Brownstone & Barakah
Brownstone & Barakah is a conversational podcast hosted by Farima and Emilia, described as a love letter to NYC girls navigating the space between who they are and who they're becoming. Each episode invites listeners to pull up a chair, grab a chai, and talk about the things people usually keep to themselves. The show blends the hustle of city life with the stillness of faith, exploring modern womanhood alongside the quiet beauty of the deen. It aims to break cultural norms and build a stronger sisterhood, one heartbeat and one prayer at a time.
Episodes
Allah’s Plan > My Plan
In this episode, we dive deep into the meaning of tawakkul, true reliance on Allah. In a world where we constantly try to control outcomes, how do we learn to let go and trust that Allah’s plan is always خير (better)?We talk about what tawakkul actually looks like in real life, especially when things don’t go the way we planned. From waiting seasons to unanswered du’as, this conversation explores
thinking about the niqab? let’s talk about it
in this episode, we have an honest and thoughtful conversation about the niqab, what it means, what inspires someone to wear it, and the realities that come with that decision.we talk about intention, modesty, and the challenges of practicing in today’s world, especially as muslim women in the west. this episode is for anyone who is curious, considering the niqab, or simply wants to understand the
hot takes: muslimah edition (part 2)
part 2 continues the chaos, laughs, and messy truths every muslimah secretly knows 🤎🌿we’re keeping it real about how patience is way harder than anyone makes it seem, why overthinking becomes a full-time job, and the little social pressures that sneak into every part of life. this episode is all about laughing at the madness, relating to every moment, and realizing that being messy, human, and una
Hot Takes: Muslimah Edition (Part 1)
Part 1 is all the messy, relatable truths every Muslimah has thought but never said out loud. 🤎🌿We spill the tea on:Why it’s easier to be the perfect girlfriend than the perfect friend.Hijab hierarchy and how some “modest girls” can be low-key mean.The paranoia over the evil eye, glow-ups, and social pressures.Friendship, loyalty, and the messy realities of life as a Muslimah.✨ Takeaway: We’re kee
25 Tips Before 25: Identity, Iman & Lessons We Wish We Knew
This is a special bonus episode of Brownstone & Barakah 🤍In this episode, we’re sharing 25 tips before 25, lessons on identity, iman, growth, friendships, healing, and navigating your 20s as Muslim women trying to figure it out in real time.This conversation is honest, reflective, and rooted in everything we’ve been learning behind the scenes. Whether you’re in your early 20s or approaching a
Journey of a Muslim in Her 20s
Season 2 kicks off with Mariama as we dive into the ups, downs, and everything in between of being a Muslim in your twenties. We talk career pressure, friendship drama, faith, and the little everyday moments that make adulting both confusing and surprisingly funny.Tune in for honest conversation, laughs, and reflections that feel like chatting with your best friend over coffee. Perfect for anyone
Wherever You're At
We teamed up with The Silent Path for a fun and heart-to-heart chat about growing spiritually, staying consistent in faith, and embracing haya (modesty & character). From dealing with social media, music, and daily habits to finding the right friends who lift you up, we share real stories, laughs, and tips for prioritizing your spiritual glow-up, no waiting for Ramadan required!
Behind the Mic: Q&A with Farima & Emilia
in this special episode, hosts Farima and Emilia turn the tables and ask each other the questions they’ve been dying to hear answered. from personal reflections to experiences with faith, identity, and life behind the scenes of the podcast, this candid conversation gives listeners a chance to get to know the women behind the mic in a deeper, more personal way.
Revert Reflections Part 1: Amina’s Story
In the first installment of our Revert Reflections series, we sit down with Amina, a Jamaican-American revert whose path to Islam was filled with trials and searching. From growing up deeply connected to her culture, to exploring different faith traditions including a period as a practicing Buddhist, Amina’s journey is a reminder that Allah guides whom He wills.In this conversation, she shares the
Culture vs Deen: The West African Edition – Unlearning, Healing, and Holding Onto Truth
In this powerful episode of Barakah & Brownstone we sit down with three incredible sisters Loua (Guinean Fulani) Nunu (Ghanaian born) and Abibatou (Senegalese Malian) to unpack the cultural traditions many of us grew up with that conflict with the teachings of IslamFrom marabouts charms and ancestor worship to cultural double standards tribalism weddings and the white sheet test we’re not hold
Returning to Allah: Reflections on Death, Grief, and the Afterlife
In this deeply personal and spiritually grounding episode, we reflect on the reality of death through the lens of Islam. From grieving the loss of a loved one to understanding what happens to the soul after it leaves the body, we open up about how death has shaped our view of this dunya and reminded us of our true purpose.We talk about the stages after death, the questioning in the grave, the barz
Becoming Her: For the Sake of Allah, Not the World
In this episode, we dive into what it truly means to evolve as a Muslim woman, not for clout, not for trends, but for the sake of Allah. From building discipline and time management to confronting our flaws, breaking bad habits, and setting real boundaries, we reflect on the journey of becoming our best selves spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.This isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress.
Haram Relationships: The Hidden Damage That Hurts More Than It Heals
In this episode, Farima and Emilia get real about haram relationships and why they’re not just "harmless love stories" but heavy emotional and spiritual distractions. This isn’t just about heartbreak ,it’s about the deeper damage these relationships cause to our hearts, self-worth, and most importantly, our connection with Allah.We talk about why Islam protects us from these situations in the firs
More Than a Scarf: The Emotional and Spiritual Hijab Struggle
In this heartfelt and honest episode, we sit down with Aissatou, Tacko, and Mamita to explore our deeply personal journeys with the hijab.From when we started wearing it, to the why behind it ,this conversation holds space for the highs, the struggles, and everything in between. We talk about dealing with doubt, judgment, discrimination, and the complicated feelings of wearing a hijab when your he
The Power of Dua: Making the Most of Ramadan’s Blessings
In this episode, we, Farima and Emilia, are getting real about the power of Dua (supplication), especially during the spiritually charged and heartwarming month of Ramadan! We'll dive into why Dua is such a cherished and essential part of this sacred time for Muslims.We'll open up and share our own heartfelt experiences with Dua, how it's been our anchor during tough times, a source o
Welcome to Brownstones & Barakah: Our Journey to Faith
As-salamu alaykum, Barakah Babes! 🌙💕 Welcome to the very first episode of Brownstones & Barakah — the podcast where faith, girlhood, and self-love come together.In this debut episode, your hosts Farima & Emilia open up about their personal journeys with Islam — from navigating identity and faith in NYC to rediscovering what it means to embrace Islam on their own terms. We get real about th
