Hey guys I'm on my way to the airport to go to New York to interview a very special guest and I need you to do me a favor.

I'm doing an episode soon where my guest and I will be answering questions together about news, politics,

and being an outsider.

I'd like you to call and leave a quick question on my voicemail, 785, 4basket. It's easy. In fact you're listening to me leaving a

voicemail right now. Well I gotta go because my Uber just missed the turn.

Better hang up. just missed the turn. I have long thought highly of America.

Let me explain.

When I was growing up in Egypt, there was a certain expectation of how life would go.

I would go to school, get good grades, become a surgeon, marry a good Muslim woman, and live a slightly different version of my parents life.

Culture would stay the same, so much so that I could just teach my kids what my parents

taught me.

Islam is right, sex and fun and gay stuff is bad. Done. I wouldn't have to add

anything new or figure anything out. But I got lucky. I did some traveling. I saw different cultures. I saw outside the

keyhole of my parents generation. And you know what? It turns out that I like

being in a country that lets you tell your own story.

I almost left Egypt in 2011 and only stayed because on the same day my American visa arrived,

so did the offer of a lifetime.

To host a satirical talk show.

I felt Egypt needed my show, so I stayed until it wasn't safe anymore.

I moved here to America with the idea that I would work hard, become a success, and

introduce my family to their new permanent home.

And I figured I would be welcomed with open arms.

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