Is speaking English in the Gulf a flex or a faux pas? In this mostly Arabic episode, we dive into the messy relationship between Arabic, English, and identity. Ahmad Hadi joins us to explore how language sparks envy, alienation, and cultural guilt—and, of course, to roast Mia’s Arabic! From social media comparisons to colonial legacies, we’re unpacking how l ... Show More
May 21
MIND YOUR BUSINESS: Unpacking Unsolicited Advice
Have you ever gotten advice that made you question your whole life choices? This week, we’re unpacking unsolicited advice, the kind no one asked for, yet somehow shows up. From the well-meaning auntie with a PhD in your personal life to the friend who’s projecting more than suppo ... Show More
42m 7s
Jun 11
‘The Immigrant Dilemma’ - Yasmin Elhady on Muslim Matchmaking, Comedy, and Looking Different
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit zeteo.comSince the launch of ‘We’re Not Kidding’, Mehdi has sat down with some of the most multi-talented multi-hyphenates working in entertainment and media. But few wear as many caps as this week’s guest co-host, Yas ... Show More
43m 59s
Jun 25
The Legendary Arabic Poem: Laamiyah Al-Arab | Shanfara's Revenge | Ustadh Abdulrahman Hassan #AMAU Part - 2/2
This classical Arabic poem isn’t just eloquent — it’s dangerous. Laamiyah al-Arab is the voice of Shanfara, a man betrayed by blood, raised by the one who killed his father, and driven to the wild. He swore vengeance. He lived with wolves. He wrote verses that shook Arabic litera ... Show More
3 h
Apr 2022
Dubai, Mutton Curry, Domestic Strife | Mango Bae # 168
Usama and Pranav talk about Usama's time in Dubai, desi slaves in the Arab world, Indians having no respect for personal space, an Indian guy in Telangana who called the cops on his wife for not cooking him mutton curry (truly the GOAT), beatings: Italians vs. Indians? Probably t ... Show More
36m 59s
Jun 2024
Tahera Qutbuddin, trans., "Nahj al-Balāghah: The Wisdom and Eloquence of ʿAlī" (Brill, 2024)
Nahj al-Balagha is among the most powerful, consequential, and linguistically brilliant masterpieces of Arabic and of Islamic thought and literature. Based on the orations, letters, and sayings of wisdom of ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib (d. 661), the first Imam or successor to Prophet Muham ... Show More
1h 43m