This Being Human

Before the Aga Khan Museum became a landmark in Toronto, it started with a letter about light.In this episode of This Being Human, host Mai Habib sits down with principal architect Gary Kamemoto, who led the Museum’s design alongside the late Fumihiko Maki. He shares how that single idea—light—shaped everything, from the building’s geometry and materials to the way you move through the space.Along the way, you get a closer look at the thinking behind the Aga Khan Museum’s architecture, and how it draws on Islamic design and ideas of pluralism to create something that feels both timeless and distinctly contemporary.Gary also gets into the details you’d likely miss on a first visit: patterns that shift with the sun, geometry hiding in plain sight, and a subtle architectural tribute woven into the building itself—details that, once you know they’re there, change how you see it.*The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.*Links & Resources:This was just one example of Muslim art that sparked curiosity and a great conversation. There is so much more to see at the Aga Khan Museum. Support the museum's vision to impact lives and contribute to more inclusive and peaceful societies. Go to agakhanmuseum.org to plan your visit or make a donation.Read more from Gary Kamemoto on the partnership between Maki and Associates and the AKDNCheck out this episode in full video.Key Moments[0:10] Introduction to This Being Human and the Aga Khan Museum as an architectural masterpiece[1:16] Gary Kamemoto on his background and navigating identity between cultures[3:46] The origin story: from the Delegation Building to the museum project[6:58] Working with His Highness the Aga Khan as a patron of architecture[8:56] The “letter about light” as an unconventional design brief[11:37] Reimagining the 17-acre site: why the garden—not the building—became central[18:38] Pluralism as process: translating philosophy into physical space[23:20] Designing for discovery: how the museum reveals itself over time[27:42] Hidden details: symbolism, geometry, and the significance of the number seven[31:18] Closing reflections on legacy, collaboration, and the museum’s ongoing life Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New host. New format. Now on video.Welcome to the relaunch of This Being Human, the Aga Khan Museum’s podcast about Muslim art, global cultures and how we’re all connected. This season, new host Mai Habib talks with inspiring artists, writers, designers, and creators from across the Muslim world and beyond.Subscribe on YouTube so you don't miss a single video episode.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Yousuf Bashir Qureshi, known to many as YBQ, a visionary artist whose work blends music, culture, and storytelling to craft a truly global sound. From his roots to his rise, YBQ shares his journey of artistic discovery, the influences that shaped his music, and the profound themes of identity, belonging, and transformation that echo through his work. Whether you're a fan of his genre-bending soundscapes or curious about how art can bridge cultural divides, this episode will leave you inspired and enlightened. Tune in for an intimate, reflective conversation that celebrates creativity, resilience, and the power of connection.Learn more about YBQ's work at https://www.ybqds.com.If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hisham Matar joins This Being Human to discuss his latest novel, My Friends. He reflects on themes of friendship, exile, and the complexities of writing from the margins. Matar shares how his work explores life's central question: How might we live? Through meditations on cities, memory, and the human condition, he offers a tender and profound view of what it means to connect with others. To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey. If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of This Being Human, host Abdul-Rehman Malik sits down with Krista Tippett, the celebrated creator of On Being. Known for her gift of drawing out insights from some of the world's most profound thinkers, Krista reflects on her journey through wisdom, love, and radical listening. She shares what it means to pursue understanding in a time when we are overloaded with information, and how her approach to conversations invites us to open up to life's mystery and grace. Krista also shares the unexpected joy of new love in her life and how it has deepened her sense of connection and presence. Join us for an intimate, timeless conversation with one of today's most trusted voices in exploring what it means to truly be human. Learn more about Krista's work at onbeing.org. To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey. If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with writer, editor, and librarian Saima Hussain. From her book The Arab World Thought of It: Inventions, Innovations and Amazing Facts, to the anthology The Muslimah Who Fell to Earth, Saima's work uncovers the forgotten contributions and personal stories of Muslim cultures. She shares her journey from Pakistan to Canada, her reflections on the power of storytelling, and how libraries serve as spaces for connection, learning, and equality. Saima also discusses the importance of oral histories, the complexities of identity, and her mission to make knowledge accessible to everyone, especially through her work with young people in library spaces. To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey. If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Marguerite Richards, editor of The Ordinary Chaos of Being Human, an anthology of personal stories from around the world. Marguerite opens up about her love for helping writers bring their visions to life, the intimate relationship between editor and author, and the power of memoir in understanding our shared humanity. We also explore themes of identity, home, and connection across cultures. Listen in for an inspiring conversation about storytelling and the human experience. Learn more about Marguerite's work at margueriterichards.com. To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey. If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we journey into the heart of Qawwali with Bilal Chishty, a descendent of the great Chishti Sufi lineage and a musician devoted to preserving this sacred art form. In this episode, Bilal shares his stories of learning under Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, reflects on the history of Qawwali, and discusses the delicate balance between maintaining tradition and embracing modernity. We explore the profound spiritual power of Sufi music and Bilal’s mission to keep this timeless tradition alive.Listen in for an inspiring conversation on music, mysticism, and the search for divine love.Follow Bilal’s work on Instagram @dhruvsangarimusic, or listen to his music on Spotify by searching Dhruv Sangari.To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey.If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of This Being Human we sit down with Emma Clark, an expert in Islamic garden design, to explore her journey from a childhood surrounded by English gardens to her spiritual awakening through Islamic art and Sufism. Emma reflects on her time at the Royal College of Art, where she studied under the renowned Keith Critchlow, who introduced her to the beauty and meaning within Islamic art. She discusses how Sufism became her path to Islam, how it transformed her understanding of beauty and the natural world, and how she uses her designs to reflect paradise on Earth.Learn more about Emma’s work and her philosophy of garden design at emma-clark.comTo fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey.If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for a captivating conversation with Art Fazil, as we explore his journey through the rich cultural tapestry of Nusantara. Celebrating 30 years of his self-titled debut album, Art shares insights into his timeless music, the influence of Malay folk traditions, and his unique blend of global sounds. Dive into the history of Nusantara, the significance of traditional songs like "Rasa Sayang," and the impact of spirituality on Art's work. This episode offers a deep dive into Art's role as a cultural ambassador and educator, preserving and innovating the musical heritage of Southeast Asia. Listen and be inspired by Art's stories, reflections, and his commitment to creating meaningful art.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we delve into the life and career of Kazem Abdullah, exploring his path from a clarinetist to a prominent conductor. We will discuss his notable achievements, including his tenure as Generalmusikdirektor in Aachen, Germany, and his pioneering work in bringing contemporary and diverse repertoires to traditional concert halls. Kazem's work with American operas and his efforts to expand the American repertoire will be highlighted, showcasing his dedication to both classical and modern music. You can learn more about Kazem's work at kazemabdullah.comTo fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghumanThe Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nasir Sirikhan and Abdul-Rehman Malik discuss Nasir's viral wedding dance video and the joy and connection it brought to millions of viewers. They talk about the origins of QuickStyle and how Nasir, Suleiman, and Bilal met and formed their dance crew. Nasir shares the emotional journey of performing and the camaraderie among the group. They also discuss the influence of hip-hop and their love for music in their dance style. Nasir Sirikhan, a member of the dance crew Quick Style, discusses his background growing up in Oslo as a Thai Pakistani kid and the diverse cultural influences he experienced. He explains how Quick Style Studio was born and how they decided to build community by teaching dance to young students. Nasir Sirikhan discusses the power of dance to connect people and break down barriers. He shares his experiences of witnessing love and unity in different cultures and how it has shaped his perspective. Nasir also reflects on his personal growth as a dancer and artist, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and finding his own unique style. He describes dance as a spiritual practice that allows him to connect with his emotions and find strength and hope in difficult times. Nasir and Abdul-Rehman Malik discuss the significance of movement in human expression and the role of dance in bringing joy and inspiration to the world.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we sit down with renowned contemporary artist Faig Ahmed, celebrated for his revolutionary approach to traditional Azerbaijani carpet weaving. Faig’s work transcends cultural and artistic boundaries, creating a unique dialogue between the ancient and the modern.We delve into his artistic journey, exploring the inspirations and creative processes behind his avant-garde masterpieces. Faig shares how he deconstructs and reimagines centuries-old patterns, blending historical craftsmanship with contemporary artistry to challenge our perceptions of tradition and modernity.Join us for an enlightening conversation as we uncover the profound cultural significance of Faig’s work and the message he hopes to convey through his transformative pieces.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of This Being Human, Abdul-Rehman Malik sits down with Aanchal Malhotra, author and oral historian, to explore the emotional legacies of the partition of India and Pakistan. Aanchal shares personal stories, insights from her books "Remnants of Separation, In the Language of Remembering, and The Book of Everlasting Things, and reflects on the importance of documenting personal histories. Join us as we delve into the human side of history and its impact on our present and future.To learn more about Aanchal's work, you can check out aanchalmalhotra.com or museumofmaterialmemory.com.To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey.If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of "This Being Human," we sit down with Deeyah Khan, an acclaimed filmmaker and activist renowned for her transformative documentaries. Deeyah shares her remarkable journey from being a music artist to becoming a powerful voice against extremism through film. Growing up as a Norwegian of Pakistani descent, she faced significant cultural and racial challenges that shaped her worldview and ignited her passion for storytelling. Deeyah recounts her transition from music to filmmaking, driven by a desire to address critical social issues and humanize those often seen as enemies.Deeyah delves into her profound experiences engaging with white supremacists and jihadis, offering an unfiltered look at the roots of their beliefs and the power of empathy. Her films, including encounters with former extremists, have not only shed light on the psychology of hate but have also sparked moments of transformation for her subjects. Through heartfelt dialogue and unwavering courage, Deeyah's work demonstrates the possibility of change and understanding even in the most polarized situations.Throughout the conversation, Deeyah reflects on the importance of empathy, love, and humanizing others as acts of defiance and resistance. She discusses the personal impact of her work, including how motherhood has deepened her commitment to creating a better world. This episode offers a powerful exploration of art as activism and the enduring hope that comes from seeing beyond hatred to our shared humanity. Join us as we uncover the stories behind Deeyah Khan's impactful films and her unwavering belief in the transformative power of empathy.To learn more, visit deeyah.comTo fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey.If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of This Being Human we sit down with dina Amin, an innovative stop motion artist from Cairo, Egypt. dina shares her unique journey from studying Industrial Design in Malaysia to creating her acclaimed Instagram series, 'Tinker Friday.' Through 'Tinker Friday,' she combines her design expertise with animation to reveal the hidden intricacies of everyday objects, shedding light on consumerism in a captivating and educational way. We delve into the foundation of dina's Tinker Studio, where she produces imaginative stop motion videos for a diverse range of clients, including Vice TV and Sony Alpha. dina discusses the creative process behind her work, how she has overcome challenges, and the satisfaction of bringing discarded items to life through storytelling. Her multidisciplinary approach, blending product design with animation, offers a fresh perspective on art and cultural commentary. Throughout the conversation, dina reflects on how her cultural background influences her work and shares valuable advice for aspiring artists. Join us for an insightful discussion that unveils the magic of stop motion and the power of reimagining the ordinary.To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey.If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we delve into the artistic universe of Refik Anadol, a Turkish-American new media artist renowned for his innovative use of data-driven machine learning algorithms in art. From his early days in Istanbul to his advanced studies and creative endeavors in Los Angeles, we explore the formative experiences that shaped his pioneering approach to digital art. Refik discusses his groundbreaking projects like "Machine Hallucination" and "Virtual Depictions," revealing how he transforms abstract data into immersive, sensory experiences that challenge traditional notions of art and space. The episode also highlights his cultural collaborations and the impact of his work on global art narratives, all while contemplating the evolving role of artists in our technology-driven world. Join us as we journey through Refik Anadol's vision, where data not only informs but also inspires the future of artistic expression.To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey.If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of This Being Human, we speak with Alia Syed, a British experimental filmmaker whose work has been shown all around the art world for the last 25 years. Born in 1964 in Swansea to a Welsh mother and Indian father, Alia uses her film cameras to meditate on issues of subjectivity and narrative, identity and memory. Her films have been shown at numerous institutions around the world including BBC Arts Online, the Museum of Modern Art, New York ; Museo National Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, Madrid ; XV Sydney Biennale ; Tate Modern, as well as several solo exhibitions at the Talwar Gallery in New York and New Delhi.To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey.If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saks Afridi is an artist who refers to his work as ,scfi-fi sufism., His pieces include prayer rugs depicting UFOs, visual art that blends images of circuitry with classic Islamic design, and an extensive, multi-disciplinary project based on a mythological world that he calls Space Mosque. Saks talks about blending the spiritual with the speculative, why the idea of prayer factors into so much of his work, and how his day job in advertising informs his art practice.To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey.If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of This Being Human we delve deep into the profound significance of poetry in modernity through the lens of renowned poet and artist, Amir Sulaiman. Hailing from Rochester, New York, Amir's poetic journey has traversed continents, resonating with audiences globally. From his exploration of existential inquiries to the unraveling of universal themes such as love, spirituality, and human connection, Amir's verse serves as a sacred mirror reflecting the complexities of the human soul. Traversing continents with Amir's poetic resonance and universal appeal, we explore how poetry serves as a bridge, transcending cultural boundaries and uniting hearts across the expanse of our shared humanity, and how personally it's led him to collaborate with other celebrated artists like Ramy Youssef, Dave Chappelle, and Robert Glasper. As we contemplate the future of poetry in the digital age, Amir envisions its continued relevance as a guiding light amidst the complexities of modern life, serving as a compass for the human spirit amidst the noise and chaos of contemporary society.To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey.If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kiran Ahluwalia is a true innovator-her songs blend the music of India with influences from Mali and western blues, rock, R&B and jazz to create a sound unlike any other artist. Over the last two decades, Kiran has studied under masters of classical Indian music and collaborated with iconic North African artists, most notably the iconic desert blues group Tinariwen. On this episode, she talks about her new single, Pancake, her decision to leave her career in Canada to study music in India, and her family's experience of the partition of India.To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey.If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet Jude Chehab, the rising-star filmmaker whose debut documentary “Q” is making waves in the industry! Named one of Vogue Magazine’s top documentaries of 2023, “Q” paints a mesmerizing portrait of her mother’s relationship to an all-female religious group in Lebanon. It has won multiple awards including Best New Documentary Director at the Tribeca Film Festival, a Cinema Eye Honor, and earned Jude her spot on DOCNYC’s ’40 under 40′ list. This week on the podcast, Jude tells us how she learned to weave a story that retains some level of mystery, but is grounded in humanity, as she learned from one of her film teachers, the legendary Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami.You can learn more about Jude's work at www.judechehab.com.To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey.If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Haroon Siddiqui has had many titles. Reporter, columnist, editor... the list goes on. He can now add author to his resume with the release of his memoir "My Name is Not Harry". It's a profound reflection on his career, Canadian values, his immigrant superpowers and the role he believes luck, or perhaps divine destiny, has played in his incredible life.To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey.If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new season of This Being Human is almost here! We'll be back soon with more fascinating conversations with amazing people whose lives, ideas, and art have been shaped by Muslim culture.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sandra Saenz joins us to talk about the art of makeup, navigating the world of beauty as a Mexican Muslim, and her first video art exhibition.She is the first Mexican hijabi makeup artist to secure agency representation in the USA. Her work has been featured in magazines and advertisements worldwide for Sephora. She's currently a Global Brand Ambassador for KVD Beauty.To fill out our listener survey, go to agakhanmuseum.org/tbhsurvey.If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human, and The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human Season 3. This Being Human is proudly presented in partnership with TVO. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Photographer Hassan Hajjaj has an iconic style that blends elements of pop art, hip hop culture and North African fashion. It spans series like Kesh Angels, which depicts biker women in Marakesh, as well as celebrity photoshoots and album art.He joins AR to talk about developing his unique style, his initial reluctance to call himself an artist, and how he's seen the photography world change for the next generation.  See more of Hassan Hajjaj's work here:https://www.193gallery.com/artists/84-hassan-hajjaj/overview/  Or on his Instagram page:https://www.instagram.com/hassanhajjaj_larache/?hl=en  If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human, and The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human Season 3. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Egyptian artist Wael Shawky explores the connections between history and myth. His work includes installations and sculpture, as well as films like Cabaret Crusades and I Am Hymns of the New Temple, which use marionettes to revisit big moments in history from a new perspective.If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human, and The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human Season 3. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shezad Dawood is a multidisciplinary artist whose work blends stories, reality and symbolism to engage with big questions about humanity, and explore alternative futures.He speaks about his latest project, Night in the Garden of Love, an immersive experience that uses virtual reality to bring visitors into a fantastical world. It's based on a science fiction novella of the same name by the late musician and polymath Yusef Lateef. Shezad talks about Lateef's unique view of the world, collaborating with an artist who he never met, and his own lifelong discomfort with choosing an artistic medium.If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human, and The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human Season 3. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marina Tabassum is a Bangladeshi architect whose work includes Bangladesh's underground Museum of Independence and the award-winning Bait Ur Rouf mosque. She talks about working with local materials, the rich landscape of Bangladesh's capital city, Dhaka, and how architects should embrace social responsibility, as with her $200 houses for displaced Bangladeshis.Marina Tabassum is the founder of Marina Tabassum Architects and the academic director of the Bengal Institute for Architecture, Landscapes and Settlements.This episode originally aired in November, 2021.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human, and The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human Season 3. This Being Human is proudly presented in partnership with TVO. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kameelah Janan Rasheed is an artist whose work focuses on Black knowledge production, re-shaping history, and unlearning the things we think we know. Her projects, spanning photography, installations, text, sound, and more, have been shown around the globe and earned her a 2021 Guggenheim Fellowship. She joins us to talk about resisting easy definitions, finding new ways to think about the marks that we leave on the world, and her lifelong engagement with emerging technologies.If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghuman.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human, and The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human Season 3. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ausma Malik was the first woman in a hijab to be elected to public office in Canada, and the first Muslim-identifying, hijab-wearing woman on Toronto city council. She was recently appointed Deputy Mayor of Toronto.She also happens to be the sister of This Being Human host Abdul-Rehman Malik. In this episode, A.R. asks Ausma the questions only a brother can ask. She talks about some of the pivotal moments that sent her down her current path, her reluctant entrance to politics, and how family and art shaped her values.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human, and The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human Season 3. This Being Human is proudly presented in partnership with TVO. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Pakistan's first female architect, Yasmeen Lari left a major imprint on the country's visual identity, with modern buildings like the Finance and Trade Centre, the Taj Mahal Hotel in Karachi, and the Pakistan State Oil Head Office. But her career later took a turn from working for the powerful few, towards assisting the most vulnerable members of society. She now focuses on the intersection of architecture, environmental activism and social justice, working to build sustainable structures for displaced people and helping to set up self-sufficient economies. She calls her approach Barefoot Social Architecture.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human, and The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human Season 3. This Being Human is proudly presented in partnership with TVO. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mokhtar Alkhanshali is a coffee historian, entrepreneur, and innovator. After several years as a community organizer working on civil rights issues affecting immigrant communities, Mokhtar began focusing on his family’s roots as coffee farmers in Yemen. Seeking to reverse Yemen’s nearly lost art of coffee cultivation, he started his own coffee company, Port of Mokha. His work has been described as the spark that ignited the Yemeni coffee revolution. Mokhtar’s life and journey was immortalized in Dave Eggers’s book, The Monk of Mokha. In this episode, he talks to Abdul-Rehman about this journey, which continues ten years on.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human, and The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human Season 3. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Humaira Abid gathers ordinary objects from everyday life and transforms them into something extraordinary. Her wood sculpture and paintings — known for their intricate details — depict human relationships and contain strong social messages around topics like motherhood and the plight of refugees. In this episode of This Being Human, Humaira talks to Abdul-Rehman about why she chose the male-dominated craft of wood sculpture to tell stories about women and how she uses her art to encourage conversations about taboo topics.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human, and The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human Season 3.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jamaluddin Aram is a documentary filmmaker, producer, and writer from Kabul, Afghanistan. He is the associate producer of the Academy Award-nominated film Buzkashi Boys, and his debut novel, Nothing Good Happens in Wazirabad on Wednesday was published in June, 2023. On this episode of This Being Human, Abdul-Rehman and Jamaluddin discuss how he fell in love with writing, the complexity of war stories, and his experience growing up in Afghanistan.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human, and The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human Season 3. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shahjehan is a voice-over artist, actor, and musician based in Boston. He is the current host of the award-winning King of the World Podcast, where he explores his life as a Pakistani American Muslim. In this episode of This Being Human, Shahjehan Khan reflects on his history with music, addiction and identity in post-9/11 America. He and Abdul-Rehman talk about his time with the seminal Muslim punk band The Kominas, mental health, his attempt to find himself while living in Pakistan, and where he stands today, as an aging punk rocker who’s finding a new path in acting and producing.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human, and The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human Season 3.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zakir Hussain’s name is practically synonymous with the tablas. His work ranges from classical Indian compositions to Hollywood film scores to collaborations with rockstars like George Harrison and Van Morrison. His latest albums are the collaboration As We Speak and Shakti’s This Moment. In this episode, Zakir Hussain talks to Abdul-Rehman about how his craft continues to evolve at the age of 72, his father Alla Rakha who introduced tablas to the West, his mother’s crucial role in his career, and what prevented him from becoming a rock drummer.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human, and The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human Season 3. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Deqo Mohamed spent her teen years coordinating with NGOs, teaching, and arranging breakfast for thousands of displaced people. That’s because her mother, Dr. Hawa Abdi, was the founder of a sanctuary in Somalia called Hope Village. The village provided healthcare, education and more to 90,000 people during its peak. It earned Dr. Habdi a nomination for a Nobel Peace Prize. In this episode, Dr. Deqo Mohamed speaks candidly about growing up in Hope Village, sharing her mom with thousands of others, and how she and her sister are carrying on the family legacy.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human, and The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human Season 3. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nazeem Hussain has fast become one of the biggest stars of Australian comedy, and a much-loved television and radio personality. He is the creator and star of two television comedy shows, Legally Brown (2013-14) and Orange Is the New Brown (2018). Nazeem’s Netflix special ‘Nazeem Hussain: Public Frenemy’, filmed in Montreal at the Just for Laughs Festival, started streaming globally in 2019, introducing Nazeem to a legion of new fans, and critical acclaim. He has recently released the children’s book Hy-Larious Hyena! and is currently working on the sequel. Nazeem talks to AR about being an outsider who broke through in Australia’s comedy scene.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human, and The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human Season 3.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Noor is an award-winning journalist and producer, a touring speaker for over 10 years, and has told stories in every medium, from radio and print to documentaries and brand campaigns. In 2019, Noor founded At Your Service Imprint, a consulting and production company telling representative stories as a form of service. In 2022, Noor launched her investigative series Rep, in partnership with iHeartMedia, a story about the stories we tell. She joins AR to talk about why she stopped worrying about representing others – and started creating spaces for people to tell stories on their own terms.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human, and The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human Season 3. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murad Subay is a street artist from Yemen. His campaigns such as “Faces of War,” “Ruin” and “Color the Walls of Your Street” reflect his experiences living through revolution and war. He talks to AR about what drives him to paint, his mixed feelings about being called the “Yemeni Banksy,” and about collaborating with the public on his work.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human, and The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human Season 3. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The heavy metal band Voice of Baceprot was formed by three middle schoolers in a small town in Indonesia. Over the years, they built an international following that includes rock legends like Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine, Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers and Slash from Guns N’ Roses. They joined AR from a studio in Jakarta, where they were at work on their debut album, to talk about falling in love with rock music, finding their voice, and how they overcame their families’ skepticism about their musical careers.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human, and The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human Season 3.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coleman Barks is an American poet and translator whose translations brought Jalaluddin Rumi, the 13th-Century Persian mystic, to mass contemporary audiences, turning him into one of the most popular poets in the modern English-speaking world. Barks’ free verse interpretations of Rumi have at times been the top-selling poetry books in America. Now 86 years old, Barks joins AR to talk about how he was given a mission to bring Rumi’s words to the masses, which turned into a lifelong pursuit. He also talks about how his interest lately has shifted from Rumi to Rumi’s teacher, Shams Tabrizi.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human, and The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human Season 3. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Abbas Rattani is an academic, entertainer, and founder of MIPSTERZ. He is a strong advocate for individuality and self-expression in minority communities. Abbas talks about co-founding the MIPSTERZ collective, and their decade-long mission to change the face of young Muslims in America. MIPSTERZ is a non-traditional arts and culture collective for emerging Muslim creatives that enables and amplifies Muslim creative voices by presenting and producing original works for general audiences.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human, and The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human Season 3. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Najwa Zebian is a bestselling writer of poetry and inspirational books, including Mind Platter and Welcome Home: A Guide to Building a Home for Your Soul. She also shares simple, yet profound words of wisdom with her 1.3 million Instagram followers.She speaks with raw honesty about how writing saved her from aimlessness, about her struggles immigrating to Canada as a teenager, and about where she finds the words that tell so many people what they need to hear at the right moment.FURTHER RESOURCES:You can learn more about Najwa’s work on her website: https://najwazebian.com/And follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/najwazebian/If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more, go to: agakhanmuseum.org/thisbeinghumanThe Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human, and The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human Season 3. This Being Human is proudly presented in partnership with TVO. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Being Human is coming back with more conversations from incredible people all over the world whose life, ideas and art are shaped by Muslim culture. Take a sneak peek at what we have waiting for you in Season 3. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leah V made her name as a Black, Muslim, plus-size model. She has worked on major campaigns for companies like Dove and Fitbit, while also being outspoken around issues she sees in the industry. Now, she’s also a sci-fi author. She recently released her debut novel, The Union, a dystopian thriller that turns contemporary notions around race and body size upside down. She talks to AR about her love of sci-fi, her inspiring career, and about having difficult conversations.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shanaaz Majiet is a disability rights advocate. Struck by a bullet at 17 years of age, she eventually returned to her studies, then went on to become National Advocacy manager for South Africa’s leading disability rights and inclusion organization, Disabled People South Africa. She is now a leading public policy thinker and city government troubleshooter in South Africa and her work is recognized around the world.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mariam Ghani is an artist, writer, and filmmaker. Her work looks at places, spaces and moments where social, political and cultural structures take on visible forms, and spans multiple disciplines.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charles Kettaneh and Nicolas Fayad are the founders of EAST Architecture Studio, an architectural design and research collective based in Beirut. They have worked on various projects ranging from master planning to interior design with a focus on sustainability, adaptive reuse, and history.The Museum wishes to thank Nadir and Shabin Mohamed for their founding support of This Being Human.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.