In this episode, Payal sits down with Qasim Rashid to explore the intersection of empathy, activism, and justice. As a respected human rights attorney and advocate for civil rights, Qasim shares how his early experiences shaped a lifelong commitment to fighting injustice. The conversation dives into the realities facing immigrant communities, the dangers of performative activism, and how to build sustainable, community-based movements that last.

Listeners will walk away with practical insights into how empathy fuels real change, how to stay engaged without burning out, and what it means to lead with purpose in the face of systemic challenges.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why empathy is a critical tool in social justice work
• The long-term impact of values-driven activism
• How to identify and avoid performative allyship
• Common challenges immigrant communities continue to face
• The importance of civic education and youth engagement
• Actionable steps for sustainable community involvement

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About Qasim Rashid:

Qasim Rashid is a human rights lawyer, author of Talk to Me and The Wrong Kind of Muslim, and a former U.S. Congressional candidate. His work focuses on civil rights, religious freedom, and public policy reform, with a deep commitment to uplifting marginalized voices and creating equitable systems of justice.

Resources & Links:

Learn more about Qasim Rashid: www.qasimrashid.com

Follow Qasim on social media: @QasimRashid

Connect with Payal:

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Check out RK Empathy: https://www.rkempathy.com/

Connect with Dr. Payal Beri on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/payalberi/

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Qasim Rashid

02:52 Early Influences and Activism Roots

06:59 Navigating Fear and Taking Action

08:09 Generational Perspectives on Justice

11:28 Practical Steps for Young Activists

19:24 The Role of Empathy in Activism

25:32 Challenges of Empathy in Modern Society

30:45 Rebuilding Connections in a Post-C World

31:12 Empathy and Everyday Fatigue

32:52 Activism: From Comfort Zone to Rage

34:14 Sustainable Activism: A Marathon, Not a Sprint

35:31 The Importance of Local Involvement

38:37 The Role of Reading and Intellectualism

46:05 Addressing Misogyny and Violence Against Women

51:02 Empathy and Compassion in Activism

57:26 Final Thoughts and Connecting with Qasim Rashid

This podcast is produced by MicMoguls.com