The Oasis with A.Haqq Islam

October 1, 2026 · 51m

Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes when a guest doesn't show up? Join Haqq Islam and Jazlyn Porter for a deep dive into the origin story of The Oasis and their mission to redefine Muslim representation in media. This special impromptu episode turns a rainy day pivot into a powerful conversation about the grit, vision, and partnership required to build a media conglomerate from the ground up. In this episode, Haqq and Jazlyn discuss how they met, why they decided to just go for it on their own the initial idea for the podcast, which was born out of a desire to move past harmful stereotypes and showcase the true diversity of the Muslim experience. From doctors and lawyers to comedians and actors, the goal has always been to highlight dope individuals who are true to their faith while excelling in their fields. The duo also gets real about the business side of creativity. They share the challenges of finding funding, the experience of being ghosted by major platforms, and the importance of staying the course even when doors close. You will hear about their exciting new partnership with Salams, upcoming poetry event in Los Angeles, and their future plans for films and documentaries aimed at global audiences. Chapters 0:00 Intro and the rainy day pivot 3:45 The origin story of Haq and Jazlyn 8:12 Redefining Muslim representation in media 12:50 Memorable guests and building connections 17:35 Taking chances on a new platform 21:55 Navigating business hurdles and ghosting 26:10 Partnering with Salams for future events 30:30 Expanding into films and documentaries 34:50 The visionary versus the producer dynamic 39:15 Learning from younger generations 43:20 Sustaining creative momentum and belief 47:45 The power of appreciation and team culture 51:40 Closing thoughts and final message Whether you are an aspiring creator or a long-time fan of the show, this episode offers a transparent look at the highs and lows of their creative journey. It is a testament to the power of vision and the importance of having a ride-or-die team. Subscribe to stay updated on our upcoming films and events! Leave a comment below about your favorite episode of The Oasis so far. Rate & Rview #theoasis #muslimmedia #creativejourney #representationmatters #podcastbehindthescenes