Polite Conversations - podcast cover

Polite Conversations

Eiynah Mohammed-Smithshows.acast.com

Growing up in Saudi Arabia as a Pakistani, who now resides in Canada, Eiynah brings a global perspective to discussions about religion, politics, culture & sexuality - through the lens of a progressive ex-muslim immigrant. This podcast often focuses on unpacking various forms of extremism, particularly types that are less overt and masquerading as ‘intellectual’. Eiynah has a specific interest in covering online scenes like New Atheism and the Intellectual Dark Web.



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

Episode 55 - Rubinology 101 with Timbah on Toast

Timbah and I got together to chat about his excellent series on Dave Rubin.Check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3TPxQao3m0https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3h9YyzqBxshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2LOvoDCPS8You can check out my Rubin video that we discussed, here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3OAg2CSS5A&t=493sShoutout to Intellectual Dark Wave - check out their music (wth lyrics) here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zlt6JFyerXE---If you enjoy the show pls consider supporting vi...

Jun 27, 20192 hr 34 min

Panel 19: Quebec's Proposed Religious Symbol Ban

This panel episode is a discussion on Quebec’s proposed Religious Symbol Ban, Bill 21, that would prohibit public servants in positions of authority from wearing any religious symbols. I’m joined by Ian Bushfield (@ibushfield), Executive Director of BC Humanists association and Iranian activist Shaparak Shajari (@shaparakshjr), who was arrested for removing her hijab. She had to flee from Iran to Turkey and in her absence was sentenced to 2 years prison and 18 years probation. Links: People can ...

May 09, 20191 hr 3 min

Panel 18: The Christchurch Attack & Online Radicalization

This episode i’m joined by Youtubers from New Zealand,Tim Blake @tomotamvotir and Nick Moa @MoaVideos , to discuss the tragic anti muslim terror attack in Christchurch. you can find Tim’s Youtube page here: https://www.youtube.com/user/demotivatoropinionAnd Nick’s here: https://www.youtube.com/TheMoaSpecial shout out to The Gotcha Boys - find them here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqzLXcE0hwL0sr6LqBFlorwHere’s a longer clip of the Sam Harris/Affleck discussion that I featured, Please watch ...

Apr 04, 20192 hr 44 min

Episode 54 : Asifa Lahore - British Muslim Transgender Drag Queen

Join me and Asifa for an in-depth conversation about everything from... going to mosque as a trans woman to... sex, porn and erections! You can follow Asifa on Twitter @asifalahoreCheck out my previous episode with her here: https://soundcloud.com/politeconversations/episode-29-asifa-lahore-muslim-drag-queenThe documentary Muslim Drag Queens can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRAVJ4n4y64Asifa's youtube video about being on hormones for 2 years can be found here: https://www.youtu...

Mar 03, 20191 hr

PC Panel 17 (part 2) - Are Campus 'SJWs' destroying Western Civilization?

Here's part two of Panel 17, if you haven't heard the first part, you can hear it here: https://soundcloud.com/politeconversations/pc-panel-17-part-1-are-campus-sjws-destroying-western-civilizationIf you enjoy the show pls consider supporting via patreon.com/nicemangos---Links mentioned in the episode:Vox article by Ezra Klein - https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/12/11/18131370/andrew-sullivan-religion-tribalism-christianity-trumpSam Harris/Ezra Klein transcript : https://www.vox.com/2...

Jan 10, 201933 min

PC Panel 17 (part 1) - Are Campus 'SJWs' destroying Western Civilization?

Join me for the first part of a fascinating discussion with a panel of Professors, lecturers & PhDs (@Katja_Thieme, @Matthewasears, @ETVPod) - all people who are immersed in present-day campus culture, much more than myself.We talk about the fears surrounding 'SJWs'. While there are definitely overzealous/bad actors on the left too, these fears and criticisms often seem disproportionate to me...especially in an era where far-right dangers and hate crimes are on the rise, where there are incredib...

Jan 07, 20191 hr 5 min

Episode 53 - Hindu Far Right

This episode, I'm joined by "Ravi", he’s an Indian immigrant to the US, an atheist familiar with the horrendous directions online movement atheism has taken, and someone generally in the know about the western alt/far-right - All of which puts him in a good position to comment on, compare and contrast both far-right movements and how they’re rooted in extreme anti muslim sentiment. He did not want to be tagged or identified for this episode, because understandably, most people do not want to dea...

Dec 10, 20181 hr 14 min

PC Panel 16 (pt 2) - Is Sunlight the Best Disinfectant?

A continuation from last week's panel episode with Youtuber Destiny and Guardian columnist @NesrineMalik - if you haven't heard the first part yet, you can find that here: https://soundcloud.com/politeconversations/panel16 or on the Polite Conversations YouTube Channel. ----If you enjoy the show pls consider supporting via patreon.com/nicemangos - without listeners like you this show isn't possible. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Nov 15, 201859 min

PC Panel 16 (pt 1) - Is Sunlight the Best Disinfectant?

Join me, youtuber Destiny and Guardian columnist Nesrine Malik for a closer look at this question. Part 2 is out next week. Follow Nesrine: @nesrinemalik and Destiny can be found on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/user/destinyNesrine's articles that are mentioned in the episode can be found here: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/sep/13/indulge-steve-bannon-liberal-narcissismhttps://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/mar/22/hate-speech-violence-liberals-rightwing-extremist...

Nov 07, 20182 hr 33 min

Episode 52 - Orientalism (in Disney's Aladdin) w Prof Matthew Sears

For this episode, I’ve got Matthew Sears @matthewasears, Professor of Classics at The University of NB joining me to discuss Orientalism in Disney’s Aladdin. Specific, I know, but it’s something i’ve thought about a lot. It was a wonderfully rich conversation that went on many interesting tangents relevant to today’s political climate. I hope you enjoy this chat as much as I did! Here are some links to things mentioned in the convo: Matthew’s Thread that sparked this whole discussion: https://tw...

Oct 20, 20181 hr 8 min

PC Panel 15 - Rape Culture

Join me, Feminist, social scientist Dr. Kristi Winters (@Kwintie) and Peterson fan, Jason @Liggi for a discussion on the term 'Rape Culture' - we discuss Kavanaugh, but pls bear in mind this was recorded on Tuesday so it may not cover the latest details. Here are some links mentioned in the episode: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/sep/24/rape-sexual-assault-ban-frats?CMP=share_btn_twVox Graphic: https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/9/28/17914308/kavanaugh-ford-question-dod...

Oct 05, 20182 hr 47 min

Episode 51 - Christopher Stroop, Exvangelical activist and writer

Here's my chat with the wonderful Chris Stroop (@C_Stroop), Exvangelical activist and writer, creator of #EmptyThePews. We talk, Trump, Russia, Bannon, Exvangelical & Ex Muslim communities, and much more. You can find his blog here: https://chrisstroop.com/Here are some of the articles we mentioned in the convo:http://religiondispatches.org/anti-gay-evangelicalism-is-the-norm-a-less-rosy-take-on-the-evangelical-tipping-point/https://chrisstroop.com/2018/02/11/why-i-am-not-an-atheist/https://chri...

Sep 11, 20182 hr 40 min

Episode 50 - Celebrating 50 eps with a Patron Chat!

We talk Alex Jones being taken off fb/YT, Twitter's Jack, the IDW, 'are confrontational convos all that productive?'... and much more....---Shoutout to all the patrons who make this show possible, and than you to those who made it to the chat! Give em a follow on Twitter! @Nataliasdad , @VladAlexandrov5, @pernickety, @thomasswords, @FabioFavusMaxim , @jerbivore--- if you enjoy the show pls consider supporting via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nicemangos - without listeners like you... this is...

Aug 24, 20181 hr 16 min

Episode 49 - Michael Brooks

I hope you enjoy this episode with Michael Brooks (host of the Michael Brooks Show and co-host of Majority Report with Sam Seder), we had lots of laughs, his IDW impressions are on point. ;)His pronunciation of 'Pakistan' puts mine to shame. I promise when i'm speaking in Urdu I pronounce it better than I do on air :P If you enjoy the show please consider supporting via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nicemangosWithout listeners like you, this show isn't possible. ----Follow Michael on Twitter ...

Jul 25, 20181 hr 6 min

Episode 48 - Christian Picciolini

This episode, join me and Christian Picciolini, former neo-nazi and founder of Life After Hate (an organization that helps people leave hate groups) for a wonderful discussion. Yes, we discuss the Sam Harris controversy, as well as a whole lot more. A link to Christian’s Prison Pen Pal project: https://twitter.com/cpicciolini/status/1013579635303464965Thanks to all you guys who keep this show going! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Jul 12, 20181 hr 11 min

Episode 46 - Sex, Booze, Ramadan & Eating Disorders

Sex, Booze, Ramadan & Eating Disorders...are not things u would usually see grouped together... But here on Polite Conversations, I do love exploring a weird intersection. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic Calendar, and considered one of the most sacred. It’s observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting from sunrise to sunset. Not even a drink of water is permitted during the fast. It's like Lent...on steroids. ---- Join me this episode for a discussion on the many inconsistencies...

Jun 14, 201834 min

Episode 45 - Misogyny & the Manosphere (Part 2)

Here's part two of the episode about the Manosphere. If you haven't listened to part one, you can find that here https://soundcloud.com/politeconversations/episode-44-misogyny-the-manosphere-part-1Some other relevant links to what was discussed: Trump and rape/sexual misconduct allegations https://www.npr.org/2016/10/13/497799354/a-list-of-donald-trumps-accusers-of-inappropriate-sexual-conduct On Trump being sued for racist leasing practices https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/features/trumps-...

May 23, 20181 hr 4 min

Episode 44 - Misogyny & the Manosphere (part 1)

This episode (part 1 of 2) I have Manosphere expert Kevin Logan @KFLogan and former MRA/MGTOW David Sherratt @4lternate_facts joining me to shed some light on what the ‘Manosphere' is & how it intersects with the alt right and racism. We discuss various extremist elements within & how they branch out to have a ‘more respectable face', and we also break down the terminology in relation to the recent Toronto attack.Quick reference for anyone who isn’t so familiar with that scene: MRA = Men’s Right...

May 15, 20181 hr 14 min

PC Panel 14 - Are too Many Atheists Veering Dangerously Towards the Alt Right?

This episode I have @ChrisDStedman who wrote the 'controversial' Vice piece with the same title...and James Croft (@JFLCroft) who wrote another piece delving deeper into the issue joining me to explore this question. You can read both their pieces here: https://www.vice.com/amp/en_us/article/3k7jx8/too-many-atheists-are-veering-dangerously-toward-the-alt-right?__twitter_impression=truehttp://www.patheos.com/blogs/templeofthefuture/2018/04/the-atheist-alt-right-connection/You can read the Friendl...

Apr 19, 20182 hr 33 min

AMA 1 - Peterson, Movement Atheism, Modesty garb & More!

Here is AMA 1 - finally! ----Note: in the email I read from a person who is being attracted to Peterson's work... I mention that we can have disagreements with the left and still be on the left..and how there shouldn't be a strict orthodoxy - I want to clarify this isn't like a Seth Andrews or Rubin type position where I think it's ok to 'agree to disagree' on even the most important issues. We all draw moral lines and that's good and it means we stand up for our principles. I don't think it's o...

Apr 03, 20181 hr 21 min

PC Panel 13 (Part 2) - Lawrence Krauss: Allegations & Responses

This is a continuation from last week's episode with @TheGodlessMama, @seriouspod (Thomas Smith) & @Chrisiousity. If you haven't heard that yet - I recommend you check that out first. You can find it here: https://soundcloud.com/politeconversations/krausspanelIf you enjoy the show please consider supporting via: patreon.com/nicemangos or leave an iTunes review at: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/polite-conversations/id1086199663?mt=2 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informatio...

Mar 22, 20181 hr 3 min

PC Panel 13 (Part 1) - Lawrence Krauss: Allegations & Responses

Join me, @Chrisiousity, @TheGodlessMama & Thomas Smith (@Seriouspod) for a discussion about the allegations against Krauss and the general responses in the atheist scene. In this panel, I have an email from Sam Harris to read out as well. Please bear in mind that the Panel was recorded on March 6, the intro a few days later, so some things discussed here may have changed or updated since. Some links:In the intro I mention the Very Bad Wizards episodes on the Penis Hoax, you can check those out h...

Mar 12, 20181 hr 21 min

PC Panel 12 - The intersection of Religion & Tech

This episode, I've got two tech people @bobcaswell & @loremgibson who are also ex-religionists, joining me to discuss fun topics like Mormon Transhumanism, 'what happens to nose jobs after resurrection', practising Islam in space, ISIS debates on autotune and much more! We spoke at one point about religious expectations of charity, and how in Pakistan banks extract a % from your account automatically. It may have come across as me saying that figure was 10%, but I apologize for that confusion..i...

Feb 28, 20182 hr 58 min

PC Panel 11 - Contrapoints & Hbomberguy on 'Engaging the Other Side'

We chat about Social media, Leftist Youtube, 'engaging the other side' and deflecting tactics that cause discourse in general to devolve into nothingness..Enjoy! -----Re: Pinker I think it's totally fair to be upset at anyone who misrepresented him as an open fan of the Alt right, however there's no balance between criticism of that position and the fact that what he was saying was also concerning. Especially being framed as 'Political Correctness might be redpilling America'. People are so blin...

Jan 24, 20182 hr 44 min

PC Panel Discussion 10 - Fascist Feminism

You've heard the Fascist Fashion episodes, now its time for a deep dive into 'Fascist Feminism'. Recently some Alt Right women have been speaking out against Alt Right men who mistreat them and tell them to basically fit the tradwife roles they've all been advocating for *themselves* --Except the Alt Right women's tone changes when those tradrules start being applied to them!Join me, @CoherentStates & youtuber Kristi Winters @KWintie for a closer look at this fascinating, absurd hypocrisy....Lit...

Jan 03, 20181 hr 6 min

Episode 42 - Christmas in Saudi

Hi all! Here’s a short Xmas msg from me, sharing some thoughts and memories from my experiences with Christmas in Saudi Arabia. Now of course not everyone living in Saudi had these experiences. There are many bubbles of existence there, I was fortunate to have access to a western secular education. Those of Muslim background who did not, obviously experienced Christmas differently or barely registered it’s existence…as it wasn’t really part of local Saudi life - even the mere acknowledgement of ...

Dec 24, 201715 min

Episode 41 - David Pakman

Join me for a great discussion with talk show host and political commentator David Pakman (@dpakman).We discuss the controversial topic of race & IQ (which David had an excellent video on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tE9jiPyLYZA), engaging extremists (watch David's interview with Richard Spencer here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cKNhjQHWFo), structural differences between the left & right, the atheist movement, sjw vs anti sjw divide, terms like 'The Regressive Left' and much more. If you...

Dec 14, 201743 min

Episode 40 Jon Ronson, The Butterfly Effect

Jon Ronson (@JonRonson) joins me this episode to chat about his latest project, The Butterfly Effect...A truly fascinating and moving audio documentary, about the ripple effects of the availability of free streamable pirated porn on Pornhub. You can find it on Audible - and soon on iTunes and other platforms for free - so go check it out! https://twitter.com/jonronson/status/924626605699424256We also briefly discuss Justine Sacco from his previous book ‘So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed’ - here’s a...

Nov 01, 201757 min

Episode 39 Mythicist MilWhatHappened?

This Episode Thomas Smith joins me to discuss wth happened at Secular conference Mythicist Milwaukee, where he was invited to interview Youtuber Sargon of Akkad. If you've been following the drama, then you know how divisive and controversial it's been. It's a boiling-over of some underlying problems we've been seeing in movement atheism for a while. Here's a link to his episode on the topic: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/atheistically-speaking/e/51705112?autoplay=true----If you enjoy the sho...

Oct 26, 20171 hr 24 min