S3 E9: Effect of Religious Conversion on Identity

In this episode, Shabnum interviews Jennifer Williams, Senior Foreign Editor of Vox Media on her journey with religious conversion to Islam. Jennifer grew up Southern Baptist, but through the course of her own work and research, found herself drawn to Islam. The best way to summarize Jen's journey is in her own words: "If you were to pass me on the street, you would never suspect I’m a Muslim: I don’t wear hijab. I have platinum blonde hair and blue eyes. And I am heavily tattooed. I grew up in Texas and was raised Southern Baptist. I use the word “y’all” a lot—and not ironically. But I am Muslim. I also speak Arabic and hold a Master’s degree in International Security with a focus on terrorism and the Middle East. " 

Join us in this episode as Shabnum asks Jen about the effect converting religions can have on a person and their sense of identity. Was it easy to fit in after conversion? Did she feel like she was leaving something behind? How did her family take it? What were the hardest parts, and what did she learn about herself that she may not have known before? 

Host: Shabnum Gulati 
Guest: Jennifer Williams 
Art: Hanifa Abdul Hameed 
Music: AnAkkiN on SoundCloud