The Young Uncles #003 - Reshad Strik

The Young Uncles #005 - Ismail Hakki

Reshad Strik and Cyrus McGoldrick, AKA The Young Uncles, sat down with renowned actor, writer, and producer Ismail Hakki to discuss his personal journey as well as acting, history, identity, storytelling, travel, faith, and the experiences that shaped one of Turkiye's most distinctive screen personalities.---İsmail Hakkı Ürün is a Turkish actor, writer, and producer known for his work in some of the most widely watched historical and action dramas in Türkiye. Over a career spanning television, film, and cultural production, he has become recognized for portraying strong, complex characters in productions that explore history, identity, and the human experience.Born in Istanbul in 1976, Ürün pursued an international educational path that took him across the Muslim world and Europe. He graduated from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) with a degree in International Relations and later studied cinema at the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg in Ludwigsburg, Germany. His years abroad also included significant time in Bosnia and Herzegovina, contributing to a broad cultural perspective that continues to inform his artistic work.Fluent in English, German, Arabic, Russian, Bosnian, and Malay-Indonesian, Ürün brings a uniquely global outlook to his creative endeavors. His academic background, international experience, and deep interest in history and culture have made him a distinctive presence within the Turkish entertainment industry.Audiences around the world know him from acclaimed productions including Sakarya Fırat, Payitaht Abdülhamid, and Kuruluş: Osman, where his performances have earned him a reputation for combining commanding screen presence with emotional depth and authenticity. Whether portraying soldiers, statesmen, scholars, or historical figures, he is known for bringing intensity, nuance, and humanity to every role.Beyond acting, Ürün has worked as a writer and producer and has remained actively engaged in cultural and intellectual life through public discussions, panels, and creative projects. His work reflects a continuing interest in the intersection of history, civilization, faith, and storytelling.Today, İsmail Hakkı Ürün stands as one of the most respected figures in contemporary Turkish historical drama, admired not only for his performances on screen but also for the breadth of experience and perspective he brings to his craft.

The Young Uncles #004 - Brother Ali

Reshad Strik and Cyrus McGoldrick sit down with the great Brother Ali to talk about his legendary music career, his life in Islam and many great teachers and communities, his love for Üsküdar and our community here, and much more.Timestamps:0:00:00 - Intro0:00:29 - Üsküdar0:02:29 - Brother Ali's childhood and Islam0:09:32 - A history of Islam in Black America0:31:51 - How the WD Muhammad community develops young Muslims0:46:19 - Hip Hop and whiteness, Hip Hop and Islam1:09:17 - Brother Ali's artistic process1:14:45 - The counter-revolutionary agenda of the hip-hop industry1:21:31 - What's next for Brother AliBrother Ali is a respected Hip Hop artist, speaker, and community leader. His two-decade resume includes ten critically-acclaimed albums, mentorships with iconic Hip Hop legends Chuck D and Rakim, and performances on late night shows with Jimmy Fallon and Conan O’Brien. His provocative and uplifting brand of Hip Hop has earned him coveted press features like Rolling Stone’s 40th anniversary edition and Source Magazine’s “Hip Hop Quotables”, while his outspoken social justice message has landed him on government watch lists. He’s also lectured at universities from Princeton to Stanford and delivered the keynote address at the Nobel Peace Prize Forum. When he’s not rocking the mic at Coachella or being arrested for civil disobedience in support of marginalized communities, Brother Ali travels the world learning and teaching Islamic Spirituality under some of today’s most renowned teachers. In addition to leading worship services and classes, he co-founded The Gemali Project, an organization that helps Muslim converts and spiritual seekers access the beauty of the Islamic tradition. Brother Ali recently launched The Travelers Podcast from his new home in Istanbul, exploring life’s journey with cultural, spiritual, and thought leaders from across the globe.

The Young Uncles #003 - Reshad Strik

For the first time ever, Reshad Strik opens up about his journey from Australia to Hollywood, his decision to leave Hollywood for the Turkish TV industry, his experiences acting in Diriliş: Ertuğrul, and his vision for the future of Islamic storytelling in film and TV.

The Young Uncles #002 - Uskudar

Reshad Strik and Cyrus McGoldrick meet at Valide-i-Atik Camii in Uskudar, Istanbul, to talk about what makes Turkiye, Istanbul, and particularly the neighborhood of Uskudar so special. What about Uskudar drew a Bosnian-Australian actor away from Hollywood, and an American activist and artist away from New York?

The Young Uncles #001 - Ramadan Episode

Reshad Strik and Cyrus McGoldrick meet at Valide-i-Atik Camii in Üsküdar, Istanbul, to talk about Ramadan as kids and converts and now adults with kids and communities, and to break fast together when the maghrib adhan is called.