Shows
Candid InsightsJohn Esposito on the Challenges to Pluralism TodaySahil interviews Dr. John Esposito -- Professor of International Affairs and Religion at Georgetown University and Director of their Bridge Initiative, which connects the academic study of Islamophobia with the public square -- to discuss his insights on Media Representation of Muslims, the Rise of Islamophobia, the Challenges to Pluralism in Contemporary Society, and the Importance of Interfaith Initiatives in Promoting Social Justice. Esposito delves into the Role of Political Climates in Shaping Public Perceptions, the Impact of Interfaith and Community Mobilization on Reducing Prejudice, and the Global Significance of Embracing Religious Pluralism in the Face of Rising Anti-Immigrant...
2025-11-3057 min
Candid InsightsScott Tinker on Global Energy, Poverty, and Climate ChangeSahil interviews Dr. Scott Tinker -- Director Emeritus of the Bureau of Economic Geology and a professor in the Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas -- to discuss his insights on Global Nuclear Power Leadership, the Diverse Nuclear Strategies Adopted by Major Countries, Exploring Thorium as an Alternative to Uranium in Nuclear Energy, the Potential of Geothermal Energy, and the Pros and Cons of Carbon Sequestration. Tinker provides an in-depth analysis of the Challenges and Opportunities in the Energy Sector, addressing the need for Balancing Energy Production with Climate Goals and the Economic and Social Implications...
2025-11-2746 min
Candid InsightsValerie Young on Success and the Impostor SyndromeSahil interviews Valerie Young -- an internationally-known expert on impostor syndrome and author of the award-winning book, The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women -- to discuss her insights on Understanding and Overcoming the Imposter Syndrome, the Difference Between Self-Esteem and Imposter Syndrome, Strategies for Reframing Imposter Thinking, and the Role of Unrealistic Definitions of Competence in Fostering Self-Doubt. Young also explores the Fear of Being Extraordinary, the Challenges of Finding Passion and Work-Life Balance, and the Importance of Self-Compassion and Personal Growth in Building a Successful Career. Interview: candidinsights.co/valerie-young-interview Timestamps:
2025-11-2419 min
Candid InsightsSam Kabert on Work-Life Balance, Mental Health, and EmotionsSahil interviews Sam Kabert -- a Silicon Valley's 40 under 40 honoree and best-selling author on mental health -- to discuss his insights on Emotions as Energy in Motion and the 90-Second Rule, his Journey to Success and Internal Struggles, Managing Work Stress, and Practical Solutions for Achieving Work-Life Balance. Kabert also shares his Six-Step Breath Process for Accessing Inner Peace, Strategies for Surrendering and Breaking Negative Patterns, and Implementing Soul Life Balance for Personal Transformation and Living Authentically. Interview: https://candidinsights.co/sam-kabert-interviewTimestamps: Journey to Spiritual Awakening — Time Index: 01:05 The Co...
2025-11-2024 min
Candid InsightsDalia Mogahed on Islam & the Promise Of AmericaSahil interviews Dalia Mogahed -- a member of former President Barack Obama's inaugural Advisory Council on Faith-Based Neighborhood Partnerships and Director of Research at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) -- to discuss her insights on Perception of Muslims (Situation, Progress, Change, Solutions), Understanding Polling, Rise in Non-Religion Category, President Obama’s Faith Council, and Intra-Faith Muslim cooperation. Mogahed explores the challenges and opportunities for American Muslims in the post-9/11 era, the role of research and data in shaping public policy, and the importance of fostering a sense of belonging and unity within the Muslim community. Interview: ht...
2025-11-1643 min
Candid InsightsZulfiqar Bhutta on International Health and Maternal Child CareDr. Zulfiqar Bhutta — Co-Director of the SickKids Centre for Global Child Health and Founding Director of the Institute for Global Health & Development at Aga Khan University. He is one of the world’s most recognized voices in global health and has been honored for his groundbreaking work in maternal and child health.
2025-11-1045 min
Candid InsightsKhalil Abdullah on Challenges Facing the Youth and Princeton University's Muslim Life ProgramSahil interviews Khalil Abdullah -- Assistant Dean of Religious Life and Muslim Chaplain at Princeton University -- to discuss his insights on the Importance of Interfaith Contexts in Addressing Social Disconnects, Shifts in Perception About Youth in Contemporary Society, the Relevance of Quranic Stories in Guiding Young People, and Effective Methods for Engaging Youth Through Dialogue and Understanding. Abdullah emphasizes the need for listening to youth and helping them navigate a complex world with Confidence, Faith, and Purpose. Interview: candidinsights.co/khalil-abdullah-interviewTimestamps: The Role of a Muslim Chaplain at Princeton — Time Inde...
2025-11-0128 min
Candid InsightsAasif Mandvi on the Future of EntertainmentSahil interviews Aasif Mandvi -- British-American actor and comedian and a previous contributing correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart -- to discuss his insights on the Evolution of Comedy and Entertainment in the Digital Age, the Importance of Storytelling in Connecting with Audiences, Navigating Career Shifts and the Impact of Imposter Syndrome, and the Role of Comedy in Addressing Social Issues. Mandvi shares his Journey from Stand-Up Comedy to Acting, his Experiences in Breaking Stereotypes, and the Challenges and Rewards of Pursuing a Career in the Entertainment Industry. Interview: candidinsights.co/aasif-mandvi-interview...
2025-09-0452 min
Candid InsightsShainool Jiwa on Lessons from the Fatimid Empire for TodaySahil interviews Shainool Jiwa -- the Head of Constituency Studies at the Institute of Ismaili Studies and a specialist of the Fatimid Empire -- to discuss her insights on the Unique Aspects of the Fatimid Empire, its Governance Models Inspired by Prophetic Precedents, the Empire’s Inclusivity Toward Various Religious Communities, and the Intellectual and Social Contributions of the Fatimids. Jiwa reflects on the Challenges the Empire Faced, its Adaptations Over Time, and the Relevance of the Fatimid Legacy in Addressing Contemporary Issues of Governance, Inclusivity, and Social Justice in today's world. Interview: candidinsights.co/shainool-jiwa-interview. This interview was co...
2025-06-2721 min
Candid InsightsAli Velshi on Media Bubbles and Minority CommunitiesSahil interviews Ali Velshi -- television journalist at MSNBC and a senior economic and business correspondent for NBC News -- to discuss his insights on the Role of Media Ownership and its Impact on Representation, the Dangers of Self-Selection in News Consumption, the Importance of Exposing Minority Views, and the Role of Social Justice Protests in Breaking Media Bubbles. Velshi also addresses the Media's Focus on Negative Stories About Muslims, the Need for Balanced Reporting, and the Importance of Critical Thinking in Navigating the Post-Fact Society. Interview: candidinsights.co/ali-velshi-interviewTimestamps:
2025-03-1337 min
Candid InsightsReef Karim on Instant Gratification and Self-SabotageSahil interviews Dr. Reef Karim -- television personality, international speaker, author, and osteopathic physician -- to discuss his insights on the Impact of Instant Gratification on Mental Health, the Battle Between Attachment and Authenticity, the Challenges of Career Intervention and Cultural Expectations, and the Role of Visibility Over Credibility in Modern Society. Karim shares his Personal Journey of Overcoming Self-Sabotage, the Importance of Creativity and Authenticity in Personal Growth, and Strategies for Achieving Long-Term Fulfillment and Success in a Rapidly Changing World. Interview: candidinsights.co/reef-karim-interviewTimestamps: Journey through Self-Expression and Creativity — Ti...
2024-12-1844 min
Candid InsightsWajahat Ali on Social Media, Echo-Chambers, and JournalismSahil interviews Wajahat Ali -- a journalist, writer, lawyer, award-winning playwright, TV host, and a previous consultant for the U.S. State Department under Hillary Clinton -- to discuss his insights on the Role of Social Media as a Tool for Amplifying Marginalized Voices, the Dangers of Echo-Chambers and Self-Selection in News Consumption, the Importance of Digital Literacy in Schools, and the Challenges of Misinformation in the Post-Fact Society. Ali also delves into the Media's Role in Shaping Public Perceptions, the Impact of Social Justice Movements on Breaking Privilege Bubbles, and the Need for Balanced Reporting and Critical Thinking...
2024-09-031h 00
Candid InsightsDaisy Khan on Women’s Rights, Sharia, and ExtremismSahil interviews Daisy Khan -- Executive Director of the Women’s Islamic Initiative for Spirituality and Equality and previously listed among TIME magazine’s ‘100 Most Influential People’ -- to discuss her insights on Common Misunderstandings About Sharia in America, the Fundamental Objectives of Sharia and their Alignment with American Values, the Impact of Post-9/11 Events on Public Perception of Islam, and the Need for Mass Education to Address National Security Concerns. Khan also highlights the Importance of Women's Activism, the Role of Interfaith Initiatives in Promoting Social Justice, and the Significance of the Wise Up Report in Demystifying Islamic Teaching...
2024-06-0541 min
Candid InsightsYasir Qadhi on Faith in the Modern WorldSahil interviews Dr. Yasir Qadhi -- Dean of the Islamic Seminary of America, an international Islamic educational institution, and a doctoral graduate of Yale University, specializing in Islamic intellectual history and thought -- to discuss his insights on the Reclamation of Muslim Identity Post-9/11, the Significance of Local Charity and Community Outreach in Strengthening Faith, the Challenges Posed by Atheism and Secularism to Religious Communities, and the Potential for Intellectual Responses to Revitalize Faith in the Modern World. Qadhi emphasizes the Importance of Interfaith Dialogue, the Role of Compassionate Leadership, and the Need for Muslims to Engage with Contemporary...
2024-03-1055 min
Candid InsightsRizwan Mawani on The Diversity in the Muslim WorldRizwan Mawani -- educator, writer, and researcher and he has advised policymakers and think tanks on issues of religious literacy, tolerance, and diversity -- to discuss his insights on the Pluralism and Ritual Practices Across Muslim Communities, the Concept of Ritual Diversity and Its Evolution, the Significance of Architectural and Spatial Diversity in Muslim Worship Spaces, and the Impact of Geographic Displacement on Ritual Practices. Mawani explores the Historical and Contemporary Developments of Ismaili Ritual Spaces and Practices, highlighting how diverse cultural and geographical influences have shaped the rich tapestry of Muslim religious life. Interview: https://candidinsights.co/rizwan-mawani-interview...
2023-12-0159 min
Candid InsightsRudy Karsan on Entrepreneurship and the Importance of ServiceSahil interviews Rudy Karsan -- a seasoned technology investor and entrepreneur for over 30 years and previously the founder and CEO of Kenexa which eventually sold to IBM for 1.3 Billion dollars -- to discuss his insights on Starting a Business During a Crisis, the Evolution and Meaning of Work in the Modern Economy, the Potential and Limitations of AI and Universal Basic Income, and the Importance of Pro Bono Work and Customer Engagement in Building a Successful Business. Karsan also shares his Personal Experiences with Overcoming Fear and Anxiety, the Role of Meditation, Gratitude, and Journaling in Managing Stress, and...
2023-09-0934 min
Candid InsightsPt. 2: Shama Hyder on Technology and the Future of Social MediaShama Hyder -- bestselling author, the award-winning CEO of Zen Media, and honored at both the White House and The United Nations as one of the top 100 young entrepreneurs in the country -- to discuss her insights on the Impact of Social Media and Gaming on Teen Brain Development, the Role of Strategic Brand Building in the Digital Landscape, Upcoming Trends in Social Media Including E-Commerce Integration and the Metaverse, and Balancing Work and Family Life in the Digital Age. Hyder emphasizes the importance of Mindful Technology Usage, Innovation in Digital Marketing Strategies, and the Influence of Technology on...
2023-06-1243 min
Candid InsightsSalmaan Keshavjee on Global Health, Infectious Diseases, and the CoronavirusSahil interviews Salmaan Keshavjee, a Professor of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He directs their Global Health Delivery Program. He is a physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and has been affiliated extensively with the Boston-based non-profit Partners InHealth (PIH) and Advance Access and Delivery which has been delivering care in poor countries for more than 30 years. He discusses his insights on the Vulnerabilities Exposed by the Coronavirus Pandemic, the Impact of Neoliberal Models on Healthcare Systems, the Economic and Social Inequalities Highlighted by COVID-19, and the Debate on Medicare for All in the Un...
2023-03-0552 min
Candid InsightsEboo Patel on Interfaith Cooperation and PluralismSahil interviews Eboo Patel – Founder & Executive Director of the Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC) and a member of former President Barack Obama's inaugural Advisory Council on Faith-Based Neighborhood Partnerships – to discuss his insights on contemporary issues such as Interfaith Leadership, Action, and Dialogue; Pluralism, Homogenization, and Intellectual Diversity; Partnerships, Faith Leadership, and his vision for the Future. Interview: candidinsights.co/eboo-patel-interviewTimestamps: The Power of Interfaith Action — Time Index: 0:48 Shared Values Across Religious and Non-Religious Traditions — Time Index: 2:00 Challenges to Interfaith Efforts — Time Index: 2:57 Addressing Cha...
2022-12-1719 min
Candid InsightsNabil Karim on his Struggles and Career as an ESPN Sports AnchorSahil interviews Nabil Karim -- an ESPN SportsCenter Anchor and previous reporter on Canada’s leading sports network (TSN) -- to discuss his Career Journey in Sports Broadcasting, his Struggles with Imposter Syndrome upon Joining ESPN, and the Challenges of Lack of Minority Representation in the Field. Karim reflects on his Passion for Sports Broadcasting, the Influence of Community and Family Support, and the Importance of Perseverance, Networking, and Staying True to One’s Passion in Achieving Success in the Competitive World of Sports Media. Interview: https://candidinsights.co/nabil-karim-interviewTimestamps: Discovering a Passion...
2022-09-0345 min
Candid InsightsHasan Minhaj on Comedy in America TodaySahil interviews Hasan Minhaj -- American comedian and actor and host of the new Netflix series, Patriot Act. Hasan had been a senior correspondent on The Daily Show, which he joined in 2014. He was also the featured speaker at the 2017 White House Correspondents' Dinner.
Hasan spoke about his journey so far as a comedian, his personal advice to all artists, current challenges in America, and the future of entertainment and comedy.
Interview: candidinsights.co/hasan-minhaj-interview
Timestamps:
Initial Interest in Comedy — Time Index: 0:48
Motivation During the Early Comedy Journey — Time Index: 1:55
...
2022-06-0419 min
Candid InsightsKaren Armstrong on the State of the World TodaySahil interviews Karen Armstrong -- internationally acclaimed author, and winner of the 2008 TED Prize launching The Charter for Compassion, which has over two million signatories. She discussed her insights on compassion, the Golden Rule, nationalism, materialism, cosmopolitan ethics, religious literacy, the future of religion, perceptions of religious people, religious institutions, personal search, and her vision for the future. Interview Published for The.Ismaili & Interview Transcript: sahilbadruddin.com/karen-armstrong-interview
2022-03-1051 min
Candid InsightsHussein Rashid on Secularism and Cultural/Religious LiteracySahil interviews Hussein Rashid -- current professor at Columbia University’s Department of Religion and founder of islamicate (a consultancy focusing on religious literacy and cultural competency) -- to discuss his insights on the Interplay Between Secularism and Cultural/Religious Literacy, the Impact of Muslim Traditions on American Culture, the Changing Nature of Racism and Representation, and Strategies for Addressing Islamophobia and Racism in Contemporary Society. Rashid emphasizes the Importance of Religious Literacy, the Role of Popular Culture in Shaping Perceptions, and the Need for a Universal Code of Ethics to Foster Understanding and Respect Among Diverse Communities. Interview: ca...
2021-12-0435 min
Candid InsightsMoez Kaba on Law, Public Service, and His Journey As a Trial LawyerSahil interviews Moez Kaba -- a partner at the law firm Hueston Hennigan and rated by Chambers as one of the best trial lawyers -- to discuss his journey in Law, Public Service, and his Experiences with High-Profile Cases such as the IMDb First Amendment Lawsuit and Bill Koch's Counterfeit Rare Wine Cases. Kaba shares his insights on Overcoming Feelings of Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome, the Importance of Pro Bono Work in the Legal Profession, the Impact of his Ismaili Muslim Background, and Reflections on Personal Success and Acceptance. Interview: candidinsights.co/moez-kaba-interviewTimestamps:
2021-09-2751 min
Candid InsightsShama Hyder on the Age of Digital Marketing and Social MediaSahil interviews Shama Hyder — CEO of Zen Media, a global marketing and new media communications firm and listed by Forbes and Inc. Magazine as a 30 under 30 Entrepreneur -- to discuss the Age of Digital Marketing and Social Media, the Impact of Social Media and Gaming on Teen Brain Development, Hyder’s Journey in Founding Zen Media, and the Lessons for Young Adults on Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt. Hyder delves into the Importance of Balancing Humility and Confidence, the Influence of South Asian Culture on Family Dynamics, the Need for Continuous Innovation, and the Role of Technology in Shaping the Futu...
2021-06-2137 min
Candid InsightsJim Wallis on Christianity and PoliticsSahil interviews Jim Wallis -- President of Sojourners, a Christian justice organization and a former spiritual advisor to both President Barack Obama and George W. Bush -- to discuss the Intersection of Christianity and Politics, the Evolving Definition of "Evangelical" and its Implications, the Role of White Evangelicals in the 2016 Election, and the Complexities of a Consistent Life Ethic Concerning Abortion. Wallis critiques the Moral Compromises Made by Evangelical Leaders Supporting Donald Trump, Condemns the Prosperity Gospel, and Emphasizes the Need for a Return to Social Justice Principles Rooted in Faith. Interview: candidinsights.co/jim-wallis-interview
2021-03-2652 min
Candid InsightsKarim Lakhani on Open Innovation and Thinking TogetherSahil interviews Karim Lakhani -- Associate Professor at Harvard and Founder and Co-Director of their Laboratory for Innovation Science -- to explore the Concept of Open Innovation and its Transformative Potential in Various Sectors. Lakhani discusses the Benefits of Open Innovation, Real-World Applications in Fields Such as Medicine and Engineering, and the Challenges of Adopting Collaborative Models Over Traditional Hierarchical Structures. He emphasizes the Importance of Intellectual Diversity, Curiosity, and Mentorship in Driving Innovation and Addresses the Future Outlook of Open Innovation in Shaping the Next Generation of Problem Solvers. This is a Partial Interview: candidinsights.co/karim-lakhani-interview
2020-12-0814 min
Candid InsightsAzim Jamal on Cultivating Happiness and Changing Your LifeSahil interviews Azim Jamal -- an internationally acclaimed inspirational speaker and management consultant and author of several books including # 1 Amazon best-selling co-author of The Power of Giving. Azim has spoken live to a 1,000,000 people in 30 countries -- to discuss Techniques for Cultivating Happiness, Effective Time Management Strategies, Finding Happiness in the Journey, and Achieving a Balanced Life. Jamal shares his insights on Building Healthy Relationships, Turning Adversity into Opportunities for Spiritual Growth, and the Importance of Self-Discovery and Internal Validation in Achieving Long-Term Fulfillment. He also provides Practical Advice on Maintaining Productivity and Well-Being through Spirituality and Balanced Living...
2020-09-161h 17
Candid InsightsReza Aslan on Religion TodaySahil interviews Reza Aslan -- best-selling author, public intellectual, religious studies scholar, producer, and television host -- to discuss his insights on Religious Literacy, popular culture and Muslims, Secularism, Pluralism, Relativism, echo chambers, intellectual diversity, the future of Religion, and his book, God: A Human History. Interview: candidinsights.co/reza-aslan-interview Timestamps: Challenges in Introducing Religious Studies in Schools — Time Index: 0:44 Finding a Way Forward for Religious Education — Time Index: 4:52 Progress in Addressing the Perception of Islam — Time Index: 5:58 Advice for Muslim Outreach — Time Index: 11:29 Defining...
2020-06-1235 min
Candid InsightsCandid Insights Podcast Introduction TrailerSahil interviews influencers, leaders, and intellectuals to draw out their candid insights and wisdom on important issues facing society today with thought-provoking questions that hit at the heart of a matter.Some of his previous guests, among others, include Hasan Minhaj, Karen Armstrong, Ali Velshi, Aasif Mandvi, and Jim Wallis.
2020-03-2200 min