Mehdi is joined by Oscar-winning actor and producer Riz Ahmed for a high school reunion (yes, they went to school together back in London in the 1990s!) and catch up on life, work, and how the world has changed for brown folks since their childhood. They talk about Riz’s journey as an actor — from playing stereotypical roles to now creating his own work and championing the work of up-and-coming filmmakers.
“Representation within a broken system doesn't necessarily get us anywhere.” Riz tells Mehdi. “We need to build our own systems.”
They also discuss Riz’s decision to speak out against Israel’s war on Gaza early on in the conflict, and how much things have changed — or not! — from 9/11 to Oct. 7. Finally, Riz asks Mehdi to co-write his next rap song…
‘We’re Not Kidding’ is available to watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts:
I've loved all the I'm Not Kidding episodes, but this was my favorite. You two brought out the best in each other, and it was provocative and delightful.
Wonderful! Loved your discourse. Great friends are priceless.
Intriguing conversation! I enjoyed every minute of it did have a major ‘Aha’ when Riz Ahmed said “Story…is the most spiritual, ancient kind of technology that we have as human beings.” I had to pause and soak that in. I have never considered defining “stories” as “technology” - it’s brilliant and so so so true!
Listening to Riz and Mahdi discussing talent it occurs to me that talent is often born in England and Canada and other countries, but is more easily recognized in the U.S. I was brought up in south east London, but in Canada, where I live now, I have heard many celebrities say they left for the U.S. because they stood a better chance of getting ahead. If I may hazard a guess the money is a hell of a lot better too! As an aside, I was born in India of English and Irish heritage, but our family goes back about 180 years there. So, I can relate to a lot that is said.
Excellent discussion. Would love a follow up session between the two to unpack some of the threads they were just starting to pull on: overcoming institutional racism in UK vs racism in the US, the balancing act between maintaining your identity and integrating, etc.’
"20 years later we are back in the bottom of the hill" Man that cut deep! True words!
Thanks Riz!
Thank you Riz and Mehdi, I loved this!
Oh, that was a joy. It made me miss being a Head of Year in South London in 1997.( when I was still young) I remember how it all changed after September 11 and I had lots of my kids coming me before school on Mondays furious about how they d been stopped and searched.
I don’t know the details of why you despise Murdoch s Times, but I’ve just canceled my subscription. Too many right wing, racist articles. Thank you so much for this guys.
You guys were wonderful for many reasons! Your intellects, your humor, your thoughtfulness…just what I needed to hear today!!
Loved the honesty of this broadcast!
I wanted to get out of the UK when I was 12 years old--around 1951, yes, I'm old as hell. Got out in my late twenties. Lived in NYC ever since. I'm a Other, and New York is a welcoming, warm place to do that. There's room to breathe here, which I didn't feel in Britain. A great discussion.
Thank you Mehdi & Riz for being constant positive counter balances to the constant negativity that brown/Muslim people face especially after oct 7th. Your intellect, self awareness and humanity is clear is this wonderful engaging “bromance” podcast - another one pls!
The Best WNK yet. Very natural conversation getting into issues deeply without forcing any of it.
Oof! My two favourite Brits on one podcast that was no nostalgic (as a Londoner for a few years in the late 90s-early 00s). ❤️
I found this episode particularly engaging on a personal level, having had a similar background and upbringing. The fact that even after 20 or so years of ‘proving’ ourselves and our credentials, and 20 years of achievement communities like ours are still so easily brushed aside, silenced, dismissed… will it ever change?
I loved this episode. I watched Riz Ahmed in Shifty a film based on my friend's brother and i never knew he was getting to get so big. As for Mehdi he is just too good at debating.
Great discussion! Yes, I agree that all of the interfaith work that we have done for years was essentially for nothing. We're back at a square one. The great part of the We're Not Kidding episodes is that I get to learn more about Mehdi Hassan's personal info as well as his guests. I can't wait for the next one!
I really enjoyed this one, too. Riz captured the essence of this time post Oct. 7th. It put into words my experiences and really resonated.
Well I'm White and I'm not just satisfied with a Ceasefire, I want accountability. Pls sign and share this petition and if you don't want to click a link, I posted the text long form on my account too. Petition link: https://chng.it/sPyssnJYbF
Genuinely enjoyed this, great banter between Mehdi and Riz and some interesting insights. Loved Riz's view of stories as healers and how they are ancient, magical and come from heaven
So glad you asked if we have gone back In time post 7th Oct to post 911. It's all coming out again.
Loved it , thank you 🙏🏻
This was such an insightful and engaging conversation. As a South Asian born and raised in the West (Indian-American) and of a similar age, I really appreciated the discussion of the ebbs and flows of identity, representation, and belonging when world events change everything around us.
How do you lock the screen with the podcast .. otherwise it just stops and starts playing
Very nice episode. I hope I can recover the word “joy” from the DNC nonsense though.
Thank you, Riz and Mehdi. This was so good to watch and listen.
Such a rigorous conversation and full of zingy quotes! Thanks for that.