PODCAST

Me & My Muslim Friends

Yasmin Bendaas & North Carolina Public Radio

This podcast shares the nuanced experiences of my Muslim friends from the inside out. Ultimately, these are conversations on identity: who we are, in all of our diversity, while growing up against a media backdrop of everything we are not. Our goal is to give you thoughtful stories you can relate to, or maybe even something new to think about. And if you’re not Muslim, we made this podcast for you too. Whether or not you have a Muslim friend, you’ll find one here.

religion & spirituality islam

All Episodes

Muslim Women in Politics: Part I

Me & My Muslim Friends ·

2021/12/02

Guests Nida Allam and Lela Ali are two trailblazing Muslim women in politics. As Durham County Commissioner, Allam is the first Muslim woman elected to office in North Carolina, and she recently announced her bid for Congress (no big deal). Ali is Policy and Program Director at Muslim Women For, nurturing vibrant Muslim communities through grassroots organizing. In Part I, we discuss their motivations for entering politics and the challenges they face, including Islamophobia. Listener’s note: This

MENA, Whiteness & the US Census

Me & My Muslim Friends ·

2021/11/17

Guests Abdullah Dorgham and Ahmed Amer share the same confusion when filling out their race on forms. According to the US Census categories, those of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) descent are considered white. But Abdullah and Ahmed, who are of Palestinian and Egyptian descent, say that racial category misses the mark on their identity.

Season 2 Trailer. The Social Justice Season

Me & My Muslim Friends ·

2021/10/27

Coming up in Season 2, we’ll be talking about how social justice intersects with our faith. And with a community as diverse as ours, there is no shortage of causes to get behind. Join us as we discuss race and racism, pioneering Muslim women in politics, and our hopes for social justice here and abroad.

Season 1 Highlight. Black Muslims & Racism

Me & My Muslim Friends ·

2021/10/06

In this excerpt from Season 1, guests Eiman Ali and Nigel Edwards discuss the Black Muslim experience, including topics like their experiences of racism within the Muslim community, navigating their layered identities, and the challenges of an interracial marriage.

Season 1 Highlight. War & Mental Health

Me & My Muslim Friends ·

2021/09/29

In this excerpt from Season 1, guests Farris Barakat and Belal Ali discuss the emotional and personal consequences of wars in Syria and Iraq, their parents’ home countries.