Culturally Clueless

Nes Reign

Welcome to Culturally Clueless—where we dive into culture, current events, and the everyday chaos of life. It’s raw, real, and refreshingly unfiltered, with me, Nes Reign and a lineup of fascinating guests. Together, we’ll break down the big questions and the small quirks that make life so endlessly intriguing!

  1. vor 1 Tag

    Culturally Clueless | Trump Fell Asleep, 67 Died at the Border & Fauci Said Nothing | Episode 123

    Send us Fan Mail This episode covers a week packed with moments that reveal the human cost behind the headlines. Close to 50,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in a single surge, with more than 48,300 subsequently returned to Morocco. At least 67 people died in the chaos. Nes brings the testimonies of the people who made that crossing — many of them young, many of them children — who had been told to expect a new life on the other side. Most were sent back. She examines what drives people to risk everything for a border crossing and what it says about the world that awaits them if they make it. The episode also covers the Lindsey Graham funeral — which became a geopolitical event in its own right. Netanyahu and Zelensky attended the service, meeting in person for the first time in three years, shortly after both leaders held separate meetings with Trump at the White House. What should have been a moment of mourning turned into a diplomatic summit. Nes also weighs in on Graham's legacy and what he actually stood for. Then there was the moment that broke the internet: footage of Trump appearing to fall asleep during the service went viral on TikTok, with a separate clip showing him eating a Tic Tac and handing one to JD Vance — and the facial expression of the man sitting behind him doing much of the commentary for him. On the West Bank, Nes revisits the ongoing cycle of displacement and settler violence, examining how it continues to escalate with little accountability. Finally, the Dr. Fauci Senate hearing delivered one of the most extraordinary congressional moments in recent memory. Fauci declined to answer more than 100 questions, repeating a single 24-word sentence invoking his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination throughout a hearing lasting over two hours. His lawyer was removed by Capitol Police after attempting to speak without being recognised by committee chairman Rand Paul, who described the proceedings as baseless and vindictive. Nes unpacks what the hearing was really about — and what it wasn't. --- Legal Disclaimer The views, opinions, and commentary expressed in this podcast episode of Culturally Clueless are solely those of the host and any guests featured, and do not constitute legal, financial, political, or professional advice of any kind. All content is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. Culturally Clueless, its host Nes, and any guests make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information discussed. Listeners are encouraged to independently verify all information and consult qualified professionals before making any decisions based on content heard in this podcast. Nothing in this episode should be construed as legal counsel, political endorsement, defamation, or an attempt to harm the reputation of any individual, organization, government, or institution. Any references to ongoing legal matters, political figures, or current events are based on publicly available information at the time of recording and are subject to change. Culturally Clueless and its producers are not responsible for any actions taken by listeners in response to the content of this episode. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast or its host. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this content is prohibited. Connect with Nes: www.linktr.ee/NesReign

    Culturally Clueless | Trump Fell Asleep, 67 Died at the Border & Fauci Said Nothing | Episode 123
  2. vor 4 Tagen

    Culturally Clueless | History Doesn't Lie. People Do. | Episode 122

    Send us Fan Mail Nes covers several stories this episode that connect history, hypocrisy, and the ongoing cost of power left unchecked. She digs into the West Bank, examining the relentless settler violence and retracing how the situation was actually reported on by Western media outlets in the years following the Nakba. That archive footage, she argues, directly contradicts many of the claims made today by those who deny the systematic nature of the violence against Palestinians. Britain's historic role in carving up the region also comes under scrutiny — the lines drawn then are still bleeding now. Ukraine's decision to strike Iranian ships also comes up, a move Nes views as a serious miscalculation and a dangerous expansion into territory that was not Ukraine's to enter. The episode also takes on Elon Musk's sit-down with The Economist's editor-in-chief Zanny Minton Beddoes — who pressed him directly on whether he is anti-Muslim, to which Musk responded with a lengthy deflection about cultural integration, framing his concerns as being about beliefs "antithetical to western beliefs" rather than religion itself. [ThePrint](https://theprint.in/feature/elon-musk-says-he-is-not-a-racist-says-partner-is-half-indian/2995486/) When asked if he is racist, Musk reached for what Nes identifies as the classic deflection: "My partner is half-Indian and I have four children with her." [Crooks and Liars](https://crooksandliars.com/2026/07/elon-musk-cant-handle-being-called-out) She calls it exactly what it is — a non-answer dressed up as a defence, and a reminder that having a diverse personal life has never been evidence of anything. --- Legal Disclaimer The views, opinions, and commentary expressed in this podcast episode of Culturally Clueless are solely those of the host and any guests featured, and do not constitute legal, financial, political, or professional advice of any kind. All content is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. Culturally Clueless, its host Nes, and any guests make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information discussed. Listeners are encouraged to independently verify all information and consult qualified professionals before making any decisions based on content heard in this podcast. Nothing in this episode should be construed as legal counsel, political endorsement, defamation, or an attempt to harm the reputation of any individual, organization, government, or institution. Any references to ongoing legal matters, political figures, or current events are based on publicly available information at the time of recording and are subject to change. Culturally Clueless and its producers are not responsible for any actions taken by listeners in response to the content of this episode. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast or its host. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this content is prohibited. Connect with Nes: www.linktr.ee/NesReign

    Culturally Clueless | History Doesn't Lie. People Do. | Episode 122
  3. 26. Juli

    Culturally Clueless | They Lied. Again. | Episode 121

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Nes covers stories that all point to the same uncomfortable truth: what is promised and what is delivered are rarely the same thing. The hashtag #TheyLiedToYou emerged from Gaza as people on the ground pushed back against the narrative that a ceasefire was holding. The destruction has not stopped. The killing has not stopped. And the people of Gaza are making sure the world knows it. Nes also calls out Mamdani, the Manhattan Borough President who campaigned on a promise to arrest Netanyahu when he visits New York. The problem: he does not have that authority. That requires federal action. Promising what is legally impossible, she argues, is not advocacy — it is telling people what they want to hear. The US-Saudi nuclear deal also comes under scrutiny, with Nes breaking down the conditions Trump is putting on the table and what they mean for the region. She then covers the brutal police violence against a Moroccan man in Bologna, Italy, using his case to examine the wider pattern of racially motivated brutality and impunity across Europe. Finally, Nes looks at Lebanon, where the prime minister is touring villages to signal a fresh start. The people are not buying it. The ceasefire has been broken before, and trust is not rebuilt with visits and speeches. --- Legal Disclaimer The views, opinions, and commentary expressed in this podcast episode of Culturally Clueless are solely those of the host and any guests featured, and do not constitute legal, financial, political, or professional advice of any kind. All content is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. Culturally Clueless, its host Nes, and any guests make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information discussed. Listeners are encouraged to independently verify all information and consult qualified professionals before making any decisions based on content heard in this podcast. Nothing in this episode should be construed as legal counsel, political endorsement, defamation, or an attempt to harm the reputation of any individual, organization, government, or institution. Any references to ongoing legal matters, political figures, or current events are based on publicly available information at the time of recording and are subject to change. Culturally Clueless and its producers are not responsible for any actions taken by listeners in response to the content of this episode. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast or its host. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this content is prohibited. Connect with Nes: www.linktr.ee/NesReign

    Culturally Clueless | They Lied. Again. | Episode 121
  4. 23. Juli

    **Culturally Clueless | Iran's Not-War, Gaza's Broken Promises, and Sudan's Silent Crisis | Episode 120**

    Send us Fan Mail **Culturally Clueless | Iran, Influence, and Illusions of Withdrawal | Episode [XX]** This episode of Culturally Clueless covers the escalating U.S.–Iran conflict, examining Secretary of State Marco Rubio's shifting characterizations of the confrontation as war, hostilities, and a declared victory, alongside his difficulty answering direct challenges on Iran's continued military capacity. The episode also examines JD Vance's remarks describing foreign influence in American politics, with particular focus on Israel's outsized role, and questions what mechanisms sustain this dynamic. Related discussion covers apps and platforms with Israeli operational or headquarters ties, including Waze and Fiverr, and the broader question of corporate complicity by major platforms in the situation in Gaza. The episode revisits repeated Israeli and U.S. assurances against reoccupying Gaza against recent developments, with reports of roughly 70 percent territorial control, celebrations, and settlers planning to move to the border, raising broader questions about the credibility of prior official statements. The episode turns to Sudan, where the RSF profits from securing trade routes for resources such as gum arabic, with an explanation of the substance's uses and economic importance, alongside the worsening humanitarian crisis, with around 12 million people facing starvation and conditions continuing to deteriorate even for those who have fled to Chad and Egypt. A closing cultural segment contrasts Western and Global South approaches to dressing for extreme heat, highlighting traditional flowing garments and materials long used in hotter climates. *Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, political, or professional advice. The views expressed are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organization or sponsor. No claims made in this episode should be interpreted as verified fact regarding any individual, organization, or government beyond what is publicly reported. Listeners should conduct their own research and consult relevant experts before forming conclusions on the topics discussed.* Connect with Nes: www.linktr.ee/NesReign

    **Culturally Clueless | Iran's Not-War, Gaza's Broken Promises, and Sudan's Silent Crisis | Episode 120**
  5. 19. Juli

    Culturally Clueless | She Left Gaza. Her Father Didn't. | Episode 119

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Nes sits down with Lama, a young woman who evacuated from Gaza in 2024, first to Egypt and now living in Malaysia, for one of the most personal and deeply human conversations the podcast has ever had. Lama shares what the evacuation was actually like — the chaos, the fear, and the impossible decisions that come with leaving everything behind. She opens up about building a new life from scratch, first in Egypt and then as a scholarship student in Malaysia, navigating a completely different world while carrying the weight of what she left behind. One of the most powerful threads of the conversation is survivor's guilt — the specific kind that comes from doing ordinary things. Trying a new restaurant. Laughing. Moving forward. All of it shadowed by the knowledge that her father stayed behind in Gaza while her mother and four sisters made it out. Lama talks honestly about what it feels like to live without him present, to watch Gaza from a distance, and to still have friends there who never left. She also speaks about the future — what it looks like from where she stands now, what she hopes for, and how she holds all of it together. --- Legal Disclaimer The views, opinions, and commentary expressed in this podcast episode of Culturally Clueless are solely those of the host and any guests featured, and do not constitute legal, financial, political, or professional advice of any kind. All content is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. Culturally Clueless, its host Nes, and any guests make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information discussed. Listeners are encouraged to independently verify all information and consult qualified professionals before making any decisions based on content heard in this podcast. Nothing in this episode should be construed as legal counsel, political endorsement, defamation, or an attempt to harm the reputation of any individual, organization, government, or institution. Any references to ongoing legal matters, political figures, or current events are based on publicly available information at the time of recording and are subject to change. Culturally Clueless and its producers are not responsible for any actions taken by listeners in response to the content of this episode. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast or its host. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this content is prohibited. Connect with Nes: www.linktr.ee/NesReign

    Culturally Clueless | She Left Gaza. Her Father Didn't. | Episode 119
  6. 2. Juli

    Culturally Clueless | Visas, Refugees & The Voices They Try to Silence | Episode 118

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Nes sits down with Simon — a writer, journalist, and political analyst from Bangladesh — for a wide-ranging conversation that moves fluidly between sport, politics, and human rights. The two dig into the FIFA World Cup chaos unfolding in America, from the visa crisis affecting team staff, players, and fans trying to enter the country, to the bigger question of who might actually take the trophy — and where Morocco stands in the mix. The conversation moves into freedom of speech, drawing sharp contrasts between how dissent is treated in Bangladesh versus Western countries, and what those differences reveal about power and accountability across very different political systems. Palestine and other occupied and marginalized communities come up as well, with both Nes and Simon examining the global patterns of oppression that connect struggles across borders. Simon brings firsthand context to the crisis of the Rohingya, discussing the refugee camps in Bangladesh, the conditions people are living under, and what a realistic path forward might look like for one of the most stateless and persecuted populations on the planet. The episode also revisits the historic student-led protests in Bangladesh that toppled Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina — a mass uprising that reshaped the country's political landscape and whose reverberations are still being felt today. --- Legal Disclaimer The views, opinions, and commentary expressed in this podcast episode of Culturally Clueless are solely those of the host and any guests featured, and do not constitute legal, financial, political, or professional advice of any kind. All content is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. Culturally Clueless, its host Nes, and any guests make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information discussed. Listeners are encouraged to independently verify all information and consult qualified professionals before making any decisions based on content heard in this podcast. Nothing in this episode should be construed as legal counsel, political endorsement, defamation, or an attempt to harm the reputation of any individual, organization, government, or institution. Any references to ongoing legal matters, political figures, or current events are based on publicly available information at the time of recording and are subject to change. Culturally Clueless and its producers are not responsible for any actions taken by listeners in response to the content of this episode. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast or its host. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this content is prohibited. Connect with Nes: www.linktr.ee/NesReign

    Culturally Clueless | Visas, Refugees & The Voices They Try to Silence | Episode 118
  7. 28. Juni

    Culturally Clueless | Dissent Is Terrorism, War Is a Market & Berlin Is Toxic | Episode 117

    Send us Fan Mail This episode covers a range of stories that cut to the core of who gets punished for speaking, who sets the agenda for war, and what is quietly happening in the world while everyone looks elsewhere. The criminalization of pro-Palestine solidarity remains one of the most urgent and underreported stories of this moment. In the UK, more than 500 people were arrested at a mass vigil in Trafalgar Square simply for holding signs that read "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action," [SFist](https://sfist.com/2026/04/26/former-idf-soldier-accused-of-tackling-student-who-took-miss-israels-sign-at-stanford/) with the Metropolitan Police invoking terrorism legislation against protesters ranging in age from 27 to 82. [SFist](https://sfist.com/2026/04/26/former-idf-soldier-accused-of-tackling-student-who-took-miss-israels-sign-at-stanford/) Nes highlights one particularly chilling moment: a woman filmed during her arrest told police she was being detained for holding a cardboard sign while her government sells weapons and uses military bases to commit what she called genocide. The response from authorities was to treat her support for Palestine as evidence of mental instability. Nes frames it as a pattern — the pathologizing and criminalization of dissent when it comes to Palestine. At the JNS International Policy Summit held in Jerusalem, Netanyahu delivered a speech framing Israel's military campaign against Iran and its regional proxies in existential terms, claiming Israel had prevented Iran from "carrying out a plan to annihilate us" and declaring that had Israel not acted, Iran would have had atomic bombs — and would have used them. [ScheerPost](https://scheerpost.com/2026/03/10/bombs-lies-and-nuclear-threats-wilkerson-sounds-alarm-on-escalating-iran-war/) Israel's Minister of Diaspora Affairs also made waves at the summit by announcing that Iran is no longer the primary threat — shifting the focus to Turkey, Qatar, and Syria as the new destabilizing forces in the region. Nes examines the implications of this rhetorical pivot and what it signals about Israel's next moves. On the Iran deal, Trump previously announced that frozen Iranian assets would need to be returned as part of any agreement — only to now suggest that America would keep a portion of those funds in exchange for Iran purchasing American agricultural products like soybeans. The Iranians are contesting this. Nes tracks the contradiction and asks the obvious question: where exactly is this heading? Berlin is also dealing with a crisis of a very different kind. Authorities across the city are battling one of the worst outbreaks of oak processionary moth caterpillars in recent memory, with parks, sports facilities, and green spaces being cordoned off across multiple districts. [City & State NY](https://www.cityandstateny.com/politics/2026/03/vickie-paladino-charged-ethics-committee/411858/) Each caterpillar carries around 700,000 microscopic toxic hairs that break off easily and can travel on the wind, causing rashes, conjunctivitis, respiratory difficulties, and in severe cases, anaphylactic shock. [City & State NY](https://www.cityandstateny.com/politics/2026/03/vickie-paladino-charged-ethics-committee/411858/) Elderly residents in some affected neighbourhoods have reportedly stopped leaving their homes entirely. [CBS News](https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/vickie-paladino-islamophobia-accusation-social-media-nyc-council/) Nes notes that the infestation is being linked directly to climate change, with warmer and drier conditions accelerating the spread of a pest that was once confined to southern Europe. --- Legal Disclaimer The views, opinions, and commentary expressed in this podcast episode of Culturally Clueless are solely those of the host and any guests featured, and do not constitute legal, financial, political, or professional advice of any kind. All content is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. Culturally Clueless, its host Nes, and any guests make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information discussed. Listeners are encouraged to independently verify all information and consult qualified professionals before making any decisions based on content heard in this podcast. Nothing in this episode should be construed as legal counsel, political endorsement, defamation, or an attempt to harm the reputation of any individual, organization, government, or institution. Any references to ongoing legal matters, political figures, or current events are based on publicly available information at the time of recording and are subject to change. Culturally Clueless and its producers are not responsible for any actions taken by listeners in response to the content of this episode. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast or its host. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this content is prohibited. Connect with Nes: www.linktr.ee/NesReign

    Culturally Clueless | Dissent Is Terrorism, War Is a Market & Berlin Is Toxic | Episode 117
  8. 25. Juni

    Culturally Clueless | Fallouts, Lies & The Business of Human Trafficking | Episode 116

    Send us Fan Mail Trump and Netanyahu's relationship is deteriorating, with the president reportedly feeling manipulated and significantly restricting contact with the Israeli prime minister except for necessary coordination. Nes questions whether this alleged rift is genuine or theater, particularly as Trump's foreign policy appears to be unraveling and he finally acknowledges the failures. Secretary of State Marco Rubio faced intense questioning about the Gaza Peace Board plan, which remains unimplemented, and was caught repeatedly lying about aid delivery and related matters. The episode also covers the resignation of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, making him the seventh prime minister to step down within a decade following Brexit. Nes examines the instability this reflects in British governance and what it signals about the state of European leadership. The IDF's inclusion on the UN's list of organizations credibly suspected of sexual abuse came under scrutiny when an Israeli representative attempted to defend the military at a UN meeting. Nes highlights how the defense was dismissive, disrespectful, and fundamentally inadequate, an attempt to justify the unjustifiable that exposed the absurdity of the moment. She also unpacks the underreported relationship between Israel and the EU, exposing how European institutions have become complicit in supporting Israeli actions despite public statements of concern. Libya emerges as a case study in deliberate destabilization. With two competing governments, the country has become a hub for human trafficking where migrants are literally auctioned off, forced into labor camps, and subjected to conditions equivalent to modern slavery. The EU is actively funding and training coast guards to prevent these migrants from crossing the Mediterranean, effectively trapping them in hellish conditions. Meanwhile, the UAE is using Libya as a conduit to funnel weapons to the RSF and other radical armed groups, deliberately perpetuating instability in the region to maintain control and chaos. --- Legal Disclaimer The views, opinions, and commentary expressed in this podcast episode... Connect with Nes: www.linktr.ee/NesReign

    Culturally Clueless | Fallouts, Lies & The Business of Human Trafficking | Episode 116

Info

Welcome to Culturally Clueless—where we dive into culture, current events, and the everyday chaos of life. It’s raw, real, and refreshingly unfiltered, with me, Nes Reign and a lineup of fascinating guests. Together, we’ll break down the big questions and the small quirks that make life so endlessly intriguing!