Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard: Episode Featuring Mo Amer Released on May 12, 2025
Introduction to Mo Amer
In this heartfelt and engaging episode of Armchair Expert, host Dax Shepard is joined by his co-host Monica Padman to welcome Mo Amer, a Palestinian stand-up comedian and award-winning writer. Dax expresses his admiration for Mo, highlighting his appearances on shows like Ramy and his own Netflix specials, The Vagabond and Mohammed in Texas. Mo is currently on his "El Oso Palestino" (The Palestinian Bear) tour, blending his comedic talents with his cultural heritage.
Mo Amer's Early Life in Kuwait
Mo shares his upbringing in Kuwait, providing listeners with a glimpse into his family's life before the Gulf War. Born to Palestinian parents, his father was a telecommunications engineer who played a pivotal role in establishing one of Kuwait's first radio stations.
Notable Quote:
Mo Amer [21:04]: "My father built one of the first radio stations in Kuwait. He was instrumental in creating wireless communication between oil rigs."
The Gulf War and Its Impact on Mo's Family
Mo recounts the harrowing experience of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990. At just nine years old, he witnessed his family's home being ransacked and his father being kidnapped. This traumatic event forced his mother to make the difficult decision to send Mo and his sister to the United States for safety.
Notable Quote:
Mo Amer [24:52]: "They were threatening to throw a grenade in our bedroom. It was chaos, and everything changed overnight."
Immigration to the United States and Challenges Faced
Relocating to Houston, Texas, Mo and his sister navigated life as immigrants without Kuwaiti citizenship. He discusses the complexities of being stateless and the challenges that come with waiting for asylum, including the inability to work legally until obtaining a Social Security card.
Notable Quote:
Mo Amer [46:00]: "I took 20 years before I got citizenship. But when I turned 18, I was able to get a Social Security card. Before that, I couldn't work legally."
The Burden of Representation
Mo delves into the responsibilities that come with being a successful Palestinian in America. He feels the weight of representing his community and addressing complex political issues through his comedy, striving to balance humor with meaningful commentary.
Notable Quote:
Dax Shepard [07:22]: "If you want to be political, great, but having to inherit that on top of everything else seems like a weird reward."
Mo Amer's Comedy Career and Breakthroughs
Mo's journey into stand-up comedy began in high school, where his English teachers recognized his comedic talent and encouraged him to perform. This encouragement led him to pursue comedy seriously, eventually headlining shows and touring internationally, even performing for military audiences in various countries.
Notable Quote:
Mo Amer [50:03]: "By the time I was 19, I was already headlining shows and traveling overseas without a passport."
Behind the Scenes of Mo Amer's TV Show
Mo discusses the creation of his TV show, which intertwines his personal experiences with comedy and drama. He reflects on the emotional toll of reenacting his family's experiences during the Gulf War and the impact of integrating real-life footage into his narrative.
Notable Quote:
Mo Amer [60:02]: "I feel like this second season is a masterpiece. Episode seven is something so unique — tender, thoughtful, sweet, heartfelt, and funny."
Emotional Reflections and Discoveries
A particularly moving moment in the episode is when Mo discovers old family footage, including a camcorder his father used to film family moments in Kuwait. Viewing this footage brings back powerful emotions and a deeper understanding of his family's resilience.
Notable Quote:
Mo Amer [68:27]: "I caught footage of me as a little kid in our house in Kuwait. It was insane to get footage from my dad that I didn't know existed anymore."
Recognition and Awards
Mo expresses pride in his show's accolades, including its perfect rating on Rotten Tomatoes and recognition from prestigious bodies like the Peabody Awards. He shares his hope that his storytelling will continue to shed light on Palestinian experiences and promote understanding.
Notable Quote:
Mo Amer [73:45]: "The balance was perfect, and it let us take people on this ride and let the story do the talking."
Closing Remarks
As the episode winds down, Mo reflects on the importance of storytelling in comedy and the ongoing challenges artists like himself face in balancing humor with advocacy. Dax and Monica commend Mo for his candidness and the depth he brings to his work.
Highlighted Quotes with Timestamps
- Mo Amer [21:04]: "My father built one of the first radio stations in Kuwait. He was instrumental in creating wireless communication between oil rigs."
- Mo Amer [24:52]: "They were threatening to throw a grenade in our bedroom. It was chaos, and everything changed overnight."
- Mo Amer [46:00]: "I took 20 years before I got citizenship. But when I turned 18, I was able to get a Social Security card. Before that, I couldn't work legally."
- Dax Shepard [07:22]: "If you want to be political, great, but having to inherit that on top of everything else seems like a weird reward."
- Mo Amer [50:03]: "By the time I was 19, I was already headlining shows and traveling overseas without a passport."
- Mo Amer [60:02]: "I feel like this second season is a masterpiece. Episode seven is something so unique — tender, thoughtful, sweet, heartfelt, and funny."
- Mo Amer [68:27]: "I caught footage of me as a little kid in our house in Kuwait. It was insane to get footage from my dad that I didn't know existed anymore."
- Mo Amer [73:45]: "The balance was perfect, and it let us take people on this ride and let the story do the talking."
Conclusion
This episode of Armchair Expert masterfully blends comedy with poignant storytelling, offering listeners an intimate look into Mo Amer's life as a Palestinian immigrant navigating the complexities of identity, representation, and personal trauma. Mo's candid conversations provide both laughter and profound insights, celebrating resilience and the human spirit.