Mehdi Hasan & Sammy Obeid on college protests: “Intifada is basically a Taylor Swift song.”

Palestinian-Lebanese-American comedian, Sammy Obeid, who rose to fame because of his viral jokes on Palestine and his Netflix show 100 Humans, joins Mehdi to guest host the second episode of ‘We’re Not Kidding.’ They dive into the student protests, DNA tests, pushing back against misinformation with comedy, the slogans we’re using when talking about Palestine, changing hearts and minds, and doing 1001 nights of stand-up.
‘We’re Not Kidding’ will release episodes twice a month, with Mehdi, Bassem and a cast of rotating guest co-hosts from the worlds of comedy, entertainment, and the media. Funny people talking about serious topics.
00:00 - Cold open
00:30 - Intro
3:12 - Sammy's math background
9:26 - 1,001 nights of standup
11:18 - Palestine and comedy
21:11 - Campus protests
24:59 - Censorship
32:59 - Changing minds with comedy
Watch, listen and subscribe to the We’re Not Kidding on Substack:
zeteo.com/s/were-not-kidding-...
Subscribe to Zeteo to support independent and unfiltered journalism and this podcast:
zeteo.com/subscribe
Apple:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify:
open.spotify.com/show/4ogT7Zv...
Find Zeteo:
Twitter: @zeteo_news
Instagram: @zeteonews
TikTok: @zeteonews
Find Mehdi:
Substack: substack.com/@mehdirhasan?utm...
Twitter: @mehdirhasan
Instagram: @mehdirhasan
Tik Tok: @mehdirhasan
Find Sammy:
Twitter: @SammyObeid
Instagram: @sammyobeid
TikTok: @sammyobeidthem
Credits:
Hosted by Mehdi Hasan
Guest Host: Sammy Obeid
Executive Producers: Misha Euceph and Kiran Alvi
Producer and Editor: Frank Cappello
Editor: Patrick Letterii
Music: Andy Clausen
Design: Alicia Tatone
Special thanks to: Medha Imam & Lara Strydom

[@yusuf786baig]

Mehdi is ahead of time... He created this show because he knows 'Comedians are making more sense than politicians'

[@StephanieSoressi]

Well, that and getting fired. For truth-telling. On a news platform. When there is no freedom of speech, there is no freedom of the press, and therefore, no democracy.

[@OldBaldWookiee]

These college kids will be remembered as heroes.

[@user-dv3ce2xt3n]

They are heroes ❤

[@raziablanchard2711]

For sure, they are the hero's, so much Respect for them

[@akshayde]

Sadly they won't. Heroism is also about how much and how often we talk about them. And considering the news cycle these days, it seems unlikely. I hope I am wrong

[@003kashif]

Absolutely...

[@NightLion889]

Inshallah they will enter jahnnah

[@whoeverthis.itaintme.9873]

From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.

[@NightLion889]

Inshallah

[@corydor4218]

If this is what you are demanding then you are dreaming in colour.

[@mohammedkadwa7072]

​@@corydor4218dreams do come true

[@corydor4218]

@@mohammedkadwa7072 The Palestinians were wronged in the 1947 Partition. They went to war and lost. In 1948 sveral Arab countries went to war with Israel and lost. Ever since the Palestinians have lost every uprising. They will never regain territory by violence. BDS, continued protests around the world and pressure on western nations supporting Israel is the only way to make gains and in the end there must be a negotiated settlement of sharing the territory. This is the only realistic outcome.

[@stevenparent7886]

It's not looking like that to me.

[@cathyn7640]

I've lost long-time friends over this issue. I'm an old yt lady and pretty much disgusted by most of my cohort. Didn't realize I should have been asking potential friends "What's your take on genocide? Never acceptable, or okay as long as the victims are poorish, brownish, believe differently from you, and waaay over there living on land an ally realllly wants?" We are witnessing children's flesh burned to the bone by white phosphorus, journalists slaughtered, health care workers being buried alive, life-sustaining infrastructure devastated, deliberate famine, but they clutch pearls over the indecorous inconvenience of protestors in the streets and on campuses. Oh, they did maybe blink for a sec when WCK was "accidentally bombed" with three successive strikes, but they see how it could happen. I'm so grateful to the protestors for all they are risking as they try to save us.

[@shamim621]

I feel exactly as you do. Humanity is sinking😢

[@marouekhaled98]

Well said

[@PauloAdriano-zo2ng]

Think of losing so-called *"long-time friends"* as an unburdening process. You're literally shaking them off, like a dog or a cat shaking off its fleas. It's a liberating process, just like the *i* word that KZbin no longer allows.

[@Victor_James68]

Thank you @cathyn. Thank you.

[@OneSixSun]

Ma'am, I'm 51, and every word you have said resonates with me, I was reading your words and saying yes, yes, yes, yes. I'm not yt, I am the colour of tea with milk, but I have lived in the West, educated in the West, raised in four different countries and have friends and family of all colours and creed. I have discovered, heartbreakingly, that some closest to me do not see the horror that is the past 220 days. You are not alone. And thank you for speaking for us non-yt people and seeing us as equals. Bless you.

[@sgt345]

Sami Obeid is the Master of his Craft. If his material wasn't so "controversial" he would be considered one the Greatest Comedians of our time.

[@hitreset0291]

The truth should never be controversial

[@gayrohendricks9189]

If we're not goubg to push the envelope, then what's the point?! That's why I've been a fan of Mehdi Hasan for so long....Unapologetically authentic, honest whatever the cost...kudos Mr Hasan

[@nata7536]

You know, I agree. He's genuinely fucking brilliant.

[@luanaconley6871]

Comedians are supposed to be cutting edge controversial; that’s their function in society.

[@alicequayle4625]

The truth is always going to be controversial because those in power always seem to tell lies or at least put heavy spins on things. Its like drawing back the curtain in the wizard of Oz. Those in power have a worldview / worldviews they want the public to subscribe to and believe in. Worldviews and ability to question or change worldview are very powerful.

[@sofarsogood8680]

Sammy is so underrated. I always laugh at his youtube short. Especially when he strings 4-5 random things from audiences , into a story and narrative without sound nonsense

[@slampersand3145]

I want to write him in for president. He's the best.

[@user-nm3fh1sd4v]

Love this video of two courageous truth tellers .

[@nananananananananana2132]

He is a genius and creative. Maybe being a doctor is too by the book and boring..thats why he is what he is today😂

[@nebula1400]

His live shows are brilliant. I saw him three weeks ago, and it was one of the best evenings I've had in years. He IS a comic genius. His show is different, but I would put him up there with George Carlin.

[@mdsagor893]

Free speech and free Palestine 🇵🇸

[@EmilGabrielNYC]

What a phenomenal growth! Leaving MSNBC is the best thing that could have happened to you! You will leave them in the dust! Go go go! I stand with you! And Palestine!

[@user-ne4mz2zd5j]

I knew Mehdi was going to grow this KZbin channel really fast because he always cared about truth and justice.

[@shadowguard3578]

I’m so glad you have Sammy Obeid on. A Palestinian comedian- he will have a unique perspective.

[@l23918]

Respect for the students. They are the concience of the world. History will be on their side❤❤

[@m.s.e.4192]

I am an East African(Eritrean), and Christian. But when october 7 happened, the first time i heard the news, i am sad to say my first thought was "that was bound to happen". I felt a bit guilty later after i heard about the systemic rape and beheaded babies (which turned out to be false). What i am trying to say is that anyone who knows the history of the region knows that the palestinians are underdogs and you don't expect to live in peace after shattering the peace of your neighbours. All my friends who were completely pro israel, didn't know the history and only knew that " Jews were the chosen people". Now i am glad that people are seeing the truth. Maybe now things will change.

[@kayzar293]

The systematic rapes are also false

[@annoyedaussie3942]

It's a slow process however "Muslims " particularly Arab Muslims are all seen at terrorists. On top of that Palestinians are seen as the worst of the Arabs. Truth is the West Bank is slow moving just about daily terrorism by the state of Israel and it's military occupation destroying homes , stealing land and killing someone regardless if they are resistance fighters or not.

[@user-zj9rm3nc6q]

Great to hear this bro. I would dare to say Gaza United the brave hearted people

[@gml2743]

Sorry to disappoint but beheading, baby burning, and rape did happen. You want to join Holocaust deniers that would be up to you.

[@saucyballs702]

Palestine was a ticking time bomb. It was just a matter of time. If someone says that s/he was surprised by the October 7 massacre, s/he is either lying or was living under the rock for the last 50 years

[@maafremsayablong]

these brave young people remind me of past revolutionary heroes in history that fight for humanity

[@IsaacSperrow]

Like Colombia University professor Rashid Khalidi said, (to paraphrased) history won't remember the people that tried to stop the protesters back then, history remembered the protesters, because they are on the right side on history, and the same thing will happen with the current protesters.

[@nocheckmarkgames]

I stood among them and realized I was in the presence of the great heroes of our time. That human history is filled with Incredible tales of Human Bravery, from Mighty Achilles, to Easy Company. That history belongs to them now, they have to figure out how to use their power.

[@ninaspage]

they reminds me of the young freedomsfighters in ww2 here in Denmark.

[@sassenachdragon]

Four of the founding fathers were 18-25 years old. James Monroe 18, Aaron Burr 20, Alexander Hamilton 21 and James Madison 25. The next oldest was Thomas Jefferson was 33. I imagine a LOT of the Continental Army were younger too.

[@abnadalil3926]

Now the students in my country, Sweden, have also started their encampments. All love and respect to all of them.

[@tonyanthony5260]

You both are my brothers. I’m an American of Lebanese and Palestinian descent. Thank you for being our voice.

[@Emanon...]

Comedians have by a complete fluke become the conscience of society. They are the only people left with the courage to consistently speak truth to power.

[@Umuma871]

Very true. Those of us with conscience have always known this. Those of us who don’t still think it’s just a joke

[@lozoft9]

There's a reason why one of the Enlightenment's most well known philosophers was also a satirist (Voltaire) who got away w/ his hottest takes by disguising it as comedy.

[@11thierno]

Thanks, Mehdi, for bringing my 2 favorite comedians @bassem & Sami.

[@Logistics2transport]

This should be an ongoing podcast in itself

[@kellypope9682]

I would love to listen to Sammy, Mehdi and Bassem on a show.

[@kekennedy]

If you look at the description, it is. Mehdi will have different comedians on the podcast & release a podcast twice a month. The podcast is called "We're not Kidding)

[@davidfernandez4851]

I encourage everyone to watch any of former president Jimmy Carters interviews on the Palestine Israeli conflict.

[@respectuniv962]

Zeteo a symbol of journalism ❤

[@TheMaimoon75]

Awesome to see 2 smart, witty guys in their fields debunking the narrative- Kudos to you both!

[@tomtheeagle1]

Unfortunately it is not to a mass audience, as it is far too intelligent for the mainstream media!

[@hitreset0291]

​@@tomtheeagle1 disagree. totally.

[@tomtheeagle1]

​@@hitreset0291 Brilliant, witty and erudite reply. Thanks for sharing.

[@hitreset0291]

@@tomtheeagle1 the 'mass audience' you are referring to is changing its stripes. While many younger people are totally in the dark about world affairs >> so is many older people totally in the dark about world affairs. I personally have more confidence in the former to do the right thing by humanity than the latter. Thanks for the reply.👍

[@tomtheeagle1]

​@@hitreset0291The mass audience is not interested otherwise they'd demand accurate, fair news coverage. Most people just want their prejudices and biases reinforced. Capitalist media owners would provide that if their advertisers, sponsors and audiences wanted it. They don't.

[@aishaalismaili8571]

What a blessing it is that Mehdi quit MSNBC.

[@CzarTJT]

Sammy did a free show at my small college 11 or 12 years ago. Pretty cool to see him here!

[@Emanon...]

Two of my favourite people. You, the students and everyone supporting you: We will all be vindicated. History will remember and we will have justice!

[@NolitaWerrett]

Sammy Obeid rocks! Glad to hear that "We're Not Kidding" is going to be a series

[@alibarket1219]

U both are doctors of your fields. U guys r the best.

[@ballinkingston]

Mehdi and Sammy ... you count. You are making a difference.

[@sarahahmed5806]

Those are two intelligent and really beautiful humans sitting together! I could listen to them non stop.

[@thebec8853]

So glad to see you both. The kids are on the right side of History. I was born in '60, so I remember both anti-war and Civil Rights protests. I was obviously too young to participate; but was there in spirit. Now, I'm 63 and disabled, and have to be there in spirit, once again. So frustrating and sad that so many of the kids that protested in the 60s have forgotten why they did it.

[@tobiaspott]

To work against the little doubts what your podcast is worth in this situation. I‘m from Germany, thus your reach goes far beyond the US, and appreciate all the voices you have had on Zeteo, I consider it a healty counterweight to the daily media perspective on Palestine and the Horrors we are witnesses to. Please keep it up and make the world get a little closer together by given us your view and background. Cheers!

[@thetruered9230]

And I'm from Indonesia 🇮🇩. Peace brother and free Palestine 🇵🇸

[@MaliBrizi]

Respect to these brave STUDENTS Who supported the oppressed palestinian people . They are the real news leaders of the free world without zionism

[@francih923]

no palastenians are hamas

[@Hahahaha-7]

@@francih923 Not all of them.

[@Shiekyobooty]

​@@francih923 HAMAS IS FUNDED BY NETANYAHU

[@latinsoulbrother]

Zeteo was looooong overdue! Happy to have it now, lead by such an outstanding journalist!

[@RidgeWalker-jw1rr]

I'm very glad to see that Mehdi has a new platform.

[@doreengordon1475]

I wondered what Zeteo meant and i am so glad i joined in this conversation and found out for myself directly from you Mehdi. You are doing a great job. Thank you.

[@adrianacanavati8212]

Nice interview, Sami is hilarious

[@blueroses1391]

Happy to see Sammy on Zeteo, love his work and this was a great segment.

[@florinadrian5174]

Really, you brought Sammy on? Daim, Mehdi, you have the best guests.

[@fatumi85]

Mehdi, this show is a great idea! Comedians offer unique voices to challenge norms and propel the truth, while entertaining! 🥰

[@Desaved]

I can't wait to see Basaam! He's so prolific. I am beyond impressed with his spectrum of talents and knowledge. I don't know this guy, but I am sure he must be worth our time because he's funny.

[@marouekhaled98]

1001 nights of comedy.. *Genius book of record*. take heed..!!!! 🎖️🏅🏆Like to vote sammy in..🏆🥇🎖️

[@Sidama2002]

This is such excellent show that combined joke and serious matters!! Well done gents 👏 👍

[@SaraSara-ti6ex]

What a great show. You both are loved by the millions! World’s humanity is with Palestine 💔

[@celiague]

Much respect 🙏

[@zuzu5175]

This is so awesome!! Sammy is so clever with his jokes!! What a great ep😊

[@MyChannel-ml7ol]

WONDERFUL surprise seeing sammy thank you so much for getting him out there he is GENIUS with his comedy. The irony he points out, everything. Love this guy sm been watching him for months ❤ 🇵🇸

[@Methequeen]

I very much appreciate the nuances and facts in this discussion.

[@amenshoman]

Mashallah, may god bless you guys and your families!

[@bisirathaile2679]

This hosting with a comedian podcast segment is amazing! Both Bassam and Sammy are so smart and funny! Love it!

[@P.S87]

I loved to see my two brothers on the show.

From the river to the sea. Fantastic show. Thank you, free Palestine now!

[@itsrumman]

Amazing show!! Keep it rolling. Want to hear more from Sammy Obeid.

[@hasanaktas6929]

Good to see a good team talking the truth and without politics Share this everyone ❤❤❤

[@reneevalentino9244]

Yes, what you are doing is working! I now watch more varied news sources ( African, Asian progressives, f.e.). Our family talks in-depth about Palestine, like never before, and activism to join here in U.S. Thank you for waking us up!

[@Spiral.Dynamics]

It is seen as a badge of honor to protest for civil rights in the 60s and it will be the same with the protests of the 2020s.

[@francih923]

you are protestor for hamas terrorists ? 😂😂😂😂 not something of be proud of

[@doreengordon1475]

This is a wonderful way of getting to know these individuals on a one on one basis Mehdi. It's feels like me sitting in a room enjoying a lovely insightful conversation. Thank you.

[@user-jr8gb9si4m]

The word ζητέω (ziteo) translated means "I ask". "Zeteo", on the other hand, in Ilirian language can be interpreted more as "starting to research" or as "voice of knowledge". Therefore, ZETEO is not a Greek word, but one of the Ilirian language. Such as "Pa le Stina". Which can be translated as "without seasons". which is actually the case in the Middle East. An area without the 4 seasons.

[@BigMustard2099]

Sammy hasn't changed my mind, he encouraged me to be more vocal about the campus protests and the occupation of the Palestinians. Great show!

[@CobraMagnus-tz5fq]

Zeteo rhymes with zaàtar... and what a breakfast... Respect to you guys

[@babaayman9658]

Na'am and olive oil, I had that with some Moroccan's 14 years later and I still want to eat it and don't have access 😞 Zaátar is more addictive than khat, chewed on that with bubble gum. Not nearly as good as, Zaátar I can eat myself into a coma and piss off everyone who has expecting a group dinner. 🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤 I got kicked out over Zaátar 🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤

[@marouekhaled98]

There is zaatar almost in most populated areas.. .. It's called.. manoush (and they usually make other middle. Eastern pizzas. And Italian pizzas now) go to the middle-eastern areas..

[@tymax6751]

I love listening to intelligent, interesting people like these two. 😊 Not even a boring moment.

[@user-rl4tf2zc2b]

LETS GOOOOO Zeteoooooo!!!!! So happy you are still educating us Mehdi Hasan and team!! "Algorithmic comment - Like , Share & Subscribe"

[@FreshMountain_Snow]

Thanks Mehdi !

[@jeongbun2386]

i never thought i'd see Sammy with Mehdi but I am NOT complaining

[@PP-cm8pw]

Too good 👍

[@drnostalgia1]

I am amazed he has been doing comedy this long! Totally love his stuff and just found it recentlu. His crowd work is imeccaple to the point where i think the prompts by audience have to be planned! Thanks for hosting Sammy

[@jebechil]

love sammy, thanks for having him on! hope i get to see his show one day

[@AlexaTaganrog]

Love both of these guys! Free Palestine!

[@rkkc27]

I really liked this show. Wow! YNWA

[@alikhorasani2733]

Well done guys beautiful show well done Maddy Hassan and Sammy all the best for your future Great show free Palestine 🇵🇸

[@ren4893]

OMG NOT MY DREAM BECAME A REALITY!!!

[@alexdoerofthings]

Excellent. Thank you for the introduction.

[@tehreemamitha8524]

This is a wonderful series. Thank you Mehdi and team.

[@CryptoJones]

I am definitely going to check out Sammy Obeid's shows!

[@iffatfarhat4543]

You are the best Mehdi. So transparent. No lie no propaganda. Please stay free. Don't turn to corrupted Piers.

[@lisawilliamson5012]

That was a great interview! You brown guys are adding so much value to the American discourse. Keep it up! 🙏

[@ordinaryvalley]

OMG Im a big fan of Sammy! Thank u 😊😅❤

[@TarekDinaji]

Truth prevails always

[@aniimastounian6758]

Great to see Sam here, love his standups and wit.

[@martialartsstudent421]

So glad to see you two got together! 👏👏👏

[@Ecovaluations]

My alma mater is also UC Berkeley, and it's no surprise that Sammy thinks the way he does. Go Cal Bears!

[@PauloAdriano-zo2ng]

Are there many 🐻 left in California? Or did they migrate to Oregon & Northern Nevada?

[@Ecovaluations]

@@PauloAdriano-zo2ng The black bear population in California is growing. In 2021 they numbered between 30,000-40,000.

[@PauloAdriano-zo2ng]

@@Ecovaluations I like black bears. The usually run away from me when they see me coming. I like to run like a madman, screaming and swinging a big stick.

[@pascalwager4544]

The exchange that starts at 26:30, and Mehdi's response at 26:40 and then his comment at 26:54, seems to summarize Mehdi's ordeal at MSNBC.

[@anamulislam6185]

Great podcast guys! 🇵🇸✊🏼

[@mazeedsumon]

Two of the most intelligent people of our time.

[@mallday1]

Love these podcasts

[@animillation]

This was such a refreshing conversation, i very much enjoyed it. Free Palestine. 🇵🇸

[@farhank8336]

Lets goo! 2 favorite peoppe on youtube!

[@srisubiyanti2211]

Wooww this must be Viral

[@antigone3567]

Will look out for Sammy Obeid

[@Antrunu]

OMFG!!! I sensed that Mehdi was a genius... Now, that he has included Sammy in Zeteo, I can confirm it!!! 🎉🙌🏽🎊✨

[@Malik_el-Shabazz]

Sammy's one of the funniest comedians out there now. He also communicates with his fans on stage and online, which is refreshing.

[@sickregret]

Love both of you! Free Palestine!

[@francih923]

😂😂😂wewww

[@halahilweh486]

I love your show good luck

[@m.a.b.4104]

'We're not kidding' is a great idea and I am here for these episodes. Congrats to everyone involved, keep up the great work. The freedom of speech campaigners from recent years seem mostly to be shown as shallow hypocrites who only want freedom of speech that they agree with, not freedom of speech for all.

[@CryptoJones]

The lighting is amazing for this video!

[@angelacs8594]

Beautiful chat. Enjoyed this format. Thank you!!!

[@doofuscreations8173]

Sami is a good comedian

[@debashishchoudhuri1023]

LOVE LOVE LOVE this - great format, great guests and conversation

[@sarahgirard6388]

I love both of your work!! And YES it makes a difference. Keep shining your lights!

[@YAli-jd4rm]

Great video article

[@prashantkumbhat]

Another great episode!

[@danieltulu1357]

Mehdi is too serious about not being serious 😂