The MPAC® Podcast with Salam Al-Marayati

Muslim Public Affairs Council
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Where policy meets identity. Hosted by Salam Al-Marayati, President of the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), this series delivers incisive analysis on the defining political, social, and cultural issues shaping the American Muslim landscape. Leveraging decades of experience in civil rights and government relations, Salam cuts through the noise of the news cycle. Through candid conversations with policymakers and thought leaders, the show tackles institutional reform, policy advocacy, and authentic representation. Subscribe for weekly briefings.

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    Karen Attiah on Media Censorship, Jamal Khashoggi & Defending Free Speech

    What happens to democracy when institutional newsrooms dismantle platforms for global dissidents and subordinate free expression to political and corporate pressure? In Episode 12 of The MPAC Podcast, host Salam Al-Marayati is joined by award-winning journalist Karen Attiah, former founding editor of The Washington Post’s Global Opinions section. Eight years after the murder of her colleague Jamal Khashoggi, Karen delivers an unflinching analysis of Western media double standards, newsroom retaliation, and the erosion of a genuinely free press. In This Episode: The Legacy of Jamal Khashoggi: Reflecting on the courage of dissident writing and how the platform built for global voices was dismantled after his death.Deciding Who Is Human: Unpacking how Western media outlets establish selective hierarchies of grief and legitimacy when reporting on civilian casualties and Palestinian journalists.Separation of Media & State: Why access journalism creates a revolving door between government officials and cable news pundits, destroying independent watchdog reporting.Crackdowns on Campus Dissent: Eyewitness observations from the student encampments at Columbia University, police militarization, and the chilling effect of institutional cowardice.Defying Erasure: The launch of independent educational platforms and why preserving collective memory is our primary defense against authoritarianism.Disclaimer: The views, statements, and opinions expressed by guests on The MPAC Podcast are solely those of the individual guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), host Salam Al-Marayati, its leadership, board, or staff. Subscribe to MPAC's channel: http://bit.ly/MPACYouTube Like MPAC on Facebook: http://fb.com/mpacnational Follow MPAC on Twitter: http://twitter.com/mpac_national Follow MPAC on Instagram: http://instagram.com/mpac_national Visit MPAC's website: http://mpac.org About the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) We improve public understanding and policies that impact American Muslims by engaging our government, media, and communities. Help us to continue this work by making a donation today: http://mpac.org/give.

    Karen Attiah on Media Censorship, Jamal Khashoggi & Defending Free Speech

  2. Oct 8

    Cenk Uygur on Breaking Media Guardrails, Foreign Wars & Real Political Power

    Why does American foreign policy remain resistant to change even when public opinion overwhelmingly opposes foreign conflict? In Episode 11 of The MPAC Podcast, host Salam Al-Marayati is joined by Cenk Uygur, founder and CEO of The Young Turks. Together, they explore the evolution of independent news, the limits of legacy cable broadcasting, and why converting grassroots consensus into federal policy remains the country’s central political challenge. In This Episode: Breaking the Narrative Barrier: How alternative media broke past cable news monopolies to reshape public understanding of war.Public Opinion vs. Institutional Power: What happens when the vast majority of citizens oppose conflict, but campaign finance protects the status quo?The Founding of TYT: Why Cenk walked away from corporate television contracts to build a completely independent digital network.Civic Action & Free Expression: The necessity for minority communities and everyday citizens to reject intimidation and exercise their constitutional rights.Disclaimer: The views, statements, and opinions expressed by guests on The MPAC Podcast are solely those of the individual guest and do not necessarily reflect the official views, positions, or policies of the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), Salam Al-Marayati, or its staff.

    Cenk Uygur on Breaking Media Guardrails, Foreign Wars & Real Political Power

  3. Sep 11

    Salam Al-Marayati Calls Out Trump's Dallas Midterm Speech

    How should civic leaders respond when campaign rallies weaponize religious identity and treat foreign military strikes as punchlines? In this reaction episode of The MPAC Podcast, host Salam Al-Marayati analyzes Donald Trump’s address at a midterm political event in Dallas. Salam addresses: The Double Standard of Overseas Deals vs. Domestic Rhetoric: How political figures profit from extensive financial transactions across the Middle East while simultaneously disparaging American Muslim citizens contributing to our local communities. Defending Muslim Civic Leaders: Calling out false claims used against candidate Abdul El-Sayed to rile up political crowds. The Ethics of Military Power: Why making light of Space Force satellite imaging to track foreign names like "Mohammed" diminishes the moral stature of the United States on the global stage. Upholding 250 Years of Pluralism: Why celebrating the Declaration of Independence requires honoring its foundational promise that all people are created equal under the law.

    Salam Al-Marayati Calls Out Trump's Dallas Midterm Speech

  4. Sep 2

    Amy Spitalnick: Why Jewish & Muslim Safety Are Inextricably Linked

    Extremists rely on divide-and-conquer tactics to pit targeted communities against each other. But as civil rights history proves, our safety and democratic freedoms are inextricably linked. In this episode, host Salam Al-Marayati sits down with longtime colleague and friend Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA). Amy previously led the civil litigation effort on behalf of Charlottesville community members that resulted in a landmark $26 million verdict against neo-Nazis and white supremacists. Key Topics Covered: Accountability Beyond the Courtroom: Why legal victories are critical tools, yet cannot replace deep coalition-building and community resilience.The Cycle of Violent Conspiracy Theories: Examining how the "Great Replacement" theory directly links attacks in Pittsburgh, Christchurch, Buffalo, and beyond.Rejecting Binary Narratives: Why genuine solidarity means speaking out against both rising anti-Semitism and rising anti-Muslim hate without compromise.Moving Beyond Political Litmus Tests: How bad-faith demands for collective condemnation distract from protecting shared civil liberties.Defending a Pluralistic Democracy: Constructive pathways forward for minority communities navigating polarization during high-stakes election cycles. Connect with JCPA: Visit jewishpublicaffairs.org to learn more about their work in civil rights and coalition-building.

    Amy Spitalnick: Why Jewish & Muslim Safety Are Inextricably Linked

  5. Aug 25

    Mike Downing on 35 Years in LAPD, Smart Policing & The Real Flaws of ICE

    Can law enforcement truly protect communities without becoming an occupying army? In this episode, MPAC President Salam Al-Marayati is joined by former LAPD Deputy Chief Mike Downing for an unvarnished look inside American policing, counterterrorism, and community oversight. Key Discussion Points: Community vs. Militarization: Why smart policing is built on prevention, trust, and Peel’s principle - not tactical occupation. The Consent Decree: How federal intervention and judicial monitoring fundamentally reformed LAPD after the Rampart scandal. The Truth About ICE: Why accelerated recruiting, poor leadership, and tactical overreach delegitimize immigration enforcement. Counterterrorism Realities: Lessons learned from mapping programs, surveillance debates, and gang radicalization frameworks. Principled Engagement: The legacy of Dr. Maher Hathout and why civic advocacy must engage institutions to achieve systemic reform. Learn more about civil liberties advocacy and policy analysis at the Muslim Public Affairs Council.

    Mike Downing on 35 Years in LAPD, Smart Policing & The Real Flaws of ICE

  6. Aug 16

    Reaction to Trump's "Jihadist" Smears & Constitutional Separation of Powers

    Why do political leaders rely on religious smears when challenged on substantive policy? On this episode of The MPAC Podcast, Salam Al-Marayati reacts to Donald Trump using the label "jihadist" against progressive challengers. Salam breaks down how rhetoric is used to distract working Americans from critical issues like healthcare access and foreign conflicts, while re-asserting the foundational constitutional principle of separation of powers against executive overreach. Connect with MPAC: Website: mpac.orgInquiries: press@mpac.orgSocials: @mpac_national

    Reaction to Trump's "Jihadist" Smears & Constitutional Separation of Powers

  7. Aug 12

    Connie Rice on Civil Rights, Police Reform & Building Real Power

    What happens when winning historic legal battles still leaves communities in war zones? In this episode, MPAC President Salam Al-Marayati speaks with legendary lawyer and "Conscience of Los Angeles" Connie Rice. Known for securing over $10 billion in civil rights damages and advising President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing, Connie offers an unvarnished masterclass on strategy, power, and systemic change. In this episode: Litigation vs. Reality: Why court victories can't change hearts, minds, or street violence. Hearts & Minds Policing: How Connie went from suing LAPD to co-creating a "heal and build" community safety model. Protest to Power: Why modern movements like Black Lives Matter stall when disconnected from power infrastructure. Economic Despair: How high finance, deregulation, and political neglect created "reverse Robin Hood" mobility in America. Foreign Policy & Media Standards: Examining media blackouts and moral double standards surrounding Gaza and international law. The MPAC Podcast delivers transparent analysis on national security, civil rights, and public policy from the Muslim Public Affairs Council. Connect with MPAC: Website: [mpac.org]Social Media: @mpac_national

    Connie Rice on Civil Rights, Police Reform & Building Real Power

  8. Jul 29

    Leaked Lindsey Graham Video, Elon Musk’s Bias & U.S. War Powers

    Host Salam Al-Marayati returns to analyze two viral videos exposing deep flaws in U.S. politics, media, and foreign policy. In this episode: Lindsey Graham & Iran: A look at leaked Wall Street Journal footage showing Senator Lindsey Graham celebrating military escalation. Salam discusses why Congress must reclaim its sole constitutional responsibility to declare war. Elon Musk & Media Bias: Addressing Elon Musk’s claims about Muslims and Western values. Salam highlights landmark data from Stanford and Northwestern showing immigrants are 60% less likely to commit crimes than native-born citizens. The Global Double Standard: Exposing the hypocritical rhetoric surrounding foreign policy, international law, and human rights. The MPAC Podcast brings you transparent analysis on national security, civil rights, and public policy from the Muslim Public Affairs Council. Connect with MPAC: Website: mpac.orgSocial Media: @mpac_national

    Leaked Lindsey Graham Video, Elon Musk’s Bias & U.S. War Powers

  9. Jul 16

    Is a two-state solution dead and has U.S. foreign policy failed?

    "We are changing chairs on the Titanic if we keep repeating the same foreign policy failures." In this episode of The MPAC Podcast with Salam Al-Marayati, host Salam Al-Marayati sits down with longtime friend, scholar, and Middle East policy expert Dr. Jerrold "Jerry" Green. With extensive experience living in Egypt, Iran, and Israel, Dr. Green brings an untapped depth of knowledge to dissecting where Washington's geopolitical strategies fall desperately short. Together, they dive into the structural shortcomings of American diplomacy and challenge the establishment's heavy reliance on military action over human-centered engagement. Key Topics Discussed:The Power of People-to-People Diplomacy: Why the US government remains profoundly ill-equipped to navigate Middle Eastern politics and culture despite possessing a rich reservoir of diasporic and native understanding right here at home. The Myth of Sanctions: How aggressive sanctions on countries like Iraq and Iran systematically devastate ordinary citizens while leaving the ruling regimes virtually untouched. Intelligence Community Bias: A critical look at why foreign terrorist designation lists disproportionately target Muslims while completely ignoring rising global threats like white supremacist, Hindu militant, and Jewish extremist groups. The Reality of the Two-State Solution: Assessing the collapse of two-state prospects, the annexation of Palestinian lands, and how a rising generation of American leaders—like newly elected New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani—is changing the political landscape surrounding Palestine.

    Is a two-state solution dead and has U.S. foreign policy failed?

  10. Jul 12

    Rebutting Rahm Emanuel: US-Israel Blunders Exposed

    In Episode 3 of The MPAC Podcast with Salam Al-Marayati, host Salam Al-Marayati delivers a direct, line-by-line rebuttal to a recent speech given by former Obama Chief of Staff and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel at Tel Aviv University regarding US-Israel relations. Salam breaks down the critical flaws in Emanuel's policy approach, calling out the dangerous tendency of establishment American politicians to prioritize Israel's national interests over authentic American national interests. The episode pulls back the curtain on the historical realities of the region - including the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin by a Jewish extremist and the ignored 2002 Arab peace initiative - to dismantle the anti-Palestinian tropes peddled by US policymakers who consistently blame the occupied for their own occupation. Furthermore, Salam exposes the absolute strategic failure of Emanuel’s proposed "23-State Solution". He explains why bypassing the Palestinian people, leaning into the Abraham Accords, and trying to orchestrate a Gaza peace deal without Gazans involved will never achieve long-term stability. This episode lays bare the continuous erasure of Palestinian existence and outlines what a genuine, justice-centered American foreign policy must look like. Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Make sure to subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!

    Rebutting Rahm Emanuel: US-Israel Blunders Exposed

  11. Jun 30

    Naz Shah MP (Part 2 of 2): Forced Marriage, Survival, and Reclaiming My Path to Politics

    In part two of this extraordinary two-part series on The MPAC® Podcast with Salam Al-Marayati, we present a special edition of the show as regular host Salam Al-Marayati steps aside to hand the hosting mic over to Los Angeles Times News and Culture Critic Lorraine Ali. Lorraine sits down with UK Member of Parliament Naz Shah following the launch of her incredible memoir Honored: Survival, Strength and My Path to Politics to explore the deeply personal and harrowing childhood experiences that ultimately forged her resilient path into public service. From surviving abject poverty and a forced marriage at the age of fifteen, to navigating the heavy cultural weight of community honor and her mother's devastating twenty-year imprisonment, Naz Shah details how she transformed survival into a life of powerful activism. She shares how she fought systemic misunderstandings within the justice system and explains why she looks to her faith as a tool to dismantle patriarchy and advocate for the vulnerable. Her inspiring story of hope and leadership serves as a profound case study for the exact mission driving the Muslim Public Affairs Council, MPAC®, every day. At MPAC®, we operate at the intersection of policy, media, and community organizing to shift narratives and empower leaders to move society forward together. Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!

    Naz Shah MP (Part 2 of 2): Forced Marriage, Survival, and Reclaiming My Path to Politics

  12. Jun 28

    Naz Shah MP: Separating Culture From Faith, Exposing Patriarchy, and Defeating Intimidation

    In part one of this powerful two-part series on The MPAC Podcast with Salam Al-Marayati sits down with UK Member of Parliament Naz Shah to tackle some of the most critical cultural and political tensions facing modern faith communities. Drawing directly from her personal and political journeys, Naz Shah shares raw insights on how communities frequently mistake rigid cultural traditions for true religious values. From dismantling patriarchal structures using foundational Islamic teachings to standing firm against hostile, intimidating political campaigns, this conversation explores what true, courageous leadership looks like when fighting for justice. They also dive into the heavy human elements of leadership, discussing her personal mental health journey, processing grief, and the profound path of releasing resentment. This deep exploration of faith, public service, and resilience mirrors the exact discussions found in the file Muslim Clarity: Naz Shah's Book Explains Modern Faith & Cultural Honor. Stay tuned for part two, where Naz Shah continues the conversation with Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times News and Culture Critic. The work discussed in this episode reflects the core mission of the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) to operate at the intersection of policy, media, and community organizing to shift systemic narratives from the ground up.

    Naz Shah MP: Separating Culture From Faith, Exposing Patriarchy, and Defeating Intimidation
  • 12 Episodes

About

Where policy meets identity. Hosted by Salam Al-Marayati, President of the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), this series delivers incisive analysis on the defining political, social, and cultural issues shaping the American Muslim landscape. Leveraging decades of experience in civil rights and government relations, Salam cuts through the noise of the news cycle. Through candid conversations with policymakers and thought leaders, the show tackles institutional reform, policy advocacy, and authentic representation. Subscribe for weekly briefings.

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