The Tea with Myriam Francois

Comedy is supposed to make us think, challenge power, and hold the world up to a mirror. But what happens when comedians become tools for the powerful, softening politicians, chasing clicks, and avoiding tough questions? When politicians use podcasts as free publicity, and “funny jokes” replace accountability, who’s really laughing, and who’s being played? This week on The Tea, we are joined by stand-up comedian Aamer Rahman to take a hard look at the world of modern comedy and podcasts — and how they influence culture, politics, and public perception. We unpack why much of today’s comedy, far from being “fearless,” is built on cynicism, engagement-chasing, and the avoidance of accountability. We examine how these dynamics shape audiences’ understanding of power, prejudice, and culture.In this episode, we dive deep into:🎭 Comedy as a tool — How comedians give politicians free publicity🎭 Cynicism over responsibility — Why clicks often replace meaningful comedy🎭 The illusion of censorship — Who really faces limits on free speech🎭 Cultural influence — How subtle biases in comedy shape behaviour🎭 Resistance through humour — How GenZ uses comedy to challenge oppressionAamer exposes the intersection of entertainment, politics, and power — and challenges us to think critically about the media we consume.#TheTeaWithMyriamFrancois #AamerRahman #StandUpComedy #ComedyCulture #Censorship #Islamophobia #LegacyMedia #Resistance #CulturalCriticism #PoliticalSatire #USPolitics #GlobalPoliticsAUDIO CREDITSPresenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam FrançoisGuest: Aamer RahmanSenior Producer: Sara FarolfiProducer: Nadège BizimunguAssistant Producer: Poppy JacobsVideo Editor: Max BubnovAn MPWR Productions show.👉 Subscribe for fearless, independent conversations: https://www.youtube.com/@UCT4kJCZyg26egbPAuJVj2kA 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.🎥 Click to watch. Subscribe for new episodes.❤️ Support independent journalism that tells hard truths.https://www.patreon.com/TheTeawithMyriamFrancois?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabkrbubUPKErSGVFGL5bzjQytkb9HanzeLQBUi8U-mU6g5aVSTqE5ej7sQ_aem_SO9ihK10zUz3TdyPOD2ngA'The Thumbnail image is AI generated' Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on The Tea YouTube series and podcast are their own and do not reflect those of MPWR Productions or its licensees. The appearance of this YouTube programme and podcast on social media platforms does not imply endorsement by MPWR Productions. MPWR Productions disclaims any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law.This video is intended for informational and commentary purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures or journalists is based on publicly available information and does not imply guilt or wrongdoing.The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Tea, we sit down with one-woman powerhouse Jameela Jamil to dismantle some of the most deeply held assumptions about patriarchy, power, and who it truly serves.In this urgent and unflinching episode, we challenge the idea that patriarchy primarily targets women. Jameela argues instead that it is a system engineered to subjugate men — for war, dangerous labour, and disposability — while convincing them that domination equals power. The real trick? Convincing men that women are the enemy, so they never see who is truly exploiting them.And yet, the same system that treats men as expendable turns women into objects to be endlessly edited, infantilised, and erased. Women are trained to erase themselves — surgically, financially, and emotionally — to serve predatory desires and impossible ideals. From fashion week to facelifts, the message is clear: disappear, stay small, stay young — or become irrelevant.We unpack⚖️ Patriarchy: an extraction system — men as disposable bodies for war and labour⚖️ Division as strategy — why solidarity between men and women threatens power⚖️ The beauty industry as erasure — self-mutilation sold as “self-care”⚖️ Youthification & ageing — why self-knowing older women terrify patriarchy⚖️ Economic resistance — how withholding money can reclaim power⚖️ Self-knowledge as threat — when women know themselves, power is exposedJameela argues that, while power is slipping from our hands, a narrow window remains to reclaim it — not through placards alone, but through refusal, solidarity, and organised economic withdrawal. As she puts it: “Men need to wake up and realise that we are all being screwed by the same system. And you would liberate yourselves by liberating us.”👉 Subscribe for fearless, independent conversations: [link]🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.#TheTeaWithMyriamFrancois #JameelaJamil #Patriarchy #Feminism #GenderPolitics #Capitalism #BeautyIndustry #Ageing #War #WomenEmpowerment #SocialJustice #Inequality #UKPolitics #USPolitics #EpsteinCase #ManosphereCheck out Love Welcomes, a social enterprise creating dignified, fairly paid work for refugee women rebuilding their lives. For 10% discount, enter THETEA10 at checkout!🔗 https://www.lovewelcomes.org/?ref=MYRIAMFRANCOISMyriam Francois is wearing a Christmas jumper provided by Solidarity Sleigh: www.solidaritysleigh.com  : 100% profits from these jumpers go directly to PAL Commission for War Crimes, Justice, Reparations & Return — one of the oldest Palestinian-led advocacy institutions in exile. They serve not only to secure accountability but full Palestinian rights, including getting land back. You can learn more about PAL Commission at: www.palcommission.com AUDIO CREDITSPresenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam FrançoisGuest: Jameela JamilSenior Producer: Sara FarolfiProducer: Nadège BizimunguAssistant Producer: Poppy JacobsVideo Editor: Max BubnovAn MPWR Productions show.'The Thumbnail image is AI generated' Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on The Tea YouTube series and podcast are their own and do not reflect those of MPWR Productions or its licensees. The appearance of this YouTube programme and podcast on social media platforms does not imply endorsement by MPWR Productions. MPWR Productions disclaims any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law.This video is intended for informational and commentary purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures or journalists is based on publicly available information and does not imply guilt or wrongdoing.The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging discussion, British journalist James Jackson sheds light on Germany's complex ties to Israel and its struggle with historical identity. He critiques the rise of the far-right AfD and the troubling increase in police violence, even against Jewish protesters. Jackson delves into the ramifications of Merkel’s 'Staatsräson' and how it affects free speech, particularly for Palestinian solidarity movements. He warns of a growing authoritarianism and the weaponization of anti-Semitism rhetoric, leaving listeners with important reflections on power and repression.

“How international law has become the new weapon in the battle for public opinion”In this urgent and deeply challenging episode of The Tea with Myriam François, renowned scholar and author Norman Finkelstein argues that international law, once thought to be a neutral framework for justice, has become a largely toothless tool, vulnerable to political pressure and media spin. #TheTeaWithMyriamFrancois #NormanFinkelstein #Gaza #InternationalLaw #ICJ #UNRWA #UN #HumanRights #MiddleEastPolitics #USForeignPolicy #Hamas #Israel #Netanyahu #Trump2025AUDIO CREDITSPresenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam FrançoisGuest: Norman FinkelsteinSenior Producer: Sara FarolfiProducer: Nadège BizimunguAssistant Producer: Poppy JacobsResearch: Leena KhanVideo Editor: Max BubnovAn MPWR Productions show.👉 Subscribe for fearless, independent conversations: https://www.youtube.com/@UCT4kJCZyg26egbPAuJVj2kA 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.Check out Love Welcomes, a social enterprise creating dignified, fairly paid work for refugee women rebuilding their lives. For 10% discount, enter THETEA10 at checkout!🔗 https://www.lovewelcomes.org/?ref=MYRIAMFRANCOIS🎥 Click to watch. Subscribe for new episodes.❤️ Support independent journalism that tells hard truths.https://www.patreon.com/TheTeawithMyriamFrancois?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabkrbubUPKErSGVFGL5bzjQytkb9HanzeLQBUi8U-mU6g5aVSTqE5ej7sQ_aem_SO9ihK10zUz3TdyPOD2ngA'The Thumbnail image is AI generated' Disclaimer:"The following episode contains discussion of sexual violence and related themes, which may be distressing for some audiences.The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on The Tea YouTube series and podcast are their own and do not reflect those of MPWR Productions or its licensees. The appearance of this YouTube programme and podcast on social media platforms does not imply endorsement by MPWR Productions. MPWR Productions disclaims any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law.This video is intended for informational and commentary purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures or journalists is based on publicly available information and does not imply guilt or wrongdoing.The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised.The ICJ ruled “In the Court’s view, the facts and circumstances mentioned above are sufficient to conclude that at least some of the rights claimed by South Africa and for which it is seeking protection are plausible. This is the case with respect to the right of the Palestinians in Gaza to be protected from acts of genocide and related prohibited acts identified in Article III, and the right of South Africa to seek Israel’s compliance with the latter’s obligations under the Convention.”Joan Donoghue said on BBC’s Hard Talk“[...] So the Court decided that the Palestinians had a plausible right to be protected from genocide [...] It didn’t decide that the claim of genocide was plausible. It did emphasise, in the order, that there was a risk of irreparable harm to the Palestinian right to be protected from genocide [...]” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Louisa Munch, a critical theorist from Rochdale known for her insights into nostalgia and neoliberalism, discusses the entrenchment of societal issues. She highlights the illusion of a 'rich exodus' and critiques wealth hoarding, likening the super-rich to blood clots that suffocate progress. Louisa examines the disillusionment of Gen Z, urging a shift from migration narratives to addressing wealth inequality. She argues for community rebuilding and the necessity of compassionate dialogues to foster hope and challenge the status quo.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Emad Mostaque, AI entrepreneur and founder of Stability AI, delves into the potential upheaval AI could unleash on society. Topics range from the alarming pace of AI replacing jobs to the ethical challenges of inequality. He examines the idea of AI governance, using Albania's model as a case study, and expresses concerns over AI's impact on human relationships and economic structures. Mostaque warns of a future where capitalism may struggle to adapt while advocating for Universal Basic AI as a necessary human right.

Lucia Osborne-Crowley, an award-winning writer and investigative journalist, dives deep into the chilling realities surrounding the Epstein case. She shares her alarming experiences of threats and intimidation while reporting, including being stalked and having her phone hacked. The conversation reveals how powerful elites collaborated to protect themselves, leaving victims unprotected. Lucia discusses suspicious deaths linked to the case, the flawed narratives perpetuated by the media, and the ongoing struggle for accountability in a world that shelters predators.

Join historian Subhadra Das, an expert on eugenics and scientific racism, as she explores the alarming resurgence of eugenic ideas. From political figures like Trump leveraging misinformation to Sydney Sweeney's controversial ad, Das highlights how these narratives subtly permeate culture. She warns about the dangers of medical practices targeting marginalized groups, critiques economic policies as modern eugenics, and calls attention to the role of tech in perpetuating elitist narratives around 'genetic perfection.' Resistance begins with awareness!

In this thought-provoking discussion, Ashira Darwish, a Palestinian trauma healer and founder of Catharsis Holistic Healing, addresses the collective trauma shaped by violence. She explores how algorithms numb society to genocide, critiques traditional therapy's limitations, and advocates for somatic practices to heal intergenerational trauma. Ashira emphasizes self-care as resistance and illustrates how cultural rituals can sustain communities. She calls for a deeper understanding of Palestinian resistance, driven by love and hope for liberation.

Nine months into Trump’s second term, the National Guard is being deployed across the country, ICE are operating like a domestic paramilitary, tech executives wear military rank, and dissent is being frozen by fear. Meanwhile, nearly 40% of Americans now say democracy isn’t worth the fight.So how did we get here? And where are we heading?In this gripping new episode of The Tea with Myriam François, we’re joined by public historian Tad Stoermer to unpack the rise of authoritarianism in the US — and what resistance looks like when democracy bends and when the machinery of fear is turned inward.In a world where facts no longer seem to matter, how do we resist when the story we’re told — “us versus them” — is a cover for authoritarianism, and the “law and order” narrative hides the very machinery of control?We unpack:⚠️ When tech billionaires start wearing military rank — who’s really in charge?⚠️ Inside the rise of the far-right Christian nationalists ⚠️ Trump’s “us vs. them” narrative — what makes it so dangerously effective?⚠️ Trump’s war on education ⚠️ How Christianity became a cornerstone of modern authoritarianism? ⚠️ “Law and order” — or just another name for control?⚠️ No Kings Day: Proof that democracy still breathes — or its last gasp?⚠️ What can historical resistance teach us about how to fight back today?👉 Subscribe for more fearless conversations: [link]🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.#TheTeaWithMyriamFrancois #TadStoermer #USPolitics #Authoritarianism #SurveillanceState #Trump2025 #Resistance #TechPower #Palantir #OpenAI #Fascism #NoKings #NoKingsDayProtest #Democracy #Trump #WhiteHouse #TrumpBallroom #ICE #ICEraids #GavinNewsom #MAGA AUDIO CREDITSPresenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam FrançoisGuest: Tad StoermerSenior producer: Sara FarolfiProducer: Nadège BizimunguAssistant Producer: Poppy JacobsResearch: Leena KhanVideo Editor: Max BubnovAn MPWR Productions show.🎥 Click to watch. Subscribe for new episodes.❤️ Support independent journalism that tells hard truths.https://www.patreon.com/TheTeawithMyriamFrancois?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabkrbubUPKErSGVFGL5bzjQytkb9HanzeLQBUi8U-mU6g5aVSTqE5ej7sQ_aem_SO9ihK10zUz3TdyPOD2ngADisclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on The Tea YouTube series and podcast are their own and do not reflect those of MPWR Productions or its licensees. The appearance of this YouTube programme and podcast on social media platforms does not imply endorsement by MPWR Productions. MPWR Productions disclaims any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law.This video is intended for informational and commentary purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures or journalists is based on publicly available information and does not imply guilt or wrongdoing.The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.