We’re Not Kidding with Mehdi & Friends

Make Nando’s, Not War - with Nish Kumar

Sep 26, 2024

Nish Kumar, a comedian and host known for his sharp wit and love of Nando's, joins for a lively chat that mixes humor with serious themes. They explore how Nando's unites a divided Britain and dive into societal issues like rising racial tensions and Islamophobia. Nish shares personal anecdotes about cultural identity and family ties through food, including biryani discussions. They also critique political responses to societal injustices while highlighting the therapeutic power of comedy amidst turmoil, including the challenges in the Middle East.

55:17

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Nish Kumar

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Quick takeaways

Nish Kumar emphasizes that the cultural connection through food, particularly a shared love for Nando's, serves as a critical bridge amidst Britain's societal fragmentation.

The conversation reveals the increased vulnerability faced by marginalized groups in the UK, amplifying the necessity for solidarity against rising racial tensions and discrimination.

Political figures like Rishi Sunak exemplify the complex dynamics of race relations, demonstrating that ambition does not guarantee acceptance or safety within predominantly white political spheres.

Deep dives

Cultural Connections through Food

The discussion highlights the speaker's humorous take on food as a bridge between cultures. The love for Nando's, a popular chicken restaurant originating from South Africa, represents a shared experience that transcends racial and ethnic divides in the UK. The speaker emphasizes the peculiar situation of traveling to Canada for halal Nando's, showcasing the cultural significance of food in uniting diverse communities. This sentiment illustrates how food can foster connections among individuals, creating common ground in an increasingly fragmented society.

Awareness is Key to Prevention

01:29

Embrace Fear as a Catalyst for Unity

01:19

Confrontation Over Apathy: Leadership Requires Honest Dialogue

01:42

Intro

2min

Nando's and Cultural Connections

3min

Cultural Identities and Culinary Connections

10min

Navigating Identity and Ethnonationalism

23min

Racial Tensions and Political Accountability

10min

Ethics and Activism in Today's Politics

5min

Exploring Comedy Amidst Middle Eastern Turmoil

2min

In the latest episode of ‘We’re Not Kidding’, Mehdi’s in London (again!) and this time chatting with the Nando’s-loving comedian and host of ‘Pod Save the UK’ Nish Kumar. We promise you will laugh – and maybe even cry of laughter.

Nish and Mehdi lead with that - their shared love of Nando’s - and how, as Nish describes, it’s the only thing uniting a fragmented British society right now.

The two also get deep into what that fragmented society looks like: the far-right, racist-fueled riots that took hold of the country this summer where more than 1,000 people were arrested, the post-October 7 resurgence of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiment (that feels a lot like the 9/11-era), and how it’s echoed across the pond, in the US.

Nish and Mehdi also talk biryani (who does it best), Gaza, Netanyahu and even Indian prime minister Narendra Modi.

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