Maysoon Zayid

Inquire to book Maysoon: ⁠https://www.caa.com/caaspeakers/maysoon-zayid/⁠ Support Maysoon's Work Amplifying Disabled Voices: https://app.thefield.org/home/donation/general/622112/0 For more information, please send Maysoon a DM @maysoonzayid 🎙️ In this episode of the Sumud Podcast, we sit down with comedian, actress, author, and activist Maysoon Zayid for a powerful conversation on identity, resilience, representation, and survival. From growing up as a Palestinian Muslim woman with cerebral palsy in New Jersey to breaking barriers in comedy and becoming a leading disability advocate, she reflects on the experiences that shaped her voice. Through humor and sharp social commentary, she discusses Hollywood, stereotypes, discrimination, and the realities facing Arab communities today, and why dignity and truth matter more than ever. 🌍 Maysoon Zayid is a comedian, actress, writer, and disability advocate. She is a graduate of Arizona State University, and a current Georgetown Qatar fellow. She has taught at Princeton University and NYU. Maysoon is the co-founder/co-executive producer of the New York Arab American Comedy Festival and the Muslim Funny Fest. Her Ted Talk, “I Got 99 Problems...Palsy is Just One,” has been translated into 42 languages, and was one of the most popular talks of 2014. As a professional comedian, Maysoon has sold out top New York City clubs and has toured extensively at home and abroad. She was a headliner on the Arabs Gone Wild comedy tour and the Together Live tour. Maysoon has collaborated with Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Famer Dave Matthews, and was a consultant for Disney. Maysoon had a recurring role on General Hospital, has limped in New York Fashion Week, tap-danced on Broadway, and is an ambassador for Huda Beauty. She is the author of the bestselling memoir Find Another Dream and the award-winning Scholastic graphic novel, Shiny Misfits. Learn more at Maysoon.com. 🔑 In this conversation, we explore - Maysoon’s journey growing up Palestinian, Muslim, and disabled in America - How comedy became a tool for resistance, healing, and storytelling - The story behind her viral TED Talk and rise to global attention - Breaking barriers in Hollywood and the entertainment industry - The challenges of navigating identity, safety, and public life - The pressures of assimilation and preserving cultural identity in America - Why humor can be one of the most powerful forms of truth-telling Sponsored by The Karate Attorney (@karateattorney) fighting for justice inside and outside the courtroom. Visit KarateAttorney.com 🎬 Full episode on https://sumudpod.com 📲 Follow @dredhasan | @sumudpod | @maysoonzayid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legendary comedian Maysoon Zayid had an ABC deal to develop a sitcom based on her life as a Palestinian woman with cerebral palsy. She walked away rather than let Hollywood turn her vision into racist, ableist, and misogynistic caricature. We also talk accommodations, the disability tax for artists, and being disabled in a war zone. @bubblepeoplepodcast on Instagram and Tiktok Music by Wheelchair Sports Camp Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Do4E2OE2k3PdeICzGGe_Bintx6NjXVvCDxVYZfrDg-c/edit?usp=share_link Maysoon's graphic novel Shiny Misfits: https://www.amazon.com/Shiny-Misfits-Graphic-Maysoon-Zayid/dp/1338752502 x

Comedian, actress, writer, and disability advocate Maysoon Zayid brings laughter, honesty, and heart to every stage she steps on. From co-founding the New York Arab American Comedy Festival to delivering one of the most-viewed TED Talks of all time, Maysoon has built a career on turning challenge into charm and advocacy into art. In this conversation, she shares how humor became her superpower, the lessons her parents taught her about joy and grit, and why she created Shiny Misfits, a graphic novel that gives kids a hero who looks and lives like them. With her trademark wit, Maysoon reminds us that inclusion isn’t charity, it’s common sense. Watch to hear how this unstoppable force proves her mantra true: If I can can, you can can.

Maysoon Zayid doesn’t just tell jokes—she breaks barriers. In this episode of Tarwida, the trailblazing comedian, writer, and disability advocate talks about navigating the world as a disabled Palestinian woman in such critical times. With her signature wit and raw honesty, Maysoon reminds us that laughter can be a powerful weapon—and that some things are too important not to joke about. This episode is hosted by Afaf Shawwa. Tarwida’s lead producer is Tala Elissa. Our executive producer is Zina Jardaneh. Social media by Leen Karadsheh. Research and copywriting by Nadia Roeske. Branding by Sara Sukhun. Theme music includes excerpts from Clarissa Bitar , The Popular Art Centre - مركز الفن الشعبي & Rim Banna. This episode was recorded on December 21st, 2024. Tarwida is a series of conversations that bring Palestinian arts, culture and heritage to the forefront. We hear from artists including writers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, culinary practitioners and more about their very own Palestine. In a nutshell, if you want to know more about (Creative) Palestine, this is the place to be. Follow us on @tarwidapodcast If you have been listening to the Tarwida Podcast, we want to know who you are, hear your thoughts and feedback. We welcome any suggestions for next guests or topics! Help us understand you better by filling this short survey linked below, it won’t take more than 5 minutes. We promise you a coffee next time we see you. Thank you! -- Relevant links and Resources: Follow Maysoon Zayid on Instagram @maysoonzayid Watch Maysoon’s 2014 Ted Talk Buy Shiny Misfits through Amazon Listen to Shiny Misfits on Audible Follow Dean Obediallah on Instagram @deanobeidallah Learn more about the history behind New York’s Arab American Comedy Festival Book Maysoon for your event or workshop through this link The views and opinions expressed by guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the points of view of the Tarwida Podcast, its hosts, or its team. While we value open dialogue and diverse perspectives, these conversations are not an endorsement or representation of our personal opinions.

Join Maysoon Zayid as she discusses humor, disability rights, and the resilience of Palestinian identity during a conversation filled with heart and laughter amid conflict. This show is made possible by you! Our year end goal is to raise $50,000, and we are half way there. To become a member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support! Description: Israel’s US-backed war on Gaza has been a mass disabling event. Today’s guest says we must create a “viable, accessible future” for the disabled Palestinians we have failed. Maysoon Zayid is a comedian, Princeton Fellow, and unapologetic voice for both disability rights and Palestinian identity. A fierce advocate with cerebral palsy, Zaid proves that the most powerful messages often come from unexpected places and are filled with laughter. She’s lost tens of thousands of dollars of contracts for her views, she says, but that hasn’t stopped her “making funny during a genocide” on social media all year. And she’s shown her followers her home village in Palestine — the best place on earth, she says, despite the onslaught of oppression and violence that her people have endured. Maysoon co-founded the New York Arab American Comedy Festival and the Muslim Funny Fest. Her viral Ted Talk, “I Got 99 Problems...Palsy is Just One,” has been translated into 42 languages, and was one of the most popular talks of 2014. She’s the author of “Shiny Misfits”, the new graphic novel that tells the story of Bay Ann, a disabled girl and her cat friend that rock star Dave Matthews narrates for the audiobook. In this conversation filled with heart and humor, hear how comedy shines a light on injustice and serves as a voice of resistance. All that, plus a commentary from Laura on human shields. “As a disabled kid, I liked Palestine a lot more than Jersey . . . I was the only visibly disabled kid in my school growing up. But in Palestine there were other disabled kids and disability wasn't shunned. It wasn't mocked, it wasn't bullied. I grew up in a society that very much believed that disability was a natural part of life . . .” - Maysoon Zayid “I've always used comedy to humanize and educate on disability. And this is the moment because the future of Palestine is disabled and between life and death, there's disability. I don't think it's better to be dead than to be disabled. I want us to create a viable, accessible future for this cohort of human beings that we have failed in the present.” - Maysoon Zayid Guest: Maysoon Zayid : Comedian & Disability Advocate; Author, Shiny Misfits Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon Music In the Middle: "Purpose Love" by Jhelisa, released on Dorado Records . And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear. Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes: • “The Future is Disabled”: Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha. Watch / Download Podcast and Full Conversation • Anita Cameron & Keith Jones on The Americans with Disabilities Act: A Civil Rights Milesto

Description: Israel’s US-backed war on Gaza has been a mass disabling event. Today’s guest says we must create a “viable, accessible future” for the disabled Palestinians we have failed. Maysoon Zayid is a comedian, Princeton Fellow, and unapologetic voice for both disability rights and Palestinian identity. A fierce advocate with cerebral palsy, Zaid proves that the most powerful messages often come from unexpected places and are filled with laughter. She’s lost tens of thousands of dollars of contracts for her views, she says, but that hasn’t stopped her “making funny during a genocide” on social media all year. And she’s shown her followers her home village in Palestine — the best place on earth, she says, despite the onslaught of oppression and violence that her people have endured. Maysoon co-founded the New York Arab American Comedy Festival and the Muslim Funny Fest. Her viral Ted Talk, “I Got 99 Problems...Palsy is Just One,” has been translated into 42 languages, and was one of the most popular talks of 2014. She’s the author of “Shiny Misfits”, the new graphic novel that tells the story of Bay Ann, a disabled girl and her cat friend that rock star Dave Matthews narrates for the audiobook. In this conversation filled with heart and humor, hear how comedy shines a light on injustice and serves as a voice of resistance. All that, plus a commentary from Laura on human shields. “As a disabled kid, I liked Palestine a lot more than Jersey . . . I was the only visibly disabled kid in my school growing up. But in Palestine there were other disabled kids and disability wasn't shunned. It wasn't mocked, it wasn't bullied. I grew up in a society that very much believed that disability was a natural part of life . . .” - Maysoon Zayid “I've always used comedy to humanize and educate on disability. And this is the moment because the future of Palestine is disabled and between life and death, there's disability. I don't think it's better to be dead than to be disabled. I want us to create a viable, accessible future for this cohort of human beings that we have failed in the present.” - Maysoon Zayid Guest: Maysoon Zayid : Comedian & Disability Advocate; Author, Shiny Misfits RESOURCES: Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes: • “The Future is Disabled”: Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha. Watch / Download Podcast and Full Conversation • Anita Cameron & Keith Jones on The Americans with Disabilities Act: A Civil Rights Milestone With Miles To Go. Watch • Amanda Seales Takes the Heat: Speaking Out About Gaza & Hollywood. Watch / Download Podcast and Full Conversation Related Articles and Resources: • “ Shiny Misfits” Maysoon’s graphic novel and audio version available from Audible featuring the v

This week, you’ll meet Maysoon Zayid: comedian, bestselling author, and self-proclaimed "lost Kardashian" who's turning pain into laughter and shaking up the world's expectations of disability. With the wit of a standup comic and the wisdom of a sage, Maysoon introduces us to her latest creation - the graphic novel " Shiny Misfits " - and shows us how to shine in a world that often tries to dim our lights. In this episode, Maysoon opens up about working on her audiobook with Dave Matthews (!!), the challenges of marketing a children's book during a global crisis, the complexities of representation, and why she believes ugly kids deserve to live too (not just the cuties!). With equal parts humor and fierceness, she reminds us that especially in the darkest times, we need laughter, glitter eyeshadow, and a shoulder to lean on. So grab your favorite cat (magical or otherwise), settle in, and prepare to be inspired by the shining force that is Maysoon Zayid. This episode is guaranteed to leave you laughing, thinking, and ready to unleash your own inner misfit on the world. 5 Uplifting Lessons from Maysoon Zayid Shine unapologetically: Don't hide your differences - they're what make you unique and powerful. Create the world you want to see: If you don't see yourself represented, be the one to change that narrative. Embrace the complexity of life: It's okay to acknowledge both pain and privilege, struggles and successes. Use humor as a force for change: Laughter can be a powerful tool for addressing serious issues and connecting with others. Keep hope alive, even in dark times: Find ways to create beauty, laughter, and love, no matter the circumstances. The Great Web of Uplifters Maysoon was nominated by Danyell Flowers . Today’s opening features Ari DeGrote . Maysoon Zayid Maysoon Zayid is a comedian, best selling author, Princeton Fellow, and disability advocate. She had the most viewed TED Talk of 2014 and is the author of Shiny Misfits , a graphic novel published by Scholastic. The Uplifters website Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Kindness Is Pod, host Kaitlin Johnstone sits down with the multi-talented Maysoon Zayid, a comedian, actress, writer, and disability advocate. As a graduate of Arizona State University and a Princeton fellow, Maysoon's journey is as inspiring as it is diverse. From her role as co-executive producer of the New York Arab American Comedy Festival to her recent venture into authorship with her first graphic novel, "Shiny Misfits," Maysoon discusses the intersections of humor, advocacy, and storytelling. Join Kaitlin and Maysoon as they delve into the importance of representation, the power of community, and the ongoing fight for equality. Grab Maysoon's graphic novel Shiny Misfits at www.shinymisfits.com Quotes "I always joke that if there was an Olympics for oppression, I would win a gold medal because I'm Palestinian. I'm Muslim, I'm a woman of color, and divorced; I'm disabled; I'm from New Jersey." "Do what you can do. Some people cannot donate to support feeding children, and Kind Cotton is feeding the minds of local children." "True kindness, are you ready? is cats." "The whole point being, that's not why I'm doing it. And I think that it was really fun writing a disabled character who had friends, not because they were told to be her friend or they were gonna get a Game Boy, but because you either wanted to be her best friend or you're terrified of her." "To do nothing and say, 'It's not my business,' that is where you've lost your humanity." "The majority of people just love the book. They think it's funny. They're like, 'I see myself in this character, that character.'" "I absolutely hate the way disabled characters, whether it's more invisible or neurological or mobility, the way that we are shown in media, not just children's media, all media." "If you love comic books and you've never given two hoots about politics or Muslims or anything, you're gonna love this book." Connect with us on social media: Kind Cotton Instagram Kind Cotton TikTok Full Transcript: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2247/9287/files/Kindness_Is_Podcast_with_Maysoon_2024-04-03_09_15_GMT-4_-_Transcript.docx?v=1713106953

Maysoon Zayid , Palestinian comedian, actress, graphic novel author and co-creator of the NY Arab-American Comedy Festival, joins us on the afikra podcast to talk all things comedy, Palestine, Arab-America, and advocating for the disabled community. Maysoon talks about how she grew up to be the confident, unapologetic, publicly Palestinian comedian we know and love today. She gives us an insight into the world of comedy: from testing new material, getting bored of making fun of Donald Trump, and being vilified as an Arab comedian in the United States. Finally, she tells us about her upcoming graphic novel "Shiny Misfits". Maysoon Zayid is a Palestinian comedian, actress, writer and disability advocate who was born and raised in New Jersey. She is the co-founder and co-executive producer of the New York Arab American Comedy Festival and The Muslim Funny Fest. Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna Follow and Rate The Afikra Podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Anghami , and YouTube The afikra Podcast is a part of The Afikra Podcast Network About afikra | عفكرة: We are a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity. ⚡ Become a member today . Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb FOLLOW & RATE THE AFIKRA PODCAST: » Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/the-afikra-podcast/id1529437743 » Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nafoF1Zs7F48mGZjlhrze » Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1014643869 THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5xaTkBDrUKLCulvoCE8ubX&feature=shared ABOUT AFIKRA afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity. 📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters 🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts ⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership 🔗 Instagram: <a href="https://www.i

What would you do if your historic talent show performance was upstaged by GASP your crush!? And further what would you do if your "crush" then started telling people he saved you because of your disability!? This is the premise for the fantastic book 'Shiny Misfits' writen by Maysoon Zayid. Maysoon joins the podcast today to share the background on writing this particular book and emphasizes the continued importantance of representation in children's books. Enjoy! About Maysoon Zayid Maysoon Zayid is a comedian, actress, writer, and disability advocate. She is a graduate of Arizona State University and a Princeton Fellow. Maysoon is the co-founder/co-executive producer of the New York Arab American Comedy Festival and The Muslim Funny Fest. She was a full-time On Air Contributor to Countdown with Keith Olbermann and a columnist for The Daily Beast. She has appeared on 60 Minutes, CNN, ABC News, and Oprah Winfrey Networks. Maysoon had the most viewed TED Talk of 2014 and was thrilled to collaborate with Huda Beauty. As a professional comedian, Maysoon has sold out top New York clubs and has toured extensively at home and abroad. She was a headliner on the Arabs Gone Wild Comedy Tour and The Together Live Tour. Maysoon appeared alongside Adam Sandler in You Don't Mess With the Zohan and has written for Glamour magazine. She limped in New York Fashion Week and is a recurring character on General Hospital. She is the author of the best-selling memoir Find Another Dream and is collaborating with Scholastic on her debut comic book Shiny Misfits. About 'Shiny Misfits' A sparkling story about friendship, fame, and fighting to write your own narrative, SHINY MISFITS spotlights Bay Ann, a young Arab American Muslim girl with two tap shoes and a dream of the stage who, despite her awe-inspiring routine is reduced to her disability—cerebral palsy—after her wobble on stage goes viral. Bay Ann refuses to have her talent cast aside and teams up with her best friends to take her power back… while getting into a few capers along the way. Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website! Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast! Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload. With toys and action figures from the 70's, 80's, 90's, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale) Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast: Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life! At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care. Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com The DTALKS Podcast has also been ranked #9 in the "Top 40 Detox Podcas

I used a wordplay about delivering jokes. Then, I used a quote by Josh Blue about understanding disabilities and his cerebral palsy. Next, I talked about comedian, actress and disability advocate, Maysoon Zayid. She did a TED Talk in 2014, “I got 99 problems… palsy is just one.” In this week's RITE OF PASSAGE EXPERIENCES or ROPE, I talked about some of the healing rituals of Maysoon discussed at TED. I also talked about some of the common disability labels people get tagged with. Episode resources Whether you know it or not, when you leave one of my shows, you have a different understanding... https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/josh_blue_1183220 I got 99 problems... palsy is just one | Maysoon Zayid https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLIB0Z1GcbA Maysoon - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maysoon - Maysoon Zayid https://maysoon.com/ Maysoon Zayid: Should Humor Make Us Uncomfortable? : NPR https://www.npr.org/2017/03/24/520942616/maysoon-zayid-should-humor-make-us-uncomfortable I got 99 problems…palsy is just one | Easterseals Blog https://blog.easterseals.com/i-got-99-problems-palsy-is-just-one/ Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month https://www.cerebralpalsyguide.com/blog/celebrating-national-cerebral-palsy-awareness-month-2022/ THE Cerebral Podcast Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/110869288937879 Rob Targos (@RobTargos) / Twitter https://twitter.com/RobTargos LinkedIn / Rob Targos https://www.linkedin.com/in/robtargos/

Maysoon Zayid is a comedienne, actress, writer, disability advocate, and tap dancer. She is also a Doriva, which you'll find out about during the podcast. We decided to go with the flow with this one, so jump on in and give it a listen. We discuss: Maysoon's Daughter of Change mother and her boomerang slipper Her dad and how he had a way of making each kid think they were his favorite (which they didn't figure out until after he died) How Maysoon ended up in comedy How she has accomplished everything she said she would - even though she says she hasn't yet All the very cool projects Maysoon is currently involved in A bunch of other things And just exactly why she is a Doriva Links Mentioned: Maysoon's website Maysoon Zayid & Huda Beauty - The Power of the Smile Video Maysoon's Greatest Hits Maysoon on Twitter Maysoon on Instagram Maysoon on Facebook Follow Daughters of Change: Website: Facebook: Instagram LinkedIn Marie's LinkedIn: Daughters of Change Podcast Editor: Sarah Stacey Sarah's LinkedIn Profile