Full Send Podcast - Episode 162: Bassem Youssef
Host: Steiny | Release Date: July 31, 2025

1. Introduction & Context

[00:01] Steiny:
Steiny welcomes listeners to the first live episode of the Full Send Podcast and introduces Bassem Youssef as the guest. He references a recent controversial episode featuring Benjamin Netanyahu, which sparked significant backlash.

2. Controversial Episode with Benjamin Netanyahu

[00:21] Bassem Youssef:
Expresses surprise at the backlash and apologizes for not being familiar with the Nelk Boys, the influencers involved in the controversial episode. He reflects on the challenges of being in the public eye and the repercussions of hosting a high-profile guest like Netanyahu without adequate preparation.

[02:08] Bassem Youssef:
Highlights the difficulties influencers face when unknowingly becoming part of propaganda efforts. He compares the situation to being thrust into a role without proper understanding or preparation.

3. Israel's Propaganda and Influence

[03:41] Steiny:
Mentions the Nelk video, prompting Youssef to delve deeper into Israel's propaganda strategies.

[04:00] Bassem Youssef:
Discusses Israel's increased "hasbara" (public diplomacy) budget of $150 million, aimed at influencing college campuses and hiring influencers to portray a sanitized version of reality. He criticizes the portrayal of Palestinians as simplistic and one-dimensional.

4. Allegations Against Israeli Government and Policies

[05:29] Bassem Youssef:
Accuses the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) of simulation exercises that glamorize counterterrorism tactics and breeding dogs for killing, linking these practices to real-world atrocities, including the killing of vulnerable individuals.

[07:00] Bassem Youssef:
Details the alleged systematic targeting of aid workers and civilians in Gaza, citing specific incidents and statistics. He claims that the Israeli government manipulates narratives to obscure its actions and responsibilities.

5. AIPAC's Lobbying Power and Its Impact

[24:18] Bassem Youssef:
Explains the significant influence of AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) in the U.S. Congress, stating that "80% of Congress are openly financed by AIPAC." He argues that this financial influence prioritizes Israel's interests over those of the American populace.

[35:15] Bassem Youssef:
Highlights the financial contributions from AIPAC to American politicians, presenting it as a mechanism that undermines national priorities in favor of foreign interests.

6. Conflation of Antisemitism with Israeli Policies

[30:16] Bassem Youssef:
Argues that linking Jewish identity solely with support for Israel is problematic. He equates this conflation to unfairly associating being Jewish with supporting a genocidal state, thereby fueling antisemitism.

[31:13] Bassem Youssef:
Provides examples of Israeli propaganda, such as IDF soldiers engaging in activities that contradict military discipline, to illustrate how negative perceptions of Israel are manipulated to foster antisemitic sentiments.

7. Impact on the Host and His Community

[12:09] Steiny:
Shares personal experiences of receiving backlash from friends and acquaintances after the Netanyahu episode, emphasizing the strain on personal relationships and the emotional toll of hosting controversial figures.

[67:00] Steiny:
Expresses the emotional difficulty of engaging with the heavy and dark topics discussed, noting the exhaustion from consuming conflicting information from different sides.

8. Discussion on Possible Solutions and Path to Peace

[62:59] Bassam Youssef:
Suggests that achieving peace requires addressing the root cause of the conflict, which he identifies as the occupation and displacement of Palestinians by Israeli settlers. He advocates for voting out politicians influenced by foreign lobbies to initiate change.

[63:16] Steiny:
Acknowledges the complexity of the situation and the pervasive loyalty of American politicians to Israel, questioning how meaningful change can be effected under current circumstances.

9. Conclusion

[77:04] Steiny:
Reflects on the educational value of the conversation and acknowledges the profound insights gained from Bassem Youssef's perspectives.

[79:21] Steiny:
Thanks Bassem Youssef for his participation, highlighting the importance of awareness and education in addressing the issues discussed.

Notable Quotes

• Bassem Youssef [00:39]:
  "It's better to actually learn from what's happening and look at the bigger picture instead of just like destroying two young people like you."

• Bassem Youssef [03:41]:
  "This is part of a much bigger propaganda effort... it's fake."

• Bassem Youssef [24:18]:
  "80% of Congress are openly financed by AIPAC, which is the Israeli lobby."

• Bassem Youssef [30:18]:
  "Being Jewish means being pro-Israel... That is crazy, right?"

• Bassem Youssef [62:59]:
  "You need to vote those fucking people out."

• Steiny [67:00]:
  "It's really hard to get into this."

Conclusion

This episode delves deep into the complex and contentious issues surrounding Israeli politics, U.S. lobbying influence, and the portrayal of Palestinians. Bassem Youssef offers a critical perspective on the impacts of propaganda, the role of influential lobbies like AIPAC, and the personal ramifications for hosts and influencers who engage with controversial figures. The conversation underscores the importance of education, awareness, and critical thinking in navigating such polarized topics.

Note: The summary above captures the key discussions and perspectives presented in the podcast episode. The views expressed by Bassem Youssef reflect his opinions and should be considered within the broader context of ongoing geopolitical debates.