Malala Yousafzai’s Lighthearted Confession: Why She’s Team Conrad and How Pop Culture Shapes Her New Memoir

Malala Yousafzai: From Nobel Laureate to Pop Culture Fan

Malala Yousafzai’s name is synonymous with courage and advocacy for girls’ education. But behind the headlines, Malala is also a fan—just like anyone else. In a rare, candid interview with PEOPLE, Malala, now 28, showed her lighter side alongside her husband, Asser Malik, as they took part in a playful couple’s quiz. The global activist and her husband, married since 2021, offered a glimpse into their partnership that is both deeply personal and professionally impactful, having recently co-founded a women’s sports initiative together.

Their chemistry was palpable as they answered questions ranging from favorite Taylor Swift eras to the crucial pop culture debate: Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah from the hit series The Summer I Turned Pretty. For Malala, this wasn’t just trivia. It’s part of how she connects with the world beyond activism.

Team Conrad: Malala’s Pop Culture Allegiance

During the couple quiz, one question stood out: which brother does Malala root for in The Summer I Turned Pretty? The Prime Video series, which has captured the hearts of millions, centers on Belly Conklin’s coming-of-age journey and her romantic entanglement with the Fisher brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah. In the end, Belly chooses Conrad—a decision that resonated with Malala.

Her husband, Asser Malik, knew instantly: Malala is Team Conrad. This detail, seemingly trivial, reveals a more personal side to someone often seen only through the lens of her activism. She’s invested in the same pop culture debates as her fans, and she’s not shy about sharing her opinions. “She’s…Team Conrad!” Just Jared reports, confirming Malik’s correct guess.

This connection to pop culture isn’t new for Malala. It’s a way to relax, to engage in everyday conversations, and to experience stories from a different perspective. For someone whose life has been shaped by global events, these moments of relatability matter.

Partnership Beyond Activism: Malala and Asser Malik

Malala and Asser’s partnership extends well beyond their marriage. In 2025, they co-founded a women’s sports initiative, aiming to empower women through athletics—a cause that echoes Malala’s lifelong mission of female empowerment. Their teamwork, showcased in interviews and public appearances, reflects a shared vision for a more inclusive world.

Their joint interview with PEOPLE offered a peek into how they balance personal interests with professional commitments. While Malala is known for her advocacy, her favorite book—her newly released memoir, Finding My Way—serves as another testament to her journey. She kicked off her book tour with a conversation alongside Jenny Han, creator of The Summer I Turned Pretty, blending her activism with her appreciation for storytelling.

Finding My Way: A Memoir Rooted in Experience

Malala’s memoir, Finding My Way, released in October 2025, is more than a recounting of her achievements. It’s a reflection on the personal growth that comes from both hardship and joy. She describes the book as her “favorite,” not just because it chronicles her journey, but because it weaves in elements of the everyday—like her fandoms and her relationship with Asser.

The book launch, held in New York City, featured a town hall with Jenny Han. This partnership was symbolic: two bestselling authors from vastly different worlds, finding common ground in storytelling and the power of youth voices. Malala’s candidness about her pop culture interests highlights how these influences inform her worldview, making her activism more accessible and relatable.

The Power of Relatability: Why Malala’s Pop Culture Moment Matters

Why does it matter that Malala is Team Conrad? On the surface, it’s a simple preference. But dig deeper, and it’s clear that these moments of relatability help bridge the gap between global icons and everyday people. When Malala shares her favorite TV show or her preferred Taylor Swift era, she’s opening a door for young people to see themselves in her—to recognize that even Nobel laureates have favorite characters and stories.

Her openness also reflects a broader trend among public figures to embrace their personal interests. By doing so, Malala is redefining what it means to be an activist: someone who fights for change, but also enjoys the culture that shapes the world around us.

As she continues her book tour and expands her advocacy, Malala’s willingness to share her pop culture allegiances invites others to engage with her story—not just as a tale of triumph, but as a life lived with both seriousness and joy.

Citations

• PEOPLE
• Just Jared

Malala Yousafzai’s openness about her pop culture interests, coupled with her ongoing advocacy and new memoir, illustrates a powerful intersection between personal relatability and global impact. By sharing these lighter moments, she invites the world to connect with her as both a leader and a person, proving that the stories we love—and the choices we make—can be both meaningful and transformative.