Sahil 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 and Anti-Religious Sentiments. Interview: candidinsights.co/john-esposito-interview

Timestamps:

• Challenging the Media's Focus on Conflict and Negative Stories About the Muslim World — Time Index: 00:55

• Rethinking Strategy for Muslims and Advocacy Groups in the West — Time Index: 4:44

• Internalized Islamophobia Among Muslims and Its Causes — Time Index: 6:22

• The Challenges of Political and Religious Pluralism — Time Index: 8:51

• Clarifying Pluralism and Its Importance — Time Index: 14:54

• President Bill Clinton's Engagement on Muslim-West Relations — Time Index: 20:55

• Addressing the Roots of Religious Fundamentalism — Time Index: 25:16

• A Vision for the Future of Global Civil Liberties — Time Index: 35:50

• Promoting Pluralism in the Age of Social Media — Time Index: 46:04

• Personal Inspirations and Motivations — Time Index: 53:12

Sahil 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 of Energy Policies on Global Poverty. Interview: https://candidinsights.co/scott-tinker-interview

Timestamps:

• Balancing Energy Growth and Emission Reduction in the Global Energy Transition — Time Index: 1:25

• Economic Growth and Energy Consumption in Developing Countries — Time Index: 3:22

• The Gradual Shift in Energy Sources and the Role of Economic Security — Time Index: 5:50

• Urbanization and Energy Management — Time Index: 9:46

• The Moral Dilemma of Balancing Energy Costs and Poverty Reduction — Time Index: 14:10

• The Dual Challenge: Balancing Energy Density and Environmental Stewardship — Time Index: 19:31

• The Case for Nuclear Energy in Civilian Use and Its Global Role — Time Index: 25:33

• Exploring Thorium and Alternative Nuclear Energy Sources — Time Index: 31:21

• The Potential of Geothermal Energy and Integrating Fracking Techniques — Time Index: 34:26

• Carbon Sequestration: Creating Economic Incentives for CO2 Capture — Time Index: 38:38

• A Vision for Unity: Bridging the Divide Between Climate and Energy Debates — Time Index: 42:42

Sahil 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:

• Imposter Syndrome — Time Index: 1:01

• Self Esteem and Imposter Syndrome — Time Index: 1:46

• Behaviors of Imposter Syndrome — Time Index: 2:21

• Ways to Deal with Imposter Syndrome — Time Index: 3:44

• Constructive Criticism — Time Index: 5:07

• Self Awareness — Time Index: 5:46

• Strengths and Weaknesses — Time Index: 9:42

• Work and Passion — Time Index: 13:56

• COVID and its Influence on the Future — Time Index: 15:46

• Lessons from Success — Time Index: 16:42

Sahil 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-interview

Timestamps:

• Journey to Spiritual Awakening — Time Index: 01:05

• The Connection Between Napoleon Hill's Teachings and Spirituality in Success — Time Index: 3:40

• Workplace Stress in a Hustle Culture and Solutions for Work-Life Balance — Time Index: 4:26

• Using Breathwork to Shift from Reacting to Responding — Time Index: 7:51

• Embracing the Surrender Step Through Breathwork Techniques — Time Index: 12:30

• Understanding the 90-Second Rule: Breaking Free from Living in the Past — Time Index: 16:02

• Breaking Negative Thought Patterns and Embracing Personal Growth — Time Index: 18:56

• Prioritizing Soul Life Balance Over Hustle Culture for Mental Well-being — Time Index: 19:47

• A Life Transformation: From Frat Life to Spiritual Journey — Time Index: 22:25

Sahil 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: https://candidinsights.co/dalia-mogahed-interview

Timestamps:

• Perception of Islam and Factors Affecting Change — Time Index: 0:53

• How to Change Perceptions More Quickly — Time Index: 5:05

• Stories to Share for Changing Narratives — Time Index: 7:11

• Solutions for Muslims and Organizations to Be More Effective — Time Index: 10:21

• Addressing Media Bias in the Portrayal of Muslims — Time Index: 12:46

• Understanding Polling and Common Misconceptions — Time Index: 15:14

• Impact of Polling and Data in Changing Perceptions — Time Index: 22:28

• Final Thoughts on Understanding and Using Poll Data — Time Index: 23:59

• Increase in the Non-Affiliated Group in America — Time Index: 24:36

• Contributions of Faith-Based Service in America — Time Index: 26:52

• Advice for Future Leaders on Grassroots Efforts — Time Index: 31:25

• Challenges of Building Intercultural Alliances in the Muslim Community — Time Index: 34:04

• Improving Intra-Muslim Relationships — Time Index: 37:52

• Guidance for Participatory Faith Leadership — Time Index: 40:25

Dr. 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.

Sahil 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-interview

Timestamps:

• The Role of a Muslim Chaplain at Princeton — Time Index: 1:04

• Raising Youth Amid Social Change — Time Index: 4:29

• Stories of Youth and Faith from the Quran — Time Index: 5:54

• Recognizing God in Our Surroundings — Time Index: 11:35

• Inclusivity at Princeton: Welcoming Youth and Women — Time Index: 12:54

• Initiatives for Change: Female Leadership in Prayer — Time Index: 25:22

Sahil 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

Timestamps:

• Shift in the Culture of the West — Time Index: 0:59 (Based on the Audio)
• Personal Inspiration — Time Index: 6:17
• Challenges in Entertainment — Time Index: 10:01
• Foreseeable Future — Time Index: 17:31
• Hollywood and Theater — Time Index: 18:53
• Art, Comedy, and Breaking Bubbles — Time Index: 25:12
• Aasif’s Advice — Time Index: 31:13
• Muslim Identity — Time Index: 39:34
• Vision for the Future — Time Index: 44:39

Sahil 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 conducted for TheIsmaili.

Timestamps:

Part 1: The history of the Fatimid Empire

• The history of the Fatimid Empire — Time Index: 0:20

• Challenges the Fatimids Could Have Learned From Other Empires — Time Index: 5:46

Part 2: What we can learn from the Fatimids: the role of the intellect and discussions/debates

• What We Can Learn From the Fatimids: The Role of the Intellect — Time Index: 10:34

• Resurrecting Public Debate in the Jamat — Time Index: 17:30

• Bringing Back a Culture of Debate Among Ismaili Youth — Time Index: 21:47

Part 3: Emotionally driven and narrative-based approaches as part of developing one’s faith

• Emotional Approaches in Faith During the Fatimid Period — Time Index: 24:03

• Incorporating Narrative-Based Approaches to Reach Ismaili Youth — Time Index: 27:44

Part 4: Dr. Jiwa’s personal journey and her vision for the Future

• Reconciling Faith and Academics — Time Index: 31:14

• Welcoming Different Perspectives on Faith Questions — Time Index: 32:56

• A Vision for the Future — Time Index: 34:14

Sahil 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-interview

Timestamps:

• Media Bubbles — Time Index: 1:19

• Minority Voices in the Media — Time Index: 4:48

• Critical Thinking — Time Index: 7:26

• Muslim Perception in the Media — Time Index: 9:54

• Leaders and Echo Chambers — Time Index: 13:18

• Marginalized Groups and Media Organizations — Time Index: 18:30

• Advice on Journalism — Time Index: 20:49

• Civic Engagement and Minority Communities — Time Index: 23:31

• Muslim Identity — Time Index: 26:54

• Vision for the Future — Time Index: 32:05

Sahil 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-interview

Timestamps:

• Journey through Self-Expression and Creativity — Time Index: 1:01

• Financial Security and Creativity — Time Index: 8:30

• Social Media — Time Index: 10:19

• Relationship Between Fulfillment and Unique Qualities — Time Index: 15:11

• Self-Improvement and Sabotage — Time Index: 22:01

• Relationships in the Digital Age — Time Index: 33:48

• Challenges in South Asian Community — Time Index: 37:44

• Next Steps in Career — Time Index: 42:23