The Diverse Bookshelf
Welcome to The Diverse Bookshelf. I’m Samia Aziz, celebrating the power of literature and the voices of authors and change makers from the global majority. Join me as we explore the stories that inspire, connect, and transform our world. Each week I interview an inspiring guest about a whole host of themes and issues while focusing on diverse literature.
Let’s uncover the stories that truly matter—together.
Podcasting since 2022 • 93 episodes
The Diverse Bookshelf
Latest Episodes
Fatin Abbas on Sudan, objectivity & unrecognised history
Fatin Abbas was born in Khartoum, Sudan, but her parents were forced to leave Sudan when the military seized power there in 1989, when Fatin was just 8 years old. The family settled in New York. She earned a BA in English literature from the Un...
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Season 1
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Episode 93
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54:34
Ep92: Wiz Wharton on untold stories, sisters, belonging and feelings of shame & guilt
This week I’m speaking to the wonderful Wharton, who is of Chinese and white European heritage. Wiz’s debut nove, Ghost Girl, Bana...
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Season 1
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Episode 92
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56:22
Ep91: Mahvish Ahmed on home, authenticity, mental health & identity
On the show this week, I’m joined by Mahvish Ahmed, talking about her beautiful and poignant memoir, On My Way, which has been one of my favourite recent reads. Mahvish has had a super interesting life so far, full of love, empowerment, change,...
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Season 1
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Episode 91
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1:10:19
Ep90: Mahmoud Muna on stories from Gaza, hope & the future
Today marks one year since the most recent escalation of violence and aggression against Gaza, and the genocide that has unfolded before us. This episode was recorded prior to recent bombardments of Lebanon. On this week’s episode,...
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Season 1
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Episode 90
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1:00:00
Ep89: Pragya Agarwal on motherhood, infertility & being a woman
On this week’s episode, I’m speaking to Dr. Pragya Agarwal all about motherhood, gender-based stereotypes and biases, infertility and so much more. In her book, Motherhood – on the choices of being a woman – Pragya shares her own journey of bec...
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Season 1
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Episode 89
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47:00