Talking To: Peas In A Podcast
Peas In A Pod is a lifestyle podcast created by three best friends - Eiman, Rana and Samah. They talk about everything from post-graduate depression to mental health affecting our relationships with religion. The podcast is down to earth and genuine. The natural friendship brings a lightness and humanity to topics which are, generally speaking, difficult to grapple with. It all makes for a listen that somehow manages to interlace hysterical laughter with big issues. We were over the moon to have a chat with the inspirational women behind the show.
Okay, so tell me about yourself! Who’s in the podcast?
The Peas in a Podcast hosts are three lifelong friends: Eiman, Rana and Samah
What did you study at university?
Eiman: I studied Law.
Rana: I'm an LLB Law Graduate.
Samah: I am an Economics and Politics graduate.
Where do you work now?
Eiman: I'm not currently employed; I'm back at uni completing my LPC (which is the legal qualification needed to become a qualified solicitor)
Rana: I’m currently studying the Legal Practice Course joint with the LLM and yes it is definitely as intense as it sounds!
Samah: I am working part time at an NGO as well as working in retail. The grind never stops!
What’s your plan for the future?
Eiman: I've always hated these kinds of questions, as I'm not much of planner. I tend to take things one-step at a time, so my current goal is to, God-willing, complete my training as a solicitor. After that I want to conquer the world (lol)
Rana: My plans for the future are still not 100% clear although I do hope to become a qualified solicitor.
Samah: It’s a long list but definitely within the development and humanitarian sector. As Eiman and Rana keep saying, I want to save the world!
What are you listening to/watching right now?
Eiman: I just finished watching The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez on Netflix's, it’s a heart-breaking documentary series that I would definitely recommend! I've also recently been re listening to Usher's Confessions Album, it's a classic! I'll never get bored of it.
Rana: I’ve just finished watching Love is Blind so I don’t have anything new at the moment but as for music, I’m tuning into Jhene’s new album.
Samah: I’m currently re-listening to Burna Boy’s African Giant album - big vibes! I’m watching peaky blinders at the moment and it’s rocking my world. Call me, Samah Shelby!
Who influences you?
Eiman: As cliché as it may sound, my mum; she is definitely the strongest woman I know. Shoutout to you, Beebs.
Rana: I wouldn’t say I have one solid inspiration, but I always feel quite inspired by reading about other people’s success stories and achievements.
Samah: Lots of people influence me; I would say I am influenced by certain traits from different people, that I inspire to have, so I just can’t say one person.
What picks you up when you’re feeling down?
Eiman: Food! A good takeaway is the best pick me up - a cheeseburger, chips and portion of BBQ wings! Ohh yeah.
Rana: Two things: me and my friends because we’re definitely the funniest people I know and FOOD! One thing that can never let me down!
Samah: JOURNAL! JOURNAL! JOURNAL! If you haven’t noticed by now, I’ve been enjoying journaling. It’s a good place to clear my mind and self-assess. If all else fails, a fat zoot will suffice… joke!
How did you come up with the idea to start the podcast?
The idea came about one boring evening indoors. It had been a year since we all graduated and we decided we wanted a creative project to really have fun with, something outside of our usual routine. As black Muslim women, there is an evident lack of representation, particularly in the podcast world and so it was important for us to create a platform which would be considered relatable and accessible to many like us. We wanted a platform where we could openly express our thoughts and personal experiences whilst just having fun with it!
Where do you record it?
We currently record in our bedrooms using our iPhone's; we're just getting started so our setup is as basic as it gets.
What’s your favourite thing about running the podcast?
Eiman: For me, it would be getting to spend time with my friends and have a laugh. Since we graduated university and with everyone's busy routines it’s difficult to find time to get together. So working on the podcast forces us to dedicate some time aside.
Rana: Honestly I love the feedback, although it's great recording and exchanging views on things we don't naturally speak about everyday but the fact that people go out their way to let us know how much they like and can relate is a great feeling! It gives the podcast a sense of purpose and a push to keep recording topics that matter and are thoroughly enjoyed.
Samah: I really enjoy getting together with my gals and chatting shit. It’s basically what we do on a regular basis; the only difference is we’re now recording it for others to hear. So basically quality time with the girls.
We listened to your podcast on post uni life - we AGREE. How important it is do you think to discuss issues like this? And in the way you do - which is casual and fun?
There is this intense feeling of being lost and confused after graduating which a LOT of people can relate to. However not enough people are having that conversation. Most people like to pretend that everything is under control. The feedback we received to this episode in particular was overwhelming. We received a comment where the listener said they were glad they were not experiencing this alone. This really demonstrates the importance of having these kinds of conversations. A lot of us are in the same boat we just don’t know it. For us, we are trying to navigate our own struggles and experiences and it is great that through our platform we’re able to help others along the way.
What have you learnt from running Peas in a Pod?
It is actually more difficult then we assumed. Whilst we started the podcast as a fun project we quickly learnt it is not all fun and games. From the planning, scheduling, recording and editing of each episode to managing our platforms, statistics, listener engagement and so on. There is definitely more to what meets the eye.
What are your plans for the future?
In terms of our goals for the podcast, we just want to continue having fun with it. There are some important conversations that need to be had and we’re excited to start them!
To check out the podcast - click HERE.
You can also find the instagram by searching for @peasinapodcastt