A PODvocative person is one who confronts the unconventional with courage. Each week, NYC-based millennials Farheen and Sheetal will host a “PODvocateur” to share their unique perspectives. Through this exchange, we hope to foster a sense of togetherness and understanding, acknowledging that each of us has something to learn from seemingly ordinary people, who share their extraordinary points of view.
We spotlight Ismaili Muslim voices, those that bravely confront topics that may be traditionally taboo or unaddressed within the community. These Ismaili PODvocateurs are offering their unfiltered outlooks, with guests including LGBTQ+, nonpracticing, mid-thirties-and-single, and many other Ismailis. We hope you will hear and learn from their stories, and, in doing so, continue to be unapologetically PODvocative yourselves.
Sonya was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 29, with no family history. She found out she had cancer while she was out of town and doing a self examination in the shower. That self breast exam changed her life. Soon after, Sonya underwent chemo and treatment, and decided to shave her head to take control of potential side effects. Frustrated with her headware options, she then founded her own turban company and has since been featured in magazines and on runways.
Sonya has an incredible outlook on life and shares how she reframed her perspective in times of hardship. We absolutely loved learning from her resilience, and we’re confident you will too.
Footnote: Throughout the episode, we talk about some things that are specific to the Ismaili Muslim community. Firstly, we mention “Hazir Imam” or “the Imam." Hazir Imam is a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad and Ismaili Muslims consider him to be their spiritual leader. Additionally, we refer to “Didar,” which Sonya attended in Atlanta. Didar is a special and rare event for Ismaili Muslims as this is when they get to see their Imam in person and earn guidance and blessings.
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2 Feb 2021
Aaron on Growing Up with his Deaf-Blind Brother
In this week’s episode, we’re so excited to host Aaron! Aaron and his family became stronger as a unit in the face of adversity. Aaron’s older brother is both blind and deaf, and suffers from many other health issues as well. As a result, Aaron spent significant time in and out of hospitals growing up. This fueled his long-lasting passion for medicine, improving the patient experience, and eventually starting a mentorship organization called Prescribe it Forward.
Aaron chats with us about what growing up with his brother was like, what the Ismaili community has done well (and what it hasn’t) to include his brother, and how we can all be more empathetic to differently-abled individuals.
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19 Jan 2021
Aashna on Bullying & Body Acceptance
Content Warning: Bullying
From a young age, Aashna faced insecurities about her appearance and her body, feelings exacerbated by bullying and unwanted comments from peers in Jamatkhana, in addition to media and its unachievable beauty standards. It wasn't long before Aashna realized that her environment was negatively impacting her mental health, and she had to make a change.
Aashna embarked on a journey to body acceptance (not 'body positivity'). She learned to make difficult decisions about which individuals she needed to leave behind and which habits and practices worked well for her and her mental health.
Aashna shares how she has since learned to prioritize herself, find people who lift her up, and nurture her mental wellbeing. She shares her tips with us, as well as the important difference between body positivity and body acceptance.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
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