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Artwork for Going Underground Hosted by Afshin Rattansi

Going Underground Hosted by Afshin Rattansi

Going Underground
Gaza
Israel
United States
Julian Assange
Biden Administration
Russia
Ukraine
NATO
Middle East
Hezbollah
China
Palestine
Wikileaks
Palestinians
Trump Administration
Ukraine War
Gaza Conflict
The Washington Post
The Grayzone
Iran

We ask the questions mainstream media avoid. Current affairs and geopolitics. Produced independently from Dubai, UAE. Hosted by award-winning journalist Afshin Rattansi. linktr.ee/goingundergroundtv

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes100Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PoliticsNews

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Artwork for Going Underground Hosted by Afshin Rattansi

Latest Episodes

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to one of the UAE’s most prominent businessmen, Mishal Kanoo, Chairman of the Kanoo Group. He discusses like the headlines of ‘The Dubai Dream is Over’ in the Western press and the motivation for this co... more

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to Sgt. Brian McGinnis, US Senate Candidate for the Green Party in North Carolina, he had his arm broken while being dragged out of a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing while protesting the war on I... more

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to Anthony Scaramucci, President Trump’s Former White House Communications Director and Founder of SkyBridge Capital. He discusses whether Donald Trump is losing in his war on Iran and what his likely st... more

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to Joel Rubin, Barack Obama’s Deputy Assistant Secretary of State. In a heated interview, Afshin Rattansi challenges him on his support for Donald Trump’s and Benjamin Netanyahu’s war on Iran and all of ... more

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Recent Guests

Mishal Kanoo
Chairman of the Kanoo Group, Gulf Business' Top 100 Powerful Arabs of 2025
Kanoo Group
Episode: UAE’s Mishal Kanoo on Relations With Iran, US’s Gulf Bases, Iran’s Control of the Strait of Hormuz
Brian McGinnis
US Marine Corps veteran, Green Party Senate candidate
Green Party
Episode: WAR ON IRAN: US Military Being Used for Israel & EPSTEIN CLASS’ Profits - Sgt. Brian McGinnis
Joel Rubin
Former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs
U.S. Department of State (Obama administration)
Episode: WAR ON IRAN: Afshin Rattansi Challenges Obama’s Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Joel Rubin
Dr. Abdulaziz Sager
Founder and Chairman of the Gulf Research Center
Gulf Research Center
Episode: WAR ON IRAN: Will This Be the END of the US’ Bases in the Gulf States? (Dr. Abdulaziz Sager)
Brandon Weichert
Author of The Shadow War, Iran's Quest for Supremacy; Senior National Security Editor at 1945
1945
Episode: US-ISRAELI WAR ON IRAN: THE RISK OF A NUCLEAR THIRD WORLD WAR (Brandon Weichert)
Habib Al Mulla
Former UAE Parliament member, founder of Habib Al Mulla and Partners
Habib Al Mulla and Partners
Episode: Iran War: Dubai Poses a THREAT to West’s Position, Media Happy With What’s Happening- Habib Al Mulla
William J. Fallon
Former commander of US Central Command
United States Navy / CENTCOM
Episode: WAR ON IRAN: Former CENTCOM Commander Challenged by Afshin Rattansi in HEATED INTERVIEW
Dr. Abdulaziz Alghashian
Senior Non-Resident Fellow at the Gulf International Forum; Fellow at Dubai's Arab Gulf States Institute
Gulf International Forum; Arab Gulf States Institute
Episode: US Pressuring Gulf States to JOIN War on Iran to Create ‘NEW MIDDLE EAST’-Dr. Abdulaziz Alghashian
Mohammed Baharoon
Director General of the Dubai Public Policy Research Center; former Editor of Gulf Defense Magazine
Dubai Public Policy Research Center
Episode: ‘This is NOT OUR WAR’ UAE Navigates Regional Crisis Amid US-Israel War on Iran (Mohammed Baharoon)

Host

Afshin Rattansi
Host of Going Underground, an award-winning journalist known for asking critical questions and addressing topics often overlooked by mainstream media.

Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars from 71 ratings
  • Honest and Hard hitting

    Afshin says it as it is and does not shy away from the tough questions. True journalism in a sea of government sponsored propaganda..the msm is dead and that’s why this platform is important..

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Dahlylamy
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • I'm glad you pushed on the issue of the veracity of events on Oct 7

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Verena
    2 years ago
  • Used to enjoy

    Used to like the show. Not always in line with my thinking but normally like that. It’s clear this guy is an apologist for terrorist. Misguided and poor taste.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Project Pratt
    United States2 years ago
  • Solid Interviewer!

    Honest direct interviews that challenge false narratives. Best in business now!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    C_Cali1
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners commend the show for its honest and hard-hitting approach, appreciating the host's forthrightness in addressing complex issues.
Many praise the quality of interviews and the critical perspectives offered, reinforcing its value in media.
Feedback includes concerns from some who feel the host holds controversial viewpoints, reflecting a divide in listener perspectives.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#168
Ireland/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#176
United Arab Emirates/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#220
Taiwan/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#232
South Africa/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

UAE’s Mishal Kanoo on Relations With Iran, US’s Gulf Bases, Iran’s Control of the Strait of Hormuz
Q: Why host US bases in the UAE and how does that affect Dubai as a target?
The host argues that sovereign decisions around hosting foreign bases are about national interest and that Dubai's role as a trade hub remains, despite security concerns and the potential for being targeted in broader regional conflict.
UAE’s Mishal Kanoo on Relations With Iran, US’s Gulf Bases, Iran’s Control of the Strait of Hormuz
Q: What have you thought about the reporting of the conflict?
The guest explains that reporting varies and that the Gulf region faces a complex media narrative, while also noting the strategic logic of alliances and the desire for stability and open trade despite tensions.
WAR ON IRAN: US Decision-Making is Trump’s COUNCIL OF ONE- Anthony Scaramucci
Q: What does the current administration's decision-making process look like from your perspective?
The guest suggests it resembles a 'council of one,' lacking the traditional consensus-building and input from advisors, which could lead to riskier, less calibrated foreign policy moves.
WAR ON IRAN: Afshin Rattansi Challenges Obama’s Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Joel Rubin
Q: Was there a genuine deal on the JCPOA with Iran, or did talks fall apart without a signed agreement?
Rubin contends that there were ongoing negotiations over years but stresses that nothing was signed, suggesting ongoing ambiguity and the potential influence of intermediaries and external pressures.
WAR ON IRAN: Afshin Rattansi Challenges Obama’s Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Joel Rubin
Q: Why do you support what you call necessary actions against Iran, given the humanitarian costs you describe?
Rubin frames it as a need to deter a broader threat while acknowledging the damage and civilian harm, arguing diplomacy did not yield a workable deal and emphasizing the risk of a nuclear-armed Iran.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This podcast focuses on current affairs and geopolitics, addressing topics often sidestepped by mainstream media. It features in-depth discussions concerning international relations, military actions, and socio-economic issues, with a keen scrutiny of U.S. foreign policy and its global ramifications. The content is characterized by critical analyses, drawing insights from notable experts and guests, who offer perspectives on significant geopolitical events such as conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and relations with nations like Russia and Iran. The discussions tend to challenge established narratives, providing listeners with thought-provoking viewpoints on critical international issues.

What makes this podcast unique is its commitme... more

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1. Judging Freedom
2. The Katie Halper Show
3. The Chris Hedges Report
4. MOATS with George Galloway
5. Rania Khalek Dispatches

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this podcast launched 3 years ago and published 100 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Mishal Kanoo
2. Brian McGinnis
3. Joel Rubin
4. Dr. Abdulaziz Sager
5. Brandon Weichert
6. Habib Al Mulla
7. William J. Fallon
8. Dr. Abdulaziz Alghashian

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