The Artistic Foodies

Episode 28: Third Spaces & The Rise of Yemeni Cafes in America

Abbas and Irfan sit down with Muhi Khwaj and Gus Annan to talk about building Muslim community: the short-term needs, the long-term vision, and the third spaces where it all comes together. The conversation flows through the rich history of coffee in Yemen, today’s coffee culture trends, and why the Muslim community has found something deeply familiar in a good cup. This episode also features the story of coffee by Omar Offendum and a personal reflection on Yemeni coffee culture from Hisham Hussain.

Episode 27: Muslim Literary Festival with Founder Narjis Sheikh

In this episode, Irfan and Abbas sit down with the legendary Narjis Sheikh, who is a Toronto-based novel writer as well as a community organizer with a deep passion for helping people make their dreams come true. In this episode we talk with Narjis about her journey of social entrepreneurship, the ups and downs of a founder's experience in creating out of nothing, and the immense value of having the support and backing of your community.

Episode 26: Diwan-e-Devon

Devon Avenue: where the spices are bold, the art is vibrant, and the stories run deep — sometimes too deep. In this unforgettable episode of The Artistic Foodies Podcast, we explore the cultural heartbeat of Chicago’s South Asian community through food, history, and a dark local mystery. From the heated debate over Ali’s Nihari vs. Sabri Nihari, to the rich legacy of Tahoora Sweets, to the chilling discovery of bodies found above the beloved kulfi shop — Diwan-e-Devon blends flavor with folklore, and crime with culture.

Episode 25: Deli Boys, Muslim Punk Rock & Mortal Kombat with Shahjehan Khan

In this episode, we’re joined by the multi-talented Shahjehan Khan, an actor, writer, musician, and host of the acclaimed podcast King of the World. We dive into his roles playing a character in Mortal Kombat, the new Hulu series Deli Boys, and his journey as a founding member of the trailblazing Muslim punk band The Kominas.

Episode 24: Boycotts - Personal Responsibility Amongst Global Crisis

In this episode, we sit with the founder of Boycat, an app that has redirected over $170 million from unethical brands, evolving from a boycott tool into a gamified ethical marketplace. Check out the app on your app stores and tune in for the interview.