I'm your host, Sekina Yakub, and in this episode of The Hearts Connect Podcast, I sit down with Rukayat Yakub for a powerful conversation about belonging, faith, identity, community, anti-blackness, heart work, and love. Rukayat shares her journey between the UK, Nigeria, and the US, reflecting on how different communities, mentors, unexpected encounters, and periods of solitude shaped her relationship with Islam. She discusses the difference between fitting in and truly belonging, and the importance of creating spaces where people feel safe to be their authentic selves. Rukayat also explores her work around anti-blackness and the Islamic concept of tazkiyah — purifying the heart and examining the beliefs and biases we carry. She reflects on history, systems of oppression, asking who benefits, and approaching difficult conversations with curiosity rather than blame. We also talk about loneliness, spiritual growth, aligning personal goals with faith, and the transformative power of love.

Takeaways

• The difference between belonging and simply fitting in
• Creating safe spaces where people can be authentic
• The role of community and connection in strengthening faith
• Migration, identity, loneliness, and finding belonging
• Understanding anti-blackness and the systems that uphold it
• Tazkiyah and the importance of heart work and self-reflection
• Challenging inherited beliefs with curiosity
• Aligning personal goals with spiritual values
• The transformative power of love and its role in building community

Chapters

00:12 Introduction to Hearts Connect

• 01:56 The Meaning of Connection
• 04:51 Defining Moments and Belonging
• 07:50 Creating Safe Spaces
• 09:15 Understanding Anti-Blackness and Belonging
• 11:15 Misunderstandings and Stereotypes
• 12:48 Daily Habits and Spiritual Practices
• 14:27 Rediscovering Faith and Purpose
• 21:29 Navigating Disconnection and Solitude
• 23:53 Heart Work and Spiritual Growth
• 24:45 Aligning Personal Goals with Spiritual Values
• 25:20 Understanding Heart Work and Anti-Blackness
• 30:54 The Impact of Anti-Blackness on Society
• 37:26 Recognizing the Powers That Be
• 42:24 The Essence of Love in Life

About the Podcast

The Hearts Connect Podcast is rooted in authentic storytelling and spiritually grounded self-development. Inspired by the book Hearts Connect, which documents the lived experiences of African and Afro-Caribbean converts to Islam in the UK, this podcast continues meaningful conversations around faith, healing, identity, and building healthy relationships — with ourselves, with Allah, and with others.

If this episode resonated with you, share your reflections below.

Subscribe for more conversations on faith, identity, healing, spiritual growth, and intentional living.

#HeartsConnect #HeartsConnectPodcast #MuslimPodcast #FaithJourney #Belonging #Community #Tazkiyah #HeartWork #AntiBlackness #Islam #MuslimCommunity #SpiritualGrowth #HealingJourney #SelfDiscovery #Identity #SelfAwareness #Love #PersonalGrowth #InnerWork

I'm your host, Sekinat Yakub, and in this episode of The Hearts Connect Podcast, I sit down with Aiysha, a Muslim boxer and journalist, shares her journey into boxing and the impact of wearing hijab on her life. She discusses the importance of self-defense for women and the misconceptions about hijabis. A defining moment for her was the decision to wear hijab, leading to a deeper connection with her faith and a shift in her family's perception. Aiysha shares her experiences with balancing her day job, boxing, and spiritual growth. She emphasizes the importance of reflection, lists, and grounding oneself in faith. Aiysha also discusses the lessons she has learned about love and the significance of not being too attached to the material world.

Takeaways

• Boxing as a form of self-defense and empowerment
• The impact of wearing hijab on personal identity and perceptions
• The importance of intention and the misconceptions about hijabis Balancing work, boxing, and spiritual growth
• Importance of reflection and grounding in faith
• Lessons about love and detachment from the material world

Chapters

• 00:00 Defining Moment: Wearing Hijab and Deepening Faith
• 25:14 Balancing Work, Boxing, and Faith
• 27:23 Reflection and Grounding in Faith
• 28:21 Lessons About Love and Detachment

About the Podcast

The Hearts Connect Podcast is rooted in authentic storytelling and spiritually grounded self-development. Inspired by the book Hearts Connect, which documents the lived experiences of African and Afro-Caribbean converts to Islam in the UK, this podcast continues meaningful conversations around faith, healing, identity, and building healthy relationships — with ourselves, with Allah, and with others.

If this episode resonated with you, share your reflections below.

Subscribe for more conversations on faith, identity, healing, spiritual growth, and intentional living.

#HeartsConnect #Boxing #MuslimPodcast #FaithJourney #SpiritualGrowth #HealingJourney #SelfDiscovery #Mindfulness #IntentionalLiving #Gratitude #TrustAllah #InnerWork #Islam #Identity #SelfAwareness #Mercy #PersonalGrowth #Hijab #Hijabjourney

I'm your host, Sekinat Yakub, and in this episode of The Hearts Connect Podcast, I sit down with Nina Alexia Brazzo, also known as Nusaybah — a fitness instructor, personal trainer, artist, and photographer — for a powerful conversation about holistic healing, breath, movement, emotional awareness, spirituality, self-discovery, and intentional living.

The conversation delves into the connection between the mind, body, and spirit, exploring how breath, movement, meditation, and emotional regulation can support healing and deeper self-awareness. Nusaybah shares her personal journey and holistic approach to health, as well as practical techniques for using breath and movement to reconnect with ourselves.

We explore the healing power of movement and dance, the importance of emotional awareness, feminine energy and balance, spiritual journeys, sacred spaces, and the connection between breath and dhikr. The conversation also reflects on culture, faith, diversity, and how intentional living can help us become more present and connected.

Takeaways

• Holistic approach to health and healing
• The power of breath and breathwork
• Emotional awareness and regulation
• Movement as a tool for healing and expression
• Connecting mind, body, and spirit
• Spirituality, dhikr, and intentional living
• Dance, culture, and self-expression
• Feminine energy and balance
• Self-discovery and personal empowerment

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Hearts Connect and Guest Introduction
• 01:42 Nusaybah's Journey and Holistic Approach to Health
• 03:57 The Importance of Breath in Healing
• 10:25 Meditation Techniques and Self-Discovery
• 19:17 Emotional Awareness and Regulation
• 22:56 The Role of Movement in Healing
• 31:36 Programs for Empowerment and Healing
• 42:58 Breath Control and Movement Techniques
• 45:34 Healing Through Breath and Movement
• 47:56 Connecting Mind, Body, and Spirit
• 52:28 Spiritual Journeys and Sacred Spaces
• 57:27 Exploring Feminine Energy and Balance
• 01:02:31 Dance as a Form of Expression and Healing
• 01:25:08 Cultural Connections Through Dance
• 01:31:49 The Healing Power of Movement
• 01:33:36 Breath and Dhikr: A Spiritual Practice
• 01:39:31 Intentional Living and Self-Awareness
• 01:51:09 Embracing Diversity in Faith and Culture

About the Podcast

The Hearts Connect Podcast is rooted in authentic storytelling and spiritually grounded self-development. Inspired by the book Hearts Connect, which documents the lived experiences of African and Afro-Caribbean converts to Islam in the UK, this podcast continues meaningful conversations around faith, healing, identity, and building healthy relationships — with ourselves, with Allah, and with others.

If this episode resonated with you, share your reflections below.

Subscribe for more conversations on faith, identity, healing, spiritual growth, self-awareness, and intentional living.

#HeartsConnect #MuslimPodcast #FaithJourney #SpiritualGrowth #HealingJourney #SelfDiscovery #EmotionalRegulation #MindBodySpirit #Breathwork #MovementHealing #SelfAwareness #IntentionalLiving #Dhikr #Islam #MuslimWomen #PersonalGrowth