In this episode, Dr. Rania Awaad explores modern psychology concepts in Islamic tradition, modern psychology and spirituality, and psychology in traditional Islamic medical literature. She is a recognized leader in Muslim mental health in the United States. She has pioneered by establishing the first Muslim Mental Health Community Advisory Board (BAMMH CAB) in the U.S. Dr. Awaad has also established multiple Muslim mental health clinics as well as custom-tailored clinical and educational training programs for clinicians, religious and community leaders to address the mental health needs of Muslim communities. She is also the Director of the Stanford Muslim Mental Health & Islamic Psychology Lab.  In this episode: Dr Rania Awaad (@DrRaniaAwaad), MD clinical associate professor of psychiatry at Stanford University Rawaa Auge (@Rawaak), presenter at Al Jazeera Digital This episode is produced in partnership with the Islam and Muslims Initiative, an international platform that connects Muslims and non-Muslims in the realms of religion, politics, business, media, academia and civil society. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

In this episode of Centre Stage, Sarah Joseph explores issues related to the representation of Muslim women in mainstream media. We discuss the common tropes and stereotypes, and what needs to be done to alter this image in media. Sarah Joseph is an influential powerhouse in Muslim Media who is the founder, editor, and CEO of EMEL Media Group - a platform that has created a shift in the way Muslims are portrayed and marketed to. Sarah is listed as one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world and has lectured on Islam globally for over two decades.  In this episode: Sarah Joseph (@SarahIJoseph), editor and CEO of EMEL Media Group Samantha Johnson (@MissSamJohnson), a presenter and executive producer at Al Jazeera Digital This episode is produced in partnership with the Islam and Muslims Initiative, an international platform that connects Muslims and non-Muslims in the realms of religion, politics, business, media, academia and civil society. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook  

Baroness Sayeeda Warsi talks with Jamal Elshayyal about her Pakistani heritage and her illustrious career at the heart of British politics. They cover a wide range of subjects, from her humble Yorkshire beginnings to the many rights of women in Islam, and why she chose to join the centre-right Conservative Party. Baroness Warsi is a member of the House of Lords and the UK’s first Muslim Cabinet Minister. She resigned in 2014 in protest over her Government’s response to Israel’s bombardment of Gaza. In this episode: Baroness Warsi is a leading campaigner against Islamophobia and has consistently been named as one of the world’s ‘500 most influential Muslims’ by the Middle East think-tank the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre. Jamal Elshayyal is a senior journalist and the manager of Content Strategy for OTT Platforms.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Former Catholic nun and author Karen Armstrong shares her perspective on Islam from her years of research with Al Jazeera's Samantha Johnson. In this episode: Guest: Karen Armstrong is a renowned religious historian and best-selling author whose work has been translated into 45 languages. Armstrong has been described as one of the most intelligent contemporary defenders of religion. Host: Samantha Johnson (@MissSamJohnson), a presenter and executive producer at Al Jazeera Digital. This episode is produced in partnership with the Islam and Muslims Initiative, an international platform that connects Muslims and non-Muslims in the realms of religion, politics, business, media, academia, and civil society.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

In the second episode of Centre Stage, Dr. Dalia Fahmy discusses what it is like to be a Muslim in the US. What form of discrimination are Muslims facing? How is Islamophobia being used for political gain? And is there a role for Muslims to play in combating islamophobia? In this episode: Guest: Dr. Dalia Fahmy (@DaliaFFahmy) is an associate professor of political science at Long Island University. She is well-published on the effects of Islamophobia on US foreign policy and American identity in politics. She is also a prominent personality speaking out against prejudice and islamophobia in the US and beyond. Host: Sami Zeidan (@SamiZeidan) is a principal presenter at Al Jazeera English. This episode is produced in partnership with the Islam and Muslims Initiative, an international platform that connects Muslims and non-Muslims in the realms of religion, politics, business, media, academia, and civil society.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

In the first episode of Centre Stage, Dr. John Esposito explores Islam's influence on the US with Soraya Salam. They discuss various topics ranging from the reasons behind Dr Esposito's passionate interest in Islam, his time advising US President Joe Biden when he was a senator, the Muslim origins of some of the most common traditions in Europe and the US, and the globalisation of Islamophobia. In this episode: Guest: Dr. John Esposito (@JohnLEsposito), a distinguished university professor at Georgetown University. He's a founding director of the Al-Waleed Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding. He's also authored over 50 books on religion, Islam, and Islamophobia. Host: Soraya Salam (@sosalam), an international journalist and the Manager of Al Jazeera English Online. This episode is produced in partnership with the Islam and Muslims Initiative, an international platform that connects Muslims and non-Muslims in the realms of religion, politics, business, media, academia, and civil society.  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Centre Stage is the new interview podcast by Al Jazeera. Don't miss out on thought-provoking conversations with influential leaders. Coming soon!