035 - Sufism, Stand Up, Ms. Marvel & "Mainstream Media" (Azhar Usman)

Azhar Usman is a standup comedian, actor, writer and producer based in Chicago. He has worked on a variety of shows including Ramy as a staff writer and co-executive producer, and the upcoming Disney-Marvel series Ms. Marvel on screen in a  recurring role. He is the co-creator of Allah Made Me Funny-The Official Muslim Comedy Tour, the groundbreaking stand up comedy tour that found mainstream success in 2008.  In this episode we’ll be travelling on an introspective and spiritual journey, picking apart the idea of Hollywood and mainstream media, how the art we create fits into our spiritual metaphysical journeys, exploring Sufiism and so much more. 0:34 - Azhar gives us a small glimpse of Ms. Marvel and show business  21:45 - Distinction between Muslim Media and Mainstream media 48:43 - The founding of Azhars Numinous Company (Creative Producing and Consulting) 54:49 - What is the hardest part of the artistic process?  1:06:22 - "You blossom where you are planted", Azhar enlightens us about his journey in Sufism 1:13:51 - Relationship between art and your spirituality -- 786 Boulevard is a podcast by Nouri Sardar & Hasnain Ali, who have conversations with Muslim artists and creatives at the intersection of culture, art, spirituality.   We're on the Podcast platforms below - subscribe!   Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3f1svZ0 Anchor: https://anchor.fm/786boulevard Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3cDTnNf  Check us out on Instagram: @786Boulevard And Twitter: @786Boulevard