In an age where media often feels oversaturated, Nayeema Raza is boldly carving out a space for genuine curiosity and fearless inquiry through her podcast Smart Girl Dumb Questions. On this week’s FOMO Sapiens, Patrick J. McGinnis dives into Nayeema’s journey—from producing at top outlets like The New York Times to launching her own independent show. Nayeema shares how she’s turning “dumb” questions into an essential tool for sparking deep, meaningful conversations. This episode explores the art of creating content that isn’t just accessible but also thought-provoking—engaging everyone from astrophysicists to everyday individuals. They also dive into the challenges of building a digital media brand where AI isn’t just a threat but a tool. Nayeema’s ultimate mission is to democratize knowledge and prove that sometimes the simplest questions lead to the most profound insights.
Meet our guest:
Nayeema Raza is a trailblazing journalist, podcaster, and filmmaker whose work spans The New York Times, New York Magazine, and the Tribeca Film Festival. As the creator and host of the innovative podcast Smart Girl Dumb Questions, she tackles complex ideas through simple, often “dumb” questions—proving that curiosity is the key to unlocking deep truths. Nayeema is also a frequent guest moderator for NPR’s Open to Debate and has a long history of pioneering media projects, including On with Kara Swisher at Vox Media and Sway at The New York Times.
Her documentary filmmaking career includes projects for CBS All Access and the Tribeca Film Festival, with titles like Sublime and That Animal Rescue Show. Nayeema started her career in policy advising, working with governments in Libya, Jordan, and Vietnam. She holds an MBA from Stanford, an MPA from Harvard, and a BSFS from Georgetown, and she is fluent in multiple languages.
A passionate advocate for free expression, Nayeema is a member of several prestigious organizations, including the Council on Foreign Relations and PEN America. In 2024, she was named a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute.
For media and speaking requests, and to suggest a guest for the show, please email letsconnect@patrickmcginnis.com.
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