Baha’is see the young as the most precious treasure a community can possess. In them are the promise and guarantee of the future. Yet, in order for this promise to be realised, children need to receive spiritual nourishment, such as can be found in the children’s classes happening all around the world.
I deeply admire the work of Sana Vasli–his dedication, enthusiasm and wholeheartedness are infectious! You might remember Sana and I chatted when he released a new podcast series called “Stories of the Master“. Well, that was just season one! Season two is out now and this season is called “Stories of the Bab” and it’s available for listening on Spotify or Apple podcasts.
Here’s what Sana shared about this new season and about the Baha’i Stories Podcast as a whole:
What is the Baha’i Stories Podcast?
Sana Vasli and his daughter
The Baha’i Stories Podcast explores the lives, missions and lessons of the Central Figures of the Faith. Each season has its own theme. Season one has 19 episodes on Abdu’l-Baha called “Stories of the Master”and I have just released Season two called “Stories of the Bab”.
What did you learn from doing season one?
When making the podcast, I started with an audience in mind and recording it felt inauthentic. It felt like a performance rather than an expression of love for Abdu’l-Baha. After completing a few episodes, I changed my approach and made the podcast that I’ve always wanted for myself. This made the project more about art, than engagement. Thankfully, it appears that others also enjoy this style of storytelling–going down rabbit holes and focusing on the subtle decisions that get overlooked.
What can we expect for season two?
“Stories of the Bab” will not be a series of individual stories. It will be a mega story spanning over 12 episodes, so it’s essential that people listen from the first episode. People may be surprised at the level of detail that has been recorded about the life and mission of the Bab. It is these very details that make the stories so interesting. Listeners will also explore the spiritual insights that can be learnt from the Bab and the Dawn Breakers.
What are some things about the Bab you want people to know?
There are three things. The first is what it was like to be around the Bab. Due to the urgent nature of the Bab’s Writings, I often hear misperceptions about His nature. Every account that I have read from the witnesses of the Bab’s life reinforces His gentle presence. It is this countenance that juxtaposed both the unruly cities that He entered and the leaders who occupied them.
The second is His trust in God. No obstacle was too great for the Bab and His followers. The greater the faith, the greater the power and blessings that followed.
Lastly, it is the human side of the Manifestations of God. The Bab experienced emotional and physical pain. Being a Manifestation of God is a burden that He carried for the world.
The first season has obvious takeaways for people, but what can we implement in our lives from stories of the Bab?
Yes. While it’s clear that many of the early believers were special, this podcast focuses less on who they were and more about what they did. The Letters of the Living and other followers of the Bab recognised the power of prayer and meditation that connected them to divine assistance in an irrefutable way. While we will not be called on to fulfil the sacrifices they faced, we too, can use these spiritual tools to be align ourselves to God’s Will.
Any future plans for other seasons?
Yes, I have plans for a season three and four. After a short break, I will start working on season three, which is announced in the final episode of season two. The research alone may take 12 months, as there are five to six key books that I want to study to piece the timeline together.
Thank you so much, Sana! And congrats on releasing season two!
Listen to “Stories of the Bab” on Spotify or Apple podcasts. To whet your appetite, here’s the introductory episode:
In her innermost heart, Sonjel is a stay-at-home parent and a bookworm with a maxed out library card but professionally she is a museologist with a background in English Literature. She currently lives on Prince Edward Island, an isle in the shape of a smile on the eastern Canadian coast. Sonjel is a writer who loves to listen to jazz when she's driving at night.
Sana – you absolute legend! SO SO grateful – my sons and I have been eagerly waiting ON edge for this content. The Stories of the Master has been such an instrumental podcast for my young sons – they even do their own rendition of the intro it’s quite entertaining. Just a MASSIVE thank you and appreciation for this beautiful podcast. Perfectly in time for the summer! Thank you thank you and may all of these efforts result in inspiring an incredible new race of men (in my case with 3 boys!) with love!
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Sana – you absolute legend! SO SO grateful – my sons and I have been eagerly waiting ON edge for this content. The Stories of the Master has been such an instrumental podcast for my young sons – they even do their own rendition of the intro it’s quite entertaining. Just a MASSIVE thank you and appreciation for this beautiful podcast. Perfectly in time for the summer! Thank you thank you and may all of these efforts result in inspiring an incredible new race of men (in my case with 3 boys!) with love!
Noor Bell (July 7, 2025 at 2:08 AM)