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- [00:00]
A
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- [00:44]
It's Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 from Peach Fish Productions, it's the Gist. I'm Mike Pesca. We finally got that Benghazi report we've been working on since the show started. Literally. When Bowers, who was the first executive producer, I guess, who commissioned the show and hired me to first do it, one of my ideas was maybe we should do something about Benghazi. I think that there might have been something. Not the conspiracy, but maybe something to it. Well, 12 years later, if you include when the planning stages hit, we finally have our Benghazi episode and I have to tell you, it's not what I expected. It. It is in fact an episode of Funny youy Should Mention with the Libyan born comic Mohanad El Shaki. He is a very funny guy and usually on Funny you should mention, we talk about, hey, why'd you say that joke? Sometimes why you say it this way. But why do you think that? What's the point? You're trying to get to. And we do get to that. But if I got a guy from Benghazi in front of me and he was actually, oh, you'll hear. Abducted, lightly abducted in Benghazi, I mean definitely abducted for say, Cincinnati. But in Benghazi, perhaps a light, a toe touch, an abduction. Gotta ask about that. And so I do. And we don't really uncover the rest of the Benghazi situation, but I think that that has been so thoroughly chewed over that everyone has their strong opinions. Actually, no, I am more of the belief that everyone's opinion on Benghazi by now is, wait, what was supposed to have happened there? Or is that when the Patriots deflated the balls? No, that was Ball Ghazi and this is Mohanad El Shaki. Funny, you should mention.
- [02:32]
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- [06:24]
Hello and welcome to Funny. You should mention the show. You know about it. We talk to comedians about why they're saying what they're saying, you know, their motivations in life, but really their arguments. But we'll get into everything and we're going to get into geography, biography and definite world politics with my guest, Mohanad El Shiki. He. I don't want to even step on it. Welcome. Welcome to the show. How are you?
- [06:47]
B
I'm good, man. Thank you for having me.
- [06:49]
A
So you are. I'm so excited. You're not just my first guest that I've ever had and I've been doing the Gist. And Funny, you should mention for 11 years. Not only my first guest from where you're from, but the first person I've ever met from there, I think.
- [07:02]
B
Right.
- [07:02]
A
Maybe people from there don't say it. So maybe we could play a game with the audience. 20 questions. Now, you. You're from Benghazi?
- [07:10]
B
Yes, yes, yes, I am.
- [07:11]
A
That's amazing. Was it always when you were nine, was it amazing?
- [07:15]
B
It was. It was nothing. Yeah, that's the thing. It's not amazing or not amazing. It's just like very like living in a small town in the US. I mean, it's only until like, what, 2012, where it became like a thing.
- [07:29]
A
So that's when Gaddafi falls?
- [07:31]
B
No, no, no. I mean like after the. After the embassy.
- [07:35]
A
Right.
- [07:35]
B
In Benghazi. Because that's where like, yes, it became.
- [07:38]
A
But the timeline in your life. So Gaddafi is in power until when? And how old are you? When he goes away?
- [07:45]
B
He goes. He's in power until October.
- [07:50]
Of 2011. And after he's removed. It's the best way I can describe it. Removed?
- [08:00]
I was still there. I mean, I've lived in Libya until 2014. Yeah. And then the embassy like the attack on the Embassy happened on 9, 11, 20, 12.
- [08:09]
A
Right, yeah. How old were you during the reign of Gaddafi?
- [08:15]
B
I was 20. Yeah, I was 20 years old and I left Libya when I was 23 years old.
- [08:20]
A
So the old lines about fish and water and just. You don't know what you don't know. But did you know you were living in not just a totalitarian state, an oppressive state, but a bizarrely oppressive state given Gaddafi's predilections.
- [08:34]
B
Right, yeah.
- [08:35]
A
Removed from meets. Predilections.
- [08:38]
B
I mean, yes and no. I feel like I've only understood how bizarre it was when social media became a thing, because before that you're like, oh, okay. Like, obviously I know that other people in different countries live in different ways just based on what I watched on tv, because I watch a lot of American tv, British tv, all of that stuff. But you don't know how weird it is until, like, you have access to social media now you have access to real people who live in other places. And now you're like, oh, this is strange, what we're doing here. That doesn't make any sense.
- [09:08]
A
Plus, you look to the east, there's Egypt. Right?
- [09:11]
B
Right.
- [09:11]
A
This is a totalitarian state as well. Perhaps a more standard totalitarian state with 90 million people. Then you look somewhat to. You have Chad, a different kind of chaotic state. So, yeah, maybe your world, especially without social media, things don't seem that different.
- [09:27]
B
Right? Yeah. But the other thing is, like, at least, you know, like, even like in the us, like with Trump or like other places now, you can at least with the people who live in the place you live in and go, this is weird. No. And they're like, yeah, this is strange. We shouldn't have that. But when I grew up in Libya, like, we don't talk about politics. We do not talk. Mention it. We do not. Even with my parents, they don't talk about him at all. It's just like he's somewhere in, like, an alternative universe and we are in our universe. So there's never been a moment where, like, you can sit with someone, be like, this is weird. No.
- [10:03]
A
So is that good for comedy or bad? Because on the one side, on the one hand, you're not using your observational muscles. You're not allowed to. On the other hand, maybe if you're not feeling the oppression, you could in some way be free.
- [10:16]
B
Yeah. I mean, the thing is, like, you're not feeling the oppression just because you have not done anything to get them to come to your door.
- [10:25]
A
Right.
- [10:25]
B
You know so in a way, I guess you're free in that, like, if you don't say or do anything, no one is gonna come to you.
- [10:32]
A
It's kind of the opposite of freedom, right?
- [10:34]
B
It is. No. 100%. Yeah. But it just, it beats being held in prison where no one knows where you are. So like, I guess when you compare it to that, then you're like, well, at least I'm living my life. I'm going to school, I'm going to work, I'm minding my own business. A lot of it is just like, mind your own business and no one is going to come near you.
- [10:52]
A
So how'd you personally develop your comedy muscle? Funny home, Funny friends. What?
- [10:57]
B
Funny friends. Funny. My dad's side of the family is very funny.
- [11:01]
A
Yeah.
- [11:01]
B
So we're always like, you know, it's a lot of like riffing and like being mean to each other and like, and that type of stuff. So you kind of like, you know, you develop a, got like a sense of humor. And also like Libyan style of comedy is like, there's still like theaters and plays and like you can go and watch comedy and it's a lot of like storytelling.
- [11:22]
A
So there's. There was like a stand up scene in.
- [11:26]
B
Not a stand up scene. No, it was like you go to a theater, watch a play and it's usually comedy.
- [11:30]
A
Yeah. And what kind of plays, plays that we know in the west, do they do Shakespeare? Do they do.
- [11:34]
B
It was like very like made for Libya by Libyans, but like, not. When I say made for, by Libya, it's not, you know, controlled by the government. But also it still has to pass through that filter.
- [11:46]
A
Yeah. You know, they know not to be dangerous.
- [11:49]
B
Like, like, you know, like artists who lived in Benghazi, lived in Tripoli or whatever. And I was like, honestly, very, very funny. Like, I really enjoyed it, so. And it did. And, and none of it was like, it didn't feel like propaganda at all. Like they were not going on stage talking about how good everything is or how bad everything is. It's just kind of like, okay, let's just comment on what we can comment on. And that's it.
- [12:11]
A
Well, in a way there's an argument that what a good atmosphere for comedy is freedom within rules. So you didn't have that much freedom, but the rules, the boundaries are actually good for comedy. Like even, it's even found in phrases like bouncing off you with an idea, like you need these walls to bounce.
- [12:31]
B
Off a rubber ball.
- [12:33]
A
That is the joke.
- [12:33]
B
Yeah, of course you have like yeah, you have a place to do that. But. But again, like, it's, it's, it's.
- [12:41]
It'S the only difference, I guess if you throw the wrong ball and it just comes hit you in the face really hard and you're taken away, that's an issue.
- [12:49]
A
That's, that's the thing. So you mentioned we made fun of each other. And I hear that in your act, you make, you go up, you go down. Well, I don't know if you go down generationally, you definitely go sideways. You go down age wise when you mock your dad mercilessly for a few things, including his cooking, but you really stick it to your siblings who didn't deserve it 100%.
- [13:11]
B
Yeah.
- [13:11]
A
It's just the way you are, where the family is.
- [13:14]
B
It is. I mean, see, that's the other thing that comes with being the oldest sibling. Like, you get so much taken away from you by just being an older sibling. So you have to do so much. But also I'm like, I gotta get something out of this. And what I get is, you know, playing pranks on them and just doing whatever I want, and they just have to live with it. And it's still, it's still that way to this day.
- [13:39]
A
Including when you drive them to school, you reveal to them what I told.
- [13:44]
B
Them that I was their father.
- [13:47]
And the guy they see at home, that's, you know, he's my father, he's their grandfather. And I told him, I was like, I. And then I asked him, like, who drives your friends to school every morning? And they were like, their parents. And I was like, okay, and who drives you to school? And. And I feel like they made the connection there. I'm like, oh, he has to be our dad.
- [14:07]
A
That's the definition.
- [14:08]
B
He does so much for us. He even gives us money sometimes. And I'm like, yeah, I am your dad in a way. I'm like, I was. So why not claim it right now.
- [14:19]
A
In your mind, was there a more detailed backstory about why you had to lie? And like, you got someone pregnant when they were 14, 17, like, how did it work? You were 19 at the time.
- [14:31]
B
I was 19 at the time. Ye. No, that's the thing. They were like, young. They were like, they were like, old enough for this to work, but young enough for them to not ask any questions. Like, hey, why is our dad 10 years older than us? Like, that doesn't make any sense, you know, because, like, when, like, I feel like when you're 10 and someone is 19 to you, they're like so old.
- [14:54]
A
Yes, exactly.
- [14:55]
B
You know, so I feel like that's why it worked. There were no follow up questions.
- [14:59]
A
How long did the ruse persist?
- [15:02]
B
Until they got back from school.
- [15:03]
A
So it was one day of school.
- [15:04]
B
It's one day of school. Yeah. I put them to school. They had to deal with the loss of their dad and the gain of some new dad. But then they came back, my dad picked them up from school. I didn't. And I think they were just like, they're just distraught.
- [15:20]
A
So this was a 10 year old brother or sister.
- [15:23]
B
So they're twins.
- [15:24]
A
Twins, same age?
- [15:26]
B
Yeah.
- [15:27]
A
Both boys, Both brothers of yours?
- [15:29]
B
Honestly, I think they were like even younger than 10 because I was 19, I'm 11 years older than them. So they're a boy and a girl.
- [15:35]
A
Okay. Did you ever ask them what their day was like, what their eight hours was with their world upside down?
- [15:41]
B
I honestly never did that. I, for me, like I did that in the morning and I kind of like just forgot about it. It was nothing to me.
- [15:49]
A
I will say maybe if when you were 19, there were open mics or an outlet for comedy, you wouldn't have done that to your siblings.
- [15:55]
B
True, true, Exactly. I'm like, yeah, you gotta, you gotta open mic somewhere. Kids in the car sometimes 7am in the car. Yeah, yeah. I was like, oh, it's fun. And they, I mean they remember it. They're like 22 now. They remember it and they laugh about it and they laugh about how stupid they were just believing that something that's very like apparent lie now, was this.
- [16:15]
A
Car that you were made to drive them in, was that the same car that ISIS rejected as unworthy of them?
- [16:20]
B
Yep, it's the same car.
- [16:22]
A
So you were, would you say you were carjacked or what was the whole. You don't have to, I'm not asking you to do the bit, but just tell me the story as you would.
- [16:29]
B
Yeah.
- [16:30]
A
Because. Very interesting.
- [16:33]
B
I know, I know it was very strange because yes, this guy.
- [16:38]
I was going to meet a friend and I remember we're like specifically going to play video games and literally out of nowhere this woman goes and open my car door and gets in the backseat and another guy comes in, holds a knife to my face and asks me to drive. And for literally like a solid maybe 20 minutes. So like me driving to the location they gave me, I'm like, I don't know what the fuck is going on right now.
- [17:03]
A
Right.
- [17:04]
B
I'm like, I'm not sure if I'm being kidnapped. I'm not sure if I was like just bamboozled by these two pros.
- [17:09]
A
Right, right. Could be, could be just a regular crime. What year was this? What was going on politically in the country?
- [17:14]
B
That was, I think that was like around 2012.
- [17:18]
A
Yeah.
- [17:18]
B
So that's when like at the time they were this group called Ansar Al Sharia, which is, you know.
- [17:27]
Like after, like, I don't know when exactly they like pledged allegiance to like, you know, ISIS and like, stuff like that.
- [17:33]
A
All these affiliates and there ISIS and the Maghreb and they have these little places. And the one in Libya was Anshar.
- [17:40]
B
Yeah, it was kind of like, it was at a time when it was like, it was. Those groups were like new to us, but like we're, we are aware that they exist, but we're like not sure like what is, what are they doing exactly, you know, like, and, but yeah, like, to continue with the story, like, I eventually realized that this woman literally just wanted to, to get a car ride home because her phone died.
- [18:04]
A
Yeah.
- [18:05]
B
And this guy decided to help. Not sure why this was helpful at all.
- [18:09]
A
Like Mr. Rogers says, look for the helpers in. This guy's the helper.
- [18:12]
B
You gotta look for the helpers and sometimes they come looking for you.
- [18:15]
A
Yes. And the knife wielding helpers, which is.
- [18:19]
B
The knife was very funny to me too because like this was at a time where a lot of people in Libya had guns.
- [18:26]
A
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- [18:28]
B
What are you doing with a knife? Like, what are we doing? People like, literally just like using like weapons that we did not know existed before. And what is a knife doing?
- [18:38]
A
Big knife though.
- [18:39]
B
What's that?
- [18:40]
A
A big knife?
- [18:41]
B
It wasn't really a big knife. No, it was like the kind of knife you just like stab someone with.
- [18:44]
A
A stabbing knife.
- [18:45]
B
Yeah, a stabbing knife. A stabby stab. Yeah.
- [18:48]
A
But still big enough. I am in no way minimizing.
- [18:50]
B
No, of course. Because all the things is just like one stab and that's it. I'm like, I don't think, I don't want to. It wasn't a time where I'm like, can I disarm a person or not? You know, just thinking about, like, am I gonna make it? Am I gonna live? Am I gonna get out of this? But then, yeah, we drop the lady home, we have like this very bizarre interaction with her husband who like, you know, has a gun and points it at us.
- [19:15]
A
So he does have a gun.
- [19:17]
B
Yeah, yeah. So a lot of people like, yeah. So this was in 2012, after Gaddafi fall. A lot of people during the Revolution Time have managed to like, break in. Into these military compounds and stuff and just, like, grab weapons.
- [19:30]
A
I remember the UN puts together a small armed survey and some years, and this was a year, a place like Libya, a place like Hades, has this designation now, you know, asterisk, unknowable, because.
- [19:40]
B
They just assume everyone 100%, which is strange to us because, like, before. Before 2011, no one had a gun, as per. I've never seen a gun.
- [19:49]
A
Autocracy is often.
- [19:50]
B
Exactly. Unless you're, like, someone in the military or something, you never see a gun. So that was like, new. You don't even know how to deal with that. Yeah.
- [19:59]
But, yeah, then, you know, I tried to drive the guy home, just, like, I'm just gonna, like, put him where I got him from. And that's when we got stopped by this, like, militia, which is. Which was very bizarre for me because I'm like, I don't know. It was new enough that I kind of, like, did not know how to deal with it. Like, what is the process here?
- [20:16]
A
Are they wearing black? Are they having the ISIS flag? Is there anything to identify what their leaning is?
- [20:21]
B
There was no flag because a lot of these, like, checkpoints were, like, just in the middle of nowhere. Like, you. You take a corner, like a. You're driving the street, you take a corner, they're there, and they want to, like, stop you and, like, search your car and sometimes even, like, ask for papers. I'm like, for. For what exactly? This is so confusing.
- [20:41]
A
Your life has so many parallels, by the way.
- [20:44]
B
And the thing is, like, so some of these people were not even, like, Libyan, which makes it even worse because I'm like, who are you and why are you here? Like, you definitely do not look Libyan.
- [20:53]
A
Yeah.
- [20:54]
B
And you do not speak Libyan. Like, you barely.
- [20:57]
A
What's the answer? They're mujahdin, fighters from the battlefields of.
- [21:00]
B
Like, Pakistan or some are, like, from, like, Algeria, Morocco. Like, literally, like, even a guy from Afghanistan. I'm like, I have, like, this red hair and red beard. I'm like, we don't really, like, have much of that here. So I was, like, so confused. And it. And obviously, like, this is. You know, this was not funny to add to the story, but, like, it feel like kind of like a violation. You're being violated. Because I'm like, I grew up here, and you're someone who, like, have power over me.
- [21:28]
A
Yeah. You get a little xenophobic maybe in the moment too. Like, I want some homegrown terrorists.
- [21:33]
B
Exactly, exactly. Like, like, you're taking jobs away from Libyans who can benefit from doing that?
- [21:40]
A
You're willing to behead at a third the cost of the local Libyans.
- [21:43]
B
Exactly. Yeah. And I'm like, you're. You're welcome to come here and get a. Any other job and live here if you want to. But, like, the second you start pointing a gun at me, I'm like, this is kind of weird, dude. I actually don't want you to do that if that's okay.
- [21:56]
A
Sadly, there's no one to enforce just like sort of here in America with immigration law. No one to actually enforce those feelings, those very strong feelings.
- [22:06]
B
But the thing is Libya, like Benghazi, for example, like, very like.
- [22:11]
You kind of like, know everyone.
- [22:12]
A
Yes. How big is Benghazi?
- [22:14]
B
It is pretty big.
- [22:15]
A
It's the second largest city after 2000.
- [22:17]
B
Like a million people live there, and it's pretty big. But like, like, if those were like, Libyans, like, you kind of can, like, from their last names, from whatever, you can know who they're like, you know, who are they are related to and who. So you can like, strike a conversation like, oh, I know your brother, I know this. And like, maybe you can, like, get your way out of this. But like, where someone was like, even. Not even from the country, you're like, how do I get out of this? Like, what. What is the right answer? You know? And like, I tell in the story, this guy, like, asks me, like, who. Who do I support? Because, like, you know, there was. There was them, and there was like, some fashion of the Libyan military who was like, kind of like fighting them at the time. And you're like, other smaller groups, and you're like, I don't see any identifying marks to know who you are. Like, I know you're not the military, but I don't know what group you are. I don't want to give the wrong answer.
- [23:10]
A
Right.
- [23:12]
B
And you were, like, getting, like, so frustrated with me, which was so funny to me because I'm like, I don't know why you're frustrated.
- [23:18]
A
So you didn't ask for this. You just gave some guy a ride.
- [23:22]
B
Yeah. I'm like, you guys have guns. I'm like, I have a stupid guy next to me with a knife. We can't even fight for ourselves if we wanted right now.
- [23:28]
A
So the militia was not. Maybe you said this in the story and I'm not getting it. The militia was not aligned with the guy who was hijacking you? Essentially, no. Oh, so it may. Well, you're a total non Combatant. He has identified himself as a militant of some sort. It might be the case that these guys really are the enemy of that guy. And they think you're with that guy, even though you were just kidnapped by the guy.
- [23:53]
B
But see, but that's the thing about this guy, is that he is no one.
- [23:58]
A
Yes.
- [23:58]
B
Eventually, like, you learn, like, he's like. I. Again, like, some parts I admitted from this story because, like, I didn't know where to put them, but, like.
- [24:04]
A
But that's how comedy goes, too.
- [24:05]
B
Like, this guy, like, literally, like, lived in my neighborhood, right? And he was pretty much making his money from, like, just, like, drug dealing. That's what he does. And that's why he was on the corner. That's why he saw what he saw. He was literally just, they're selling drugs. So he's like, no one, really, you know, so when he was sitting next to me, like, both of us are going through that at the time because both of us are like. I feel like that was the only bonding moment. Like, okay, now both of us are in danger, and both of us do not know what the answer is to get us out of this. So, you know, you just go with God. You're like, I support God. And no one can say anything to that because, like, what are you gonna say about that?
- [24:45]
A
Can't say.
- [24:45]
B
That's pretty much what everyone did back then.
- [24:48]
A
So you name the specific iteration or flavor of God. You could step in it, but you know not to do this.
- [24:53]
B
You get the general God.
- [24:54]
A
Yes.
- [24:54]
B
Like, the overall God. Like, this could be anyone. Yeah, this is the God you like.
- [25:00]
A
My God happens to be, you know, milk chocolate or whatever.
- [25:03]
B
But, yeah, look at. And they're like, this is.
- [25:06]
A
That's a great answer.
- [25:07]
B
That's a great answer. Like, it's like, honestly, when I gave them the answer, it felt like this is the first time someone says that to them. Like, this is actually, we're gonna adapt this from now on. Like, it has to be this answer or nothing else.
- [25:17]
A
Yeah. They're like, you know, this waving guns in people's faces really had a nice consequence.
- [25:24]
B
Today.
- [25:24]
A
We learned something. Thank you, sir.
- [25:26]
B
Exactly. Yeah. And then, yeah, I got it kind of got out of it that way. Drove the guy home. He.
- [25:30]
A
So, okay, that's my question. Is the guy still armed? Did they take his gun away from him?
- [25:34]
B
No, no, no, this guy did not have a gun.
- [25:37]
A
Oh, the knife guy?
- [25:38]
B
Yeah. Yeah. This guy is just a knife. They didn't take it away from him because, like, what are you going to.
- [25:43]
A
Do with that at this point, after the militia leaves you, Are you bonded with him? Are you still his. Are you still his captive? Are you, like, sub captives now? I mean, go back to that original dynamic.
- [25:54]
B
Honestly, both of us are, like, kind of traumatized at that point.
- [25:56]
A
Yeah. Yeah.
- [25:57]
B
Like, it was, like, a little bit silent after that because he was like, what have we went. Because this is first time for both of us.
- [26:05]
A
Oh, God.
- [26:06]
B
And I drive the guy home eventually and, you know, like, say in the story, like, he get. He let me keep the knife for some reason, and he suggested, like, we hang out in the future. I'm like, that's like a big pass for me. Big dog. But, like, thank you for offering.
- [26:21]
A
Did you give him maybe the idea that you'd be open to that, or he just flat out said, yeah.
- [26:25]
B
I said, sure, absolutely. Yeah. Just like, leave. And then. Yeah, after he left, I got into my car and went and met my friend.
- [26:33]
A
Yeah. Would you say if you were watching yourself from the outside, that you came across as, all things considered, collected in these moments?
- [26:42]
B
I think, yeah. Like. Like, inside, no.
- [26:45]
A
Yeah.
- [26:45]
B
But outside, I can, like. I can keep it together to a point where I'm, like, not.
- [26:52]
Freaked out. Like, you're not gonna. You're not gonna catch me being freaked out.
- [26:54]
A
Yeah.
- [26:55]
B
You know, but. But you just kind of like to. But yeah, I feel like I've handled it the best way.
- [27:01]
A
Sure. I don't know that there's a playbook.
- [27:03]
B
Exactly. I'm like, I don't know.
- [27:04]
A
Odd answer. Is a game changer, right? They're putting it on the flash.
- [27:07]
B
Yeah, exactly.
- [27:08]
A
Maybe renaming themselves Party of. I don't know.
- [27:11]
B
Exactly. They're like, I don't know, man. I think this was a good answer. But. But, yeah, just kind of like, you just go. And then.
- [27:18]
And then. Yeah. Just like, when I met one of my friend, he was upset that I was late.
- [27:23]
And I kind of, like, tried to explain to him what happened, and he did not care. Really? Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's the thing. Like, I feel like it took me so long to, like, work on, like, actually do store. A lot of these stories that I tell on stage are like, sometimes are like.
- [27:40]
Not hard to come by. To me, I'm like, this is not really that interesting.
- [27:45]
A
Really? You thought that wasn't that interesting? Why? Because your friend was just blase about it afterwards?
- [27:52]
B
No, I'm just like, oh, because, like, at the time, like, you know, you get used to it.
- [27:56]
A
Yeah.
- [27:57]
B
That you're like, oh, just like, you know, that's Just an everyday thing. And some of it, I would say also, like, just, like, I think maybe repressed memory.
- [28:05]
A
Sure.
- [28:06]
B
Like, sometimes, like, I would tell a story. I'm like, I literally had it in the back of my mind, and I just remember that this, like, thing happened.
- [28:12]
A
You say it on stage. In other words, like, it first comes out on stage or first comes out when you're making notes and working.
- [28:17]
B
When I'm like, you know, like, I'm. No, I'm just, like, at home. I'm, like, working on something. Or like, sometimes I'm talking to my mom on the phone or something and just, like, something reminds me. I'm like, oh, my. And then I tell one of my friends, and they're like, what? Like, why? I feel like this is something you should have, like, shared before. I'm like, I don't know. I just kind of, like, forgot about it.
- [28:36]
A
How do you know that difference between disturbing disturbing and potentially funny disturbing?
- [28:41]
B
I think anything can be funny. Yeah. If you. If you. If you come at it from the, like, the right angle and make it not. Not even less disturbing. You just have to package it well.
- [28:52]
A
Right. And we'll be back with more Mued El Shiki after this. I can't promise, but maybe a little more Benghazi talk. Love the Benghazi talk.
- [29:08]
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- [31:28]
We'Re back with comic Mohaned El Shiki. You emphasize the discordant elements of what was going on.
- [31:35]
B
Right.
- [31:36]
A
Everyone around you was just acting weirdly.
- [31:39]
B
Exactly.
- [31:40]
A
And so I don't know if people can identify from it, but they can identify with you because what you're going through is a lot of questions. And then what the audience is going through through you is what the hell is going on?
- [31:50]
B
Exactly. Exactly. I mean, the way I try to do it is I take audience in the same ride as I am. Like, we're both clueless. You have no idea. I also have no idea because I don't have the right answers. I don't know if there's any other way. And sometimes people comment or ask me. I'm like, why would you say that? Why would you do this? I'm like, at the moment, in the moment, I don't know. That's the only answer that came to my mind.
- [32:15]
A
What's your game plan? Hostage negotiator guy? You have your SEAL team.
- [32:21]
B
Do tell, please. How do we get out of this.
- [32:24]
A
Situation with the red headed Afghan? Yeah.
- [32:28]
B
What do you do then?
- [32:30]
A
So the reason I said that there are parallels. To jump ahead, you got a lot of attention and you do a very good bit about a very bad thing, which is essentially, I don't know if it's ice, but border agents, it was border patrol. Border patrol again, ask for your papers just like these Libyans did on, sadly enough, a Greyhound bus out of Tacoma.
- [32:50]
B
Yeah.
- [32:52]
Yeah. Well that, that happened in 2019. I think it was in Spokane.
- [32:56]
A
Yeah. Oh, I said Tacom I'm sorry.
- [32:58]
B
It's close enough to it, I think. But Spokane, honestly, it's one of those places you're like. You go to and you're like, everyone here is in witness protection.
- [33:07]
A
Yeah, well, Spokane's on the other side of the Cascades. It's a whole different thing.
- [33:10]
B
Right.
- [33:10]
A
Tacoma's like, right near Seattle. A city supposedly smells bad. I don't know. That's just. Cause it rhymes with Tacoma aroma.
- [33:17]
B
Yeah, could be. Yeah. But, yeah, I did have to. Yeah. I was taking a Greyhound bus. Cause I lived in Portland at the time, and I was trying to get back to Portland on the bus. And the only reason I didn't drive, because it was like, there was a bit snowy, and I don't know how to drive on the snow. No one in Libya knows how. Even in Portland, because, like, you can't even get, like, snow tires, really.
- [33:39]
A
So Portland, Libya, trip from the shores of Portland or Tripoli, too. Yes, exactly. The halls are going to zoom. Are great.
- [33:45]
B
Yeah. So I was trying, like, to get back on the bus and these agents go on the bus.
- [33:55]
It was, you know, they're wearing green uniforms. They did not announce themselves. So I truly. At the time, I thought they were like, like, just part of, like, Greyhound or something. Like, you know, like, oh, they just want to check if you have your. Do you want to match your ID to take it the kind of standard what happens on, like, the train and stuff. So I was like, when they asked.
- [34:13]
A
For my id, Greyhound has that level of security.
- [34:17]
B
Yeah, Yeah. I was like, God, I should have. I should have thought better. But when they asked for my id, I was not like, oh, why are you asking for my id? I'm like, oh, here you go. It wasn't even like, something that I was like, oh, this is weird. I'm like, there you go. But it was only weird when, like, they were like, asking for more papers. I'm like, you mean more papers? That's just like. And they didn't ask for the ticket. That's the thing.
- [34:36]
A
Yeah.
- [34:37]
B
Like, okay, this is. This is the most important thing is the ticket.
- [34:41]
A
If they are, in fact, Greyhound.
- [34:42]
B
Exactly.
- [34:43]
A
It's all about the tickets.
- [34:44]
B
But now I'm like. Feel like you guys are something else.
- [34:46]
A
Yeah.
- [34:46]
B
And I don't know what that other thing is, because, mind you, we are in. We are in Spokane, which is like 100 miles away from the Canadian border. So you're like, you wouldn't imagine that these are border patrol agents, because you're like, we're not on a border Technically.
- [35:04]
A
Right.
- [35:05]
B
So why are we. Why are we doing this? But then when they ask for my papers, that's when I'm kind of like, they asked me where I was from.
- [35:13]
And you can always tell when someone asks where you're from, like, where do you live and where, like, you're from from.
- [35:19]
A
Right. Is it preceded by hey or is it preceded by just out of curiosity or is it not. Is it preceded by nothing and where are you from?
- [35:27]
B
It was like, the questions, like, were being asked, like, you've already committed the crime.
- [35:32]
A
Right.
- [35:33]
B
And you're like, why are they even talking to me like that? This is so strange to me. And I do carry, like, you know, I had, like, a work permit at the time, which is literally, you can only get if you are here legally.
- [35:47]
A
Yeah.
- [35:47]
B
You know, and, like, you carry that.
- [35:48]
A
Because you were working. You were working a gig.
- [35:50]
B
Is that what I carry it, like, everywhere? Just kind of like, you know, just a thing just to keep with me. Like, I think even my.
- [35:58]
You know, like, when I travel, I'm like, I'll just keep it with me, you know, like, you said, I was working, I was doing a gig. Like, maybe they will need it, so let me just have it on me. But that wasn't enough. They asked for a passport, and you're like, this is a bus. You know, like, why would. I didn't know they needed a passport on a bus.
- [36:14]
A
But this is one of the funniest lines. Does it occur to you at the time that this is a bus?
- [36:19]
B
Yeah, like. Like, we're not going to leave the ground.
- [36:23]
A
So I know you aren't trying to get a laugh, but as a comedian, what do you with that observation in the moment?
- [36:32]
B
No, I mean, I. No, I literally said I didn't think I needed a passport, but I didn't say, like, oh, this is a bus that wouldn't fly and whatnot. But I was like, I just didn't really assume that this is something I would need on a bus. And then my other thing, I was like, did everyone else had their passports on them? Because they didn't.
- [36:51]
A
Yeah.
- [36:52]
B
So I'm like, why? Why am I supposed to carry a passport? I'm so confused by that. But then I started kind of like, getting what happened when I saw the two other guys who. They got out of the bus. And, like, I can tell by the way, they were like, you know, they're like their, like, accents and stuff. I'm like, okay, like, you are like, you know, speaks Spanish as a native language.
- [37:12]
A
Yes.
- [37:13]
B
So when I saw these two guys. I'm like, okay. I'm like, okay. I can feel like I kind of know what this is about now. And that's why I thought they were ice. Still thought they were ICE when I posted about it on social media, because it didn't occur to me. We're like, any. We're close to a border. We go outside, you know, like, I talk to these guys and they're just like, hounding me with questions. And I was like, literally at a point, like, I don't know what, like, I was like, what do you want me to do? Like, what do you want from what can I do right now to prove to you that I have papers? Because I do.
- [37:47]
And they were just like, asking for more papers. I'm like, what? More papers? Because I gave you papers and you said you could be fake.
- [37:53]
A
Yeah.
- [37:54]
B
So I'm like, I feel like it's not an issue of papers now, because any paper I can give you, you'll tell me it could be fake. So what is the point of papers at this point? And I was like, is there a way to check in your system if I'm in the system? And they went and checked and they were like, you're not. There's only. They were like, there's you. There's only your entrance day. You came here on a, Like a. An exchange student visa, and there is nothing else. And I was like, I don't. I don't believe you. And I was like, I literally just. Was. Just got my asylum maybe like a year ago. And we went through like a very, very lengthy process. There is no way it's not in the system.
- [38:32]
And I just kind of, like, held my ground because I'm like, I'm like, I'm not wrong here. I know for a fact that I'm not. I did nothing wrong. Even though you kind of like, start, like to suspect yourself a little bit, I'm just like, am I? Am I.
- [38:43]
A
Do you think that was a bluff? Oh, just the entry date.
- [38:45]
B
100%.
- [38:45]
A
Did they cite your correct entry date?
- [38:48]
B
They did.
- [38:48]
A
Okay, so they. There is a system, there is a computer for them to know that, but they're maybe withholding information.
- [38:54]
B
Exactly. Yeah. Because. Because eventually a fast forward, like when border patrol, like, they issued a statement.
- [39:01]
A
Yeah, because to tell everyone this blew up. This got a lot of attention, was.
- [39:08]
B
All over the news.
- [39:09]
A
Yeah, yeah.
- [39:10]
B
And they issued a statement saying, oh, once we confirmed his status, we let him go. And I was like, you never said you confirmed my status. You made it Sound like you were giving me, like, okay, you can go.
- [39:21]
A
Yeah.
- [39:21]
B
You know, next time, carry more papers. Never said. We found that you're like an asylee and you've granted asylum. Even though I was. Even though in the statement they say they did. I'm like, oh, but your agents kind of, like, lied to me.
- [39:35]
A
Yeah. Now, this was 2019, first Trump administration.
- [39:38]
B
Right.
- [39:38]
A
Had it gone down now, do you suspect it might be different? I mean, the status wouldn't change, but they're much more aggressive now.
- [39:45]
B
I think it would be much worse.
- [39:46]
A
Yeah.
- [39:47]
B
I think, honestly, like, in a weird way, I got lucky. I guess it happened then. And now I don't have the same status, but, like, you know, still.
- [39:58]
A
Right. Well, in the intervening years, you worked hard, and now you have sort of a claim as a comedian, so maybe that would be a little protective.
- [40:05]
B
Sure, exactly that. Like, now I have, like, at the time, I didn't have a green card. They have a green card now. So, like, that's kind of like a status, like, you know, much stronger, even though they don't care.
- [40:14]
A
This could be fake. It all could be fake. Not the right shade of green.
- [40:17]
B
Everything can be fake.
- [40:18]
A
True.
- [40:19]
B
You know, me and you, we're not even here. I don't think so.
- [40:21]
A
Yeah. Phone this one in.
- [40:24]
B
No, but yeah, at the time, like, I remember I got back on the bus, and I was just, like. I was honestly just, like, in shock. Like, I feel like for the first hour, I was like, could not believe what just happened.
- [40:36]
A
More in shock than you were with the Benghazi militia thing.
- [40:40]
B
Yeah. And I'll tell you why. Because when the Benghazi thing happened, at least I know I was not in a safe space.
- [40:48]
A
Yes.
- [40:48]
B
You know, so, like, some sort of danger is always expected.
- [40:52]
A
Yes.
- [40:52]
B
You know, but in the Greyhound bus, after I got my asylum, I was, like, just on cloud nine, and I was like, I am now. I have a status.
- [41:03]
A
America makes certain promises.
- [41:05]
B
Exactly.
- [41:05]
A
Libya couldn't at that point. And this is the point of America.
- [41:08]
B
I've never felt safer. So I feel like that kind of, like, shook that, like, illusion that I had. And then I was like, like, oh, this is all, like, very, like, fragile. I'm a fragile ground. I'm like, oh, it doesn't matter. So what? Why. Why did I do all of that? And, like, why? And it was kind of, like, humiliating at the time to be outside of the bus just being questions and people, like, looking at. At you from, like, the. The window of the bus and, like.
- [41:34]
A
You got to drive back with them to however many hours and like, not make eye contact.
- [41:38]
B
It feels like you've done something. Like, everyone is looking at you.
- [41:41]
A
Anything sympathetic to you?
- [41:42]
B
No, not really. No. And like, people are like, oh, like, is this some kind of, like, are you accused of a crime? Are you like, have you committed a crime? And you're like, just sitting on the bus by yourself and you're like, what do I even do with this? And then I'm like, oh, we have another stop in another city. Is this gonna happen again?
- [41:59]
A
Yeah.
- [41:59]
B
So it was just like all of this was playing in my mind.
- [42:02]
A
Yeah.
- [42:03]
B
And then. And then that's when I kind of like, did some Googling. And like, I was like, oh, okay, okay. This happened. Like, Spokane is notorious for this happening. I didn't know that. I didn't need to search that. Look it up before I went because I was like, I'm fine.
- [42:19]
A
Right.
- [42:20]
B
And that is when, like, I posted about it. And then, like, I was reached out to by the, like, aslu, like.
- [42:29]
Like the, you know, in Seattle and another, like, organization, immigration organization, like, Washington and stuff. I'm like, this is actually something like we've been working on for, like, like, so long now. And now that it happened to you is gaining publicity because a lot of people at the time would tell me, I cannot believe this is happening. Why would this happen? Why are we doing this now? And I'm like, it's been happening.
- [42:54]
A
Right?
- [42:55]
B
Yeah.
- [42:55]
A
Well, that. I also think that's a difference from if it happened now. If it happened now, they might have actually taken you away and not cared, not showing their faces. But also, even if they put you back on the bus now, I don't know that it gets national attention just cause so many others other horrible things are going on.
- [43:11]
B
Exactly.
- [43:11]
A
Yeah. It all depends on, you know, your special blowing up and you becoming more famous.
- [43:16]
B
But that's the thing though, is, like, even, like, at the time, I was like, this was in 2019. I wasn't even, like, I didn't even have the credits I have now.
- [43:23]
A
Right.
- [43:24]
B
But because I had like, you know, I had a kind of like a following on Twitter. I had like, we doing some podcasts then. Yeah, yeah. Like, here and there. And I was like, doing comedy. So, like, in the indie, you weren't doing.
- [43:37]
A
You could do that on television. You weren't doing the apology podcast. A media. That's where we slip into all your credits.
- [43:44]
B
Yeah. Oh, my God. Yeah. I have not been on Conan.
- [43:47]
A
No, it's not been on Conan. Yeah, Conan. I think would protect you.
- [43:50]
B
Exactly. The umbrella of Conan is a status that even SHIELD not even the Supreme Court.
- [43:57]
A
That's right.
- [43:58]
B
I think that and being a Costco member are my accolades now.
- [44:01]
A
But you. You could fake that. You could fake that membership.
- [44:04]
B
It's impossible. Costco is even stronger than. You can fake a green card. You cannot fake a Costco membership. Those. Those motherfuckers at the door at Costco, they can tell by your eyes if it's real or not.
- [44:15]
A
I got to go back to Benghazi just to note, as you do, that it's an interesting city, a different city. A city that became international news, but also a symbol. So being from Benghazi in 2012, 2014 would be like, follow me here. Being from. But her emails in 2016 would be like, I've done my own research. In 2021. It just became a shorthand for some vague conspiracy.
- [44:46]
B
Exactly. I'm from COVID vaccine. Yeah.
- [44:50]
A
From 5G Tower.
- [44:52]
B
Exactly.
- [44:52]
A
Yeah.
- [44:53]
B
No, it was. It was a thing, obviously, like, when you're in it, this. It's not national. Like, it's not news to you. But, like, yeah, like, when I came here in 2014, you say Benghazi and, like, literally, even people who. It was funny because, like, some people don't even know Libya. They know Benghazi.
- [45:08]
A
Yeah, they don't know Libya's. Sorry, they don't know Benghazi's in Libya.
- [45:11]
B
No, they just know it as an entity by itself. It could be anywhere.
- [45:15]
A
I think that's probably true with Tripoli also. Because of the song.
- [45:17]
B
Exactly.
- [45:18]
A
It's the two biggest countries. People don't even know.
- [45:21]
B
They don't know anything about it. So you mention it. And it's funny, like, you meant, like, you say you're from there and people are looking at you as if you are withholding it from, like. And yeah, you know the truth. I'm like, I don't have the emails. Like, actually, we have never emailed back and forth with Hillary.
- [45:35]
A
When people get excited or it means something, do they even know what the conspiracy is supposed to be all the time? Or do they just know it is conspiracy?
- [45:45]
B
Like Area 51 right at the time, like, when it was, like, closer by, some people, like, knew. They're like, you know, they like the whole email thing and the whole, like, do you knew what was going to happen? And they're like, they didn't do anything and all of that stuff. And I'm like, I have, like, no answers for you. Yeah, really, Like New York.
- [46:03]
A
You live in New York. Do New Yorkers ever ask that? And you could come back with, well, you were here in September 2001. Was it an inside job?
- [46:10]
B
Tell me more about jet fuel.
- [46:13]
No. Exactly. I'm like, no, honestly, New Yorkers don't really do that. It was like, more like Portland. Like, when I travel somewhere else, like, people, like, get curious. And I was also, like, in Portland State at the time. Like, I enrolled in college. So, like, even. Even some of your classmates, even the professors are like, kind of like, do you want you to talk about it? And I'm like. I'm like, I have nothing to say. It's literally a city I lived in. And I know it's a big deal to you. It really is just a place to be me.
- [46:40]
A
Right?
- [46:40]
B
Yeah.
- [46:41]
A
But also that the conspiracy, if it was, was supposed to be that the secretary of defense and the national security adviser didn't quickly mobilize troops and then downplayed the danger. This is all internal US Stuff, Right. The last person to know or have any insight into this is a Benghazi. And Benghazi. Is that the demon? Sure. What do you say?
- [47:07]
B
I don't think we have, like. We just say from Benghazi or, like, something like that.
- [47:10]
A
Portlander, right?
- [47:12]
B
Yeah.
- [47:13]
A
Is that the. Do you get a bigger gap in sensibility between Benghazi and. If you had to pick a US City, Portland in the days of Portlandia.
- [47:21]
B
My God, dude. I. I tell people, like, I feel like Portland, Oregon, is a cultural shock. Even if you are from the US Just different. You go from any other city. I'm like, what are we doing here? What are. Like. It feels like the Truman show, where I'm like, these people are, like, up, and I don't know what it is.
- [47:38]
A
What year did you leave Portland?
- [47:41]
B
I left Portland late 2019. So very close to the pandemic and the lockdown and all that stuff, right?
- [47:47]
A
And the protests and.
- [47:49]
B
Wow.
- [47:49]
A
You could have been in the middle of two international protests with rockets being launched.
- [47:54]
B
My God. I mean. I mean, people are like, saying, Portland is a war zone now. I'm like, buddy, I'm from two war zones now.
- [48:00]
A
I guess when you were in Portland, what was it? Going from the kind of quirky and weird Portlandia thing to the more. I don't even understand this thing that it is now. It's less funny, quirky. Get your arms around it. Hug it now.
- [48:16]
B
I think, yes, it is. But also, like, I feel like at the time, you're, like. You're trying to understand what, like, what's sincere and what's not like. And also, like, because you're new, there's so many people who are like, do you want to show you that they, like, like, empathize and they care and all of that stuff. But then at some point, it gets overwhelming to a point. I'm like, just stop doing that. Yeah, I don't. I, like, let's stop bringing this up. Like, we're like. We're like at a party, like, with friends. And then I came over. I'm from, like, Libya or something, and that people want to, like, not now.
- [48:47]
A
Oh. So in this interview, I'm basically behaving exactly like.
- [48:50]
B
This is an interview.
- [48:51]
A
This is an interview.
- [48:52]
B
When I'm doing, like. When I'm doing, like, something like this, I expect these questions. This is. I'm like, this is the medium for conversations like that.
- [48:58]
A
Correct. Also, you could hand this interview to someone at a Portland party and say, just look at this.
- [49:02]
B
Yeah, but I'm like. I'm like, you're just a guy.
- [49:05]
A
Yeah.
- [49:06]
B
Who. I'm just trying to hang out here with my friends, and now you're asking me these questions because you're curious, like, and you're curious and not. In a way. I'm like, oh, I have background on this.
- [49:17]
A
Right.
- [49:17]
B
And I want to, like, know the intricacy.
- [49:19]
A
Like, I want to know more literally the education.
- [49:21]
B
It's just like, you know, tell me. I'm like, tell me how is. How. This is like, the question, like, I can never answer to this day, and I don't know what to do with people. Like, how. How is it in Libya now, bro? I don't know. I don't think they even know.
- [49:34]
A
Let me tell you the point of asylum and what someone who gains asylum is trying to do. Separate oneself from. Yeah.
- [49:41]
B
I'm like. I didn't even understand it at the time, let alone now.
- [49:44]
A
Yeah. You know, and also, like. Right. Let's say I had the best answer on that. Let's say you were a sociologist. Do you really care? Like, the guy asking the question, what are you going to do with that? It is.
- [49:55]
B
It is that. And they asking me about Gaddafi.
- [50:00]
And when people ask about that specifically, they already have an answer in mind, and they just want me to confirm it. And once you veer from that, they're not interested anymore.
- [50:10]
A
Well, what do they want? They want wild stories about.
- [50:13]
B
No, they want some. Some people want him to be a good guy.
- [50:16]
A
Oh, really? Oh, shit. Well, it's Portland, I guess. I didn't know that.
- [50:19]
B
I'm even outside Of Portland. There's a lot because a lot. It's very confluent. I. Is very conflicting because some people do not get nuanced. Like, they don't.
- [50:28]
A
I get it. He was targeted in the enemy of American imperialism. Let's say Reagan did drop bombs that killed one of his kids. Right. So that's it. It's sad to have your child.
- [50:40]
B
Exactly. But the thing is, like, people are always, like, doing this thing where, like, there's a good guy and a bad guy. Sometimes there are two bad guys.
- [50:47]
A
Right.
- [50:47]
B
And you're stuck in the middle.
- [50:49]
A
Right. Or sometimes there's a really, really bad guy and a guy just making decisions that we could, in retrospect, in a democracy, vote against. Or say he was losing it at the time.
- [50:59]
B
Exactly. So I'm like. I'm like, bro, I don't know what to tell you. Isn't it worse now? And I'm like, no, it's just a different kind of bad.
- [51:04]
A
Right. You know, you. When I talk to people who lived in Portland, they almost always. There's a range. I have some people who say, yeah, it really went nuts. But a lot of them defend it. And they say, not that it's indefensible. It's a beautiful city. I've done some stuff there. And, you know, it's more than beautiful.
- [51:21]
B
Right, right.
- [51:22]
A
Culture, all the stuff. The trailblazers are usually a good team.
- [51:26]
B
Usually belated.
- [51:28]
A
Right? Yeah. But most people do a little defense. And there's something about you. I don't know if I don't want to call it cynical, but there's something about you. Maybe it's because you came from a place with real stakes that seems to really see through that shit and not find it terribly amusing.
- [51:43]
B
I don't know. I don't find it amusing. And I mean. I mean, I would. I would say I'm like, disillusioned by it, you know, like, all of it, like. But not. But not cynical.
- [51:53]
A
Right.
- [51:53]
B
Like, I. Like, I do believe, like, obviously things can get better. And I do believe people are like, have.
- [52:00]
Even if they're not doing it the way I would do it, they have the still good intentions. And that's the thing with Portland. I have friends there. And I know a lot of people are like. Who are really, really good people and who are trying their best to do it the way they can. And then you have other people who are like. I'm like, you want me to tell you, good boy. That's what you want?
- [52:21]
A
Yeah.
- [52:21]
B
You know, you want to be like, you know, pat you on the head and be like, this is so good what you're doing right now. Beautiful. You're not like the other white people because they want to like, oh, I'm not like them. You know, so there's, there's, you know, so it's like kind of like nuanced a little bit, but. But at the same time you're like, well, I prefer it, I guess to not doing anything and just pretending like everything is fine.
- [52:47]
A
Yeah, so it's okay. So really the opposite of cynical?
- [52:50]
B
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, exactly. Like if people are being kidnapped from the streets and stuff like that, like, yeah, I want you to do something right. And some people are doing the right thing and they know how to like, you know, they are there to achieve a specific goal. And you can always tell when someone is there for themselves to like they are on this like journey of self discovery and improvement and stuff. I'm like, this is not about you.
- [53:14]
A
It's you one moment in some crystal the next.
- [53:17]
B
Yeah, exactly. You're not even better than exactly, exactly. I'm like, yeah, it's kind of different. Someone is doing it right away.
- [53:23]
A
So if I may ask you, you are somewhat political in your comedy. And then I went back and listened to. You've done a couple of podcasts. One is you could do that on television, which is a riff on. You can't do that on television. Which must have predated, definitely predated your time in America, if not your time on this earth. That was like an 80s show. Yeah, yeah. Okay, so you say I don't know and you get the slime. I remember that one. The other one you did was about apologies and was it called so Sorry.
- [53:50]
B
I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
- [53:52]
A
Okay, so on that show, you and the co hosts, I think were. You would dabble into politics in a way that especially at the time was not unfamiliar. You were very interested in social movements. But when I hear you talk to me and when I hear some of your stuff on the stage, doesn't seem like a different person, but maybe seems like, I don't know, I don't wanna put words in your mouth. Do you think you've changed since then? Was there the show that led you to more, I don't know, let us say, giving more leeway to some arguments that the guy sitting across from me might mock way.
- [54:28]
B
So when you say an argument, like.
- [54:30]
A
People would say, like you had W. Komod Bell on the show and I heard the interview and I remember, hey, it's 2025. I'm listening back to it. I'm like, he's saying some things that I don't know that present day Mohanad would agree with.
- [54:43]
B
With.
- [54:43]
A
But then you seem to be nice to the guest and there were a few episodes like that.
- [54:47]
B
Yeah, I understand what you mean. Yeah, yeah. But that's the thing. I was like, you know, like you're like within a network, you're like.
- [54:53]
A
Yeah.
- [54:53]
B
So you have to kind of like play with this whole.
- [54:57]
You know, just very centrist.
- [55:01]
A
Yeah, you gotta go, you gotta. Yes. And Exactly.
- [55:03]
B
Yes. And I'm like. And. And like believe in the promise of America. Like we're not like that. And like all of that stuff. But no. Yeah, I'm like, I'm not, I'm not like that. I'm not into that kind of stuff. You know, I wouldn't mock but like, I know I just had to do what I had to do at the time to kind of like, you know.
- [55:21]
A
Right.
- [55:22]
B
Just.
- [55:24]
Keep the show going.
- [55:25]
A
You do that at all with your stand up that you don't exactly go there with all of your political opinions. Well, the answer is probably if they're funny, you'll say anything.
- [55:35]
B
If it's funny, I'll say anything. But I think at the same time.
- [55:42]
It has to be really funny because there is nothing I despise more than Clapter.
- [55:48]
A
Yes. Yes.
- [55:48]
B
Like, if I tell a joke on stage like that as somehow political and I feel like people agree and that's it. I'm like, I don't want to do this ever again.
- [55:55]
A
In the new special, which I saw.
- [55:57]
B
Which is called no need to Address Me.
- [55:59]
A
No need to Address Me. In the new special, there was a Clapter moment, but I think you had to get through it to get to other points. What was the Clapter moment? Do you remember?
- [56:09]
B
Was it during the, the bus thing? Maybe? Had to be.
- [56:13]
A
Yeah. People. It's also people want to show they're on your side.
- [56:16]
B
Right.
- [56:16]
A
So that's nice.
- [56:17]
B
Right? Exactly, exactly. People can't take it away from good intentions. Yeah. And sometimes you like, you're like on stage and you want to see. Okay, well, whatever, stop doing this. But so like, like, you know, like now like I tried to just like go through it really quick.
- [56:33]
A
Yeah.
- [56:33]
B
And like, this is not the, you know, this is a setup still. We're doing it. We're still doing the setup. This is not the punchline. But, you know. Exactly. So like I tried to like steer away from like just like Clapton material. Like, like I Don't want you to agree with me. I don't want you to come to me after the show and tell me my comedy is important with like, I don't want to be glimpse like in your eyes. You're like trying to cry or something. Like, this is so important right now. I'm like, it is important to me. Like I'm making money for sure it is important in a way, but like not in a way in the way you want it to be.
- [57:02]
A
Huh.
- [57:03]
B
I'm like, I just want you to enjoy it, have it be funny. I do have political opinions that will like, you know, come out.
- [57:10]
A
Yes.
- [57:11]
B
On stage. But like I am not delusional to think I am doing some type of big time change or like changing minds and hearts and all of that. The only time I was was part of change was during the Greyhound thing. But there's there were lawyers involved.
- [57:34]
They were like courts.
- [57:35]
A
They were like, you weren't the mover, you were the symbol.
- [57:37]
B
Yeah, exactly. Yeah. But there was like so much work that happened outside of the stage and it took so long for something to happen. But like I'm not a delusion to think I'm like going on stage and like just saying stuff and people being like, damn, I'm going to go home. And like everything, everything about my life has changed right now.
- [57:55]
A
Right. By the way, what did happen? Because the ACLU and those groups got involved.
- [58:00]
B
So eventually what happened is, and that is the still allow from my understanding now is that you cannot board a Greyhound bus without a warrant. So before they could, before border patrol, ICE agents, whatever, can go without a warrant on the Greyhound bus. So now you can do that.
- [58:17]
A
Company specific, are all domestic buses, I'm asking, does it extend to Peter Pan? This is the important question.
- [58:23]
B
I think Greyhound was like, it was like company specific that they just allow it. Because Greyhound was also sued after.
- [58:29]
A
Yeah.
- [58:30]
B
You know, and I was like part of that separate lawsuit that had to do with that. So they had to change it and now it's being enforced. Like I like it when people send me stuff. Like there's this one bus driver where like the agents tried to get in and he was like, gargle my balls. I'm like, hell yeah. I'm like, I feel like I was part of this and I like that.
- [58:51]
A
Yeah. By the way, this is the lamest joke. I just was thinking of it. Do you know the old motto of Greyhound would leave the driving to. To us? Oh God, yes. And so of course Jay Leno or every other comic is going to be like, who the hell else we supposed to leave the drive? That's the deal with the bus.
- [59:09]
B
Like, yeah, I was not going to drive it myself.
- [59:12]
A
Right. The public doesn't get a turn.
- [59:13]
B
But which is funny that they asked their motto, because honestly, like, when you're on that bus. On that bus, you're like, I don't think you're even driving right now.
- [59:22]
A
Right. I can't even trust in that motto.
- [59:26]
B
I'll drive if you want me. Because I don't think you know what you're doing.
- [59:29]
A
Right.
- [59:29]
B
Yeah.
- [59:29]
A
It's like, oh, God. I get. I'm in my Leno period. It's like the New York Bagel Shop. Pick a bagel. Which my son and I always say, as opposed to, like, what's the. What's the. Sorry. What's the rule in the other bagel shops? Like, you're differentiating yourself because you're not assigned a bagel.
- [59:46]
B
Oh, God. Yeah.
- [59:47]
A
This is why I'm not a comedian. This is why me and my son just discuss weird things. I want to ask you about one joke.
- [59:52]
B
Yeah, you did.
- [59:53]
A
On Conan. So I saw your old Conan set, and there was a great When Miles Goes to France joke. I mean, you might not like it anymore, but I like puns.
- [60:01]
B
Okay.
- [60:02]
A
Okay. Then at one point. And we'll play the joke. You say you hate boy bands.
- [60:07]
B
It's good.
- [60:07]
A
You can get on your side, get some cred. You're a man's man.
- [60:10]
B
I'll tell you the three boy bands that I hate, starting by the ones I hate the most. So it's the. It's the Jonas Brothers, One Direction and Isis. Right.
- [60:22]
A
And then you say, one is not like the other. And I know comedy. I know what's gonna happen. It's a reversal.
- [60:28]
B
I like them. I know some of you are like, hey, buddy, I think one of these groups is so different from the two others. Yeah, I know. I'm not stupid. One Direction was not America's mistake.
- [60:41]
A
And so it takes a little calculation and the audience laughs. And then you say, thank you.
- [60:45]
B
Very smart.
- [60:46]
A
Are you. This is my question. Yeah, you said. At least that's what you said during the Conan appearance.
- [60:51]
B
Yeah.
- [60:51]
A
Are you saying that to them? About them? You're smart. Are you saying that about you? Like, that was a smart joke.
- [60:57]
B
I'm just. I'm. Yeah, I'm just thinking about the joke. But, like, I'm. I'm saying it in a way also. Or like, I'm. I'm also like, yes. Can you believe how smart that was.
- [61:05]
A
Yeah, I know you are like, you.
- [61:06]
B
Know, but, like, you know, like, I don't believe it, like, that I'm not like, just genies on the mic. I was like, the moment was just, like, funny to me because the joke works.
- [61:16]
A
And then you're like, do you 100% believe it?
- [61:18]
B
What's that like?
- [61:19]
A
Well, not the Jonas or One Direction part, but ISIS was essentially America's mistake.
- [61:25]
B
I mean. Yes. And, like, it's good for the jokes. You should say that is good for the joke. It's also funny because One Direction is like a UK band and all of that stuff. So this. This worked. I'm like, obviously, I don't think, like, when I think about isis in the U.S. i'm like, I don't think it's, like, an American invention.
- [61:40]
A
Right.
- [61:40]
B
Because that's. That would be like. Even though some people think. But I'm like. But I think about it in a way, I'm like, well, you let your guns go in the wrong way and, like, you know, so you kind of, like, give support to some questionable people who grew to be something else.
- [61:52]
A
Sure.
- [61:53]
B
You know, kind of like how, like, bin Laden and then the Taliban and all that thing always come from, like, here's guns, and have fun with that. And then other groups take it and you're like, oh, don't leave us with that. Yeah. Oh, no. Can't believe this happens. Can't believe someone filled the power vacuum with the guns we gave them.
- [62:10]
A
Can't believe religious extremists did that, of all people.
- [62:14]
B
Oh, my God.
- [62:15]
A
We thought you were cool when ISIS hit in. Speaking of hits, when ISIS hit and rocketed to the top of the charts in Libya, which they didn't, but were there many Libyans actually.
- [62:27]
Open to the very, very extreme version of Islam? They really wanted the return of the caliphate.
- [62:33]
B
Absolutely not.
- [62:34]
A
No, no.
- [62:34]
B
I would say most of them did not.
- [62:36]
A
So then how does it work? Like, they just brand themselves the toughest guy on the block.
- [62:40]
B
So, I mean, that's the thing. It does. Because, like, it didn't start like that. And it started the way it always starts.
- [62:47]
A
Yeah.
- [62:48]
B
Where like, you have, like, a group like Ansar Sharia or whatever. Like, they come as like, a just nonprofit stuff. You know, like, we're helping the poor. We're like, during Eid or something, people cannot, like, you know, afford to buy meat and stuff. They would give them that.
- [63:03]
A
Yeah.
- [63:03]
B
And. And sometimes this is all what people want. And, like, there's how.
- [63:07]
A
This is how both Hamas and Al.
- [63:09]
B
Capone started You're like, there's no way. You're like a bad guy. Like, you, you're giving me stuff, I am poor, all of that stuff. So they're like, come at it from like, you became loyal to me that way. So when you go into the extreme version, if you help me that way, I still think that you're not that extreme. I'm like, I look at you and I'm like, no, I'm sure you have a point. I'm sure, like, you're trying to do something here that maybe I'm not seeing. But like, you can't be a bad guy. You were so nice to me.
- [63:34]
A
Right?
- [63:34]
B
So that's why. That's how they got some of those people, you know, like, they're like, I guess like, even the people who fought on their side, they see them as like this force of like, good. And I think some people, people are like, maybe later, like in the middle of it was like, oh, I am, I am part of a bad thing right now.
- [63:55]
A
Yeah.
- [63:55]
B
And I don't know how to get out of it. So some people double down and some people just like left. But I would say most Libyans who are just like, you know, like me or like outside of it, we're just like, we don't want these people. This is insane.
- [64:08]
A
Yes.
- [64:08]
B
Like, what they're doing is insane. Like, they're literally killing people in the streets and assassinating people. People and blowing up cars and. And there was. And at the time the military was still there. And at least the military was like, people like, we know like, were like broke from Gaddafi. They have built some good, like.
- [64:30]
What do you call it?
- [64:31]
A
Like, you know, like, they built some infrastructure.
- [64:34]
B
They built, yeah, like people like trust them and understand them and stuff like that. And they're like, they started like the ISIS and stuff, start killing the military. I'm like, well, well, we like, we like them. We like those guys. But then, but then when they took over and then the military eventually like, you know, took over after and like ISIS became like kind of corners in like two cities in the, like Derna and like Cert just were like, yes.
- [64:58]
A
The oil rich city of Cert.
- [65:00]
B
Exactly.
- [65:01]
A
That's like, it's one of those phrases that. This is what I know about like.
- [65:04]
B
Small enough that they like it was a city, but small enough for them to gain control.
- [65:08]
A
Right.
- [65:09]
B
But, but then the military take takes over and, and you know, again, you put someone else in power and then they go crazy.
- [65:17]
A
So I'll tell you, I'm a definite Niche audience. And I'm sure most people want to hear you talk about a season of Survivor in 12 parts, but I find this fascinating. I think that. I don't know. Do you think there's no audience for it? If you put. If you really develop some analogies and material and talk about your life, maybe it's more abstract and it didn't happen to you, but I think this would be the best. The best comedy I could.
- [65:40]
B
I mean, and I try whenever I can. Like, I try whenever I can because, like, I truly, like, I like everything we talked about. Like, I will probably have it on a piece of paper somewhere. Like, I'm trying to.
- [65:49]
A
What are the words that would alert an agent if he saw just a phrase?
- [65:53]
B
Yeah, I tried to keep it, you know, I try to keep it to something I understand and no one else does. But, you know, like, I. So by thinking about it. But that's the thing. Sometimes, like three or four years from now.
- [66:05]
A
Yeah.
- [66:06]
B
It finally would come to me. I'm like, oh, yeah, okay. This is, this is something I can talk about.
- [66:11]
A
I know you played turkey or you mentioned that on a recent podcast, or you made jokes about going there for a hair transplant. I don't know, maybe leg lengthening. You seem good length to me. Do you. Have you ever. Could you. What's the closest you could play to Libya? Can you go to Libya ever and do comedy? Comedy?
- [66:30]
B
I don't. I. I don't think I want to do comedy there.
- [66:33]
A
Yeah.
- [66:34]
B
Not because it is Libya's. Because, like, the scene that, like, there's no really, like, a scene. Maybe now it's kind of like getting into it and people do watch a lot of stand up now. People are like, are familiar with, like, you know, American stand up and all of that.
- [66:48]
A
If you have a following there at all.
- [66:50]
B
I, I know I do because. Because my mom tells me that she's there. Yes. My, My whole family is there. Yeah. And I, I don't know if they like it or not, but my mom also. It's funny because, like, my mom does not understand the concept that some people know me and I don't know who they are because every time she, like, oh, so and so said they know you, do you know them? I'm like, I don't know who they are. I'm like, like, I'm sorry that, like, I'm like, I feel like I've. I'm known enough in stand up that some people be like, oh, this is maybe the only Libyan who's doing stand up in America. And that's why know him. Like, those people are not my friends. I don't know them. Please just accept that I have like a level.
- [67:27]
A
Ronaldo's mom is still making that mistake.
- [67:29]
B
Probably. Probably. Do you know that guy? He says he knows, he, he knows you. Maybe school or something.
- [67:34]
A
Maybe everyone in the Canary Islands actually does know.
- [67:36]
B
Exactly. So like, I don't want to like go. Like, hopefully in the future, I don't know if things change, I become a citizen and it feels safe enough for I haven't, I truly have no idea. But like now, currently no plans, no intentions to go to Libya or do stand up. And I get people who are like, you should come do so and so here I'm like, bro, I'm like, I barely want to do stand up outside of the US Unless it's just an established scene. And I'm like, it's nothing really to do with you. I'm just kind of like, is it an audience or not? I don't want to go there and like embarrass myself or have to invent.
- [68:14]
A
Stand up comedy or teach them.
- [68:16]
B
Exactly, yeah. Yeah, exactly. So I'm like, ah, pass. I'm like, for now, let's stick with the videos. You know, I have the videos. Watch them. And that's all you get from me for now. Hopefully in the future, you know, we'll get something. Maybe you guys, you'll have your own Saudi Arabia comedy festival.
- [68:30]
A
Yeah, well, they might pay you top dollar. I hope maybe UAE will come in over the top. There's a lot of money sloshing around there.
- [68:37]
B
Absolutely. I'm like, bro, yeah, maybe, maybe Libby will finally have like a festival like that in the future and we, we get to argue about it.
- [68:45]
A
Maybe the oil. Which city of Cert will pony up the box? Mohanad El Shiki. His new special is no need to address me Right now as we speak, it's somewhere between pay for it on Apple or maybe it's going to be liberated. I don't know how. I don't know if there will be militias involved, but Muhammad says that it's coming perhaps to a free service. Great to talk to you. Great to meet you, man. Thanks so much.
- [69:07]
B
Pleasure.
- [69:18]
A
The Gist is produced by Corey Wara. We had help today from Leah Yan. Kathleen Sykes helps me with the Gist list. Jeff Craig does so much with the video and the socials and the visual. He's a master of the visual in this a primarily audio form. Michelle Pesca also works with the visuals but is mostly the visionary do Peru and thanks for listening.
- [69:49]
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- [70:17]
C
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