Join M Hadi and Ali as they sit down with Azfar Khan, a content creator with over a billion views across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Learn how he reinvented Desi and Muslim cultural humor to appeal to younger generations, and the tricks he used to continuously grow his audience.

Join us as we dive into the journey of Irfan Rydhan, founder of HalalFest in the Bay Area. From architectural design to organizing some of the most significant Muslim community events, Irfan shares how his passion for media and community service evolved into a successful venture. Discover the challenges and triumphs that shaped his path, and learn why getting involved in your community can make all the difference.#halal #muslim #halalfest

Learn more about Muslim Unity Day 2024, brought to you by HalalFest and Muslim Unity Foundation, at https://muslimunity.us/ #ad

🔗 Find Us

• Available on all major podcast platforms: https://journeytellers.org/

• Muhammad Hadi Yusufali: https://mhadi.co/

• Ali Almathkur: https://youtube.com/@alialmathkur/

👀 Follow Irfan's Journey

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irydhan/

• HalalFest: https://www.instagram.com/halalfest/

• The Artistic Foodies Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@artisticfoodies

🙌 Credits

• Hosted by Muhammad Hadi Yusufali and Ali Almathkur

• Featuring Irfan Rydhan

• Filmed in Kisa Studios

⏰ Chapters

0:00 Introduction

2:18 Early Life and Architectural Background

6:30 Challenges in Education & Career Shifts

10:02 Transition to Media Work & Documentary Filmmaking

14:48 A Special Message About Muslim Unity Day

15:30 Post-9/11 Community Outreach and Media Committee

21:50 Involvement in Organizing Eid Festivals

27:22 Birth of Muslim Unity Day

31:52 Inspiration Behind HalalFest

36:00 Growth and Challenges of HalalFest

42:40 Importance of Community Involvement

49:04 Rapid Fire Questions

51:55 Advice on Community Involvement

Join Hisham Abdelfattah, owner and executive chef of El Halal Amigos and partner at Willow Street Pizza, as he shares his incredible journey from a young dishwasher to a renowned chef. This episode explores the challenges, triumphs, and inspirations behind his unique approach to making Halal Mexican food and beyond.

🔗 Find Us

• Available on all major podcast platforms: https://journeytellers.org/

• Muhammad Hadi Yusufali: https://mhadi.co/

• Ali Almathkur: https://youtube.com/@alialmathkur/

👀 Follow Hisham's Journey

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chef__hisham/

• El Halal Amigos: https://www.instagram.com/elhalalamigos/

🙌 Credits

• Hosted by ​⁠Muhammad Hadi Yusufali and ​Ali Almathkur

• Featuring Hisham Abdelfattah

• Filmed in Kisa Studios

⏰ Chapters

0:00 Introduction

2:06 Background and Beginnings

6:43 Experience with Mexican Culture

10:52 Journey to Islam

15:02 Schooling and Path to Culinary Academy

17:38 Pursuing Your Passion

21:43 Motivation

22:29 Creating the Restaurant and Struggles of Covid

29:18. Opening the Restaurant

33:06 Importance of Philanthropy

37:38 Challenges of Halal

41:51 Benefits of Halal

44:30 Willow Street Pizza

50:19 Hiring Staff

54:07 Making Halal Fun

56:37 Behind the Name El Halal Amigos

58:46 Cooking Shows and Fame

1:00:43 Persistence and Following Dreams

1:02:50 Understanding Struggle

1:06:13 Social Media Presence

1:11:09 Palestine and Coming Together as Muslims

1:26:48 Rapid Fire Questions

1:31:25 Key Points and Takeaway