Guest #67 | Canyon Mimbs. Empath.

Sep 20

He’s white, 21, and from North Idaho. So why did Canyon Mims convert to Islam?

In a time when religion is politicized and division is profitable, Canyon made a move that defies every stereotype. After living in Pakistan and seeing Islam up close, he didn’t just study the faith—he embraced it. This episode isn’t about conversion. It’s about curiosity, conviction, and cutting through the noise.es proves NASA's lunar triumph was a Cold War-era Hollywood illusion. From AI analysis to deadly government secrets, buckle up—this one goes deep.

🎙️ Why This 21-Year-Old White American Converted to Islam | Canyon Mims on Faith, Family, and Fighting Division.

Canyon Mims isn’t your average 21-year-old. Raised in North Idaho in a spiritual but non-religious household, he made the radical decision to convert to Islam after living in Pakistan. With over 1 million followers across social media, he’s using his platform to spark real conversations about faith, politics, and unity.

In Episode #BH9MP, Ray Doustdar sits down with Canyon to unpack why he embraced Islam, how his family reacted, and why the world needs more open-minded dialogue. This is Muslim 101, minus the fluff.

🎯 Key Takeaways

Canyon converted to Islam at 19 after living in Pakistan and experiencing Muslim hospitality firsthand
He was raised atheist/agnostic and explored multiple religions before finding resonance in Islam
Canyon is critical of religious division and emphasizes shared values between Islam and Christianity
Obligatory Islamic practices include five daily prayers, 2.5% charity (zakat), and fasting during Ramadan
Haters don’t faze him—clarity of purpose is his armor against online criticism

🧠 Summary

In a culture that thrives on division, Canyon Mims is a breath of fresh air. The episode kicks off with Ray highlighting Canyon's social media success and his unexpected background—a white kid from Idaho turned devout Muslim. But this isn’t just about religion. It’s about values, critical thinking, and a willingness to sit down with people who see the world differently.

Canyon shares how he traveled the world after getting life advice from a mentor, eventually landing in Pakistan where the genuine warmth of the people and the clarity of Islamic teachings led him to convert. His family, while initially surprised, supported him because he maintained close relationships and communicated openly. Now, Canyon practices Islam devoutly, though imperfectly—something he’s candid about.

He emphasizes how Islam aligns with health and mindfulness trends (prayer = stretching, fasting = clarity) and speaks openly about how media has distorted perceptions of Muslims. Most importantly, he champions unity, arguing that Christians and Muslims should stop fighting and start recognizing their overwhelming common ground.

🔎 Practical Tips

Be willing to change your beliefs as you gain new information
Practice open dialogue with people who hold different views
Anchor your actions in purpose to deflect hate and criticism
Don’t let politics dominate your mental bandwidth—focus on what you can control
Represent your beliefs through behavior, not just words

📚 Research Spotlight

Islamic fasting during Ramadan has been linked to improved metabolic markers, better insulin sensitivity, and enhanced spiritual well-being (National Library of Medicine, 2021).

❓FAQ

Why did Canyon Mims convert to Islam?
He was deeply impacted by the kindness he experienced in Pakistan and found the teachings of Islam to align with his values.

What are the main obligations in Islam he follows?
Five daily prayers, 2.5% charity (zakat), and fasting from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan.

How did his family react to his conversion?
Surprisingly supportive, partly because Canyon maintained strong communication with them throughout his journey.

What does he say about online hate?
It only affects you if you’re unclear on your purpose. Once you're solid in your "why," hate loses its power.

⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps

00:15 – Ray introduces Canyon and his background
01:16 – Canyon shares his path to Islam
03:00 – Traveling to Pakistan with a Muslim business partner
05:06 – Key difference between Islam and Christianity
10:24 – Obligatory Islamic practices: prayer, zakat, fasting
16:09 – Fasting as a spiritual and physical reset
20:28 – On political division and open-mindedness
25:13 – Handling hate and criticism on social media
29:10 – Canyon’s content evolution and interfaith unity
34:15 – Tackling myths around Muslim extremism
36:25 – Canyon’s message of unity across all faiths

🧭 Final Thought

Division is a distraction. The real power lies in our shared humanity—faith should unify, not fracture.

🔗 Social & Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepshallowdive

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deepshallowdive

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepshallowdive

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@raydoustdar

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Threads: https://www.threads.com/@deepshallowdive

Substack: https://deepshallowdive.substack.com/

Ray Doustdar

Adding a new chapter to his diverse career, Ray now steps into the world of literature as an author, presenting his debut work, 'Deep Shallow Dive into You.' This book is a testament to his commitment to fostering personal growth and self-awareness.

Ray's venture into authorship extends his passion for meaningful communication and impact into writing, offering readers a transformative journey designed to cultivate a more authentic relationship with themselves.

Ray aims to connect with readers profoundly through his writing, sharing insights and strategies to help them uncover their true selves and live with unwavering authenticity and intention.

https://www.deepshallowdive.com