Not as interesting without Aimen

My husband and I love listening to Aimen Dean tell whatever story he had chosen to tell. His voice and choice of words are spot on and the imaging he creates helps tell the story. We have listened to about 75% of his podcasts!

I just came across this podcast and I am hooked! Even better, can binge all these seasons since I am so late to find this gem. I love their chemistry and enjoy Aimen Dean's sense of humor.

Unfortunately, I had to change my 5 star review (giving 2 stars because I still love the content) due to my horrible experience with subscribing. I subscribed through Apple Podcasts and payed $4.99/mo for several months but although my new feed said “SUBSCRIBER FEED”, it gave me no extra episodes and still cut off the free episodes halfway through and told me to subscribe for the full episode. I then tried to subscribe through the Conflicted/supporting cast website and there was only an option to pay in euro. I emailed the help desk and explained that I’m already a paying subscriber but I would cancel through Apple and sign up through the website if needed and they told me unless I pay 4.99 euro I cannot get the subscriber feed. Sooo what have I been paying for then with my $4.99 usd/mo? They also couldn’t answer basic questions like if my usd would be automatically converted to euro. A lot of “I can’t answer that”. They also couldn’t answer simple questions about how to access discord etc. once subscribed. With how much it’s advertised (multiple times an episode), you’d think they’d have figured out the basics by now. Sadly I cancelled.

What do you do? I work for PBS. Oh, so you beg for a living. This old joke reminds me of Conflicted. It’s ad supported, which is ok, but recent episodes are interrupted with the host saying “You’re naughty, you haven’t given me money.” He must have begun his sorry career working for the DMV. It’s pathetic, especially as the content used to be good, until he started beginning and interrupting episodes begging for money. Pathetic

These guys are a couple of polymaths. I came to get an honest perspective on Islamism, and I’ve been treated to eye opening perspectives and insights. I’m completely addicted.

…and their future predictions are the ramblings of a scared child. But the historical episodes are thorough and insightful. The host is ok when he sticks to hosting, but his dad jokes are beyond all, more like crazy uncle jokes. They act like they have all the answers, but when it comes time to hear them, it’s downtown crazy town every time. Their solution to everything is to put a king in charge of every Middle Eastern country — problem solved. This is what happens when you let the unmedicated have a podcast.

I have binged listened the entire podcast and now am going back and dissecting each episode. So good!! And just like Aimen said: relax and try to listen! Don’t bring your judgement into this but I guess it’s very hard for a certain dear listener, who has certain ideology which is hard to break free from. Never did I hear a calling for destruction of Palestinian state. Perhaps some dear listeners are listening a different podcast with a different calling. Keep these coming!!!

This is the most critically well thought out discussion on a topic that is so complex on so many levels. I love the questions Thomas asks and the brutally honest answers from Aimen. I have so much respect for Aimen to have made the moral and intellectually honest choices he did at such a young age. Well done podcast.

Been listening to them since day 1! Love the genuine friendship between the hosts and resulting thoughtful and informative conversation from different viewpoint and upbringings. Unfortunately now most of that content is only teased and requires 3rd party paid subscriptions. Many podcasts are going this route and It is understandable. But also many podcasts have clear disclaimers in the intro or the title that you are only listening to a teaser snippet. Just a warning for anyone who stumbled upon this and are hoping to binge listen! I hope they will soon be upfront on the content they are sharingThere should be a bit more clarity on this (at least in the Apple Podcast platform).

I started listening shortly after the events on October 7 2023. I have always searched for a “neutral source” to help explain the simmering molten lava that is the Middle East. I did not want to listen to more of the same garbage we’ve been fed over the decades. What grabbed my interest in this podcast was the absolute willingness to delve into history, without being beholden to “political correctness”. A frank discussion is desperately needed this day and age. The hosts, and their experiences, are so spellbinding. I am recommending this to everyone I know, and so far they have not been disappointed.

I honestly been listening to this podcast for years. I have accepted that I do not always agree with the host view of the situation. I often disagreed but still appreciated their willingness to engage with each other and their audience. During the last few months, Aimen has turned into a true monster. Spouting awful tweets and speaking unforgivably about the conflict. He should have just stayed in Al-Qaeda. He would have done less damage.

I used to listen to this show religiously (pun slightly intended) and readily signed up as a subscriber especially for the ad-free perk. Unfortunately, the subscriber podcast has become pervasive with advertising and the episodes are few and far between. Would love to support again if this can be improved.

Aiken Dean is the Arab version of an Unvle Tom, this is a completely Israeli/western perspective being pushed forward by Israeli puppets. Worst podcast about the Middle East I have yet to hear. Negative stars I’d possible

If you actually want to learn about the Middle East and not just engage in mindless moralizing, invest the time to listen to this podcast. It is time very well spent.

I can’t believe it took me this long to figure out that guy is a complete monster. Literally cheering on the bombing of Yemen. Absolutely sick.

conflicted thoughts.

I would give this 5 stars if it was Aimen Dean alone on the podcast. He provides a factual, well researched analysis of modern history in the Middle East in a way that beginners in the world of geo-politics can understand. Thomas Smalls on the other hand, while very knowledgeable, comes off arrogant and harps on Aimen Deans past to an annoying degree. His addition to the podcast is the pinnacle of American men in academia. His reactionary response to the 10/7 attacks, and spreading of disinformation were particularly off putting and make me ponder the factual nature of other episodes.

I listened to “What was Hamas Thinking” when many of us, im sure, we’re trying to more wholly understand the history of Israel and Palestine. I was genuinely horrified by the lack of humanity and compassion offered to Palestinians in the episode, as well as the reporting of unverified (and later debunked) information. A huge disappointment.

I've listened so far with great enthusiasm. And learned a lot. Selective generosity in criticisms against Palestinians and condescending view making me leave this show. I don't trust your conscience anymore. So long co-host.

I recommend this podcast to anyone looking to grow their knowledge of the Middle East. An orthodox Christian and a former jihadi don’t sound like the perfect pair for a podcast, but they are.

So glad I’ve been listening to these two men for a while because today their insight has never been more important!

Eye-opening, intelligent, and a meaningful way to learn about the dynamics of the Middle East and geo-politics in the region.

Thank you

Good overall but some variability in quality.

I’ve learn about the Middle East from this podcast. It is so well explained by these two highly educated gentleman

Journalism and accountability at their finest. Aimen has an extraordinary ability to deliver his fascinating stories, and Tom has the absolute best questions and follow up commentary.

Very much looking forward to season 4!

I am enjoying the podcast; however, Thomas Small’s refusal to call the people of Palestine, Palestinian, reeks of erasure. He constantly refers to “Arabs” or “Muslims”. They are Palestinian, and they are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, atheist and many other religions. Why are you so scared to say Palestinian Thomas? Do better.

“Dear listeners” this podcast is awesome - so informative and helpful in understanding the history and different perspectives of so many important conflicts that affect our world today. “Indeed!” I love it!

One of the best podcasts ever! 10/10 recommend.

This has blown me away. Holistic understanding and insight coupled with the clear and compelling articulation of all of the things that make the goings on in the Middle East so complex and influential on a global stage. Thank you!!

Aimen makes up “facts” about current military capabilities and Thomas naively believes them.

This podcast WAS one of my favorite podcast finds of this year, it breaks down very complicated topics with an expert perspective/ BUT the more I listen the more I see certain problems. It would be good to have a discussion of the status of human rights for women in Afghanistan — there have been two episodes about what the US did wrong and what it should have done — but without actually talking about human rights. That felt like an enormous strange blindspot, but the discussion was fascinating, no biggie. More problematic was the discussion of Uygurs. First of all, the alternative facts narrative with no supporting evidence, made me VERY uncomfortable. Like very very uncomfortable, to the point I kind of lost interesting in listening. How are you just going to say something isn’t a genocide and the media is presenting the wrong facts and not provide any follow up or sources?? I am a professional fact checker — but I think you don’t have to be to find that weird. So I feel like human suffering or atrocities can feel like an afterthought in the stories or even downplayed… . Yes there is a lot of interesting material but because the story is presented without the human element, sometimes you don’t really feel it’s helped you understand.

I like Thomas and his detours into Middle Ages really informative

I really enjoy these podcasts

Captures the joy of learning, breaking complex subject a down into (usually) linear sagas, non partisan yet still funny, insightful, and strangely compassionate. Must listen.

Not a fan of the ad choice

The degree of awareness on the why and subsequently the how and the who is astonishing. I’ve realized we are “conflicted” due the basis of actions of all humans, from citizens to governing class, all feel they have a foundation for truth for the things they do, no matter how noble or horrible they may be.

Never have I listened to such refreshingly honest commentary on the international conflicts of our times. Love the vibe/rapport between the hosts, their extra reading recommendations, and of course the inside information most of which, unfortunately, we don’t come across in media. Thank you for making the show, I cannot wait for more.

Fantastic podcast. Sharp, erudite, balanced gentlemen with real experience provide a look behind the geopolitical curtain from outside the American lens. All while exhibiting great charisma and chemistry. Absolutely top notch.

Am learning a great deal and highly recommend. The hosts know their material and have pleasant voices and don’t waste time.

This podcast is incredibly enlightening!! Anyone who has lived their adult life through this never ending war on terror needs to listen to this!

Wow, I can’t stop listening…. Need more episodes guys come on. Even turned my parents on to your podcast 🙌🏽 I had to come back and edit my review. I’m so happy season 3 is here, I truly enjoy your show, keep it up!

Season 1 was good info but since the hosts pro military position is skewing the reality of what’s happening in the areas and conflicts they talk about.

This is one of the best podcasts you will find if you have any interest in history, global events, politics, religion, communities, or even human psychology. It is very, very well scripted and very well produced. Listen to 'Conflicted' with your own level of "salt", but hold on to a desire to understand various points of view; you will not be disappointed.

Learned more from this podcast than ANY history class...not just history but culture and reasons for events. So good if you have any interest in what is happening in the Middle East!

Everyone who has a voice or a vote in a country that is involved with the Middle East conflicts should listen to this podcast. Twice. I thought I had a reasonably good understanding of everything going on in the region but I knew nothing. Sooo thankful for this show.

Wow! Absolutely the best,brilliant and honest knowledge about the middle east!

To learn information about the situation in the Middle East from someone who was actually a part of al qaeda is something I never thought I would get to experience. It is very interesting to see how Aimen joined a movement like that and got in for the right reason, only to leave when the movement took a turn to conduct the same types of actions aimen joined up to prevent. You are a good person and you are full of great information that Americans can NOT obtain through typical media outlets. Please keep producing content. I have listened to everything you have in conflicted so far. If there is another outlet I can get other content from either of you let us know.