This Stays Between Us

As an engineer, I've never felt comfortable with the unknown. Solving for x and y is one of the hardest tasks, because I like the certainty of knowing which equation to use and when. But as a Muslim especially, it is important for me to relinquish the need for control, and surrender to Allah. The question is ... how? How do you trust your Lord? I'm not an expert, but I wrote a reflective essay and I found a clarity worth sharing, that can hopefully help you and me to develop tawakkul (complete reliance upon Allah).
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.

In this episode, Eden and I will be talking about how important it is to be kind to yourself and to look after yourself as an eldest daughter. It is easy to put other people first, but what about you? What is it that you would like out of life? Join us as we unpack what it means to be kind, present and compassionate. You can also take some inspiration from us as we share what hobbies we like to do to unwind!
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.

In this episode, I sit with Moka - an engineer, designer and secret poetic genius - who tells me about how she would tell her younger self to be grateful for each phase of her life, from being a college student to a university student, and to not worry so much. She describes her journey during a Design Project (DP) at university and how even though it was difficult, she got through it and became a stronger engineer! For the students among us who often worry about whether they'll make it - just remember, it's not that deep, and you've got this. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Salaam, in this special episode I am joined by Mariam and Khadijah, two best friends who will talk about the friendship and life advice they would give to their younger selves in secondary school. Khadijah will also tell us a really heartwarming story about her school friend Maja who helped her to stay away from drama and gossip at school, and how she is grateful for their bond. Mariam will talk about her confidence journey, and how she became more comfortable in her own skin and her voice. I am excited for you to have a listen! As always, this stays between us x
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.

Welcome to Season 3 of This Stays Between Us, where I will be talking about the pursuit of freedom, what it means to belong inside your body and finding comfort in the voices inside your head. 
 
This episode is an introduction of what's to come, with a special teaser on my guest episode series: Advice To My Younger Self, and a bit about where I currently am in life.
 
Nothing is yet set in stone, I am exploring as I talk and hopefully will find out my direction on the other side. If you want to take part in a future episode, check out the links in my instagram bio @this_st4ys_between_us. Till then - 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.