EP 165: Laughing Through the Arab Spring w/ Bassem Youssef

Bassem Youssef is political satirist described as the "Jon Stewart" of Egypt and host of Fusion TV's Democracy Handbook with Bassem Youssef. Today he shares how he went from being a doctor to the host of the most popular show in the history of Arab-language television during one of the most tumultuous chapters in Egypt’s history. He talks about the Egyptian military's absurd claim that they had invented an "AIDS curing machine" and the time he had to explain to government interrogators why people were laughing at his show. He also discusses his disappointment at many Egyptian protesters who he says simply traded Islamist fascism for military fascism, he reveals some of the tensest moments behind the scenes of his show, and remembers the heartbreaking day he fled Egypt for good. Plus, Bassem Youssef says he's feeling a disturbing degree of de ja vu as he covers the presidency of Donald Trump.

Order Bassem Youssef's new book Revolution for Dummies: Laughing through the Arab Spring on Amazon or download the audio book for free with special promotion for our listeners at www.audibletrial.com/kickassnews. Check out his show Democracy Handbook with Bassem Youssef on Fusion TV. For more information www.fusion.net. Follow Bassem Youssef on Twitter at @BYoussef.

Today's episode is sponsored by Stamps.com and Blue Apron. Go to Stamps.com and enter code KICK for a 4 week trial with free digital scale and postage. Try Blue Apron and get your first three meals free with free shipping by visiting www.blueapron.com/kick.