The Tea with Myriam Francois

Comedy is supposed to make us think, challenge power, and hold the world up to a mirror. But what happens when comedians become tools for the powerful, softening politicians, chasing clicks, and avoiding tough questions? When politicians use podcasts as free publicity, and “funny jokes” replace accountability, who’s really laughing, and who’s being played? This week on The Tea, we are joined by stand-up comedian Aamer Rahman to take a hard look at the world of modern comedy and podcasts — and how they influence culture, politics, and public perception. We unpack why much of today’s comedy, far from being “fearless,” is built on cynicism, engagement-chasing, and the avoidance of accountability. We examine how these dynamics shape audiences’ understanding of power, prejudice, and culture.In this episode, we dive deep into:🎭 Comedy as a tool — How comedians give politicians free publicity🎭 Cynicism over responsibility — Why clicks often replace meaningful comedy🎭 The illusion of censorship — Who really faces limits on free speech🎭 Cultural influence — How subtle biases in comedy shape behaviour🎭 Resistance through humour — How GenZ uses comedy to challenge oppressionAamer exposes the intersection of entertainment, politics, and power — and challenges us to think critically about the media we consume.#TheTeaWithMyriamFrancois #AamerRahman #StandUpComedy #ComedyCulture #Censorship #Islamophobia #LegacyMedia #Resistance #CulturalCriticism #PoliticalSatire #USPolitics #GlobalPoliticsAUDIO CREDITSPresenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam FrançoisGuest: Aamer RahmanSenior Producer: Sara FarolfiProducer: Nadège BizimunguAssistant Producer: Poppy JacobsVideo Editor: Max BubnovAn MPWR Productions show.👉 Subscribe for fearless, independent conversations: https://www.youtube.com/@UCT4kJCZyg26egbPAuJVj2kA 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.🎥 Click to watch. Subscribe for new episodes.❤️ Support independent journalism that tells hard truths.https://www.patreon.com/TheTeawithMyriamFrancois?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabkrbubUPKErSGVFGL5bzjQytkb9HanzeLQBUi8U-mU6g5aVSTqE5ej7sQ_aem_SO9ihK10zUz3TdyPOD2ngA'The Thumbnail image is AI generated' Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on The Tea YouTube series and podcast are their own and do not reflect those of MPWR Productions or its licensees. The appearance of this YouTube programme and podcast on social media platforms does not imply endorsement by MPWR Productions. MPWR Productions disclaims any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law.This video is intended for informational and commentary purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures or journalists is based on publicly available information and does not imply guilt or wrongdoing.The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Tea, we sit down with one-woman powerhouse Jameela Jamil to dismantle some of the most deeply held assumptions about patriarchy, power, and who it truly serves.In this urgent and unflinching episode, we challenge the idea that patriarchy primarily targets women. Jameela argues instead that it is a system engineered to subjugate men — for war, dangerous labour, and disposability — while convincing them that domination equals power. The real trick? Convincing men that women are the enemy, so they never see who is truly exploiting them.And yet, the same system that treats men as expendable turns women into objects to be endlessly edited, infantilised, and erased. Women are trained to erase themselves — surgically, financially, and emotionally — to serve predatory desires and impossible ideals. From fashion week to facelifts, the message is clear: disappear, stay small, stay young — or become irrelevant.We unpack⚖️ Patriarchy: an extraction system — men as disposable bodies for war and labour⚖️ Division as strategy — why solidarity between men and women threatens power⚖️ The beauty industry as erasure — self-mutilation sold as “self-care”⚖️ Youthification & ageing — why self-knowing older women terrify patriarchy⚖️ Economic resistance — how withholding money can reclaim power⚖️ Self-knowledge as threat — when women know themselves, power is exposedJameela argues that, while power is slipping from our hands, a narrow window remains to reclaim it — not through placards alone, but through refusal, solidarity, and organised economic withdrawal. As she puts it: “Men need to wake up and realise that we are all being screwed by the same system. And you would liberate yourselves by liberating us.”👉 Subscribe for fearless, independent conversations: [link]🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.#TheTeaWithMyriamFrancois #JameelaJamil #Patriarchy #Feminism #GenderPolitics #Capitalism #BeautyIndustry #Ageing #War #WomenEmpowerment #SocialJustice #Inequality #UKPolitics #USPolitics #EpsteinCase #ManosphereCheck out Love Welcomes, a social enterprise creating dignified, fairly paid work for refugee women rebuilding their lives. For 10% discount, enter THETEA10 at checkout!🔗 https://www.lovewelcomes.org/?ref=MYRIAMFRANCOISMyriam Francois is wearing a Christmas jumper provided by Solidarity Sleigh: www.solidaritysleigh.com : 100% profits from these jumpers go directly to PAL Commission for War Crimes, Justice, Reparations & Return — one of the oldest Palestinian-led advocacy institutions in exile. They serve not only to secure accountability but full Palestinian rights, including getting land back. You can learn more about PAL Commission at: www.palcommission.com AUDIO CREDITSPresenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam FrançoisGuest: Jameela JamilSenior Producer: Sara FarolfiProducer: Nadège BizimunguAssistant Producer: Poppy JacobsVideo Editor: Max BubnovAn MPWR Productions show.'The Thumbnail image is AI generated' Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on The Tea YouTube series and podcast are their own and do not reflect those of MPWR Productions or its licensees. The appearance of this YouTube programme and podcast on social media platforms does not imply endorsement by MPWR Productions. MPWR Productions disclaims any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law.This video is intended for informational and commentary purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures or journalists is based on publicly available information and does not imply guilt or wrongdoing.The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Germany has built its new identity on turning its back on its past, but at what cost? Today, the far-right is topping the polls, police violence is soaring, and free speech is increasingly restricted.In this eye-opening episode of The Tea with Myriam François, we are joined by journalist and podcaster James Jackson to dive into Germany’s complex and troubling relationship with Israel, Zionism, and its own historical identity. From Angela Merkel’s declaration that Israel’s security is Germany’s 'Staatsräson', to the silencing of Palestinian solidarity and dissenting Jewish voices, we unpack the dangerous intersections of history, politics, and power.We explore:⚡ Merkel’s 'Staatsräson', — when moral duty becomes state power⚡ AfD surge — the far-right on the rise⚡ Silenced voices — Jewish critics of Israel under pressure⚡ BDS crackdown — civil society under siege⚡ “Islamo-N*zi” — Manufacturing a new threat⚡ The rush to remilitarisation⚡ History weaponised — from the Holocaust to GazaThe German approach to confronting history was to declare, “We were all guilty as a nation” - a line that conveniently absolves individuals of the blame. “Ultimately it's a redemption narrative, a guilt pride - so you're proud of how evil your nation was and how you've accepted that.” 👉 Subscribe for fearless, independent conversations: https://www.youtube.com/@UCT4kJCZyg26egbPAuJVj2kA 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.#TheTeaWithMyriamFrancois #JamesJackson #Germany #Israel #Zionism #Gaza #AfD #EUPolitics #MiddleEastPolitics #BDS #Genocide #Holocaust #AngelaMerkel #FriedrichMerz #AliceWeidel #Facism AUDIO CREDITSPresenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam FrançoisGuest: James JacksonSenior Producer: Sara FarolfiProducer: Nadège BizimunguAssistant Producer: Poppy JacobsResearch: Leena KhanVideo Editor: Max BubnovAn MPWR Productions show.AUDIO CREDITSPresenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam FrançoisGuest: Emad MostaqueSenior Producer: Sara FarolfiProducer: Nadège BizimunguAssistant Producer: Poppy JacobsResearch: Leena KhanVideo Editor: Max BubnovAn MPWR Productions show.🎥 Click to watch. Subscribe for new episodes.❤️ Support independent journalism that tells hard truths.https://www.patreon.com/TheTeawithMyriamFrancois?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabkrbubUPKErSGVFGL5bzjQytkb9HanzeLQBUi8U-mU6g5aVSTqE5ej7sQ_aem_SO9ihK10zUz3TdyPOD2ngA'The Thumbnail image is AI generated' Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on The Tea YouTube series and podcast are their own and do not reflect those of MPWR Productions or its licensees. The appearance of this YouTube programme and podcast on social media platforms does not imply endorsement by MPWR Productions. MPWR Productions disclaims any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law.This video is intended for informational and commentary purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures or journalists is based on publicly available information and does not imply guilt or wrongdoing.The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“How international law has become the new weapon in the battle for public opinion”In this urgent and deeply challenging episode of The Tea with Myriam François, renowned scholar and author Norman Finkelstein argues that international law, once thought to be a neutral framework for justice, has become a largely toothless tool, vulnerable to political pressure and media spin. #TheTeaWithMyriamFrancois #NormanFinkelstein #Gaza #InternationalLaw #ICJ #UNRWA #UN #HumanRights #MiddleEastPolitics #USForeignPolicy #Hamas #Israel #Netanyahu #Trump2025AUDIO CREDITSPresenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam FrançoisGuest: Norman FinkelsteinSenior Producer: Sara FarolfiProducer: Nadège BizimunguAssistant Producer: Poppy JacobsResearch: Leena KhanVideo Editor: Max BubnovAn MPWR Productions show.👉 Subscribe for fearless, independent conversations: https://www.youtube.com/@UCT4kJCZyg26egbPAuJVj2kA 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.Check out Love Welcomes, a social enterprise creating dignified, fairly paid work for refugee women rebuilding their lives. For 10% discount, enter THETEA10 at checkout!🔗 https://www.lovewelcomes.org/?ref=MYRIAMFRANCOIS🎥 Click to watch. Subscribe for new episodes.❤️ Support independent journalism that tells hard truths.https://www.patreon.com/TheTeawithMyriamFrancois?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabkrbubUPKErSGVFGL5bzjQytkb9HanzeLQBUi8U-mU6g5aVSTqE5ej7sQ_aem_SO9ihK10zUz3TdyPOD2ngA'The Thumbnail image is AI generated' Disclaimer:"The following episode contains discussion of sexual violence and related themes, which may be distressing for some audiences.The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on The Tea YouTube series and podcast are their own and do not reflect those of MPWR Productions or its licensees. The appearance of this YouTube programme and podcast on social media platforms does not imply endorsement by MPWR Productions. MPWR Productions disclaims any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law.This video is intended for informational and commentary purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures or journalists is based on publicly available information and does not imply guilt or wrongdoing.The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised.The ICJ ruled “In the Court’s view, the facts and circumstances mentioned above are sufficient to conclude that at least some of the rights claimed by South Africa and for which it is seeking protection are plausible. This is the case with respect to the right of the Palestinians in Gaza to be protected from acts of genocide and related prohibited acts identified in Article III, and the right of South Africa to seek Israel’s compliance with the latter’s obligations under the Convention.”Joan Donoghue said on BBC’s Hard Talk“[...] So the Court decided that the Palestinians had a plausible right to be protected from genocide [...] It didn’t decide that the claim of genocide was plausible. It did emphasise, in the order, that there was a risk of irreparable harm to the Palestinian right to be protected from genocide [...]” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From working-class communities abandoned, neglected, and exploited, to the super-rich hoarding wealth and power, to the rise of racist, exclusionary politics - we’re trapped in a cycle of destruction. In this new eye opening episode of The Tea, we dive into the deep-rooted issues plaguing society today, with critical theorist and viral creator Louisa Munch.Louisa comes from Rochdale, a town once symbolising the hope of capitalism, now a casualty of systemic neglect and political manipulation. The far-right’s grip is tightening, but behind their rhetoric lies a simple truth: we’re stuck in a death drive where the past is fetishised and the future seems hopeless.In this episode, we tackle:⚠️ The myth of the “rich exodus” — Should we really care if billionaires leave?⚠️ Neoliberalism’s death rattle — Why the system is dragging us down⚠️ Wealth hoarding — How the super-rich are inflating costs for the rest of us⚠️ The grooming gang scandal — The truth behind the headlines⚠️ Gen Z’s nihilism — How do we fix the hopelessness gripping young people?⚠️ Hope for the future — Can we rebuild a society that works for everyone?As Louisa says, “We need to change the conversation from migration to wealth inequality if we’re ever going to change the material reality of people’s lives.” #TheTeaWithMyriamFrancois #LouisaMunch2 #NigelFarage #WealthInequality #Neoliberalism #Capitalism #GenZ #Nihilism #TaxTheRich #HopeForTheFuture #ReformUK #UKPolitics #Budget2025 #Budget #RachelReeves #Rochdal #GroomingGangScandal #EatTheRich👉 Subscribe for fearless, independent conversations: https://www.youtube.com/@UCT4kJCZyg26egbPAuJVj2kA 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.AUDIO CREDITSPresenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam FrançoisGuest: Louisa MunchSenior Producer: Sara FarolfiProducer: Nadège BizimunguAssistant Producer: Poppy JacobsResearch: Leena KhanVideo Editor: Max BubnovAn MPWR Productions show.Check out Love Welcomes, a social enterprise creating dignified, fairly paid work for refugee women rebuilding their lives. 👉 Explore their mission and products here: https://www.lovewelcomes.org/?ref=MIRIAMFRANCOIS🎥 Click to watch. Subscribe for new episodes.❤️ Support independent journalism that tells hard truths.https://www.patreon.com/TheTeawithMyriamFrancois?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabkrbubUPKErSGVFGL5bzjQytkb9HanzeLQBUi8U-mU6g5aVSTqE5ej7sQ_aem_SO9ihK10zUz3TdyPOD2ngA'The Thumbnail image is AI generated' Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on The Tea YouTube series and podcast are their own and do not reflect those of MPWR Productions or its licensees. The appearance of this YouTube programme and podcast on social media platforms does not imply endorsement by MPWR Productions. MPWR Productions disclaims any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law.This video is intended for informational and commentary purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures or journalists is based on publicly available information and does not imply guilt or wrongdoing.The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.