Comedian Bassem Youssef’s Honest Reflection on Fame, the Pressure of Representation, and What it Means to be American

Comedian Bassem Youssef’s Honest Reflection on Fame, the Pressure of Representation, and What it Means to be American

Egyptian American satirist and comedian Bassem Youssef was once known as “The Jon Stewart of Egypt,” after gaining notoriety for his criticism of the government during the 2011 Egyptian revolution. But it wasn’t long before the doctor-turned-comedian was forced to leave his home country and start over in the United States.

Ten years later, as he ends the U.S. leg of a world tour for his new stand up show, he’s gained a whole new crowd of supporters and critics — not for his comedy, but for his biting critique of U.S. policy in Gaza.

In this episode, Youssef sits down with host Kai Wright to tell the story of his turbulent ride as a political satirist in both the U.S. and Egypt — and the pressures he faced to be the voice of a movement.

Plus, we open our listener mailbag and get your responses to some of our recent shows.

Tell us what you think. We're @noteswithkai on Instagram and X (Twitter). Email us at notes@wnyc.org. Send us a voice message by recording yourself on your phone and emailing us, or record one here.

Notes from America airs live on Sundays at 6 p.m. ET. The podcast episodes are lightly edited from our live broadcasts.

Tell us what you think. We're @noteswithkai on Instagram and X (Twitter). Email us at notes@wnyc.org. Send us a voice message by recording yourself on your phone and emailing us, or record one here.

Notes from America airs live on Sundays at 6 p.m. ET. The podcast episodes are lightly edited from our live broadcasts.

Avsnitt(424)

The Joy and Pain of Little Richard

The Joy and Pain of Little Richard

Filmmaker Lisa Cortés tells the inspiring and painful story of the Black, queer inventor of rock and roll–Little Richard. Richard Wayne Penniman launched rock and roll into pop culture and wrote a new...

20 Apr 202318min

Tell Me Your Politics–But Do It In Verse

Tell Me Your Politics–But Do It In Verse

In a world that feels divided, two storytellers invite people to share what shapes their politics through poetry, using the prompt “Where I’m From.” Host Kai Wright–inspired by a listener voicemail–co...

17 Apr 202332min

The Week That Changed America’s Cities

The Week That Changed America’s Cities

On the 55th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, one journalist examines the 1968 Holy Week which he calls one of the most consequential weeks in U.S. history.  Martin Luther King wa...

13 Apr 202319min

How a Young, Black Progressive Won in Chicago

How a Young, Black Progressive Won in Chicago

Brandon Johnson's mayoral election could change the national conversation about crime, schools -- and an aging Black establishment in big city politics. Chicago’s recent mayoral election saw two Democ...

10 Apr 202332min

Grieving Loss From Gun Violence

Grieving Loss From Gun Violence

A recent mass shooting at a school in Nashville added to the toll of death and injuries from the nation’s gun violence crisis. A reporter wonders if we’re grieving properly – or at all. Two mothers lo...

6 Apr 202319min

Of Tech Moguls and Gold Miners: A Capitalist History

Of Tech Moguls and Gold Miners: A Capitalist History

In Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse, one writer sees a model for amassing obscene wealth, pioneered in 19th century California, finally nearing its limits.  Silicon Valley is notorious in the global eco...

3 Apr 202332min

Trump, the GOP, and a New Confederacy

Trump, the GOP, and a New Confederacy

White supremacist myths turn defeated leaders into heroic victors. Are Donald Trump and the MAGA movement the next Lost cause?  Donald Trump is the lead contender for the Republican nomination for Pre...

30 Mars 202328min

Ramadan: A Month About Much More Than Fasting

Ramadan: A Month About Much More Than Fasting

Ramadan Mubarak! We check in with people of the Muslim community, their intentions, traditions and plans for making the most of this holy month.  Ramadan has begun, which means that close to two billi...

27 Mars 202349min

Populärt inom Politik & nyheter

svenska-fall
aftonbladet-krim
p3-krim
rss-krimstad
flashback-forever
spar
rss-krimreportrarna
rss-sanning-konsekvens
rss-vad-fan-hande
politiken
motiv
rss-flodet
rss-frandfors-horna
krimmagasinet
olyckan-inifran
aftonbladet-daily
blenda-2
rss-klubbland-en-podd-mest-om-frolunda
rss-aftonbladet-krim
grans