Ep.376: The Chief Satirist with Salam El Zaatari

A conversation with Salam El Zaatari - producer, director & satirist, taped live at Aaliya's Books. Discussing how to properly navigate and eloquently express emotions as they relate to political conflict, the use satire provides in debunking conspiracy, myths and state-propaganda, how misunderstanding of history and false narratives emerge from lack of political agency, a reflection of audience engagement from mainstream television to alternative podcasts, and whether or not religion plays a fundamental role in continued regional war. Help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/walkbeirut Or donating through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thebeirutbanyan Subscribe to our podcast from your preferred platform. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @thebeirutbanyan And check out our website: www.beirutbanyan.com Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 2:36 How to talk about the situation 9:38 Bassem Youssef 17:41 Media 35:55 History & narrative 44:44 Audience engagement 49:20 Religion 1:04:12 The value of comedy & satire 1:14:24 Q&A