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Artwork for Politically Depressed

Politically Depressed

Ayman Makarem
Gaza
Genocide
Palestine
Silence
Lebanon
Trauma
Activism
Protests
Beirut
Austria
Palestinian Journalists
Climate Denialism
Soft White Supremacy
Depression
Exile
Political Violence
Capitalism
Palestine Solidarity
Imperialism
Mental Health

A podcast about being depressed during times of political, economic, and ecological collapse. Hosted by Ayman Makarem, this blog-style weekly podcast explores politics as lived-experience and asks the question: Can we ever stop being depressed if the world remains as horrible as it is? Cover Photo by the incredibly talented Hisham Rifai. To support this podcast, become a member of our Patreon: pat... more

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes78Founded2 years ago
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Society & Culture

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Artwork for Politically Depressed

Latest Episodes

Today’s episode, the first for 2026, is a very very special one. I sit and talk with the Palestinian writer Tarek Baconi, who recently released a book entitled Fire In Every Direction. The book is a memoir that tracks Baconi’s upbringing as a queer P... more

In this episode of the Politically Depressed Podcast, I’m joined by a returning guest Sara al-Hassan. Sara is a Sudanese commentator and activist who has worked tirelessly to spread knowledge and awareness about the war in Sudan and before that the r... more

So many things around us are collapsing all the time. Economies, political norms, communities, our ability to comprehend what the hell is happening and how to stop it and build something different. In this episode, I talk to Lebanese illustrators Raw... more

YouTube

Going back home always reminds me why I started this project. It's a constant reminder how everything is so absurd and terrifying and intense and how we're all pretty much losing our minds. I talk about my recent trip to Lebanon, share updates and ta... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Tarek Baconi
Palestinian writer and author of "Fire In Every Direction"
Episode: Palestine and Queer Arab Liberation /w Tareq Baconi
Sara Alhassan
Sudanese commentator and activist
Episode: Getting People to Care About Sudan - S2E19
Rawand Issa
Lebanese illustrator and artist, currently based in Lebanon after living in Istanbul.
Episode: Returning to a Broken Community w/ Rawand Issa - S2E18
Israa Abdel Fattah
Activist scholar committed to resisting systems of oppression
Episode: 25. The Palestine Watch Party w/ israa abd elfattah
Dana Saleh
Palestinian comedian and internet personality
Episode: 21. Comedy and Liberation w/ Dana Saleh
Nada Homsi
Journalist and correspondent at The National, based in Beirut
The National
Episode: 18. These Last 5 Years Have Been Fucked Up! w/ Nada Homsi
Sara Al-Hassan
Sudanese-American writer and editor known for her coverage of the war in Sudan
Be Us On Blast
Episode: 17. Distraught About Sudan w/ Sara Al-Hassan
Lina Mounzer
Writer and translator, senior editor at The Merkka's Review
The Merkka's Review
Episode: 12. Community of Grief w/ Lina Mounzer

Host

Ayman Makarem
Host of the podcast, focusing on personal and collective experiences of depression amid ongoing crises. He reflects on political, social, and emotional issues affecting today's world.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 157 ratings
  • Enlightening and Vulnerable from the Periphery

    Thank you for creating this nuanced real talk audio project.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    S.A. Altenhof
    United States2 years ago
  • My feelings summed up

    I’ve been struggling to put my thoughts and feelings into comprehensible words for 6+ months. The overthinking, the anger, the isolation, turned into numbness and eventually inertia. This podcast sums up everything I’ve been thinking about and going through. I really appreciate your take on the world. I’ve also really enjoyed listening to your guests. Very well done!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ShadiMJ
    United States2 years ago
  • We finally have a diagnosis 🙏🏼

    Most people survive a world this painful through denial. For those of us who can’t, there’s Ayman Makarem’s show. I wish I had had words for this when I was younger but I’m glad he’s made this show now!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Former Plan-to-Eat user
    Canada2 years ago
  • Relatable and Comforting

    Thanks, Ayman. I’ve been enjoying hearing your thoughts and musings on the personal-political pain and uncertainty of this time. A lot of the content is relatable and it’s comforting to hear (and funny at times). And your reflections on the issues with mental health approaches are so real.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    nadiak85
    United States2 years ago
  • Very relatable

    Comforting to listen to, makes one feel less alone and isolated in their despair as we witness the unspeakable

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    kafka6969
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners appreciate the nuanced discussions that tackle heavy topics honestly and openly.
Many find the personal reflections relatable, offering a sense of comfort amidst shared struggles.
There is an emphasis on the value of community and understanding in facing today's global issues.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Palestine and Queer Arab Liberation /w Tareq Baconi
Q: How are you?
It's been a very intense period on a personal level and obviously on a political level, but overall I feel okay and grounded.
Palestine and Queer Arab Liberation /w Tareq Baconi
Q: How has it been having this book out? How's the reception been for you?
It's a huge amount of exposure, both good and bad. I need to sit with that and not allow it in.
Edward Said, Bluesky, and Liberal Hypocrisies /w Leila a.k.a Emissary of Night
Q: Where does your name, Emissary of Night, come from?
It started as a bit of a joke and has stuck around since then.
Edward Said, Bluesky, and Liberal Hypocrisies /w Leila a.k.a Emissary of Night
Q: How are you doing?
Best given the circumstances, but it's been a horrific time due to ongoing events in Palestine.
Death, Indigeneity, and Nourishment - An Interview with Peggy (gwi-seok hong)
Q: How does the concept or practice of Sumud compare to numbness?
Numbing out is a normal response to trauma, sometimes necessary for resistance.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
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Frequently Asked Questions About Politically Depressed

What is Politically Depressed about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This podcast offers a candid exploration of personal and collective struggles with depression in the context of ongoing political, economic, and ecological crises. Throughout various episodes, the host engages with pressing global issues while reflecting on the emotional toll these events take on individuals. Guests from diverse backgrounds share their perspectives, adding depth to discussions about topics such as migration, humanitarian crises, and the impact of social media.

Listeners can expect a blend of personal anecdotes, critical insights, and a focus on the human experience amidst chaos. The podcast stands out for its commitment to addressing complex emotional realities and systemic injustices, providing a platform for voices often... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Politically Depressed?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Politically Depressed:

1. The Fire These Times
2. Movement Memos
3. It Could Happen Here
4. The Dugout | a black anarchist podcast

How many episodes of Politically Depressed are there?

Politically Depressed launched 2 years ago and published 78 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 Politically Depressed?

Recent guests on Politically Depressed include:

1. Tarek Baconi
2. Sara Alhassan
3. Rawand Issa
4. Israa Abdel Fattah
5. Dana Saleh
6. Nada Homsi
7. Sara Al-Hassan
8. Lina Mounzer

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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