The Goodly Tree Podcast

In this episode, I unpack what AI is quietly doing to us not just to our jobs or our routines, but to our thinking, our children, and the deeper parts of the soul that were never meant to be outsourced. We talk about attention, learning, dependence, creativity, and what happens when the internet starts eating itself. This isn’t a technical breakdown or a fear-mongering rant. It’s a human conversation about responsibility, purpose, and how to stay grounded when the world moves toward instant answers and prediction machines. If you’ve been feeling the shift and can’t quite name it, this episode might give you the language you were looking for.

What if the delay, the disruption, or the disappointment you’re facing… is actually mercy? In this episode, we explore how hardship often carries hidden khayr. Using real-life examples, Qur’anic guidance, and prophetic wisdom, we unpack the idea that not every setback is a punishment. Sometimes, it’s protection. Sometimes, it’s love. If you’ve been feeling overlooked, off track, or stuck in a season that doesn’t make sense, this reminder is for you.

In this heart-centered episode, Asif Amod reflects on a powerful truth: we weren’t all made to be the same — and that’s exactly the point. From raising six uniquely gifted children to building diverse teams in business, to drawing lessons from the Sahabah, this episode explores how recognizing individual strengths can heal envy, prevent burnout, and nurture barakah in both family and leadership. If you’ve ever compared yourself to others or struggled to “do it all,” this reminder is for you. Topics include: • Parenting with emotional intelligence • Sahabah and divine diversity • Leadership and team dynamics • Reframing self-worth through Islamic values Listen now and realign with your purpose — one sincere strength at a time.

What if the belief that there’s “not enough to go around” is doing more harm to your soul than you realize? In this episode of The Goodly Tree, we explore the destructive power of the scarcity mindset—and why Islam teaches us to live from a place of abundance, gratitude, and trust in Allah. From the whispers of Shaytaan to the truth of Ar-Razzaq, this reflection dives into both Islamic wisdom and modern psychology to uncover the trap that many of us fall into—especially in business, parenting, and personal growth. We’ll unpack: • Why envy and fear often mask themselves as “motivation” • The neuroscience of gratitude and how it rewires your brain • The Qur’anic lens on provision, trust, and divine timing • How to reset your heart when you feel like someone else “got there first” Whether you’re feeling behind in life, anxious about your rizq, or comparing your journey to others—this episode is a heartfelt reminder that no one can take what Allah has written for you. 🌱Stay rooted, stay sincere, and keep growing beneath The Goodly Tree.

Leadership isn’t just about results — it’s about responsibility. In this episode, I reflect on what it truly means to lead with ihsan — excellence, sincerity, and mercy — especially when managing a team. From Islamic principles to modern psychology, we explore how treating people with dignity is not only more productive… it’s more pleasing to Allah. We talk about emotional safety, ego in leadership, the trap of control, and why even one good staff member is a gift — not an obligation. I also share some personal experiences and warnings for anyone who’s ever thought, “I gave them a job — they owe me.” This episode is a reminder that how you treat your team isn’t just about business culture — it’s a reflection of your character, your intention, and your accountability before the One who gave you that trust in the first place. If you’re hiring, managing, mentoring — or even just reflecting on how to show up better in your own leadership role — this one is for you.

We live in a world obsessed with quick answers, AI shortcuts, and instant gratification. But what if not knowing the answer right away is exactly what your mind — and your soul — needs? In this episode, I reflect on what we lose when we skip the struggle. From homeschooling off-grid to debugging code with a goat yelling in the background, I’ve learned that real growth doesn’t come from easy wins — it comes from wrestling with the question. Drawing from Islamic wisdom, personal stories, and a surprising insight from a mathematician at Carnegie Mellon, this episode is a reminder that the journey is the reward — and the process is where barakah begins. If you’ve been feeling pressure to have it all figured out, this one’s for you.

This episode continues a story that began in Episode 2: The Fragrance of Hope — a reflection sparked by a simple gift from a scholar, passed through a friend, and then turned into a podcast. But it didn’t end there. Inspired by a voice note from Nur, this episode explores how good ripples across hearts — like rings in a tree — and how each of us carries a part in a chain of barakah. With reflections from the Qur’an and the idea of “infinite games,” this is a reminder that no good deed ever truly ends.

Homeschool holidays can feel like both a blessing and a test — especially when you’re trying to avoid screens, maintain barakah, and still get work done. In this episode, I share how Zainab and I manage the chaos, keep our kids meaningfully engaged, and stay grounded as a homeschooling family. Light-hearted, honest, and hopefully helpful to any parent navigating the noise.

Many of us wake up too late — when the best years have already passed. In this episode, we reflect on how Islam calls youth to responsibility early, how modern culture delays maturity, and why reclaiming our true identity as Muslim men starts now — not later. 🎧 Let’s plant seeds of purpose before the world steals our time.

In this episode of The Goodly Tree, I share a deeply personal reflection on raising my kids through the lessons of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Through a story by the fire and the timeless example of our beloved Prophet, we explore how true Islamic parenting isn’t just about rules — it’s about living mercy, patience, and kindness. If you’ve ever wondered how to raise children who love Allah deeply and naturally, this episode is for you.

In life, we all face moments when something precious to us breaks — dreams, plans, relationships. In this episode of The Goodly Tree, I reflect on a simple but profound experience: a bottle of perfume shattering on the floor, and the unexpected lesson it left behind. Through this story, we explore what it means to trust Allah’s plans, to see beauty even in pain, and to remember that sometimes — the most powerful fragrances are released only when we’re broken. Bismillah — let’s reflect together.

Welcome to The Goodly Tree, a podcast about faith, family, and living with purpose — rooted deeply in the guidance of Allah and His Messenger ﷺ. In this very first episode, host Asif Amod unpacks the meaning of the Goodly Tree mentioned in Surah Ibrahim, and why this timeless parable perfectly captures the journey every believer must undertake. Discover how a life anchored in Tawheed and nourished by good deeds can stretch towards Jannah, even through storms and setbacks. This isn’t a podcast about perfection. It’s about planting small seeds — of sincerity, of strength, of gratitude — and trusting Allah to grow them. If you’re ready to slow down, reflect, and realign your life with faith, this journey is for you. Bismillah. Let’s plant something beautiful together.