Making jokes about politics is a tradition as old as America itself. These days, of course, comedians have a new target: President Donald Trump. We talk with Iranian-American comedian Maz Jobrani about finding humor in the midst of deep political divides, and how he uses an understanding of human nature to craft a successful punchline.
Yesterday
What Art Does For Your Brain
Think about the last time a piece of music stopped you in your tracks, or a novel kept you up late at night. Why do these experiences feel so powerful? Psychobiologist Daisy Fancourt says engagement with the arts can help to regulate our emotions, build resilience, and support lo ... Show More
49m 18s
Aug 17
How to Be A Better Partner
When we look at the people we love, how clearly do we really see them? This week, we talk with psychologist Edward Lemay about how our fears, desires, and insecurities can shape our perceptions of our partners — sometimes creating the very reality we expect. He explains how we ca ... Show More
1h 26m
Aug 10
How Feelings Make Us Smarter
Some people are remarkably good at reading the emotional temperature of a situation. They can pick up on what others are feeling, manage their own emotions, and respond skillfully. What's their secret? This week, we explore the science of emotional intelligence with psychologist ... Show More
48m 7s
May 2018
Don't Play a Terrorist and Other Lessons from Maz Jobrani
Maz Jobrani is a comedian, actor, and immigrant from Iran. He talks with Bassem about becoming an entertainer over his parents' protests, dealing with typecasting in Hollywood, and raising his own children. Do you have a question for Bassem? Tweet them at @Byoussef with the hasht ... Show More
29m 21s
Jul 2025
'Put a Trump Tower in Iran' - Maz Jobrani on Middle East Wars and the US Immigrant Experience
In the last 20 years, Middle Eastern representation in American culture has gone from absolutely horrendous to… somewhat decent. Instead of TV shows like '24' and 'Homeland', we now have 'Ramy' and 'Mo'. But before ANY of that, there was Iranian-American comedian Maz Jobrani, thi ... Show More
49m 44s
Oct 2024
The Brilliance of Idiocracy
This week Charlamagne tha God and Andrew Schulz discuss their evolution as podcasters, their influence on political discourse, and the complexities of border security. They explore the intersection of comedy and politics, particularly in relation to their interviews with politica ... Show More
1h 44m