http://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusaEvery week, B.C. Dodge and R. Mordant Mahon sit down with staff members and volunteers to talk about IRUSA efforts in the United States and abroad.enCopyright Islamic Relief USA (C/O Blogtalkradio)Sat, 15 Jun 2019 01:30:00 GMTTue, 28 Nov 2017 20:30:00 GMTNon-ProfitBlogTalkRadio Feed v2.0https://dasg7xwmldix6.cloudfront.net/hostpics/0eae4c33-3963-4be4-976e-0ece178bea22_warp_newlogo.jpghttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusaEvery week, B.C. Dodge and R. Mordant Mahon sit down with staff members and volunteers to talk about IRUSA efforts in the United States and abroad.feeds@blogtalkradio.comBlogTalkRadio.comIslam,Muslim,Islamic Relief,Islamic Relief USA,IRUSA,humanitarian aid,non profitWhat a Relief PodcastnoWhat happens when a self-help comedian and social media manager both have a passion for podcasting and come together to support a common cause? A podcast is borepisodichttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/11/28/irusa-live-givingtuesday-podcast--3Non-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/11/28/irusa-live-givingtuesday-podcast--3/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/11/28/irusa-live-givingtuesday-podcast--3Tue, 28 Nov 2017 20:30:00 GMTIRUSA #Live #GivingTuesday Podcast - 3This Giving Tuesday make sure to tune in to this special live podcast with Native Deen, Khalid Latif, Khalil Ismail, Linda Sarsour, Said Durrah and many more. Join us as we talk Myanmaar, US Programs, Yemen, and of course how you can help those in need on Giving Tuesday. 01:59:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge,IRUSA,Islamic Relief USA,GivingTuesday,Giving TuesdayJoin IRUSA, Native Deen, Khalid Latif, Khalil Ismail, Linda Sarsour, Said Durrah and many more for #GivingTuesday6f906d47-df95-443d-a2e1-7ee42eca10a7182fullhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/11/28/irusa-live-givingtuesday-podcast--2Non-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/11/28/irusa-live-givingtuesday-podcast--2/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/11/28/irusa-live-givingtuesday-podcast--2Tue, 28 Nov 2017 17:30:00 GMTIRUSA #Live #GivingTuesday Podcast - 2This Giving Tuesday make sure to tune in to this special live podcast with Native Deen, Khalid Latif, Khalil Ismail, Linda Sarsour, Said Durrah and many more. Join us as we talk Myanmaar, US Programs, Yemen, and of course how you can help those in need on Giving Tuesday. 02:57:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge,IRUSA,Islamic Relief USA,GivingTuesday,Giving TuesdayJoin IRUSA, Native Deen, Khalid Latif, Khalil Ismail, Linda Sarsour, Said Durrah and many more for #GivingTuesday054ac67e-0f26-46af-990f-91a9ab16f7c9181fullhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/11/28/irusa-live-givingtuesday-podcast--1Non-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/11/28/irusa-live-givingtuesday-podcast--1/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/11/28/irusa-live-givingtuesday-podcast--1Tue, 28 Nov 2017 14:30:00 GMTIRUSA #Live #GivingTuesday Podcast - 1This Giving Tuesday make sure to tune in to this special live podcast with Native Deen, Khalid Latif, Khalil Ismail, Linda Sarsour, Said Durrah and many more. Join us as we talk Myanmaar, US Programs, Yemen, and of course how you can help those in need on Giving Tuesday. 02:38:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge,IRUSA,Islamic Relief USA,GivingTuesday,Giving TuesdayJoin IRUSA, Native Deen, Khalid Latif, Khalil Ismail, Linda Sarsour, Said Durrah and many more for #GivingTuesday7153dd81-b861-48df-a823-cb094b47b89d180fullhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/11/23/what-a-relief-podcast-79-information-for-humanitarian-impactNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/11/23/what-a-relief-podcast-79-information-for-humanitarian-impact/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/11/23/what-a-relief-podcast-79-information-for-humanitarian-impactThu, 23 Nov 2017 13:00:00 GMT“What A Relief Podcast” 79: Information for Humanitarian ImpactHow do NGOs like Islamic Relief know that the work they’re carrying out day-after-day, year-after-year is impactful? Who helps them decipher the mountains of feedback, be it negative or positive, that comes down the pipeline everyday from every direction? Our stellar hosts B.C. Dodge and Mordant find out how we know what we know and how the company Market Xcel keeps NGOs in the know. The post “What A Relief Podcast” 79: Information for Humanitarian Impact appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:16:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge,Download Podcast,Education,Free Podcast,HealthB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon talk to Sepna from Market Xcel in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/11/21/what-a-relief-podcast-78-making-islamic-education-accessible-for-allNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/11/21/what-a-relief-podcast-78-making-islamic-education-accessible-for-all/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/11/21/what-a-relief-podcast-78-making-islamic-education-accessible-for-allTue, 21 Nov 2017 13:00:00 GMT“What a Relief Podcast” 78: Making Islamic Education Accessible for AllAfter realizing that her husband wanted to fund the tuition cost of girls from low-income families attending Islamic Schools she thought it was a good enough idea to put an organization behind. Fazko Scholarship program was born out of a simple act of kindness. Tourez explains how bright the future is for the burgeoning organization and where the Fazko team intends to take it. Tourez passionately states in her brief dialogue with B.C. Dodge, “We don’t want our community to suffer any more. This is why we’re doing this initiative as well.”  The post “What a Relief Podcast” 78: Making Islamic Education Accessible for All appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:16:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge,Download Podcast,Education,education news,Fazko Education Scholarship ProgramB.C. Dodge talks to Annie Tourez, of Fazko Education Scholarship Program in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/11/16/what-a-relief-podcast-77-3rd-pillar-shows-exactly-how-the-3rd-pillar-worksNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/11/16/what-a-relief-podcast-77-3rd-pillar-shows-exactly-how-the-3rd-pillar-works/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/11/16/what-a-relief-podcast-77-3rd-pillar-shows-exactly-how-the-3rd-pillar-worksThu, 16 Nov 2017 13:00:00 GMT“What a Relief Podcast” 77: 3rd Pillar Shows Exactly How The 3rd Pillar WorksWe are sure everyone is gearing up in some way, shape, or form for the upcoming holiday season in the U.S. You can feel it in the air. Whether we celebrate any portion of it, it would be difficult not to see and feel the enormous weight put on families to keep up. Poverty in America is the elephant in the room that isn’t heard until it’s weighty feet moves. Our guest Abed Ayoub, co-founder of the 3rd Pillar Charities has listened to the plight of the undeserved intently, and this year will be another one where they answer the call to serve.  The post “What a Relief Podcast” 77: Third Pillar Shows the World Exactly How The 3rd Pillar of Islam Works appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:31:00What a Relief PodcastnoAbed Ayoub,American Third Pillar Charities,B.C. Dodge,Download Podcast,Free PodcastOn this What a Relief Podcast B.C. Dodge talks to Abed Ayoub, co-founder of Third Pillar Charitieshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/11/14/what-a-relief-podcast-76-irusas-drt-team-pushes-for-the-right-responseNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/11/14/what-a-relief-podcast-76-irusas-drt-team-pushes-for-the-right-response/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/11/14/what-a-relief-podcast-76-irusas-drt-team-pushes-for-the-right-responseTue, 14 Nov 2017 13:00:00 GMT“What A Relief Podcast” 76: IRUSA’s DRT team pushes for the right Response2016 consisted held a great number of challenges for the world over. Political strife and uncertainty seemed to rule the day most of the year. With everything that has happened, natural disasters and emergencies haven’t taken a backseat. IRUSA has been pushing harder than ever to make the right response to this year’s catastrophes. B.C. Dodge & R. Mordant took some time out to talk with IRUSA’s very own Regional Disaster Response Coordinator, Abdullah Shawky, who has been one of many going beyond the call of duty. IRUSA’s Disaster Response Team (DRT) found itself in the eye of storms, wildfires, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes this year. The work is still piling on.  The post “What A Relief Podcast” 76: IRUSA’s DRT team pushes for the right Response appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:26:00What a Relief PodcastnoAbdullah Shawky,B.C. Dodge,Download Podcast,DRT,drt newsOn this podcast B.C. Dodge & R. Mordant take some time out to talk with IRUSA’s very own Regional Disaster Response Coordinator, Abdullah Shawkyhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/11/09/what-a-relief-podcast-75-who-makes-this-stuffNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/11/09/what-a-relief-podcast-75-who-makes-this-stuff/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/11/09/what-a-relief-podcast-75-who-makes-this-stuffThu, 09 Nov 2017 13:00:00 GMT“What A Relief Podcast” 75: Who Makes This Stuff?We’re back live from the Interaction Forum of 2017 in Washington, D.C. at the Walter Reed Convention Center, where B.C. and Mordant are spending quality time with game-changers in the relief world! This episode we sit down with Interaction Veteran Kevin Peach, Business Development Coordinator for NRS International, to get a sneak peek into the manufacturing side of relief work.  The post “What A Relief Podcast” 75: Who Makes This Stuff? – Our Live Chat with a Relief Manufacturing Giant appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:17:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge,Download Podcast,Free Podcast,Interaction Forum of 2017,IRUSAOn this episode of the What a Relief Podcast Kevin Peach Business Development Coordinator for NRS International delivers a sneak peek into the manufacturing sidhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/03/07/a-sisterhood-for-peace-muslim-and-jewish-women-building-bridgesNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/03/07/a-sisterhood-for-peace-muslim-and-jewish-women-building-bridges/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/03/07/a-sisterhood-for-peace-muslim-and-jewish-women-building-bridgesTue, 07 Mar 2017 12:00:00 GMTA Sisterhood for Peace: Muslim and Jewish Women Building BridgesThis week, B.C. & Mordant welcome Amanda Qureshi, a digital media professional and diversity activist and Advisory Board Member for the Sisterhood of Salaam-Shalom. In this episode, she talks about her work with this unique national grassroots organization. It was founded in New Jersey by a Jewish woman who decided to take matters into her own hands and bridge the divide between people of the Muslim and Jewish faiths. The post “What A Relief” Podcast 56: A Sisterhood for Peace: Muslim and Jewish Women Building Bridges appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:29:00What a Relief PodcastnoAmanda Qureshi,B.C. Dodge,Download Podcast,Free Podcast,ImTheQB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon talk to Amanda Quraishi in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/02/15/the-impact-and-challenges-of-international-relief-workNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/02/15/the-impact-and-challenges-of-international-relief-work/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/02/15/the-impact-and-challenges-of-international-relief-workWed, 15 Feb 2017 13:00:00 GMTThe Impact and Challenges of International Relief WorkThis week B.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon welcome Naser Haghamed, CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide. Naser has travelled across 35 countries to help deliver aid where it is needed the most. He shares his insights with our listeners. Naser spends some time explaining just what it is that Islamic Relief aims to do. In doing so, he debunks some common perceptions, such as the duration of time the organization stays in emergency zones. When Islamic Relief deploys for an emergency, be it a natural or manmade disaster, the organization stays much longer than people would expect. After responding to the emergency, the work continues: rebuilding schools, hospitals—starting over. The post “What A Relief” Podcast 54: The Impact and Challenges of International Relief Work appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:22:00What a Relief PodcastnoYemen,Nepal,Pakistan,Kashmir,MyanmarB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon talk to Naser Haghamed from IRUSA in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/02/07/breaking-barriers-with-comedy-a-talk-with-tazzy-pheNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/02/07/breaking-barriers-with-comedy-a-talk-with-tazzy-phe/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/02/07/breaking-barriers-with-comedy-a-talk-with-tazzy-pheTue, 07 Feb 2017 13:00:00 GMTBreaking Barriers with Comedy: A Talk with Tazzy PheIf you have never heard of her, now is the time to get hip and join her over 40,000 subscribers. The description on her page simply states, “I like eating pomegranates and brushing my teeth. But not at the same time of course.” Need we say more? The post Breaking Barriers with Comedy: A Talk with Tazzy Phe appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:30:00What a Relief PodcastnoTazzy Phe,B.C. Dodge,R. Mordant Mahon,YouTube,IslamB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon talk to Tazzy Phe in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/01/31/continuing-to-uphold-american-idealsNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/01/31/continuing-to-uphold-american-ideals/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/01/31/continuing-to-uphold-american-idealsTue, 31 Jan 2017 13:30:00 GMTContinuing to Uphold American IdealsB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon talk to Scott Cooper and Joe Jenkins from Veterans for American Ideals in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast. In this episode, B.C. & Mordant welcome two special guests: Scott Cooper and Joe Jenkins from Veterans for American Ideals. They were introduced to the show when IRUSA was featured on Full Frontal with Samantha Bee. Their organization was founded upon reflecting on the existing organizations that serve veterans in this country. The question was posed: But what opportunities are there for veterans to advocate for others? This was orginally posted on IRUSA.org   00:26:00What a Relief PodcastnoIslam,Muslim,Islamic Relief,Islamic Relief USA,IRUSAB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon talk to Scott Cooper and Joe Jenkins from Veterans for American Ideals in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podchttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/01/24/aww-one-year-oldNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/01/24/aww-one-year-old/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/01/24/aww-one-year-oldTue, 24 Jan 2017 13:00:00 GMTAww! One Year Old!Can you believe it? It’s been one year now since hosts B.C. Dodge and R. Mordant Mahon got this thing started—one year since they interviewed their first guest about his overwhelming experience greeting Syrian refugees on Greece’s shore. In that year, they’ve talked with everyone from IRUSA staff to other NGO leaders to artists, activists and imams.  The post “What A Relief” Podcast 51: Aww! One Year Old! appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:57:00What a Relief PodcastnoMyanmar,Syria,Refugees,United States,Lina HashemIRUSA staff member Lina Hashem turns the tables on hosts B.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon and interviews them for the first birthday of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’shttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/01/18/islam-in-spanish-empowering-an-underserved-community-part-iiNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/01/18/islam-in-spanish-empowering-an-underserved-community-part-ii/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/01/18/islam-in-spanish-empowering-an-underserved-community-part-iiWed, 18 Jan 2017 13:00:00 GMTIslam in Spanish: Empowering an Underserved Community Part IIIn this podcast, B.C. & Mordant continue their talk with Jaime Mujahid Fletcher from Islam in Spanish. He shares more detailed insight on how his organization is making strides to bring knowledge about Islam to the Spanish-speaking community. The post “What A Relief” Podcast 50: Islam in Spanish: Empowering an Underserved Community Part II appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:37:00What a Relief Podcastnointerfaith work,Mujahid Fletcher,Download Podcast,Free Podcast,PodcastB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon talk to Jaime Mujahid Fletcher in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/01/10/islam-in-spanish-empowering-an-underserved-communityNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/01/10/islam-in-spanish-empowering-an-underserved-community/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/01/10/islam-in-spanish-empowering-an-underserved-communityTue, 10 Jan 2017 14:00:00 GMTIslam in Spanish – Empowering an Underserved CommunityIn this episode, B.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon welcome Jaime Mujahid Fletcher from Islam in Spanish to share his groundbreaking efforts in making Islam accessible to the Spanish-speaking community. The idea was sparked when Mujahid became Muslim and was soon after designated spokesperson for the Spanish-speaking community. Being a new Muslim, he felt as though he wasn’t the most knowledgeable person for the job, but he realized he was the only one who could do it. From there, he discovered the serious lack of Spanish materials, and that a huge demographic was not being served. The post “What A Relief” Podcast 49: Islam in Spanish – Empowering an Underserved Community appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:31:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge,Download Podcast,Free Podcast,IRUSA,islamB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon talk to Jaime Mujahid Fletcher of Islam in Spanish on this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/01/04/addressing-menas-youth-employment-crisisNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/01/04/addressing-menas-youth-employment-crisis/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2017/01/04/addressing-menas-youth-employment-crisisWed, 04 Jan 2017 14:00:00 GMTAddressing MENA’s Youth Employment CrisisIn this episode, B.C. & Mordant chat with Taleb Salhab and Saro Nakashian from Education for Employment. The organization started in 2006 in Gaza and now spans eight countries with a mission of creating job opportunities for unemployed youth in the Middle East and North Africa. By providing world-class professional and technical training, they have placed over 10,500 youth in jobs to date. “We measure our success by our job outcomes,” Talib says, citing underemployment as a serious problem in the region. “Underemployment is when people are working jobs that are basically not paying them a living wage,” he explains. “They are not able to earn a living and they are not able to support themselves or their families.” In addition to underemployment, youth are facing a skills mismatch in which the skills they are being taught are not in sync with what the workforce is seeking. Currently, unemployment rates have skyrocketed higher than high school drop out rates. The post “What A Relief” Podcast 48: Addressing MENA’s Youth Employment Crisis appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:29:00What a Relief PodcastnoGaza,Education for Employment,Taleb Salhab,Saro Nakashian,Download PodcastB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon to Taleb Salhab and Saro Nakashian in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/12/27/in-which-we-interview-our-first-unicornNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/12/27/in-which-we-interview-our-first-unicorn/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/12/27/in-which-we-interview-our-first-unicornTue, 27 Dec 2016 13:00:00 GMT...In Which We Interview Our First UnicornB.C. Dodge & guest co-host Chancey Gannett talk to author Susan Dennard in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast. Susan Dennard is an author who writes young adult novels that have nothing to do with humanitarian aid. But when she came across an article about Islamic Relief USA last fall, she decided to use her platform as an author to support IRUSA’s work. So she auctioned off a signed book to raise money for charity — and to spread a message that’s close to her heart. The article she read told how people in Louisiana were surprised and their stereotypes were challenged when Muslims from IRUSA’s disaster response team came out to help them in the wake of devastating floods. The post “What A Relief” Podcast 47: In Which We Interview Our First Unicorn appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:33:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge,Chancey Gannett,Download Podcast,Free Podcast,IRUSAB.C. Dodge & guest co-host Chancey Gannett talk to author Susan Dennard in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/29/what-a-relief-podcast--24-hour-live-streaming-podcast-hours-19-through-21Non-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/29/what-a-relief-podcast--24-hour-live-streaming-podcast-hours-19-through-21/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/29/what-a-relief-podcast--24-hour-live-streaming-podcast-hours-19-through-21Tue, 29 Nov 2016 23:00:00 GMTWhat a Relief Podcast - 24 Hour LIVE Streaming Podcast: Hours 19 through 21This year on #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back, IRUSA is rallying to help children in need all over the world. And since there are 24 hours in a day, we decided there was no better way to express our enthusiasm than to use all of them. It seemed like the right thing to do. Join the crew from IRUSA's What a Relief! Podcast as B.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon attempt an ill-advised, yet obviously awesome, feat of going #LIVE on the air for 24 hours straight!  Of course, they can't (and shouldn't) do this alone, and will be joined by special guest like: The CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide, Naser Haghamed The CEO of Islamic Relief UK, Imran Madden Imam Suhaib Webb Hoda Hawa from Muslim Public Affairs Council Khalil Ismail ...and many other surprise guests and staff from all over the world!  Mark your calendars and stay tuned for updates with the offical links on how to listen and watch. You won't want to miss this! 02:52:00What a Relief PodcastnoPodcast,live,Giving Tuesday,#GivingTuesday,Islamic Relief Worldwideoin the crew from IRUSA's What a Relief! Podcast as B.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon attempt an ill-advised, yet obviously awesome, feat of going #LIVE on the airhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/29/what-a-relief-podcast--24-hour-live-streaming-podcast-hours-18-through-21Non-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/29/what-a-relief-podcast--24-hour-live-streaming-podcast-hours-18-through-21/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/29/what-a-relief-podcast--24-hour-live-streaming-podcast-hours-18-through-21Tue, 29 Nov 2016 20:00:00 GMTWhat a Relief Podcast - 24 Hour LIVE Streaming Podcast: Hours 18 through 21This year on #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back, IRUSA is rallying to help children in need all over the world. And since there are 24 hours in a day, we decided there was no better way to express our enthusiasm than to use all of them. It seemed like the right thing to do. Join the crew from IRUSA's What a Relief! Podcast as B.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon attempt an ill-advised, yet obviously awesome, feat of going #LIVE on the air for 24 hours straight!  Of course, they can't (and shouldn't) do this alone, and will be joined by special guest like: The CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide, Naser Haghamed The CEO of Islamic Relief UK, Imran Madden Imam Suhaib Webb Hoda Hawa from Muslim Public Affairs Council Khalil Ismail ...and many other surprise guests and staff from all over the world!  Mark your calendars and stay tuned for updates with the offical links on how to listen and watch. You won't want to miss this! 02:58:00What a Relief PodcastnoPodcast,live,Giving Tuesday,#GivingTuesday,Islamic Relief WorldwideJoin the crew from IRUSA's What a Relief! Podcast as B.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon attempt an ill-advised, yet obviously awesome, feat of going #LIVE on the airhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/29/what-a-relief-podcast--24-hour-live-streaming-podcast-hours-14-through-17Non-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/29/what-a-relief-podcast--24-hour-live-streaming-podcast-hours-14-through-17/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/29/what-a-relief-podcast--24-hour-live-streaming-podcast-hours-14-through-17Tue, 29 Nov 2016 17:00:00 GMTWhat a Relief Podcast - 24 Hour LIVE Streaming Podcast: Hours 14 through 17This year on #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back, IRUSA is rallying to help children in need all over the world. And since there are 24 hours in a day, we decided there was no better way to express our enthusiasm than to use all of them. It seemed like the right thing to do. Join the crew from IRUSA's What a Relief! Podcast as B.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon attempt an ill-advised, yet obviously awesome, feat of going #LIVE on the air for 24 hours straight!  Of course, they can't (and shouldn't) do this alone, and will be joined by special guest like: The CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide, Naser Haghamed The CEO of Islamic Relief UK, Imran Madden Imam Suhaib Webb Hoda Hawa from Muslim Public Affairs Council Khalil Ismail ...and many other surprise guests and staff from all over the world!  01:54:00What a Relief PodcastnoPodcast,live,Giving Tuesday,#GivingTuesday,Islamic Relief WorldwideJoin the crew from IRUSA's What a Relief! Podcast as B.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon attempt an ill-advised, yet obviously awesome, feat of going #LIVE on the airhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/29/what-a-relief-podcast--24-hour-live-streaming-podcast-hours-11-through-14Non-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/29/what-a-relief-podcast--24-hour-live-streaming-podcast-hours-11-through-14/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/29/what-a-relief-podcast--24-hour-live-streaming-podcast-hours-11-through-14Tue, 29 Nov 2016 14:00:00 GMTWhat a Relief Podcast - 24 Hour LIVE Streaming Podcast: Hours 11 through 14This year on #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back, IRUSA is rallying to help children in need all over the world. And since there are 24 hours in a day, we decided there was no better way to express our enthusiasm than to use all of them. It seemed like the right thing to do. Join the crew from IRUSA's What a Relief! Podcast as B.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon attempt an ill-advised, yet obviously awesome, feat of going #LIVE on the air for 24 hours straight!  Of course, they can't (and shouldn't) do this alone, and will be joined by special guest like: The CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide, Naser Haghamed The CEO of Islamic Relief UK, Imran Madden Imam Suhaib Webb Hoda Hawa from Muslim Public Affairs Council Khalil Ismail ...and many other surprise guests and staff from all over the world!  Mark your calendars and stay tuned for updates with the offical links on how to listen and watch. You won't want to miss this! 02:56:00What a Relief PodcastnoPodcast,live,Giving Tuesday,#GivingTuesday,Islamic Relief WorldwideJoin the crew from IRUSA's What a Relief! Podcast as B.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon attempt an ill-advised, yet obviously awesome, feat of going #LIVE on the airhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/29/what-a-relief-podcast--24-hour-live-streaming-podcast-hours-7-through-10Non-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/29/what-a-relief-podcast--24-hour-live-streaming-podcast-hours-7-through-10/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/29/what-a-relief-podcast--24-hour-live-streaming-podcast-hours-7-through-10Tue, 29 Nov 2016 11:00:00 GMTWhat a Relief Podcast - 24 Hour LIVE Streaming Podcast: Hours 7 through 10This year on #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back, IRUSA is rallying to help children in need all over the world. And since there are 24 hours in a day, we decided there was no better way to express our enthusiasm than to use all of them. It seemed like the right thing to do. Join the crew from IRUSA's What a Relief! Podcast as B.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon attempt an ill-advised, yet obviously awesome, feat of going #LIVE on the air for 24 hours straight!  Of course, they can't (and shouldn't) do this alone, and will be joined by special guest like: The CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide, Naser Haghamed The CEO of Islamic Relief UK, Imran Madden Imam Suhaib Webb Hoda Hawa from Muslim Public Affairs Council Khalil Ismail ...and many other surprise guests and staff from all over the world!  Mark your calendars and stay tuned for updates with the offical links on how to listen and watch. You won't want to miss this! 02:57:00What a Relief PodcastnoPodcast,live,Giving Tuesday,#GivingTuesday,Islamic Relief WorldwideJoin the crew from IRUSA's What a Relief! Podcast as B.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon attempt an ill-advised, yet obviously awesome, feat of going #LIVE on the airhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/29/what-a-relief-podcast--24-hour-live-streaming-podcast-hours-3-through-6Non-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/29/what-a-relief-podcast--24-hour-live-streaming-podcast-hours-3-through-6/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/29/what-a-relief-podcast--24-hour-live-streaming-podcast-hours-3-through-6Tue, 29 Nov 2016 08:00:00 GMTWhat a Relief Podcast - 24 Hour LIVE Streaming Podcast: Hours 3 through 6This year on #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back, IRUSA is rallying to help children in need all over the world. And since there are 24 hours in a day, we decided there was no better way to express our enthusiasm than to use all of them. It seemed like the right thing to do. Join the crew from IRUSA's What a Relief! Podcast as B.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon attempt an ill-advised, yet obviously awesome, feat of going #LIVE on the air for 24 hours straight!  Of course, they can't (and shouldn't) do this alone, and will be joined by special guest like: The CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide, Naser Haghamed The CEO of Islamic Relief UK, Imran Madden Imam Suhaib Webb Hoda Hawa from Muslim Public Affairs Council Khalil Ismail ...and many other surprise guests and staff from all over the world!  Mark your calendars and stay tuned for updates with the offical links on how to listen and watch. You won't want to miss this! 02:00:00What a Relief PodcastnoPodcast,live,Giving Tuesday,#GivingTuesday,Islamic Relief WorldwideJoin the crew from IRUSA's What a Relief! Podcast as B.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon attempt an ill-advised, yet obviously awesome, feat of going #LIVE on the airhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/29/what-a-relief-podcast--24-hour-live-streaming-podcast-hours-1-through-3Non-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/29/what-a-relief-podcast--24-hour-live-streaming-podcast-hours-1-through-3/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/29/what-a-relief-podcast--24-hour-live-streaming-podcast-hours-1-through-3Tue, 29 Nov 2016 05:00:00 GMTWhat a Relief Podcast - 24 Hour LIVE Streaming Podcast: Hours 1 through 3This year on #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back, IRUSA is rallying to help children in need all over the world. And since there are 24 hours in a day, we decided there was no better way to express our enthusiasm than to use all of them. It seemed like the right thing to do. Join the crew from IRUSA's What a Relief! Podcast as B.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon attempt an ill-advised, yet obviously awesome, feat of going #LIVE on the air for 24 hours straight!  Of course, they can't (and shouldn't) do this alone, and will be joined by special guest like: The CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide, Naser Haghamed The CEO of Islamic Relief UK, Imran Madden Imam Suhaib Webb Hoda Hawa from Muslim Public Affairs Council Khalil Ismail ...and many other surprise guests and staff from all over the world!  Mark your calendars and stay tuned for updates with the offical links on how to listen and watch. You won't want to miss this! 01:02:00What a Relief PodcastnoPodcast,live,Giving Tuesday,#GivingTuesday,Islamic Relief WorldwideJoin the crew from IRUSA's What a Relief! Podcast as B.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon attempt an ill-advised, yet obviously awesome, feat of going #LIVE on the airhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/22/more-than-numbers-payingattention-to-syriaNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/22/more-than-numbers-payingattention-to-syria/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/22/more-than-numbers-payingattention-to-syriaTue, 22 Nov 2016 14:00:00 GMTMore Than Numbers: #PayingAttention to #SyriaThis week, B.C. and Mordant host a special episode of the podcast. This episode was not scheduled, but was pulled together at a moment’s notice when Tamir showed up to volunteer at the Islamic Relief USA Headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. When the hosts found out that Tamir had fled Syria due to the violence in the region, they asked him to share his story with the podcast listeners. Tamir was one of the lucky ones. He was able to escape with his family to Turkey and pursue his education. Yet his memories of Syria are still vivid, and his losses tragic. Among the losses was one of his best friends. Tamir admits that he still hasn’t been able to delete that friend’s contact from his phone, and still visits his Instagram page. “He is still alive to me,” he says. The post “What A Relief” Podcast 46: More Than Numbers: Paying Attention to Syria appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:42:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge,Download Podcast,IRUSA,islam,Islamic ReliefWhen the hosts found out that Tamir had fled Syria due to the violence in the region, they asked him to share his story with the podcast listeners.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/15/muslim-youth-and-the-religious-literacy-gapNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/15/muslim-youth-and-the-religious-literacy-gap/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/15/muslim-youth-and-the-religious-literacy-gapTue, 15 Nov 2016 13:30:00 GMTMuslim Youth and the Religious Literacy GapThis week B.C. & Mordant welcome Hadia Mubarak. Hadia is a lecturer on religion and gender at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and works with the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU). She joins the podcast this week to talk about her work on an article for ISPU about the religious literacy gap currently impacting Muslim youth. The post “What A Relief” Podcast 45: Muslim Youth and the Religious Literacy Gap appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:37:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge,Download Podcast,Free Podcast,Hadia Mubarak,institute for social policy and understandingThis week B.C. & Mordant welcome Hadia Mubarak. Hadia is a lecturer on religion and gender at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and works with the Ihttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/08/empowering-young-changemakersNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/08/empowering-young-changemakers/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/08/empowering-young-changemakersTue, 08 Nov 2016 13:00:00 GMTEmpowering Young ChangemakersToday’s podcast welcomes its youngest guests to date. And yet, what the two international students lack in years, they make up for in determination, talent and heart. Layan and Vera , 16 and 17 from Jordan and Palestine, spent the day shadowing the Comms Department at IRUSA as part of a program called TechGirls read more on Islamic Relief USA. 00:37:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge,Download Podcast,Education,exchange program,Free PodcastB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon talk to Layan and Vera from TechGirls in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/01/solidarity-amidst-suffering-the-aftermath-of-the-orlando-attackNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/01/solidarity-amidst-suffering-the-aftermath-of-the-orlando-attack/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/11/01/solidarity-amidst-suffering-the-aftermath-of-the-orlando-attackTue, 01 Nov 2016 13:00:00 GMTSolidarity Amidst Suffering: The Aftermath of the Orlando AttackThis week B.C. & Mordant are joined by Disaster Response Team Manager Hani Hamwi and two IRUSA volunteers, Rasha Mubarak and Imam Azhar Subedar. They were among the first responders following the Pulse Nightclub attacks this past June, deployed by IRUSA to provide support to the devastated Orlando community.  The post “What A Relief” Podcast 43: Solidarity Amidst Suffering: The Aftermath of the Orlando Attack appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:49:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge,CAIR,Download Podcast,drt news,Free PodcastB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon talk to Hani Hamwi, Rasha Mubarak and Imam Azhar Subedar in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/10/25/irusa-programs-that-hit-home-part-iiNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/10/25/irusa-programs-that-hit-home-part-ii/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/10/25/irusa-programs-that-hit-home-part-iiTue, 25 Oct 2016 12:00:00 GMTIRUSA & Programs that Hit Home Part IIThis week, B.C. & Mordant continue on to part two of an interview with Minkailu Jalloh, a U.S. ProgramsSpecialist at IRUSA. In this episode, Minkailu continues to describe his experiences in the Programs Department. The post “What A Relief” Podcast 42: IRUSA & Programs that Hit Home Part II appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:33:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge,clean water,Day of Dignity,Download Podcast,FlintB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon talk to Minkailu Jalloh from IRUSA in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/10/21/irusa-programs-that-hit-homeNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/10/21/irusa-programs-that-hit-home/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/10/21/irusa-programs-that-hit-homeFri, 21 Oct 2016 13:00:00 GMTIRUSA & Programs that Hit HomeThis week B.C. & Mordant welcome Minkailu Jalloh, a U.S. Programs Specialist at IRUSA. In part one of this two-part interview, Minkailu takes listeners inside his role in the Programs department at IRUSA. The department has several regular, annual programs such as Day of Dignity, Qurbani meat distributions and Ramadan food distributions. Recently, however, there has been an increased focus on branching out to work even more with the community. The department aims to create spaces for unique programs — both emergency and long term. This is where Minkailu directs most of his energy and passion. “We work a lot with community-based organizations all across the United States,” he says. “In a lot of instances, these organizations are relatively new, and they are strong in terms of the projects that they are doing and the way that they are bringing benefit to their community, but the structure of their organization is not necessarily strong.”   The post “What A Relief” Podcast 41: IRUSA & Programs that Hit Home appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:32:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge,Download Podcast,Free Podcast,IRUSA,islamThis week B.C. & Mordant welcome Minkailu Jalloh, a U.S. Programs Specialist at IRUSA. In part one of this two-part interview, Minkailu takes listeners inside hhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/10/18/irusa-programs-that-hit-homeNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/10/18/irusa-programs-that-hit-home/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/10/18/irusa-programs-that-hit-homeTue, 18 Oct 2016 12:00:00 GMTIRUSA & Programs that Hit HomeThis week B.C. & Mordant welcome Minkailu Jalloh, a U.S. Programs Specialist at IRUSA. In part one of this two-part interview, Minkailu takes listeners inside his role in the Programs department at IRUSA.   The post “What A Relief” Podcast 41: IRUSA & Programs that Hit Home appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:32:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge,clean water,Day of Dignity,Download Podcast,FlintB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon talk to Minkailu Jalloh from IRUSA in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/10/11/a-voice-for-muslims-on-capitol-hillNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/10/11/a-voice-for-muslims-on-capitol-hill/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/10/11/a-voice-for-muslims-on-capitol-hillTue, 11 Oct 2016 12:30:00 GMTA Voice for Muslims on Capitol HillIn the heat of election season, it’s not always easy to find politicians who speak freely about defending the rights of Muslims. This week, B.C. & Mordant are joined by one congressman who does just that. The podcast welcomesCongressman Don Beyer, representative for the Arlington, Alexandria and Falls Church areas. He serves in his constituency more U.S. government employees than any place in the country, and also enjoys the perk of living the closest to the Capitol. Through his service, he has rediscovered the important and vibrant Muslim community in Virginia, he says. And he notes that they are eager to be involved in the political process. “We hired a full time Muslim campaign worker,” he says. He has put together a sub-campaign to advocate for the community. Congressman Beyer talks about the hate speech that has come into play this election season, insisting, “We have to fight back.” “I saw how these young people were hurt by the many unkind, threatening things that were said,” he says.   The post “What A Relief” Podcast 40: A Voice for Muslims on Capitol Hill appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:38:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge,Capital Hill,Congressman Don Beyer,Don Beyer,Download PodcastB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon talk to Congressman Don Beyer in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/10/04/charity-week-the-power-of-unityNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/10/04/charity-week-the-power-of-unity/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/10/04/charity-week-the-power-of-unityTue, 04 Oct 2016 12:00:00 GMTCharity Week & The Power of UnityNever underestimate the wave-making power of just one person or, in this case, just one week. In this podcast, Carl & Mordant interview the founder of Charity Week, a campaign of Islamic Relief with the slogan “One Week. One Cause. All the difference!” Charity Week was founded in London with a vision of unity, to see MSAs, colleges, schools and communities everywhere working together to provide real, long-term solutions for the most needy children in the world. The project has grown from success to success since its founding in 2003, and Charity Week now takes place across three continents. This year, Charity Week will take place at the end of October. Wajid shares with listeners what he and his team of dedicated volunteers hope to accomplish. It all started 13 years ago when he was a student.   The post “What A Relief” Podcast 39: Charity Week & The Power of Unity appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:32:00What a Relief Podcastnocharity week,Children in Need,Download Podcast,Dr. Mohammed Wajid Akhter,Free PodcastB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon talk to Dr. Mohammed Wajid Akhter from Charity Week in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/09/27/podcast-38-breaking-the-silence-for-the-rohingyaNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/09/27/podcast-38-breaking-the-silence-for-the-rohingya/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/09/27/podcast-38-breaking-the-silence-for-the-rohingyaTue, 27 Sep 2016 12:00:00 GMTPodcast 38: Breaking The Silence For The RohingyaThis week, B.C. Dodge & Mordant welcome a guest from Myanmar. His voice has been changed to protect his identity, and the podcast introduces him just as ‘Mr. R’. For anyone who is unfamiliar with the situation in Myanmar, these measures may seem extreme. But those who are aware of the situation will understand the risks this podcast could pose, even with a concealed identity. And yet the risk of remaining silent is far greater — in fact it is one of the main reasons the crisis persists. In this podcast, Mr. R sheds light on the devastating humanitarian crisis taking place with the Rohingya in Myanmar. “Are we contributing to a slow ethnic cleansing by being silent?” he poses. This episode attempts to break that silence. Mr. R explains who the Rohingya are —an unrecognized minority Muslim ethnic group who have been living in cramped camps just 2 kilometers from their original villages for over four years. Close to 800,000 of them are currently living stateless in Myanmar and being denied access to basic services like sanitation and healthcare. The post “What A Relief” Podcast 38: Breaking The Silence For The Rohingya appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:27:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge,Download Podcast,Free Podcast,healthcare,IRUSAB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon talk about the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/09/20/protecting-women-and-girls-in-liberiaNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/09/20/protecting-women-and-girls-in-liberia/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/09/20/protecting-women-and-girls-in-liberiaTue, 20 Sep 2016 12:00:00 GMTProtecting Women and Girls in LiberiaIn this week’s discussion, B.C. Dodge & Mordant talk with Robert Radtke about Episcopal Relief and Development’s new initiative with IRUSA to reduce gender-based violence in Liberia. Dr. Radtke is president of Episcopal Relief and Development, which works in nearly 40 countries on issues of health, hunger, economic security and disaster response. “We’re very similar to Islamic Relief in many ways,” Radtke says. The post “What A Relief” Podcast 37: Protecting Women and Girls in Liberia appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:37:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge,Download Podcast,Dr. Robert Radtke,Episcopal Relief and Development,Free PodcastIn this week’s discussion, B.C. Dodge & Mordant talk with Robert Radtke about Episcopal Relief and Development’s new initiative with IRUSA to reduce gender-basehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/09/13/unrwa-irusa-a-partnership-of-hope-for-palestinian-refugeesNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/09/13/unrwa-irusa-a-partnership-of-hope-for-palestinian-refugees/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/09/13/unrwa-irusa-a-partnership-of-hope-for-palestinian-refugeesTue, 13 Sep 2016 12:00:00 GMTUNRWA & IRUSA: A Partnership of Hope for Palestinian RefugeesIn her role, Misbah manages partnerships for the agency. IRUSA is a leading partner with UNRWA, and that partnership brought her to the IRUSA headquarters in Virginia for a visit. As she sat down with B.C. Dodge and Mordant (virtually), she shed light on the important work her organization does, and how IRUSA’s partnership helps. UNRWA is the only UN agency that is mandated to provide relief and social services to about 5 million refugees in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, the West Bank and Gaza. Many refugees had to flee in 1948 and some again in 1967. UNRWA is the only agency that ensures the families of these refuges have basic human rights, such as places to go if they need healthcare. They run schools, provide social services, and partner with organizations like IRUSA to deliver food in Ramadan and provide shelter when winter arrives. Despite popular belief, the middle east does get quite cold. She paints a picture for listeners with her words, describing houses that look close to normal on the outside, but lack insulation and basic sanitation. “You have people who are living in a state that is very bleak, very desolate,” she says. “Sometimes we feel the world community has forgotten Palestinian refugees. There is no hope that we see of, in terms of a solution, which is sad.” The post “What A Relief” Podcast 36: UNRWA & IRUSA: A Partnership of Hope for Palestinian Refugees appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:31:00What a Relief PodcastnoRefugees,refugee,Palestine,Jordan,SyriaThis week B.C. Dodge & Mordant welcome Misbah Sheikh, Chief of the Private Partnerships Division at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/08/30/to-vote-or-not-to-voteNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/08/30/to-vote-or-not-to-vote/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/08/30/to-vote-or-not-to-voteTue, 30 Aug 2016 13:00:00 GMTTo Vote or Not to VoteThis week B.C. Dodge & Mordant welcome three community leaders who are working to educate the public on the importance of voting. With election season in full swing, Sharif Aly from Islamic Relief USA, Hoda Hawa from the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) and Sarah Cochran from Emerge USA share their insight and personal experiences working with this timely topic. “Right now humanitarian disasters and conflicts across the world are so severely impacted by politics,” Sharif says, posing an answer to the podcast’s opening question. “For us to make real change, it goes beyond providing relief and development support. Our donors are doing a good job, but in order to amplify their donation, we need to make policy changes, and we need to support policy changes. And we need to have a voice at the table.” “It’s about legislation,” she says, “and what we are doing for those needy populations in terms of being involved in civic engagement, changing legislation to support those types of people who fall through the cracks. We’re talking about minimum wage, we’re talking about universal healthcare, we’re talking about things that help people at the grassroots level.” Sharif explains that it’s not just the vote itself, but the 364 days leading up to the vote as well. “We have to be engaged in advocacy and community organizing,” he says. Hoda talks about the importance of education, saying that it is “key to understanding how we can utilize our voice for the elections.” The post “What A Relief” Podcast 34: To Vote or Not to Vote appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:45:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge,Download Podcast,Free Podcast,IRUSA,islamThe podcast begins by tackling such questions as: Should we even be talking about voting? As a humanitarian organization, what is our place in the voting debatehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/08/23/baltimores-voice-a-chat-with-tariq-tourNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/08/23/baltimores-voice-a-chat-with-tariq-tour/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/08/23/baltimores-voice-a-chat-with-tariq-tourTue, 23 Aug 2016 13:00:00 GMTBaltimore’s Voice: A Chat with Tariq TouréB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon are joined by Tariq Touré, a poet and activist from Baltimore, at the IRUSA Grand Iftar for this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast. He shares the impact that Muhammad Ali’s death, and more importantly, life, had on him. “I think Muhammad Ali stood for this type of pluralism that could touch everybody and a type of humanity and really just altruism that we really need to adopt,” he says. “Imagine if everybody loved like Muhammad Ali.” Muhammad Ali embodied the sort of human service that Tariq wishes to continue through his own work. Through organizations like the Muslims Social Services Agency (MSSA), Tariq has helped mentor at-risk African American men in Baltimore and Washington D.C. He was on the ground during the Baltimore uprising and is ready to offer his services wherever they can help. He recently released a new book entitled Black Seeds: The Poetry and Reflections of Tariq Touré. He is a popular headliner for charity events, and his engaging poetic style has captured a wide audience. His words particularly have resonated with young activists. In this episode, he shares his motivation behind some of his poems, and his hopes of infusing compassion into the world just as Muhammad Ali did. “We need ten times more compassion than we had yesterday. We have to practice more compassion in the world,” he says. Tariq’s work is not always met with praise as he often touches on controversial topics. Yet he insists that the work must continue even if people are unappreciative. “It takes 100 years for the olive tree to grow,” he says, likening activism to planting seeds. The work continues even when the fruit cannot be seen.   00:27:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge,Baltimore,Black Seeds: The Poetry and Reflections of Tariq Touré,Download Podcast,Free PodcastToday B.C. & Mordant welcome Tariq Touré: poet, writer, journalist, activist and humanitarian born and raised in West Baltimore. His interview was recorded at thttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/08/19/join-irusas-podcast-crew-other-special-guests-for-the-first-ever-live-podcastNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/08/19/join-irusas-podcast-crew-other-special-guests-for-the-first-ever-live-podcast/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/08/19/join-irusas-podcast-crew-other-special-guests-for-the-first-ever-live-podcastFri, 19 Aug 2016 22:30:00 GMTJoin IRUSA's Podcast crew other special guests for the first ever LIVE podcastJoin IRUSA's Podcast crew B.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon and other special guests for the first ever LIVE podcast as we talk about Qurbani/Udhiyyah and the importance of donating to those in need at this time of year. On Aug. 19th join us on BlogTalkRadio at 6:30pm EST 01:05:00What a Relief PodcastnoIslam,Muslim,Islamic Relief,Islamic Relief USA,IRUSAJoin IRUSA's Podcast crew and other special guests for the first ever LIVE podcasthttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/08/16/responding-to-a-global-refugee-crisisNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/08/16/responding-to-a-global-refugee-crisis/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/08/16/responding-to-a-global-refugee-crisisTue, 16 Aug 2016 13:00:00 GMTResponding to a Global #Refugee CrisisThis week, B.C. & Mordant welcome Melanie Nezer, the Vice President of Policy and Advocacy for the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS). In her role, she is helping the cause of refugee resettlement in major ways. HIAS is the oldest refugee and immigration organization in the world and has been on the forefronts of the cause for over 135 years. The organization started in a storefront in Manhattan, providing comfort and aid to Jews fleeing persecution. About 20 years ago, it made a shift to focus on welcoming refugees from anywhere in the world. One of only 9 organizations currently helping settle refugees in the U.S., HIAS assists with delivering legal documentation, access to work, and psychosocial counseling. Today, organizations like HIAS have their work cut out for them. “What’s disheartening is since Paris, there’s been a politicization of the refugee issue, which we never saw before,” Melanie says.  Despite the challenging political climate, Melanie also shares stories of hope. Stories of cultures coming together, bonding over their shared humanity. “We have received tens of thousands of calls from Americans who want to help. We have a unique roll to play. Why shouldn’t we help if we can help? It’s who we are,” she says. Tune in to hear about Melanie’s important work, and learn how you can help by being an advocate for the cause.   The post “What A Relief” Podcast 32: Responding to a Global Refugee Crisis appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:24:00What a Relief PodcastnoHIAS,Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society,Melanie Nezer,Podcast,Download PodcastThis week, B.C. & Mordant welcome Melanie Nezer, the Vice President of Policy and Advocacy for the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS). In her role, she is helphttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/08/09/lifting-souls-through-conscious-artNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/08/09/lifting-souls-through-conscious-art/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/08/09/lifting-souls-through-conscious-artTue, 09 Aug 2016 12:30:00 GMTLifting Souls through Conscious ArtB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon are joined by local musician and community activist Khalil Ismail for this episode of “What a Relief!”  Khalil Ismail devotes his time to making conscious art and serving the community. His music career began about 9 years ago and he now travels the world performing. His work has appeared in places like The Discovery Channel and PBS. What makes it different is the content. “It’s all universally conscious,” he says. He shares his experiences using music to promote the understanding of all religions through collaborations with organizations like Sacred Music NY. For him, music is less threatening and offers something that dialogue often can’t: “I found music to be a tool universally in my travels that eases and brings peace to people who would normally have tension.” Khalil has spent a vast amount of time doing charity work in Baltimore, particularly lending his services to a Muslim women’s shelter called Muslimat Al Nisaa. “Domestic violence is a human problem,” he says. “It’s a human issue that spans religions, races and cultures. We as Muslims are commanded to protect women and protect them from oppression. When someone hits their wife, they are not acting as a Muslim. Our duty as Muslims is to protect them.” He shares how it was the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) whose work inspires his own. The post “What A Relief” Podcast 31: Lifting Souls through Conscious Art appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:30:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge,Baltimore,domestic violence,Download Podcast,Finding Peace ProjectAt a time when hate and intolerance seem to be steadily rising, podcast guests like Khalil Ismail remind us of the power of positivity and the importance of prohttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/08/02/resettlement-the-resilience-of-refugeesNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/08/02/resettlement-the-resilience-of-refugees/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/08/02/resettlement-the-resilience-of-refugeesTue, 02 Aug 2016 13:00:00 GMTResettlement & The Resilience of RefugeesThis week, B.C. & Mordant chat with Kristyn Peck. Kristyn is the Associate Director of Children’s Services for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Migration and Refugee Services. If you think her title is difficult to say, wait until you hear about the task she confronts each day. With her background of more than 10 years as a social worker, Kristyn has found her calling helping refugees. She provides leadership and vision in the design and implementation of protection efforts for vulnerable migrating children. In her role, she oversees two large programs which provide residential care and family reunification services to unaccompanied refugees and migrating children. In her visits to refugee camps, she has seen the reality of the situation and now shares her stories of the things she witnessed. “The situation of Syrian refugees in the region is quite dire,” she says. Not only do they face limited access to food and water, but most children are also working to support their families. She describes seeing single mothers afraid to leave home for fear of being targeted for sexual assault. But amidst the horror, there is hope. For Kristyn, resettlement is the answer to the refugee problem. “People are very resilient,” she says, “and when given the opportunity… children thrive. What I’ve seen through my work is that when given a permanent setting and a safe place and when provided with culturally appropriate services, these children are thriving.” LISTEN. SHARE. REPEAT. The post “What A Relief” Podcast 30: Resettlement & The Resilience of Refugees appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:27:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge,Download Podcast,Free Podcast,IRUSA,islamThis week, B.C. & Mordant chat with Kristyn Peck. Kristyn is the Associate Director of Children’s Services for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishopshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/07/26/walking4water-in-dadaabNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/07/26/walking4water-in-dadaab/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/07/26/walking4water-in-dadaabTue, 26 Jul 2016 13:00:00 GMT#Walking4Water in DadaabB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon talk to Belkacem Nahi, IRUSA’s Mid-Atlantic manager, about his recent trip to Dadaab in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast. This week, B.C. & Mordant welcome Belkacem Nahi to shed light on the water crisis in Africa as the annual Islamic Relief USA Walk for Water approaches. The walk is not just a chance to spend time with family and friends and get outdoors—it’s a chance to save lives. The Walk for Water is a 5K, but in Dadaab, the walk for water is 25 kilometers, one way. That’s a total of 36 miles to and from the closest water source. If a family is lucky, they have one donkey that can help carry the water. But if not, as is often the case, they must travel that entire distance by foot to bring home just a few gallons of hot water. He reveals that it is in fact the children, young girls and boys, who must retrieve the water while their mother tends to the “house,” a term that loosely describes a collection of branches holding up a roof of plastic bags. Nahi explains the repercussions of children spending their days fetching water. “It means, there is no education. It means the next generation is lost,” he says. This episode opens eyes to the reality of a dire situation. But through Nahi’s stories, there are glimmers of hope. There is an opportunity to help. “When you come back, your mind is changed. The way you’re looking at life is changed.” You can sign up to participate in Islamic Relief USA’s Walk for Water at IRUSA.org/walk.   00:35:00What a Relief PodcastnoDadaab,Islam,Muslim,Islamic Relief,Islamic Relief USAThis week, B.C. & Mordant welcome Belkacem Nahi to shed light on the water crisis in Africa as the annual Islamic Relief USA Walk for Water approaches. The walkhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/07/19/behind-the-music-channeling-faith-through-artNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/07/19/behind-the-music-channeling-faith-through-art/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/07/19/behind-the-music-channeling-faith-through-artTue, 19 Jul 2016 13:30:00 GMTBehind the Music: Channeling Faith Through ArtThis week, B.C. & Mordant welcome singer, songwriter, poet and writer Alman Nusrat. The Connecticut-born artist channels his faith through his music, and has been doing so since the age of 12. He is now 24 and has two albums under his belt, but he recorded his first demo at home when he was just in middle school. He seeks to write music that both Muslims and non-Muslims can relate to. He gives listeners an inside glimpse at what it’s like working alongside the legend Yusuf Islam, also known as Cat Stevens. “The man you see on stage is genuinely the same exact person you meet in person,” he says, describing what it was like to learn from his decades of experience creating spiritually uplifting music. This episode also touches on Nusrat’s time touring with Islamic Relief USA over the past few years, and the importance of using your talents to give back. “There’s something amazing to me about people coming together for a common good. It allows you to witness the good in humanity, the good in people, and what they’re able to do when they put their minds together to help people out,” he says. Check out this week’s podcast to learn about one Muslim artist’s journey. Glean advice from him about how to begin your own path, and get tips on how find yourself as an artist. Tune in for insight on the differences of opinion surrounding music, and understand the reason why some are still wary of it.   The post “What A Relief” Podcast 28: Behind the Music: Channeling Faith Through Art appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:31:00What a Relief PodcastnoAlman Nusrat,B.C. Dodge,Cat Stevens,download podcast,free podcastB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon chat with Alman Nusrat about his journey as a musician in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/07/12/stories-from-the-field-responding-to-the-louisiana-disasterNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/07/12/stories-from-the-field-responding-to-the-louisiana-disaster/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/07/12/stories-from-the-field-responding-to-the-louisiana-disasterTue, 12 Jul 2016 18:00:00 GMTStories from the Field: Responding to the Louisiana DisasterThis week B.C. & Mordant welcome Islamic Relief USA’s Disaster Response Team Manager Hani Hamwi to talk about the Louisiana flood response. Partnering his team with the American Red Cross, he has been able to provide relief services to countless families in the aftermath of devastating disasters such as floods, earthquakes and more. In this episode, Hani shares his experience being deployed to Louisiana to respond to the worst flooding the region had seen in a very long time. “Residents described something they had never seen before, and neither had their parents or their grandparents,” he says. He takes us inside a disaster response mission, from the unforgettable sights of washed away homes to the stories of livelihoods vanishing overnight. Disaster workers act quick — Islamic Relief USA arrives within a 72 hours after a disaster strikes. From there, disaster assessments begin as staff and volunteers try to restore hope. But some trips take an unexpected turn, and Hani explains that while the majority of folks in Louisiana were grateful, a handful turned the help away. “That was the first time I had ever experienced someone turning down help,” he says. Hear his story to find out why his team was told to leave a parish, how relief workers have been affected by prejudice, and why that doesn’t change the work they do.  The post “What A Relief” Podcast 27: Stories from the Field: Responding to the Louisiana Disaster appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:29:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge,Download Podcast,DRT,drt news,Free PodcastB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon talk to Islamic Relief USA’s Disaster Response Team Manager Hani Hamwi in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podchttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/07/05/what-a-relief-podcast-26-fighting-hunger-with-faithNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/07/05/what-a-relief-podcast-26-fighting-hunger-with-faith/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/07/05/what-a-relief-podcast-26-fighting-hunger-with-faithTue, 05 Jul 2016 14:00:00 GMT“What A Relief” Podcast 26: Fighting Hunger with FaithThis week, B.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mordant welcome President of Bread for the World David Beckmann — not to be confused with soccer legend David Beckham. “He’s the sexy football player, I’m the aging clergyman,” he clarifies, earning himself the title of hippest reverend to visit the podcast to date. Reverend Beckmann may not know how to bend the ball, but he works tirelessly to bend the law in favor of fighting hunger. Through his organization, described as an interdenominational Christian movement, he leads large-scare campaigns to urge congress to do their part to overcome hunger and poverty in the United States and worldwide. He shares insightful findings about hunger, particularly addressing hesitations about hunger at home in America. “You don’t need to be in a developing nation,” he says. “The hunger we have here is not the same as in Bangladesh. Families run out of food before the end of the month.” When it comes to food insecurity in America, Beckmann finds it inexcusable. “It’s crazy,” he admits. LISTEN. SHARE. REPEAT. The post “What A Relief” Podcast 26: Fighting Hunger with Faith appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:43:00What a Relief PodcastnoDownload Podcast,Free Podcast,Podcast,Radio Podcasts,Top PodcastsB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon chat with Reverend David Beckmann about ending hunger in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/06/28/what-a-relief-podcast-25-vehicles-of-change-linda-sarsour-and-imam-mohamed-magidNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/06/28/what-a-relief-podcast-25-vehicles-of-change-linda-sarsour-and-imam-mohamed-magid/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/06/28/what-a-relief-podcast-25-vehicles-of-change-linda-sarsour-and-imam-mohamed-magidTue, 28 Jun 2016 14:10:27 GMT“What A Relief” Podcast 25: Vehicles of Change: Linda Sarsour and Imam Mohamed MagidB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon are joined by Linda Sarsour and Mohamed Hag Magid at the IRUSA Grand Iftar for this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast. An activist and an imam walk into an iftar, and the result is an awesome double header podcast. Today’s episode features none other than “champion of change” Linda Sarsour and Virginia’s beloved Imam Mohamed Magid. They were among a star-studded lineup for Islamic Relief’s Grand Iftar, and they found time off-stage to drop some gems of wisdom for our listeners. “There’s a lot on my heart,” Linda says. “Let’s stop telling people what Islam is, let’s start showing people what Islam is.” Linda effortlessly reminds listeners of facts about the work Muslims are doing to help communities in need—regardless of race or religion. She shares success stories, like raising over $100,000 in a week after 9 churches were burnt down, or delivering water to families in Flint. She talks about the importance for Muslims to tell their own stories and take ownership of their narratives. “We are 1.8 billion people in the world,” she says. “We are women who wear hijab, women who don’t wear hijab, we are of every race, of every ethnicity, we literally come from every corner of this world. We have been in the United States of America before it was called the United States. Islam has always been in this country. I understand my history. This is my country. I belong here, my family belongs here.” And as always, Linda keeps it way real. When sharing an announcement coming out of Hollywood that Leonardo DiCaprio may be cast as Persian poet Rumi, she retorts: “I’m just like, really, is there no other wonderful actor of color?” Linda is shattering stereotypes and urging her community to be proactive and strong. “Take your country and make it what you want it to be,” she says. Imam Magid jumps in later in the episode. If you need a boost of faith in these last 10 da00:26:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon are joined by Linda Sarsour and Mohamed Hag Magid at the IRUSA Grand Iftar for this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s officialhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/06/21/what-a-relief-podcast-24-spirituality-and-service-in-islamNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/06/21/what-a-relief-podcast-24-spirituality-and-service-in-islam/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/06/21/what-a-relief-podcast-24-spirituality-and-service-in-islamTue, 21 Jun 2016 13:33:06 GMT“What A Relief” Podcast 24: Spirituality and Service in IslamB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon  talk to Sheikh Hassan Lachheb at Islamic Relief USA’s Grand Iftar in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast. Sheikh Hassan Lachheb, the resident scholar of the Muslim Community of Knoxville and the spearheading faculty member of the Tayseer Seminary, joined B.C. & Mordant before he took the stage at the Grand Iftar. He approached the mic with conflicting feelings of happiness and sadness — happy to be at such a warm gathering, but mourning the loss of many innocent lives in the wake of the Orlando shooting. “It’s a heart-wrenching feeling,” he says of the attack. The worst part, he says, is that the media is associating it with the religion of Islam. Sheikh Lachheb spends the podcast explaining the essential link between Islam and serving others, not harming them. “Our commitment to God is incomplete without the social component,” he says. “You look at the theology of Islam, and it’s never been separated from social services. Monotheism has always been tied to serving the vulnerable.” He shares his experiences working with vulnerable populations, such as those incarcerated or recently released from prison. He is even establishing a halfway house to help them start over. At his seminary in Knoxville, spiritual upbringing is always tied to social services. “It doesn’t serve God much that you sit there worshipping Him, how is that benefitting others?” he says. “Loving our Prophet (pbuh) cannot manifest itself except in the service of others.” Tune in to this episode to learn about the example the prophet (pbuh) set when it came to service. “He was somebody who gave himself fully to his community. Especially those who were downtrodden. Especially those who were vulnerable,” Sheikh Hassan says. Learn about the very first words the Prophet said when he arrived to Madinah, and how those words forever tied spirituality to peace. Discover how to make spiritua00:34:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon  talk to Sheikh Hassan Lachheb at Islamic Relief USA’s Grand Iftar in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/06/14/what-a-relief-podcast-23-noorishthehungry-with-noorvitaminsNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/06/14/what-a-relief-podcast-23-noorishthehungry-with-noorvitamins/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/06/14/what-a-relief-podcast-23-noorishthehungry-with-noorvitaminsTue, 14 Jun 2016 13:56:55 GMT“What A Relief” Podcast 23: #NoorishTheHungry with NoorVitaminsThe post “What A Relief” Podcast 23: #NoorishTheHungry with NoorVitamins appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:29:00What a Relief PodcastnoThe post “What A Relief” Podcast 23: #NoorishTheHungry with NoorVitamins appeared first on Islamic Relief USA.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/06/07/what-a-relief-podcast-22-fasting-and-fitness-this-ramadanNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/06/07/what-a-relief-podcast-22-fasting-and-fitness-this-ramadan/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/06/07/what-a-relief-podcast-22-fasting-and-fitness-this-ramadanTue, 07 Jun 2016 12:47:20 GMT“What A Relief” Podcast 22: Fasting and Fitness this RamadanB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon chat with Farah Haq about maintaining a fitness schedule in Ramadan in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast. This week, B.C. and Mordant welcome Farah Haq, fitness instructor and mother of four, to get her take on fitness and fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. The days are long (and hot) this year, and Farah shares helpful hints on how to maintain your workout schedule despite the challenges. She talks about when to time your workouts and how to balance other aspects of your Ramadan schedule. She even shares tips on how to get creative with your workouts. “I’ll be cooking and waiting for a pot to boil and I’ll be doing squats in the kitchen. You fit it in where you can,” she says. This episode also touches on the mind-body-sprit connection, and how, “taking care of our bodies is also a form of ibadah (worship).” How can you maximize your energy by eating the right foods at suhur and iftar? How do you conserve energy and make exercising a priority? Tune in to get valuable advice on how to stay fit this Ramadan. **And now you can reach out to us at our new email address: warp@irusa.org!** Help us win the 2016 Podcast Awards! Follow these simple steps: 1. Go to http://podcastawards.com/ 2. Scroll down to Government & Organizations, then check off What A Relief! Podcast. 3. At the bottom of the page fill in Your Details (i.e. Name and email address), then click SUBMIT on the right hand side of that box. You can vote once a day till June 12! “What a Relief!” is the official podcast of Islamic Relief USA. Co-hosted by social media specialist B.C. Dodge & Mordant Mahon, IRUSA’s “What a Relief!” puts a human face on what’s going on in the world and how you can enact positive change in it. New episodes every week! LISTEN. SHARE. REPEAT. The post 00:31:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon chat with Farah Haq about maintaining a fitness schedule in Ramadan in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcasthttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/05/31/what-a-relief-podcast-21-what-is-ramadan-with-dr-nakshawaniNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/05/31/what-a-relief-podcast-21-what-is-ramadan-with-dr-nakshawani/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/05/31/what-a-relief-podcast-21-what-is-ramadan-with-dr-nakshawaniTue, 31 May 2016 14:39:50 GMT“What A Relief” Podcast 21: What is Ramadan? with Dr. NakshawaniB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon  are visited by Dr. Sayed Ammar Nakshawani for this special Ramadan episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast. This week, B.C. and Mordant are joined by Dr. Sayed Ammar Nakshawani, professor and Imam Ali Chair of Shia studies at the Hartford Seminary and Islamic subject matter expert, scholar, and author. With Ramadan just around the corner, he talks about getting back to the purpose of the holy month, and “learning to discipline the human soul from its animalistic tendencies.” He shares with us the vast spiritual and physical benefits of fasting, and how it helps build empathy and foster generosity. “Even sleeping in the month of Ramadan is worshipping God,” he says. This episode also touches on the importance of intra-faith unity, and the role that the chaplain must play in helping create our own narrative. Dr. Nakshawani spends every Ramadan in Africa. Tune in to find out why, and learn some tips on how you yourself can prepare for Ramadan. This week even features a live Q&A session. **And now you can reach out to us at our new email address: warp@irusa.org!** Help us win the 2016 Podcast Awards! Follow these simple steps: 1. Go to http://podcastawards.com/ 2. Scroll down to Government & Organizations, then check off What A Relief! Podcast. 3. At the bottom of the page fill in Your Details (i.e. Name and email address), then click SUBMIT on the right hand side of that box. You can vote once a day till June 12! “What a Relief!” is the official podcast of Islamic Relief USA. Co-hosted by social media specialist B.C. Dodge & Mordant Mahon, IRUSA’s “What a Relief!” puts a human face on what’s going on in the world and how you can enact positive change in it. New episodes every week! LISTEN. SHARE. REPEAT. The post “What A Relief” Podcast 21: What is00:35:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon  are visited by Dr. Sayed Ammar Nakshawani for this special Ramadan episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast. Thishttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/05/24/what-a-relief-podcast-20-voices-of-empowerment-on-the-road-with-mpacNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/05/24/what-a-relief-podcast-20-voices-of-empowerment-on-the-road-with-mpac/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/05/24/what-a-relief-podcast-20-voices-of-empowerment-on-the-road-with-mpacTue, 24 May 2016 15:00:08 GMT“What A Relief” Podcast 20: Voices of Empowerment: On the Road with MPACB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon talk to staff from the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) and a local imam at the MPAC Empowering Voices Gala Award Ceremony in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast. This week, Carl and Mordant take the podcast on the road! They visit the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) Empowering Voices Gala Award Ceremony to learn more about the important event and the intent behind it. The banquet was a night to honor those in the community who have been the most encouraging to the Muslim community over the past year. In this episode, we hear three different voices take the mic in an important conversation. Riham Osman, Communications Coordinator for MPAC, talks about engaging with the online community and sharing American Muslim perspectives. Saif Inam, MPAC’s Policy Analyst, speaks around the vital importance of standing up for American Muslims. And Imam Johari Abdul-Malik shares his experience that spans decades about our critical role in bringing healing to America. Check out this episode to hear community leaders share their experiences spreading hope and positivity in a time when young Muslims need it the most. **And now you can reach out to us at our new email address: warp@irusa.org!** “What a Relief!” is the official podcast of Islamic Relief USA. Co-hosted by social media specialist B.C. Dodge & Mordant Mahon, IRUSA’s “What a Relief!” puts a human face on what’s going on in the world and how you can enact positive change in it. New episodes every week! LISTEN. SHARE. REPEAT. The post “What A Relief” Podcast 20: Voices of Empowerment: On the Road with MPAC appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:31:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon talk to staff from the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) and a local imam at the MPAC Empowering Voices Gala Award Ceremony inhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/05/17/what-a-relief-podcast-19-behind-the-scenes-in-disaster-reliefNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/05/17/what-a-relief-podcast-19-behind-the-scenes-in-disaster-relief/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/05/17/what-a-relief-podcast-19-behind-the-scenes-in-disaster-reliefTue, 17 May 2016 13:00:34 GMT“What A Relief” Podcast 19: Behind the Scenes in Disaster ReliefB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon talk to IRUSA’s Abdullah Shawky about disaster response efforts in Louisiana and Houston in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast. In this episode, Abdullah Shawky, Disaster Response Coordinator at IRUSA, takes us inside a disaster deployment. He recently returned from trips to Louisiana and Houston to respond to the floods that devastated the regions. He shares some of the difficult sights he witnessed, including homes that were completely swept away by the floods. “It’s really tough to see because you think about what it took to build this home … and in a just a few short hours, it’s all gone,” he says. His team partnered with the American Red Cross to conduct damage assessments on homes, and they even helped them pilot a new disaster assessment mobile app. He talks about the good, the bad and the ugly of flood response — from the inspiring stories of selfless volunteerism to the unexpected “vultures” that prey on relief victims. Check out this episode to catch a behind the scenes glimpse at the IRUSA disaster response team. Find out what it’s really like to be on a deployment, what Abdullah means when he says, “We bring a totally different vibe,” and how you can get in on the action. **And now you can reach out to us at our new email address: warp@irusa.org!** “What a Relief!” is the official podcast of Islamic Relief USA. Co-hosted by social media specialist B.C. Dodge & Mordant Mahon, IRUSA’s “What a Relief!” puts a human face on what’s going on in the world and how you can enact positive change in it. New episodes every week! LISTEN. SHARE. REPEAT. The post “What A Relief” Podcast 19: Behind the Scenes in Disaster Relief appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:38:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon talk to IRUSA’s Abdullah Shawky about disaster response efforts in Louisiana and Houston in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/05/05/what-a-relief-podcast-18-for-me-its-my-cameraNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/05/05/what-a-relief-podcast-18-for-me-its-my-camera/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/05/05/what-a-relief-podcast-18-for-me-its-my-cameraThu, 05 May 2016 13:00:37 GMT“What A Relief” Podcast 18: “For Me, It’s My Camera”B.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon chat with Ridwan Adhami about his journeys around the world capturing stories of the vulnerable and the voiceless in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast. This week, B.C. and Mordant welcome Ridwan Adhami, photographer and Creative Director at Islamic Relief USA. From Jordan to Palestine, from Bangladesh to Myanmar, Ridwan has had a unique glimpse at the human condition through his travels to 14 places over the course of five years. His goal is to collect stories that will open our eyes to the realities of life — and need — around the world. And amidst the poverty and harsh conditions, his lens focuses on a common thread. “The more places I visit, the more I realize that we are the same.” His stories take us through our own journey as a listener, one that is heart warming at one turn, and heart wrenching at the next. But whether it is in a clinic in Mogadishu, or receiving Syrian refugees on the shores of Greece, the same theme always rings through: “It wasn’t about the death and destruction, it was about the hope.” Tune in to share Ridwan’s journey and perhaps be inspired to start your own. “We can all make a difference,” he says. “For me, it’s my camera.” **And now you can reach out to us at our new email address: warp@irusa.org!** “What a Relief!” is the official podcast of Islamic Relief USA. Co-hosted by social media specialist B.C. Dodge & Mordant Mahon, IRUSA’s “What a Relief!” puts a human face on what’s going on in the world and how you can enact positive change in it. New episodes every week! LISTEN. SHARE. REPEAT. The post “What A Relief” Podcast 18: “For Me, It’s My Camera” appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:31:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon chat with Ridwan Adhami about his journeys around the world capturing stories of the vulnerable and the voiceless in this episodehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/04/28/what-a-relief-podcast-17-the-rohingya-persecution-through-the-eyes-of-a-relief-workerNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/04/28/what-a-relief-podcast-17-the-rohingya-persecution-through-the-eyes-of-a-relief-worker/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/04/28/what-a-relief-podcast-17-the-rohingya-persecution-through-the-eyes-of-a-relief-workerThu, 28 Apr 2016 13:00:38 GMT“What A Relief” Podcast 17: The Rohingya: Persecution Through the Eyes of a Relief WorkerB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon talk to IRUSA’s Bilal Aslam about his recent travels to Myanmar in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast. This week, B.C. Dodge and Mordant are joined by Bilal Aslam, the International Program Manager at IRUSA. He shares his experience visiting a group of persecuted Muslims known as the Rohingya. They are a people with no home or citizenship, confined to camps that Bilal notes are more like prisons. Conditions there even made it difficult to interact openly with the Rohingya. “Police were literally following us around,” he says. Despite the challenges of the visit, the group was able to collect stories and get a feel for life in the camp. The things they learned were shocking, and in Bilal’s words, “too severe and tragic to be true.” Check out this episode to hear Bilal’s accounts of his journey, including the story of a woman who managed to escape, what led her to risk it, and the unexpected aftermath of her decision. **And now you can reach out to us at our new email address: warp@irusa.org!** “What a Relief!” is the official podcast of Islamic Relief USA. Co-hosted by social media specialist B.C. Dodge & Mordant Mahon, IRUSA’s “What a Relief!” puts a human face on what’s going on in the world and how you can enact positive change in it. New episodes every week! LISTEN. SHARE. REPEAT. The post “What A Relief” Podcast 17: The Rohingya: Persecution Through the Eyes of a Relief Worker appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:32:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon talk to IRUSA’s Bilal Aslam about his recent travels to Myanmar in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast. Thttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/04/21/what-a-relief-podcast-16-fighting-fear-with-factsNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/04/21/what-a-relief-podcast-16-fighting-fear-with-facts/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/04/21/what-a-relief-podcast-16-fighting-fear-with-factsThu, 21 Apr 2016 13:00:36 GMT“What A Relief” Podcast 16: Fighting Fear with FactsB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon glean insights from Dalia Mogahed about Islamophobia, radicalization, and hope for the future in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast. In this week’s episode, B.C. and Mordant are joined by Dalia Mogahed, Director of Research at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding in Washington, D.C., where she strives to understand the issues that impact the American Muslim community. When it comes to Islamophobia, her goal is to inject reason into an emotionally charged national debate. “The best way to respond to fear mongering is with facts,” she says. She shares findings about how radicalization happens, why it’s so important to approach people from a place of compassion, and why there is reason to be optimistic. “Vibrant, resilient, and creative,” are among the adjectives she uses to describe the American Muslim community. Tune in to find out more from Dalia, including gems from her TED talk experience and surprising results from a recent study. **And now you can reach out to us at our new email address: warp@irusa.org!**“What a Relief!” is the official podcast of Islamic Relief USA. Co-hosted by social media specialist B.C. Dodge & Mordant Mahon, IRUSA’s “What a Relief!” puts a human face on what’s going on in the world and how you can enact positive change in it. New episodes every week! LISTEN. SHARE. REPEAT. The post “What A Relief” Podcast 16: Fighting Fear with Facts appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:29:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon glean insights from Dalia Mogahed about Islamophobia, radicalization, and hope for the future in this episode of “What a Relief!”http://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/04/14/what-a-relief-podcast-15-whats-hot-and-halal-on-the-muslim-entertainment-sceneNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/04/14/what-a-relief-podcast-15-whats-hot-and-halal-on-the-muslim-entertainment-scene/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/04/14/what-a-relief-podcast-15-whats-hot-and-halal-on-the-muslim-entertainment-sceneThu, 14 Apr 2016 17:52:09 GMT“What A Relief” Podcast 15: What’s Hot — and Halal — on the Muslim Entertainment SceneB.C. Dodge talks to DeenTV’s Abdul-Malik Ahmad about faith-friendly entertainment in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast. In this episode, Abdul-Malik Ahmad, best known as a member of the popular group Native Deen, gives an inside look at the up-and-coming online video-streaming channel, DeenTV. One of the founding members of the new channel, he explains their goal of inspiring people to the remembrance of God through music and art. “The main thing was giving an alternative, and to provide a safe space where people can come and just watch videos that they know anything on there is going to be positive and it’s not going to have any negativity or anything against our faith,” he says. The new show is not just for Muslims, but for anyone interested in wholesome entertainment. It boasts a wide variety of shows and promises “something for everyone,” including series like “Beyond the Beat” and “The Yaz Show.” Check out the podcast to hear Abdul-Malik talk about exciting things coming down the pike for DeenTV, and how you might be able to get in on the action. **And now you can reach out to us at our new email address: warp@irusa.org!** “What a Relief!” is the official podcast of Islamic Relief USA. Co-hosted by social media specialist B.C. Dodge & Mordant Mahon, IRUSA’s “What a Relief!” puts a human face on what’s going on in the world and how you can enact positive change in it. New episodes every week! LISTEN. SHARE. REPEAT. The post “What A Relief” Podcast 15: What’s Hot — and Halal — on the Muslim Entertainment Scene appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:31:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge talks to DeenTV’s Abdul-Malik Ahmad about faith-friendly entertainment in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast. In this episohttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/04/07/what-a-relief-podcast-14-traveling-to-desertsfood-deserts-you-dont-have-to-go-farNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/04/07/what-a-relief-podcast-14-traveling-to-desertsfood-deserts-you-dont-have-to-go-far/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/04/07/what-a-relief-podcast-14-traveling-to-desertsfood-deserts-you-dont-have-to-go-farThu, 07 Apr 2016 18:12:41 GMT“What A Relief” Podcast 14: Traveling to Deserts—Food Deserts: You Don’t Have to Go FarB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon talk to Islamic Relief USA’s Naeem Muhammad about caring for our communities in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast. Are you familiar with the term food desert? Many of our American neighbors live in them. In this episode, IRUSA’s Naeem Muhammad discusses what a food desert is and how IRUSA helps our neighbors in the United States during Ramadan and the rest of the year. As community outreach manager,* Naeem has focused on engaging with the community and learning about their needs. One need is food, and IRUSA helps with that year-round. But last Ramadan, Naeem helped launch a new approach to hunger relief—he traveled the country to bring boxes of food to families in low-income communities. “Last year was the first time we created these boxes here to give to families in the U.S., to continue the tradition we have been doing around the world already,” he says. These boxes were distributed from coast to coast with the help of many social service centers that IRUSA works with. In the south side of Chicago, Naeem worked with a community leader who was grateful to have food to hand out to people she knew really needed it. “They wanted to serve their community but did not have the funds to do it this year, to really make that difference,” he says. “She and her daughter were telling us that what we picked was perfect. It really met the families’ needs on the ground, and it just came at a time when the families in the areas needed it to make Ramadan more special.” Listen to the podcast to hear Naeem talk about what it’s like to distribute food right in the community he grew up in. And hear a special treat—a Ramadan rap. “What a Relief!” is the official podcast of Islamic Relief USA. Co-hosted by social media specialist B.C. Dodge, & Mordant Mahon, IRUSA’s “What a Relief!” puts a human face on what’s going on in the world and how you can enac00:36:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon talk to Islamic Relief USA’s Naeem Muhammad about caring for our communities in this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s officiahttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/03/31/what-a-relief-podcast-13-islamic-relief-goes-to-un-to-advocate-for-womenNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/03/31/what-a-relief-podcast-13-islamic-relief-goes-to-un-to-advocate-for-women/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/03/31/what-a-relief-podcast-13-islamic-relief-goes-to-un-to-advocate-for-womenThu, 31 Mar 2016 15:41:26 GMT“What A Relief” Podcast 13: Islamic Relief Goes to U.N. to Advocate for WomenB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon talk to Islamic Relief’s Sharifa Abdaziz about gender equality issues on this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast. Listeners hear the latest straight from U.N. headquarters on this week’s “What a Relief!” podcast, as Islamic Relief Worldwide’s Sharifa Abdaziz joins B.C. and Mordant on the line from a U.N. summit on gender equality. Sharifa represented the Islamic Relief family at the summit, which explored ways to empower women and end discrimination and violence towards women and girls. On this podcast, Sharifa describes problems women face around the world, from forced marriages to honor killings to lack of education. Change starts with education, she says. It builds confidence in women, gives them skills, reduces discrimination and empowers them to bring about change in their communities. Secondary education—equivalent to high school—is critical. “If we want to create sustainable change, we have to educate the community—not just the women but the men as well,” she said. “Islamic Relief is a facilitator for the process of change.” The U.N. event brought together representatives from many faiths to work toward these goals. “We are actually on the same page—a world where there is no suffering or poverty,” Sharifa says. Tune in to find out what’s succeeding right now, and hear a story that touched Sharifa. “What a Relief!” is the official podcast of Islamic Relief USA. Co-hosted by social media specialist B.C. Dodge, & Mordant Mahon, IRUSA’s “What a Relief!” puts a human face on what’s going on in the world and how you can enact positive change in it. New episodes every week! LISTEN. SHARE. REPEAT. The post “What A Relief” Podcast 13: Islamic Relief Goes to U.N. to Advocate for Women appeared first on 00:30:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon talk to Islamic Relief’s Sharifa Abdaziz about gender equality issues on this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcahttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/03/24/what-a-relief-podcast-12-singing-for-syria-from-deep-in-his-heartNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/03/24/what-a-relief-podcast-12-singing-for-syria-from-deep-in-his-heart/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/03/24/what-a-relief-podcast-12-singing-for-syria-from-deep-in-his-heartThu, 24 Mar 2016 13:00:37 GMT“What A Relief” Podcast 12: Singing for Syria, From Deep in His HeartB.C. Dodge talks to guest Ghuydar Bashmaf about Syria on this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast. In this episode, Syrian-American singer Ghuydar Bashmaf gets very real about the crisis in Syria and how it’s affecting his family there. Ghuydar was born and raised in Syria, and came to the United States at age 19. He grew up listening to Islamic nasheed—spiritual songs—and now he sings them himself. Right now, many of his songs focus on his love for Syria and his heartbreak for the country and people. Ghuydar still has many family members in Syria. He says he is very lucky that they still manage to find the basics they need to survive, but they live in danger every day. “They are in very charged and dangerous conditions,” he says. He tries to speak with them every week. They don’t ask him to send anything to them. What they ask him for is dua, first and foremost, followed by advocacy to stop the crisis. He says they ask, “Why is the world letting us be in the state that we are in? Why can’t we just end it?” Ghuydar wants the world to realize this: “Yes it can be me. It can be somebody who I love.” Hear Ghuydar’s message in song for listeners in Syria. Hear his message to you. “What a Relief!” is the official podcast of Islamic Relief USA. Co-hosted by social media specialist B.C. Dodge, and Mordant Mahon, IRUSA’s “What a Relief!” puts a human face on what’s going on in the world and how you can enact positive change in it. New episodes every week! LISTEN. SHARE. REPEAT. The post “What A Relief” Podcast 12: Singing for Syria, From Deep in His Heart appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:23:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge talks to guest Ghuydar Bashmaf about Syria on this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast. In this episode, Syrian-American singer Ghttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/03/17/what-a-relief-podcast-11-talking-about-syriathe-numbers-and-the-peopleNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/03/17/what-a-relief-podcast-11-talking-about-syriathe-numbers-and-the-people/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/03/17/what-a-relief-podcast-11-talking-about-syriathe-numbers-and-the-peopleThu, 17 Mar 2016 13:00:09 GMT“What A Relief” Podcast 11: Talking About Syria—the Numbers and the PeopleB.C. Dodge talks to two of IRUSA’s special guests about Syria on this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast. On this episode of IRUSA’s “What a Relief!” podcast, you get a two-for-one deal—two impassioned speakers sharing insight into the Syrian crisis. We caught Mohamed Khairullah, mayor of Prospect Park, N.J., and spoken-word artist Omar Offendum before they headed into a fundraising dinner to speak to a crowd in Virginia. Mohamed travels to Syria for relief work. “When I’m in Syria, I’m constantly on heightened alert,” he says. “You have to watch the sky, you have to watch where you’re crossing, you have to watch everything. You have to watch what you say, how you say it. … “I don’t think anybody really appreciates … the conditions that the people in Syria live under.” It’s not just war that they have to fear—for people stripped of everything once had, even the weather is a real threat. Last time he visited was December 2015, and it was very cold. He traveled there wearing all the warm layers that the average American can afford, but his mind was with people sleeping nearby in the cold. On a previous trip, Mohamed met children who started a fire in a park during the day. They told him they don’t go home at night, because the houses are concrete, making the cold even worse. “It’s warmer for them to stay outside than to sleep in their own homes,” he says. Both speakers grapple with the magnitude of the crisis. Mohamed points out that 66% of Syria’s population are now refugees, or displaced inside their country, or have been killed or injured. B.C. asks, “How do you even begin to educate the average person about how large of a percentage that number really is?” Omar Offendum, whose background is Syrian, says, “People are losing sight of how to even understand something like this.” He said that’s why he travels to events like the one in Virginia, to “rippity-rap” a00:35:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge talks to two of IRUSA’s special guests about Syria on this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast. On this episode of IRUSA’s “Whathttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/03/10/what-a-relief-podcast-10-once-upon-a-time-there-were-some-amazing-volunteersNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/03/10/what-a-relief-podcast-10-once-upon-a-time-there-were-some-amazing-volunteers/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/03/10/what-a-relief-podcast-10-once-upon-a-time-there-were-some-amazing-volunteersThu, 10 Mar 2016 14:00:46 GMT“What A Relief” Podcast 10: Once Upon a Time, There Were Some Amazing VolunteersB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon talk to IRUSA’s National Volunteer Manager Said Durrah and hear story after heart-warming story on this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast. If you like stories, you’re going to love this week’s “What a Relief!” podcast. It’s chock full of stories about volunteering from National Volunteer Manager Said Durrah. You’ll hear about the man in a suit—director of a volunteer effort—with a surprising past. You’ll hear about the little girl who went around asking for coins for people in need, and what she came up with. You’ll hear a story that will give you goosebumps—guaranteed. And in between it all, you’ll hear what it really means to volunteer for Islamic Relief USA. Said insists that it’s at least as valuable as monetary donations. Once, he was taking volunteer applications at a convention, and people would ask where to put the form. “I’d say, ‘Put it in the donation box,’” he says. “And they’d always be taken aback.” But to Said, that’s exactly where it belongs. One of Said’s goals as national volunteer manager is to shorten the gap between the people doing the work and the people they help. “If I give you a dollar and you eventually go and you make a lunch for somebody who’s in need, eh, I’ll give you the dollar,” he says. “But if I can give you that dollar and help you make the lunch and deliver it to that person in need, I’m a lot more invested at that point. I get to actually see the results of my work.” He says that often how they get new volunteers—right on the spot. People pass by and see what’s going on, and they want to help too. Sometimes they stop and join right in. Said loves that, but he wants volunteers to bring their own ideas too. “YOU create a project,” he says. “Some of the best projects we’ve ever had were created by volunteers. They say, ‘We want to do this, we just need a little bit of support.’ And we support them.” 00:34:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge & R. Mordant Mahon talk to IRUSA’s National Volunteer Manager Said Durrah and hear story after heart-warming story on this episode of “What a Relief!http://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/03/03/what-a-relief-podcast-9-the-usa-in-irusaNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/03/03/what-a-relief-podcast-9-the-usa-in-irusa/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/03/03/what-a-relief-podcast-9-the-usa-in-irusaThu, 03 Mar 2016 14:00:08 GMT“What A Relief” Podcast 9: The ‘USA’ in IRUSAB.C. Dodge and R. Mordant Mahon talk IRUSA’s Sara Hamid about U.S. programs on this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast. USA is a very important part of IRUSA—so important that it’s three of the five letters. “People are in need everywhere,” U.S. Programs Assistant Sara Hamid says on this week’s “What a Relief!” podcast. “But there’s a hadith that our Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) said, that you help the people in your backyard. … The whole United States is our backyard.” That’s why IRUSA is working hard on programs inside the United States. This pleases Mordant. “That’s what the USA is in IRUSA,” he says. “One of the things I like about your organization is yes, you’re helping people around the world. Yes, you’re taking care of people in Syria and many other places that are far away. But right here in our own backyard, in the good old U.S. of A, you are reaching out and helping all kinds of people.” This week, Sara offers a glimpse into what IRUSA staff and volunteers are doing here for our neighbors. The projects range from Zakah distribution for people who need emergency rent assistance, to Day of Dignity events serving the homeless, to a summer food program for children implemented with the USDA. Sara discusses a Day of Dignity in Houston where the recipients—mostly refugees there—get a chance to give back by translating for other refugees and immigrants. “They enlisted the beneficiaries to be translators,” she said. “… It was an amazing thing for me to see, because it’s hard on a person to have to ask for help, and then when you’re in a position to be able to give help, it helps a lot. It raises your spirit.” Mordant says, “That’s the law of reciprocation in action — something that I like to see.” One thing Sara doesn’t like is when the recipients thank her from the heart for work that she feels was really brought to them by other people—volunteers, donors and partner orga00:23:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge and R. Mordant Mahon talk IRUSA’s Sara Hamid about U.S. programs on this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast. USA is a very imporhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/02/25/what-a-relief-podcast-8-who-you-gonna-call-irusas-disaster-response-teamNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/02/25/what-a-relief-podcast-8-who-you-gonna-call-irusas-disaster-response-team/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/02/25/what-a-relief-podcast-8-who-you-gonna-call-irusas-disaster-response-teamThu, 25 Feb 2016 13:00:51 GMT“What A Relief” Podcast 8: Who You Gonna Call? IRUSA’s Disaster Response Team!B.C. Dodge and R. Mordant Mahon talk to Anisah Khan about IRUSA’s U.S. disaster relief program on this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast. Anisah Khan lives from disaster to disaster. She and her team at IRUSA help Americans prepare for them and recover from them. She talks about how it all goes down — and the best rewards of this work — with B.C. and Mordant on this week’s “What a Relief!” podcast. Anisah, based in California, is the regional coordinator for IRUSA’s Disaster Response Team. She trains volunteers to assist in disasters and then deploys them when they’re needed. Volunteers learn basic skills of CPR and first aid. They take Red Cross classes on shelter fundamentals and disaster assessments. And they learn emotional care and individual case work in IRUSA’s own classes. Then, when a disaster occurs — often earthquakes or floods in her region — they head out to help. Most often, they assess damage or staff the Red Cross shelters. “We’re the only Muslim organization partnering with the Red Cross,” she says. “We work directly with them in disasters. They’re on the ground and we operate right beside them.” Anisah recently got back from a deployment in Garland, Texas, where her team helped clean up debris and gave out cash assistance after a devastating tornado there. She tells of working with a team, passing bricks to the curb at a flattened house, when a volunteer found something special to give to the homeowner — a birth certificate. “It’s crazy because it was raining the days after the tornado so everything was soaking wet,” she said. “The birth certificate just happened to be in mint condition, and it was his son’s birth certificate … He was so excited about that.” Not many of the people helped by the Disaster Response Team — DRT for short — are Muslim. The team is there to help anyone in need. “When we were set up at the [resource center], a lot of people were passing our tab00:25:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C. Dodge and R. Mordant Mahon talk to Anisah Khan about IRUSA’s U.S. disaster relief program on this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/02/18/what-a-relief-podcast-7-humanitarian-aid-is-a-public-affairNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/02/18/what-a-relief-podcast-7-humanitarian-aid-is-a-public-affair/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/02/18/what-a-relief-podcast-7-humanitarian-aid-is-a-public-affairThu, 18 Feb 2016 14:00:35 GMT“What A Relief” Podcast 7: Humanitarian Aid Is a Public AffairB.C.Dodge and R. Mordant Mahon talk to IRUSA’s Christina Tobias-Nahi about the world of Public Affairs on this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast. “We are embodying one part of the mission of Islamic Relief,” says Christina Tobias-Nahi, director of IRUSA’s public affairs team. Other staff members focus on the relief and development parts of the mission. Tobias-Nahi’s job is the part where it talks about giving people a voice in the world. “The role of our staff here on the public affairs team is really to be that voice for those vulnerable and marginalized populations,” she says on this week’s episode of “What a Relief!” Mordant responds, “So PA is kind of the PR of IRUSA, and that’s a lot of acronyms.” And with that, the podcast is (mostly) done with acronyms and on to what it really means to give people a voice in the world. IRUSA’s public affairs team meets with government representatives, faith-based groups and other NGOs to raise awareness of issues — including the social-justice issues at the heart of many of emergencies. The team works with other groups from Catholic Charities to American Jewish World Service to amplify messages of caring. Mordan asks how this work is received. “A lot of the issues we advocate around are common issues that are of concern to everyone in the community … they’re issues of poverty and hunger, for example,” Tobias-Nahi says. “And so when we get out there and talk about what our perspective is, it’s often very well received … We are just amplifying our voices together and putting more pressure for everyone to care.” Tobias-Nahi points out that while IRUSA is grateful to be able to provide emergency relief, projects like food distributions are a temporary solution. “So through advocacy we’re trying to address systemic problems,” she says. An example of this work was a tent IRUSA set up last March near the White House Washington, D.C., last y00:27:00What a Relief PodcastnoB.C.Dodge and R. Mordant Mahon talk to IRUSA’s Christina Tobias-Nahi about the world of Public Affairs on this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official pohttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/02/11/what-a-relief-podcast-6-in-syria-children-just-like-all-other-children-except-theyve-never-knNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/02/11/what-a-relief-podcast-6-in-syria-children-just-like-all-other-children-except-theyve-never-kn/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/02/11/what-a-relief-podcast-6-in-syria-children-just-like-all-other-children-except-theyve-never-knThu, 11 Feb 2016 13:00:47 GMT“What A Relief” Podcast 6: In Syria, Children Just Like All Other Children — Except They’ve Never KnThis week, B.C. Dodge and R. Mordant Mahon talk to IRUSA staff member Reem El-Khatib about Syria relief work and her trip to the border to teach refugee children martial arts, on this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast. As of next month, there will be 5-year-old children in Syria who have never known a day of peace. March 15 marks five years of what the United Nations has called the worst humanitarian crisis of our time. The heart-wrenching violence in Syria affects everyone there, but in some ways it affects the children the most. And yet they are so resilient, IRUSA’s Reem El-Khatib says on this week’s podcast. El-Khatib is head of IRUSA’s Syria committee, so she helps plan relief work for Syrians year-round. But in November of 2015, she wanted to help out in a more hands-on way, so she traveled to Turkey on her vacation time for a trip unaffiliated with her work. She went to a school near the Syrian border to teach a health and fitness martial arts class for refugee children. One of her young students in particular became attached to her — a girl who should have been in 7th grade, but was in 3rd grade because she had missed four years of school. The conflict had stolen half of her education from her, and now she was working to get back on track. “This girl was remarkable,” El-Khatib says. “She was so intelligent, so bright, so inspired, so full of energy. …These children are just like children everywhere else. They had been through so much and they had dealt with so much, but at the end of the day, they just wanted to play and learn and make friends and meet people and do arts and crafts. “More than 50% of Syrian children don’t attend school anymore, but they’re still so hopeful, and they grasp onto anything they can possibly grasp onto to push themselves towards a brighter future,” El-Khatib said. “It’s amazing to see how resilient they are.” El-Khatib came back even more inspired to help pl00:33:00What a Relief PodcastnoThis week, B.C. Dodge and R. Mordant Mahon talk to IRUSA staff member Reem El-Khatib about Syria relief work and her trip to the border to teach refugee childrehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/02/04/what-a-relief-podcast-5-every-drop-of-water-countspreferably-when-its-cleanNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/02/04/what-a-relief-podcast-5-every-drop-of-water-countspreferably-when-its-clean/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/02/04/what-a-relief-podcast-5-every-drop-of-water-countspreferably-when-its-cleanThu, 04 Feb 2016 16:06:40 GMT“What A Relief” Podcast 5: Every Drop of Water Counts…Preferably When It’s CleanThis week, B.C. Dodge and R. Mordant Mahon talk to IRUSA staff member Fareeha Amir about her trip to deliver water in Flint, Michigan, on this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast. When the water coming out of your faucet has poisoned your family, the thing you need most in the world is water you can trust. That’s what IRUSA staff and volunteers have been delivering in Flint, Michigan — 36,000 bottles of it per week. This week on “What a Relief!” Carl Dodge and Mordant Mahon take you to the streets of Flint, where you can hear the sounds and voices behind the scenes of a large-scale emergency water distribution. IRUSA is working with the Red Cross, local Muslim organizations, and groups inspired by other faiths to hand out water to anyone who wants it, without question. “That’s what I love about IRUSA and the people I’m meeting through this organization,” Mordant says. “It’s not just Muslims, it’s not just Christians, it’s not just Jewish people, it’s all kinds of people, helping all kinds of people.” Voices on the ground include IRUSA CEO Anwar Khan: “It’s a Friday evening and we have over 20 volunteers who are helping unload the water behind me in a human chain.” IRUSA Programs Manager Minkailu Jallo: “We’ve got 10 trucks and 10 routes that we’re going to be going on through the day, so here we go!” A volunteer at the food bank: “One of the main reasons why we’re doing this is because this is a part of our religion. Giving sadaqah in any way, shape or form is a form of dhikr, it’s a way of remembering Allah SWT.” And another volunteer named Victoria who had never heard of IRUSA before she joined the volunteer effort: “It’s a basic human right … we’re all still the same people under the same sun and we all need to band together for this cause.” Find out what Victoria thought of Islamic Relief USA after her day delivering water. Find out what00:31:00What a Relief PodcastnoThis week, B.C. Dodge and R. Mordant Mahon talk to IRUSA staff member Fareeha Amir about her trip to deliver water in Flint, Michigan, on this episode of “Whathttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/01/28/what-a-relief-podcast-4-mlk-day-for-more-than-shopping-or-catching-up-on-tvNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/01/28/what-a-relief-podcast-4-mlk-day-for-more-than-shopping-or-catching-up-on-tv/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/01/28/what-a-relief-podcast-4-mlk-day-for-more-than-shopping-or-catching-up-on-tvThu, 28 Jan 2016 14:24:16 GMT“What A Relief” Podcast 4: MLK Day For More Than Shopping or Catching Up On TVListen to B.C. Dodge and R. Mordant Mahon discuss using Martin Luther King Day for more than shopping or catching up on TV, on this episode of “What a Relief!” — IRUSA’s official podcast. At IRUSA, Martin Luther King Day wasn’t a day off for catching up on your favorite show. It was a day of service. It was for making sandwiches for the homeless. For painting a classroom for low-income children. (Talk about getting your hands dirty. And your clothes. Carl insists that some paint got on the walls too.) It was even a day for protecting trees from beavers. “Oh, that’s a great idea — maybe I should get off my butt and do something on that day,” Mordant says. On this week’s podcast, listen to voices at America’s Islamic Heritage Museum in Washington, D.C., where volunteers and staff shared 300 hot meals and 10,000 pounds of fresh produce with the community. “It helps me serve my family … and we enjoy this to the utmost,” said Ann, after picking up her fruits and vegetables. There were warmed hearts and there were freezing toes. And there were sober moments, like when Carl’s son told him he couldn’t hand out the sweet potatoes because they had no home and no oven to bake them. In the capital of the United States. Fifteen minutes from Carl’s home. And at the end, you can find out why Mordant tells Carl to quit whining. “What a Relief!” is the official podcast of Islamic Relief USA. Co-hosted by social media specialist B.C. Dodge, and Mordant Mahon, IRUSA’s “What a Relief!” puts a human face on what’s going on in the world and how you can enact positive change in it. New episodes every week! LISTEN. SHARE. REPEAT. The post “What A Relief” Podcast 4: MLK Day For More Than Shopping or Catching Up On TV appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:31:00What a Relief PodcastnoListen to B.C. Dodge and R. Mordant Mahon discuss using Martin Luther King Day for more than shopping or catching up on TV, on this episode of “What a Relief!”http://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/01/21/what-a-relief-podcast-3-free-turkey-to-americans-in-need-for-the-holidays-a-new-muslim-traditionNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/01/21/what-a-relief-podcast-3-free-turkey-to-americans-in-need-for-the-holidays-a-new-muslim-tradition/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/01/21/what-a-relief-podcast-3-free-turkey-to-americans-in-need-for-the-holidays-a-new-muslim-traditionThu, 21 Jan 2016 14:00:10 GMT“What a Relief” podcast 3: Free Turkey to Americans in Need for the Holidays, A New Muslim TraditionListen to B.C. Dodge from Ward 7, Washington, D.C., where Islamic Relief USA and Third Pillar work together to deliver Turkey and all the fixings just in time for the holidays, on this episode of “What a Relief!”, IRUSA’s official podcast. Creamed corn, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and a family-sized, halal turkey: These ingredients get expensive for any family, especially around the holiday season in America. But for the Deanwood Recreation Center community in Washington, D.C., turkey and all the sides come free today, just in time for the holidays. “Today we’re giving 1,000 families from the Deanwood Area, which is Ward 7, 1,000 needy families turkeys and baskets,” said Mohammad Maraqa is President of Third Pillar Charities. “We have been collaborating with Islamic Relief for five years now, and we’ve become a tradition to the city of Washington and to the Deanwood community.” In an area, where 1 in 7 families receives food assistance and 1 in 4 active military members receives food assistance, too many are falling through the cracks. And when it comes to Thanksgiving and the holidays in the United States, it’s nice to see Muslims get together to ensure that fellow Americans don’t go hungry during this family-oriented time of year. Listen to members of the Deanwood community tell their stories first-hand and hear how you’ve become an important part of their stories this holiday season. “What a Relief!” is the official podcast of Islamic Relief USA. Co-hosted by social media specialist B.C. Dodge, and Mordant Mahon, IRUSA’s “What a Relief!” puts a human face on what’s going on in the world and how you can enact positive change in it. New episodes every week! Listen. Share. Repeat. The post “What a Relief” podcast 3: Free Turkey to Americans in Need for t00:31:00What a Relief PodcastnoListen to B.C. Dodge from Ward 7, Washington, D.C., where Islamic Relief USA and Third Pillar work together to deliver Turkey and all the fixings just in time fhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/01/14/what-a-relief-podcast-2-laura-mcadams-talks-syrian-refugees-education-and-europeNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/01/14/what-a-relief-podcast-2-laura-mcadams-talks-syrian-refugees-education-and-europe/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/01/14/what-a-relief-podcast-2-laura-mcadams-talks-syrian-refugees-education-and-europeThu, 14 Jan 2016 14:00:52 GMT“What a Relief” podcast 2: Laura McAdams Talks Syrian Refugees, Education and Europe.Listen to Laura’s full interview on this episode of “What a Relief”, IRUSA’s official podcast. On this episode of “What a Relief!”, international programs coordinator at Islamic Relief USA Laura McAdams discusses field operations i.e. your dollars hard at work. She’s responsible for the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe regions. That includes the current Europe refugee response. She joined the IR family back in June 2015, and she’s been an active field operative for a better world since. Laura has a background in educational development, so programs that help children with education are near to her heart. One of her favorite programs at IRUSA is a formal education program in Lebanon that is getting young Syrian refugees there back in school. It’s also providing psychosocial support to those children to help them overcome the traumas they’ve experienced during violent conflict and in their journey away from that violence. “Had that program not be implemented,” she said. “Those kids would have been out of school and that’s just one small project to address a huge problem in the region. So many children in Lebanon, Syria itself, Jordan, Turkey have been out of school now for several years.” “What a Relief!” is the official podcast of Islamic Relief USA. Co-hosted by social media specialist B.C. Dodge, and Mordant Mahon, IRUSA’s “What a Relief” puts a human face on what’s going on in the world and how you can enact positive change in it. New episodes every week! Listen. Share. Repeat. The post “What a Relief” podcast 2: Laura McAdams Talks Syrian Refugees, Education and Europe. appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:37:00What a Relief PodcastnoListen to Laura’s full interview on this episode of “What a Relief”, IRUSA’s official podcast. On this episode of “What a Relief!”, international programs coohttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/01/07/what-a-relief-podcast-1-building-bridges-with-language-translation-abdallah-shawky-talks-syrianNon-Profithttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/01/07/what-a-relief-podcast-1-building-bridges-with-language-translation-abdallah-shawky-talks-syrian/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/islamicreliefusa/2016/01/07/what-a-relief-podcast-1-building-bridges-with-language-translation-abdallah-shawky-talks-syrianThu, 07 Jan 2016 14:00:16 GMT“What a Relief” podcast 1: Building Bridges with Language Translation, Abdallah Shawky Talks Syrian Listen to regional coordinator for Islamic Relief USA’s Disaster Response Team Abdallah Shawky, talk about this experience from the beaches of Greece where he aided refugees first-hand, on this episode of “What a Relief!”, IRUSA’s official podcast. Sent to Greece to physically aid refugees arriving via glorified rubber rafts and overcrowded wooden boats, Abdallah Shawky delivers more than just his experience as a disaster responder for Islamic Relief USA. Shawky brought back stories that emphasize how important language translation and cultural mediation are to helping refugees. “I like to think of myself of someone who stays in the know,” said Abdallah Shawky. “I got there, and I had no idea.” Listen to his rude awakening about the situation on the ground, the stories of refugees he met, and the most powerful, yet most underestimated way he learned to help refugees. “What a Relief!” is the official podcast of Islamic Relief USA. Co-hosted by social media specialist B.C. Dodge, and Mordant Mahon, IRUSA’s “What a Relief!” puts a human face on what’s going on in the world and how you can enact positive change in it. New episodes every week! Listen. Share. Repeat. The post “What a Relief” podcast 1: Building Bridges with Language Translation, Abdallah Shawky Talks Syrian Refugee Response appeared first on Islamic Relief USA. 00:38:00What a Relief PodcastnoListen to regional coordinator for Islamic Relief USA’s Disaster Response Team Abdallah Shawky, talk about this experience from the beaches of Greece where he a