Best Kanwal Akhtar Podcasts (2025)

1
Defiance Part I 15:16

16h ago15:16

15:16

Defiance carries complex meanings in our tradition. While Islam emphasizes submission to Allah and respect for authority, it simultaneously commands us to stand firm for justice, even against ourselves or loved ones. This tension creates a profound question: when does saying "no" honor your faith rather than contradict it? Through exploring both Qu…

1
Beyond the Illusions of the World 21:00

8d ago21:00

21:00

Drawing inspiration from Ousama Alshurafa's teachings and book "The Afterlife Manual," this episode explores a powerful paradigm shift: recognizing that worldly causes (asbab) are not true agents of change or benefit, but rather veils through which Allah works His decree. Money doesn't benefit us with Allah's permission... rather, Allah benefits us…

1
Life's Curriculum 12:11

14d ago12:11

12:11

Have you ever considered that what was missing from your childhood might be the key to your healing journey? This episode explores the powerful concept of your "invisible life curriculum" the lessons we absorb not through what was present in our upbringing, but through what was absent. I share a transformative three-step process to help you identif…

1
Life of Ihsan, Taking the High Road 15:30

22d ago15:30

15:30

Have you been carrying the weight of "spiritual excellence" that feels more like perfection than peace? This episode reveals how this beautiful Islamic teaching has been distorted through cultural lenses into perfectionism, people-pleasing, and emotional suppression. This misapplication has created generations of Muslims, especially women, who conf…

1
Ghayra: Righteous Anger 18:10

29d ago18:10

18:10

What happens when something sacred to you is threatened or violated? That fire you feel rising within has a name – ghayra – and it's not just a male attribute as commonly misunderstood. It's a divine quality we all possess. Ghayra transcends simple translation, encompassing protective jealousy, righteous indignation, and a fierce level of care for …

1
Attention Liberation 18:25

1M ago18:25

18:25

What if your attention, not your time or money, is actually your most precious resource? This groundbreaking episode explores the neuroscience behind our focus and reveals why the currency of attention shapes everything in our lives. Our brains physically change based on what we pay attention to. When we focus on chaos and problems, we strengthen n…

1
Toxic Empathy 23:57

1M ago23:57

23:57

The flood of emotions you experience when someone you love is hurting? It's not just empathy; it might be toxic empathy that's destroying your peace. Toxic empathy occurs when you become so entangled in others' emotions that you can't distinguish where their feelings end and yours begin. For many Muslim women especially it's a learned survival stra…

1
Crutches of Self-Worth 17:50

2M ago17:50

17:50

The endless pursuit of achievement, validation, and perfection has become the silent struggle of many Muslim women today. We dive deep into a profound dilemma: the confusion between self-worth and value that keeps high-achieving women trapped in cycles of burnout and spiritual disconnection. Your worth was never meant to be earned. Before your name…

1
Your Internal Gaslighter 21:03

2M ago21:03

21:03

Do you ever sense something's wrong but can't quite grasp what it is? That foggy feeling might be evidence of internal gaslighting – a psychological phenomenon where your personal qareen (the Islamic concept of an individual's shaitan) subtly manipulates your perception of reality. This podcast explores how this spiritual gaslighter operates with O…

1
Your Neuroceptive Self 17:53

2M ago17:53

17:53

Your body knows things before your mind does. That uncomfortable feeling in your chest when someone walks in the room. The inexplicable dread about a perfectly pleasant social gathering. The tension that arises during conversations that seem fine on the surface. All of these sensations come from what we can call your "neuroceptive self" - the part …

1
Entitled To Feel Inspired 18:43

2M ago18:43

18:43

In this powerful exploration of action versus inspiration, we uncover why the human brain isn't designed for constant motivational highs. While society glorifies "feeling inspired" as a prerequisite for meaningful work, true success comes from showing up when you don't feel like it. Your brain doesn't actually break under pressure, it builds. It's …

1
The Pain You Practice 19:18

3M ago19:18

19:18

While women's gatherings offer beautiful opportunities for sisterhood, laughter, and validation, they can unwittingly become breeding grounds for negative thought patterns. Each time we share our struggles, about parenting difficulties, business challenges, or relationship problems, without the intention to think differently, we strengthen neural p…

1
Keeping Ties of Kinship 23:42

3M ago23:42

23:42

I believe Allah's command to maintain family ties isn't about other people, its about your own emotional evolution. This podcast is about high-frequency spiritual technology that transforms your difficult relationships. When Allah SWT instructs us not to sever kinship ties, He's offering us a divine curriculum for developing emotional intelligence …

1
How To Regulate Your Nervous System 21:15

3M ago21:15

21:15

This episode breaks down two powerful approaches to nervous system regulation. First, we explore body-based processing techniques including orienting, vocal vibration (dhikr), butterfly taps, deep sighing, and cold water resets. These bottom-up approaches allow your body's intelligence to interrupt panic cycles when thinking has become part of the …

1
Regulated Nervous System Fixes Everything 16:11

3M ago16:11

16:11

A regulated nervous system is the hidden key that unlocks transformative change in virtually every area of life. When your body's threat detection system operates optimally, you gain the remarkable ability to feel difficult emotions without becoming them. You develop that crucial pause...the space between stimulus and response...where wisdom enters…

1
Broken or Just Uncoached 14:30

4M ago14:30

14:30

Life coaching... the real, transformative kind, reveals these outdated narratives and offers something profoundly powerful that other healing approaches sometimes miss. As both a physician and a life coach, I've witnessed how coaching unveils the truth that you're not broken; you're simply loyal to thoughts that once kept you safe but no longer ser…

1
Power Differential In Relationships 19:57

4M ago19:57

19:57

For generations, women have been systematically taught to forget their inner intelligence. Patriarchal systems have consistently reinforced the notion that the male perspective is inherently correct. This disconnection from our own wisdom has profound consequences: we mistake silence for righteousness, shrink ourselves and call it humility, endure …

1
Why Change Feels Like a Fight 16:53

4M ago16:53

16:53

Our brains resist change as an energy-saving mechanism, defaulting to negative self-talk to prevent the resource-intensive process of neuroplasticity. • Default brain circuitry (nafs) creates resistance by telling us we're broken or incapable • Change requires breaking down neural pathways and rebuilding new ones, which consumes energy • When attem…

1
Are You Using Friends as Crutches? 18:12

4M ago18:12

18:12

Female friendships provide irreplaceable support as our cheerleaders, therapists, and comedy specials rolled into one, but they can subtly transform from empowering sisterhoods into dependency cycles that erode self-trust. The danger lies in constantly seeking validation from others instead of trusting our own judgment, slowly outsourcing our decis…

1
Part 4: Microaggressions and its Benefits. 25:14

4M ago25:14

25:14

What if the microaggressions are windows into profound personal growth? This eye-opening exploration reveals how the subtle comments and behaviors that cause harm can become unexpected catalysts for self-awareness, emotional resilience, and spiritual refinement. When someone directs a microaggression toward you, they're unknowingly offering a glimp…

1
Part 3: Microaggressions. How to Deal With Them 22:08

5M ago22:08

22:08

Recognizing microaggressions is one thing—responding to them is another. In this episode, we break down the art of addressing microaggressions with assertiveness, wisdom, and emotional control. Whether you gently correct someone (call-in) or firmly set a boundary (call-out), the goal isn’t to prove a point—it’s to protect your peace. The 3-Step Fra…

1
Part 2: Microaggressions, Categories 20:39

5M ago20:39

20:39

Microaggressions might seem small and insignificant in isolation, but they function as seeds of harm that, when left unchecked, will grow into deeper patterns of emotional distress and damaged relationships. This episode builds on our previous discussion by providing a comprehensive framework for identifying distinct categories of microaggressions …

1
Part 1: Microaggressions, Protection Against Silent Disrespect 19:06

5M ago19:06

19:06

This is Part 1 of a 4-part series on microaggressions, framed through the lens of spiritual purification in preparation for Ramadan. Microaggressions may seem subtle and harmless, but they are anything but. These small, everyday slights accumulate into patterns that erode confidence, distort self-worth, and set the stage for bigger harms, whether i…

1
Your Imprints Are Making Your Life Choices 23:02

5M ago23:02

23:02

“What if the deepest truths you believe about yourself… aren’t actually true?” Your reality isn’t shaped by conscious choices, t’s shaped by imprints. The beliefs you hold about love, money, confidence, and success aren’t objective truths. They’re just thoughts that have been repeated so many times, with enough emotion and reinforcement, that they …

1
Turn Burden of Empathy in a Superpower 18:15

6M ago18:15

18:15

Empathy is a beautiful gift—the ability to deeply feel, understand, and connect with others. But when left unchecked, it will turn into something else entirely: an emotional burden, a trap, even a silent form of self-destruction. In this episode, we’re breaking down the fine line between using empathy as a superpower versus letting it turn you into…

1
How to Control Your Mind 19:58

6M ago19:58

19:58

Your brain is like a browser with 37 tabs open—some are useful, but most are just noise. Yet, no one ever taught you how to filter them. Instead, you’ve been conditioned to believe every thought that pops into your head, even the ones that make you doubt yourself, overanalyze everything, and stay stuck in survival mode. But here’s the truth: you do…

1
Strongest Form of Self Love 14:51

6M ago14:51

14:51

Discipline isn’t punishment, it’s the highest form of self-respect. It’s waking up and choosing your future, even when no one is watching. It’s keeping promises to yourself, following through on your goals, and refusing to let procrastination or perfectionism steal your success. If you’ve ever wondered why others don’t respect your time, your bound…

1
Trauma Recovery: Healing Without Validation 20:55

6M ago20:55

20:55

You ever catch yourself replaying a painful memory, wishing someone had just seen you? Wishing they had said, “That was hard. You didn’t deserve that.” But they didn’t. And maybe they never will. That’s where so many of us get stuck,waiting for validation that might never come. But what if healing didn’t depend on someone else finally getting it? W…

1
How to Communicate Successfully 16:43

7M ago16:43

16:43

Most people think communication is about controlling how others respond to your request. That's a mistake. The real outcome you should be measuring? Your own reaction. In this episode, we’re redefining what it means to “communicate successfully.” It’s not about whether the other person listens, agrees, or changes their behavior. It’s about how you …

1
Filling a Relationship Void 18:06

7M ago18:06

18:06

Discover why relationships are not just physical connections but mental constructs shaped by your thoughts. In this episode, we unpack the science of "relationship folders" and how they define the emotional weight of our bonds. You'll learn why the end of a relationship creates a cognitive void, how negative thoughts deepen the pain, and how to tra…

1
Body's Intelligence Against Shame 14:44

7M ago14:44

14:44

In this episode, you'll find out about the two layers of shame—the external judgments we internalize and the internal battle that blocks our healing. I talk about how Shaitan uses shame to silence your body’s natural intelligence and how you can reclaim the healing Allah has already designed within you. Learn to witness, honor, and amplify your bod…

1
Barakah in Your Efforts with Alignment 19:53

7M ago19:53

19:53

What if you could achieve exponential results with less effort—simply by aligning your thoughts, emotions, and actions? In this episode, we uncover how clearing inner conflicts and starting with the right intentions can bring barakah into your efforts. Discover why pushing through resistance drains your energy and how alignment can transform your w…

1
Personal Spirituality: Expanding Pathways of Worship 18:59

7M ago18:59

18:59

What does it mean for a Muslim woman to truly embrace her spiritual journey? This episode invites you to explore the diverse and expansive pathways of worship, encouraging Muslim women to see spirituality in everyday actions like a walk in the park or a moment of heartfelt empathy. You'll learn how to move beyond routine notions of worship, finding…

1
Managing Conflicting Parenting Styles 19:57

8M ago19:57

19:57

What if embracing flexibility in parenting could turn everyday disagreements into powerful lessons for your children, and your yourself? Tune in to discover how conflicting parenting can be both enlightening and transformative. We explore the art of adapting your parenting approach, showing that it's not about sticking rigidly to roles but about us…

1
Success Without Stress 17:56

8M ago17:56

17:56

Unlock the secrets of how your brain's shortcuts can both propel and hinder your personal growth. Ever wondered why we automatically link eight hours of study with good grades or happiness with chocolate? In this episode we unravel the brain's intricate web of cause-and-effect relationships that shape our daily decisions. Learn how these mental sho…

1
Micro-Expressions and Childhood Triggers 17:49

8M ago17:49

17:49

Discover the hidden language of micro-expressions and unlock a deeper understanding of your emotions and relationships. Ever noticed how a simple raised eyebrow or a sigh from someone can stir feelings of inadequacy? This episode promises to transform your interactions by teaching you to recognize these subtle cues as remnants of childhood conditio…

1
Multiply Your Joy 18:07

8M ago18:07

18:07

Join me as I challenge the deeply ingrained mentality that often places a woman's happiness on the back burner. Together, we explore how prioritizing your joy and well-being can not only enhance your ability to give generously to others but also leave a legacy of self-worth for future generations. Discover self-prioritization, self-respect and valu…

1
Ask, Live Bigger. Power of Lofty Questions 23:03

9M ago23:03

23:03

Unlock a life of endless possibilities by transforming the way you think with the power of lofty questions. In this episode, we explore how asking expansive, open-ended questions will shift your perspective, helping you to envision extraordinary outcomes and align your actions with a desired outcome. You'll discover how to disrupt self-imposed limi…

1
How to HAVE What You Want 21:29

9M ago21:29

21:29

Unlock a life of spiritual abundance and fulfillment with insights from the Islamic Life Coach School Podcast. What if you could shift from a constant state of wanting to a peaceful state of having by aligning your mindset with your faith? In this enlightening episode, we promise to guide you on a transformative journey where you'll discover the pr…

1
Dealing with Narssicism Part 2 20:55

9M ago20:55

20:55

Discover the path to reclaiming your self-worth amidst narcissistic relationships. Focus inward to protect your mental energy. We'll explore strategies to maintain confidence and reduce the impact of narcissistic manipulation by celebrating your achievements and setting firm boundaries. Tune in to understand how shifting your emotional responses fr…

1
Dealing with Narssicism Part 1 23:14

9M ago23:14

23:14

Discover how understanding the complex nature of narcissism can transform your relationships and strengthen your emotional resilience. This episode promises to equip you with insights into how narcissistic traits manifest in marriages and close relationships, even when they don't meet the threshold for a full diagnosis. We'll unravel the core chara…

1
Power of Intellectual Playfulness 20:47

10M ago20:47

20:47

In this episode, I explore Intellectual Playfulness as a powerful tool to unlock creativity, curiosity, and manifestation in life. Intellectual Playfulness encourages you to approach challenges with a sense of wonder, asking "What if?" instead of focusing on limits. Whether you’re navigating parenthood, entrepreneurship, or personal growth, Intelle…

1
Escaping Toxic Energies 25:52

10M ago25:52

25:52

In this episode of Escaping Toxic Energy, we dig deep into a powerful, often overlooked truth: simply cutting toxic people out of your life isn’t enough. Sure, escaping negativity and protecting your peace is great, but what happens when you can’t walk away? What if you’re stuck in situations where escape only brings temporary relief? Join us as we…

1
Mastering Change in Others 23:05

10M ago23:05

23:05

What if you could inspire transformation in your loved ones simply by understanding the science of empathy? Join me as I explore the fascinating world of mirror neurons. Discover how these tiny brain cells play a huge role in your ability subtly change behaviors in others in ways you may never have considered. As usual, I provide evidence grounded …

1
Distress Tolerance 23:30

10M ago23:30

23:30

Ever wondered how enduring discomfort can lead to profound personal growth and success? In this episode I discuss how to overcome self-doubt and distress. Discover the concept of distress tolerance and how it’s not just about surviving discomfort but thriving in its presence. Learn how enduring emotions like fear of rejection or setting boundaries …

1
Body Image 20:22

11M ago20:22

20:22

What if loving your body, regardless of its imperfections, could transform your confidence and self-worth, especially in relationships? Join me in this milestone 200th episode of the Islamic Life Coach School Podcast as I tackle the profound topic of body image and self-love. I talk about the emotional and psychological challenges women face regard…

1
Falling in Love 18:22

11M ago18:22

18:22

In today's episode, I challenge the traditional notion of "falling in love" as a passive experience. I talk about how our past collection of subconscious thoughts, values, and repeated experiences create the illusion of "falling" love. It could be falling in love with a potential spouse to feeling affection for a pet or even a pair of cozy socks. I…

1
Fawning: A Misunderstood Feminine Strength 24:36

11M ago24:36

24:36

In today's podcast, we get to understand the fawning response—a survival mechanism often masked as people-pleasing. We explore why this response is particularly widespread among women, influenced by historical and cultural pressures, and how it's a very important defense mechanism in threatening situations. There are real life examples illustrating…

1
The Evil Eye or A'in 31:13

11M ago31:13

31:13

Can jealousy really manifest harm in your life? In this episode, I explore the nuanced and often misunderstood concept of the evil eye, or al-ayn, within Islam. Backed by hadith and insights from Islamic scholar. I attempt to bridge ancient beliefs with modern scientific perspectives on human energy fields. I unpack how negative emotions like jealo…

1
The Abundance Shift 22:58

11M ago22:58

22:58

Can success, wealth, and healthy relationships be as testing as poverty or poor health? In my latest episode of the Islamic Life Coach School Podcast, I explore this profound question and uncover the transformative power of the "abundance shift." And the 3 strategies you need to take to accommodate yourself to blessings. Ask Allah for success but a…

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Kanwal Akhtar Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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