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Club Random with Bill Maher · August 17, 2026 · 1h 17m

Max Amini | Club Random with Bill Maher

Max Amini

Bill Maher chats with Iranian-American comedian Max Amini about growing up as the 'American kid' in post-revolution Iran, enduring bullying and the cultural divide between his heritage and his identity. Max shares his father's Sufi philosophy that 'our religion is love,' the complicated legacy of the Shah, and how life under the religious regime shaped generations of Iranians. The two trade stories about their complicated relationships with faith, and Max recounts the Jay Leno origin story that launched his career along with the best advice he ever received: 'It's never too late, but it always could be too early.'

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Highlights

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American Kid in Iran
Max Amini grew up as the 'American kid' in Iranian schools, where he was bullied and whispered he was American while classmates chanted 'Death to America.'
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Father's Sufi Belief: Religion Is Love
Max shares his father’s Sufi teaching that 'our religion is love,' contrasting with more orthodox interpretations of Islam.
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Iran's Complicated Legacy
Max discusses his complicated relationship with Iran, touching on the Shah’s legacy and the impact of the religious regime on generations of Iranians.
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It’s Never Too Late, But It Always Could Be Too Early
Max recounts his Jay Leno origin story and the best advice he received: 'It’s never too late, but it always could be too early.'
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Editorial

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Bill Maher's Church Anxiety
Bill Maher admits he still gets sweaty palms when walking into a church, despite his outspoken atheism.
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Misc

✧Max Amini was bullied at school in Iran, and while classmates chanted 'Death to America,' he would whisper to himself 'I'm American.'
✧Max's father, a Sufi, taught him that 'our religion is love.'
✧Best career advice Max received: 'It's never too late, but it always could be too early.'
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