GENXZ With John Achkar

The Beirut Banyan

GENXZ wraps up its first season with comedian John Achkar in a conversation that covers his personal journey from student-led politics to stand-up comedy, free expression that takes the written word on stage, the comfort & healing of performance-based art, & the importance of following your passion & pursuit no matter the cost. The episode includes a reflection of this Friday’s third commemoration of the August 4, 2020 port blast, October 17 & March 14 uprisings in retrospect, & the sensitivity to humor when justice remains elusive. Click to watch video version: https://youtu.be/5DKE6gKQZeA Help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/walkbeirut Or donating through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thebeirutbanyan Subscribe to our podcast from your preferred platform. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @thebeirutbanyan Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 8:30 Childhood 14:48 Power through words 20:10 Politics to comedy 27:10 Leaving Lebanese Forces 32:23 Earlier words & potential offense 39:23 Communication 43:23 Healing through humor 51:43 August 4 1:02:18 EverythinK 1:06:58 Outro