Today we’d like to introduce you to Farheen Raza.
Farheen, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
It may be hard to believe, but growing up, I was very shy and a perpetual introvert. It was much later in life after marriage and kids that I truly came out of my shell. The catalyst was when we moved to a rural town in Wisconsin and the responsibility for everything was on my shoulders, especially when my physician husband would be on overnight call. It is really fascinating how life can make you forge ahead on a path you don’t even think about.
I moved to Dallas five years ago and always felt like I could do more. It was when I got a chance to be a radio personality that I felt I started opening up. But I wanted more, I knew I had a bigger message and I wanted to share it.
I had debated the idea of starting a podcast for over two years before I actually launched. But was hesitant because I was afraid, ‘What if I totally bombed it?’ And then, I came to a realization, in the current world, I am an anomaly. I am an American Muslim from a very traditional home and I can give a perspective that many do not see. So this became my foundation, this is my identity, but I am so much more than that. This is what I really wanted to share.
I was blessed to find a tribe of fellow podcasters who really helped guide me with insight and they continue to be much-needed support. Besides podcasting I still do the radio and am part of Radio Caravan, a variety radio station based in Dallas. I spend my time with my husband, Dr. Ibraheem Abbas and raising our three boys, Kazim, Hasan and Husayn. I want my kids to see that their mom took a leap of faith, and has found contentment. That you really can do anything if you try.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Goodness no, it’s scary doing something like podcasting, in which you really put yourself out there with no idea as to what will happen. When I did start the first thought was, “This will fail, no one will listen and that doesn’t mean your value goes down.” I told myself this daily and kept it written in my studio.
Initially, I struggled to find a schedule. I have three young kids, so learning to balance schedules, time zones and recordings takes effort. The boys understand that mom is recording, so being quiet is key, and they are troopers. The kids and I have found our vibe, and it has been going great. Before I got the proper equipment, the sound was a struggle. Getting it right, and with podcasting, sound is key. The studio being a storage closet which I have since converted into a proper soundproof room with all the bells and whistles.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I have a podcast called “Musings of a Modern Muslim: a podcast for everyone” which is available on all major platforms including iTunes, Google, Spotify and many more. Don’t let the title fool you. It is not an Islamic podcast, I just happen to be an American Muslim, a modern one at that and I talk about all sorts of subjects and topics.
It is a biweekly podcast about social issues, politics, family and living your best life. I bring on guests who talk about their struggles and how they persevered in their field. I also highlight mental health practitioners and am an advocate for mental health awareness. In general, the South Asian community is not on the forefront of social justice and civic engagement. I am on the ground trying to change that by bringing on social change advocates.
As a mother of boys, its very surprising to people that I am an advocate for women empowerment and have a lot of women-centric episodes, I want my boys to see that women are their equals. I am known in my community as a fearless communicator who reaches across barriers to bring light to subjects and topics that are relevant and needed, but not discussed. I am proud when the podcast gets people to think and contemplate different perspectives.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success as the little things. For me it is when I receive feedback from listeners on how an episode has helped them, especially when they are grateful that a particular topic has been discussed. In the world of the podcast, it’s a simpler place, even if you have one listener who puts value in your work, you are content. It really feels like your voice matters.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.farheenraza.com
- Podcast Site: anchor.fm/themodmuslim
- Phone: 5087693635
- Email: TheModMuslim@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/themodmuslim
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/themodmuslim
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/themodmuslim
Image Credit:
Sumana Syed
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