Rana Hussain is one of the most influential voices in Australian sport and media, but her story isn’t about trying to be seen. In fact, she used to run from it.

As a proud Muslim woman, Rana never set out to lead. But over time, her presence became a message in itself and she realised if she didn’t take up space, someone else would do it for her.

In this episode, we go deep on what it means to represent your community while still figuring out your place in the world. Rana opens up about the silent pressure, the inner conflict, and why she’s learnt to sit in the grey between her faith, her values, and the realities of the industries she works in.

We talk about the racism still baked into Australian sport, and how moments like Adam Goodes’ treatment became a turning point for her. She shares her view on the Peter Lalor situation at SEN, where a respected journalist lost his job after supporting Palestine and why the contrast with how Cricket Australia handled Usman Khawaja’s quiet protest says so much about who gets to speak, and when.

This is a conversation about courage, compromise, and calling things what they are. From AFL boardrooms to uncomfortable DMs from the community, Rana takes us inside her world — where progress is messy, but necessary.

Other highlights from this episode:
• Why diversity in sport often stops at marketing campaigns
• Navigating identity when you don’t fit neatly into one box
• The quiet ways media and institutions silence difficult conversations
• What Australia can learn from the UK’s approach to anti-Islamophobia
• The real reason AFL promotes players like Bachar Houli
• Why family-friendly sport could be the key to genuine inclusion

This episode is for anyone who's ever felt caught between who they are and what the world expects — and for everyone who cares about creating spaces where people can truly belong.

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Hejaz, Australia’s leading financial group, offers a comprehensive suite of Sharia-compliant products and services to the Islamic community. Dive into the world of Islamic finance and discover more about Hejaz Financial Services at:

www.hejazfs.com.au

Hosted by Ali Ozyon:
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrozyon/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-ozyon-75168285/

Co-Hosted by Muzzammil Dhedhy:
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muftimuzza/

Connect with Out of Interest Podcast:
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oointerest/
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oointerest
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/Out of Interest /
🐦 Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/oointerest
🌐 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oointerest

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

For business enquiries or if you have any questions, please email:
aozyon@hejazfs.com.au

Thanks!

In this powerful episode, we sit down with former AFL player Ahmed Saad, a trailblazer and one of only a handful of Muslim athletes to make it to the elite level of Australian Rules Football.

Born in Australia but raised in Egypt for six years, Ahmed opens up about his humble beginnings, his first love of soccer, and how fate (and a friend’s invitation) led him to try Aussie Rules — a sport he knew nothing about. From not knowing how to kick a footy at 16, to becoming the first Egyptian and second practising Muslim ever drafted into the AFL, Ahmed’s story is one of grit, faith, and identity.

We dive deep into the intersection of Islam and professional sport, as Ahmed shares the incredible impact Bachar Houli has had on the AFL community — from advocating for prayer rooms in stadiums to pioneering the Bachar Houli Foundation, which continues to inspire the next generation of young Muslim footballers. Ahmed reflects on how Bachar’s courage made it easier for others like him to enter the game with confidence.

Ahmed shares emotional insights into what it felt like walking into an AFL club as a practising Muslim — and the surprising openness and support he received from his team. He reveals the conversations he had with the club, the moment they asked “What do we need to know to support you as a Muslim?”, and what it was like to stand in front of the team and speak about his faith and culture.

We explore a rarely-discussed topic: fasting during Ramadan as an athlete. Ahmed candidly shares why he didn’t fast during his AFL career, the toll it can take on the body, and how he’s since chosen to fast while playing at local levels — giving listeners a raw and real view into the physical and spiritual balancing act that Muslim athletes face.

Other highlights from the episode:

• Growing up in Egypt and the culture shock of returning to Australia
• Soccer vs AFL: Which sport is tougher?
• The huge gap in money and exposure between AFL and global sports
• The importance of mentorship, and the role Grant Thomas played in keeping Ahmed grounded
• The life-changing impact of the Bachar Houli Foundation — including a recent leadership and training camp in the UAE that’s shaping the future of young Muslim athletes

Whether you're a fan of the game, a member of the Muslim community, or someone navigating identity in sport — this episode is raw, inspiring, and deeply meaningful.

This week on Out of Interest, we’re joined by one of Australia’s most respected and fearless crime journalists - Andrew Rule.

With a career spanning over four decades, Andrew has spent his life diving deep into the world of crime, corruption, and the human stories behind headlines. He’s best known as the co-creator of the iconic Underbelly TV series, which was based on the explosive books he co-wrote with John Silvester. That series was so controversial it was banned in Victoria — and as a result, pirated DVD sales exploded in pubs and job sites across the state.

But Andrew’s work goes far beyond what you’ve seen on screen. As the host of the hugely popular podcast Life and Crimes with Andrew Rule, he takes listeners into the gritty underworld of Australia and beyond — telling stories of drug smugglers, violent killers, and the systemic failures that let them slip through the cracks.

In this episode, we unpack stories that will make your jaw drop:

The escape of David McMillan, a man who went from school science labs to becoming a globe-trotting drug smuggler. Imprisoned across multiple continents, McMillan made history by being the first Westerner to escape Thailand’s infamous Bangkok Hilton prison — using nothing but bribes and a parasol.

Andrew’s take on why people commit horrendous crimes, like the Menendez brothers — often tracing back to a history of childhood trauma.

He reflects on covering major world tragedies — from the Bali bombings, to Christchurch earthquakes, and the Japanese tsunami — and the emotional toll of bearing witness to human suffering, even if it doesn’t leave him with PTSD.

A fascinating insight into why all criminals are gamblers, willing to stake their freedom or life for a shot at getting away with it.

What it’s really like being a crime reporter: the real fear isn’t the criminals — it’s being sued by rich, powerful people who don’t want their dirty laundry aired.

Andrew also shares the golden rule of crime writing: “If you can’t prove it, don’t publish it.” He’s seen the dangers of upsetting not just gangsters, but corrupt cops, who know the system inside out and have more motive than most to silence a story.

This is an episode packed with raw truths, shocking stories, and rare access into the mind of someone who’s seen the dark side of society up close.

🎧 Listen now and discover the hidden crimes, psychological twists, and moral complexities that lie beneath the surface of everyday Australia.

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Hejaz, Australia’s leading financial group, offers a comprehensive suite of Sharia-compliant products and services to the Islamic community. Dive into the world of Islamic finance and discover more about Hejaz Financial Services at:

www.hejazfs.com.au

Hosted by Ali Ozyon:
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrozyon/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-ozyon-75168285/

Co-Hosted by Muzzammil Dhedhy:
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muftimuzza/

Connect with Out of Interest Podcast:
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oointerest/
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oointerest
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/Out of Interest /
🐦 Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/oointerest
🌐 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oointerest

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

For business enquiries or if you have any questions, please email:
aozyon@hejazfs.com.au

Thanks!

Join us in this heartfelt conversation with Leila McDougall, an extraordinary woman whose journey embodies resilience, determination, and genuine Australian spirit. Leila opens up about the raw realities of running a farm—revealing the heavy burdens, isolation, financial pressures, and generational debt often passed down within farming families.

She courageously shares her personal struggles, from overcoming dyslexia and navigating her own mental health challenges to supporting loved ones battling bipolar disorder and suicidal ideation. Through her groundbreaking initiative, "Mellow in the Yellow," Leila is driving crucial conversations about mental health and suicide prevention in farming communities.

Leila's commitment to creating awareness led her to produce the deeply personal and award-winning film, "Just a Farmer." She reveals the immense hurdles faced while bringing this project to life, from self-funding the production and financial crises mid-filming to persistent rejections by streaming platforms. Despite the setbacks, Leila remained dedicated to spreading her powerful message, believing that if the film could save even one life, every sacrifice was worth it.

This is a genuine, inspiring episode shining a much-needed spotlight on rural life, mental health, and the incredible power of storytelling to create change.

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

Hejaz, Australia’s leading financial group, offers a comprehensive suite of Sharia-compliant products and services to the Islamic community. Dive into the world of Islamic finance and discover more about Hejaz Financial Services at:

www.hejazfs.com.au

Hosted by Ali Ozyon:
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrozyon/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-ozyon-75168285/

Co-Hosted by Muzzammil Dhedhy:
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muftimuzza/

Connect with Out of Interest Podcast:
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oointerest/
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oointerest
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/Out of Interest /
🐦 Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/oointerest
🌐 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oointerest

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

For business enquiries or if you have any questions, please email:
aozyon@hejazfs.com.au

Thanks!

In this episode of Out of Interest, Ali and Muzza sit down with Dr. Ali Abdo — 3x Olympian, osteopath, and one of the most respected wrestling figures in Australia.

From representing Australia on the Olympic stage to now mentoring the next generation of young athletes, Dr. Ali shares a deeply personal journey of sacrifice, discipline, and cultural pride. But more than just athletic success, this conversation explores what’s being lost in today’s combat sports — and why discipline, respect, and character still matter.

Topics covered include:
– What it really takes to reach the Olympics
– Wrestling vs. jiu-jitsu: the technical breakdown
– The brutal reality of cutting weight for competitions
– Whether chiropractors are a scam (from an osteo’s perspective)
– Why Australia doesn’t value athletes like other countries
– The influence of his father and the role of faith
– Wrestling’s role in MMA and modern sport
– What training in Japan taught him about respect and punctuality

Dr. Ali doesn’t just speak from experience - he speaks from the heart. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or just someone trying to live with more purpose and grit, this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

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

Hejaz, Australia’s leading financial group, offers a comprehensive suite of Sharia-compliant products and services to the Islamic community. Dive into the world of Islamic finance and discover more about Hejaz Financial Services at:

www.hejazfs.com.au

Hosted by Ali Ozyon:
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrozyon/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-ozyon-75168285/

Co-Hosted by Muzzammil Dhedhy:
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muftimuzza/

Connect with Out of Interest Podcast:
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oointerest/
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oointerest
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/Out of Interest /
🐦 Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/oointerest
🌐 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oointerest

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

For business enquiries or if you have any questions, please email:
aozyon@hejazfs.com.au

Thanks!

This week, we sit down with rising motorsport star James Wharton, an Australian racing driver making waves in Formula 3 with his sights set on Formula 1. From moving to Italy at just 10 years old to joining the Ferrari Driver Academy, James shares his journey, the sacrifices he’s made, and the brutal reality of what it takes to reach the top of motorsport.

In this episode, James gives an inside look at the highly competitive world of junior formula racing, explaining the intense speed jumps from F4 to F3 and why every tenth of a second matters. He breaks down the pay-to-play reality of Formula 1, revealing how sponsorships and financial backing can make or break a driver’s career. As part of Ferrari’s elite program, he talks about the pressure vs. privilege of having the backing of a top team and how that shapes his approach to racing.

James also opens up about the mental and physical demands of competing at the highest level, the loneliness of moving overseas so young, and the European vs. Australian racing mindset. He shares what it was like signing his first F3 contract, the excitement of finally racing in Melbourne, and why Formula racing is more competitive than ever—right down to F4. With a laser focus on reaching F1, he breaks down what he needs to do next and how he plans to make it happen.

A must-watch for F1 fans, motorsport enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to understand what it really takes to climb the ranks of professional racing.

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

Hejaz, Australia’s leading financial group, offers a comprehensive suite of Sharia-compliant products and services to the Islamic community. Dive into the world of Islamic finance and discover more about Hejaz Financial Services at:

www.hejazfs.com.au

Hosted by Ali Ozyon:
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrozyon/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-ozyon-75168285/

Co-Hosted by Muzzammil Dhedhy:
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muftimuzza/

Connect with Out of Interest Podcast:
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oointerest/
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oointerest
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/Out of Interest /
🐦 Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/oointerest
🌐 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oointerest

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

For business enquiries or if you have any questions, please email:
aozyon@hejazfs.com.au

Thanks!

2025 marks a defining moment for Hejaz, and this episode is your exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what’s next!

After an unbelievable year of growth, Hejaz Founder & CEO Hakan Ozyon joins the boys for an eye-opening conversation about scaling a business beyond borders, breaking new ground in Islamic finance, and the details behind the companies expansion to Bahrain.

With Hejaz expanding into major global markets, this isn’t just another business update, it’s a blueprint for what’s possible when you push the limits. From building Australia’s only AAOIFI-recognised Islamic finance company to disrupting global markets in the Middle East and London, Hejaz is proving why they are in a league of their own. This episode dives into the risks, rewards, and relentless ambition behind our next big move.

What’s Inside This Episode?

What’s Inside This Episode?

• Scaling from Local to Global – Hakan and the team reveal the challenges of taking Hejaz from a small to medium-sized business to a major international player.
  
  
• The Middle East Demand is Surging – Find out why investors in the Gulf region are welcoming Hejaz with open arms and how their services fill a massive gap in the Islamic finance sector.
  
  
• Exclusive Recognition – Hejaz is the ONLY company in Australia recognized by AAOIFI, the world’s leading Islamic finance regulatory body. Competitors simply can’t match the level of scrutiny and compliance Hejaz has achieved.
  
  
• London Stock Exchange’s Verdict – Muzza shares a jaw-dropping moment from his chat with the London Stock Exchange, where Hejaz was named the largest independent issuer of Islamic ETFs in the world.
  
  
• The Super App is Coming – The Halal Money app is about to revolutionize Islamic finance, bringing all Hejaz services under one powerful digital platform.
  
  
• Why the Middle East is the New Global Hub – The guys break down why so many Westerners are relocating to places like Dubai and Bahrain, from better education, safety, and quality of life to a return to traditional values.
  
  

This episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting a behind-the-scenes look at Hejaz’s evolution, the future of Islamic finance, and why their move overseas is set to change the game. Don’t miss it! 🎧

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

Hejaz, Australia’s leading financial group, offers a comprehensive suite of Sharia-compliant products and services to the Islamic community. Dive into the world of Islamic finance and discover more about Hejaz Financial Services at:

www.hejazfs.com.au

Hosted by Ali Ozyon:
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrozyon/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-ozyon-75168285/

Co-Hosted by Muzzammil Dhedhy:
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muftimuzza/

Connect with Out of Interest Podcast:
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oointerest/
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oointerest
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/Out of Interest /
🐦 Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/oointerest
🌐 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oointerest

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

For business enquiries or if you have any questions, please email:
aozyon@hejazfs.com.au

Thanks!

In this episode of the Out of Interest Podacst, we sit down with James Webb, Australia’s #1 competitive eater and ranked #4 in the world! James shares his incredible journey from a bodybuilder and corporate worker to a professional eater competing on the global stage.

We discuss his first burger challenge that went viral, his transition into competitive eating, and how he turned a passion for food into a full-fledged career. James also dives into the rigorous training, jaw exercises, and mental discipline required to compete at the highest level of eating contests, including devouring 52 hot dogs at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.

But it’s not just about the food – James opens up about his business ventures, from launching an apparel brand to plans for a gym-restaurant hybrid. He shares his insights on the competitive eating industry, the importance of networking, and how a strong mindset helped him overcome life-changing challenges, including a battle with Guillain-Barré Syndrome.

Prepare to be inspired, amazed, and maybe a little hungry as James gives us a taste of his wild life and what it takes to be a world-class eater!

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

Hejaz, Australia’s leading financial group, offers a comprehensive suite of Sharia-compliant products and services to the Islamic community. Dive into the world of Islamic finance and discover more about Hejaz Financial Services at:

www.hejazfs.com.au

Hosted by Ali Ozyon:
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrozyon/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-ozyon-75168285/

Co-Hosted by Muzzammil Dhedhy:
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muftimuzza/

Connect with Out of Interest Podcast:
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oointerest/
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oointerest
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/Out of Interest /
🐦 Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/oointerest
🌐 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oointerest

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

For business enquiries or if you have any questions, please email:
aozyon@hejazfs.com.au

Thanks!