Hyphenated

Episode 34

This week, Hyphen commissioning editor Samir Jeraj, Kadra Abdinasir from the Centre for Mental Health and Mercy Mission UK’s Jehangir Malik OBE discuss the claim by Britain’s ex-defence secretary Ben Wallace that the situation in Gaza is “radicalising Muslim youth across the globe”, the UK’s cost of living crisis and our top TV picks as Netflix reveals its most watched shows of 2023.

Host Reya El-Salahi speaks to the psychiatrist Professor Ahmed Hankir about a recent surge in the number of Muslim patients referred to his clinic, his new book The Wounded Healer and his journey from psychiatric patient to World Health Organization award-winning mental health provider.

Plus, journalist Dion Fanning meets the athletes on the receiving end of racism in Irish sport.

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Episode 33

This week, Hyphen reporter Aisha Rimi, author and Runnymede Trust co-CEO Dr Shabna Begum and political stand-up comedian Harun Musho’d discuss the United Kingdom’s decision to abstain on the UN Gaza ceasefire vote and concerns about the policing of pro-Palestine protests stifling freedom of speech. Our panel also mull over changes to UK visa rules and reflect on whether Taylor Swift is a worthy recipient of Time Magazine’s person of the year award. 

Host Reya El-Salahi speaks to the chief executive of Amal, Catherine Roe, about the imminent closure of the charity she founded to help shift the dominant negative narrative around Muslims in the UK by growing opportunities for British Muslims to unleash their creative potential.

Plus, Aisha Rimi travels to Leeds to meet the Muslim community group bridging the digital divide.

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Episode 32

This week, the British Sudanese comedian Ola Labib joins host Reya El-Salahi to chat about her new sitcom Frenemies, coping with the cultural fallout after pursuing a career on stage and why she’s fed up with being called the UK’s first Black, Muslim, Sudanese female comedian. 

Plus, journalist Neelam Tailor meets the Muslim women struggling to stop watching porn.

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Episode 31

This week, Hyphen Europe commissioning editor Phoebe Greenwood, political commentator Sami Hamdi and the broadcaster and Bromley Reform Synagogue’s Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner discuss whether a pause in fighting in Gaza signals a turning point in the war between Israel and Hamas, record net migration into the UK and whether Black Friday is a chance to bag a bargain or challenge rampant consumerism.

Host Reya El-Salahi chats to human rights lawyer and former refugee Qays Sediqi about taking the British government to court over Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda immigration policy.

Plus, Hyphen assistant editor Husna Rizvi meets the Muslim renters at the sharp end of London’s housing crisis.

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Episode 30

This week, journalist and Hyphen contributor Taj Ali, ITV News political correspondent Shehab Khan and Dimi Reider, an Israeli journalist and co-founder of +972 magazine, discuss the fallout from UK MPs voting against calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, Britain’s failed Rwanda immigration plan and new research suggesting religious Britons are significantly happier than atheists.

Host Reya El-Salahi chats to Julie Siddiqi, the co-founder of Nisa-Nashim, about the challenges of being an interfaith activist during the Israel-Palestine conflict and being a critical friend in the fight against gender inequality in mosques.

Plus, Hyphen reporter Aisha Rimi explores the rise of halal dating opportunities for Black British Muslims.

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Episode 29

This week, Hyphen assistant editor Husna Rizvi and former Labour councillor Shaista Aziz discuss Suella Braverman’s sacking and former prime minister David Cameron’s return to politics in a surprise UK government reshuffle following London’s largest Palestine solidarity march. The panel is also joined by the NHS Race and Health Observatory’s chief executive Professor Habib Naqvi in a week that saw a record NHS backlog revealed and the ditching of the Mental Health Bill in the King’s speech. Sparked by the start of the Christmas TV advert season, our panel also share their unconventional festive food choices.

Host Reya El-Salahi chats to the food writer Dina Begum about celebrating the cuisine and culinary traditions of her homeland in her new cookbook Made in Bangladesh.

Plus, journalist Samira Shackle explores the moral maze of biological treatments for Muslims struggling with fertility.

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Episode 28

This week, Hyphen contributor Rabina Khan, Dr Richard McNeil-Willson, an academic specialising in critical extremism studies and the journalist and author Michael Segalov discuss why language matters when talking about the Israel-Palestine conflict, and Elon Musk’s decision to reinstate the accounts of far-right commentators on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Sparked by the auction of a football shirt worn by the late Sir Bobby Charlton in the 1966 World Cup semi-final, our panel also reveals their most valuable items of personal memorabilia.

Host Reya El-Salahi chats to the presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Sunday religious programme, Edward Stourton, about the importance of religious literacy amid the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the release of his new book Sunday.

Plus, journalist Natalie Donback meets the Moroccan YouTuber reviving Spain’s shepherding tradition.

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Episode 27

This week, Hyphen commissioning editor Samir Jeraj, broadcaster Fahima Mahomed and political commentator Mohammad Zaheer discuss the geopolitical fallout of the Israel-Palestine conflict and former prime minister Boris Johnson’s new job at right-wing broadcaster GB News. The panel also discusses the return of London’s original Routemaster buses and reveals what they’d bring back from the past if they could.

Former Labour councillor Dr Amar Latif joins host Reya El-Salahi to discuss his decision to resign from the party over Sir Keir Starmer’s stance on Israel, sparking a chain reaction which led to Labour losing its majority in his hometown of Oxford.

Plus, Hyphen reporter Saman Javed on the Muslim-run businesses facing a years-long campaign of intimidation in south Belfast.

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Episode 26

This week Hyphen reporter Aisha Rimi, Deputy Head of Islam UK Centre and Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Wales Dr Azim Ahmed and human Rights lawyer Shoaib M Khan join host Reya El-Salahi to discuss tensions caused by the Israel-Palestine conflict in the UK. 

Our panel considers calls for a tightening of the law following chants of jihad at a London protest, fears for the future of interfaith relations and attempts to crackdown on support of Palestine in the UK. 

We also discuss the Labour party’s record-breaking double by-election win, and as new research recommends eating less red meat, we ask whether veganism is culturally acceptable for Muslims?

Plus, journalist Hannah Fearn investigates the ‘trad wife’ influencers posting lifestyle videos to push Islamophobia.

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Episode 25

As the Gaza crisis deepens, this week our panel considers the ramifications of the response from European leaders to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Hyphen assistant editor Hussein Kesvani, foreign correspondent and Hyphen contributor Shamim Chowdhury and national executive member of the Labour Muslim Network Ali Milani also discuss calls to boycott the Labour party over Keir Starmer’s support for Israel.

Host Reya El-Salahi interviews British-Iraqi standup Hasan Al-Habib about winning the Birmingham Comedy Festival Breaking Talent Award 2023.

Plus, Hyphen reporter Saman Javed meets the Muslim therapists calling for more openness on faith-based counselling.

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Episode 24

We’re at the Labour conference in Liverpool for this episode with the leader of the party’s Foreign Policy Group, Harrow councillor Peymana Assad. Hyphen editor Burhan Wazir and political stand-up comedian Harun Musho’d also join this week’s panel to reflect on Keir Starmer’s leadership, and what the Labour party stands for, escalating violence in the Middle East, and what it means to be working class in Britain today — a key theme in Starmer’s speech — and a viral clip from David Beckham’s new Netflix documentary.

Host Reya El-Salahi chats to author Professor Sunny Singh about her love of Indian cinema, Muslim representation on the big screen and not being afraid to speak her mind, ahead of the release of her new book A Bollywood State of Mind.

Plus, Hyphen reporter Aisha Rimi investigates the informal money-management schemes many Muslim women bank on.

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Episode 23

This week we’re at the Tory party conference in Manchester with the Conservative Muslim Forum’s Deputy Chair Naveed Asghar, joined by the Estonia-based journalist and Hyphen contributor Shafi Musaddique and broadcaster and commentator Fahima Mahomed. Our panel discuss Suella Braverman’s controversial comments on multiculturalism, whether the right-leaning British TV channel GB News should shut down in the wake of a sexism row, and our favourite natural landmarks, prompted by the felling of Britain’s Sycamore Gap Tree.

Plus, in honour of National Poetry Day, the British-Somali poet Momtaza Mehri shares a new poem on the theme of refuge, commissioned exclusively for Hyphen.

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Episode 22

As the UK party conference season gets underway, Hyphen assistant editor Husna Rizvi, Liberal Democrat member and former chair of the Conservative Muslim Forum Mohammed Amin, and host of the She Speaks We Hear podcast Sharmeen Ziauddin discuss what the Lib Dems offer Muslim voters; a new report from rightwing thinktank Civitas criticising the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims’ definition of Islamophobia, and Muslim representations in art sparked by what is believed to be the world’s first sculpture celebrating women who wear hijabs.

Host Reya El-Salahi chats to travel blogger Yara Abdelsamie about challenging misconceptions about Muslim women through her love of solo travel, the European destinations she recommends and the city she advises hijabis to avoid. 

Plus, journalist David Plaisant explores what Rome’s Grand Mosque can teach Italy about integration.

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Episode 21

Hyphen Europe commissioning editor Phoebe Greenwood, author and government climate advisor Dr Imad Ahmed, and Dr Omar Khan, the CEO of TASO, a charity working to improve equality in higher education, discuss the aftermath of devastating natural disasters in Morocco and Libya, lessons to be learnt about UK race relations from the online reaction to a confrontation in a Peckham shop that went viral, and reflect on Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf being included in Time magazine‘s annual list of 100 emerging world leaders.

Host Reya El-Salahi chats to film critic and podcaster Leila Latif about the must-see Muslim talent to look out for at the BFI London Film Festival 2023.

Plus, journalist Stefania D’Ignoti finds out why Rome’s best pizza is Egyptian.

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Episode 20

This week, Hyphen Editor Burhan Wazir, equalities campaigner and She Speaks We Hear founder Akeela Ahmed, and journalist Remona Aly join host Reya El-Salahi to discuss anti-Muslim violence in India following the G20 summit, the wider impact of France’s abaya ban, and Thailand’s plan to become a top Muslim-friendly holiday destination. From inedible food to anxiety-inducing airport security, our panel shares their most memorable trips abroad.

Plus, Hyphen journalist Hussein Kesvani investigates the big bidet takeover.

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Episode 19

Hyphen reporter Aisha Rimi, author and advertising exec Shelina Janmohamed and ITV News political correspondent Shehab Khan discuss the issues facing Rishi Sunak’s government as MPs return to parliament after the summer recess, the legacy of former Harrods and Fulham FC owner, Mohamed Al-Fayed, following his death, and whether it’s still accurate to describe Britain as a Christian country.

Host Reya El-Salahi chats to tech leader Arfah Farooq about the lucky accident of her career path, helping Muslims level up through the Muslamic Makers community and why diversity is key to mitigating the risks of AI.

Plus, journalist Faisal Ali meets the Muslim junior doctors leaving the NHS.

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Episode 18

Hyphen commissioning editor Samir Jeraj, foreign correspondent and Hyphen contributor Shamim Chowdhury, and social commentator and digital marketing professional Aliya Zaidi discuss the British government’s seemingly shambolic plan to house asylum seekers on the Bibby Stockholm barge, First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf’s straight-talking advice for dealing with bigots and the significance of the first hijabi-wearing footballer in the Women’s World Cup.

Host Reya El-Salahi talks to the poet and playwright Inua Ellams about the role his multi-faith upbringing plays in his award-winning work, why accepting an MBE was a bruising decision and how his legal battles to stay in the UK inspired his latest show An Evening With an Immigrant.

Plus, Javaria Akbar explores the challenges of getting fit in a multigenerational household.

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Episode 17

Should freedom of speech extend to burning books? One of Denmark’s first Muslim politicians, Özlem Cekic, talks to host Reya El-Salahi on this week’s podcast about how this stern test of liberal democratic ideals is playing out against a backdrop of angry condemnation across the Muslim world.

Comedians Mustafa Algiyadi, Sharlin Jahan, Harun Musho’d and Leila Navabi join a special Edinburgh 2023 panel to discuss the highs and lows of performing at the world’s biggest arts festival, and whether posting crying selfies online is the best way to market a show.

Plus, Hussein Kesvani meets the Muslim Redditors doomscrolling their way to a spiritual crisis.

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Episode 16

Hyphen assistant editor Hussein Kesvani, Dr Laura Jones of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and the author and government climate advisor Dr Imad Ahmed discuss how London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone is reshaping politics. We also pay tribute to Sinéad O’Connor and explore how Muslim converts are represented in the media.

Host Reya El-Salahi talks to Dr Shabna Begum about her book From Sylhet to Spitalfields, and gives her tips for the best food in Banglatown.

Plus, Hafsa Lodi on how young Muslims became sneakerheads.

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Episode 15

This week, Hyphen’s Europe commissioning editor Phoebe Greenwood, academic and journalist Mohammad Zaheer and journalist Shafi Musaddique discuss Europe’s heatwave, a new report by Tell MAMA detailing a decade of anti-Muslim hate. Plus, how new films Barbie and Oppenheimer reignited our love of cinema.

Host Reya El-Salahi talks to Sabah Ahmedi about being one of Britain’s youngest Imams and his mission to challenge misconceptions about Islam on social media. 

Plus, Hyphen writer Jessica Bateman on how one man took on anti-mosque campaigners in Harrogate and won.

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Episode 14

This week, Hyphen writer Taj Ali, the first Muslim general secretary of the Welsh TUC Shavanah Taj, and journalist and host of ‘She Speaks We Hear’ podcast Sharmeen Ziauddin discuss what the public sector pay deal means for Britain’s striking workers, Qur’an burning in Sweden and what’s fuelling the rise in racist abuse targeting London Mayor Sadiq Khan. Plus the growing popularity of Neza bazi in the UK inspires our panel to share their thrill seeking secrets.

Host Reya El-Salahi talks to author Dr Rakib Ehsan about his Luton upbringing, being the go-to Muslim commentator for Britain’s right-leaning media and his new book ‘Beyond Grievance: What the Left Gets Wrong about Ethnic Minorities’.

Plus, Hyphen writer Heather Galloway visits the Spanish town terrorised by Neo-Nazis.

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Episode 13

This week, Hyphen commissioning editor Samir Jeraj, comedian Ola Labib, and broadcaster Fahima Mahomed discuss Labour’s plan to make speaking skills a core part of England’s education system and whether Mark Zuckerberg’s “Twitter killer” new social media app is worth the hype.

Host Reya El-Salahi talks to British Kurdish comedian Kae Kurd about Rosie Jones and cancel culture, and why you won’t find any members of his family attending his upcoming Kurd Immunity tour.

Plus, Hyphen journalist Saman Javed explains how the cost of living crisis is affecting British Muslim weddings.

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Episode 12

This week, Hyphen editor Burhan Wazir, The Runnymede Trust CEO Dr Halima Begum and anti-racism campaigner Shaista Aziz discuss the British government’s unlawful plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, explore what the unrest in France says about the country’s relationship with its Muslim population and share must-read books for the summer holidays. 

Host Reya El-Salahi also talks to football writer and author Nooruddean Choudry about his new book Inshallah United: A story of faith and football.

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Episode 11

This week, Hyphen assistant editor Hussein Kesvani, post-doctoral researcher on the Digital British Islam project at The University of Wales Trinity Saint David Dr Laura Jones and The People founder Kian Bakhtiari join host Reya El-Salahi to discuss the ongoing cost of living crisis, and how festivals like Glastonbury could do more to attract Muslim music lovers.

Plus, Hyphen journalist Samir Jeraj introduces his latest article examining Muslim tattooing.

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Episode 10

This week, Hyphen columnist Sunder Katwala, political commentator Bushra Shaikh and the journalist Shafi Musaddique discuss the possible end of Boris Johnson’s political career, the sixth anniversary of the Grenfell tragedy, and London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s plan to encourage cycling in the city.

Host Reya El-Salahi talks to filmmaker Asim Abbasi about his new British Muslim sitcom ‘Count Abdulla’.

Plus, Hyphen journalist Dion Fanning introduces his latest article telling the story of The Muslim Sisters of Eire.

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Episode 9

This week, Hyphen journalist and foreign correspondent Shamim Chowdhury, academic Dr Aurelien Mondon and Sisters in Business founder Jennifer Ogunyemi discuss a perceived double standard in British politics towards Islamophobia, the coverage of an horrific knife attack on children in the French Alps and new research into British Muslims charitable tendencies.

Host Reya El-Salahi talks to Nimco Ali OBE about feminism, family and how being a secular Muslim informs her activism. 

Plus, Hyphen journalist Taj Ali previews his latest article exploring the modern day lessons of Malcolm X’s visit to the Midlands in 1965.

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Episode 8

This week, Hyphen journalist Nylah Salam, the academic Mohammad Zaheer and co-founder of The Salam Project Ismael Lea South discuss the controversial social media influencer Andrew Tate, an upcoming independent review into Muslim and Hindu community relations in Britain. Plus, we take a deep dive into London’s little known Muslim history.

Plus, host Reya El-Salahi chats to author Anna Lekas Miller about her new book Love Across Borders: Passports, Papers and Romance in a Divided World.

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Episode 7

On this week’s episode, Hyphen Europe commissioning editor Phoebe Greenwood, freelance journalist Alex Tiffin and writer and commentator Rabina Khan discuss elections in Turkey, the UK’s latest migration numbers and whether the social media outrage over the TikTok prankster Mizzy is justified.

Plus, host Reya El-Salahi interviews comedian Ava Vidal about her conversion to Islam after falling out of love with stand-up.