This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von E521 Bassem Youssef
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Jul 30, 2024 
Bassem Youssef, a comedian, author, and political commentator from Egypt, dives deep into the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He discusses the historical context of the conflict, the rise of Hamas, and critiques media narratives surrounding Gaza. Bassem shares his personal journey from heart surgeon to comedian, highlighting the challenges of navigating sensitive topics with humor. He emphasizes the importance of open dialogue and understanding diverse perspectives while addressing the implications of U.S. foreign policies in the region.
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Career Shift
- Bassem Youssef transitioned from a 19-year career in heart surgery to comedy.
- He was inspired by Jon Stewart and the Egyptian revolution.
Show's Success and Exile
- Bassem's show became the biggest in the Middle East, reaching 40 million viewers.
- He faced censorship, lawsuits, threats, and ultimately left Egypt in 2014.
Stand-up Struggles
- Bassem struggled initially with stand-up in the US due to language and cultural differences.
- He honed his skills by incorporating jokes into speaking engagements.