In today’s episode of Slo Mo, I sit down with the inimitable Bassem Youssef, a man whose wit and wisdom have challenged and changed the contours of political satire in the Middle East. In a departure from our usual tone, this conversation takes a more contemplative and, indeed, somewhat pessimistic turn as we delve into the complexities of modern life and the daunting challenges that lie ahead. As we continue our Unstressable series, Bassem's courage to speak about the world's most challenging topics should remind us never to be afraid to take, even the biggest problems, head on.  

00:00 Intro05:00 The oversized role of ego 07:36 Fame is not real11:49 Bassem's veganism12:42 The last time Mo and Bassem met14:53 Is most of humanity disappointing?18:00 Bassem's influence in the Israel-Palestine conflict21:10 Are we in an era of hyperinformation?23:45 Cancel culture24:37 Will humanity ever change?32:57 Can we be hopeful?37:56 Are we heading into more conflict?40:23 The end of the truth48:50 How will AI affect us?1:00:35 How does Bassem keep going?

This episode is a compelling journey through the darker sides of our modern realities, offering no easy answers but many important questions. Bassem's voice is an important warning to those who might choose to ignore the world. His reflections invite us to think deeply about our own beliefs, biases, and the kind of future we are creating, so take the time to Slow Down with us and look for answers to some truly tough questions.

For more thought-provoking exploration and a lot of laughter you can catch Bassem Youssef on his European "Middle Beast" tour in: Oslo, Berlin, Zurich, Munich, Hamburg, Antwerp, Stockholm, London, Copenhagen, Birmingham, Dublin, Manchester, and Paris: https://www.bassemyoussef.xyz/upcoming-shows/  

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