In this episode I had the pleasure to speak to Bareerah Ghani, where explore the layers of a writer's journey. From the intersections of immigration and identity to the nuances of what it takes to have your stories published in magazines. We also talk about our MFA experiences and what got from them.

Bareerah Ghani is a Canadian-Pakistani writer, reviewer, and editor with an MFA from George Mason University. Bareerah's writing has been featured in notable publications such as Scarlet Leaf Review, Kalopsia Literary Journal, and Second Chance Lit, among others.

Enjoy!

Timestamps:
0:00 promo
0:58 The value from talking to writers
2:20 Immigration, POC, and Muslim identity
4:20 How to ask good questions
6:08 Writing as a vehicle of change
10:00 The moment that shaped Bereerah as a writer
14:22 Why get an MFA in creative writing
18:12 What is it like to be in an MFA
22:05 What get's stories rejected from magazines
29:19 How to give others your writing to read
34:24 How do you now you should write longterm
37:24 The hardships of committing to becoming a writer
45:24 Fiction vs. Nonfiction and people's approval
50:50 Advice for aspiring writers

📚 Mentioned Books:
The Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss: https://amzn.to/46Tb3kY
Home is a Holiday by Mohamed Morshed: https://phoebejournal.com/home-is-a-holiday/
I Am an Executioner: Love Stories by by Rajesh Parameswaran: https://amzn.to/46UB3we
The Haunting of Hajji Hotak by Jamil Jan Kochai: https://amzn.to/46Vy6vh
Such Big Dreams by Reema Patel: https://amzn.to/3QjP13z
Between Two Moons by by Aisha Abdel Gawad: https://amzn.to/47gWhEa

🔗 CONNECT WITH Bereerah
Website: https://bareerahghani.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bareerah_ghani/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bareera_yg

🔗 CONNECT WITH MOHAMED
Join Our Newsletter: https://www.mohamedsmorshed.com/newsletter/
YouTube Channel: @mohamedsmorshed
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mohamedsmorshed
Website: https://www.mohamedsmorshed.com/tag/podcast

🎙️ABOUT THE PODCAST

Hazawi Podcast demystifies the writing and publishing process. It’s for emerging writers who want to improve their writing, discover the roadmap to publishing their work, and explore diverse writing careers.

🤝LEAVE A REVIEW

If you enjoyed this episode give the podcast a 5-star review on Spotify to be part of its growth

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hazawi-podcast/id1645790556
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LOnODlp3DVg6Fa2Nos5aS?si=348a0222e8f94fb9

🙏Thank you for listening and keep on creating.

Hajera is a writer, a creative writing teacher, and an editor. She makes craft accessible and the writing process seem less daunting. Whenever I feel like my writing is not working, I check out her Instagram page.

In our conversation, we dive into topics ranging from her writing routine, questions she get asked by students, MFA programs, the editing process and more.

Enjoy!

Timestamps:
0:00 promo
0:52 Why do we write stories?
6:20 The not-born writers
10:10 Reading white characters as a child
15:58 Who is a writer
19:35 Is blogging dead and where to write
29:38 How to be vulnerable in your writing
33:40 How to discover your voice
40:24 Is it necessary to get an MFA
49:08 Hajerah’s writing schedule
58:05 The importance of journaling
1:01:20 How well you know your characters
1:09:00 Reach out those you admire
1:10:00 the editing process
1:16:18 Where to submit stories to
1:21:12 How to find motivation to write


🔗 CONNECT WITH HAJERA
Website: https://hajerakhaja.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hajera.khaja/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hajerakhaja


🔗 CONNECT WITH MOHAMED
Join Our Newsletter: https://www.mohamedsmorshed.com/newsletter/
YouTube Channel: @mohamedsmorshed
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mohamedsmorshed
Website: https://www.mohamedsmorshed.com/tag/podcast

🎙️ABOUT THE PODCAST

Hazawi Podcast demystifies the writing and publishing process. It’s for emerging writers who want to improve their writing, discover the roadmap to publishing their work, and explore diverse writing careers.

🤝LEAVE A REVIEW

If you enjoyed this episode give the podcast a 5-star review on Spotify to be part of its growth

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LOnODl...

🙏Thank you for listening and keep writing.

Rakaya is an award-winning poet, facilitator, event producer, and writer who explores themes of faith identity, and culture. She holds a master's degree in creative writing. You can watch her performances on YouTube (linked below). Rakaya has been commissioned by organizations like the BBC, Facebook, and Instagram.

In our conversation, we dive into topics ranging from her experiences as a third-generation immigrant to her poetry, the writing and editing process, and storytelling in both spoken and written form. This episode is filled with valuable insights.

Enjoy!

Timestamps:
0:00 Promo
1:49 Poetry Inspiration
3:19 Arabic Poetry
6:16 Poetry Themes and Audience
10:34 The Arts and Immigration
12:46 Generational Gap
14:10 Positivity in Rakaya's Poems
6:18 How to Find Your Voice
20:31 The Value of Workshops
24:46 The Question of Audience
28:09 The Danger of Writing for Audience Outside Your Culture
44:38 Storytelling in Poetry
46:28 How to Tell a Story
55:11 Advice for All Writers


🔗 CONNECT WITH RAKAYA
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/rakayaesime
Website: https://taplink.cc/rakayaesime
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rakayaesime/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rakaya_esime?lang=en
TikTok:

🔗 CONNECT WITH MOHAMED
Join Our Newsletter: https://www.mohamedsmorshed.com/newsletter/
YouTube Channel: @mohamedsmorshed
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mohamedsmorshed
Website: https://www.mohamedsmorshed.com/tag/podcast

🎙️ABOUT THE PODCAST

Hazawi Podcast demystifies the writing and publishing process. It’s for emerging writers who want to improve their writing, discover the roadmap to publishing their work, and explore diverse writing careers.

🤝LEAVE A REVIEW

If you enjoyed this episode give the podcast a 5-star review on Spotify to be part of its growth

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LOnODl...

🙏Thank you for listening and keep on creating.

Every aspiring writer will question whether they should self-publish their book or go through the traditional publishing route. In this episode, I speak to the poet F.S. Yousaf, who has experienced both self-publishing and traditional publishing, as he shares the advantages and disadvantages of both worlds. We also delve into the world of poetry, discussing his writing process, routine, photography, social media and much more.

F.S. Yousaf is the author of four poetry books and has a background in teaching. Currently, he dedicates his time to writing full-time.

Enjoy!

Timestamps:
0:00 Promo
1:07 Yousaf background
3:50 When poetry were born
14:40 Immigrant parents and children’s dreams
26:50 Art, making money, and social media
44:52 Self publishing
49:39 Self vs Traditional Publishing
1:00:50 Audience after publishing
1:02:20 Writing full time, process
1:14:04 Film cameras and photography


🔗 CONNECT WITH YOUSAF
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/fs.yousaf
Website: https://www.fsyousaf.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fs.yousaf/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fsyousaf_
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fs.yousaf

🔗 CONNECT WITH HAZAWI
Join our newsletter: https://www.mohamedsmorshed.com/newsletter
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@HazawiStories
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HazawiStories
Website: https://www.mohamedsmorshed.com/tag/podcast/



📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED
Serenity: Poems: https://amzn.to/3OwL5Nb
Euphoria: https://amzn.to/3YcNsrR
Sincerely: https://amzn.to/43Mlg0a
Prayers of My Youth: https://amzn.to/3YdPUyr


🎙️ABOUT THE PODCAST

Hazawi Podcast demystifies the writing and publishing process. It’s for emerging writers who want to improve their writing, discover the roadmap to publishing their work, and explore diverse writing careers.

🤝LEAVE A REVIEW

If you enjoyed this episode give the podcast a 5-star review on Spotify to be part of its growth

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hazawi-podcast/id1645790556
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LOnODlp3DVg6Fa2Nos5aS?si=348a0222e8f94fb9

🙏Thank you for listening and keep on creating.

The stories we read during our childhood, the places we visit, and the challenges we overcome are all the bedrock of our upbringing; they shape our adulthood. In this episode, I speak to Jasmine Bager about her experience as a Saudi journalist, her upbringing, education, and writing on arts and culture. During our conversation, we uncover the inspirational stories that have shaped Jasmine's journey.

Jasmine Bager is a journalist from Saudi Arabia. She has an art degree, and she writes about women and the arts with a focus on the Middle East. She was one of the first Saudis to earn a degree from Columbia Journalism School. Her work has appeared in TIME, BBC, Refinery29, and Architectural Record.

Enjoy!

Timestamps:
0:00 Promo
1:04 What is Hazawi?
2:09 Jasmine's Upbringing
12:33 Imitating Other Writers
15:00 How to Find Your Writing Style
16:08 Who Does Jasmine Write for (Audience)
17:23 How to Make Your Writing Fit the Magazine You Submit to
25:34 How Much You Should Put Online About Yourself
29:04 What Makes A Journalism Piece Successful
33:10 Structuring Stories
36:27 Where to Find Stories
42:38 Finding a Writing Community
47:53 What Does Jasmine Hopes Readers Feel
50:56 Advice for Young Writers


🔗 CONNECT WITH JASMINE
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasminebager/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JasmineBager?s=20

🔗 CONNECT WITH HAZAWI
Join our newsletter: https://www.mohamedsmorshed.com/newsletter
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@HazawiStories
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HazawiStories
Website: https://www.mohamedsmorshed.com/tag/podcast/


🎙️ABOUT THE PODCAST

Hazawi Podcast demystifies the writing and publishing process. It’s for emerging Muslim writers who want to improve their writing, discover the roadmap to publishing their work, and explore diverse writing careers.

🤝LEAVE A REVIEW

If you enjoyed this episode give the podcast a 5-star review on Spotify to be part of its growth

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hazawi-podcast/id1645790556
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LOnODlp3DVg6Fa2Nos5aS?si=348a0222e8f94fb9

🙏Thank you for listening and keep on creating.

We underestimate the power of words, even though they’re the bedrock of change. In this episode I speak to Zainab Iqbal about her experience as a Muslim journalist, and how she uses her words to tell stories that gets overlooked by the mainstream media. Zainab is a powerful voice, who puts her Muslim Identity before every word she writes.

We spoke about the challenges she faces as a Muslim journalist, including Islamophobia and women rights. We also spoke about representation, and how it is important for people to see themselves reflected in the media. Zainab is an inspiration to us all, and she is a reminder that words have the power to change the world.

Enjoy!

Timestamps:
0:00 Promo
0:42 Zainab’s upbringing
3:08 First Stories Zainab Wrote
4:10 From Fiction to Journalism
6:07 What Does it Mean to be a Muslim Woman Journalist
8:45 Andrew Tate and Objectivity in Journalism
11:27 Chatgpt, AI, and the Future of Journalism
12:42 What Drew Zainab to Journalism
20:19 How to Deal with Criticism
22:53 How to Ask Good Questions
26:52 The Best Story Zainab Ever Wrote
28:07 How Stories Lead to Change
33:00 The Process of Writing and Publishing a Story in Journalism
35:06 Different Forms of Stories in Journalism
38:12 The Writing in Journalism
41:33 Zainab’s Writing Process
44:58 The Misrepresentation of Palestinians in the Media
52:29 Brooklyn Restaurant Recommendation
53:59 Favorite Books
54:36 Advice for Aspiring Journalists

🔗 CONNECT WITH Zainab
Website: https://www.middleeasteye.net/users/zainab-iqbal
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zai.nabee/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/planetzainab?s=20
Photography Page: https://www.instagram.com/zainabshoots/

🔗 CONNECT WITH HAZAWI
Join my community: https://www.mohamedthewriter.com/#/po...
YouTube Channel: @HazawiStories
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HazawiStories
Website: https://www.mohamedsmorshed.com/tag/podcast/


📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED

The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told to Alex Haley: https://a.co/d/7Vv90BP
Lost Islamic History: Reclaiming Muslim Civilisation from the Past by Firas Alkhateeb: https://a.co/d/dh72wkl

🎙️ABOUT THE PODCAST

Hazawi Podcast demystifies the writing and publishing process. It’s for emerging Muslim writers who want to improve their writing, discover the roadmap to publishing their work, and explore diverse writing careers.

🤝LEAVE A REVIEW

If you enjoyed this episode give the podcast a 5 star review on Spotify to be part of it’s growth

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hazawi-podcast/id1645790556
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LOnODlp3DVg6Fa2Nos5aS?si=348a0222e8f94fb9

🙏Thank you for listening and keep on creating.

We often take our bodies for granted. In this episode, I had the pleasure to speak with my friend Navid, who is a personal trainer, motivational speaker, and positive human being. In our conversation we covered his body-building journey, the car accident that changed his perspective on coaching methods, how to prepare and enjoy Ramadan, and more.

🔗 CONNECT WITH NAVID
Website: https://www.navidfitness.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/navidfitness/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/navidfitness

🔗 CONNECT WITH HAZAWI

Join my community: https://www.mohamedthewriter.com/#/po...
YouTube Channel:@HazawiStories
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HazawiStories
Website: https://www.mohamedthewriter.com/

📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED
Set Boundaries, Find Peace: https://a.co/d/2l76lHK
The Compound Effect: https://a.co/d/fIA2zQs

🤝LEAVE A REVIEW

✍️Full Show Notes: https://www.mohamedthewriter.com/8/

🙏Thank you for listening and keep on creating

We're always wondering what to do next, or whether we are in the right career path or not. Rafiul Prodhan is one of those people that has done it all. From corporate, running his own company, to real estate. He's not afraid to start something new and takes pleasure in the learning process. Rafiul is a friend, and someone I admire. In our conversation we talk about his journey in the corporate world, traveling to get to oneself, starting a new career without any experience, and the state of the housing market today.

0:00 Intro
1:12 Childhood TV Shows
2:13 Making Career Transition
4:40 Why Real Estate is a Cool Profession
10:44 Pandemic Effect on Real Estate
18:46 Quitting Corporate
26:30 Create an Emergency Fund Before Perusing Passion
27:15 Real Estate: Is This a Good Time to Buy?
29:41 Buying a Single or Multi-Family Home in NYC
32:18 How to Determine Mortgage Rates
35:05 Traditional Vs Sharia-Compliant Mortgages
45:35 Hardest Aspect of Being a Realtor
47:22 What it Takes...
49:15 Advice for Younger Self
54:17 AI and Future of Jobs
1:01:27 Conclusion


🔗 CONNECT WITH RAFIUL
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rafiulprodhan/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafiulpro...

🔗 CONNECT WITH MOHAMED
Join my community: https://www.mohamedthewriter.com/#/po...
YouTube Channel: @HazawiPodcast
Instagram: