The Localist Pakistan Podcast

20 - Namal Siddiqui - On Creativity, Third-Culture Kids, and "Burgers"

Namal Siddiqui [https://www.instagram.com/namalsiddiquipoetry/] is a poetess, spoken word performer, and now, a mountaineer. In a conversation that was particularly close to Moe, he discussed a series of topics including creativity, writing, and poetry. Also, what caused Namal to leave a successful advertising career in the UAE to chase summits in Northern Pakistan? They discussed their shared life experiences growing up, what it means to be a third-culture kid, and how much they HATE being called "burgers."  Mentioned in this episode: Omar Samra [https://www.instagram.com/omarsamra/] The Poetryhood Podcast - Namal Siddiqui [https://podcasts.apple.com/sa/podcast/1-namal-siddiqui/id1475258709?i=1000445966687] The Localist Podcast - Ehsan Saya [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/18-ehsan-saya-using-e-commerce-for-good-in-pakistan/id1481851898?i=1000492038071] A Poem About Ikea by Namal [A Poem About Ikea: https://www.instagram.com/p/B5FmmE2BxRa/] Elevator People by Namal [Elevator People: https://www.instagram.com/p/CBWJ-bzJZHo/] The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost [https://www.robertfrost.org/the-road-not-taken.jsp] Mary Oliver [https://maryoliver.com/] The Written World by Martin Puchner [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075NPNJGZ/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0] Third Culture Kid by Namal [https://www.instagram.com/p/B32glvchPWl/] The Dukkan Show [https://www.dukkanshow.com/]

19 - Aneeqa Ali, Sara Kazi, Laila Rajani - A Sustainable & Inclusive Future for Pakistan's Tourism Industry

To say the tourism industry in Pakistan is a big deal is not an overstatement at all. It employs over 3.9 million people, and 80 million people travel within the country every year.  But as the country pushes for growth, there are things that need to be looked at to ensure sustainability. Are the communities hosting the tourists being treated fairly? How is tourism impacting their infrastructure? Are potential workers being upskilled to keep up with demand?  These are some of the questions that the Root Network [https://www.rootnetwork.org/about/] is attempting to answer through its programs. We sat down with Aneeqa Ali, Sara Kazi, and Laila Rajani after the conclusion of their pilot project to talk about what they've learned, and what's next.  Mentioned in this episode: The Mad Hatters [https://www.facebook.com/TheMadHatters.pk]

18 - Ehsan Saya - Using E-Commerce for Good in Pakistan

Ehsan Saya is an old friend of The Localists, and he's also the Managing Director of Pakistan's largest e-commerce website, Daraz (you might've heard of it).  We spend plenty of time reminiscing about the good old days, but we also talk about what he was up to before Daraz, and what he has planned for the future. Ehsan is a strong believer in the ability of businesses to create positive change in communities, whether that's upskilling people, or providing new opportunities. He talks to us about how that's central to the success of the businesses he's been involved with. Ehsan is also a coffee snob, and we're always down for a good conversation about our favorite brews. Mentioned in this episode: JoeyCo [https://www.joeyco.com/] Daraz [https://www.daraz.pk/] Daraz University [https://university.daraz.pk/] Raaz Coffee Roasters [https://www.raazlife.com/] Zirrar Podcast: Coffee The "Wine of Islam" [https://zirrar.com/coffee-the-wine-of-islam/] Note: This podcast was recorded in May 2020, some information may have changed since the original recording.

17 - Rabbia Aamir - Helping People Live Pain-Free in Pakistan

Dr. Rabbia Aamir is one of the co-founders, and head physiotherapist at the Physical Wellness Centre in Karachi. Her main goal is to provide people with the treatment get out of pain, and help them maintain their own bodies.  It hasn't been an easy journey though. Dr. Rabbia discusses the lack of infrastructure for aspiring physios in Pakistan, and how she hustled to make it to where she is today. From looking up shady, back-alley physios, to fulfilling her unquenchable thirst for knowledge, prepare to be inspired.

16 - Aun Ali - Changing the Culture of Trauma and Addiction

NOTE: This episode discusses trauma and addiction in-depth, and may feel a bit heavy. We highly recommend you listen to it in chunks to better absorb the information  Aun Ali is the founder of the Trauma Release and Wellness Centre in Karachi, Pakistan. As a therapist, he specializes in treating trauma and addiction, and is on a mission to change the culture of getting help.  He talks to us about specific norms in Pakistani society that lead to self-destructive behavior, and how our co-dependent culture stops us from getting help.