S3 Ep 6: Who You are is in the Now, with Fizza Khan

S3 Ep7: Is My Laughter Too Loud? - an episode on Bengali girlhood with Dia Islam

Growing up, Dia was told that her laughter was too loud. Being the eldest girl in her family, she felt the weight of her father's expectations, and the need to maintain her family reputation. Her story is a mirror for many Bengali sisters alike, who have shrunk themselves into tiny spaces to maintain family peace, but have learnt the price of doing so - the fracturing of their happiness and individuality.   With the strength of her mother, Dia learned to let go of her father's controlling expectations, and pursue things that would make her happy. From her university degree to working at her job, Dia has found a sense of empowerment and courage. It was not an easy journey, but in this episode, Dia tells us about how she unlearned the harsh truths of Bengali girlhood, and gave herself the courage to embrace her own unique softness, strength and light.   This is a gem of an episode, and I can't wait for you to listen. Streaming across all major podcasting platforms now! Comment your thoughts below on what you would like to see next.   Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

S3 Ep 6: Who You are is in the Now, with Fizza Khan

In this episode, we meet the very lovely Fizza, who is a first-year journalism student with a passion for writing and poetry. We talk about our hijab journeys, life in Year 4, the importance of accepting who we are now and living in the present moment, and how public speaking can help with this. Get ready to be empowered, because who you are is in the now!    Salaam, your host, Z.K.   Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

S3 Ep 5: From Personal Story to Published Novel, with Samiha Hoque

Today I get to sit with the debut Bangladeshi-American author, Samiha Hoque, and discuss the inspiration behind her novel 'Slums of Paradise'. Samiha talks about her research process when documenting the generational impact of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, a time of great political turmoil, injustice and devastation. Her writing is a testament to the power of authentic and honest storytelling. And while there are many barriers that ethnic minority writers face when telling their stories, Samiha shows us that through the power of the pen, these too can be overcome. This conversation serves as a reminder that we can write stories where, finally, we get to see ourselves and our truths, and in doing so, can become empowered.   To all the aspiring writers in the room, this one's for you! And to all the Bengali sisters who want to pick up a pen and write, take some inspiration and go for it!    As always, this stays between us xoxo   Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

S3 Ep 4: On Being A High Achiever and Giving Yourself Grace, with Lily Mott

Were you an overachiever at school? Did you always want to be like Hermione Granger? Did you ever feel that if you did not get the highest mark, you were not enough? Today, in this episode of my 'Advice To My Younger Self' series, I am joined by Lily Mott, the CEO of Be The Change Media Network, who talks openly about her younger self - how she wanted to be a Hermione, and wished she gave herself grace for the days where she needed to take a break. We talk about what it means to make your younger self proud, and as a little sneak peek into my younger self, I talk about the time I tried to turn all the boys in my class into feminists and how it backfired!    If you would like to be featured as a guest speaker on my podcast, there is a Microsoft Sign Up form in my instagram bio @this_st4ys_between_us.   As always, this stays between us xoxo   Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

S3 Ep 3: For The Feminist Sister Warrior Who Reads

In a funk? Need a new book to pick you up? Or are you tired of having nothing interesting to read? In this special episode, I will tell you all about my latest favourite reads, from The First Jasmines by Saima Begum, to Mongrel by Hanako Footman, to my favourite story by Angela Carter: The Tiger's Bride, and my unusual hot take on it. As always, this stays between us xoxo Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.