Real people, real stories, real insights - compelling narratives meet life’s lessons with M Hadi & Ali. Available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.
The Secret to Getting 1 Billion Views with Comedy: Azfar Khan
Join M Hadi and Ali as they sit down with Azfar Khan, a content creator with over a billion views across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Learn how he reinvented Desi and Muslim cultural humor to appeal to younger generations, and the tricks he used to continuously grow his audience.
23 Aug 2024
Showing the Media That Muslims Also Have Fun: Irfan Rydhan and the Story of HalalFest
Join us as we dive into the journey of Irfan Rydhan, founder of HalalFest in the Bay Area. From architectural design to organizing some of the most significant Muslim community events, Irfan shares how his passion for media and community service evolved into a successful venture. Discover the challenges and triumphs that shaped his path, and learn why getting involved in your community can make all the difference.#halal #muslim #halalfest
Learn more about Muslim Unity Day 2024, brought to you by HalalFest and Muslim Unity Foundation, at https://muslimunity.us/ #ad
🔗 Find Us
• Available on all major podcast platforms: https://journeytellers.org/
• Muhammad Hadi Yusufali: https://mhadi.co/
• Ali Almathkur: https://youtube.com/@alialmathkur/
👀 Follow Irfan's Journey
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irydhan/
• HalalFest: https://www.instagram.com/halalfest/
• The Artistic Foodies Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@artisticfoodies
🙌 Credits
• Hosted by Muhammad Hadi Yusufali and Ali Almathkur
• Featuring Irfan Rydhan
• Filmed in Kisa Studios
⏰ Chapters
0:00 Introduction
2:18 Early Life and Architectural Background
6:30 Challenges in Education & Career Shifts
10:02 Transition to Media Work & Documentary Filmmaking
14:48 A Special Message About Muslim Unity Day
15:30 Post-9/11 Community Outreach and Media Committee
21:50 Involvement in Organizing Eid Festivals
27:22 Birth of Muslim Unity Day
31:52 Inspiration Behind HalalFest
36:00 Growth and Challenges of HalalFest
42:40 Importance of Community Involvement
49:04 Rapid Fire Questions
51:55 Advice on Community Involvement
4 Aug 2024
From College Dropout to Renowned Restaurateur: The Journey of Hisham Abdelfattah
Join Hisham Abdelfattah, owner and executive chef of El Halal Amigos and partner at Willow Street Pizza, as he shares his incredible journey from a young dishwasher to a renowned chef. This episode explores the challenges, triumphs, and inspirations behind his unique approach to making Halal Mexican food and beyond.
🔗 Find Us
• Available on all major podcast platforms: https://journeytellers.org/
• Muhammad Hadi Yusufali: https://mhadi.co/
• Ali Almathkur: https://youtube.com/@alialmathkur/
👀 Follow Hisham's Journey
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chef__hisham/
• El Halal Amigos: https://www.instagram.com/elhalalamigos/
🙌 Credits
• Hosted by Muhammad Hadi Yusufali and Ali Almathkur
• Featuring Hisham Abdelfattah
• Filmed in Kisa Studios
⏰ Chapters
0:00 Introduction
2:06 Background and Beginnings
6:43 Experience with Mexican Culture
10:52 Journey to Islam
15:02 Schooling and Path to Culinary Academy
17:38 Pursuing Your Passion
21:43 Motivation
22:29 Creating the Restaurant and Struggles of Covid
29:18. Opening the Restaurant
33:06 Importance of Philanthropy
37:38 Challenges of Halal
41:51 Benefits of Halal
44:30 Willow Street Pizza
50:19 Hiring Staff
54:07 Making Halal Fun
56:37 Behind the Name El Halal Amigos
58:46 Cooking Shows and Fame
1:00:43 Persistence and Following Dreams
1:02:50 Understanding Struggle
1:06:13 Social Media Presence
1:11:09 Palestine and Coming Together as Muslims
1:26:48 Rapid Fire Questions
1:31:25 Key Points and Takeaway
18 Feb 2024
Shattering Hijabi Tech Stereotypes ft. Fatima Ali
Join M Hadi and Hasan as they sit down with Fatima Ali, who shares her fascinating journey from growing up in the Bay Area to becoming a software engineer with internships at Google, Apple, and Twitter; and now making her mark at a startup called Tome. This episode is a testament to the impact of mentorship, perseverance, and the role of identity in shaping a fulfilling career in technology.
18 Feb 2024
The Real Way to Become a Young Millionaire ft. Zain Zaidi
Join M Hadi and Ali as they dive into Zain Zaidi's journey from electrical engineering to launching a groundbreaking startup. Discover how Zain's passion for technology and finance drove him to innovate in the fintech space, aiming to make data verification accessible and empowering individuals with control over their own information. This episode explores the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, the importance of discipline, and Zain's vision for leveraging technology for global impact.
3 Feb 2024
Navigating Medicine: Healthcare, Equity, and Empathy ft. Naseem Rangwala
In this episode, join Naseem Rangwala, an internal medicine resident at UCSF, as she shares her unique journey from public health at Berkeley to medical school at UCLA, and now to her residency. Naseem discusses the challenges of merging her medical career with her commitment to public health and community outreach, the impact of COVID-19 on her education, and how she navigated personal and professional obstacles.
🤝 CREDITS
• Hosted by M Hadi and Ali Almathkur
• Featuring Naseem Rangwala
• Filmed in Kisa Studios
🔗 LINKS
• Available on all major podcast platforms: http://jtpodcast.com/
• M Hadi: https://instagram.com/mhadimedia
• Ali Almathkur: https://instagram.com/alialmathkur
• Naseem Rangwala: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naseem-rangwala-9b0338138/
22 Dec 2023
Escaping Saddam's Iraq: War, Refugee Camps, and the Power of Faith ft. Jawad Almamori
Join M Hadi and Ali as they sit down with Br. Jawad Almamori and discuss escaping Iraq, surviving a refugee camp for four years, and building a life in America.
For more details on ABSA, its initiatives, and how you can get involved, visit https://www.absanetwork.com/
🤝 CREDITS
• Hosted by M Hadi and Ali
• Featuring Jawad Almamori
• Filmed in Kisa Studios
🔗 LINKS
• Available on all major podcast platforms: https://jtpodcast.com/
• M Hadi: https://instagram.com/mhadimedia
• Ali Almathkur: https://instagram.com/alialmathkur
• Jawad Almamori: https://twitter.com/jalmamori?lang=en
3 Nov 2023
The Power of Having the Right Mindset ft. Raza Ali
Join M Hadi, Ali, and Raza, as they discuss important topics including the best and worst of education, a Stanford internship, community service, lowering the stakes, and the power of the word "yet". Be prepared to be entertained and educated through this episode of the Journey Tellers podcast, brought to you by ABSA Network.
For more details on ABSA, its initiatives, and how you can get involved, visit https://www.absanetwork.com/
🤝 CREDITS
• Hosted by M Hadi and Ali Almathkur
• Featuring Raza Ali
• Filmed in Kisa Studios
🔗 LINKS
• Available on all major podcast platforms: https://jtpodcast.com/
• M Hadi: https://instagram.com/mhadimedia
• Ali Almathkur: https://instagram.com/alialmathkur
• Raza Ali: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raza-ali-premed/
3 Nov 2023
The Secrets Behind Pixar's Most Famous Movies ft. Eman Abdul-Razzak
Join M Hadi (https://youtube.com/@MHadiMedia) and Ali (https://youtube.com/@alialmathkur) as they speak with Eman Abdul-Razzak, who's the lighting technical director at Pixar, and learn the behind the scenes of what goes into making a Pixar film special.
🤝 CREDITS
• Hosted by M Hadi (https://youtube.com/@MHadiMedia) and Ali Almathkur (https://youtube.com/@alialmathkur)
• Featuring Eman Abdul-Razzak
• Filmed in Kisa Studios
• Special thanks to Al-Kisa Foundation, Aalyan Aamir, and Fatima Hadi
🔗 LINKS
• Eman Abdul-Razzak: https://emanrazzak.wordpress.com/ (https://emanrazzak.wordpress.com/)
• Pixar: https://www.pixar.com/ (https://www.pixar.com/)
• Available on all major podcast platforms: https://jtpodcast.com/ (https://jtpodcast.com/)
• Help support the podcast to help bring better content: https://buymeacoffee.com/journeytellers (https://buymeacoffee.com/journeytellers)
30 Jun 2023
43 Years Volunteering at a Mosque ft. Muzaffer Khan
Join us as we speak with Muzaffer Khan who was one of the original founders of SABA Islamic Center, 43 years ago. We speak about living in Iran during the revolution, moving to the US, founding SABA, leaving the board, starting a bookstore, and so much more.
🤝 CREDITS
• Hosted by M Hadi and Ali Almathkur
• Featuring Muzaffer Ali Khan
• Filmed in Kisa Studios
• Special thanks to Al-Kisa Foundation, Aalyan Aamir, and Fatima Hadi
🔗 LINKS
• SABA Islamic Center: https://saba-igc.org/
• Available on all major podcast platforms: https://jtpodcast.com/
• Help support the podcast to help bring better content: https://buymeacoffee.com/journeytellers
24 Jun 2023
Cooking, Creativity, and Community ft. Abbas Mohamed
Join M Hadi and Ali as they sit down for an engaging conversation with Abbas Mohamed, a talented content creator, podcaster, and the founder of the Halal Foodies group with over 28,000 members. Together, they dive into Abbas's childhood adventures, the story behind GAMA (Gathering All Muslim Artists), his culinary journey, and his personal love for hotpot. Get ready for an insightful and enjoyable discussion filled with inspiring stories and mouthwatering insights.
🤝 CREDITS
• Hosted by M Hadi and Ali Almathkur
• Featuring Abbas Mohamed
• Filmed in Kisa Studios
• Special thanks to Al-Kisa Foundation, Aalyan Aamir, and Fatima Hadi
🔗 LINKS
• Abbas' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asmohamed91
• Abbas' YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EatLikeAbbas
• The Artistic Foodies Podcast: http://theartisticfoodies.com/
• Bay Area Halal Foodies: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bayareahalalfoodies/
• GAMA: http://thegamacollective.com/
• Available on all major podcast platforms: https://jtpodcast.com/
• Help support the podcast to help bring better content: https://buymeacoffee.com/journeytellers
20 Jun 2023
Unlocking Global Impact through Business ft. Mir Aamir
Join M Hadi and Ali as they learn from Mir Aamir about his journey, from growing up in Pakistan to becoming the CEO of two groundbreaking companies.
🤝 CREDITS
• Hosted by M Hadi and Ali Almathkur
• Featuring Mir Aamir
• Filmed in Kisa Studios
• Special thanks to Al-Kisa Foundation, Aalyan Aamir, and Fatima Hadi
🔗 LINKS
• Mir Aamir: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mir-aamir-00606a85/
• Fulfil Solutions: https://www.fulfil.com/
• Available on all major podcast platforms: https://jtpodcast.com/
• Help support the podcast to help bring better content: https://buymeacoffee.com/journeytellers
28 May 2023
AI - the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly ft. Hugging Face's Nazneen Rajani
AI - it’s, literally, everywhere. Your friends use it, your teachers and employers ban you from using it, and you might think it’ll take over the world. But to find out what it really is, we sat down with Hugging Face’s research lead, Nazneen Rajani, and asked, what is AI? How is it helpful? How is it dangerous? Will it take over the world? And so much more. Welcome to season 2 of the Journey Tellers podcast.
🤝 CREDITS
• Hosted by M Hadi and Ali Almathkur
• Featuring Nazneen Rajani
• Filmed in Kisa Studios
• Special thanks to Al-Kisa Foundation, Aalyan Aamir, and Fatima Hadi
🔗 LINKS
• Available on all major podcast platforms: https://jtpodcast.com/
• Nazneen Rajani: https://www.nazneenrajani.com/
• Hugging Face: https://huggingface.co/
• Help support the podcast to help bring better content: https://buymeacoffee.com/journeytellers
9 May 2023
From Punk Rock to PhD: The Journey of David Coolidge
What happens when punk rock music and Islam collide? For David Coolidge, it meant a journey of self-discovery, faith, and scholarship. From his early days in Chicago, to his pursuit of a PhD in Islamic studies, David's journey as a revert to Islam is one that will challenge your assumptions about what it means to be Muslim in America. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Journey Tellers podcast with your hosts Muhammad Hadi and Ali Almathkur.
🤝 CREDITS
• Hosted by M Hadi and Ali Almathkur
• Featuring David Coolidge
• Filmed in Kisa Studios
• Special thanks to Al-Kisa Foundation, Aalyan Aamir, and Fatima Hadi
💸 Help support the podcast to help bring better content: https://buymeacoffee.com/journeytellers
🔗 Available on all major podcast platforms: https://jtpodcast.com/
26 Apr 2023
From Corporate Climber to Spiritual Seeker: The Journey of Mahdi Falahati
An Arabic teacher, an MMA coach, a chef, a reciter, an educator, and a man of many talents. You may have heard his name, but do you truly know the person behind it all? This is Mahdi Falahati, a remarkable individual whose life journey spans across continents, cultures, and careers. In this episode of the Journey Tellers podcast, we dive deep into the stories that have shaped his unique experiences and the valuable lessons he's gained along the way.
Join us as we uncover the moments that have defined Mahdi Falahati, and explore the insights and wisdom he has to offer. Whether you're interested in the intersection of faith and personal growth or simply seeking inspiration from a unique and transformative journey, this episode of Journey Tellers is one you won't want to miss.
• Hosted by M Hadi and Ali Almathkur
• Featuring Mahdi Falahati
• Filmed in Kisa Studios
• Special thanks to Al-Kisa Foundation, Aalyan Aamir, and Fatima Hadi
💸 Help support the podcast to help bring better content: https://buymeacoffee.com/journeytellers
🔗 Available on all major podcast platforms: https://jtpodcast.com/
14 Apr 2023
Friends, Religions, and Lawyers: The Journey of Natima Neily
A life-changing friendship, leading to a newfound faith - this is Natima Nelly, a dedicated lawyer and a proud convert to Islam. And today, we learn from her journey to faith, and discover the importance of true friendship. Welcome to the Journey Tellers podcast.
Hosted by M Hadi and Ali Almathkur
Featuring Natima Neily
Filmed in Kisa Studios
💸 Help support the podcast to help bring better content: https://buymeacoffee.com/journeytellers
🔗 Available on all major podcast platforms: https://jtpodcast.com/
1 Apr 2023
Risks, Startups, and Unconventional Routes: The Journey of Ali Mir
For him, high school was not worth finishing. But he also dropped out of college. Why did he do it? How did he convince his parents? He had to prove that he had a goal. He had a vision. In today's episode, we talk to Ali Mir, also known as Ishraq Abidi. We learn how he set out on a journey to make his dreams a reality.
Hosted by M Hadi and Ali Almathkur
Featuring Ali Mir
Filmed in Kisa Studios
💸 Help support the podcast to help bring better content: https://buymeacoffee.com/journeytellers
🔗 Available on all major podcast platforms: https://jtpodcast.com/
24 Mar 2023
Entrepreneurs, Leaders, and Mentors: The Journey of Ahmad Ahmadzia
Starting a business at the age of 15 - it might seem tough. But most good entrepreneurs start at a young age. On today's episode, we interview Ahmad Ahmadzia. He’s a coach with a lot of stories to tell. And together, we learn from the journeys that he’s taken so far. Welcome to the Journey Tellers podcast, with your hosts, M Hadi and Ali Almathkur.
💸 Help support the podcast to help bring better content: https://buymeacoffee.com/journeytellers
🔗 Available on all major podcast platforms: https://jtpodcast.com/
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
88,552
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 41 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
38
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
32
Contact Journey Tellers
Guest appearances
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