Best Abdel Podcasts (2024)

1
How Liam Payne's death has been covered 29:46

15h ago29:46

29:46

Elamin is joined by culture critics Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Syrus Marcus Ware and Joan Summers to reflect on the life of One Direction star Liam Payne, who died at 31. Plus, reactions to Norwegian reporter Kjersti Flaa sharing her past interviews with celebrities like Anne Hathaway and Blake Lively.…

1
Two Palestinian artists reflect on how the war has affected their art 27:43

1d ago27:43

27:43

A year since Israel invaded Gaza, Palestinian artists, writers, filmmakers and poets are working hard to ensure their culture remains strong, despite so much destruction. Elamin chats with author Saeed Teebi and composer and pianist John Kameel Farah about how the war has affected their art.

1
Dragons' Den goes viral over boba tea, and Culinary Class Wars 25:11

22h ago25:11

25:11

A recent Dragons' Den episode where guest judge Simu Liu raised the issue of cultural appropriation with the owners of a new bubble tea-styled product has generated a lot of online backlash. Elamin chats with the Toronto Star's food reporter Karon Liu about what this moment can teach us. Plus, the Korean reality show Culinary Class Wars has upended…

1
Who gets to claim Fred Perry? And The Franchise 24:50

17h ago24:50

24:50

The Fred Perry polo was popular in UK subcultures for decades, but, in recent years, it's become known as the de facto uniform of an extreme right-wing organization. Fred Perry's denounced its association with the Proud Boys, meanwhile a new wave of artists are reinstating the polo as a symbol of inclusivity. Elamin talks to Rollie Pemberton and Jo…

1
K-os's iconic album Joyful Rebellion turns 20 21:21

2h ago21:21

21:21

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of K-os’ acclaimed album ‘Joyful Rebellion,’ Elamin is joined by music critics Dalton Higgins and Susana Ferreira to reflect on its impact then and now.

1
Alfonso Cuaron's new show Disclaimer is finally here, and Ali Wong's new special 29:12

3d ago29:12

29:12

Elamin is joined by film critics Rachel Ho, Radheyan Simonpillai and comedian Cassie Cao to discuss the new Apple TV+ series Disclaimer, the Netflix comedy special Ali Wong: Single Lady and the latest controversy around the upcoming Western film Rust.

1
Kamala's interview on Call Her Daddy, and the Slow Horses finale 26:22

7h ago26:22

26:22

Culture writer Joan Summers talks about Vice President Kamala Harris’s appearance on 'Call Her Daddy' with Alex Cooper, and what we lose and what we gain when politicians give their time to entertainment podcasts over conventional news outlets. Plus, Elamin chats with Elamin chats with TV critics Saloni Gajjar and Sophie Gilbert about the 'Slow Hor…

1
The Tragically Hip docuseries and who defines the legacy of the Hip 26:05

2h ago26:05

26:05

With the recent release of The Tragically Hip docuseries ‘No Dress Rehearsal’ and a new, band-authorized coffee table book, ‘This Is Our Life,’ out this month, music journalists Michael Barclay, Vish Khanna, and Lisa Christiansen discuss how the legendary Canadian rock band is preserving their legacy, and how these new releases are changing the way…

1
Mustafa's new album, Dunya, is a masterpiece 36:40

17h ago36:40

36:40

'Dunya' is the debut album from acclaimed Toronto musician Mustafa. You'll hear why his laser focus on his Regent Park community has made him one of the most important artists of his generation.

1
Jewish creators reflect on Oct. 7 and how art shapes memory 37:12

1d ago37:12

37:12

As we reflect on what happened on October 7, we ask Jewish creators how art can be of service, making sense and giving shape to a very dark day, and how their lives have changed. Elamin speaks with writer Emily Tamkin and artist Dina Goldstein. Plus, Elamin chats with Israeli filmmaker Yariv Mozer about his new Paramount+ documentary, ‘We Will Danc…

1
The film Saturday Night, and SNL's ongoing identity crisis 27:14

5d ago27:14

27:14

The film 'Saturday Night' looks back on the origins of the long-standing sketch comedy show, created by Lorne Michaels, just as it starts its 50th season. Critics Eric Deggans, Adam Nayman and Cassie Cao discuss SNL’s legacy, and where it stands in today’s political climate.

1
Wrestling with Vince McMahon's legacy, and The Death Tour brings wrestling to the north 25:11

16d ago25:11

25:11

Elamin is joined by podcasters Damian Abraham and Pablo The Don to talk about the new docuseries on Netflix, ‘Mr McMahon,’ and how it tackles the legacy of World Wrestling Entertainment and the controversy surrounding its former chairman and CEO Vince McMahon. Plus, Elamin chats with Sonya Ballantyne, the co-director of the documentary ‘The Death T…

1
Ellen DeGeneres' farewell to comedy, and the steamy new medical drama Doctor Odyssey 25:09

7d ago25:09

25:09

With the release of Ellen DeGeneres’ first Netflix comedy special since the controversial end of her talk show, Elamin is joined by comedian Ashley Ray and culture critic Niko Stratis to discuss the special and other questions around her legacy. Plus, the trailer for Doctor Odyssey starring Joshua Jackson set a record for being the most-watched tra…

1
How the TV series So Long, Marianne reimagines the muse, and a new South Asian category at the Junos 25:07

8d ago25:07

25:07

'So Long, Marianne' tells the story of Leonard Cohen’s relationship with Marianne Ilhen on the Greek island of Hydra during the early 60s. The new series on Crave gives shape to a transformative period in the poet’s life, but also illuminates the woman who was so much more than his muse. Filmmaker Brian D Johnson and Commotion regular Teri Hart joi…

1
How Indigenous Futurism is changing the conversation 25:08

10d ago25:08

25:08

On this special episode of Commotion airing on the National Day For Truth and Reconciliation, musician Marek Tyler, writer Waubgeshig Rice, and visual artist Susan Blight discuss how the concept of Indigenous Futurism inspires artists across all disciplines, and how its forward-thinking philosophies reimagine narratives and promote Indigenous self-…

1
Megalopolis is divisive, and the return of George Clooney and Brad Pitt 25:55

22d ago25:55

25:55

Filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola has made what might be his most divisive film yet. ‘Megalopolis’ is a sprawling science fiction epic that took Coppola 40 years to finish. Elamin chats with critics Rachel Ho, Kathryn VanArendonk and Jackson Weaver about what makes this film so polarizing. Also, they talk about the return of George Clooney and Brad Pi…

1
What the Diddy allegations mean for the music industry, and the allure of The Wild Robot 25:11

23d ago25:11

25:11

Commotion guest host Ali Hassan is joined by culture critics Kathleen Newman-Bremang and David Dennis Jr., to react to the latest news around the Sean 'Diddy' Combs case, and the response from within the hip-hop community. Plus, Montreal illustrator and avid The Wild Robot enthusiast Arizona O’Neill checks in to discuss whether the DreamWorks’ adap…

1
What Will & Harper gets right, and how Sally Rooney became a brand 25:11

22d ago25:11

25:11

Culture critics Niko Stratis and Mel Woods talk about the Netflix documentary Will & Harper. The film follows actor Will Ferrell and former SNL head writer Harper Steele on a road trip across the U.S. as Harper navigates her new reality living out as a trans woman. Plus, Elamin chats with journalist and book critic Michelle Cyca about why Sally Roo…

1
Trudeau's late-night TV debut with Stephen Colbert, and the adaptation of My Brilliant Friend 24:42

16d ago24:42

24:42

Reporter Justin Ling and writer Amil Niazi join Elamin to talk about Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's appearance on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,' and whether the PM's appearance could move the dial on his popularity, and up his pop-cultural currency. Plus, TV critic Rafaela Bassili talks about 'My Brilliant Friend' on Crave, and what makes t…

1
Mr. Beast's reality show is a mess, and the dominance of Penguin Random House 22:56

26d ago22:56

22:56

Mr Beast is currently filming the largest reality show in history, with at least 2 thousand contestants competing for 5 million dollars. Now the production is the subject of a class-action lawsuit, with contestants alleging unsafe work conditions. Elamin Abdelmahmoud speaks with Steven Asarch, a reporter who has spoken with dozens of contestants an…

1
How The Substance tackles aging in Hollywood, and Katy Perry's messy album rollout 29:34

29d ago29:34

29:34

Culture critics Amil Niazi, Mel Woods and Sarah-Tai Black discuss Demi Moore’s powerful performance in the body horror film 'The Substance,' and talk about the cursed roll out of Katy Perry’s album '143'.

1
The exploitation of Black artists, and recycled red carpet looks 26:38

30d ago26:38

26:38

‘Paid In Full’ is a new CBC/BBC docuseries that looks at the ways Black artists have been exploited by the music industry over the decades. Elamin is joined by music critic MK Asante and musician Cadence Weapon to discuss the new doc and what it says about the state of the industry today. Plus, at this year's VMAs many stars channelled iconic looks…

1
HBO's The Penguin is finally here, and LL Cool J's new album 24:34

1M ago24:34

24:34

Film and TV critics Roxana Hadadi and Rad Simonpillai join guest host Ali Hassan to talk about The Penguin, and whether it lives up to the hype. The miniseries is yet another Batman spin-off, but it looks more like a sequel to The Sopranos than anything in the bat-verse. Plus, music critic A.Harmony talks about LL Cool J’s latest album, The Force.…

1
How an onstage fight ended the Jane's Addiction reunion tour, and how is Raygun ranked No.1? 30:04

1M ago30:04

30:04

Music journalists Suzy Exposito and Maura Johnston discuss last weekend’s dramatic onstage fight between members of legendary L.A. alternative rock band Jane’s Addiction and the subsequent cancellation of their remaining North American tour dates. Plus, with news of Australian breaker Raygun’s new ranking as the top female breaker in the world, Ela…

1
Highlights from the 2024 Emmys, and a surprising winner at TIFF 25:41

1M ago25:41

25:41

'Shogun' and 'The Bear' were both big winners last night at the Emmys. Meanwhile, at the end of the Toronto International Film Festival, 'The Life of Chuck' was the surprising winner for the People's Choice Award. Today on the show, you're going to hear all the highlights of the Emmy Awards and everything you need to know, now that TIFF is over.…

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Abdel Podcasts

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