Shows
Politically DepressedSectarianism Kills the Nation: Sweida Under SiegeThe sectarian violence in Sweida, Southern Syria has genuinely been keeping me up at night. The images, stories, and potentials for further violence is just really hard to process. There's also a lot of confusion as to what exactly is happening, how did this start, and how does it end. In this episode I try to provide some overview of the situation, but mostly talk about my thoughts and feelings watching this unfold and seeing all the discourse online, and denounce in as strong of terms as possible the violent sectarianism of it all. Syrian Druze communities...2025-07-1932 min
Politically DepressedHow Did You Sleep Last Night? S2E15 - SoloI've never slept well. But of course the political catastrophes around all of us make it even harder. I talk about my issues with sleep, what I've been doing/not doing, and ask you how you've been dealing sleep and sleeplessness. --- --- Give me a tip: ko-fi.com/aymanmakBecome a member of the FTP Patreon: patreon.com/fromtheperiphery2025-07-0427 min
Politically DepressedAnnouncement - I'm Moving to Youtube (mostly)I'm making a few changes and wanted to keep you all up to date. Hope to see you all on my Youtube Channel. Note: This is not announcing the end of this podcast. It's more of an expansion, but in a slightly different direction. Subscribe to my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_d8-WfM5gyULH5zL0_e89ALove and solidarity,Ayman 2025-06-2109 min
Politically DepressedEdward Said, Bluesky, and Liberal Hypocrisies /w Leila a.k.a Emissary of NightI left twitter last year, soon after Musk took it over. It's no longer a safe place to be. So I moved to Bluesky, which has its own set of problems, but nowhere near as problematic as twitter. But on saving grace is the few brilliant accounts I've encountered while there. In this episode I talk to the person behind one such account, Emissary of Night. A queer lefty Arab intellectual in predominantly English speaking spaces, we definitely had a lot to talk about. So over an hour and a bit we talk about a lot: Edward Said, the...2025-06-151h 15
Politically DepressedDeath, Indigeneity, and Nourishment - An Interview with Peggy (gwi-seok hong)In this episode, I talk with Peggy, someone whose wisdom and approach I've found really nourishing in this time of depleting catastrophe. I just like talking to her and she always comes up with really interesting insights. We initially met in the Palestine watch party, which I hosted, and many of the things she said in those discussions are still with me. We talk about a wide-range of topics and so its hard to sum up. If there's anything that's said that sparks your interest, let me know in the comments and I'll definitely respond. You can follow Peggy...2025-06-081h 03
Politically Depressed14,000 Babies - S2E12The Israeli blockade on Gaza will kill 14,000 babies in 48 hours if it is not lifted. This was announced today by the UN. It has been 79 days since the total blockade was placed on Gaza, after Israel unilaterally ended the ceasefire agreement they signed with Hamas. It is impossible to deny what is being painfully and maliciously enacted on a daily basis: a genocide, mass extermination and annihilation. Two million Palestinians in Gaza are being starved and bombed. This has to stop. I don't know how, but it has to.Donate to support community kitchens in Gaza: https...2025-05-2016 min
Politically DepressedThe Worst Thing Elon Musk Ever Did - S2E11Elon Musk is one of the most dangerous men alive today. But he didn't come out of nowhere. In this episode I talk about one thing that he's done, that I think most people don't even know he did. To me, it's amongst the worst of it all.Note: When I list some of the wort things he's done, I forget to mention his creation and involvement in DOGE, which I know is a pretty huge thing to miss, but alas. Also, this was recorded on Tuesday May 13 (3 days ago). Since then the podcast 'Syria...2025-05-1624 min
Politically DepressedIt's Been a Minute - S2E10I've been a bit absent from this podcast the last couple of weeks. I share why - which amounts to some pretty good, interesting news. One thing I forgot to mention in the episode is that I've also been arranging a few interviews for this podcast by really really cool people, so stay tuned for that. Anyway, I guess the crunch is over, so I'll go back to releasing episodes on the weekly.Film Club: https://www.patreon.com/posts/lebanon-wars-126557915New Video Essay: https://youtu.be/W1pKLk-E6J0-- -- ...2025-05-0618 min
Politically DepressedAnnouncement - Lebanese Films ScreeningsThis is a special announcement episode broadcast on all FTP channels. We at FTP are hosting a series of weekly film screenings and discussions on the Lebanese wars starting this Sunday April 20. In this short episode, Elia and Ayman go through the list of films they selected, what you can expect from the screenings, and how you can participate. To sign up and join the watch parties head over to our Patreon where you'll find this post with the invitation link.Invites are immediately available to all Patreon members. If you don't wa...2025-04-1824 min
Politically DepressedWe Are All Deeply Unwell - S2E9Going back to basics for this episode. I talk about how sad I've been, how so many of us are unwell, and how we should talk about it more.-- --Leave me a tip in my Tip JarBecome a member of the PatreonFollow me on InstagramFollow me on Bluesky2025-04-1640 min
Politically DepressedSelf-Defence, Pre-emptive Strikes, and Human Shield - S2E8I'm just so damn mortified by the daily massacres. The images. The wailing screams. The f*scist apologia. This was recorded on Wednesday, April 3th.-- --Leave me a tip in my Tip JarBecome a member of the PatreonFollow me on InstagramFollow me on Bluesky2025-04-0732 min
The Fire These Times187/ Round table: Where are the Arabs? Part 2Our very own Ayman Makarem released his new video essay ‘Where Are the Arabs?’ on March 9, 2025. In this round table, he is joined by Elia and israa to expand on the topics discussed in the video, the context around it, and the need for more intellectual and class-based analysis on Arab nationalism and its many manifestations. If you haven’t watched the video yet you’ll still be able to follow this episode since Ayman provides a brief overview of the main themes. If you have watched the video, there are some key additions and interventions made by all 3 hos...2025-04-0139 min
Politically DepressedSchadenfreud is bad politicsJoy at others misfortunes. It's fine when it's punching up, but I've noticed it too often be used to punch down. I talk about it.Headlines: - Israel kills two more journalists in Gaza: Hussam Shabbat and Mohammad Mansour- Protests seize Turkey after Erdogan's latest power grab-- --Leave me a tip in my Tip JarBecome a member of the PatreonFollow me on InstagramFollow me on Bluesky2025-03-2638 min
The Fire These Times186/ Round table: Where are the Arabs? Part 1Our very own Ayman Makarem released his new video essay ‘Where Are the Arabs?’ on March 9, 2025. In this round table, he is joined by Elia and israa to expand on the topics discussed in the video, the context around it, and the need for more intellectual and class-based analysis on Arab nationalism and its many manifestations. If you haven’t watched the video yet you’ll still be able to follow this episode since Ayman provides a brief overview of the main themes. If you have watched the video, there are some key additions and interventions made by all 3...2025-03-2549 min
Politically DepressedMy Next Video Essay - S2E6I talk about the idea that I have for the next video essay.-- --Support Ali's Go Fund Me-- --Leave me a tip in my Tip JarBecome a member of the PatreonFollow me on InstagramFollow me on Bluesky2025-03-1859 min
Politically DepressedWhat's Really Happening in SyriaThere were numerous massacres that happening in the Syrian coast over the last week. I talk about them, share some information that I have about them and the reactions to them. I also provide some context to recent developments in Syria which I think too many are confused by and even more are coopting for ideological purposes. Here's some additional resources on the coast massacres: Article by Robin Yassin-Kassab Report by the Syrian Network for Human Rights Short video by Megaphone News-- -- New video essay...2025-03-1344 min
The Fire These Times184/ Öcalan's Statement and the Future of the PKK w/ DîlanOn Feb 27, Abdullah Öcalan, the long-time jailed leader of the PKK (Kurdish Worker’s Party), released a statement that shocked many. In the statement he called for the PKK to lay down their arms, which could spell the end of the 40-year long armed struggle against the Turkish state, and for the creation of a legal, diplomatic framework to ensure inclusion, rights, and dignity for the Kurdish communities within a democratic Turkish nation. In this episode, Ayman Makarem, Israa, and Karena Avedissian are joined by Dîlan who provides a thorough overview of the present moment, situates it wi...2025-03-041h 34
Politically DepressedMy Therapist Broke Up With Me - S2E4Just a personal rant about feeling sad that my therapist can no longer do sessions with me. I also share some thoughts about why therapy was so useful/helpful for me, especially in this present moment of despair and gloom.Headlines: Zelensky v. Trump, Vance; Israeli aggression on Syria. -- --Leave me a tip in my Tip JarBecome a member of the PatreonFollow me on InstagramFollow me on Bluesky2025-03-0343 min
Politically DepressedS2E3 - Lebanon: Sovereignty without LiberationA LOT has happened in Lebanon (and the region) in the last few months. This is the first of many episodes where I try to unpack not just the situation of Lebanon but the situation of the region as a whole from a Lebanese (leftist) perspective. There's a lot of moving pieces, a lot of history, and most important, a lot of seismic shifts that I think needs to be accounted for in our analysis, discussions, and actions. I'll be doing a live-stream for this episode (where you can ask your questions, ask for...2025-02-2156 min
Politically DepressedS2E2 - Arab Anarchism: Remembering Omar AzizOn Feb 16, 2013, the revolutionary Syrian anarchist Omar Aziz was martyred by the Assad regime. His legacy and actions, specifically around the local councils during the Syrian revolution, will be commemorated in events and talks held around the world on Feb 16, 2025. Here is a link with texts, resources, and dates:https://rememberomaraziz.net/Here is the comic I did on the Syrian rev + local councils:Comic on Syrian RevolutionAs part of the new series, I'll be hosting a live-stream discussion on this episode tomorrow (Tue 11th) at 6PM CET on Youtube...2025-02-1038 min
Politically DepressedS2E1 - When The Political is PersonalNew season! Same format! Not much will change with breaking up this podcast into seasons, it's just more helpful for planning/organizing. I am going to take the opportunity to try to regularise some of the formats I was playing with towards the end there.
Announcement:
- New Podcast: Mutual Aid Podcast
Headlines:
- Musk and 4chan
- Lebanon ceasefire: displaced force their way back home
- War on Jenin
- Egypt and Jordan reveal their hypocrisy
Main topic:
- Personal...2025-02-0541 min
Politically DepressedVideo Essay AnnouncementIt's finally happening. I finished the video essay. There's a live drop happening on Patreon on Sunday 26th at 8pm CET. Ayman will be in the live chat. Join us!
Link to the Video Essay
Free for members, available for one-time purchase for anyone else!
2025-01-2414 min
Politically DepressedExistentialism in the Age of GenocideEven when things feel pointless, we have to keep going. We have to give our actions meaning. Whether it's our own individual contributions or the movements we participate in, we can't completely lose hope in their possible impact and meaning. I think doing so is giving our enemies an unnecessary victory over us.
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2025-01-0532 min
Politically Depressed54. One Year of Politically DepressedToday it is officially one year exactly since I started this podcast. I look back and reflect on this year and talk about the year ahead. What has changed, what has stayed pretty much the same, what has gotten much worse? I ask these questions at the political, personal and polito-personal (to coin a term) level. Thank you to everyone who has listened over the last year. I appreciate every single one of you. May we mark the 2nd year of this podcast with new achievements, new breakthroughs, new ruptures to this depressing, catastrophic existence.
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Politically Depressed53. Sometimes the personal isn't politicalSo I got rejected from yet another writing grant. But I persist. From now I'm gna focus on doing my work and hoping those listening/reading appreciate enough/are able to support me. This episode is basically a free-association personal ramble about stuff I've been thinking about re my work and what I'm reluctantly calling 'diasporic discomforts'. Very little politics in this one, except brief talk about the "ceasefire" in Lebanon.
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Politically Depressed52. Long Live the Syrian RevolutionIt's finally happened. After 13 years of struggle, the Syrian people emerge victorious. What started as military operations in the north quickly escalated into country-wide revolt, built on decades of resentment, organising and, counter-revolutionary violence. Prisons liberated, Assad fled, and for the first time, in over a decade, Syrians are celebrating. They know, more than any of us, the work that comes now, but for now, let's celebrate with them.
This episode is dedicated to Omar Aziz, to Razan Zaitouneh, to Alan Kurdi, to all the brave fighters who were martyred by this regime, to all the ordinary...2024-12-0929 min
The Fire These Times178/ Roundtable on SyriaA lot has happened over the last week in Syria, so we figured we'd gather together, as members of From the Periphery, to discuss the latest developments and provide a historical and political background to help understand the current moment. We discuss a broad range of topics starting with an overview of the what's happened in the last week or so, including: the origins of the Syrian revolution, the counter-revolutionary war, the abuses and crimes of the Assad regime, foreign interventions and regional factors, descriptions of groups such as HTS (Hayat Tahrir al Sham) and SNA (Syria National Army...2024-12-031h 30
Politically Depressed51. Ceasefire in LebanonThese horrible two months seem to have come to an end. At least for the time being. A brief bittersweet moment amongst all the horribleness. I share they thoughts and reflections about the ceasefire deal that was announced just two days ago.
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Politically Depressed50. Hitting Rock Bottom or: How to Resist DespairI've been doing terribly. All of us are. But I can't go on like this. I will not cede them this victory.
This is possibly my most personal episode yet as I try to make sense of it all.
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Politically Depressed49. Germany is Doing Fascism (Again) /w DoqsiWhat was meant to be a reflection on The Peoples Want festival ended up being a long discussion of how insane Germany has become. Doqsi (Egyptian living in Berlin) shares their experience and analysis of the current situation of the Palestine solidarity movement in Berlin as well as the intense and white supremacist crackdown from the state, the media, and liberal organizations. We do talk a bit about the festival but end up really lamenting that the safety we both sought in Europe is increasingly being chipped away.
Essay I make constant reference to:
https...2024-11-151h 28
Politically Depressed48. The Peoples Want: Building Internationalism From BelowI had the extreme pleasure of spending the last week discussing and organizing with a group of activists and revolutionaries from across the global south. This happened at a conference hosted by The Peoples Want, a collective working on building genuine, strong internationalist bonds between struggles across the globe. Holding these conversations was intense but full of inspiration, especially at a time where I'm witnessing my world being destroyed, while everything feels empty of meaning, let alone hope. I share my reflections of this past week as well as brief comments on: the continued Israeli aggression on Lebanon, the...2024-11-011h 08
The Fire These Times174/ Lebanon From 1860 to the Present DayFor episode 174, Elia and Ayman sit down to talk about Lebanon. As our little country is in the news for all the worst reasons, we thought it a good idea to give y'all an overview of Lebanese history.
Materials Mentioned:
Books
A History of Modern Lebanon - Fawwaz Traboulsi
Banking on The State - Hisham Safieddine
Sextarianism - Maya Mikdashi
Films
Safar Barlek (1967) - Rahbani Brothers + Fairouz
Ila Ein (Where to?) (1957) - dir. George Nasser
Hail Walid Jumblatt (1977...2024-10-252h 12
Politically Depressed47. The Genocidal Limits of LiberalismWhat is liberalism? Who are liberals? Where do they stand in relation to the colonies? Where do they on genocide? I think the answer to the last question is pretty obvious to anyone paying attention over the last year. But regardless, I thought I'd do an episode sharing my reflections and understanding of liberalism, as a historical movement and political tendency that is riddled top to bottom with contradictions. History has shown that liberals are much friendlier to fascism than they are to anything resembling communism. We see this history repeating itself painfully clear. I share my, admittedly messy...2024-10-1540 min
Politically Depressed46. Where are the Arabs?A question people have asked over the last year (and half a century). A constant mark of shame for the entire 'arab world' but also the beginning into a very serious inquiry - which I would contest has radical potentials that have yet to be fully explored. As I develop my next video essay, on this very topic, I'm doing this episode to just explore the things I'm thinking about out loud.
I also provide some - incomplete - highlights on the latest developments in Lebanon and Palestine. One thing I definitely neglect to mention, specifically in southern Lebanon...2024-10-091h 03
Politically Depressed45. The End-Game is ApocalypseIt's so difficult to speak. Confirming in words what we know, but cannot believe, is happening. Lebanon, my home, has been subjected to an unfathomable aggression by Israel over the last week. Over 1600 people have been killed, thousands more injured, and approximately 1 million people internally displaced! Almost all of this in almost two weeks. In this episode I share my reflections as a Lebanese, but also my bitter analysis based on what Palestinians have been showing us over the last year. Israel will not stop, it needs to be stopped. Otherwise we're all doomed.
...2024-09-3024 min
Politically Depressed44. Queer Mutual Aid LebanonThe criminal and vile escalation of Israel's aggression in Lebanon has forced 10s of thousands to flee the South. In lieu of a government, organizations, grassroots groups, and local communities have been stepping in and doing, essentially, the government's work - to provide for and protect its population. I'm dedicating this episode to talking about one of these groups, which has in fact been operating since 2020, and which I helped found. It's a group I'm proud to be a part of and whose members are the most inspiring, powerful, and caring comrades that a queer could ask for. I...2024-09-2726 min
Politically Depressed43. Israel Wages War on Lebanon569 people killed in 2 days in Lebanon by the same people committing genocide in Gaza and moving to annex the West Bank. The Israelis are truly unhinged. Their aggression on the south of Lebanon has steadily increased over the last year. But yesterday was different. I provide an overview of what happened yesterday, Sept 23rd, and demonstrate that the Israelis are indeed speed-running through the playbook they have developed in Gaza over the last year. I share other thoughts on the issue in general as well.
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Politically Depressed42. Israel Escalates Aggression on LebanonIn the last 4 days, Israel has essentially declared war on all of Lebanon. With its mass electronic terrorist attack on Sept 17, followed by similar attacks the following down, and yesterday, Sept 20, they attacked the southern suburbs of Beirut with a bunker buster bomb. All told, Israel has killed more than 70 people and injured thousands of others. They have also increased their illegal, terrorising fly-overs across Lebanon and have drones that buzzed all throughout the night. They claim this aggression is all about deterring Hezbollah, but of course we know this is not the case - with yet another minister...2024-09-2137 min
Politically Depressed41. The Sabra and Shatila Massacre42 years ago today, far-right anti-Palestinian Christian militias in Lebanon committed the most horrendous massacre of the 15-year long Lebanese civil wars. With the heavy support of Israeli forces, who were occupying Beirut at the time, these militias (most notably the Lebanese Forces) killed up to 3500 Palestinians and Lebanese over 3 days. In this first filmed episode of this podcast, I talk about this massacre, providing a brief overview of the lead-up to it, as well as its continued relevance to today.
Two brief notes:
Although filmed, this episode can still be listened to as normal (there...2024-09-1747 min
The Fire These Times170/ Facing the German Far Right w/ Musa OkwongaFor episode 170, returning guest Musa Okwonga talks to Elia Ayoub about a piece he wrote, "The Hatred Is Accelerating", on racism and the far right in Germany. This was recorded on 31 August 2024, a day before the fascist AfD party won top place in Thuringia and second in Saxony in the state elections.
The Fire These Times is a proud member of From The Periphery (FTP) Media Collective. How to Support: on Patreon or on Apple Podcasts. You'll get early access to all podcasts, exclusive audio and video episodes, an invitation to join our monthly hangouts, and more.
Pr...2024-09-061h 24
Politically Depressed40. Against Against Hate'Hate' is a terrible way of understanding fascism and all forms of bigotry. Claiming to be against it seems to be more of a balm for the already protected subject, but does nothing for those that are violating, persecuting, and targeting by these violent structures. It is a moral statement, a pretty boring one, and not a political one. Despite this, its a very popular thing here in the imperial centers. I discuss this among other topics including: comments from my recent video essay (on Arab nationalism and colonialism), the Israeli invasion of the West Bank (specifically Jenin), and...2024-09-0240 min
Politically Depressed39. What is Self-Marginlization?Its a genuine question. Is it even a thing? Or is there a better term/framework?I also talk about how it seems that tankies have finally realized Sudan exists and ofc are producing the worst takes - with it creating harm and distractions.
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Politically Depressed38. Comradery as a Verb'Organize' is one of those words thats used a lot but needs to be critically examined for each respective situation, space, struggle etc. In building strong, long-lasting, and powerful movements, we need to make sure that the human connections within are built on trust, respect, and duty - especially enough to deal with conflict. I share my thoughts on this as well as other things like how there was a public Swiftie concert 20 meters away from a Palestine protest in downtown Vienna, and how dystopic and surreal that was.
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Politically Depressed37. Is it Impossible to Make People Care?I'm so tired.
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Politically Depressed36. Massacre in the Occupied Golan HeightsIt's becoming increasingly difficult to talk about things, my feelings, my thoughts.
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Politically Depressed35. Zionism from the Standpoint of its VictimsIn preparation for a video essay I'm developing, I decided to do an episode where I talk about the themes, arguments, and histories I've been examining and trying to synthesize. Definitely a ramble, but a potentially interesting one. Also, I have this weird tendency to emulate people's manner of speech when I read/listen to them too much (in this case, there are certain points, I'm basically just cosplaying as Edward Said).
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Politically Depressed34. What are 'Tankies'? (and why we oppose them)The world, especially the global south, desperately needs a strong internationalist left. There are some who think they're part of it, but are in fact doing incredible amounts of harm to communities that they de-facto erase in their analysis. These are the 'Tankies'. Is it white supremacy on the left, a conspiratorial world view, or just a lazy inability to understand the many systems of power and domination that exist in different contexts (and that local communities continue to resist)?
People Not States Website
People Not Sates Instagram
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Want...2024-07-1434 min
Politically Depressed33. We Cannot Normalize GenocideIt feels like fewer people are talking about Palestine. Has the supression of protests worked? Are people burntout, or have they lost interest? The unfathomable amount of violence cannot normalized. If it is, then its all doomed for sure. In this episode, I of course talk about G*z* as well as the nationalist mob violence against Syrian refugees in Turkey (and briefly in Lebanon).
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2024-07-0636 min
Politically Depressed32. There is no President of the United States of AmericaI watched the 'debate'. I watched U.Sians (esp liberals) freaking out. Even the NYT is turning against Biden. It truly is a shitshow, but one in which all of our fates are attached. We need bold movements to counter both rising fascism and this privelaged resignation (e.g. 'we're so cooked'). I don't know, this episode is also a bit of a ramble. It's hard to think straight when Israel is threating to send your home country 'to the stone age' on the daily.
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Politically Depressed31. Why Israel Can Never Defeat Hezbollah (or Hamas)With the grim prospects of an expanded war in Lebanon, I share my grim Lebanese analysis.
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Politically Depressed30. 'Death of Bed #12' by Ghassan KanafaniI've known this story for years. It has deeply affected my ways of thinking and understanding both myself and the world around me. I'll let it speak for itself for now, but I will probably discuss in a future episode what it means to me. I hope you appreciate this reading and apologize in advance for some of the clunky translations (the only English translation is from some white guy in the 80s and cross-checking with the original, it does seem he's made some weird choices).
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Politically Depressed29. Lessons From My Mother and Ghassan KanafaniWitnessing the genocide in Gaza, and the barbaric violence of the Zionist state, has made imagining a better world near impossible. The question on everyone's mind, after each new massacre, each new escalation, is where do we go from here? How do we go on? What is the point of it all? There are obviously no definitive answers, but I talk about a couple of new nourishing insights which have helped me reframe some things.
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Politically Depressed28. 'Letter From Gaza' by Ghassan KanafaniI read out a short story written by the great Palestinian writer Ghassan Kanafani. The power of his words remain as relevant as it ever did. I'll periodically do readings like this and of course open to recommendations.
Read the short story here
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Tip jar: https://buymeacoffee.com/poldep
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/firethesetimes2024-06-1114 min
Politically Depressed27. F*** PrideI go off on one. I can't. As a queer arab, as an anti-capitalist, anti-racist, anti-imperialist, as someone whose eyes are bloodshot with rage and heart is constantly breaking over the ongoing genocide in Gaza, I thoroughly reject Pride in its most popular co-opted forms. Pride is a protest, not a surrender to and integration into white supremacist capitalist heteropatriarchal ways of relating to one another, the state, and our queer siblings and comrades around the globe. Also who keeps inviting all these straight guys?
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Politically Depressed26. Living in the Era of CollapseI've been thinking about collapse for at least 5 years now. It's a formitive concept for me, how I understand the world we live in. I think as time goes on, as history plays its course, collapse will spread. It is very definitive in the peripheries, but not as clear in the imperial cores. Collapse creates uncertainty and new possibilites. Although that means some good new stuff can come from it, it is crushingly obvious that it is the prefered circumstances of monsters. How do we prevent collapse? How do we adapt to it? How do we control it? I'll add...2024-06-0127 min
The Fire These Times162/ Spaces of Exception and the Struggle for Native American and Palestinian AutonomyFor episode 162, host Ayman Makarem is joined by two guests, Malek Rasamny and Matt Peterson, to talk about their 10-year long multi-media project 'The Native and the Refugee'. The three talk about the project, its many manifestations, its focus on settler colonialism as a framework, as well as the current genocidal situation unfolded in Gaza. They also talk about their film 'Spaces of Exception' (2018), which is currently being screened across the globe.
Malek Rasamny is a documentary filmmaker, researcher and writer. He is currently working on a doctoral research project at Paris Nanterre University concerning the social p...2024-05-311h 25
The Fire These Times161/ The Gaza Genocide Changes EverythingElia and Ayman talk about Gaza, and why this genocide changes everything.
Demand a complete arms embargo on Israel immediately. Sanctions immediately. Cut off all diplomatic immediately. To hold Israel accountable for genocide means making them pay for reparations, sending its war criminals to The Hague, and conditioning going back to normal relations on the implementation of full rights to Palestinians.
Due to the time-sensitive nature of this episode, it is being released for Patreons and for the general public at the same time.
Palestine Children's Relief Fund: https://www.pcrf.net/
2024-05-281h 02
Politically Depressed25. The Palestine Watch Party w/ israa abd elfattahI sat with israa abd el-fattah to talk about the Palestine Watch Party, a series of online watch parties I've beeng curating and hosting over the last few months. israa has been a long-time participant and our conversation about the space both gives an overview of our experiences with the watch parties as well as gives an insight into how those conversations and discussions usually go - the space we hold for each other, our pain, and varied experiences. If you want to join us the sign up link is below.
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Sign...2024-05-261h 15
Politically Depressed24. The Lebanese Who Are Jealous of IsraelisTweet anything about Syrians in Lebanon and they'll appear. Say that Lebanese people are Arabs and you'll hear them bark. Look at the history of the failed colonial project that is Lebanon, and you'll see them everywhere.
This is an obviously provocative title, but an honest one; many don't even hide it. They're not just strange characters, but very dangerous political actors whose ideologies and sadistic desires are being manifested as a state level. Incredibly concerning given the normalization of violence and dehumanization of Syrians in Lebanon.
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Politically Depressed23. The Kids Are AlrightThe genocidal violence in Gaza is escalating and so is the response by students around the world.
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Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/firethesetimes
Tip Jar: https://buymeacoffee.com/poldep2024-05-1026 min
Politically Depressed22. A Clockwork Orange, White Supremacy, and PalestineA Clockwork Orange is not about human nature, it's about European fascism. This is at least my reading of it. I've been thinking a lot about it as we're seeing the European centre shift drastically to the right in defence of the ongoing Israeli genocide in Palestine. In this episode I share my analysis and reading of A Clockwork Orange that I think illuminates some terrifying and bizarre aspects of the current moment.
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To support this podcast:
Patreon: Patreon.com/firethesetimes
Tip Jar: buymeacoffee.com/poldep 2024-05-0330 min
Politically Depressed21. Comedy and Liberation w/ Dana SalehI talk with one of my favourite internet people Dana Saleh. She's a Palestinian comedian based in Montreal who I've followed for years, and always knew we would get along great - and we did! We talk about comedy, Palestine, liberation, grief, and everything in between. I hope you enjoy this episode.
Dana's Socials:
Twitter
TikTok
Instagram
Support this podcast:
Patreon: https://patreon.com/firethesetimes
Tip Jar: https://buymeacoffee.com/poldep
Join the Palestine Watch Party:
https://forms.gle/yNaoYiBD9iswZgy77 2024-04-261h 23
Politically Depressed20. The Al-Shifa Hospital MassacreThe real extent of the Al-Shifa Massacre are still being uncovered. Every day new mass graves. Every day new horrors. All the while the genocide continues unabated. The white phosphorus is raining down on South Lebanon. Settler violence is accelerating. I don't know how to contain myself. But we can't look away, we can't stop talking.
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Tip me at: https://buymeacoffee.com/poldep
Keep This Between Us (Sub-series): https://www.patreon.com/collection/468212 2024-04-1922 min
Politically Depressed19. Lebanon Doesn't Have a Syrian Problem, It Has a Fascism ProblemFascist gangs are roaming the streets looking for Syrians. It's terrifying and needs to be stopped. I talk about this recent surge of violence, its short history, but also I give a bit of a primer on Lebanon - which turns out to be incredibly difficult to do. I'll probably do more like these cause the urgent situation calls for it, but also to elaborate on some of the stuff I touch on here.
*Correction: The Tal al-Zaatar Massacre happens in 76' not in 75' as I state in the episode.
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...2024-04-1232 min
Politically Depressed18. These Last 5 Years Have Been Fucked Up! w/ Nada HomsiNada is one of my favourite people. She's funny, interesting, unique - basically a person whose presence in my life I miss so much. We talk about Beirut, Gaza, her coverage of the war in Lebanon, and so much more in between. I sincerely hope you are enjoying these interviews because I've really enjoyed recording them - insofar as I'm 'enjoying' anything these days.
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TipJar: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/poldep
Keep This Between Us Subseries: https://www.patreon.com/collection/468212?view=expanded
Nada's Social Media: https://twitter.com/NadaOHomsi2024-04-051h 13
Politically Depressed17. Distraught About Sudan w/ Sara Al-HassanThis is an interview with Sudanese writer, editor, and commentator Sara Al-Hassan. We talk about her writing and coverage of the current war in Sudan, the frustrating hashtag discourse, and feelings of grief at the mass atrocities in Sudan, Gaza, and beyond. We talk about other things as well.
Note: Interview episodes like this are gonna be longer than my solo episodes. I hope you all still appreciate them.
Tip Jar: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/poldep
My comic on Sudan (with recommended readings): https://unicornriot.ninja/2022/revolution-in-every-country-comic-series-episode-2-sudan-building-power-from-below/
Sara's Pages:
2024-03-291h 15
Politically Depressed16. Who Pays for Your Silence?No words feel like they live up to the current moment. We all need to do more, especially those who can and are waiting for something to push them. The warning bells couldn't be louder. Act now. Before it's too late.
TipJar
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/poldep
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/politically_depressed/
Sign-Up Link Watch Party
https://forms.gle/zHKPhWfYGw1uQNMM7 2024-03-2225 min
The Fire These TimesPolitically Depressed Eps. 9-12This is a compilation of 4 episodes of our new podcast Politically Depressed, created by writer and organizer Ayman Makarem. These are episodes 9-12 compiled into one long episode (with time codes below).
If you enjoy this podcast, please consider following and rating it on whatever app you use to listen to your podcasts (It really makes a huge difference to our visibility.)
Time codes:
00:00 - Episode 9: This Fire Will Consume You Too
20:20 - Episode 10: Do Protests Work?
41:45 - Episode 11: I Caught a Zionist Infiltrator at a Palestine Solidarity Protest
59:00 - Episode 12: Community of Grief w...2024-03-161h 44
Politically Depressed15. Strength in Times of CrisisVulnerability is strength. Existence is resistance. Justice will prevail. What meaning do sayings like these hold in our world of collapse and crisis? With mass atrocities across our region, I wonder about how people hold on and struggle against despair.
Tip Jar: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/poldep
Mentions:
https://unicornriot.ninja/revolution-in-every-country/
https://shop.mangalmedia.net/products/a-letter-home-ayman-makarem-hisham-rifai
Instagram:
@politically_depressed
Love and Solidarity.2024-03-1523 min
Politically Depressed14. Soft White Supremacy: Or Why I Won't Watch the New ContrapointsLeft or right looks pretty much the same to those on the bottom. This episode is more analysis than introspection, a brief departure from previous episodes. I'll be moving between the two from now on, especially as I continue to make more episodes sharing my thoughts and feelings about this absolutely f*cked up world.
Tip Jar: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/poldep2024-03-1026 min
The Fire These Times155/ The '82 Israeli Siege of Beirut: Similarities and Differences with Gaza Today w/ Justin SalhaniFor episode 155, Ayman sits with Beirut-based journalist and friend of the show, Justin Salhani, to talk about his recent essay for Al-Jazeera. Expanding on the essay, the two talk about parallels between the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon and siege of Beirut and the ongoing genocide in Gaza. As two children of survivors of the '82 siege, their conversation moves between political/military analysis and discussions of memory and narratives as tools of agency.
The best way to support The Fire These Times is to:
Become a member of our Patreon at Patreon.com/firethesetimes. With a monthly or year...2024-03-081h 05
Politically Depressed13. I Saw That PhotoAnd it haunts me. I don't know if I'll ever forget it. But I had to talk about it. This is a really stressful episode. I'm unable to hold back my grief. So please don't listen unless you feel ready and able to.
TW: Description of de*d body.
https://www.instagram.com/politically_depressed/2024-03-0521 min
Politically Depressed12. Community of Grief w/ Lina MounzerI interview my favourite writer Lina Mounzer. We talk about grief, community, and being in Lebanon at a time of war and during the on-going genocide in Palestine. This is a shortened version for public release. The full interview will be released on our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/firethesetimes
Follow Lina on Twitter: @warghetti
Check out The Markaz Review at www.themarkaz.org - an arts, culture and literary magazine by and for the greater Middle East.2024-02-2945 min
Politically Depressed11. I Caught A Zionist Infiltrator at a Palestine Solidarity MarchThis is a tactic. Infiltrators, saboteurs, and opportunists. We should all be vigilant of those actively damaging and/or co-opting activist spaces. I recount this story as a cautionary tale but also as a detailed account to help others spot similar suspicious behaviour. ** Oh! I didn't mention that someone did snap a photo of him at the end, so we can spread it and make sure he's never welcomed to these marches. Highly recommend, esp if it gets really suspicious. Stay safe everyone. 2024-02-2617 minPolitically Depressed10. Do Protests Work?The short answer is sort of. The long answer is it depends. But as we continue to protest and organize for a ceasefire in Palestine, and for an end to white-supremacist, imperialist, capitalist, patriarchy (yes it is one of those podcasts), we need to really think hard about what tactics and strategies we're relying on, and why. I share my reflections on this as well as debut my world famous zizek impersonation.
Support this podcast: https://www.patreon.com/firethesetimes2024-02-2321 minPolitically Depressed9. This Fire Will Consume You TooIsrael attacks Rafah, an escalation in their genocide. Israel attacks Lebanon, an escalation in their collective punishment. The West continues to applaud, although now with some moans, an escalation in their complicity. Those murdered will not be the last. This violence, embodying the death of humanity, will spread and will destroy us all unless it is stopped.
To support this podcast: https://www.patreon.com/firethesetimes2024-02-1520 min
The Fire These TimesPolitically Depressed Eps. 5-8This is a compilation of 4 episodes of our new podcast Politically Depressed, a weekly podcast by Lebanese writer and organizer Ayman Makarem.
These are episodes 5-8 compiled into one long episode (with time codes below).
If you enjoy this podcast, please consider following and rating it on whatever app you use to listen to your podcasts!
Time codes:
00:00 - Episode 5: Sounds of Silence
22:00 - Episode 6: White People Cannot Stop Fascism (Alone)
48:30 - Episode 7: Life on Pause
1:12:20 - Episode 8: Treat Us As Though We're Mourning
The best way to support Politically Depressed and The Fire These Times is through Patreon.com/firethes...2024-02-091h 34Politically Depressed8. Treat Us As Though We're MourningBecause we are. Whether from the grief of the on-going genocide in Gaza, military aggressions against Lebanon and Syria, the months-long war in Sudan, or the daily violence of economic/political collapse (the list goes on), we are not okay. For those of us experiencing casual white supremacy in 'the West', holding that pain has been difficult and frustrating. I share some personal reflections as I navigate all of this, hopefully with some coherence and empathy.2024-02-0922 minPolitically Depressed7. Life On HoldWe are broken; the living dead. It's becoming hard to put words to it all. Yet I still make my attempt, despite the immense grief and anger.
Al-Jazeera Interview with Moataz Azaiza: https://youtu.be/BQSiGbzD4yo?si=Y2W6CPVFPxbDEqjm
Middle East Eye Interview with Plestia Alaqad:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GBaNDGCh4I 2024-02-0123 minPolitically Depressed6. White People Cannot Stop Fascism (Alone)I attended the "Defend Democracy" protest in Vienna. What I witnessed disturbed me. 2024-01-2826 min
The Fire These Times150/ The Israeli War on Southern Lebanon w/ Karim Safieddine, Michelle Eid & Justin SalhaniFor episode 150, Lebanese journalist Justin Salhani guest hosts Lebanese researchers Michelle Eid and Karim Safieddine to talk about the under-reported and overlooked war in southern Lebanon. They look at the human impact of this conflict on Lebanon - a country that in just over four years has experienced a stunted revolution, one of modern history's worst economic crises, and the destruction of large parts of its capital due to a port explosion. They dissect media narratives, share personal anecdotes, and tie the current conflict to history, recalling the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982, the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel...2024-01-2659 minPolitically Depressed5. Sounds of Silence: Or Why I Binge 'The Office'Is anyone else talking to themselves lately? Anyone else randomly blurting out sounds to express their immense grief and frustration while avoiding a complete mental break down? What T.V show are you binging to bridge the gaps between work, organizing for a ceasefire, and bearing witness to the ongoing genocide? I think about these things out loud in this episode, in a hopefully coherent and interesting way. I'm just so tired.2024-01-2522 min
The Fire These TimesPolitically Depressed - First 4 EpisodesThe Fire These Times is expanding into a network of autonomous, decentralized projects and podcasts from the periphery.
The first new addition to this media ecosystem is Politically Depressed, a new weekly, blog-style podcast by Lebanese writer and organizer Ayman Makarem.
We've compiled the first 4 episodes of Politically Depressed into this compilation (with time codes below).
If you enjoy this podcast, please consider following and rating it on whatever podcast app you use.
Stay tuned to hear about the many other projects and podcasts we have lined up!
2024-01-181h 34Politically Depressed4. Sanity or Humanity"These tears make us different from our enemy." - Wael Al-Dahdouh, Palestinian Journalist
Staying sane in this cruel and absurd world is becoming an impossibility. The only choice we have left is maintaining our humanity. I talk about this along with other things.
2024-01-1823 minPolitically Depressed3. Genocide Golden GlobesSince the world did not stop for Palestine, Palestine will stop the world. Or something like that. Dystopian does not begin to describe this new state of the affairs. Many will try to normalize the ongoing genocide, but we must ensure that that is their undoing. While we continue to demand a ceasefire, in anyway we can, how do we reckon and resist these new contradictions?2024-01-1022 minPolitically Depressed2. Israel Attacks BeirutIt felt inevitable. I've been terrified about this for years and now it's happened. On Jan 3rd, our lovely neighbours attacked our capital. It's not the first time, it won't be the last. After 3 months of genocide on Gaza, and attacks on Southern Lebanon, Isr*el's military aggression is expanding even further with full support from Western states. I share my thoughts and feels about this as a Lebanese who left Beirut largely because of the fear (and knowledge) that this was inevitably going to happen. Zi*nism and Western Imperialisms are constant threats to the safety, security, and...2024-01-0428 minPolitically Depressed1. IntroductionsI'm depressed. You're depressed. We're all just super mega depressed. Soo ... is it just low levels of serotonin? Our so-called 'childhoods'? Or is it because the world is falling apart and we all feel super impotent while witnessing the collapse of capitalism give way to far-right resurgence across the globe. Idk. Maybe my mother's right and I'm just not taking enough Magnesium and Vitamin D. Who knows? Anyway, in this first episode I give a flavour of what future episodes of this podcast will feel like and what topics I'll be exploring. Hope you enjoy it!2023-12-2917 min
The Fire These Times148/ Understanding Seen and Unseen Violence in Israel-Palestine w/ Diana Greenwald & Alexei AbrahamsFor episode 148, Dana El Kurd and Joey Ayoub are joined by Diana Greenwald and Alexei Abrahams to talk about seen and unseen violence in Israel-Palestine. They explore the many forms of violence of the Israeli occupation that led to the October 7 massacre and the brutal Israeli response in Gaza. What is kinetic violence? What is structural violence? And how do these two differ?
Diana is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at The City University of New York. Her research focuses on the politics of the Middle East, nationalism, conflict, and state-building. She obtained her Ph.D. in...2023-12-1557 min
The Fire These TimesPalestine and Global Solidarity - Remastered w/ Sumaya Awad and Shireen Akram-BosharIn this remastered release, Joey Ayoub is joined by Sumaya Awad and Shireen Akram-Boshar. Awad is a co-editor of the book Palestine: A Socialist Introduction, and Akram-Boshar is a contributor to the same book. Originally released on May 20th 2021, this episode has been remastered and re-released. Many of the topics discussed - including the ethnic cleansing of Palestine, the growing solidarity movements around the globe, the Palestinian struggle for liberation - all resonate in today’s context. This episode serves as a reminder that the recent escalation in Palestine has origins well before Oct 7 and that calls to end Is...2023-12-021h 09
The Fire These Times145/ Arab Jews For Palestinian Liberation w/ Hadar Cohen and Dahab KashiDaniel and Joey host a conversation between Hadar Cohen and Dahab Kashi, exploring the radical power of Arab Jewish perspectives. Often seen as mutually exclusive identities, the existence and experience of Arab Jews transcends the narrow, and violent, confines of both Zionism and Arab Nationalism. The artist Yossi Zabari spoke about the power of the 'hyphen connecting Arab and Jew', and in this episode we explore the potential that acknowledging that hyphen has in our current critical moment.
The best way to support The Fire These Times is through Patreon.com/firethesetimes.
The...2023-11-171h 12
The Fire These TimesUnderstanding Hamas: Anti-Authoritarian Perspectives - RemasteredIn light of the genocidal onslaught against Palestinians in Gaza following the October 7th Hamas attack, we've decided to re-release an old episode on Hamas, Gaza, and Palestine-Israel. In this episode from June 2021, Joey interviews Tareq Baconi, author of the book "Hamas Contained: The Rise and Pacification of Palestinian Resistance" published in 2018. Baconi meticulously outlines the nature of Israel's blockade on Gaza, the various aspects of Palestinian resistance to ongoing occupation, and contextualizes Hamas's role, structure, and motives within this wider social and political struggle.
The audio is remastered and includes a new introduction...2023-11-101h 07
The Fire These Times144/ Against the Imperialist Impulse w/ Abdullahi Ahmed An-Na'imFor episode 144, Daniel is joined by renowned Sudanese Professor Abdullahi Ahmed An-Na’im for a wide-ranging conversation on human rights, spirituality, and inter-cultural justice. Professor An-Na’im is an internationally recognized scholar of Islam and human rights, specifically from cross-cultural perspectives, and teaches courses in international law, comparative law, human rights, and Islamic law.
With intensifying human rights violations around the world, and longstanding failures from international bodies to curtail state and corporate impunity, how do we understand protecting human rights today? Abdullahi brings decades of experience as an activist, scholar and jurist to the table, drawing on c...2023-11-031h 16
The Fire These Times143/ Sudan in Revolution and War w/ Dalia Abdelmoniem and Raga MakawiAyman Makarem is joined by two Sudanese commentators, Raga Makawi and Dalia Abdelmoniem, to talk about the war in Sudan. Both guests talk at length about the situation as well as the political, economic, and revolutionary context it exists within. This intimate discussion explores the many ways Sudanese people are reflecting on and struggling against the current war situation. With little to no international attention, these voices are vital to listen to and learn from.
You can support The Fire These Times on patreon.com/firethesetimes with a monthly or yearly donation and get a lot of perks including e...2023-10-241h 13
The Fire These TimesQueer Mutual Aid Lebanon Special Fundraising!The Fire These Times is fundraising for Queer Mutual Aid Lebanon! Here to talk to us about their work, queer mutual aid in Lebanon and why they started working after the October 2019 uprising and the 2020 crises (Covid-19, August 4 explosion, economic crisis and more) is repeated guest and buddy-in-chief Ayman Makarem.
To support them:
● Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/qmalebanon
● Paypal: @qmalebanon
About Queer Mutual Aid Lebanon:
We are a small grassroots group of queer/trans people in Lebanon working to secure material support for other queer/tran...2023-06-0632 min
The Fire These TimesUnlocked. When You're Not The Target Audience: Two Arab Millennials Talk About Seinfeld w/ Ayman Makarem (Premium 1)In which I sat down with friend of the pod Lebanese writer Ayman Makarem for the first ever premium episode. This was first recorded for Patreons in February 2023 and I'm now releasing it to the wider public.
What made Seinfeld so special to Ayman as a queer kid from Lebanon? And what is it like to watch shows that don't have you in mind as their target audience?
You can support The Fire These Times on patreon.com/firethesetimes with a monthly or yearly donation and get a lot of perk...2023-04-141h 30
Socialist News and ViewsSNV Special Interview: From Sudan Resistance Committees To Revolution In Every CountryRecorded (2/10/2023) and Uploaded (3/9/2023)
In this Special Interview we speak with writer and organizer Ayman Makarem. We talk about the comic series Revolution in Every Country (Available to view from Unicorn Riot here: https://unicornriot.ninja/revolution-in-every-country/) which is drawn by Hisham Rifai and written by Ayman Makarem as well as their book A Letter Home (available here: https://shop.mangalmedia.net/collections/a-letter-home-ayman-makarem-hisham-rifai/products/a-letter-home-ayman-makarem-hisham-rifai). The comic series covers the SWANA (Southwest Asian and North African) Region and so far has Episodes on Syria, and Sudan with Episodes on Lebanon and Iran coming soon. In this Special...2023-03-0935 min
Socialist News and ViewsSNV Special Interview: From Sudan Resistance Committees To Revolution In Every CountryRecorded (2/10/2023) and Uploaded (3/9/2023)
In this Special Interview we speak with writer and organizer Ayman Makarem. We talk about the comic series Revolution in Every Country (Available to view from Unicorn Riot here: https://unicornriot.ninja/revolution-in-every-country/) which is drawn by Hisham Rifai and written by Ayman Makarem as well as their book A Letter Home (available here: https://shop.mangalmedia.net/collections/a-letter-home-ayman-makarem-hisham-rifai/products/a-letter-home-ayman-makarem-hisham-rifai). The comic series covers the SWANA (Southwest Asian and North African) Region and so far has Episodes on Syria, and Sudan with Episodes on Lebanon and Iran coming soon. In this Special we focus on...2023-03-0935 min
The Fire These TimesPremium Episode 1: Watching Seinfeld as Arab Millennials w/ Ayman Makarem (Sample)In which I talk about Seinfeld with fellow Arab millennial and writer (and previous guest of the podcast) Ayman Makarem. It's that simple!
What made that sitcom so special to Ayman as a queer kid from Lebanon? And what is it like to watch shows that don't have you in mind as their target audience?
This is a sample episode. To listen to the full episode please head out to http://www.patreon.com/firethesetimes and get access to exclusives, monthly hangouts, book clubs and more for $5 a month.
Check out Ayman's project Bi...2023-02-1605 min
Mangal Media Podcast"A Letter Home" with Ayman Makarem
In this episode of the Mangal Media podcast, I am joined by Ayman Makarem to talk about the short comic book him and Hisham Rifai have produced for Mangal Media: A Letter Home. A Letter Home which will be released later this month is a deeply personal medley of emotions about Beirut, loss, and dislocation. Ayman Makarem and Hisham Rifai walk a delicate line between yearning and indignation for the home they have left behind. The beauty of this illustrated short story is its bravery in tackling irreconcilable emotions without falling into rose-tinted nostalgia or crippling cynicism. The ease...2022-04-0900 min
The Fire These Times22/Building Mutual Aid in Lebanon (with Ayman Makarem)This is a conversation with Ayman Makarem. He’s a Lebanon-based writer and filmmaker who recently wrote essays on mutual aid in Lebanon for The Public Source.
One of the themes of The Fire These Times is to promote mutual aid for the 21st century so I was really looking forward to speaking with Ayman about this. In addition to reading his essay, this has been a topic that we’ve been discussing since Lebanon’s October 2019 uprising.
We both found that there were structures that were lacking within revolutionary settings in Lebanon that could allow for...2020-05-1956 min