Shows
Gino's PodcastA Conversation with Beirut Madinati's Kristy Asseily & Marc TueniThis is my endorsement for the Beirut Madinati coalition running in the 2025 Beirut Municipality elections this Sunday, May 18.Let me take you back to 2016. That was long before the Thawra and probably the first time many of you heard of me or the work I do. It was during the garbage crisis, when Lebanon became a global punchline. Rivers of trash flowed through our streets, forests, and actual rivers. The world saw it. We lived it.Out of that mess came Beirut Madinati. A group of young, progressive, non-sectarian Lebanese who refused to play the...2025-05-1546 min
Gino's PodcastWhy Lebanese Bankerjiyyeh Went All-In on the Soros Stuff & FailedThe saddest thing about the failed smear campaign against change MPs and independent media outlets like Megaphone and Daraj is how lazy it was. For the past few weeks, I’ve been trying to wrap my head around why the elites who enriched themselves before the Thawra chose to just copy-paste a right-wing conspiracy theory from the 2010s about George Soros. Then, it finally made sense, and in today’s episode, I’ll break it down with you.The Bankerjiyyeh’s Mindset Post-HezbollahThere’s one concept (I know how much Lebanese love this word) that is ve...2025-04-2818 min
Gino's PodcastWhat the Banking Secrecy Law Amendment Victory Means & What's Next with Dr. Mohamad FaridaI will be diving deeper into the smear campaigns and why they failed so spectacularly on Monday’s episode!In the meantime, Dr Mohamad Farida, from the Depositors Union, took a break from advocating for the amendment in ongoing parliamentary sessions, to give us all an update. Get full access to Gino's Blog at ginoraidy.substack.com/subscribe2025-04-2423 min
Gino's PodcastTime to Legalize Cannabis in LebanonThis has been my longest running topic on this blog. The OG readers will remember. I started in 2011, and a lot of us feel it is gonna happen, it’s just a matter of time. We’ve done the hard part. The taboo is gone. Public opinion has shifted. Cannabis is no longer a dirty word in Lebanon — it’s a reality. People talk about it openly, joke about it online, and most importantly, no one’s pretending it isn’t being grown, sold, and used across the country.What we haven’t done — and what we must do now — is...2025-03-2311 min
Gino's PodcastFrom Bashir to Hariri to Nasrallah: The Leaders Who Broke LebanonLebanon’s greatest weakness has always been our attachment to problematic leaders who promise much but deliver chaos, sectarian division, and stagnation. These leaders—each idolized by some but despised by many—reflect our vulnerability to charismatic figures who exploit our fears and insecurities.Today, I've simplified Lebanon's recent history into the struggle between its minorities, highlighting three figures who—despite arising from different circumstances—share similar flaws. Bashir Gemayel, Rafik Hariri, and Hassan Nasrallah all represent Lebanon’s chronic issue: a centralized government continually gutted or exploited by competing sects once they seize power. Regardless of their suppor...2025-03-2115 min
Gino's PodcastA Conversation with Makram RabahA conversation with Makram Rabah, Assistant Professor of History at the American University of Beirut.In this episode, I sit down with historian and AUB professor Makram Rabah to discuss the slow, generational change unfolding in Lebanon. We break down the myths of instant transformation, the role of elections, the military tribunal system, and Hezbollah’s shifting influence.For the full episode and more insights, head to ginoraidy.substack.com.Follow him:https://x.com/makramrabah/https://www.instagram.com/makramrabah/ Get full access to Gino's Blog at ginoraidy.substack.co...2025-03-0924 min
Gino's PodcastHezbollah’s Vote of Confidence & What It MeansSometimes, it feels like nothing happens for a very long time. But Lebanon is not in one of those times. Right now, events are unfolding so quickly, and the sheer volume of noise from all sides them makes it easy to miss the massive shift in the balance of power that’s taking place beneath the surface, if one wasn’t paying close attention.The recent developments are not just the usual dishonest political maneuvering; they carry significant weight, even if they’re not being framed as that explicitly. The news that Lebanese authorities thwarted an attempt by the...2025-03-0314 min
Gino's PodcastLebanon’s Deadlock DoctrinePower in Lebanon isn’t about track records, courageous leadership, or bold vision. It’s about leverage—the ability to obstruct, disrupt, or threaten effectively. If you can halt parliamentary sessions, shut down the airport, or flood the streets with armed supporters, you hold power. This dangerous metric rewards destruction over construction and has kept Lebanon in a perpetual state of crisis.As discussions about reconstruction take center stage, it’s crucial to examine this entrenched culture—not just in Lebanon but across the region. This is why the moment following our new government’s vote of confidence i...2025-02-2708 min
Gino's PodcastA Funeral, A Flyover, and a Shift in Power: Hezbollah's Fork in the RoadLet’s start with the obvious: a lot of people attended Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral, nearly five months after he was killed in a massive Israeli airstrike on Dahieh. But the funeral was more than just a farewell—it was also an opportunity for a badly battered Hezbollah to demonstrate that it still had support.Now, we can debate whether the turnout was a referendum on Hezbollah or simply a reflection of the deep reverence many of its supporters had for their longtime secretary-general. But that’s not the focus of this Monday’s post. Instead, it’s about what...2025-02-2410 min
Gino's Podcast"Ma T3isha"Maybe you’re not exactly like me, but when I fall in love with something, I tend to get a little obsessed. Whether it’s a book, a movie, a series, a music genre, or a niche area of expertise, I want to know everything—the lore, the culture, the creators, the nuances—and figure out if and how it fits into my life or worldview.Growing up, I’d weave Tolkien into my life—my fashion, my interests—just like I did with Star Wars, Biology, Hip Hop, Trance, or whatever else my teenage brain fixated on for a few m...2025-02-2010 min
Gino's PodcastCheckmating the Bully: Lebanon’s Reckoning with Hezbollah’s BluffOne of the most memorable books I read last year was Barbara F. Walter’s How Civil Wars Start. She identifies eight key factors that often trigger civil conflicts. Lately, I’ve noticed many of these factors surfacing in Lebanon—especially in the aftermath of Hezbollah’s humiliating defeat in its latest war with Israel and the collapse of the Assad regime next door. Once so dominant, Lebanon’s de facto rulers now seem to be scrambling for any desperate measure to regain relevance, even if it’s clear these attempts are doomed to fail.I don’t believe Leba...2025-02-1807 min
Gino's PodcastNawaf Salam's First Interview as Prime Minister of Lebanon + ClipsYou can watch the full 90+ minute interview above. I also cut a few clips that resonated with me the most—whether it’s his immediate promise to do everything possible to regain the trust of young Lebanese, most of whom want to leave Lebanon if they haven’t already (or were forced to leave, like me).He also spoke about missed opportunities, which really resonated with me, as I’ve written about that for years—using almost the same language as the person who is now our PM. You can read my 2020 article here: The...2025-02-121h 39
Gino's PodcastLebanon's New Government: A Deep DiveMabrook! I want to start today’s article and episode by thanking everyone who has worked tirelessly over the past six weeks to achieve what many Lebanese thought was impossible: a president, a prime minister, and a cabinet made up—mostly—of the right men and women, in the right positions, at the right time.I know many of you are here because of Yassin Jaber, so let’s start with that. Yes, he was one of the four ministers approved by Nabih Berri. Yes, he’s not a new face. And yes, he is now the finance mi...2025-02-0925 min
Gino's PodcastThe Backroom Deals Behind Lebanon’s Cabinet FormationI had to jump on here and share some insights about the cabinet formation, as many of you seem to be buying into the widespread campaigns from nearly every side against Nawaf Salam—the easiest target for the mafia and militia omertà in power.What’s Happening Behind the ScenesNegotiations. That’s how politics work when it’s not just one man forcing everyone else to fall in line, like before. I’m going to say something many of you won’t like, but you’re adults—you can handle it. The Finance Ministry was never going t...2025-02-0508 min
Gino's Podcast3 Tips for Nawaf Salam: A Clean Judge in a Dirty Political ArenaWhat a wild three weeks—it’s been nonstop, and not just for Lebanon. My take on the cabinet formation hasn’t changed, but there’s a clear disconnect between Nawaf Salam’s approach and the expectations of many who backed his appointment as a step toward real change. In this Monday’s episode, I’ll break down why we feel stuck, why it doesn’t have to be this way, and what Nawaf Salam and Joseph Aoun could do in the days leading up to the ceasefire extension deadline, Saad Hariri’s return, and Hassan Nasrallah’s long-delayed funeral.The s...2025-02-0408 min
Gino's PodcastBeyond Hezbollah: The Need for Broader Accountability in Lebanese PoliticsI’m a staunch critic of Hezbollah—one of the many reasons I was forced out of Lebanon. In the lead-up to Joseph Aoun’s election as president and Nawaf Salam’s appointment as prime minister, I resumed my activism and campaigning at full force. Both were my top picks, and I’m extremely happy about the outcome. But while it’s a massive step forward, it’s just one step on a long and difficult road.My opposition to Hezbollah intensified when they intervened in Syria, though I never supported them before that. The Mar Mikhael agreement with...2025-01-2908 min
Do Not WorryH3 Fans ATTACK Me, Dubai Bling, Nour Hajjar vs Gino Raidy, Elon & Trump - DO NOT WORRY #161On this second LIVE episode, the DNW crew discuss an H3 fan's very long videos about Anthony, Anthony binging all 3 seasons of Dubai Bling, Elon and Trump's recent controversies, local drama between Gino Raidy and Comedian Nour Hajjar, Dubai Chocolate overload, and plenty more! 2025-01-291h 54
Gino's PodcastNawaf Salam: Steadfast in the Face of Hezbollah’s Faltering AttacksThanks for reading Gino's Blog! This post is public so feel free to share it.It’s been a tumultuous week for Lebanon. As Israel claimed the lives of 22 Lebanese civilians returning to their towns, areas previously under occupation were liberated with the support of the Lebanese Army. Notably absent during these events was Hezbollah, which remained silent as civilians and soldiers fell to Israeli gunfire. When Hezbollah operatives did finally emerge, it was under the cover of night—armed and chanting sectarian slogans—not at the frontlines, but in predominantly Christian and Sunni neighborhoods of Bei...2025-01-2809 min
Gino's PodcastHezbollah's Forgotten Propaganda FPS Video Game [Video Episode 001]“It was 2018 in Beirut. The October 17, 2019, uprising was still months away. The Ponzi scheme that would steal our money from the Central Bank—masterminded by Riad Salameh and benefiting the corrupt political elite—hadn’t imploded yet. COVID hadn’t struck. The war in Syria seemed to have settled, with Assad clinging to power thanks to Nasrallah, Putin, and Khamenei.”Read the rest here. Get full access to Gino's Blog at ginoraidy.substack.com/subscribe2025-01-2706 min
Gino's PodcastCustoms, Cash, and Control: Hezbollah’s Hold on Lebanon’s FinancesWhat’s the deal with the Finance Ministry?The Ministry of Finance in Lebanon has become a powerful tool for advancing Hezbollah’s interests, shaping its ability to sustain its influence and control over the country’s systems.This ministry oversees critical financial operations, including customs, tax collection, public sector finances, and cash management, all of which have been exploited to Hezbollah’s benefit. For decades, customs evasion by Hezbollah-affiliated companies at ports and airports has been facilitated by the ministry, which acts as a shield, ensuring these entities avoid scrutiny. This explains why we had so m...2025-01-2309 min
Gino's PodcastWhat's Happening with the Lebanese Cabinet FormationLet me keep this short, but I can’t stay silent on this. The usual suspects are at it again—ganging up to strong-arm Nawaf Salam and Joseph Aoun into caving to their demands. Why? So they can cash in some favors and avoid getting wiped out in the upcoming elections. Let’s dive in.Gino's Blog is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.What Salam Demands* No partisan ministers—no one who's a card-carrying member of any political party.2025-01-2109 min
Gino's PodcastNawaf Salam: From 1987 to Today – A ReflectionA few private or throw-away accounts kept commenting conspiracy theories about Nawaf Salam on my posts on Instagram, I reckon they’re rumors spread by people who stand to lose illegitimate privilege in case he succeeds in the transformation of Lebanon, post-Assad and post-Nasrallah. So I thought, why not objectively compare what we wrote in 1987 and published by Oxford-based Centre for Lebanese Studies (CLS), and now.Lebanon’s been shaped by its delicate sectarian balance, regional dynamics, and international pressures for as long as it has existed in its current format. Few people have articulated its challenges as i...2025-01-1712 min
Gino's PodcastJudicial Reform Could Jumpstart Joseph Aoun's Presidency, Here's HowOn Tuesday night, I had the pleasure of joining Lil Watan on MTV Lebanon via live video call with Joe Maalouf and his guest, Makram Rabah. Both are good friends of mine, and I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with Joe on numerous investigations and battles over the years. After a long hiatus, it was an honor to share airtime with him once again—especially as it marked my first appearance on MTV Lebanon.I sent a message to the new president after getting your input on my Instagram story. I pulled together everything I heard from...2025-01-1609 min
Gino's PodcastThe 72 Hours That Got Nawaf Salam to the Grand SerailThanks for reading Gino's Blog! This post is public so feel free to share it.My therapist once told me, “You’re like a whistleblower—you know something for certain and try your best to tell everyone, but most people think you’re insane and ignore it. That only frustrates you more, especially when you’re eventually proven right—often too late.” I’m paraphrasing, but that sentiment has stuck with me for years. It sums things up perfectly.I’ve been called everything: crazy, too extreme, impractical, delusional, obsessed with the wrong priorities. I’ve h...2025-01-1411 min
Gino's PodcastWE WON BOTH!I’d like to start by congratulating both Joseph Aoun and Nawaf Salam. It feels surreal to say this, but the two candidates I wholeheartedly supported are now our president and prime minister. I won’t waste time dwelling on the naysayers, the intimidators, or those who resorted to threats and smear campaigns. Instead, I want us to move beyond them and focus on undoing and repairing the damage they have caused with their violence, corruption, and sheer incompetence.I’d also like to express my gratitude to my colleagues, friends, and readers/listeners who came together, crosse...2025-01-1308 min
Gino's PodcastNawaf Salam Can Become our Next Prime Minister, Here's HowWho is Nawaf Salam?Nawaf Salam is a Lebanese diplomat, jurist, and scholar who has built an impressive career blending international law, diplomacy, and a commitment to reform. Currently serving as a judge on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) since 2018, Salam is one of the rare figures from Lebanon to hold such a prominent global role.Before joining the ICJ, he represented Lebanon at the United Nations for a decade, serving as the country's Permanent Representative from 2007 to 2017. During this time, he played a critical role in Lebanon's tenure on the UN Security Council (2010–2011), ad...2025-01-1207 min
Gino's PodcastThe Presidency Isn't Enough - Gino's Podcast 001This is a follow-up to my piece The Presidency Isn't Enough.Don’t forget to subscribe!Gino's Blog is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Gino's Blog at ginoraidy.substack.com/subscribe2025-01-1209 min
Bukra with GinoSpoofed and ConfusedThis is based on a blog post that discusses the phenomenon of GPS spoofing, specifically how Israel is using it to disrupt GPS signals in Lebanon. The post explains how GPS works and how spoofing disrupts it, highlighting the negative impacts on navigation, daily life, and even psychological well-being. It then explores ways to mitigate the effects of GPS spoofing, such as using alternative navigation systems and relying on offline maps. The author emphasizes the importance of adapting to disruptions in digital systems and the value of rediscovering analog skills to navigate a world increasingly reliant on technology.2024-11-1912 min
Bukra with GinoA Grim SpectacleThe source is my blog post (https://ginosblog.com/a-grim-spectacle-c7df02f4faea) that discusses the phenomenon of people filming themselves witnessing Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon and posting the videos online. The author argues that while documenting these events is important, the widespread creation and sharing of such content has unintended consequences, including potentially amplifying Israeli propaganda and dehumanizing the victims. The author also explores the motivations behind this behavior, including the desire for social media clout, financial gain, and a sense of morbid curiosity. Created using Google's NotebookLM2024-11-1911 min
Bukra with Gino1,593 Days Later, I'm BackGino Raidy, a Lebanese blogger, has returned to his blog, Gino's Blog, after a hiatus of 1,593 days. He recounts his journey as a blogger, beginning in 2009, where he initially wrote about his experiences in the Scouts du Liban. Over time, his blog evolved to focus on social and political issues, particularly advocating for cannabis decriminalization and a secular Lebanon. Raidy’s activism, particularly his outspokenness during the 2019 Lebanese Uprising, resulted in legal trouble and ultimately forced him to leave Lebanon. He now aims to use his blog to reflect on the current state of Lebanon and explore potential solutions fo...2024-11-1916 min
Sarde After Dinner PodcastGino Raidy: The past 3 years & the Lebanon ahead | Sarde (after dinner) Podcast #101This Sarde is brought to you by you incredible patrons at www.patreon.com/sardeafterdinner.
Without you guys, there is no Sarde (after dinner). Thank you.
Our very first guest Gino Raidy joins us again for a #sardeafterdinner, but this time in Washington D.C. Three years ago, political blogger and activist Gino Raidy joined Médéa and Mouin to reflect on the thawra, lockdowns and the economic meltdown. Three years later, Gino returns to talk about:
-His new political views as an expat
-Expats aren’t ATMs: the real role of the diaspora in the future
-Dissecting the alter...2023-03-261h 41
Bukra with GinoNabil Habiby: Discussing Religious Extremism with an Evangelical PastorNabil Habiby leads the youth ministry at the Sin el Fil Nazarene Church, and lectures on the many of the ideals Jesus of Nazareth stood for and preached. During these turbulent times where religious extremism and violence is on the rise, we had an honest conversation of what unites us all and how best to counter our worst impulses often hidden behind the "defending religion" excuse. This is definitely not my usual kind of conversation, but I am very grateful for the opportunity to have this enlightening discussion.It's definitely a huge departure from what you're used to, but I...2022-08-261h 05
Bukra with GinoThe Beirut Banyan's Ronnie ChatahRonnieh Chatah is the creator and host of The Beirut Banyan, and a good friend and fellow activist.When situations get sticky, Ronnie hops on a call and we usually end up having a live conversation to flesh out what the problem is and what we each think could help move forward.This is the audio from our conversation on Instagram Live. You can watch it on the link below on The Beirut Banyan:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw0T0eCEkvoand follow The Beirut Banyan on IG:https://www.instagram.com/thebeirutbanyan/2022-08-231h 51
The Beirut BanyanEp.323 (Video): Action Over Words with Gino RaidyRecorded from an Instagram Live session
We're with Gino Raidy for Episode 322 of The Beirut Banyan.
Click to watch:
https://youtu.be/gw0T0eCEkvo
We discuss heightened social media attacks and physical threats hurled against photojournalist Hasan Shaaban and MTV host Dima Sadek.
Our conversation includes merging local aspirations with international diplomacy, and the process needed for 'Change' bloc MPs to pursue and yield reform.
Gino Raidy in an activist, blogger, and podcaster. He current hosts the BUKRA podcast and writes opinion pieces for NOWLebanon.
Help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal:
https://www.paypal.me/walkbeirut
...2022-08-221h 51
Do Not WorryJad Ghosn vs Gino Raidy, Lebanese Bank Heist, Gordon Ramsay Gets Canceled - DO NOT WORRY #67On Episode 67 of DO NOT WORRY, Anthony and Elijah have a lot to discuss, including Gino's Twitter battle with Jad Ghosn, Gordon Ramsay getting canceled, more Malak Al Tawouk and Bachir France TikToks, last week's INTENSE bank heist, a weird Lebanese Maronite festival in Canada, and MORE!2022-08-181h 01
Bukra with GinoMakram Rabah: Maronites and the Druzes, Battle of the Jabal, why we need Collective Memory and how to implement it in your lifeMakram Rabah is a lecturer on Lebanese history in the American University of Beirut. His latest books delves deep into the battle of the jabal, between Maronites and Druzes and the effects this battle had and lessons we can learn from it.Collective memory is a prerequisite to moving forward, we discussed what that means and how we can apply it in our daily struggle for a better future for Lebanon.2022-08-1553 min
Bukra with GinoLaury Haytayan: Everything you need to know about Lebanon's offshore oil and gasIf you're like me, you might be struggling to find a reliable, trustworthy source of information on Lebanon's offshore oil and gas prospects, the current situation with the maritime border demarcation and Hezbollah's daily threats and promises that the not-yet-confirmed gas field is the ONLY salvation for Lebanon.We discussed all of this with oil and gas expert, and friend Laury Haytayan.2022-08-0930 min
Bukra with GinoSulta Insider Part 3: The Sulta's Scheme to Replace Competent Public Employees with Expensive Private Contractors"Ziad' is a name we gave a Sulta Insider with years of experience working across vital ministries in Lebanon. He currently still works at one, so we hide his identity to protect both him and still have access to his insights form behind the scenes of Lebanese government.The first episode discussed in detail how upwards of 20 billion USD was siphoned off from October 17, 2019 to 2021. The follow-up was the weird relationship with Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh, and his partners in power.This one is a conversation about a topic I hadn't really considered: the tiny minority of public sector...2022-08-0835 min
Bukra with GinoJoe Kawly: A Conversation about LGBTQI+, Journalism and more with the Arab World's First Openly Gay AnchorJoe Kawly is the Arab World's first openly queer news anchor and a passionate defender of all human rights when not on the air. In this heartfelt conversation, we talk about what it's like being the "first" to openly come out, the responsibility that comes with that and how Joe Kawly sees the LGBTQI+ community situation in the Arab World and Lebanon.In the second part, we discusses journalism today and how we imagine it in the future.2022-07-311h 07
Bukra with GinoPamela Ghanem: A Conversation on Atheism with a Radical Arab FeministPamela Ghanem was banned off Twitter for her Tweets, after coordinated campaigns by religious extremists from across the Arab World against her. Pamela writes for Raseef22 and used to run Atheist Republic's Arabic section.In light of recent supreme court decisions in the US to overturn Roe vs. Wade, as well as an uptick in violence against women in the SWANA region and campaigns against the LGBTQ+ community, we talk what's next, what we should do and some advice for young free thinkers living in places where their lack of faith could endanger their lives and livelihoods and liberty.2022-07-1844 min
The Beirut BanyanEp.228: Influencing the Moment with Gino Raidy0:00 Intro
1:16 Independence Day 2020
6:25 Back to 2008
14:50 Gradual Organization
21:00 Claim Power
27:16 Identity
36:34 Life Story
47:32 Phone
56:11 Weapons
1:12:03 Minteshreen
1:19:57 Freedom of Expression
1:27:50 'Bukra'
We're with Gino Raidy for Episode 228 of The Beirut Banyan.
Click to watch:
https://youtu.be/3K30QInfQAQ
We discuss citizen journalism and political activism, and reflect on the current political paralysis and economic crisis engulfing Lebanon.
Our conversation includes grassroots civil engagement going back to 2008, newfound Lebanese identity, the powerful use of social media and a citizen-led fight to maintain freedom of expression.
We also talk about Minteshreen, Gino's personal commitment to Lebanon and his new online show, 'Bukra'.
Gino...2020-11-261h 39
The Y Chats PodcastY Chats: BEIRUT UNITED, Episode 4: Gino Raidy, Blogger and ActivistIn this lockdown feature, Blogger and activist @ginoraidy reveals details about what’s going on behind the scenes with Lebanon’s leadership regarding the August 4th explosion, the banking system and of course delves into the present situation of the revolution. Is there still a revolution? Calling Lebanon home, he says he believes the youth can and should they wish to take action, all they need to do is get involved #ychats #beirut #lebanon #talkaboutlebanon #revolution #ginoraidy
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ychatspodcast/message2020-08-2556 min