The word ‘podcast’ was added to the dictionary only 15 years ago. At that time, the emerging new audio medium was mostly unheard of. But over the years, many audio shows have increased in popularity, developing cult followings in mostly English-speaking countries.
More recently, they have taken off in many regions around the world, in a multitude of languages, signalling a wider shift in consumption trends from video to audio. There are now almost a million shows to choose from, amassing a total of 30 million episodes.
Today, the Aga Khan Museum joined this wide and diverse podcast landscape, announcing details of a newly produced series entitled This Being Human. Hosted by award-winning journalist and educator Abdul-Rehman Malik, the 26-episode series will explore the kaleidoscopic, global experiences of modern Muslim life through the prism of arts and culture.
“It tells remarkable stories about remarkable people whose diverse cultures and contributions, as well as their spirituality, are often misunderstood, misrepresented, or indeed ignored altogether,” said Dr Ulrike Al-Khamis, Interim Director and CEO of the Aga Khan Museum.
“It is our hope that This Being Human will succeed in opening listeners’ minds to their wide-ranging contributions, creativity, and humanity in our globalized world today. We consider it an important and innovative resource in the growing on-demand audio realm.”
During the lockdowns of last year, when many people were looking for ways to learn and be entertained, podcast platforms provided a treasure trove of content for users to enjoy, without having to stare at a screen.
With the rising popularity of bluetooth speakers, in-ear headphones, and voice-activated virtual assistants, we are absorbing more audio content than ever before, partly because we can multitask as we listen. Some people listen to podcasts when cooking, driving, or exercising, while others choose to end the day with a podcast as a way of winding down.
In line with these trends, the new offering from the Museum provides something for everyone. Each 20-40-minute episode boasts expert storytelling and thoughtfully cast interviews that are smart, funny, gripping, and surprising — offering a deep dive into the extraordinary lives, ideas, and contributions of the guests.
Featured guests include cultural luminaries such as art collector and impresario Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, two-time Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, and author and New York Times contributing op-ed writer Wajahat Ali.
The podcast’s name refers to a line in ‘The Guest House,’ a poem by the globally renowned 13th-century Persian poet Jalal al-Din Rumi.
“Rumi’s poem encapsulates the goals and the spirit of this project perfectly,” Dr Al-Khamis said. “With This Being Human, as with all of our public programs, we aim to spark curiosity, connection, and an openness to people and experiences that may be new to us.”
For an exploration of modern life with Muslim athletes, artists, celebrities, writers, and thinkers, consider giving your eyes a rest and enjoy the power of storytelling with this new engaging podcast from the Aga Khan Museum.
“For over 25 years, I’ve tried to tell stories that go beyond easy clichés and hackneyed stereotypes,” said host Abdul-Rehman Malik. “This Being Human is about having conversations that matter with extraordinary people who are shaping the world we live in. After all, Muslim stories are human stories.”
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This Being Human can be accessed for free at the Aga Khan Museum website and all popular podcast platforms.
