The misconceptions about Muslims and Islamic culture are boundless.  Dr. David Liepert begins by sharing a personal experience in which he was chastised for wearing a necktie (what a fellow Muslim considered to be a “Christian symbol” of Muslim oppression).  Have you had a similar experience?  Has your family or friends?  One of the biggest misconceptions in recent history was the true meaning of the “Ground Zero” Mosque.  Imam Feisal Rauf explains just what he had intended–the true message of his elaborate project–when he brought forth the idea to the public.

“The wost part is Muslims having myths about their own faith!” says Imam Rauf, addressing that many of the “wrong” ideas about Islam come from the followers themselves.

Could it be that by pursuing their own authentic Islam, by following Muhammad’s exemplary practice, alongside their American aspirations towards the highest ideals we all hold dear, America’s Muslims have got something good to offer to everyone?  Tune in!

Just who Jesus was exactly remains the great religious dividing line between Muslims, Christians and Jews; with most Christians believing him both God and Messiah, most Muslims believing him to be the Messiah but not God, and most Jews believing he’s neither.  However, most Muslims and Christians can at least agree that he’ll lead us all when he returns as we near the end of time–even though we have absolutely no idea how we’re going to get there! So the question remains: How can Muslims and Christians best navigate the doctrinal minefield of our religious differences, deal with how our different beliefs should affect what we are becoming, and how our different doctrines affect what we do?

“I wrote [my] book as an Evangelical Christian to Evangelical Christians to say ‘Let’s stop evangelizing,” says Carl Medearis of his book, Muslims, Christians, and Jesus.  His recent article on CNN, “My Take: Why Evangelicals Should Stop Evangelizing,” caused quite a stir, instantly becoming one of the most commented upon articles CNN online has ever had!  Medearis explains the reasoning behind his controversial stance, and gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the article that rocked the world toward the end of July.

What if there was an end to the “my religion can beat up your religion” attitude?  What if hearing the “Good News” no longer caused feelings of anger and resentment?  Can we get past the view of Jesus as a “white Rambo from Texas?”

Take a moment out of your day to calmly listen to this week’s episode.  You may be pleasantly surprised by what you hear!

99% of Jews are right there with 99% of Muslims, 99% of Americans, 99% of Christians, and 99% of everyone else: Our communities have all lost out while the rich have gotten richer, the poor have gotten poorer, and “every man for himself” has replaced the ideal at the heart of all our dreams–that the freedom to work for yourself, coupled with a personal commitment to working together, brings more success, security, and happiness to everyone.

With his own parents going through a heartbreaking foreclosure on their long-time home, Daniel Sieradaski longed for a solution and a way to speak out…and along came Occupy Wallstreet.  Daniel became involved and describes his experiences throughout the episode.  But what is the real message of the Occupy movement?  And what has happened to the “American Dream?”

Dr. David Liepert and Daniel Sieradaski discuss not only the political and cultural relevance of the Occupy Movement, but the religious aspects as well.  They address the religious controversy that has been brought up time and again: How would Jesus really feel about Occupy Wallstreet?
Join the Optimistic Muslim as he talks to Daniel Sieradski about the lessons Judaism teaches about community living and financial responsibility–lessons that have been handed down from the bankers of Babylon!  If we’re all in this together, then we should all get out of it together too; here, there and everywhere. Tune in and find out how!

Imam Habeeb Alli is one Muslim scholar who isn’t afraid to declare the truth: That Islam’s views on sex have done a complete 180 since the time of Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and that it’s time to change them back. When Islam began marital sex was one of the greatest joys Muslim men and women experienced, with literally almost “no holds barred” between consenting adults. Now, on the other hand, much of the Muslim Ummah’s no better than the rest of humanity, with repressive views on so-called “guilty pleasures”–such as masturbation–resulting in diminished Muslim marriages that have lessened the happiness in Muslim homes and weakened the Muslim world.

What can we learn from Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and his wife’s own marriage?  Imam Habeeb Alli and Dr. Liepert share their thoughts on Muhammad’s (Peace be upon him) own erotic relationship, the fantasies he shared with his wife, and how even his wife–and all Muslim women–have certain needs to be attended to.  Can we really serve God by serving each other?

Listen in as Dr. David Liepert and Imam Habeeb Alli, an executive member of the Canadian Council of Imams, have an open, honest, and unexpurgated conversation about the real role of sexual pleasure in Islamic practice and what’s gone wrong with Muslim teaching on the subject. Imam Habeeb also introduces his new book, Intimacy and the Sacred in Muslim Communities, proclaiming how we Muslims can “get our groove back” once and for all!

Listen in as Dr. David Liepert, the Optimistic Muslim, speaks with Jeff Burns about Christian and Muslim end-time prophecy, how it’s affecting politics in the world today, and how wrong both sides who think the world is ending “soon” likely are–particularly if you take the time to ask a Rabbi about interpreting Jewish Prophecies in the Jewish Bible!

Just how pervasive is this crazy idea that believers can make the world a better place by killing each other?  How high up our Nation’s chain of command does that insanity reach?  (And what can we all do about it?)  “We’re not too far from goosestepping,” says Jeff Burns, addressing the oppression supposed Christian communities force upon Muslims and those following other n0n-Christian religions.  Preventing Muslims from building Mosques–or to worship publicly–is it really so different from Hitler’s treatment of the Jewish?

Proving once again that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, best cured by bringing in a broader and more inclusive perspective, listen in to hear how different religions might actually be meant by God to work together to the benefit of everyone, instead of for “members only.”

If God’s so smart, maybe he knew what he was doing when he made us different, after all!

“This would not have happened if we had had a proper community-based lending operation,” says Nadeem Mazen of the Occupy Wall Street movement.  But how does that feeling of “community” translate to finances?  And how does it effect the Muslim community as a whole?  More importantly, does working together automatically mean having a Socialist agenda?  (“Socialism is such a dirty word down in the states,” notes Dr. Liepert).

Dr. David Liepert asks the most important question in regard to the Occupy movement: “Are you starting to get traction with the people who are actually in control of the financial systems?”  Are they even occupying the right place?  (i.e. Wall Street occupation VS. Washington D.C. occupation).  Nadeem Mazen’s response might surprise you!

In an episode filled with Muslim anecdotes, financial wisdom, and kind-spirited humor, this is a “can’t miss” podcast!

Does “getting ahead” mean others have to be left behind?  Will the Occupy Wall Street movement eventually go away if they keep getting ignored?  Should Occupy Wall Street be “Occupy Obama?”  Nadeem Mazen and host Dr. David Liepert answer these questions, plus address low interest lending, hedge funds, casinos, fair trade, justice, and much more!  Tune in!

Host Dr. David Liepert doesn’t waste time getting to the important questions, starting off the interview by asking, “How can we help all of our people–whether they call themselves Christians or Muslims or Jews or non-alligned secularists–how can we help people share Jesus and the benefits of following him while they are sharing him in the kind of way that they have different relationships with him…?”

Rick Love and Dr. Liepert discuss if it’s even possible to promote Jesus in the name of peace when so many decidedly un-peaceful events have taken place in his name over the years.  What does it even mean to follow Jesus?  What does it mean for you?  For your neighbor?

“9-11 was a huge wake-up call for Muslims like me,” says Dr. Liepert, addressing the actions of Muslim radicals–actions that are not typical for followers of Islam.  While these horrific actions caused many to call out for a new Crusade, Rick Love, for one, said “no.”  Jesus was The Prince of Peace, so why is our first reaction when something goes wrong to react with violence or other extreme measures (evangelistic or otherwise)?  How can Muslims, Christians, and everyone else work together for a more peaceful world…?

Join the Optimistic Muslim, Dr. David Liepert, as he talks to Christian missionary to Muslims, Rick Love, who has realized that he’s Jesus’ missionary to Christians too, about why and how he thinks Muslims and Christians will share the world together, the role that Jesus will play, and how it’s Faith in God that’s going to make the difference for all of us in the end.

Born and raised in Canada and dedicated to the most traditionalist and orthodox Islamic interpretations, Favaz Tilly was taught and trained in Buffalo, New York, living and working as an Imam for one of North America’s largest, most vibrant and diverse Muslim communities, while also serving as a University Chaplain taboot!  There isn’t a pulse Imam Favaz Tilly doesn’t have his finger on, a controversy he hasn’t had to address, or a question he hasn’t had to answer, and he’s got a valuable perspective on them all.

“Being born in the late Seventies and going to public school in the Eighties, it was pretty much growing up like any other child would experience,” says Imam Favaz Tilly, giving the audience a glimpse into his early years.  Did he always know that he was going to grow up to be an Imam?  As a Muslim, were his formative years really no different than those of his Canadian schoolmates?  How did puberty affect his religious responsibilities?

Did the infamous September 11 attacks change Imam Favaz Tilly’s views on what his responsibilities as a Muslim were?  Favaz says “no,” but why?  And how has mainstream media changed how the general public views Muslim culture?

Join Dr. David Liepert as he talks to Imam Fayaz about what it’s been like living in Canada, living through 9/11, and rising to prominence as a Salafi Muslim leader helping his community navigate these difficult times.  Is there really any difference between Muslim and Canadian values, or do both traditions promote pluralism, and demand we find a path forward together? Listen and find out!

In this episode, Eboo Patel shares how he founded the Interfaith Youth Core to help bring that vision to life, and how he has come to write two books including, Acts of Faith: The Story of an American Muslim, the Struggle for the Soul of a Generation.  With a third book on its way, Eboo describes his experiences and conclusions regarding the best ways diverse believers can follow their different paths and share the same planet in peace.

“A huge part of religion is taking care of one’s neighbor…regardless of faith,” says Eboo Patel, going on to describe how interfaith cooperation works best.  Eboo details how President Obama stepped up to help make a meaningful interfaith group, as well as the President’s “interfaith challenge” (and where you can take it yourself!).  “I thought I was going to start turning cartwheels in the Oval Office,” laughs Eboo.

How does the Inaugural Advisory Council on Faith Based Partnerships walk the fine line between church and state?  How do they avoid using taxes to fund religious-based agendas?  And do these faith based initiatives really make a difference?

Join the Dr. David Liepert, the Optimistic Muslim, as he talks with Eboo Patel about what it was like to sit in the Oval Office the day President Obama announced his hopes for America, and what it’s been like living in and serving America Faithfully ever since!  Tune in!

“People are people: We all struggle with the same things, we all want the same things, we all use the same excuses; so just cut to the chase, figure out what the real issue is, and get to it,” says Dr. David Liepert, paraphrasing Wahida Valiante.  So why can’t we all just get along?  Dr. Liepert and Wahida examine various explanations and translations as to why god would divide people into different tribes, different nations, and different sexes.  Is it really to “know” one another?  Or is it a message of tolerance?

Wahida Valiante also discusses what went into the making of her book, A Mosaic of Thoughts, and how her background as a family therapist came into play.  Learn how Wahida was able to use her experiences working with abusive men to her advantage–and how she was able to transform those same experiences into a religious context.

But what is really expected of Muhammad’s followers?  And how many of those expectations should we actually strive to live up to?

God made us to rejoice in and learn from our differences! Knowing that, you can start to make a real difference today.  Tune in to hear how!

Not For Sale is a world-wide anti-slavery campaign, dedicated to raising awareness of our world’s ongoing problem with slavery.
Did you know that there are over 27 million slaves in the world today still? And with hundreds of thousands of them actively being bought and sold in North America in the sex-trade, there is a lot of important work to be done to stamp out slavery everywhere.  Whether you’re worried about what’s going on on the other side of the planet, or more concerned about your own little neighborhood right here at home, human trafficking is very real and won’t go away without your help.
Kevin Austin is the head of Not For Sale’s “Faith Community” arm, dedicated to helping all our world’s diverse believers come together in this meritorious endeavor and he’s learned a lot about slavery, people, and religion along the way.
Join the Optimistic Muslim as he talks with Kevin about Not For Sale, including Not For Sale’s upcoming world forum on eradicating human trafficking in Sunnyvale, California, and what we can all do to make a difference either big and small.  Whether you’re Muslim, Christian, or Jew–you can make a difference!  Say “no” to slavery and let everyone know that humans are “not for sale” in your town!

But what is Radical Hospitality?  Rabbi Rami Shapiro begins by explaining the holiday of Sukhot (the harvest festival) and how the traditions therein lead naturally into the idea of hospitality.  “Radical Hospitality… you invite the ‘other’–the person that you don’t know, the person that sort of carries all of your fears and your anxieties (because you’ve projected them onto that person)–and that’s the person that you invite in; and you try to break through!…and discover a friend,” says Rabbi Rami.  But can inter-faith hospitality really work?  Can there truly be “one humanity?”  And, going back to basics, is Radical Hospitality simply more fun?  (And is having fun in any religion really “allowed?”).

Join the Optimistic Muslim, Dr. David Liepert, as he welcomes the Jewish Holy holiday of Sukhot by talking with Rabbi Rami about the role radical hospitality could play throughout our world–here, there, and everywhere!  Maybe even as soon as next year in Jerusalem…?  With your help, anything is possible!  Tune in!

Special guest Jess Larsen of Child Rescue knows a thing or two about keeping children safe from predators, kidnappers, and sex-slavers. From his own family experiences (his mother-in-law was a child-sex-slave in Kansas), and his own personal efforts in the ongoing battle being waged against sex-slavery throughout North America today, Jess Larsen brings knowledge, experience, and some surprising perspectives on this dark and pervasive problem we ALL wish didn’t exist.

Did you know it only takes six (6) hand-written letters to your congressman to get something in motion?  Dr. David Liepert and guest Jess Larsen discuss how to bring attention to this issue in your town.  Do you want your town’s police officers to get proper training on how to recognize and deal with child trafficking?  Do you want the pimps and Johns to take responsibility for their actions–rather than continually arresting the child slaves themselves?  Getting these ideas to become realities is easier than you might think; but not without your help!

Join the Optimistic Muslim, Dr. David Liepert, as he learns what we all need to know about keeping our children safe (and each other’s children safe too!).   Learn about the transforming power of redemption in the lives of child-sex workers rescued from sex-slavery, and about that same power of getting a shot at redemption working on the pimps and child-sex-slavers themselves!

Negin Farsad, recently voted the 14th funniest woman (out of 50!) in America by the Huffington Post, starts off the episode by explaining how The Muslims Are Coming came to be.  Discussing her roots on Comedy Central (“It was like the Chappelle Show, but for brown people!”), her plans for an upcoming feature film, and what it’s like taking on the American mid-west as a Muslim American.

What has the reception been like?  How does Negin Farsad manage to make such a provocative topic so hilarious?  And has The Muslims Are Coming transcended from simple “comic relief” to becoming a tool for better racial integration and understanding?  Is the hatred toward Muslims finally dying down?

In this sweet, revealing, chuckle-filled interview, Negin Farsad and Dr. David Liepert cover the gamut from Muslims, Americans, race-relations, to religious strife and Islamophobia.  What do you do when the country you love so dearly suddenly hates you?  Make ‘em laugh!  Get ready to smile–and ask yourself some deep questions–as you listen to The Optimistic Muslim!

“Lorna has taken it upon her heart to do something about child poverty and child education on the other side of the planet,” says Dr. David Liepert of his first guest, Lorna Gladstone.  While she originally set out to explore the Impenetrable Forest and observe the majestic mountain gorillas, Lorna ended up discovering something else: Her love for the Bwindi village and its people.  Lorna says, of the Bwindi Community Program, “Now I am actually the U.S. rep for sponsorships for the village!”  But who are these sponsorships for?  David and Lorna discuss the children of Uganda, how Eco-tourism brought awareness to the needs of these children, how the HIV/AIDS epidemic has affected their lives, and what you can do to help!

In the second half of the episode, Sara Hildebrand shares her past experiences in social justice and how that background eventually led her to create Millennium Kids.  Currently, “over a billion” people in the world are living on less than $1.25 a day, with over half the world living on less than $2.00 a day.  Millennium Kids seeks to eradicate poverty, as well as promote gender equality and education.  Sara runs down the list of  goals–all to be met by the year 2015!  Will we be able to achieve everything on the list?  And how can we, the everyday citizen, help things to progress in the right direction?

This episode concludes The Optimistic Muslim‘s “How Do You Change the World” interview series.  It will leave you feeling happy, hopeful, and ready to change the world…for the better!

“Making the world a better place is something that we’re all concerned with, no matter what our religious background is,” says David Liepert.  His first guest, Steve Katsaros, has taken those feelings to a whole new level: Action.  Steve Katsaros has gone beyond being “concerned” and has actually stepped up to make the world a better place, by bringing non-kerosene fueled lighting throughout the third world.  The core of Katsaros’ company, No Kero, is a “campaign against antiquated lighting.”  Katsaros goes on to share that “one out of ever four people in the world” are subject to unsafe, outdated, kerosene-fueled light sources.  Could this switch in light sources help these people regain control over their lives, particularly in areas where the government controls the light?  And could this marvel of engineering also serve to stave off the effects of global warming?

In the second half, Dr. David Liepert interviews Mahdi Qasqas, answering the question: What do gangs and groups like Al-Qaeda have in common?  Perhaps more than you’d think!  How are these young people drawn into this lifestyle?  What signs should you look for?  As a parent, how can you properly “investigate” your child for these signs?  Mahdi Qasqas has the answers you’ve been searching for.

Whether you’re looking for a way to belong, just want a little bit of light, or simply want to know that there are still a few good people out there…  This is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Returning to The Optimistic Muslim for the second time, Khadeeja Balkhi, has moved up in the world!  She discusses her newly appointed position, and all of the wonderful things she’s been involved with since she was last on the show 8 months ago.  But what has been happening in Pakistan as a whole?  As we near the Founding of Pakistan, looking forward to Eid, only a year after the floods that devastated their lands–How is Pakistan doing?  Is there still something worth celebrating?  Khadeeja Balkhi’s answer will enlighten you, and maybe even surprise you.

Dr. David Liepert asks the tough questions: What is Pakistan striving for?  Is President Asif Ali Zardari truly in charge?  Where does the power lie?  How do Pakistani people feel, as a whole, toward their current leader?  What is the status of the current government?  How was the death of Osama Bin Laden viewed?

In the second half of the show, Dr. David Liepert speaks with Hala Qubbaj of Palestine.  How have the complicated politics in Palestine affected Ramadan?  Hala shares her feelings toward the celebrations and gives some key thoughts on Palestine’s feelings (not their President’s) toward Gaza and the West Bank.

What lessons can be taken away from this past month of Ramadan?  Where do we go from here?  Tune in!