The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe 453: Enes Kanter Freedom—In the Name of Freedom
Oct 7, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Enes Kanter Freedom, a former NBA center and passionate human rights activist, recounts his harrowing experiences growing up in Turkey and the repercussions of his outspoken criticism of authoritarianism. He shares how he transformed basketball shoes into powerful symbols of protest against government abuses. From facing exile to grappling with the NBA's pressures, Enes reflects on his moral journey and the importance of standing up for freedom, while promoting his book, In the Name of Freedom.
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Promise Not To Hate Before Meeting
- Enes recounts being handed an American flag to burn as a child and refusing, then asking his mother what to do.
- His mother told him never to hate anyone before meeting them, which shaped his worldview and future activism.
Shabbat Dinner That Changed Him
- Enes describes awkwardly accepting invitations from Christian and Jewish teammates and attending a Shabbat dinner at 18.
- The kindness at that dinner transformed his prejudices and inspired him to bridge divides in the Middle East.
Human Rights Speech Becomes Personal Risk
- Speaking out about Turkey's 2013 corruption scandal made Enes a target and triggered reprisals against his family.
- He frames his criticism as human rights advocacy, not partisan politics.
