Strange Flavors

Growing up as “the fat kid” isn’t the coolest and being a foreigner certainly doesn’t help. This week, our good friend AHMED HAMAYUN sits down to discuss how he gained his confidence through the years. The Strange Squad also does major space talk of how aliens would perceive humans, Rihanna as ambassador of Barbados, and hiding followers on social media. This is the 58th episode of Strange Flavors, brought to you by Alif Theory. _____________________________________________ Email Us / Send Music: strangeflavorspodcast@gmail.com Tweet us: http://twitter.com/StrangeFlavors_ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/StrangeFlavors Facebook: http://facebook.com/StrangeFlavorsPodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/StrangeFlavors _____________________________________________ LINKS: Ahmed’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahmed_hamayun/ Ahmed’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/Medsterminator ____________________________________________ • FARAS • Tweet me: http://twitter.com/Farosty | @Farosty on IG/Snap/YouTube/

Artificial intelligence is getting out of hand and Elon Musk is trying to warn us. Our friend Saad joins us in a debate to see who’s winning some of the different hip-hop beefs currently going on. The Strange Squad also talks Mac Miller’s death, NYFW, Nike’s Kaepernick ad, and much more. This is the 57th episode of Strange Flavors, brought to you by Alif Theory. _____________________________________________ Email Us / Send Music: strangeflavorspodcast@gmail.com Tweet us: twitter.com/StrangeFlavors_ Instagram: www.instagram.com/StrangeFlavors Facebook: facebook.com/StrangeFlavorsPodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/StrangeFlavors _____________________________________________ LINKS: RwnlPwnl & Alif Theory Merch: aliftheory.com/shop Saad's Instagram: www.instagram.com/saad.qureshi7/ ____________________________________________ • FARAS • Tweet me: twitter.com/Farosty | @Farosty on IG/Snap/YouTube/FB • SHAH-AMEER • Tweet me: twitter.com/Shimmerwali | @Shimmerwali on IG/Snap/YouTube/FB • AMBER • Tweet me: tw

What if you designed something inspired for a celebrity and they actually wore it? That’s the exact dream our guest this week, ISAAC SAQIB founder of MERCY X MANKIND, was able to manifest. We caught up with Isaac after his first ever fashion show during New York Fashion Week #NYFW with a sold-out crowd of 400+. He tells us about the sacrifices and reward of being a fashion designer as well as tell us some unforgettable stories. This is the 56th episode of Strange Flavors, brought to you by Alif Theory. _____________________________________________ Email Us / Send Music: strangeflavorspodcast@gmail.com Tweet us: http://twitter.com/StrangeFlavors_ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/StrangeFlavors Facebook: http://facebook.com/StrangeFlavorsPodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/StrangeFlavors _____________________________________________ LINKS: Mercy X Mankind: https://www.mercyxmankind.com/ Mercy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercytomankind.ny/ Isaac’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isaa

What is it like to go from a conservative lifestyle to a completely fluid one? Our guest this week, SALSABEEL ABDELHAMID (aka Salsa), shows us what it truly means to be a stranger in society. We talk about her transformation of religion, sexual identity, and her family’s take on all of it. The Strange Squad announces a temporary break to the podcast. Don’t worry, we will still be producing content on our social media (@StrangeFlavors) while we work to better the podcast and catch up on other Alif Theory projects. This is the 55th episode of Strange Flavors, brought to you by Alif Theory. _____________________________________________ Email Us / Send Music: strangeflavorspodcast@gmail.com Tweet us: http://twitter.com/StrangeFlavors_ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/StrangeFlavors Facebook: http://facebook.com/StrangeFlavorsPodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/StrangeFlavors _____________________________________________ LINKS: Salsa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sel.sa.beel/?hl=en _________

Ever seen a female Goku or black Powerpuff Girls? Our stranger this week, ANULI D., tells us how she’s created quite a following for herself online by infusing her identity with her passion for cosplay, fashion design, and filmmaking. The Strange Squad talks about the controversial death of XXXTentacion, Roseanne having a new spinoff called The Conners, and upcoming trips to perform with Mickey Singh and California. This is the 54th episode of Strange Flavors, brought to you by Alif Theory. _____________________________________________ Email Us / Send Music: strangeflavorspodcast@gmail.com Tweet us: http://twitter.com/StrangeFlavors_ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/StrangeFlavors Facebook: http://facebook.com/StrangeFlavorsPodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/StrangeFlavors _____________________________________________ LINKS: Mickey Singh x RwnlPwnl @ APPNA: http://appna.org/2018-summer-convention/ Anuli’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCduwD0eH3OKlQZ75Xfn9qmQ Anuli’s Instagram: ht

What’s it like being half black & white and half Pakistani? How about queer as well? Those are the identities of our stranger this week, SOPHIA YESHI. She talks to us about how judgmental one side of the family can be, the inner struggles of the LGBTQ community, and the annoyance with the n-word. The Strange Squad talks suicide in the news, last week of Ramadan, and a funny occurrence at Denny’s. This is the 53rd episode of Strange Flavors, brought to you by Alif Theory. _____________________________________________ Email Us / Send Music: strangeflavorspodcast@gmail.com Tweet us: http://twitter.com/StrangeFlavors_ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/StrangeFlavors Facebook: http://facebook.com/StrangeFlavorsPodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/StrangeFlavors _____________________________________________ LINKS: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Call 1-800-273-8255 Sophia’s Website: http://sophiagachrasool.com/ Sophia’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yeshi_is/?hl=en _____________________

With all this beef going on everywhere, we had to start off our morning with firing a few shots of our own. In this Strange Exchange, we answer all of your questions you sent us as well as discuss Miss America scrapping their swimsuit competition, iHob, and struggles of growing up as a FOB. This is the 52nd episode of Strange Flavors, brought to you by Alif Theory. _____________________________________________ Email Us / Send Music: strangeflavorspodcast@gmail.com Tweet us: http://twitter.com/StrangeFlavors_ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/StrangeFlavors Facebook: http://facebook.com/StrangeFlavorsPodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/StrangeFlavors _____________________________________________ LINKS: Types of People During Ramadan 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnUbxbZm3_8 Mr. Larry’s Book - “Searching for SanViejo: Notes to my Younger Self”: https://www.amazon.com/Searching-SanViejo-Notes-Younger-Self/dp/0998432504 “Finding Home” by Dual Hammad: https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Home-Duaah-H

How is the one black person in a mosque full of South-Asians perceived? This week’s stranger, TAHIR SENOUSSI, tells us what it’s like to be a Muslim in the U.S. Army, growing up in a desi (South-Asian) community, and being an immigrant from Chad Africa trying to understand the African American culture. The Strange Squad talks about the white girl who said the n-word at a Kendrick Lamar show, the MAC Ramadan commercial, and interracial relationships. This is the 51st episode of Strange Flavors, brought to you by Alif Theory. _____________________________________________ Email Us / Send Music: strangeflavorspodcast@gmail.com Tweet us: http://twitter.com/StrangeFlavors_ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/StrangeFlavors Facebook: http://facebook.com/StrangeFlavorsPodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/StrangeFlavors _____________________________________________ • FARAS • Tweet me: http://twitter.com/Farosty | @Farosty on IG/Snap/YouTube/FB • SHAH-AMEER • Tweet me: https://twitter.com/Shimmerwali | @Shimm

What are the expenses and sacrifices of being an authentic rapper that people can really connect to? That’s what our guest this week, Moe Vision, has been figuring out with almost a decade in the game. He talks to us about connecting with Qias Omar, the legends and cities that inspire his sound, and the complications of culture and religion in his music. The Strange Squad is doing a giveaway for our 50th episode. All you have to do is go on our instagram @StrangeFlavors and tag three friends on the most recent post. We will randomly pick a winner and send you a gift box. You can comment as many times as you like using different friends (must be friends and not random instagram accounts). Good luck! This is the 50th episode of Strange Flavors, brought to you by Alif Theory. _____________________________________________ Email Us / Send Music: strangeflavorspodcast@gmail.com Tweet us: http://twitter.com/StrangeFlavors_ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/StrangeFlavors Facebook: http://facebook.com/StrangeFl

Coming to terms with something that happened to you as as a child can be extremely tough. Our guest this week, JESSICA CONWAY came to share her story about molestation that went on in her household growing up, blaming herself for a long time, and learning to cope with it as an adult. The Strange Squad talks about starting Ramadan, This Is America, Spotify removing artists based on sexual misconduct, and more. This is the 49th episode of Strange Flavors, brought to you by Alif Theory. _____________________________________________ Email Us / Send Music: strangeflavorspodcast@gmail.com Tweet us: http://twitter.com/StrangeFlavors_ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/StrangeFlavors Facebook: http://facebook.com/StrangeFlavorsPodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/StrangeFlavors _____________________________________________ • FARAS • Tweet me: http://twitter.com/Farosty | @Farosty on IG/Snap/YouTube/FB • SHAH-AMEER • Tweet me: https://twitter.com/Shimmerwali | @Shimmerwali on IG/Snap/YouTube/FB • AMBER • T

Is Kanye West losing his mind or finally finding it? The Strange Squad dissects what’s been going on with his crazy statements, supporting Trump, and what Kim Kardashian might have to do with it. This is a #StrangeExchange so we answer your questions and topics you gave us like J Cole and Post Malone’s new albums, why the the 9-year-old Lil Tay is telling you and everybody’s mamas that they’re broke, and how to get away from your parents. This is the 48th episode of Strange Flavors, brought to you by Alif Theory. _____________________________________________ Email Us / Send Music: strangeflavorspodcast@gmail.com Tweet us: http://twitter.com/StrangeFlavors_ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/StrangeFlavors Facebook: http://facebook.com/StrangeFlavorsPodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/StrangeFlavors LINKS: FOB’S PLAN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsvoIlraZv4 _____________________________________________ • FARAS • Tweet me: http://twitter.com/Farosty | @Farosty on IG/Snap/YouTube/FB • SHAH-AMEE

Coming from a biracial background and not knowing the language of either culture you come from can definitely cause some identity confusion. Our guest this week, NAUREEN KHAN, tells us how she learned to embrace her roots and what it’s like to now stand in front of a classroom teaching students while wearing a hijab. The Strange Squad talks about Beyoncé vs Michael Jackson as the greatest performer of all time and knowing less to be happier. This is the 47th episode of Strange Flavors, brought to you by Alif Theory. _____________________________________________ Farosty x Shimmer Shows: 4/26 - Harford Community College *Send us an email if you’d like more details on any of these* _____________________________________________ Email Us / Send Music: strangeflavorspodcast@gmail.com Tweet us: http://twitter.com/StrangeFlavors_ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/StrangeFlavors Facebook: http://facebook.com/StrangeFlavorsPodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/StrangeFlavors LINKS: Naureen’s Candles: https:

What started out as a nude lipstick experiment quickly turned into an exploration of diversity in beauty. Our guests this week, RANG DE, are four South Asian women who created this group to break down beauty standards in women and men of color. Whether it be skin tones, body hair, Eurocentric ideas, or beard oil, this fun group of girls have got some wonderful perspective to share. The Strange Squad talks about personality tests, Mark Zuckerberg against the Senate, Priyanka Chopra’s discrimination with Hollywood, and more. This is the 46th episode of Strange Flavors, brought to you by Alif Theory. _____________________________________________ Farosty x Shimmer Shows: 4/19 - UMBC 4/26 - Harford Community College *Send us an email if you’d like more details on any of these* _____________________________________________ Email Us / Send Music: strangeflavorspodcast@gmail.com Tweet us: http://twitter.com/StrangeFlavors_ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/StrangeFlavors Facebook: http://facebook.com/StrangeF

Maybe it’s a side effect of Tide Pods? . . . Just kidding - although some people may have taken it seriously based on how they define our younger generations. Our 16-year-old guest this week, MARYAM KHWAJA, is here to talk about the flak teenagers her age get, but also prove why they might just be the change we need in today’s society. We discuss her activism in rallies like #MarchForOurLives #BlackLivesMatter #WomensMarch and how growing up as a liberal Muslim in a predominately conservative white town has shaped how she takes on social issues. (p.s. don’t let the sweet voice fool you, she’s got a black belt to kick some booty if needed). The Strange Squad talk about the Walmart yodeling kid, getting flown out to perform in Chicago, and Amber’s vicious prank on Faras. This is the 45th episode of Strange Flavors, brought to you by Alif Theory. _____________________________________________ Farosty x Shimmer Shows: 4/13 - University of Maryland College Park 4/19 - UMBC *Send us an email if you’d like more d

Meet the man handing out free tampons on campus. From the podcast, What Muslims Look Like, AYYAN ZUBAIR joins the Strange Squad as a guest co-host to talk standards of South Asian and Muslim generations, the Heineken commercial, and winners of the Disney bracket. This is the 44th episode of Strange Flavors, brought to you by Alif Theory. _____________________________________________ Farosty x Shimmer Shows: 4/13 - University of Maryland College Park 4/19 - UMBC *Send us an email if you’d like more details on any of these* _____________________________________________ Email Us / Send Music: strangeflavorspodcast@gmail.com Tweet us: http://twitter.com/StrangeFlavors_ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/StrangeFlavors Facebook: http://facebook.com/StrangeFlavorsPodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/StrangeFlavors LINKS: What Muslims Look Like Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjIOyQ_aofqutThFe187NLA Ayyan’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/AyyanicBond Ayyan’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayy

There’s many micro-aggressions that immigrants face on a daily basis, but South-Asian women are often told to stay silent through even the worst of it, especially by their own community. That’s what our guest, GHONVA GHAURI, is here to talk about as well as her way of combating it through her work as a psychological anthropologist and creative. The Strange Squad announces the giveaway winner and catches up with Shimmer on his return from Pakistan. This is the 43rd episode of Strange Flavors, brought to you by Alif Theory. _____________________________________________ Farosty x Shimmer Shows: 3/31 - Towson University 4/3 - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 4/13 - University of Maryland College Park 4/19 - UMBC *Send us an email if you’d like more details on any of these* _____________________________________________ Email Us / Send Music: strangeflavorspodcast@gmail.com Tweet us: http://twitter.com/StrangeFlavors_ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/StrangeFlavors Facebook: http://facebook.com/Stra

What does being woke even mean? Is it being conscious of each other’s experiences? Is it recognizing the human condition? Is it writing your own narrative and listening to someone else’s? Our multitalented guest this week, KHALIL ISMAIL, shares his idea of living a fulfilling life while pursuing music, filmmaking, and business. The Strange Squad talks Bruno Mars and Lil Xan surrounding the topic of cultural appropriation. We’re also doing another giveaway, read below for details! ***GIVEAWAY: Go to our YouTube page and leave a comment on the last episode (Strange Exchange #5), giving us your thoughts on one of the topics we hit and we’ll randomly select a winner! (You must be subscribed to our Strange Flavors YouTube channel). Here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptkA0Um6tKw Good luck! :) This is the 42nd episode of Strange Flavors, brought to you by Alif Theory. _____________________________________________ Farosty x Shimmer Shows: 4/3 - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 4/13 - Universi

You guys asked the Strange Squad to talk about some crazy topics, but we didn’t ignore any! Faras and Amber take on an action packed Q&A with a mouth full of szechuan sauce, featuring everything from Kim Kardashian and cultural appropriation to dealing with smelly desi food in school/work and being gay in a Muslim community. This is the 41st episode of Strange Flavors, brought to you by Alif Theory. _____________________________________________ Farosty x Shimmer Shows: 4/3 - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 4/13 - University of Maryland College Park 4/19 - UMBC *Send us an email if you’d like more details on any of these* _____________________________________________ Email Us / Send Music: strangeflavorspodcast@gmail.com Tweet us: http://twitter.com/StrangeFlavors_ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/StrangeFlavors Facebook: http://facebook.com/StrangeFlavorsPodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/StrangeFlavors _____________________________________________ • FARAS • Tweet me: http://twitter

Ever hear of those kids that make a bunch of money playing video games on YouTube? Well our guest this week, JORDAN FRINGE, tells us exactly how much work that actually takes and the misconceptions people have of this community. We go over his 18-hour work days, traveling across the country in an RV for gaming conventions, and getting a tattoo from an Ink Masters star. The Strange Squad talks about the crab soup/ice cream dilemma and interacting through soul instead of body. This is the 40th episode of Strange Flavors, brought to you by Alif Theory. _____________________________________________ Farosty x Shimmer Shows: 4/3 - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 4/13 - University of Maryland College Park *Send us an email if you’d like more details on any of these* _____________________________________________ Email Us / Send Music: strangeflavorspodcast@gmail.com Tweet us: http://twitter.com/StrangeFlavors_ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/StrangeFlavors Facebook: http://facebook.com/StrangeFlavor

He melted our hearts on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and this week, WYATT OROKE aka MR. O sits down with us to talk life since being on Ellen, his backstory, and yes…the time a student went into labor in his classroom. The Strange Squad talks about our phones listening to our conversations and upcoming Farosty x Shimmer shows! This is the 39th episode of Strange Flavors, brought to you by Alif Theory. _____________________________________________ Farosty x Shimmer Shows: 3/2 - George Washington University 4/3 - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 4/13 - University of Maryland College Park *Send us an email if you’d like more details on any of these* _____________________________________________ Email Us / Send Music: strangeflavorspodcast@gmail.com Tweet us: http://twitter.com/StrangeFlavors_ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/StrangeFlavors Facebook: http://facebook.com/StrangeFlavorsPodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/StrangeFlavors LINKS: City Springs Elementary/Middle School: http://www.balti