The Diverse Bookshelf

• Ramadan Reflections: Imrana Mahmood on creativity, faith & representation

  Today’s episode is part of a special mini-series called Ramadan reflections, where I talk to guests about faith, life and Ramadan. I’m thrilled to be joined by poet and creative producer, Imrana Mahmood for a conversation about creativity and faith, the role of Ramadan in the creative process, and the importance of Muslim representation in literature and on stage and screen.Imrana Mahmood is a poet, curator, and creative producer who has dedicated her career to amplifying underrepresented voices in the arts. With a background in community-driven projects, she has worked extensively to create spaces for diverse creatives to thrive. Her work is deeply rooted in storytelling, activism, and faith, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and spirituality. She has collaborated with leading arts organizations and has played a key role in shaping conversations around Muslim representation in the UK’s literary and creative industries.In this episode, we’ll be diving into Imrana’s journey—how faith informs her creativity, the challenges and opportunities for Muslim artists today, and what true representation looks like in the arts. Support the show

  --------  

  1:00:14
• Ramadan Reflections: Yasmin Stannard on faith, grief and Amani's legacy

  Today’s episode is part of a special mini-series called Ramadan reflections, where I talk to guests about faith, life and Ramadan.I’m honoured to be speaking with Yasmin Stannard, a mother, advocate, and campaigner, who has been raising awareness and funds for brain cancer in memory of her beloved daughter, Amani.Amani was just 22 years old when she passed away from brain cancer three years ago. Since then, Yasmin and her family have dedicated themselves to honouring Amani’s legacy—through fundraising, awareness campaigns, and by sharing their journey of love, loss, and faith. In this conversation, we reflect on grief, healing, and the ways in which faith helps navigate unimaginable loss, especially during Ramadan, a time of deep spirituality and remembrance.This is a conversation that I hope it brings comfort and connection to anyone who has experienced grief.Join Yasmin & Amani's community on instagram to learn more:www.instagram.com/fight4amani Support the show

  --------  

  1:03:04
• Preethi Nair on carving your own path, aging and unravelling

  On today's episode, I’m speaking with the wonderful Preethi Nair—an author, entrepreneur, and storyteller with an incredible journey into publishing.Preethi left her career as a management consultant to pursue her dream of writing, but after facing multiple rejections from publishers, she took matters into her own hands. She set up her own publishing company, took on a secret identity as a publicist, and successfully got her debut novel Gypsy Masala a whole load of press and attention. Her creative marketing and perseverance led to a three-book deal with HarperCollins, and she has since gone on to inspire countless aspiring writers with her story.In this episode, we talk about her novel Unravelling, a beautifully written story about family, love, and self-discovery. We also explore the deeper themes of identity, resilience, and the unconventional path she took to bring her books into the world. Unravelling is indepdnently published, and this is a conversation full of warmth, wisdom, and inspiration, and I can’t wait for you to hear it.Support the show

  --------  

  1:01:35
• Ramadan Reflections: Lianne on faith, fitness & body image

  Today’s episode is part of a special mini-series called Ramadan reflections, where I talk to guests about faith, life and Ramadan. I’m joined by the incredible Leanne from LC Fitness. Leanne is a passionate personal trainer and fitness coach who helps people build strength, confidence, and a positive relationship with their bodies. She has built a real community, bringing together women to look after themselves and also look after each other. In this episode, we’re diving into a really important conversation about Ramadan, faith, fitness, wellbeing, and mental health. Leanne shares her insights on the connection between health and spirituality, the impact of social media on body image, and the importance of looking after both our physical and mental health. I can’t wait for you to hear this conversation—let’s get into itSupport the show

  --------  

  51:06
• Omar El Akkad on Gaza, genocide, privilege, and historical amnesia

  Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by the award-winning writer and journalist, Omar El Akkad.Omar is a journalist and novelist whose work masterfully blurs the lines between fiction and reality, forcing us to confront the most urgent issues of our time. His debut novel, American War, was a haunting and unflinching look at climate change, war, and displacement. His second novel, What Strange Paradise, won the Giller Prize and offered a deeply human perspective on the refugee crisis. And now, with his latest book, One Day Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This, he turns his attention to the genocide in Gaza, power, identity, and the way history remembers—or erases—those who resist.In this conversation, we talk about the stories behind his stories—the historical and political forces that shape his work, the deeply personal nature of writing about conflict and displacement at the time it’s happening, and how writing can help us make sense of an increasingly fractured world. We also explore themes of belonging, compassion, and what it means to be on the margins of history.Support the show

  --------  

  1:01:13

More Arts podcasts

Trending Arts podcasts

About The Diverse Bookshelf