The Thinking Youth

In this follow-up conversation with Dr. Daanish Mahmood, the discussion moves beyond productivity and into something deeper: how we learn, how we live, and what we risk forgetting along the way.We begin by unpacking how modern education often confuses memorisation with understanding. Drawing on Bloom’s Taxonomy, Dr. Daanish explains the difference between teaching and learning, why asking how and why matters more than asking what, and how curiosity is slowly being discouraged rather than cultivated.The conversation then turns to identity. What does it mean to be unapologetically Muslim in academic and professional spaces? How do we give credit to Islam without turning faith into a branding exercise? And how do intention, goals, and purpose shape whether success feels meaningful or hollow?Social media, comparison, and false timelines are addressed head-on. Why negativity thrives online, why attention is constantly being pulled apart, and how chasing the wrong metrics quietly distorts our sense of progress.At the heart of the episode is a question that stops the room:Do any of us actually have a plan for our parents when they get older?From there, the discussion tackles the growing feeling of being “behind” in life, why balance is a myth, and how to think clearly about direction rather than speed. The episode closes with practical reflection, including a simple 30-day framework for improvement and a powerful answer to one last iconic question: What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?About Part 1:In the previous episode, Dr. Daanish Mahmood explored procrastination, addiction, discipline, and faith. We discussed doom-scrolling, dopamine hijacking, habit design, pornography addiction, anxiety, depression, and how Islam provides structure without closing the door on professional help or gradual change. Link to Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5vSeNybmc0Together, Part 1 and Part 2 form a complete conversation:from fixing habits, to fixing direction. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Daanish Mahmood, a medical doctor and public speaker, shares insights on productivity and mental health. He tackles procrastination, revealing it's often linked to fear, and suggests breaking tasks into tiny, manageable steps. Daanish emphasizes creating an inviting workspace and the importance of daily planning. He discusses the role of faith in discipline, especially through rituals like Fajr, and highlights how community ties support mental well-being. Transformative habits, addiction recovery, and the intersection of mental health and faith round out this practical discussion.

Does marriage stop Activism?In this episode, we explore one of the most debated questions in Muslim communities today. Does getting married slow down meaningful activism or can it actually strengthen it? Is this even the right way to frame the question?This conversation challenges the idea that Muslim women must choose between marriage and public work. We unpack the pressure to compromise values for platforms, the myth of having it all, and the reality of sacrifice that comes with doing serious meaningful things for the Ummah. We need to talk about Muslim women leadership in the Ummah.Topics discussed include- Whether marriage limits activism or reshapes it- How Muslim women maintain their values while engaging in public platforms- Why knowing who you are matters more than visibility - The difference between being used and choosing to walk away - How standing your ground creates new opportunities? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hadeeqa Malik, a committed Muslim student and activist, discusses her suspension from CUNY after confronting a Muslim NYPD officer at a pro-Palestine protest. She examines the labels of 'good' and 'bad' Muslims in political discourse and questions who defines Islamophobia. Hadeeqa reflects on the significance of Muslim names and the community's response to her viral moment. She debates the implications of Zohran Mamdani's election for Muslim representation and outlines demands for accountability from Muslim officials in politics.

What happens when someone who once absorbed Islamophobic narratives is forced to confront history honestly?In this episode of the Youth Show, Pablo opens up about his journey from accepting media-driven stereotypes about Islam to critically questioning them. Through a raw and thoughtful conversation, we unpack why Islamic history is often dismissed as “boring,” how it’s been taught without context or excitement, and why reclaiming history is not about nostalgia, but about extracting lessons that shape how we live today.From popular historical dramas like Ertugrul and Osman to the responsibility of Muslim historians to remain truthful, this episode challenges myths head-on. We explore overlooked realities such as Muslims, Christians, and Jews living side by side under Islamic rule, Jewish communities welcoming the Ottomans as liberators, and non-Muslims choosing Sharia courts due to fairness and justice.The conversation spans the Ottoman world, Aurangzeb Alamgir, Sicily as a centre of learning, and the forgotten fact that European students once travelled to Muslim lands to study in madrasas. It also confronts how nationalism and modern propaganda reshaped historical memory.This is not about “we were once great.” It’s about understanding what actually happened, why it mattered beyond the Ummah, and how truth challenges the narratives we’ve been taught.Make sure to subscribe to Pablo’s YouTube channel, PabloTalks, for more thoughtful conversations on history, faith, and really cool historical videos: https://www.youtube.com/@PabloTalks_/featured Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a gripping discussion, Usama Ghanem, a 22-year-old activist and student at King's College London, shares his harrowing journey as he faces deportation for protesting the university's ties to companies implicated in Gaza violence. He recounts the violent backlash during his peaceful protest, his exclusion from the university, and the emotional toll it has taken on him and his family. Usama emphasizes the importance of resilience, faith, and standing firm against injustice, urging others to engage politically and support his cause.

Musa'ib, an American Muslim commentator and activist from New York City, brings his insights to a lively discussion on the contrasts between UK and US Muslim communities. Expect humor and sharp critiques as they discuss topics like sectarianism, mosque dynamics, and community identity. Musa'ib emphasizes the strength of US community support for activism while highlighting the UK’s academic focus in mosques. The conversation transforms stereotypes into a call for unity, encouraging collaboration among Muslims globally, while dissecting the sometimes exaggerated man-vs-woman narratives in online spaces.

Watch this when you’re sad, when you’re hurt, when you’re worried, when your heart feels heavy.Learn how to start the journey of being strong when you’re heartbroken, how to find peace again, and how to build true resilience through faith. In this powerful and emotional episode, Imam AbdulRahman Khattab shares how to reconnect with Allah when life feels unbearable, how to trust His plan when everything falls apart, and how to find strength when you feel like giving up. He takes us through the stories of believers who never gave up, from the youth who changed empires in Makkah to the barefoot man in Gaza who stands before a tank with nothing but faith. We talked about Musa (AS) and what it means to be chosen through trials, about the bravery it takes to stand firm in the darkest moments, and about the quiet power of Sumud, unshakable steadfastness.This is not just a conversation; it’s a journey through pain, patience, and the power of believing that the One standing with you is the Unbreakable. Have you ever felt like your duas aren’t being answered? Have you ever felt fake, or felt like a hypocrite?If you’ve ever felt lost, anxious, heartbroken, or far from Allah, this is the reminder you’ve been searching for. While these issues are complex, complicated, and more than just about slogans and immediate solutions, we hope this eases the hearts of those that watch. And a message to everyone who wants to take that leap of resilience. Every young Muslim should watch this.Follow us on: IG: / thinkingyouthpod TikTok: / thinkingyouthpod Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more: / @thethinkingyouth Subscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast: / @thethinkingmuslim Help us expand our Muslim media project here: / https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membershipDisclaimer:The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speaker(s) and do not represent the views of the host, producers, platform, or any affiliated organisation. This content is provided for lawful, informational, and analytical purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imam Tom Facchine, an Islamic scholar and imam, dives into the intricate relationship between Islam and politics. He challenges the notion that secularism is neutral, arguing it shapes religious identity and often enforces a harmful narrative about faith. The discussion reveals how colonialism impacted Islamic institutions and how current pressures affect young Muslims' identities. Facchine emphasizes that Islam encompasses governance and justice, advocating for a holistic understanding of faith in public life.

In this episode of The Thinking Youth Podcast, we sit down with Danial Farrukh - former national director of Young Muslims, an author and community organiser. In this episode we unpack what it truly means to be a leader in today’s world. We explore the courage it takes to step out of your comfort zone, stand on the right side of history, and embody the principles you preach. Danial reflects on the essence of sacrifice - reminding us that Allah does not need our sacrifices, but that through them, we shape our own character, conviction, and legacy.Follow us on: IG: / thinkingyouthpod TikTok: / thinkingyouthpod Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more: / @thethinkingyouth Subscribe to the Thinking Muslim Podcast: / @thethinkingmuslim Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.