Asma Bawla
Muslimah
As Muslim women there aren't many spaces to speak about the struggles we face. My goal is to make a safe community for us to discuss modern issues we encounter, and ensure we can follow our dreams while also valuing our Muslim identity. I hope you find episodes that speak to you. --Asma, your host
Author
Asma Bawla
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Nov 10, 2025
Where to listen?
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Episodes
Ep. 59: My Classmates Called me “Noodles” and other Curly Hair Stories (pt. 2) 10.11.2025 40:07
In the second part of our curly hair girl series, we read all of our listeners submitted stories!! From nicknames, to receding hairlines, to being told men wouldn’t like our hair type, it is truly an adventure. We also go through tips and tricks to take care of our hair and keep it healthy even in stressful times.
Ep. 58: I Wore Hijab Because I Hated My Curly Hair and Other Curly Hair Stories (pt. 1) 09.10.2025 35:46
In the first part of this two-part episode, Sana and I take a deep dive through our childhood experiences of having curly, “nontraditional” hair in a south asian household. From being told to get keratin treatments, to having our hair constantly braided all the time so it wouldn’t look “messy”, and having our beauty constantly compared to our mothers and sisters, there is a lot to talk about! We a...
Ep. 57: Why Does Post Grad Life Not Hit the Same? 05.09.2025 21:57
Adulting is and can be boring sometimes, and making meaningful memories can feel so much harder to do than it was in college. However, it is still possible to maintain healthy friendships, have fun, and make memories while also working a 9-5! It may require some intentionality, but it is definitely possible. In this episode, I talk about 4 tips that will help you center happiness and create meanin...
Ep. 56: Undoing Muslim Girl Brainrot 29.01.2025 39:06
My sister Sara and I reflect on Muslim girl influencer culture, all the good and bad! Social media has expanded our ability to showcase who we are as Muslim women, but it has also caused a “brain rot”, causing us to lose parts of our individuality and uniqueness as Muslim women. We reflect on some personal examples of this “Muslim girl brain rot” and how we can actively try not to fall for the ove...
Ep. 55: Muslim Girl Mental Health Chat: Preserving your Mental Wellbeing 09.01.2025 54:21
Dr. Rahman and I talk about the importance of being proactive about our mental health as Muslim women and how to tackle all of the cultural hurdles and stigmas we face in our community. We also discuss family relationships between spouses, parents and children, and community relationships, and how these impact the way we view ourselves and our self esteem. Lastly, we talk about the anxiety and dep...
Ep. 54: I’m a Muslim American and I Don’t Feel Like Voting 29.10.2024 30:20
The political scene in America has been disturbing, distressing, and disheartening, and a lot of us don’t even feel the energy to vote. Mehak Jamil, a local activist and attorney from my hometown, talks about how important it is to vote in the upcoming election despite how hopeless it feels. She also talks about her efforts to found a political organization to advocate for Muslims, and how vital i...
Ep. 53: Unconventional Decisions I Made as a Desi Muslim Bride 27.08.2024 20:50
Being a desi bride is a full time job!! On this solo episode I reflect on decisions I had to make such as how to wear my hijab for my wedding day, social media presence, gender separation, cultural expectations, and more! I also offer some tips and tricks for navigating this crazy time. Whether you’re going to be a bride soon or just want the tea, this is a great episode to tune into! 🫶🏼
Ep. 52: Single Girl Scaries with Relationship Coach Lama 30.05.2024 38:06
Being a single muslim woman looking for spouse is no easy task! Lama talks about navigating all the emotions of trying to find your other half, maintaining boundaries, trusting your gut, avoiding dangerous mental blocks, not letting past experiences get in the way, and changing your mindset to truly trust Allah (swt). Check out Lama’s content and coaching services on Instagram @lamaaboubakr !
Ep. 51: Law School Reflections, 2L Year Edition! 24.04.2024 42:43
I can’t believe I’m finishing up my second year of law school! I talk about the highs and lows of the year, bad and good habits, why I’m so glad I didn’t get into a top 30 law school, advice for incoming law students, and more!
Ep. 50: Embracing Sisterhood and Feminine Energy in 2024 (Costa Rica Reflection) 12.02.2024 39:25
In this episode, Mariam and I talk about our Costa Rica sisters trip we took this past month and reflect on the nature we saw, the adventures we had, and most of all, the beautiful friendships and sisterhood we created! We also talk about feminine energy and how hard it is to be feminine when working in a corporate, male-dominated environment. We discuss strategies on how to balance being feminine...
Ep. 49: Unlocking Your Heart with the Quran with Dr. Zainab Alwani 01.10.2023 37:38
Have you felt disconnected from the Quran lately, or want to develop a closer relationship with the text? Dr. Zainab Alwani is an expert on tadabbur, or contemplation, and she tells us how to open our locked hearts and let the Quran change our lives. Once a relationship with the Quran is created, you will never want to let go, and the way you see the world and treat others around you will change s...
Ep. 48: First Year of Law School Reflections with Asma (Is it worth it?) 18.06.2023 43:00
Want to know what law school is *really* like?? In this solo episode I talk about the reflections of my first year—the classes, the friends, the stress :) I’ve learned a lot through this first year and I hope you can benefit from my lessons and advice! This episode is a MUST LISTEN if you’re thinking about going to law school or going in the near future! I’m sharing so many things I wish I knew be...
Ep. 47: The Marriage Conversation and Navigating the Talking Stage as a Muslim Woman (Part 2) 02.04.2023 24:22
In the second part of our conversation, Aisha and I talk about “If he wanted to, he would” and what questions to ask when you are first talking to someone for marriage. We also talk about Muslim dating apps and how to use them!! You don’t want to miss out on this episode :)
Ep. 46: The Marriage Conversation & Navigating the Talking Stage as a Muslim Woman (Part 1) 18.01.2023 35:58
“The Talking Stage” sounds scary, doesn’t it?? As Muslim women we are often thrown into the marriage conversation when just two seconds ago we were told not to talk to boys at all! Aisha and I talk about this process and how to prepare yourself for this next stage of life. We both share some experiences and the ups and downs of being a single muslim woman, and how to navigate getting to know someo...
Ep. 45: Becoming an Author 101 with Aamna Qureshi 30.11.2022 20:41
Have you ever wondered what it takes to become an author? Aamna tells us all about being a female Pakistani author and the ups and downs of being in the industry! If you’ve ever considered publishing your work, this is a great episode to know more about what the process entails. Go to https://linktr.ee/aamnaqureshi_ to order her books and follow Aamna on Instagram @aamna_qureshi
Ep. 44: Breaking the Cycle with Tahera Rahman 29.08.2022 32:46
When Tahera was in 5th grade, it was post 9/11, she was shocked by the horrible media coverage about Muslims. She also couldn’t wrap her head around why there were no reporters on the screen who looked even remotely like her. Fast forward a few years, and Tahera is the first of (hopefully many!) hijabi TV reporters in the United States! In this episode, Tahera tells us her story, full of heartbrea...
Ep 43: Hear my Hijab Story with Sereen Qader 22.06.2022 16:30
Sereen tells us her hijab story, reflections on 9 years wearing hijab, and how she started a podcast on hijab to inspire others. Check out Sereen’s podcast Journal Hijabi @journalhijabi on Instagram!
Ep 42: The Beauty of Motherhood with Sabrina Mozawalla 09.05.2022 35:08
Today’s episode is with Sabrina (aka our host Asma’s mom)!! We talk all about her experiences being a mom for 22 years, traditional and not—raising a child with cancer, having kids with large age gaps, and how we perceive motherhood on social media! Whether you’re thinking about being a parent or it’s never crossed your mind, this is an episode that you won’t want to miss out on!
Ep. 41: Leading the Way with Rida Ali—A Ramadan Special Episode! 13.04.2022 20:29
Rida is a senior at NYU, you may know her from tiktok (@freespiritrida)! Today we talk about what it’s like balancing school with our own personal spiritual goals, being a leader in the Muslim community, and enjoying the college experience to the fullest! Rida is truly a gem and I hope you all are as inspired as I am!
Ep. 40: Embracing Your Voice with Maryam Nouh 24.03.2022 28:53
What does it mean to speak up as Muslim women, and why are we so often encouraged not to? Maryam and Asma take a deep dive on what it’s like to be extroverted as Muslim women and who they take inspiration from. Tune in for some great advice and to hear about how Maryam was on the cover of Time magazine!
Ep. 39: Reflections from a Pandemic College Grad—11 tips to stay sane in school 28.02.2022 7:42
In this solo episode, I go through some pieces of advice I wish I heard before entering college. Being a recent graduate and coming out of this pandemic, there’s so many things I would love to tell my younger self! Tune in to hear how I think networking is overrated, you don’t need a picture perfect friend group, and more!
Ep. 38: Hear My Hijab Story with Mariama 16.02.2022 10:37
Mariama tells us about being inspired by her mother’s hijab journey and then wearing hijab herself for the first time! When starting hijab, Mariama had to balance her interest in theater with being a hijabi, and she cannot be more happy with the choice she made.
Ep. 37: Resistance is Breathing: Amplifying the Palestinian Experience with Reem Farhat 20.01.2022 15:17
Reem Farhat is a Palestinian journalist and poet, as well as the Editor in Chief of PACC’s literary magazine, Falastin. She is on the show today to talk about her family’s story and her own experience going back and forth between Palestine and America. She also recites a beautiful poem for us, titled “Resistance is Breathing”. I really enjoyed recording this episode, and I hope that you all love h...
Ep. 36: Hear My Hijab Story with Aleyna 30.09.2021 7:28
Aleyna tells us all about her hijab journey as a new immigrant to the US and what insights she has learned from it, and gives so much amazing advice for someone struggling with hijab!
Ep. 35: Being the Oldest Daughter in an Immigrant Household 25.06.2021 19:08
Join Sofia and Asma for a real talk on being the oldest daughter in an immigrant and desi household! We talk about our parents’ expectations, log kya kahenge (what will people think?) as well as other pressures we face as the oldest daughters in our families. Make sure to follow Sofia @sofia.nehal, and check out her book, The Sunflower’s Moon on Amazon!
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