Thanks for a truly eye-opening podcast. Keep up the good work!

Excellent and informative -always thought I had good insight into Islamist terror and the geopolitics of the Middle East, however this podcast has given me a fresh perspective on several issues; the episode covering the Yemeni civil war in particular is eye opening. Hopefully a 2nd to follow.

The most educational audio I have listened to on current Middle East affairs

Very informative podcast hosted excellently by Aimen Dean and Thomas Small. Please do more.

These guys bring such depth and insight to this often simplified topic. 'It's all about oil' is a phrase we have heard for 15 years but there is so much more to it than that and these 2 hosts tell you why.

Initially listened after seeing the podcast on the recommended listening list. Found the first episode a little chaotic, but the subject matter enthralling and continued to listen for the rest of the season.

The episodes are loosely centred around areas of historical intrigue within the modern troubles within the Middle East. However, there isn’t a coherent tangent to follow as they jump from anecdote to anecdote.

My main issue centres around the host Thomas Small and his lack of seriousness in the interview. I haven’t subscribed to hear where he was on 9/11 or his personal history but to direct Aimen into spinning a web of separate coherent and interesting stories. And I think Thomas did a very poor job of this. Also his consistent slagging off of American politics said more of his lack of professionalism than any political savviness.

All in all, I think there has a lot of potential for a second series if they find an alternate host able to construct a deeper story. The NYT podcast Caliphate is definitely one to take inspiration from.

Fascinating and important descriptions of this part of our history / present. I learnt such a lot and listened to some episodes more than once to make sure I understood everything!

I have listened to hundreds of podcast and this is honestly one of the best I have ever heard. Such important history that we all need to know about as we are living it right now.

Very interesting and insightful podcast. The only problem is that it is a little too chaotic and disorganized. Perhaps it’s because of the short time but not much gets concluded.

Having listened to the first four episodes this podcast is fascinating. If it can keep up this pace this could become a classic.

Very interesting and fascinating stuff!

What an extraordinary duo that tell the most fascinating, insight and balanced stories around this tricky subject

Ayman Deen explains the world view of the Islamists and secular and religious leaders in the middle east. Enthralling.

Fascinating. Fills in so many gaps

Having lived in Arabia and having studied international relations at university, this podcast provides a level of insight and clarity that is rarely given, even by the ‘experts’ we are told to read or any of my lecturers. Keep up the great work!

If you are in anyway interested in September 11th, it's causes, the aftermath then I urge you to listen. This podcast is not just compelling but genuinely touches the heart.

A brilliantly informative podcast that really gives you a proper perspective on a war and movement that effects us all

Brilliant podcast hosted by two eloquent and knowledgeable people with insightful, first hand and clearly well researched discussions. Recommended!

I really enjoyed the first 2 episodes and can’t wait for more. It is fascinating to hear an inside account.

Fascinating stuff

Extremely informative with their discussion, and an important view which I've never seen been explored. Already recommded it to several people!!

Brilliant, absolutely brilliant.

Fantastic podcast, incredibly insightful. Two very intelligent men shedding light on a subject that is so deeply private. Definitely would recommend.

The podcast is an insight into the Middle East of the last decades from two presenters who might be described as charming story tellers.

My one problem is that the two men are, at times, zealous in their presentation of their interpretation of history. This is seen in a few factual errors. For instance where it is said that Rambo III ended with the dedication "to the brave men of the mujahideen". In reality, the film always carried the dedication "to the gallant people of Afghanistan." Or in their discussion of the infamous letter sent by the think tank, the Project for the New American Century to Presidemnt Clinto,n advocating for a more hard-line approach to Iraq at the turn of the 21st century. The two men suggested a number of people signed the letter who, in fact, never did. One example being Condoleezza Rice. Things like this might suggest the presenters are a little too zealous in pursuing their interpretation of history.

Nevertheless, the podcast is another fascinatng perspective from presenters who have vast and intimate knowledge of this area.

Message Heard has set a new standard for outstanding storytelling. The high production values and compelling subject matter combine to create an utterly brilliant podcast. Bring on the next episode!

Great podcast. Very interesting take on a complex area. Never thought i would hear about 9/11 from the persepctive of someone instide Al queda!

Such fresh and nuanced insight into a complicated and seemingly impenetrable subject. Love the pairing of the two co hosts who compliment each other well. They meet in this common ground from backgrounds and experiences of polar opposites but have a real rapport and spark off each other.

Well structured and easy to follow - can’t wait to hear the next episode and learn more! Special mention for the American presenter’s voice which I could listen to all day...

Two incredibly interesting and articulate guides to a poorly understood area. Highly recommended

It was fascinating to hear Aimen’s story, a truly interesting character. Definitely one of the best podcasts I have heard, it is excellently produced and I wish Message Heard all the best in its career as it is new on to the podcast scene. I can’t wait to hear more podcasts from you!