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What does it really take to lead one of the most dynamic school districts in Michigan? In this episode of the MotivateMe313 Podcast, we sit down with Lamis Srour, Interim Superintendent of Dearborn Public Schools, to talk about the realities of leadership in education today.

From tackling post-pandemic bullying and chronic absenteeism to the harsh realities of funding and aging school buildings, we aren't holding back. Whether you're a parent, a teacher battling burnout, or just a Metro Detroit resident who cares about the future of our youth, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what happens inside the Superintendent's office. Lamis also shares her unique journey from 1998 to today, and why she chose to be a "bridge" for the district rather than taking the permanent job.

If you care about the future of the 313, hit that SUBSCRIBE button and join the conversation in the comments!

Episode Chapters: 0:00 - The Reality of Dearborn Public Schools 1:45 - Stepping Up: The Journey to Interim Superintendent 5:10 - Why She Didn't Want the Permanent Job 9:30 - From Top-Ranked Principal to District Administration 14:15 - The "Open-Door" Policy vs. Tough Executive Decisions 20:00 - How Dearborn is Tackling Bullying & Absenteeism 26:45 - The Hard Truth About Tax Levies & Aging Buildings 32:20 - The Biggest Misconception About the Superintendent 38:10 - The Educator Burnout Crisis & Advice for Young Leaders 44:00 - Final Word: The Legacy Left Behind Follow OZ Media Website: Ozmedia313.com

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This show was sponsored by:

-The Family Doc https://thefamilydocmi.com/

-Juice Box Juiceboxblend.com

-Holy Bowly http://www.myholybowly.com

-Wingfellas thewingfellas.com

-Hanley International Academy https://www.hanleyacademy.com

-Malek Al-Kabob malekalkabob.com

-Bayt Al Mocha https://baytalmocha.com/

-Chill Box https://www.chillboxstore.com/

-Royal Kabob https://www.royalkabob.com/

-GEE Preparatory Academy https://www.gee-edu.com/schools/geepreparatory/index

#DearbornMichigan #Podcast

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We live in an era of social media validation, hyper-career ambition, and constant digital overwhelm. For many young Muslims in the West, the 1,400-year-old text of the Quran can sometimes feel disconnected from the reality of 2026. But is society really outgrowing religion, or are we just misunderstanding it?

In this episode, Dr. Abdullah Haikal sits down with us to answer the tough questions. We discuss whether Islamic rulings are "outdated," how to balance modern intellect and science with faith, and the Quran's unique prescription for curing modern anxiety. Whether you struggle with understanding Arabic or are just trying to navigate today's culture without losing your faith, this conversation offers a practical roadmap back to the Quran.

Topics & Chapters: (Tip: Add the specific video timestamps like "04:30" next to these when uploading so YouTube creates interactive chapters!)

- Intro

- Proof the Quran's guidance was designed for 2026

- Science vs. Religion: Does the Quran challenge modern intellect?

- Are Islamic rulings "outdated" for the modern West?

- The new false idols: Social media validation & chasing wealth

- The Quranic cure for an overwhelmed and anxious mind

- Islamic ethics for how we use social media today

- Balancing modern career ambition with traditional family roles

- How to connect with the Quran if you don't speak Arabic

- The ONE verse every young Muslim needs to memorize today

- Final Word with Dr. Abdullah Haikal

Support the Show: Website: Ozmedia313.com

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- Instagram: @motivateme313 or @ozmedia313

- Website: ozmedia313.com

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This show was sponsored by:

-The Family Doc https://thefamilydocmi.com/

-Juice Box Juiceboxblend.com

-Holy Bowly http://www.myholybowly.com

-Wingfellas thewingfellas.com

-Hanley International Academy https://www.hanleyacademy.com

-Malek Al-Kabob malekalkabob.com

-Bayt Al Mocha https://baytalmocha.com/

-Chill Box https://www.chillboxstore.com/

-Royal Kabob https://www.royalkabob.com/

-GEE Preparatory Academy https://www.gee-edu.com/schools/geepreparatory/index

#Quran #DrAbdullahHaikal #IslamInTheWest #MuslimMentalHealth #ModernMuslim #OzMedia #Motivateme313 #IslamicPodcast #FaithAndScience

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Do you know where your Jummah donation actually goes? The answer might surprise you.

In this episode of the MotivateMe313 Podcast, we go behind the scenes of the American Moslem Society to uncover the real costs of keeping a masjid open in 2026. From the shocking monthly overhead bills to the misconceptions about fundraising, we are breaking down the business side of running a spiritual center.

We also dive into the challenges of modern mosque leadership: balancing security threats with being a welcoming space, the pressure on Imams to act as "unofficial therapists," and the debate over whether the masjid should be a "third space" for coffee and remote work.

Our guests are AMS board members Yousaf Mohamed, Ahmed Alizzi and Mahdi Ali.

If you’ve ever wondered why the masjid is always fundraising or what happens behind closed doors at board meetings, this episode is for you.

IN THIS EPISODE:

0:00 - Intro: The Reality of Running a Masjid

02:15 - History & Mission: The American Moslem Society

08:30 - Busting Myths: Misinformation About Masjids

14:45 - The Truth About Donations & Fundraising

21:00 - Shocking Overhead Costs: Keeping the Lights On

27:30 - Security vs. Open Doors: A Modern Dilemma

34:15 - The "Third Space" Debate: Coffee Shop or Prayer Hall?

40:00 - Managing Diversity: When Congregants Disagree

45:30 - Imams as Therapists: Mental Health Crisis

52:00 - Future Projects & Community Goals

58:00 - Final Word to the Community

SUBSCRIBE TO OZ MEDIA: Support independent media in the 313! Click subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss a MotivateMe313 update.

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- Instagram: @motivateme313 or @ozmedia313

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This show was sponsored by:

-The Family Doc https://thefamilydocmi.com/

-Juice Box Juiceboxblend.com

-Holy Bowly http://www.myholybowly.com

-Wingfellas thewingfellas.com

-Hanley International Academy https://www.hanleyacademy.com

-Malek Al-Kabob malekalkabob.com

-Bayt Al Mocha https://baytalmocha.com/

-Chill Box https://www.chillboxstore.com/

-Royal Kabob https://www.royalkabob.com/

-GEE Preparatory Academy https://www.gee-edu.com/schools/geepreparatory/index

#AmericanMoslemSociety #MosqueLife #DetroitMuslims #MotivateMe313 #OZMedia #IslamicCenter #CommunityLeadership

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Can a progressive outsider defeat the corporate establishment in Michigan's 2026 Senate race?

In this episode of the MotivateMe313 Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Abdul El-Sayed to discuss his run for U.S. Senate. Facing off against well-funded opponents like Rep. Haley Stevens and State Sen. Mallory McMorrow, Abdul explains why he refuses to take a single dime of corporate PAC money and how he plans to win with a grassroots strategy.

We dive deep into the issues that matter most to Detroiters: from Environmental Justice and the specific infrastructure needs of the 313, to the polarizing debate around immigration and his stance on abolishing ICE. Plus, as a former Health Director, Abdul breaks down how he plans to sell "Medicare for All" to Michigan voters in this economy.

Whether you're a progressive voter or just want to know who is fighting for Michigan's future, you can't afford to miss this conversation.

IN THIS EPISODE:

0:00 - Intro

-The 2026 Senate Race 02:15

- The Strategy: Beating the "Establishment" Machine 08:30

- Why Refusing Corporate PAC Money Matters 14:45

- Healthcare Check-up: Medicare for All vs. The Economy 21:00

- The "Hot Button": Immigration & Abolishing ICE 27:30

- Foreign Policy & Representation for Arab-Americans 34:15

- Detroit First: Environmental Justice & Infrastructure 40:00

- Final Message to Michigan Voters

SUBSCRIBE TO OZ MEDIA: Support independent media in the 313! Click subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss a MotivateMe313 update.

CONNECT WITH US: Website:

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- Instagram: @motivateme313 or @ozmedia313

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This show was sponsored by:

-The Family Doc https://thefamilydocmi.com/

-Juice Box Juiceboxblend.com

-Holy Bowly http://www.myholybowly.com

-Wingfellas thewingfellas.com

-Hanley International Academy https://www.hanleyacademy.com

-Malek Al-Kabob malekalkabob.com

-Bayt Al Mocha https://baytalmocha.com/

-Chill Box https://www.chillboxstore.com/

-Royal Kabob https://www.royalkabob.com/

-GEE Preparatory Academy https://www.gee-edu.com/schools/geepreparatory/index

#AbdulElSayed #MichiganSenate2026 #DetroitPolitics #MedicareForAll #MotivateMe313 #OZMedia #MichiganPrimary

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Does it really "take a village" to raise a child? In this episode of the OZ Media’s MotivateMe313 podcast, we dive deep into the concept of Global Educational Excellence and how true learning goes far beyond the classroom walls.

We explore how schools can become the heartbeat of community development, moving from isolated institutions to hubs of growth, equity, and partnership. Whether you are an educator, a parent, or a community leader, this conversation challenges the status quo of modern schooling.

We discuss the shift toward "whole-child" education, why academic rigor isn't enough without social-emotional learning, and how we can break down the structural barriers that keep communities and schools apart.

Our guests are the Principals of Schools at Global Educational Excellence: Mr. Mohammed Alsanai, Mr. Mohanad Jadallah and Ms. Raihan Akhter.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Defining Excellence: Why test scores are a bad metric for true community success.
• The "Whole Child": Balancing academic standards with empathy, resilience, and character building.
• Community Co-Design: Moving from simply informing parents to actively building the curriculum with them.
• Equity & Inclusion: Addressing the poverty and healthcare gaps that affect learning before the bell even rings.
• Future-Proofing: Practical steps we can take today to integrate schools and neighborhoods.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 - Intro: Does the "Village" Still Exist?

2:15 - What is Global Educational Excellence?

8:30 - The Danger of Focusing Only on Academics

15:45 - How to Build Real Community Partnerships

24:10 - Overcoming Barriers: Equity and Inclusion

32:00 - The Future of Education & Community Development

40:15 - Final Thoughts & Actionable Steps

Connect with OZ Media:

• Website: Ozmedia313.com
• Subscribe for more episodes!

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This show was sponsored by:

-The Family Doc https://thefamilydocmi.com/

-Juice Box Juiceboxblend.com

-Holy Bowly http://www.myholybowly.com

-Wingfellas thewingfellas.com

-Hanley International Academy https://www.hanleyacademy.com

-Malek Al-Kabob malekalkabob.com

-Bayt Al Mocha https://baytalmocha.com/

-Chill Box https://www.chillboxstore.com/

-Royal Kabob https://www.royalkabob.com/

-GEE Preparatory Academy https://www.gee-edu.com/schools/geepreparatory/index

#GlobalEducation #CommunityDevelopment #EducationalExcellence #WholeChildEducation #EdTech #FutureOfLearning #OZMedia

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It is the elephant in the room that breaks countless hearts: You find the perfect person—religious, educated, successful—but the family says "No" because of their last name.

In this episode, we sit down with Sheikh Mohamed Ishtiaq to tackle the taboo subject of the "class system" in our community. Is rejecting a suitor based on lineage or tribal status actually valid in the eyes of Allah? Or is it just culture disguised as religion?

We dive deep into the Quranic perspective on compatibility, the "spinster crisis" facing our youth, and whether parents are protecting their daughters or just their own reputations. If you are struggling with family pressure or just want to understand the reality of marriage in the West today, this conversation is for you.

Topics & Questions Covered:

The Class System: Why do we still stick to "classes" in marriage in 2026?

Lineage vs. Wealth: Is it just about bloodlines, or can money change your status?

Culture vs. Quran: How do we square classism with the verse "The most noble of you is the most righteous"? (49:13)

Valid Rejections: Is it a sin for a father to reject a religious man solely because of his tribe/class?

Broken Hearts: Advice for compatible couples (doctors, engineers) torn apart by family prejudice.

The Marriage Crisis: Is this system causing the delay in marriage we see in the community?

For the Parents: Are you protecting honor or prioritizing reputation over happiness?

The Solution: What should you actually look for in a spouse?

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- Instagram: @motivateme313 or @ozmedia313

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This show was sponsored by:

-The Family Doc https://thefamilydocmi.com/

-Juice Box Juiceboxblend.com

-Holy Bowly http://www.myholybowly.com

-Wingfellas thewingfellas.com

-Hanley International Academy https://www.hanleyacademy.com

-Malek Al-Kabob malekalkabob.com

-Bayt Al Mocha https://baytalmocha.com/

-Chill Box https://www.chillboxstore.com/

-Royal Kabob https://www.royalkabob.com/

-GEE Preparatory Academy https://www.gee-edu.com/schools/geepreparatory/index

#IslamicMarriage #SheikhMohamedIshtiaq #MuslimMarriage #Classism #YemeniCommunity #OzMedia #Motivateme313 #Dearborn #MuslimFamily #MarriageAdvice #Nikah

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Real Talk: What is Happening with ICE right now?

With reports of increased ICE activity and the ending of Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for Yemeni nationals, many families in our community are worried about what comes next. In this episode, we move past the rumors to discuss the facts: what policies are driving these changes, and exactly what your rights are.

We break down the critical difference between judicial and administrative warrants, how to prepare a safety plan for your children, and what local organizations are doing to push back. This is a must-watch guide for anyone navigating the current immigration landscape.

Our guest for this episode is Jessica Ayoub, who is the Deputy Political Director for American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan.

In This Episode We Cover: [00:00] Intro [02:15] What is driving the recent uptick in ICE activity? [05:30] Trump Administration & TPS: What this means for Yemeni nationals [10:45] Warrants 101: Judicial vs. Administrative (and how to verify them) [15:20] Know Your Rights: What to do if approached at home or work YC [22:10] Family Safety Plans: Ensuring your children are cared for [28:45] Can local government or masks dictate how ICE operates? [34:00] How schools and faith institutions can support affected families

Follow us on social media:

- Instagram: @motivateme313 or @ozmedia313

- Website: ozmedia313.com

- Facebook: ozmedia313

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This show was sponsored by:

-The Family Doc https://thefamilydocmi.com/

-Juice Box Juiceboxblend.com

-Holy Bowly http://www.myholybowly.com

-Wingfellas thewingfellas.com

-Hanley International Academy https://www.hanleyacademy.com

-Malek Al-Kabob malekalkabob.com

-Bayt Al Mocha https://baytalmocha.com/

-Chill Box https://www.chillboxstore.com/

-Royal Kabob https://www.royalkabob.com/

-GEE Preparatory Academy https://www.gee-edu.com/schools/geepreparatory/index

#KnowYourRights #Immigration #TPS #Yemen #CommunitySafety #ICE #CivilRights #OzMedia #Dearborn #Detroit #LegalAdvice

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In this episode of The Fantasy Guyz (SZ.5/EP.20), we are joined by special guests Fares Alsakaf, Obad, and Moe Merri to break down the biggest Sunday in football and preview the most anticipated community tournament of the year.

We kick things off with our Super Bowl LIX picks (and exactly why we chose them), but the real heat is on the local court. We’re diving deep into the 5th Annual Ramadan City Basketball Invitational II—breaking down the intense Hamtramck vs. Warren rivalry, the "Battle of Dearborn," and predicting who takes home the trophy and MVP honors.

Plus, we cover the Wing Fellas Charity Game: why we do it, where the money goes, and how you can get involved.

Guests: Fares Alsakkaf

Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 1:15 - Super Bowl Predictions: Who y'all got winning and why? 8:30 - The 5th Annual Ramadan Invitational: Events, Giveaways & Plans 14:45 - The Mission: Why we organize the Charity Game 20:10 - Rivalry Watch: Hamtramck vs. Warren & Dearborn vs. Dearborn Heights 28:00 - Bracketology: Who is winning the whole tournament? 34:20 - MVP Watchlist: Who will dominate the court? 38:50 - Wing Fellas Charity Game & Question of the Day 44:10 - Final Word

Get Involved: Drop your Super Bowl pick in the comments!

Follow us on social media:

- Instagram: @thefantasyguyz or @ozmedia313

- Website: ozmedia313.com

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This show was sponsored by:

-The Family Doc https://thefamilydocmi.com/

-Juice Box Juiceboxblend.com

-Holy Bowly http://www.myholybowly.com

-Wingfellas thewingfellas.com

-Hanley International Academy https://www.hanleyacademy.com

-Malek Al-Kabob malekalkabob.com

-Bayt Al Mocha https://baytalmocha.com/

-Chill Box https://www.chillboxstore.com/

-Royal Kabob https://www.royalkabob.com/

-GEE Preparatory Academy https://www.gee-edu.com/schools/geepreparatory/index

#TheFantasyGuyz #SuperBowl #RamadanInvitational #DearbornBasketball #Hamtramck #CharityGame #RamadanTournament #NFL #Community