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

Ep 67: Chris Kavanagh (pt 2)- Differences & Similarities

This episode covers the second part of our chat. Here, we get into the nitty gritty of our differences. I think its important because, to casual listeners all IDW criticism may appear to be similar, but actually there are some pretty fundamental differences even within the critical space. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Mar 22, 20222 hr 44 min

Ep 66: Chris Kavanagh (pt 1) - Comparing Notes

I haven’t had a guest on in a while on the show, I’ve been so busy doing these deep dives and monologues on unsavoury idw characters. So, I thought maybe a change would be nice. In this episode, I chat with Chris Kavanagh (@C_Kavanagh) of the Decoding the Gurus podcast (@Guruspod). I’ve split our convo into two episodes, because it was looong. This part covers our conversation about Sam Harris & Chris’ recent chat with him. Links Sam Harris on Decoding the Gurus:https://decoding-the-gurus.captiv...

Mar 15, 20223 hr 34 min

Ep 65 - Joe Rogan: Bigotry, Misinformation & Various Apologists

[⚠️ Content Warning: Bigotry, Slurs, general awfulness. ]Thought I would cover Joe Rogan for a change. Its been surprising and disappointing to see people like Jon Stewart & Trevor Noah defend Rogan. Join me on this wild ride through Rogan’s content and excuses that people are making for him!——-linksTwitter Spaces convo on Jon Stewart https://t.co/4Psp2R9UW8article on New Atheism I wrote recently that I mentioned https://flux.community/eiynah-mohammed-smith/2022/02/i-never-thought-new-atheism-wo...

Feb 18, 20222 hr 6 min

Woking Up 8 (FULL) - Guilt by Association (Pt 2)

CW: lots of different types of bigotry in the clips, proceed with caution.——(This episode was released on Patreon Dec 31st, 2021)Here it is! My most extensive, juicy & JAM PACKED Woking Up Episode yet! Only the best ear-torture for my listeners!As always, I look forward to your comments and feedback. Happy new Year everyone! ——If you enjoy the show pls consider supporting via Patreon.com/nicemangos without listeners like you, this show wouldn’t be possible.Links:IDSG episode I mentioned near the...

Jan 28, 20222 hr 52 min

Woking Up 8 (PREVIEW) Guilt by Association (pt 2)

(This is a PREVIEW of Woking Up 8, the full episode is available on patreon.com/nicemangos)Here it is! My most extensive, juicy & JAM PACKED Woking Up Episode yet! Only the best ear-torture for my Listeners!Join me, in exploring the bizarre world of Sam Harris’ far-right & bigotry apologetics. In this episode we touch on as many of his troubling associations and views as I could fit in, before my ears bled.Hope you enjoy this. As always, I look forward to your comments and feedback. Happy New Ye...

Jan 14, 202253 min

Woking Up 7 (FULL) - Guilt by Association (pt 1)

Pls note this is the full version of the previously released, partial (preview) version.In this episode I cover Sam’s criticism of Bret Weinstein, his CRT takes and more ….and even after an hour and 20 something minutes…. we’ve barely scratched the surface of all the awful ppl and viewpoints he promotes, defends and praises. But this one oughta get you warmed up for what’s to come in the next episode. ——-Links to previous 3 Polite Conversations podcasts that I mentioned:https://soundcloud.com/po...

Dec 02, 20211 hr 23 min

Woking Up 7 (PREVIEW) - Guilt by Association (pt 1)

*Pls note: this is a partial episode, you can access the full episode via Patreon ——In this episode I cover Sam’s criticism of Bret Weinstein, his CRT takes and more ….and even after an hour and 20 something minutes…. we’ve barely scratched the surface of all the awful ppl and viewpoints he promotes, defends and praises. But this one oughta get you warmed up for what’s to come in the next episode. ——My twitter DMs are now open for commissions: @nicemangosCheck out my art on Instagram: @nicemango...

Oct 12, 202137 min

Panel 24 - Defending New Atheism: Maybe Just Don’t (Pt 2)

Here’s part 2 of the previous Panel episode I posted on here, discussing ‘merge-gate’ and the unexpected defensive response to a Salon article claiming that New Atheists merged with the far right, from some in the ‘progressive’ corners of the atheist scene. My lovely panel includes Chrisiousity, Vadim Newquist of the Creationist Cat YT channel, Daniel Harper of the I Don’t Speak German Podcast, & also Youtuber Godless Cranium. —-If you enjoy the show pls consider supporting via Patreon.com/NiceM...

Jul 29, 20211 hr 18 min

Panel 24 - Defending New Atheism: Maybe Just Don’t (Pt 1)

Hello lovely listeners,Since we’re experiencing a revival of defending new atheism from the left recently….I thought it was important to do this episode. I‘ve got a wonderful *godless* panel here to discuss their personal experiences in and observations of the scene, and also to discuss the ongoing apologetics surrounding ‘merge-gate’. I hope you’ll enjoy this conversation, and that it provides more context for those who haven’t followed the atheist scene too closely in recent years. If you enjo...

Jul 05, 20212 hr 51 min

Ep 64 - Ackshshshually New Atheism DID Merge w the Far Right

Hello wonderful Patrons! Episode 64 is an unplanned episode that I felt I needed to do in response to some terrible & disappointing takes I‘ve seen in response to this recent viral article: https://www.salon.com/2021/06/05/how-the-new-atheists-merged-with-the-far-right-a-story-of-intellectual-grift-and-abject-surrender/Let me know what you think :) If you enjoy the show pls consider supporting via Patreon.com/NiceMangos —-—Links: Excerpt from How Fascism Works https://twitter.com/mpigliucci/stat...

Jun 18, 20211 hr 11 min

Episode 63 -The Linguistics of Slurs

⚠️CW: Episode contains mentions of slurs, clips with n word & ableist r word—-If you’re not a Rational Genius “Centristy” type, you probably don’t spend a lot of time obsessing over the n word as a free speech issue. But even then you can’t help but encounter these stories over and over again....in the endless, exhausting Culture Wars. Is it really about free speech? Why are the anti wokes so inconsistent in this matter? Why do they spend so much time on this n word discussion... and what consit...

Jun 02, 20211 hr 8 min

Woking Up 6 (FULL)-Sam’s Favourite Feminist

*This is the full version of the previously released preview of episode 6*——CW: this episode contains clips with graphic descriptions of sexual abuse.——Hello hello, it’s me your friendly neighbourhood dealer of high level ideas. I am back with another installment of Woking Up...and somehow these clips keep getting more and more awful and excruciating. In this ep, we’ll chat about Sam’s feminist hero Ayaan Hirsi Ali & her new book ‘Prey’, as well as some of Sam’s takes on police brutality. Michae...

May 30, 20212 hr 49 min

Woking Up 6 (PREVIEW) - Sam’s Favourite Feminist

*This is only a partial episode for public release. The full version is available on Patreon. If you enjoy the show pls consider supporting it and access the full episode right now: Patreon.com/nicemangos ——-CW: racism, bigotry, sexual abuse In this episode we’ll chat about Sam’s feminist hero Ayaan Hirsi Ali & her new book ‘Prey’, as well as some of Sam’s takes on police brutality. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 01, 202155 min

Woking Up 4 (FULL) - Nothing to do with Racism

**REUPLOAD** originally released Jan 24 2021Sorry! Had to reupload the full file of this because it was not showing up on Spotify. —————The overwhelming theme in Sam’s 3 recent episodes, including the post-insurrection one... has been racism denial and whataboutery - So prepare yourselves for some brain melting takes. —-If you enjoy the show pls consider supporting via Patreon.com/nicemangos Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 30, 20212 hr 36 min

Woking Up 3 (FULL) - Election Aftermath

**REUPLOAD** originally released on Nov 30th, 2020Sorry had to reupload the full file of this episode again because the previous version was not showing up on Spotify. —-Covering Sam's high level ideas pre/post and during the election. Let's chat about that 'IDW' retirement Shall we? :)If you enjoy the show pls consider supporting via Patreon.com/NiceMangos Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 30, 20211 hr 14 min

Woking Up 5 (FULL) - Sam Harris loves Identity Politics

* previously only a partial version of the episode was released. This is the full version. Now available to everyone :) Episode 6 coming to Patreon soon!——A bit of a different episode this time, spent some time on my ‘identity’, backstory and personal trajectory into New Atheism in the first half of the episode. We dive into Sam’s hot takes about identity politics in the second half.Links:You can check out my book here vimeo.com/90493285Sam Harris and the Myth of Perfectly Rational Thought https...

Apr 28, 20212 hr 36 min

Ep 62 - Cancel Culture

Join me and Journalist Michael Hobbes (@RotteninDenmark) for a fun, extremely cathartic chat about *gasp* Cancel Culture! Check out Michael's excellent podcasts @yourewrongabout & @maintenancepod on twitter What is Cancel Culture? Does the right engage in Cancel Culture? Are other things being swept up into Cancel Culture discourse? - we cover all this and more. ----If you enjoy the show please consider supporting via patreon.com/nicemangos - this podcast is only possible because of listeners li...

Mar 01, 20212 hr 37 min

Ep 61 - Rightwing Ecosystems: 'A Guise of Respectability' w IDSG

For this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with @danieleharper and @_Jack_Graham_ of I Don't Speak German (@Idsgpod), the excellent anti-fascist podcast. We chatted about the broader rightwing ecosystem and the spectrum of what they cover.... From full on fash to IDW trash.if you enjoy the show pls consider supporting via patreon.com/nicemangos----- IDSG links-Follow them on Twitter :@danieleharper@_Jack_Graham_@Idsgpod---Check out their pod:https://idontspeakgerman.libsyn.com/---support t...

Dec 11, 20202 hr 48 min

Woking Up 2 (FULL) - Steelmanning Champion

In this episode I discuss Sam's interesting Trump criticisms, his incredible steelmanning of his ideological opponents, and how he's *totally* uninterested in race. Very Dishonest of me to make this episode, I know. Here's the ep with Christian Picciolini I mention here, if anyone wants to check it out https://soundcloud.com/politeconversations/episode-48-christian-picciolini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Oct 31, 202056 min

Woking Up 1 (FULL) - Some of My Best Friends Are

This episode is an intro to the concept of this miniseries and a basic look at some Harris-isms. I discuss 'tokenism' and Harris' views on race, racism and police violence.If you'd like to check out my earlier episode on his thoughts on white supremacy, you can find it here: https://soundcloud.com/politeconversations/debunkingharrisIf you'd like to support the show, you can do that via patreon.com/nicemangos Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Oct 31, 202049 min

Remembering Michael Brooks

I've been at a loss for words....so devastated and shocked by this sudden, tragic loss. I just spoke to him for my previous episode...I can't believe we won't hear another MB laugh again. It has been an honour to have laughed with him.I wanted to say a few words and share some of my favourite clips of Michael on Polite Conversations. RIP, friend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Jul 24, 202016 min

Ep 60: Don't Burn This Book Review ft. Rubin & Michael Brooks

So here it is, my review of Dave Rubin's Book! This episode has all the Rubin dunking your SJW heart could desire! Plus some bonus treats too....Rubin 'magically' shares some uncharacteristically honest thoughts ;D .....*aaaand* special guest Michael Brooks joins me too! This episode is absolutely jam-packed with fun ....and #ideas !!*You can buy Michael Brooks' new book here: https://redemmas.org/titles/34612-against-the-web---a-cosmopolitan-answer-to-the-new-rightIf you enjoy the show pls cons...

Jun 22, 20201 hr 24 min

Panel 23: The Rationals, Atheism & Bad Covid-19 takes

I'm joined by 2 well known names from 2012-5 atheist twitter for this episode! If you were hanging out on atheist twitter back then, you'll remember Atheist Mel, (now known as @MissaMHx) and Atheist Blobfish! We chat about the fascinating/embarrassing/horrifying intersection of horrendous Covid 19 takes and online atheism/the skeptosphere.If you enjoy this show please consider supporting via patreon.com/nicemangos & leaving an iTunes review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform...

May 16, 20202 hr 33 min

Panel 22 - "Whiteness"

A concept often talked about and often misunderstood in the ongoing culture wars, join me & the panel to find out more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 10, 20202 hr 16 min

Episode 59 - The Online World of Muslims

Join me and Journalist/Author of the book Follow Me Akhi, Hussein Kesvani (@Hkesvani) for a chat about the online world of muslims, and how the internet has shaped the ways in which people interact with faith. We talk about haram emojis, dropping acid for allah, butt related anti-muslim bigotry, trolling anti-muslims, hijabs in virtual reality & a whole lot more!If you enjoy this show please consider supporting via patron.com/nicemangosyou can also support by leaving a good iTunes review: https:...

Mar 03, 20202 hr 48 min

Panel 21 - Hindutva, Despair, Biryani

Join myself, Ravi (my guest from my previous episode on the Hindu Far right), https://soundcloud.com/politeconversations/episode-53-hindu-far-right @GauravSabnis, a professor who's just returned from a 6 week stay in India for a discussion on whats been happening in India lately - the violent protests and the anti-muslim Citizenship Act, we talk about Modi's re-election...parallels between Modi and Trump, Bollywood, how even apolitical people have been radicalized into Hindu nationalism, the pol...

Feb 03, 20201 hr 6 min

Episode 58: The IDW in Pakistan & Saudi

Hope you all had a wonderful Cuckmas season! Here's my final episode of the year...it's a follow up to the halloween episode where I dug into a lovely cross-section of IDW type awfulness to set the scene…and to showcase a small slice of the kinds of nonsense they’re pushing at any given time. If you haven't checked that episode out yet, and would like a broader view, you can check it out here: https://soundcloud.com/politeconversations/halloweenIn this episode I speak to two women from Pakistan ...

Dec 31, 20191 hr 4 min

Episode 57: Spoooooky Conversations (High IQ Horror Stories)

Hello hello goblins and ghouls! Here's a special episode of High IQ horror stories from the skeptosphere for you.......stories of traditional gender roles, of allying with evangelicals to own the libs, of rehabilitating accused sexual predators, of having friendly chats with religious extremists..and much much more!Enjoy!If you enjoy the show please consider supporting via patreon.com/nicemangos Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Oct 31, 201946 min

Episode 56 - Thoughts on Sam Harris' 'Thoughts on White Supremacy'

Sam's recent episode on white supremacy was really something. And for him to have recorded this just after the Gilroy and El Paso shootings is truly obnoxious. It was just so shockingly bad....even by IDW standards - I had to share my thoughts on it. Of course since it's about Sam Harris, I took everything *out of context* and obvs made it unfairly seem like he was saying something, when he was actually saying the opposite (J/k!!!) (Please do check out his entire episode if you'd like to hear th...

Sep 18, 20191 hr 5 min

Panel 20 - The Rightwing Spin Machine Ft. The Serfs

Join me and popular LeftTubers The Serfs for a conversation about The Rightwing Spin Machine! We cover everything from Andy Ngo to the IDW. Find them on YT here: https://www.youtube.com/theserfstvHere’s a link to their video on Andy Ngo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePPkkrDSzYU---If you enjoy this show pls consider supporting via patreon.com/nicemangos Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Aug 19, 20191 hr 9 min