The Slow Dive Podcast

In this moving episode of The Slow Dive, host Farida Rafique sits down with the creative team behind Water Angel, writer/director Nijla Baseema Mu’min and producer Maegan L. Philmore for a robust conversation on storytelling, advocacy, and maternal health justice. Together, they explore systemic inequities in maternal healthcare, particularly the disproportionate risks faced by Black women, unpack...

Independent filmmaking is often described as a labor of love — a journey defined by passion, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the power of story. In this episode, host Farida Rafique is joined by writer and director Emily Manthei, whose debut feature film, Berlin Loop, embodies that spirit in striking and meaningful ways. Emily’s path into cinema was sparked by an early love of movies and n...

Farrah Fazal is a 9-time Emmy Award–winning documentary producer, director, and former war correspondent whose storytelling meets people exactly where they are — in their truth, their struggle, their resilience, and their transformation. Her work explores what it means to be human: to feel deeply, connect authentically, and allow the world to change us in ways big and small. In this powerful conve...

In this deeply moving episode of The Slow Dive , host Farida Rafique sits down with Jenny McGee, founder and executive director of Starfish Project, a pioneering social enterprise restoring hope and freedom to women escaping human trafficking and exploitation across Asia. From humble beginnings around a dining table to a global movement transforming over 200 lives, Jenny shares the origin story an...

In this episode of The Slow Dive, host Farida Rafique speaks with artist and filmmaker Sasha Marie Speer about her journey in art, storytelling, and philanthropy. Sasha opens up about her creative process and the role of vulnerability, explaining how allowing ourselves to create enables authentic expression and deeper human connection. The conversation explores her recent film, Unborn , a poignant...

In this episode of The Slow Dive Podcast , host Farida Rafique engages with Ezza Naveed , a social entrepreneur, learning designer, and Segall Innovation Fellow whose work bridges education, empathy, and imagination. Ezza shares her journey from Pakistan to the Bay Area , and how she built transformative initiatives like the Young Leaders’ Program in partnership with Urraan and the Imagination Lab...

In this episode of The Slow Dive , host Farida Rafique sits down with award-winning composer Nikhil Koparkar to explore the art and evolution of music across mediums. Nikhil, whose song “The Hills of Tanchico” for Amazon’s acclaimed fantasy series The Wheel of Time earned a GRAMMY® nomination for Best Song Written for Visual Media (2026 consideration), shares his journey from global influences to...

In this episode of The Slow Dive, host Farida welcomes Sasheen Artis, a three-time Emmy-winning producer and founder of Plenty of Pie, a talent incubator for emerging creatives. They discuss Sasheen's journey from aspiring psychologist to a successful producer, her impactful projects, and the importance of community and mentorship in the entertainment industry. Sasheen shares her experiences in li...

Academy Award–nominated, Emmy and Peabody Award–winning filmmaker Elaine McMillion Sheldon joins The Slow Dive for a rich and enlightening conversation about storytelling, community, and care. Known for her acclaimed documentaries HEROIN(E) and RECOVERY BOYS, both streaming on Netflix, and her most recent film KING COAL, now available on Apple TV, Elaine shares her journey into documentary filmmak...

In this episode of The Slow Dive, host Farida Rafique engages with filmmaker Shana L. Darabie , exploring the intersections of art, mental health, and community. They discuss the importance of creativity in supporting mental well-being, the journey of becoming a director, and the collaborative nature of filmmaking. Shana shares her creative process, the challenges of vulnerability in writing, and...

In this episode of The Slow Dive, host Farida Rafique interviews Larry Namer, the co-founder of E! Entertainment Television. They discuss Larry's journey from a cable technician to a media mogul, the innovative programming that made E! a household name, and the importance of talent development in the entertainment industry. Larry shares insights on global media trends and the future of storytellin...

After a hiatus, The Slow Dive Podcast returns with a heartfelt conversation between hosts Farida Rafique and Drew Franzblau . They dive into the layered challenges affecting mental health in the film and television industry, from the pandemic to the writers’ and Kaiser mental health workers' strikes. This episode unfolds as a personal and reflective journey, exploring how grief and career uncertai...

In this episode of the Slow Dive Podcast, host Farida Rafique engages with filmmaker and author Ayser Salman, exploring her journey from Iraq to America, her experiences growing up in Kentucky, and her insights on storytelling and representation. Ayser discusses her book, 'The Wrong End of the Table,' which dives into the complexities of her identity as a Muslim woman and immigrant in America. The...

Please note: this episode was recorded before the devastating wild fires in Los Angeles. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this ongoing crisis. In this reflective episode of the Slow Dive Podcast, Drew Franzblau introduces a spoken word piece titled 'Sick, Sad, and Mad' by Farida Rafique, which explores themes of rebirth, resilience, and the collective pain experienced during the pandemi...

In this final part of our annual round table series, we explore the concept of legacy from a woman's perspective, emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities for underrepresented communities through art. They discuss the significance of storytelling and archiving history, particularly in the indie space, and the role of artists in society. The conversation also touches on cultural appreci...

In this episode of the Slow Dive Podcast, host Farida Rafique, and her guests explore the evolving identities of women through cultural lenses and life stages. The conversation delves into the complexities of women's roles, their spaces, and the societal expectations that shape their self-perception. The guests share personal stories and insights on navigating their identities as creators, mothers...

This conversation explores the evolving identities of women through cultural lenses, addressing beauty standards, the trad wife trend, and the complexities of feminism and femininity. The participants share personal anecdotes and insights on societal expectations, self-respect, and the challenges of balancing motherhood and career. They discuss the importance of acceptance and the impact of resour...

In this episode of the Slow Dive podcast, host Farida Rafique engages in a deep conversation with Felix Mack, a trans filmmaker from Scotland. They explore Felix's journey from the UK to the US, his experiences in the film industry, and the importance of community and creativity in storytelling. The discussion also dives into the misrepresentation of the trans community, the challenges faced in ac...

In this episode of The Slow Dive, host Farida Rafique engages with Rory Crittenden, a Cherokee storyteller and filmmaker, discussing the intricacies of storytelling, the Oklahoma film scene, and the importance of representation in media. Rory shares insights on his projects, the challenges faced by Native filmmakers, and the significance of community involvement in storytelling. The conversation h...

In this engaging conversation, Soniah Kamal, an acclaimed Novelist, discusses the profound connections between food, memory, and cultural identity. She reflects on the complexities of enduring love, the challenges of caregiving, and the nuanced nature of villainy in both literature and life. Through her insights, Soniah emphasizes the importance of emotional connections and the role of music and f...

In this episode of the Slow Dive Podcast, host Farida Rafique engages with Rae Benjamin, a talented screenwriter and producer known for her work on Netflix’s The Witcher and her initiative, 'In the Cut.' The conversation explores Rae's journey from a political science major to a successful storyteller, her experiences during the recent writer's strike, and her commitment to empowering BIPOC creati...

In this episode of the Slow Dive Podcast, host Farida engages with award-winning director Menhaj Huda, exploring his journey from a music enthusiast to a filmmaker. Huda shares insights on his creative process, the influence of music on his work, and the importance of audience engagement in filmmaking. He reflects on his early industry experiences, challenges, and the cultural narratives he aims t...

In this conversation, Pamela Monroe shares her unique journey into the film industry, discussing her diverse background and experiences that led her to become a production executive. She emphasizes the importance of empathy, storytelling, and the need for more representation and support for women in film. Pamela also highlights her involvement with the DGA Women's Steering Committee and her work o...

Welcome back to another episode of The Slow Dive! I'm your host, Farida Rafique. We’re thrilled to have the incredible impact producer Cecilia R. Mejia with us today. Cecilia shares her journey from working in public spaces to becoming a champion for social change through film. In this episode, we’ll explore the hurdles of bringing indie films to audiences, how impact producers secure funding, and...

Welcome to Episode 9 of "The Slow Dive," where your host, Farida Rafique, dives deep with stand-up comedian and producer Mona Shaikh. In this compelling conversation, Mona opens up about her journey toward authenticity and fearlessness, sharing insightful perspectives on turning adversity into empowerment and navigating the complex world of comedy and entertainment. They discuss the profound impac...