities across religious traditions.

Take a Leap is a production of BYUradio.

Taif shares how to overcome perfectionism, recognize blessings, and better understand each other. Taif grew up in Jordan. She discusses adjusting to life at BYU and the challenges of fitting in as a visibly Muslim student. At the end of the interview, Josh asks Taif what three things she would bring to Utah from Jordan (and vice versa) —we think her answers may surprise you.

Growing up in Jordan, Taif witnessed her father's journey from a small village, AD Difyana, to the big city, Amman, where he built a reputation for himself. Observing the limited access to healthcare in her community ignited a passion for making a difference in this field. As a genetics and pre-medicine student, Taif plans to use what she’s learned for the betterment of underserved communities.

Take a Leap is a production of BYUradio.

Matt discusses his personal journey through losing his vision and finding his faith. In studying Black Studies and Restorative Justice, Matt found a new purpose in helping others feel community and compassion. Finally, Matt encourages listeners to engage locally and help create a more whole and healed world.

Matt Lowe is a Disability liberation theology scholar. While the majority of Matt’s work surrounds racial reparations, he had to repair his own relationship with disability. A contemplative activist, Matt enters into spaces of liminality as a community healer and also somebody still in healing. Matt identifies as a Franciscan Menicostle that tries to live a life that would make Paulo Freire proud.

Take a Leap is a production of BYUradio.

Becca Black tells the TAL hosts how she finds God in nature and cares for our planet. Becca talks about hiking in Wisconsin and of her Kwik Trip. Josh has never been to Wisconsin. When they get back on track, Becca shares insights on working with Grow the Flow, a non-profit focused on preserving the Great Salt Lake. She also tells personal stories that influenced her decision to work in ecology. The three share memorable experiences in nature that connect them to God.

Becca Black is a senior in BYU’s Wildlife and Wildlands Conservation program. She specializes in land stewardship, ecological restoration, and environmental humanities. Currently, Becca is the Communications Co-Director for Grow the Flow, a local nonprofit focused on saving Great Salt Lake through government, private-sector, and community collaboration.

Take a Leap is a production of BYUradio.

Kyle Saurer, setter on the men’s volleyball team at BYU, opens up about his faith life and identifying in Christ. They talk about his pre-game rituals as well as his experiences as an athlete at BYU. Kyle focuses on the idea of maintaining an eternal perspective, especially on the heels of a tough loss, or even a win. We believe, however, that this episode is a win—hope you enjoy!

Saurer redshirted last year, so this upcoming season will be his athletic freshman year. He has achieved a lot on the volleyball court, including: 2022 AAU National Championships Silver Medalist, 2019 AAU Nationals Bronze Medalist, 2023 AAU Boys Open National Championships All American, 2022 AAU Boys Club Nationals Championships All-Star, and more. He volunteered in high school with the Ruth Project, an Illinois non-profit that works with foster families. He is originally from Elgin, Illinois.

Take a Leap is a production of BYUradio.

Artist Gracie Morbitzer explains her creative process in making the Saints modern and more relatable. In this episode, Take a Leap hosts talk with Gracie about her creative upbringing, college experiences, and current Modern Saints project. The three describe which Saint best represents each of them, and how Gracie decides what hairstyle and clothes to give each of the Saints. This episode is exciting and spiritually-sound, and we think anyone (but especially the creatives) will enjoy it. You could even paint along while tuning in!

Gracie Morbitzer has always been drawn to the arts, storytelling, and crafting curated experiences. At the Columbus College of Art & Design, she received a Bachelor's Degree in the Interior Architecture and Design program, studying museums, set design, and immersive experiences. In the summer of 2021, she decided to leave her job to pursue full-time the Modern Saints Project that has now become a small business. Gracie works to make the Saints relatable by bringing them into the current day. In December of 2023, her first book, "The Modern Saints: Portraits and Reflections on the Saints," was released.

Take a Leap is a production of BYUradio.

Learn how one Muslim BYU student rallies her peers to support Gaza. Noureen Salah talks about her experience growing up Muslim in Utah, and her decision to attend BYU. She discusses founding the Arab Student Association at BYU and running the "Gather for Gaza" initiative. Noureen also shares her various humanitarian efforts and how her faith fuels her passion for service.

Noureen Salah is a junior at BYU studying neuroscience with a minor in sociology. She is an Egyptian Muslim born and raised in Utah. She currently works at the Office of Belonging as a student manager. After her time at BYU, she plans to attend medical school.

Take a Leap is a production of BYUradio.

Sean Moothart explains how his involvement in public policy helps the margins of society. By following this Christlike call to action, Sean tells the TAL hosts about a few times that he has seen blessings come because of his work in public transportation; by small and simple things are great things brought to pass. Working in public policy is just one of the many ways that we can show other people we care about them—how can you pay this sentiment forward?

Sean recently earned his master's from the LBJ School of Public Affairs and works as a transportation policy analyst for UT Austin. He serves as an alternate member of Austin's Bicycle Advisory Council, advocating for safer streets for all modes of travel. Outside of work, Sean enjoys gardening, hiking, biking, and is involved with St. James Episcopal and University Christian, where he supports efforts to bridge gaps between the Church and marginalized communities.

Take a Leap is a production of BYUradio.