There’s no recipe for starting a podcast, but for the creative team behind “Growing Up Halal,” six is the magic number. While Sulphia, Hanan, Amena, and Aisha rock the mics, Malak and Ashiyana work behind the scenes to handle art direction and social media. One peek at these creators’ busy schedules—from fencing, to bullet journaling, to helping foreign students with their English skills—and you’ll understand why strength in numbers is integral to the show.
The podcast (which caught our eye in Spotify’s Next Wave Student Podcast competition) is dedicated to making space for young Muslim-American girls who feel unheard, underrepresented, and deprived of a relatable platform. “My Muslim identity has always been a vital part of my life,” says Amena of the podcast’s importance, “and I love getting to delve into that part of myself.”
We caught up with the entire “GUH” crew about recording in closets, listening to podcasts on the school bus, and finding confidence.