Holden Space

Faith and Freedom - Bushra

https://linktr.ee/HoldenSwanson Bushra’s story challenges everything we think we know about faith, love, and freedom. Raised in a Muslim household, she speaks candidly about entering a marriage she didn’t want because she believed religion left her no choice. Today, she is married to a woman and living authentically—while still holding space for faith. In a powerful full-circle moment, Bushra shares how allowing her daughter complete freedom to navigate belief resulted in her daughter choosing Islam for herself. This episode explores queerness, religion, motherhood, and the courage it takes to choose truth over tradition. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558125/support]

Finding Islam, Finding Myself - Ishaq

https://linktr.ee/HoldenSwanson Find Ishaq on Tik Tok @Ishaq.da.ahk In this episode, Ishaq opens up about his personal journey to Islam and the profound impact it had on his life. He reflects on the challenges and clarity that came with his faith, how it reshaped his family dynamics, and the ways it pushed him toward greater self-discipline, purpose, and personal growth. Through honest storytelling and reflection, Ishaq shares how embracing Islam helped him grow not only spiritually, but also as a son, family member, and individual. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558125/support]

From Hurt to Healing - Ange

https://linktr.ee/HoldenSwanson [https://linktr.ee/HoldenSwanson] In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Ange opens up about her journey through domestic violence and how those painful experiences ultimately guided her toward Islam. She speaks candidly about the moments that reshaped her identity, the healing she found in faith, and the challenges that nearly pushed her away from it. Together, we hold space for the complexity of survival, transformation, and belief as Ange reflects on what it means to rebuild, to question, and to choose faith on her own terms. This episode is a reminder that spirituality and struggle often coexist—and that telling our stories can be a path to freedom. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558125/support]

Desires and Double Standards - Geoff

linktr.ee/HoldenSwanson In this eye-opening episode of Holden Space, Holden sits down with Geoff, who opens up about his coming-out journey and what drew him to loving and desiring fat men. Geoff speaks candidly about navigating attraction, community, and self-acceptance—and he doesn’t shy away from the messy parts. He also explores a complicated truth within the chub community: even as many seek acceptance for their own bodies, some still hold onto the same harsh beauty standards they’ve been hurt by, rejecting others who don’t fit a “perfect” look. This conversation is honest, vulnerable, and packed with real talk about identity, desire, and the contradictions we all wrestle with. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558125/support]

Throwing Hands to Healing Hearts - Kim

https://linktr.ee/HoldenSwanson [https://linktr.ee/HoldenSwanson] In this inspiring episode of Holden Space, Holden sits down with Kim, whose journey into sobriety is as raw as it is empowering. Kim shares the unfiltered truth about who she used to be—quick to throw hands, fueled by chaos—and how she transformed that fire into compassion, clarity, and a commitment to helping others find their own way to healing. She also opens up about the deep losses she’s faced along the path, honoring the people who didn’t get the chance to make it to the other side of addiction. This conversation is honest, emotional, and full of strength. It’s a reminder that growth is possible, redemption is real, and sometimes the toughest stories lead to the brightest light. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2558125/support]