The Raw and Real Podcast Rasham Baig

From fear-mongering politics to love-based activism, Katherine, a 24 year old data scientist, activist, and endometriosis warrior, spent the first 18 years of her life being dragged from church to republican events in her rural North Carolina hometown and the next 6 years working to deprogram and decolonize her mind, a process that she says is "an endless and life-saving cycle unlearning and ego-death; one that requires radical honesty with - and empathy for - others and self."

Her advocacy work began in 2019 with endometriosis advocacy and has since dominoed into activism for the Free Palestine/Collective Liberation movement.

Today, we're honored to have a special guest with us. 🌟 She is a first-generation graduate and the daughter of Palestinian immigrants from North Carolina. Her powerful speech at the Raleigh (Rah-lee) public commentary at Raleigh City Council has inspired many. Join us as we delve into her remarkable journey, her unwavering commitment to activism, and the stories that define her. Let's give a warm welcome to Danyah!

Join Hiba Heba, a poet and advocate, as she explores the unique challenges women confront upon reaching their 30s in Pakistani society. In this episode of The Raw and Real Podcast, delve into the complexities of societal expectations, personal growth, and the pressures that come with this significant milestone. Through poignant anecdotes and verses from her poetry collection, Hiba discusses the multifaceted experiences of women navigating through this pivotal phase of life. Gain insights into the resilience displayed by women as they confront societal norms and redefine their paths.

Hiba Heba, a Pushcart-nominated poet from Pakistan, currently works as an English Instructor at FAST-NUCES, Islamabad. Her poems have been published in Eunoia Review, Fragmented Voices, Aleph Review, and Poetry Wales, among others. In 2021, Hiba was the first-runner up for the New Feathers Award. Her debut poetry collection, "Birth of a Mural" (Golden Dragonfly Press, 2023), was featured in The News Sunday as one of the Best-loved Books of 2023. Find more about her at www.hibaheba.com.

Sitara Rizvi, a highly skilled illustrator and accomplished graphic designer hailing from Lahore, Pakistan. With a degree in Visual Communication and over 3 years of dedication to the world of illustrations, Sitara’s artistic journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Her creative ventures span a wide range, including character development, animated illustrations, children’s picture books, illustrated storybooks, animation, web design, and social media. With a remarkable ability to adapt any art style, Sitara’s expertise truly shines in the realm of character designs and children’s book illustrations. Sitara’s mesmerizing artwork beautifully captures the spirit of her surroundings, immersing you in the rich tapestry of her cultural heritage. Prepare to be spellbound as her illustrations spin enchanting tales that touch the hearts of readers young and old.

Welcome to today's podcast interview! Our guest today is a graduate in Political Science from Government College University Lahore (GCU).

He discovered his passion for poetry in 2016 and has been actively writing for the youth on various social media platforms ever since. His writing style is simple yet resonating, capturing the hearts of readers in a remarkably short period of time.

Join us as we delve into the world of Arslan Abbas, exploring his journey as a poet and the inspiration behind his remarkable works.

Abbas's poetry delves into themes of faith, love, passion, hope, patience, loyalty, journey, and, above all, dreaming. His first collection of poetry, titled "Dil-e-Khwab-Zad" (The Dream-Led Heart), has been a major success, gaining popularity among students and becoming a bestseller in 2021-22.

Recently, Arslan Abbas released his highly anticipated second poetry collection, "Dard-e-Nayaab" (Unseen Pain). This new collection promises to captivate readers with its poignant verses and thought-provoking themes.

Join us as we delve into the world of Arslan Abbas, exploring his journey as a poet and the inspiration behind his remarkable works. Tune in for an insightful and inspiring conversation!

Excited to introduce my podcast guest, Rola Fahs, a dedicated teacher and founder of Sanadi Publications, a powerhouse in education. A devoted mother of two toddlers with a third bundle of joy on the way, she sees herself as a servant of Allah (SWT) on a mission to make a positive impact in the world. Join us for an inspiring conversation about her journey and the profound connection between her faith and her life's work.