The Ask: Recent Episodes
Waise Azimi
The Ask is a podcast hosted by Waise Azimi that humbly explores life, the universe and everything in between. A new episode is recorded every month.
In this episode of The Ask, several extraordinary guests join us for a discussion about the long, winding road ahead for America and the rest of the world in the wake of Donald J. Trump’s election to a second term as President of the United States of America. For this episode, we have been undeservedly…
In the aftermath of the terrible shooting at former President Trump’s rally, I am reminded of my conversation on The Ask podcast with New York Times Opinion columnist and bestselling author David French about his book, Divided We Fall. A poignant mediation on a possible future United States plagued and ruined by politically fueled violence.…
In this episode of The Ask, award-winning author Elliot Ackerman discusses his work on Halycon. From pivotal elections to crumbling marriages, from the Civil War to the Battle of Saipan, Halcyon is a profound and probing novel that grapples with what history means, who is affected by it, and how the complexities of our shared future rest on the dual…
In this episode of The Ask, award-winning photographer Tony O’Brien takes us into the storm of the First Gulf War, from his perspective as a foreign correspondent for LIFE magazine. Our Episode Guest: Over the course of his decorated career as a photographer, Tony O’Brien has documented the lives of drug addicts on the streets…
In this episode of The Ask, award-winning author David French discusses his work on Divided We Fall: America’s Secession Threat and How to Restore Our Nation About the book: Our Episode Guest: A graduate of Harvard Law School and a constitutional lawyer long devoted to taking on religious liberty cases, David French has long been a leading conservative…
It was a pleasure speaking to New York Times bestselling author David French about his latest book: Divided We Fall America’s Secession Threat and How to Restore Our Nation … now available via Macmillan at digital stores and bookstores everywhere; I look forward to sharing our interview together very soon.
Tomorrow we have the honor and privilege of speaking with the senior editor of The Dispatch and contributing writer for The Atlantic, David French. In the wake of the January 6 United States Capitol attack, his book Divided We Fall reads less like speculation and more like a glimpse into a dangerous and uncertain future.
This September, together with my Co-Host Cliff W. Gilmore, we have the honor and pleasure of hosting senior editor at The Dispatch, columnist for Time magazine, and New York Times bestselling author David French. Our discussion will explore his latest book: Divided We Fall: America’s Secession Threat and How to Restore Our Nation. From the…
In this episode of The Ask, award-winning author Elliot Ackerman discusses his work on The Fifth Act: America’s End in Afghanistan About the book: The Fifth Act is an astonishing human document that brings the weight of twenty years of war to bear on a single week, the week the war ended. Using the dramatic rescue efforts…
Episode 19, with author Elliot Ackerman about his latest book The Fifth Act: America’s End – soon.
This August together with my Co-Host Cliff W. Gilmore, I have the honor and pleasure to host award winning author and former Marine Corps Special Operations Team Leader, Elliot Ackerman, to discuss his next book, The Fifth Act: America’s End in Afghanistan available everywhere via Penguin Random House this coming August 9th, 2022. Using the dramatic rescue…
In this episode of The Ask award-wining author and US Marine Corps veteran Phil Klay discusses his work on Uncertain Ground: Citizenship in an Age of Endless, Invisible War About the book: From the National Book Award-winning author of Redeployment and Missionaries, an astonishing fever graph of the effects of twenty years of war in…
Friends & Colleagues. As some of you may know, a few days ago, Cliff and I interviewed award-winning author Phil Klay about his latest book Uncertain Ground: Citizenship in an Age of Endless, Invisible War on The Ask podcast. We look forward to sharing that interview with you soon. In the meantime, we would like…
It was a pleasure speaking to author Philip Klay about his work Uncertain Ground: Citizenship in an Age of Endless, Invisible War – now available at Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | Indiebound and elsewhere, I look forward to sharing our interview together with my Co-Host Cliff W. Gilmore very soon.
At the end of last year, my Co-Host Cliff and I had the privilege of speaking with journalist and writer Behrouz Boochani about his almost decade imprisonment in the Australian-run Manus Island detention center in Papua New Guinea and the book he wrote about that experience: No Friend But the Mountains. Days ago, filmmaker Simon…
This month together with my Co-Host Cliff W. Gilmore, I have the honor and pleasure to host U.S. Marine Corps veteran and award-winning author Phil Klay to discuss his important work Uncertain Ground: Citizenship in an Age of Endless, Invisible War. A book that looks at our the endless, invisible conflicts of the post-9/11 world…
Dear Friends & Family. It is my great pleasure to welcome aboard my friend and colleague Cliff W. Gilmore as an official co-host for The Ask podcast. For several episodes of The Ask Cliff and I have collaborated speak with celebrated activists like Behrouz Boochani for his book No Friends But the Mountains, courageous journalists…
In this episode of The Ask Peabody and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Doug Shultz discusses his work on THE LINE. About the film: U.S. Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher stood accused by his own platoon in the biggest war crimes trial in a generation. Now a new, four-part docuseries will examine the case and the blurred line…
Since Cliff W. Gilmore and I interviewed Anna Myroniuk on The Ask, she has emerged to become a fierce voice for the Ukrainian people as they desperately fight off a Russian invasion. And here she is again in The Washington Post. Reflecting on how the Ukrainian people and the rest of the world have seen…
Friends & Colleagues. As some of you may know, a few days ago, Cliff and I interviewed The Kyiv Independent journalist Anna Myroniuk about the threat of a Russian invasion on The Ask podcast. This morning, she writes in The Washington Post about what is like waking up to explosions in Kyiv: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/02/24/kyiv-explosions-putin-invasion-divided-family/ For those…
In this episode of The Ask we to speak to journalists Igor Kossov and Anna Myroniuk about their careers as journalists, the shocking changes at the launch of the Kyiv Independent in the aftermath of the turmoil at the Kyiv Post. And the looming Russian threat on the borders of Ukraine. About the Kyiv Independent:…
It was a pleasure speaking to Co-Founders of The Kyiv Independent, Anna Myroniuk (@AnnaMyroniuk) and Igor Kossov (@IgorKossov) about what happened at the Kyiv Post, the independent and critical journalism work they continue to do at the Kyiv Independent, and their perspective on Russia’s ongoing threats against Ukraine. I look forward to sharing our interview…
In this episode of The Ask we to speak to Peabody awarded journalist, bestselling author and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Sebastian Junger about his latest book: FREEDOM. About the book: In part based on an epic trip Sebastian undertook with three friends to walk the rail lines from Washington DC to Pittsburgh, Freedom is a deep dive…
This month together with my guest co-host Cliff W. Gilmore, I have the honor and pleasure to host journalist, New York Times bestselling author and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Sebastian Junger to discuss his work on his latest book: FREEDOM. Inspired by a year on the road with three close friends— a conflict photographer and two Afghan…
At the top of 2022 I want to take a moment and look back on the second year The Ask Podcast. For the inaugural episode of 2021, I sat down THE EDITOR, my friend Mirwais Amiri – to talk with him about the hard choices that forced him to leave Afghanistan and seek safety and…
In this episode of The Ask award-winning author, activist and journalist Behrouz Boochani discusses his work on his debut novel NO FRIENDS BUT THE MOUNTAINS: WRITINGS FROM MANUS PRISON. About the book: In 2013, Kurdish-Iranian journalist Behrouz Boochani was illegally detained on Manus Island, a refugee detention centre off the coast of Australia. This book…
It was an honor speaking to @BehrouzBoochani about his landmark debut novel No Friend But the Mountains: Writing from Manus Prison on @theaskpodcast, together with my friend and guest Co-Host Cliff W. Gilmore. I look forward to sharing our interview very soon. 🙂
This month together with my guest co-host Cliff W. Gilmore I have the honor and pleasure to host journalist and author Behrouz Boochani to discuss his work on his monumental book: NO FRIENDS BUT THE MOUNTAINS Over the course of 10 seemingly never-ending years of imprisonment on Manus Island, on a smuggled mobile Behrouz and…
In this episode of The Ask award-winning filmmaker Michael Tucker discusses his work on THE MEANING OF HITLER. About the film: Famed Nazi hunters and top scholars lead an urgent interrogation of our culture’s fascination with Hitler and Nazism, set against the backdrop of the current rise of white supremacy. Our Episode Guest: Born in…
Welcome to The Ask. It is the 20th Anniversary of the September 11th attacks. Episode 12 of the Ask is a roundtable discussion about Afghanistan after America. This episode draws together several extraordinary people, Afghans and Americans with strong connections to the modern story of Afghanistan and the Afghan people, to discuss what has and…
On the 20th anniversary of 9/11 On The Ask: Ambassador Ronald E. Neumann Former Deputy Chief of Staff to President Karzai, Homayra Ludin Etemadi New York Times Istanbul Bureau Chief Carlotta Gall Soldier & Author Elliot Ackerman Director of MOBY GROUP Channels in Afghanistan Massood Sanjer The Reluctant Propagandisthttps://longreads.com/2019/08/27/the-reluctant-propagandist/ In Afghanistan, a radio call-in show…
In this episode of The Ask, we meet Hamid, Sajid, Tamim, and Abouzar, former Afghan interpreters for foreign forces. Since the start, Afghan interpreters have been at the forefront of this war. The first interpreter, Hamid Karzai, would go on to become the first president of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Thousands would follow him down the dangerous path…
It was a pleasure speaking to filmmaker Michael Tucker about his work on THE MEANING OF HITLER on The Ask as it hits selects cinemas here in the United States, and on-demand today, August 13th. I look forward to sharing our interview very soon.
THE MEANING OF HITLER Shot in nine countries by the wife-husband directorial team of Petra Epperlein and Michael Tucker, this film explores what Hitler means in the current waves of white supremacy, antisemitism, and the weaponization of history. Premiering in select US cinemas and on-demand this August 13th.
In this episode of The Ask award winning filmmaker and filmmaker Saeed Taji Farouky discusses his work on A THOUSAND FIRES. About the film: Set to premier this August at the prestigious Critics Week section of the Locarno International Film Festival, A THOUSAND FIRES is set in the Magway region of Myanmar, is a beautiful…
It was a pleasure speaking to Saeed Taji Farouky about his work on A THOUSAND FIRES on @theaskpodcast, ahead of the film’s world premiere at the Locarno International Film Festival. I look forward to sharing our interview very soon. 🙂
From Palestinian-British filmmaker Saeed Taji Farouky, A Thousand Fires is a portrait of a family in flux, and a story of intergenerational conflict and compromise, of lingering memories and a turbulent past; and of life persisting, regardless. The days pass quickly. A THOUSAND FIRES will premiere as the opening film at the Locarno International Film…
Next on The Ask, a conversation with author Behrouz Boochani about his novel No Friend but the Mountains: Writing from Manus Prison https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NHZ4S2G/
In this episode of The Ask award winning journalist and filmmaker Catrin Einhorn discusses her work on FATHER SOLDIER SON. About the film: After a single father is severely wounded in Afghanistan, he and his sons embark on a journey of love, loss and redemption. A decade in the making, this monumental film is directed…
It was a pleasure speaking to Catrin Einhorn yesterday about her work on FATHER SOLDIER SON on @theaskpodcast. I look forward to sharing our interview very soon. https://www.netflix.com/title/81002464
Next on The Ask, a conversation with journalist and filmmaker Catrin Einhorn about her work directing Father Soldier Son
Welcome back to The Ask. If the last episode on this podcast was about hope, then this episode is about heroism. Learn more here: https://www.netflix.com/title/81070008 I invite you to join acclaimed filmmaker Barry Avrich and myself, as we explore his award-winning work on his feature documentary film: PROSECUTING EVIL: THE EXTRAORDINARY WORLD OF BEN…
It was a pleasure speaking to decorated filmmaker Barry Avrich about his important work on #ProsecutingEvil. A moving biography of the last surviving Nuremberg trials, the legendary @BenFerencz. I look forward to sharing our interview soon on @theaskpodcast.
Filmmaker Barry Avrich soon to discuss his work on his feature documentary about Ben Ferencz, the last living Nuremberg prosecutor.
Next on The Ask, a conversation with filmmaker Barry Avrich about his work directing Prosecuting Evil: The Extraordinary World of Ben Ferencz
In our first episode for 2021 I would like to explore the idea of hope. In 2015, a sense of despair swept throughout Afghanistan. The Obama administration’s surge to suppress and route the Taliban had ended long ago – and as the United States continued the long drawdown from the country, the Taliban were resurgent.…
As we approach the end of 2020 I want to a moment and look back on the first months of The Ask Podcast. This podcast launched in Episode 1 with a roundtable discussion with Professor Thongchai Winichakul, Professor Clare Veal, and journalist Teirra Kamolvattanavith to look at the history and consequences of the Thammasat University…
In this episode of The Ask filmmakers Alex Gibney, Ophelia Harutyunyan, and Suzanne Hillinger discuss their work on Totally Under Control. About the film: TOTALLY UNDER CONTROL – Official Trailer Learn more here: https://neonrated.com/films/totally-under-control Our Episode Guests: Filmmaker Alex Gibney Filmmaker Alex Gibney won the Oscar in 2008 for Taxi to the Dark Side, an…
It was a pleasure recording the next episode of The Ask with Oscar winning filmmaker Alex Gibney, Suzanne Hillinger, and Ophelia Harutyunyan. I am looking forward to sharing our discussion about their important feature documentary TOTALLY UNDER CONTROL soon!
I feel truly honored to have this opportunity to interview Suzanne Hillinger, Ophelia Harutyunyan and Alex Gibney about their important work on Totally Under Control on The Ask podcast this Sunday.
Next up on The Ask this December. Alex Gibney, Suzanne Hillinger and Ophelia Harutyunyan discussing their work on the groundbreaking investigative documentary, Totally Under Control. A feature length documentary that asks one simple, haunting question: What if the US government had done its job?
In this episode of The Ask filmmaker Saeed Taji Farouky discusses his work on Strange Cities Are Not Familiar and the South London Gallery Film School You can watch the film for free here: Learn more about the South London Gallery Film School here: https://www.southlondongallery.org/education/recreative/ Our Episode Guest: Filmmaker Saeed Taji Farouky Saeed Taji Farouky…
The next episode of The Ask with Saeed Taji Farouky / @saeedtaji is well into post-production. Looking forward to publishing episode 5 soon. ^_^ #theaskpod #SaeedTajiFarouky
It was a pleasure having filmmaker Saeed Taji Farouky over on The Ask. We’re looking forward to sharing our discussion about his film, Strange Cities Are Familiar, and his work on the SLG Film School soon!
In this episode of The Ask filmmaker Nick Quested discusses his work on Blood on the Wall About the film: Blood On The Wall | Trailer Learn more here: https://films.nationalgeographic.com/blood-on-the-wall Our Episode Guest: Filmmaker Nick Quested Nick Quested is executive director and owner of Goldcrest Films, where he has built one of the world’s premiere…
Here on The Ask we are very excited to interview Oscar nominated filmmaker Nick Quested about his latest feature documentary: BLOOD ON THE WALL for National Geographic Channel. Look out for our next podcast soon and be sure to check out the documentary here: https://films.nationalgeographic.com/blood-on-the-wall