Deeyah Khan - Befriending the ‘Other’: Seeing Beyond Extremism

Deeyah Khan - Befriending the ‘Other’: Seeing Beyond Extremism

Author: Thomas Huebl April 18, 2023 Duration: 1:13:53

Thomas talks with award-winning documentary filmmaker Deeyah Khan about her experience of interviewing extremists. Rather than dismissing them as unreachable fanatics, Deeyah has decided to engage them directly as human beings, with respect for our common humanity. She and Thomas reflect on how to remain hopeful and empathetic amidst the social divisiveness of our time.

Multi-award-winning filmmaker Deeyah Khan has directed documentaries such as “Banaz: A Love Story (2012)” and “White Right: Meeting The Enemy (2017)”, which have shed light on the heartbreaking reality of discrimination and violence while telling people’s compelling stories through a loving lens.


Dehumanizing others causes us to lose our humanity. Do you have the courage to open your mind and remain hopeful for change?


Key Points:


2:57 Deeyah’s purpose in filmmaking


12:56 Why the focus on dark, brutal topics?


17:57 When the unexpected becomes a lifesaver


21:51 Authenticity is healing


24:59 Dehumanizing others means dehumanizing yourself


29:20 On making “White Right”


38:51 Change is always possible


43:43 Extremism lures the broken


49:50 Learn to sit with the darkness


52:55 Love conquers all


59:46 One simple step creates the biggest impact


1:03:09 Dealing with a polarized world


---------------


Deeyah Khan is a Norwegian multi-awarded documentary film director and human rights activist. Her debut film, Banaz: A Love Story (2012) won an Emmy and a Peabody. She is the founder and CEO of Fuuse, a leading documentary film and digital media company for broadcasters and live events. She is also the founder and editor-in-chief of Sister-Hood Magazine, spotlighting the diverse voices of women of Muslim heritage. She became the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Artistic Freedom and Creativity in 2016.


Website: deeyah.com


Twitter: @Deeyah_Khan 


Instagram: @deeyahkhan


Facebook: facebook.com/Deeyah.deeyah


---------------


Thomas Hübl is a renowned teacher, author, and international facilitator whose lifelong work integrates the core insights of the great wisdom traditions and mysticism with the discoveries of science. Since 2004, he has taught and facilitated programs with more than 100,000 people worldwide, including online courses which he began offering in 2008. The origin of his work and more than two decades of study and practice on healing collective trauma is detailed in his book Healing Collective Trauma: A Process for Integrating Our Intergenerational and Cultural Wounds


Connect with Thomas here:


Website: https://thomashuebl.com/


Facebook: https://facebook.com/Thomas.Huebl.Sangha/


Instagram/Twitter: @thomashuebl


YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thomashuebl


Sign up for updates by visiting our website:


👉 pointofrelationpodcast.com


 


In a world often defined by fragmentation, Point of Relation with Thomas Huebl explores the subtle connections that bind us. This isn't a series of abstract lectures; it's a living inquiry into how our personal awareness directly shapes the cultural and spiritual fabric we all share. Thomas, drawing from a deep well of integrative practice, guides dialogues that feel both timely and timeless. Each conversation with a guest-whether a scientist, artist, or community healer-unfolds like a collaborative exploration. You’ll hear them grapple with practical spirituality, the philosophy of interconnected systems, and the often-unseen patterns in society that call for our attention. The aim is to move beyond theory into a felt sense of relational intelligence. Listening to this podcast, you become part of a space where the divide between the mystical and the empirical softens, revealing actionable insights for personal and collective transformation. It’s for anyone curious about how inner work contributes to outer healing, and how our most pressing global challenges might be met not with more division, but with a renewed capacity for nuanced, compassionate understanding. The discussions are deep, sometimes challenging, but always oriented toward a more coherent and connected world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 189

Point of Relation with Thomas Huebl
Podcast Episodes
David Whyte | The Vulnerable Choice of Breaking our Hearts Open [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:29
On this episode of Point of Relation, Thomas is joined by poet, author, speaker, and leadership consultant, David Whyte. They discuss the deep benefits of learning to hold both happiness and difficulty at the same time.…
MaryCatherine McDonald | The Intelligence of the Trauma Response [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:28
Thomas is joined by PhD trauma researcher, life coach, and the author of "Unbroken", MaryCatherine McDonald. They discuss Dr. McDonald’s work to redefine our understanding of trauma and eliminate the stigma surrounding i…
Becoming Mindful Global Citizens: A Q&A Episode [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:16
Thomas answers questions from Point of Relation listeners about activism, presencing, and staying grounded and open to joy amidst global suffering and uncertainty. He explores the mutually resourcing relationship between…
Lama Tsomo | Bonus: Meditation on the Suffering of Being Misunderstood [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:43
In this short bonus episode, Tibetan Buddhist teacher, author, and co-founder of the Namchak Foundation, Lama Tsomo shares a Tonglen Meditation practice. In Tibetan, Tonglen means “sending and receiving.” Lama Tsomo guid…
Lama Tsomo | Spiritual Practices for the Real World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:52
Thomas is joined by Tibetan Buddhist teacher, author, and co-founder of the Namchak Foundation, Lama Tsomo. They discuss Tibetan Buddhist teachings and practices that illuminate our fundamental interconnectedness and ena…
Stephen Gyllenhaal | Navigating Uncertainty with Empathy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:15
Thomas is joined by filmmaker and founder of the Identity Development Institute, Stephen Gyllenhaal. They discuss the pain of living during these uncertain and tumultuous times, and how having the courage to face our col…
Creating Safe Spaces At Work: A Q&A Episode [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:02
In part two of this special Q&A series, Thomas answers more of the thoughtful questions submitted by listeners during his recent live event with Dr. Gabor Maté. This Q&A centers on topics explored in Thomas’ recently rel…
Joana Breidenbach | Disinformation Through the Lens of Trauma [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:12
Thomas is joined by cultural anthropologist, social entrepreneur, and author, Joana Breidenbach. They discuss the ecosystem of disinformation that is fragmenting society and the systemic factors that contribute to it.Joa…
Pádraig Ó Tuama | Creating Healing Spaces [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:19
Thomas is interviewed by distinguished Irish poet, theologian and mediator, and the host of the Poetry Unbound podcast, Pádraig Ó Tuama. They discuss the relationship between spirituality, religion, and trauma, and the i…