Deen, Duniya, & Everything in Between Nafeesa Nasimi & Sahar Naz Rahman

This is a very special episode. For the first time Sahar and Nafeesa have a conversation with a guest speaker on the podcast. They talk about the depths of what it takes to have healthy relationships in every aspect of our lives. On this episode, Sahar and Nafeesa sit down with Chandra J. Giambrone, a rising content creator and influencer. Chandra plays an impactful role for our community in New York. Her voice is unique, powerful and needed on a much grander scale. Her platform is more than just a creative outlet. It’s a space where her community can share, learn, inspire, and grow. Chandra’s story is so inspiring and she opens up about her own relationship journey and gives clear advice on how you can create relationships you love. Don't miss this heartwarming conversation. 
Visit Chandra J. Giambrone's Instagram and TikTok: @cee_jae_gee

How did this pandemic shape our world, perspective, and outlook for the future? The pandemic has drastically shaped our lives and perspective for the future. Starting a new business during such a turbulent time may seem like a crazy idea, but whether you’re pivoting because of a layoff or you're exploring a hobby, the pandemic has definitely given many the time to think about what they really want to do with their lives. 

Sahar and Nafeesa discuss how there is a silver lining to the pandemic which has given them greater flexibility and opportunities in both of their careers and lives. Everyone is good at something, but no one is good at everything. Listen to this conversation of two friends discussing taking that leap of faith, starting therapy, having the right mindset, and their perspective on future goals. You won't want to miss this episode. 

Get Ready for Season 2: Conversations with Nafeesa & Sahar. 

Mental health issues have frequently been perceived as nonexistent in South Asian communities. We are least likely to seek help due to stigma until the situation reaches a level of crisis. In this episode, we want to create an open dialogue to discuss mental health and how the South Asian community is working to break down cultural barriers around discussing mental health. 

This episode has a strong focus on self-love and mental wellbeing whilst focusing on how we can all implement small steps to help us in our daily lives. We want this podcast to offer listeners a safe space to learn about anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Sahar and I break down the two types of illnesses, discuss our personal experiences, the joys of therapy, and the little judgmental auntie who lives inside us all. We need to educate ourselves, and all of us need to do our part in dismantling the stigma around mental health in our community and promote practical tips for finding balance and healing.

Sahar and I hope those who are listening to our show today will take this issue deeply and do something in their power to break the stigma. We hope more people will speak openly about what they are experiencing and seek professional help without the fear of judgment or discrimination. 

Listeners, please keep listening to our podcast- between friends and family. You will find all of our episodes on Spotify, Apple, and on different podcast apps. Please like, share, and comment. We are doing this podcast for you, for our community members. And please keep listening and share our link with your friends and stay in touch with us through the Instagram page.

Mental Health Resources We Love:

1. @Soyouwanttotalkabout made a really great post I wanted to reference: Here are 5 things you can do for your mental health this week to take care of yourself. https://www.instagram.com/p/CPyKdY8nA-y

2. Here are 8 healthy habits to embrace for your mental health! https://www.instagram.com/p/CPN2F_ontTx/

3. I DON’T MIND: Co-founded by an actor (Chris Wood) who lost his father to suicide. IDONTMIND is a mental health awareness campaign and lifestyle brand working to defeat the stigma around mental illness. Their goal is to get people talking about their minds and to generate positive messaging about mental health. https://idontmind.com/

4. Psychology Today: You can use it to find therapists near you. Psychology Today is the world’s largest mental health and behavioral science destination online. It is the original and largest publishing enterprise that is exclusively dedicated to human behavior. PsychologyToday.com is the world’s largest portal to psychotherapy; it includes free access to thousands of professionals. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us?tr=Hdr_Brand

5. I AM app: How often do negative thoughts endlessly repeat in your mind each day? Daily affirmations help rewire our brains, build self-esteem and change negative thought patterns. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/i-am-daily-affirmations/id874656917

You don’t need to be an expert to talk about human rights issues to have an opinion. Sahar and I want to share our common and hopeful faiths are based on the idea that life is precious and that human beings can change. We must never accept what we see in the Holy Land. Israel’s policy of constructing and expanding illegal settlements on occupied Palestinian land is one of the main driving forces behind the mass human rights violations resulting from the occupation. This is a humanitarian issue right now and needs to be addressed at all levels.

If you want to take action + support Palestinians during this time, here are a few things you can do.
Follow these accounts to learn more about what is happening right now in Palestine. 
Brilliant Infographics + Live Coverage:
@theslowfactory
@IMEU
@visualizing_palestine
@eye.on.palestine

Currently using their platform to share thoughtful and informative posts covering the current genocide in Palestine
@subhi.taha
@balsam_magazine
@zeinatalhouni

Personal Accounts:
@celinecelines
@mariambarghouti
@mohammedelkurd
@meera_adnan

What you can do to support Palestinians:
https://www.instagram.com/p/COxiLBInk9w/

The countdown to Ramadan begins!
What are the main things that we can do to prepare ourselves to welcome the blessed month? With only a few days left, Nafeesa and Sahar dive into 10 easy tips to help you be more conscious and intentional in your preparations for Ramadan. Prepare your heart, mind, and soul for Ramadan through these daily reminders. 
From celebrating the little achievements to discussing our spiritual goals and tips, join us in preparing for Ramadan together. If you planted the seeds in Rajab, let's water the seeds in Sha’ban together and see them grow in Ramadan.