Shows
A Way Beyond the RainbowBloopers!Send us a textA blooper reel featuring many of the out-takes with my co-hosts, Amina and Aadam, that didn't make it to the final cut.2022-03-2323 minA Way Beyond the Rainbow#82 - For Parents and Families (IV): On Community Healing and General FAQsSend us a textThis is part IV of a 4-episode series dedicated to parents and family members of individuals experiencing gender nonconformity, same-sex attractions (SSA) and/or gender dysphoria (GD).In this episode, Aadam and I wrap up the discussion on healing with the topic of community healing, and then we answer frequently-asked questions from parents and family members of individuals experiencing SSA or GD. How important are therapists and mentors in the healing journey, and what are their responsibilities? Will my child ever "change"? If my child or sibling invites me to read...2022-03-041h 48A Way Beyond the Rainbow#81 - For Parents and Families (III): On the Work of Relational HealingSend us a textThis is part III of a 4-episode series dedicated to parents and family members of individuals experiencing gender nonconformity, same-sex attractions (SSA) and/or gender dysphoria (GD).In this episode, Aadam and I discuss practical tips and advice for parents and families of individuals experiencing SSA and GD, and we tackle proper communication skills and conflict resolution techniques. To what extent are time, touch and talk important in the lives of children, adolescents and young adults, and how can I offer that? How and why should the same-sex parent become more...2022-02-281h 48A Way Beyond the Rainbow#80 - For Parents and Families (II): On Foundations for Relational HealingSend us a textThis is part II of a 4-episode series dedicated to parents and family members of individuals experiencing gender nonconformity, same-sex attractions (SSA) and/or gender dysphoria (GD).In this episode, Aadam and I discuss the notions of gender confusion in childhood and highlight important considerations for parents dealing with young boys and girls as well as adolescents experiencing gender nonconformity, SSA and/or GD. What are signs that my child or family member is experiencing gender identity confusion? What are some possible causes for this? When should I be worried? How...2022-02-251h 22A Way Beyond the Rainbow#79 - For Parents and Families (I): On Personal HealingSend us a textThis is part I of a 4-episode series dedicated to parents and family members of individuals experiencing gender nonconformity, same-sex attractions (SSA) and/or gender dysphoria (GD).In this episode, Aadam and I read out survey responses sent by members of the online Straight Struggle community addressing parents and siblings, and we cover pertinent themes related to personal healing for parents and family members. What do men and women experiencing SSA or GD hope to get from their parents and family members? How can I, as a parent, sibling or family...2022-02-211h 56A Way Beyond the Rainbow#65 - On Self-Esteem (Part II)Send us a textThis is part II of a 2-episode series on the topic of self-esteem and becoming more confident in our lives.In this season finale, Aadam and I discuss imposter syndrome, how to deal with fear of rejection and criticism, as well as practical tips to boosting one's confidence. What are the different kinds of imposter syndrome and how can we overcome them? What's the difference between feedback and criticism, and how can I deal with the latter? How can I stop taking things personally in my life? How can I build...2021-10-221h 10A Way Beyond the Rainbow#64 - On Self-Esteem (Part I)Send us a textThis is part I of a 2-episode series on the topic of self-esteem and becoming more confident in our lives.In this episode, Aadam and I introduce self-esteem and self-confidence, touch upon some relevant spiritual themes and dive into the six pillars of self-esteem. How does living consciously contribute to my self-esteem? How can I practice more self-acceptance on a daily basis and take responsibility for my life? How can I become more assertive and stand up for my rights and ideas? How does maintaining integrity in my life contribute to...2021-10-181h 15A Way Beyond the Rainbow#63 - On Self-Discipline (Part II)Send us a textThis is part II of a 2-episode series on the topic of self-discipline and building healthy habits.In this episode, Aadam and I discuss building atomic habits, overcoming procrastination and failure, and developing morning routines. How can I build healthy habits consistently and overcome some of my bad habits? How can I deal with distractions in my life and overcome procrastination? Why is a morning routine important and what does it constitute? How can I develop a contingency plan in case I fail? These and other questions are explored in this...2021-10-151h 34A Way Beyond the Rainbow#62 - On Self-Discipline (Part I)Send us a textThis is part I of a 2-episode series on the topic of self-discipline and building healthy habits.In this episode, Aadam and I outline the differences between self-discipline, motivation, willpower and self-control, highlight the benefits of self-discipline, and discuss practical methods to cultivating that in our daily lives. How can I prevent my "monkey mind" from taking over when I try to work or study? How can I develop practical goals, aspirations and strategies in my life? How can I start building more structure, focus and discipline in my life, and...2021-10-111h 42A Way Beyond the Rainbow#46 - On Healing Complex TraumaSend us a textThis is part 4 of a four-episode series on understanding the origins and characteristics of complex trauma as well as paving a holistic path of healing.In this episode, Aadam and I talk about a holistic approach to healing complex trauma using the bio-psycho-social-spiritual model, wrapping up our series on complex trauma.How do proper nutrition and sleep impact my healing and recovery? What are some grounding techniques that could help me deal with my triggers? How can relationships help me heal my old wounds? Is a spiritual connection a...2021-07-191h 35A Way Beyond the Rainbow#45 - On the Effects and Characteristics of Complex Trauma (Part II)Send us a text*General trigger warning: episode involves discussion of traumatic events and may be triggering to some listeners*This is part 3 of a four-episode series on understanding the origins and characteristics of complex trauma as well as paving a holistic path of healing.In this episode, Aadam and I continue our talk on the effects and characteristics of complex trauma by discussing interpersonal and relationship aspects. We also cover the topic of trauma bonds developed by Dr. Patrick Carnes.How does complex trauma impact my relationships with family, friends...2021-07-161h 28A Way Beyond the Rainbow#44 - On the Effects and Characteristics of Complex Trauma (Part I)Send us a text*General trigger warning: episode involves discussion of traumatic events and may be triggering to some listeners*This is part 2 of a four-episode series on understanding the origins and characteristics of complex trauma as well as paving a holistic path of healing.In this episode, Aadam and I talk about how complex trauma impacts our self-identity and self-perception, contributes to a shame narrative, and leads to a myriad of emotional, cognitive and behavioral effects and characteristics. How does complex trauma lead to the narrative that "I am unworthy...2021-07-121h 52A Way Beyond the Rainbow#43 - On the Origins of Complex TraumaSend us a text*General trigger warning: episode involves discussion of traumatic events and may be triggering to some listeners*My friend Aadam joins me on a four-episode series that focuses on understanding the origins and characteristics of complex trauma as well as paving a holistic path of healing.In this episode, we talk about the definition of complex trauma and factors that lead to it, the survival brain and the fight-flight-freeze response, as well as the different parental or caregiver dynamics that may give rise to complex trauma during childhood. ...2021-07-091h 51A Way Beyond the Rainbow#18 - On Attachments and SurrenderSend us a textIn this episode, Aadam and I discuss the topic of attachments, fear of letting go, and sacrifice for the sake of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. We dissect the story of Ibrahim, Hajar and Isma'il (peace and blessings be upon them all), looking at their trials from that particular lens. We also examine the statement of Tawheed (monotheism): "There is no god but Allah" from a lens of shedding all worldly attachments and redirecting things towards Him.What are some things to which we are attached in this life, that leaving them...2020-08-071h 25A Way Beyond the Rainbow#15 - On Hardships, Trials and Tribulations (Part I)Send us a textMy friend Aadam joins me in a three-episode series where we discuss hardships, trials and tribulations and contextualize our struggle with SSA in the larger scheme of things. In this episode, we talk about the problem of evil and suffering, the story of Moses (PBUH) and Al-Khidr, the story of Ayyub (PBUH) and his wife, and how everything in life is a test from Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.Why do "bad things" happen to "good people"? Why are we tested? Can things that appear as "bad" conceal "good" things in them...2020-07-171h 20A Way Beyond the Rainbow#4 - Q and A SessionSend us a textIn this Q and A session, Aadam and I answer some of the questions and comments that we received by e-mail or came across on social media, with regards to the first three episodes, as well as the recent event that took place in Texas entitled, "LGBTQ+ Balancing Our Faith with Civil Rights" in which I was a speaker.Links to sources mentioned in the episode:- The Event at EPIC Mosque and Center2020-02-211h 23A Way Beyond the Rainbow#3 - On Self-Compassion, Shame and Vulnerability (Part II)Send us a textIn the second part of our two-episode series, Aadam and I continue the discussion on self-compassion, shame and vulnerability. In this episode, we talk about connection, shame, feeling worthy and a sense of belonging, vulnerability, and what it really means to be courageous, and then we tie all of these concepts to the struggle of individuals living with SSA. Do you believe you are worthy of love, connection and belonging? Is there a difference between the person you think you should be and the person you really are? Are you willing to remove...2020-02-141h 17A Way Beyond the Rainbow#2 - On Self-Compassion, Shame and Vulnerability (Part I)Send us a textMy dear friend Aadam joins me in a two-episode series where we discuss self-compassion, shame and vulnerability. In this episode, we talk about self-love and compassion, how these topics are crucial to our well being and growth, and the difference between shame and guilt. How do you treat yourself on a daily basis? What is it like with your mental chatter? Do you feel worthy of love? These and other questions are presented in this episode.Links to sources mentioned in the episode:Option B, by Sheryl Sandberg2020-02-071h 17