What is cannabis, why is it relevant to the Muslim community in the West, and is cannabis consumption even Halal? Is this a modern debate within the Muslim community, or a tale as old as our religion itself? What are Islamic scholars saying about cannabis consumption and industry? Are the health benefits true or is there no value to the plant? What can you do if you know someone whose developed an unhealthy habit? We sit with all these questions in our discussion with Ishaq Ali, a cannabis industry veteran and co-founder of Halal Hemp. Tune into the episode for a deep dive into this topic, and journey with us as we explore these questions.

Today we talk with Tariq and Jalel of the Islamic Services of America, a major certifier and educator in the global Halal industry. We take a deep dive into Halal certification, the complexities involved in creating Halal standards especially when you consider differences in Madhahib, and even broach more modern topics of discussion, including lab-grown meats, and cannabis.

In this episode, we discuss Halal Meat Certification with Shaykh Jabir Tarin of HFSAA, the Halal Food Standards Alliance of America. HFSAA is a well-known and respected Halal certifying body that started in the San Francisco Bay area, and now certifies Halal restaurants across many metropolitan areas of the US. We talk about the process of getting certified, explore differences between hand and machine-slaughtered Halal, and reflect on how far the Halal meat industry and food scene have come over the last few decades.

Critically acclaimed writer and director Imran J Khan shared his time, witty insight, and keen humor with us during this episode, where we laughed, cried (not really but almost), and talked about his latest film, 'Mustache'. More than just the movie, we discussed the deeper themes of belonging, acceptance, and if giving up red meat from your diet truly ostracizes you from the Desi Muslim community or not (it does, it totally does).

Join us as we continue season 3, an exploration of the food industry. We got the opportunity to interview the legend, Ike of Ike's sandwiches. On the first day of operation in 2007, Ike Shehadeh did not sell a single sandwich in his small, hole-in-the-wall Ike's Place in San Francisco's Castro District. Now 15 years later, the man behind the goateed cartoon logo has built over a 90-unit empire and expansive menu catering to every diet preference. We talk about his life, his business, and more...including how YOU can get a sandwich named after you on the menu too!

Naiel (13) and Punhal Chaudry (12) are a Pakistani American brother-sister duo who started their home baking business called “Lá Jawab Treats” in the midst of the pandemic. The word "Lá Jawab" means unmatchable in Urdu, and their journey definitely lives up to the name. We got a chance to chat with them both to talk about their experience as young founders, their newly published cookbook, and Naiel's experience making history by winning Food Network's Kids Baking Championship Season 11, making him the First Muslim, the First Pakistani American and the First Californian to have this honor!

Rabia Chaudry is well known for her work as an attorney and in advocating for the freedom of Adnan Syed, but what you may not know is that she is also 100% a bonafide foodie. Tune in for our full interview with Rabia about her new memoir "Fatty Fatty Boom Boom". Not only do we talk about food, family, and her lifelong relationship with her weight, but we also get to the meat of matters including a family recipe for Shaami Kababs, and a passionate debate on whether Sarson da Saag (Punjabi Saag) is literal heaven on a plate, or actually just a bitter stew of plants!

Mounir Lazzouni, a Muslim Health & Fitness Coach, shares his knowledge with us in this special Ramadan episode. He sharestips on what foods to eat and what to to avoid during the Suhoor and Iftaar meals, as well as how to maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout the Holy Month of fasting. We also discuss how to stay fit while still focusing on fasting and prayers, and end with a couple of great healthy recipes to get you in the right zone for your fasts!