We’re Not Kidding with Mehdi & Friends

Amanda Seales is a comedian and political commentator, while Francesca Fiorentini brings her wit and sharp analysis to the table as well. Together, they dissect the Democrats' recent electoral failures with biting humor. They highlight missteps in Kamala Harris’s campaign and discuss how Trump’s outreach to diverse voters challenges conventional narratives. The conversation also touches on the perils of individualism and the rise of vigilante justice, all while poking fun at bizarre political developments, including RFK Jr. and milk!

In this engaging discussion, Nick Offerman, acclaimed actor from 'Parks and Rec,' brings his comedic insights to the political climate as the 2024 election looms. He humorously critiques the alarming Trump-Musk alliance and the overpowering influence of corporate money in media. Highlighting his role as a fictional president in the film ‘Civil War,’ Offerman reflects on the lessons to be learned from past conflicts. The conversation also touches on Kamala Harris's campaign, focusing on her handling of sensitive issues like Gaza and U.S. arms sales.

Bassem Youssef, an internationally acclaimed comedian known for his satirical take on politics, engages in a deep conversation about hope and despair in a tumultuous world. He shares his personal struggle with recent events in the Gaza conflict, emphasizing the challenges of staying hopeful amidst global crises. Bassem and Mehdi discuss the psychological impact of atrocities, the complexities of media narratives, and the interplay between comedy and activism. Tune in for a blend of humor and heartfelt dialogue on pressing social issues.

Comedians Matt Lieb, a Jewish-American known for his pointed humor, and Sammy Obeid, a Palestinian-American celebrated for his witty take on politics, share poignant insights on the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attack. They explore personal reflections on identity amid conflict, the role of humor in highlighting political absurdities, and the complexities of misinformation. Their candid discussion tackles U.S.-Israel relations and the frustrations within the Democratic party, weaving comedy and critical commentary to engage listeners in an essential dialogue.

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.

Mehdi is joined by Oscar-winning actor and producer Riz Ahmed for a high school reunion (yes, they went to school together back in London in the 1990s!) and catch up on life, work, and how the world has changed for brown folks since their childhood. They talk about Riz’s journey as an actor — from playing stereotypical roles to now creating his own work and championing the work of up-and-coming filmmakers. “Representation within a broken system doesn't necessarily get us anywhere.” Riz tells Mehdi. “We need to build our own systems.”They also discuss Riz’s decision to speak out against Israel’s war on Gaza early on in the conflict, the Hollywood’s Artists for Ceasefire letter, and how much things have changed - or not! - from 9/11 to Oct. 7. Finally, Riz asks Mehdi to co-write his next rap song…SUBSCRIBE TO ZETEO TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT AND UNFILTERED JOURNALISM: https://zeteo.com/subscribeWATCH, LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE TO ‘WE’RE NOT KIDDING’ ON SUBSTACK: https://zeteo.com/s/were-not-kidding-with-mehdi-and-friendsFIND ZETEO:Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeteo_newsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeteonewsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zeteonewsFIND MEHDI:Substack: https://substack.com/@mehdirhasanTwitter: https://twitter.com/@mehdirhasanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/@mehdirhasanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mehdirhasanFIND RIZ:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rizahmedCREDITS:Hosted by: Mehdi HasanGuest Host: Riz AhmedExecutive Producer: Kiran AlviSenior Producer and Editor: Frank CappelloMusic: Andy ClausenDesign: Alicia Tatone This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zeteo.com/subscribe

‘We’re Not Kidding’ will be taking a break during the month of August, but will return in September with new episodes and a very special guest host - check out Mehdi’s announcement video for a sneak peak! ‘We’re Not Kidding’ launched just a few months ago, and has already had hundreds of thousands of people watch and listen, six amazing guest hosts, and a live show in DC in front of a studio audience with Zeteo’s paid subscribers. If you haven’t had the chance yet, consider becoming a paid subscriber so you don’t miss any new episodes and can watch them without a paywall the moment they’re released – and get an invitation to future live events. Also, we’d love if you could please take a few seconds to rate and review ‘We’re Not Kidding’ on Apple or Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts - it helps other people find the show!SUBSCRIBE TO ZETEO TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT AND UNFILTERED JOURNALISM: https://zeteo.com/subscribeWATCH, LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE TO ‘WE’RE NOT KIDDING’ ON SUBSTACK: https://zeteo.com/s/were-not-kidding-with-mehdi-and-friendsFIND ZETEO:Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeteo_newsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeteonewsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zeteonewsFIND MEHDI:Substack: https://substack.com/@mehdirhasanTwitter: https://twitter.com/@mehdirhasanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/@mehdirhasanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mehdirhasanCREDITS:Hosted by: Mehdi HasanExecutive Producer: Kiran AlviProducer and Editor: Frank CappelloMusic: Andy ClausenDesign: Alicia Tatone This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zeteo.com/subscribe

Alana Hadid, an activist and fashion designer, passionately advocates for Palestinians, sharing her family's history of displacement. She discusses the emotional toll of losing friends and the balance of hope versus optimism. The conversation dives into the role of social media in activism and the complexities of travel to Israel. Alana also addresses the impact of U.S. foreign policy on the Palestinian struggle and highlights the importance of amplifying marginalized voices. Throughout, humor and community support shine at this live event.

On this week’s episode of ‘We’re Not Kidding,’ Mehdi travels to London to speak with U.S. comedian, writer, and actor Rob Delaney, who has lived in the UK for the last 10 years. In this powerful, wide-ranging, and at times emotional conversation, Rob speaks with Mehdi about how the tragic loss of his 2 year-old son in 2018 drove him to speak out against Israel’s brutal assault on Palestinian children.“What I do not have in common with the people in Gaza,” Rob tells Mehdi, “is once my baby died, I did not have to worry about the safety of my other children.”They also discuss the rise and fall of Twitter, Rob’s role in the new Deadpool movie, the recent U.K. election results and the role of the NHS, and whether Joe Biden should stay in the presidential race (spoiler alert: Rob makes the case for him dropping out!).SUBSCRIBE TO ZETEO TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT AND UNFILTERED JOURNALISM: https://zeteo.com/subscribeWATCH, LISTEN, AND SUBSCRIBE TO 'WE'RE NOT KIDDING' ON SUBSTACK: :https://zeteo.com/s/were-not-kidding-with-mehdi-and-friendsFIND ZETEO:Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeteo_newsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeteonewsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zeteonewsFIND MEHDI:Substack: https://substack.com/@mehdirhasanTwitter: https://twitter.com/@mehdirhasanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/@mehdirhasanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mehdirhasanFIND ROB:Twitter: https://x.com/robdelaneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/robdelaney/CREDITS:Hosted by: Mehdi HasanGuest Host: Rob DelaneyExecutive Producers: Misha Euceph and Kiran AlviProducer and Editor: Frank CappelloMusic: Andy ClausenDesign: Alicia Tatone This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zeteo.com/subscribe

On this week’s bonus episode of ‘We’re Not Kidding,’ Bassem Youssef joins Mehdi for an honest and critical conversation about Oct. 7, and the avalanche of Israeli propaganda and lies that followed Hamas’ deadly attack.Bassem and Mehdi discuss and debunk a number of lies and distortions about the events on the day, from Israel’s controversial “Hannibal directive,” which led to the Israeli military killing a number of its own citizens, to the the now infamous “40 beheaded babies” and “babies in ovens” falsehoods that began to surface only days after the attack. Bassem and Mehdi are also joined by NYU journalism professor and war correspondent Azadeh Moaveni, whose recent reporting went into detail about how sexual violence and claims of mass rape have been weaponized by supporters of Israel over the past eight months, and how the New York Times in particular misreported this incendiary story. This episode includes discussions on sexual violence, the specifics of which may be disturbing or traumatizing for some viewers and listeners. Below is a list of resources for survivors of sexual violence.RESOURCES:* RAINN: National sexual assault hotline* Dart Center: Reporting on Sexual Violence* Poynter: 11 Resources for Responsibly Reporting on RapeSUBSCRIBE TO ZETEO TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT AND UNFILTERED JOURNALISM: https://zeteo.com/subscribeWATCH, LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE TO ‘WE’RE NOT KIDDING’ ON SUBSTACK: https://zeteo.com/s/were-not-kidding-with-mehdi-and-friendsFIND ZETEO:Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeteo_newsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeteonewsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zeteonewsFIND MEHDI:Substack: https://substack.com/@mehdirhasanTwitter: https://twitter.com/@mehdirhasanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/@mehdirhasanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mehdirhasanFIND BASSEM:Twitter: https://x.com/ByoussefInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bassem/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bassem?lang=enCREDITS:Hosted by: Mehdi HasanGuest Host: Bassem YoussefExecutive Producers: Misha Euceph and Kiran AlviProducer and Editor: Frank CappelloMusic: Andy ClausenDesign: Alicia Tatone This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zeteo.com/subscribe