CAIR on AIR

Edward Ahmed Mitchell

For years, America's largest Muslim civil rights organization has fought for justice in the courts of law and the halls of power. But the fight doesn't stop there. The court of public opinion matters just much. CAIR on Air is a brand-new weekly podcast that gives the American public an inside look at the pursuits and struggles of the American Muslim community, behind the headlines and beyond the courtroom. Hosted by civil rights attorney and CAIR Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell and a rotating line-up of co-hosts, CAIR on Air is a space for direct, unfiltered conversation with supporters, partners, and anyone in the broader American public curious about key issues impacting the Muslim community and the nation. From free speech and religious liberty to anti-Muslim hate and U.S. foreign policy, no topic is off the table. Guests include attorneys, anti-war activists, elected officials, journalists, and everyday Americans of all faiths committed to justice. Join us every week to go beyond the courtroom and behind the headlines.

Episodes

  1. The Truth About Islamophobia & How Anti-Muslim Policies Are Reshaping America w/ Corey Saylor

    1D AGO ·  VIDEO

    The Truth About Islamophobia & How Anti-Muslim Policies Are Reshaping America w/ Corey Saylor

    Corey Saylor is the Research and Advocacy Director at CAIR (Council on American Islamic Relations), where he leads the organization’s national civil rights reporting and advocacy efforts. He is the primary author behind CAIR’s annual Civil Rights Reports, which are widely cited by policymakers, media outlets, and researchers to track Islamophobia trends in the United States. In today’s episode of CAIR On AIR, Corey joins me to break down CAIR’s 2026 Civil Rights Report and what it reveals about the current state of America. He shares insights from thousands of cases and explains why this moment feels like a major turning point for the country. We dive into the rise of Islamophobia and the spread of discrimination against Muslims in workplaces, universities, and government driven policies. Corey also breaks down real world examples and explains how rhetoric from leaders directly impacts everyday people. We discuss the broader “culture war” happening in America, the role of media and technology in spreading misinformation, and how historical patterns of exclusion repeat themselves today. Corey also explains how narratives around identity create division and affect public perception. Join us today as we dive into the reality behind the headlines, understand the forces driving discrimination, and learn what actually works to push the country toward justice and equity.Disclaimer: 'The Johnson-Reed Act was passed in 1924, Saylor says another year twice."

    41 min
  2. Inside Trump's Religious Liberty Commission: Sameerah Munshi Speaks on Gaza, Free Speech, Antisemitism, & Islamophobia

    APR 3 ·  VIDEO

    Inside Trump's Religious Liberty Commission: Sameerah Munshi Speaks on Gaza, Free Speech, Antisemitism, & Islamophobia

    Sameerah Munshi is an advisor to President Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission and a policy advocate focused on protecting religious freedom and ensuring that minority voices are represented in government. In today’s episode, Sameerah joins me to discuss the Religious Liberty Commission, how it works, and what it’s like to represent Muslim perspectives in high-level government discussions on faith and freedom. We dive into Sameerah’s background in interfaith advocacy and the activism that first brought her national attention. She also shares what happened behind the scenes during commission hearings, including the reactions her testimony about Gaza and Palestine received from commissioners and attendees. We discuss the controversy surrounding a hearing on antisemitism, rejected witnesses, and the debate over whether criticism of Israel is being wrongly labeled as antisemitism. Our conversation also covers the rise of Islamophobia in politics, how narratives about religion influence public opinion, and the importance of minority communities speaking up. Join us as we explore religious liberty in America, free speech around Gaza and Palestine, the realities of participating in government commissions, shifting public opinion in the U.S., and the fight against Islamophobia.

    36 min

  3. MAR 27 ·  VIDEO

    War With Iran: What Iranian Americans Really Think w/ Jamal Abdi

    Jamal Abdi is the National Executive Director of the National Iranian American Council (NIAC), an organization that advocates for diplomacy, civil rights, and accurate representation of Iranian Americans in U.S. politics. Jamal joins us today to discuss the escalating war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. He also explains the mission of NIAC and how the organization was founded. We dive into how Iranian Americans are often portrayed in mainstream media and why that narrative can be misleading. Jamal explains why the community is far more diverse in its views than many people think and why many Iranian Americans oppose foreign led regime change despite their criticisms of Iran’s current government. Jamal breaks down the political dynamics behind the conflict, including the role of U.S. policymakers, the influence of lobbying groups, and the debate inside Congress over war powers. We also discuss the different possible outcomes of the war and the possible impacts of the lack of a long term plan. We explore how American public opinion is shifting on Middle East conflicts, what lessons policymakers should have learned from the Iraq War, and why many Americans are increasingly skeptical of new military interventions. Join us today as we dive into the Iran conflict, how media narratives shape public perception, the role of U.S. politics in foreign wars, and what a more peaceful future between the United States and Iran could look like for both nations and their people.

    32 min
  4. Introducing CAIR On AIR: The Podcast on Muslim Rights in America

    SEASON 1 TRAILER ·  VIDEO

    Introducing CAIR On AIR: The Podcast on Muslim Rights in America

    Most people don’t hear directly from Muslim voices. They hear headlines. They hear opinions. But not the full story. That’s the gap the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is working to fix. CAIR is the largest Muslim civil rights organization in the United States, and after years of fighting legal battles and defending civil rights, we’re creating a space for direct, unfiltered conversations. No media spin. No filters. I’m Edward Ahmed Mitchell, a civil rights attorney and the Deputy Director of CAIR, and in this episode, I break down what CAIR actually does, the issues impacting Muslim communities, and why this podcast matters now. If you want the real story behind the headlines… Subscribe to join the community, and turn on your notifications so you don’t miss upcoming episodes.

    3 min

Trailer

About

For years, America's largest Muslim civil rights organization has fought for justice in the courts of law and the halls of power. But the fight doesn't stop there. The court of public opinion matters just much. CAIR on Air is a brand-new weekly podcast that gives the American public an inside look at the pursuits and struggles of the American Muslim community, behind the headlines and beyond the courtroom. Hosted by civil rights attorney and CAIR Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell and a rotating line-up of co-hosts, CAIR on Air is a space for direct, unfiltered conversation with supporters, partners, and anyone in the broader American public curious about key issues impacting the Muslim community and the nation. From free speech and religious liberty to anti-Muslim hate and U.S. foreign policy, no topic is off the table. Guests include attorneys, anti-war activists, elected officials, journalists, and everyday Americans of all faiths committed to justice. Join us every week to go beyond the courtroom and behind the headlines.

Information

  • Creator
    Edward Ahmed Mitchell
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 CAIR
  • Show Website
    CAIR on AIR

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