Welcome to the Nafs Podcast!

Imams, Communities, and Supporting Mental Health…with Imam Rafiq Mahdi

Manaeha interviews Imam Rafiq Mahdi, the current director of outreach at ICNA relief USA, on his relationship to mental health as a resource in his community. How is mental health being talked about in the American Muslim religious leadership? How do you think the Muslim community views its relationships with its Imams? How was mental health addressed in the past compared to now? What would you want members of your own community or the Muslim community in general to know in terms of seeking you out for help about mental health or just about mental health in general?

Investigating the Role of Spirituality in Mental Health…with Shehroze Akhter

Manaeha and Shehroze share their research findings on the relationship between spirituality and mental health treatment. They answer the questions, what is spirituality? How can we distinguish spirituality from religion? Are there limitations to intermingling spirituality and mental health treatment?

A Parent’s Perspective on Mental Health…with Dr. Irram Rao

Manaeha interviews Dr. Irram Rao (her mom ö) on what it's like to seek mental health resources for her kids. She also talks about her own mental health in an incredibly honest and vulnerable way. Some questions discussed, what does the term ‘mental health’ mean when you hear it? How do you take care of your own mental health? How do you navigate the mental health world as a parent for yourself or for your kids? How do you support your kids when they seem to be going through mental health challenges? Do you have open conversations about mental health in your family? How does being Muslim impact your relationship to mental health?

The Vision for Nafs…with Taimur Kouser

In this episode, Founder of Nafs, Taimur Kouser, and the Head of Digital Growth, Manaeha Rao, discuss the values and aspirations of the organization. What does the mental health landscape look like right now for American Muslims? What does Nafs add to this picture? Why emphasize "cultural change"? How helpful is research and stats on mental health?

Welcome to the Nafs Podcast!

Join Manaeha and Taimur in an overview of the topics and conversations covered in season 1. Feel free to listen to the episodes in any order you like and share your favorites with family and friends!