Elevate Your Life: A Transformational Podcast

Zain Bandali is an author, poet, and unapologetic diversity advocate. His debut children's book Mehndi Boy, is a Silver Birch Express Nominee and was recognized as a “Best Bet” by the Ontario Library Association and as a “Best Book for Kids” by the New York Public Library in 2023. Zain studied at the University of Waterloo and was awarded the Upkar Arora Social Impact Leadership Scholarship for his work in creating a grassroots community initiative. Even in his day job as an HR professional at a leading financial corporation, Zain strives to bring the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion to everything he does. He is an avid vegetable gardener but cannot always stomach the chilli peppers he grows. In this episode we dive into conversations about Zain’s Queerness as a South Asian, Indo-Tanzanian, Ismaili Muslim, his debut book and how he’s pushing the gender norm narrative. We also discuss his love for international recording artist Ali Sethi and his advice for anyone struggling with being true to themselves.  

Imam Daayiee is the first openly Gay Imam in the United States. He was born in Detroit Michigan and the son of Southern Baptist parents and converted to Islam at the age of 30. He is the author of the book titled  “Progressive Islam: The Rich Liberal Ideas of the Muslim Faith”(2021),  He is the Founder and ED of the nonprofit MECCA Institute, and CEO of MECCA Institute Publishing LLC. He is the Former Imam of the  Light of Reform Mosque, Washington, DC (2010-2015).  Imam Daayiee is a linguist  and holds  Masters Degrees  in  Chinese and Arabic languages and linguistics, and a scholar of Quranic Interpretation and Shari’ah Sciences. To continue to add to his impressive bio he is also a  former public interest lawyer specializing in comparative Islamic and Western law. He is currently working on his  second book to be released in 2024. In this episode we explore what it's like being an openly gay imam, his educational pursuits, activism, why he opened an all inclusive mosque:"Light of Reform Mosque," the MECCA Institute and a lot more.

Galit Deri Shearouse is a medium who's mission is to help support grieving parents by connecting them to their lost child in spirit. In this episode Gait does a reading for me and during our session my beloved late mother came through. Galit delivered some messages that had a huge impact on me. We tackle in depth how my mother felt about me being gay including her struggles. Galit also made two surprising predictions about my future!

Contact: https://www.myspiritualconnections.com/

Mike Mosallam  is a two-time Tony Award nominated producer, director, writer for theatre, film and television. Two days after recording this episode he won his his first Tony Award for producer in the category of "Best Revival of a Musical" for "Parade!" He graduated with degree in musical theatre from the University of Michigan and headed to New York to follow his Broadway Dreams. After 911 Mike called into question both his place in this world and as a Muslim what was his story to tell? Mike redirected his energy towards writing, directing and producing. He wanted to change the narrative of the stories that were being told about Muslims. He changed the landscape of media by writing and directing movies like his film debut "Breaking Fast" an award winning gay romcom about Mo, a practicing Muslim living in West Hollywood who is learning to navigate life post heartbreak. He meets Kal, an All-American guy who surprises Mo by offering to break fast with him during the holy month of Ramadan. In this episode we do a deep dive getting to know Mike including his coming out journey and how he says being gay has made him a better Muslim.

Everyone deserves a great love story like this one. Vaibhav Jain and Parag Mehta are two gay South Asian husbands who's love story began when they first met at a pride parade in Washington D.C. They are true trail blazers who along with their families are leading and role modelling to many what it means to live a life lead with love. We discuss all things Queer Desi including the viral video of the beautiful speech Parag's father made on their wedding day. His speech has helped many open their minds but more importantly their hearts to love and acceptance of members of the Queer community and helped parents of all faiths with antiquated beliefs. Their love has been championed by all their parents and the union of their families have proven that love isn't limited to the heteronormative status quo even in the South Asian community. Their love has turned into a force for human rights and the two are plaintiffs in a landmark court case before the Delhi High Court in India which seeks to legalize same-sex marriage for 1.4 billion people in the world’s largest democracy. In addition to being global advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, Vaibhav and Parag recently became fathers of two beautiful children born via surrogacy. In 2023, the couple welcomed a daughter Parineeti followed by a son Vivaan.

Rizwan Jagani, is an American violist of Indian and Pakistani heritage. In this episode Jagani talks about how he dove into the practise of his religion during the holly month of Ramadan and chose to come out as gay. He describes how he set the intention for Ramadan to help him come out and survive a very demanding performance schedule. Jagani offers a deep insight into his personal relationship with "Allah" (God). For years Jagani says he had a strained relationship with Allah and with Islam. He felt like he was not a true Muslim and that he did not belong to the faith. He finally accepted his sexuality and when he did, grew closer to Allah. He recognized that Allah made him this way and that was not a mistake. A gay Muslim, violist, and friend.  Follow Rizwan to learn more about him and his well accomplished musical career.

In part 2 of this special series on my coming out journey I talk about the conversation I had with my mom the day she found out I am gay. I describe how the conversation happened, my parents response and how it all impacted me. Coming out can be difficult especially for a person of colour. It's important to formulate a support system as it can feel isolating. Bellow are list of resources for those that are struggling.

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This is part one of a two part special series where I describe in detail my personal coming out story. I talk about my challenges including internal struggles, fears and how it impacted my life and relationships with my family.

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Award winning multidisciplinary artist Mariam Magsi shares her deep and insightful experience as an artist and her personal and professional evolution through multiple sources of her own grief journey including the transitioning of her beloved Mother. 

Links to Follow Mariam Magsi:

Our transitioned loved ones can give us miraculous signs from the other side. Medium Dr. Cathy Ripley Greene shares her insight into the spirit world and the amazing ways in which the departed can communicate with us. In this episode I personally share how my late mother gave me some profound messages to let me know she was around me.

A self reflective audio diary of my personal experiences with grief waves. This episode is filled with authentic talk, reflections and a recount of a miraculous moment that will leave you awe struck.

The teachings of Islam and grief are discussed with Dr. Shiraz Ismail, an active family physician since 1973 and an Islamic Educator. Dr. Ismail is also known for his dedication and work as a volunteer in the Ismaili Community including the founding of the Share and Care Bereavement Support Group 25 years ago that has helped many cope with grief and loss.

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