New Beginnings

New Beginnings

New Beginnings is pleased to present to you this monthly podcast for converts, by converts. Join our hosts along with special guests as they discuss issues converts to Islam face before, during, and after conversion. No fluff, no holding back, just honest conversation.

Episodes

May 12, 2025 46 mins

Amanda and Bilal host relationship coaches Victoria Matesky and Tafazal Mohammed, founders of Tea For Two https://www.teafortwo.uk/ in this 2-part candid discussion on what makes a successful marriage and why our marriages end up in failure.

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Amanda and Bilal host relationship coaches Victoria Matesky and Tafazal Mohammed, founders of Tea For Two https://www.teafortwo.uk/ in this 2-part candid discussion on what makes a successful marriage and why our marriages end up in failure.

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Amanda and Bilal host trained psychotherapist, Jodie Wozencroft-Reay and mental health worker at Blackburn Hospital, Aisha Jasuleviciute where they offer solutions and resources for positive mental wellbeing with a focus on the convert experience.

Find out more about our wellbeing services by visiting beginnings.org.uk/wellbeing/ and beginnings.org.uk/peerconnect

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July 18, 2024 57 mins

Part 2 of 2: Amanda and Bilal are joined by brother Ilyas Foy from Blackburn as they discuss their decades of interactions and experiences navigating various Muslim movements and sects in the UK.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_in_the_United_Kingdom

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shia_Islam

https://theusuli.com/2024/10/04/why-i-left-salafism-what-i-learned-from-it/

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July 11, 2024 54 mins

Part 1 of 2: Amanda and Bilal are joined by brother Ilyas Foy from Blackburn as they discuss their decades of interactions and experiences navigating various Muslim movements and sects in the UK.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_in_the_United_Kingdom

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shia_Islam

https://theusuli.com/2024/10/04/why-i-left-salafism-what-i-learned-from-it/

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Part 2 of 2: In this episode, we speak about some of the challenges men face after conversion to Islam regarding marriage. We are joined by John and Ismael who share their extensive experience and relate some candid and humorous anecdotes.

For convert-specific marriage services, visit solaceuk.org/marriage/

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Part 1 of 2: In this episode, we speak about some of the challenges men face after conversion to Islam regarding marriage. We are joined by John and Ismael who share their extensive experience and relate some candid and humorous anecdotes.

For convert-specific marriage services, visit solaceuk.org/marriage/

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September 14, 2023 73 mins

Bilal and Amanda discuss the process and challenges of converting to Islam coming from an LGBT background with their guests Giles and Joanne who share their own personal experiences of becoming Muslims.

If you have any queries regarding this podcast, please contact us at info@beginnings.org.uk

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July 25, 2023 54 mins

Bilal and Amanda were joined by Hanan Sandercock and Hamza Robertson to discuss their experiences with their families after conversion. The panel has a collective convert experience age of more than 90 years.

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Bilal and Amanda are joined by recent converts Persephone and Exauce to discuss the topic of identities after conversion and imposter syndrome.

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We were joined by converts Zahra and Ahmed who shared their insightful experiences adapting to gender interactions after conversion.

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November 21, 2022 54 mins

As part of Islamophobia awareness month, Amanda and Bilal discuss discriminatory experiences that converts may face after conversion and how to deal with them in the appropriate manner, with their special guest, sister Haniya from Birmingham.

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September 27, 2022 47 mins

Bilal and Amanda host Lauren Booth as they discuss the challenges that converts to Islam face when raising children in a religious context.

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July 25, 2022 69 mins

One of the most frequent things we're asked at New Beginnings is, 'How will I know when I'm ready to convert to Islam?' 

In this episode, podcast hosts Sh Bilal and Amanda, along with guests Monica, Martin and Samantha, discuss this question, including our personal experiences, both positive and challenging!

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May 16, 2022 67 mins

This month, Bilal and Amanda speak to Anse Tamara Gray, founder of Rabata, about culture and Islam.

How do we distinguish between culture and Islam and are converts free of cultural baggage?

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March 29, 2022 71 mins

In this episode, we were joined by Dr. Akmal Shakoor from AskDoc, a voluntary organisation that aims to engage, educate & empower ethnic minority communities on health (twitter.com/askdoc1) and Shaykh Bilal Brown who answered your medical and religious questions pertaining to Ramadan and fasting, respectively.

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Amanda and Bilal are joined by Imam Suhaib Webb from the US as they have a candid discussion about their own experiences as converts during the time of non-Islamic religious festivals and they give sincere advice to those new to the faith at this critical time.

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December 8, 2021 50 mins

Amanda and Bilal join Rumela to welcome the new season of podcasts, give an update on New Beginnings' activities and discuss the topic of loneliness.

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July 15, 2021 79 mins

We continue the topic of marriage with Ustadha Ameena Blake of Eden Houses UK, with an honest look at some common pitfalls faced by converts when trying to find a spouse. 

From what to ask, red flags to watch out for, to what to include in your contract, we've covered it all!

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June 3, 2021 62 mins

Aisha and Amanda welcome sister Henrietta Szovati, co-founder of Barefoot Institute and author of 'Heartsmart: One Woman's Journey from Her Head to Her Heart," to discuss how new Muslims can prepare themselves for marriage from within.

You can purchase the book 10 Steps to Getting and Staying Married and find out more about Henrietta's work at barefootinstitute.com

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