Richard McKinney tells Jon Bernthal about the moment his perspective on humanity changed

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Richard "Mac" McKinney is a US Military veteran who, after serving in the wake of 9/11, returned to his home town of Muncie, Indiana with a deep hatred for members of the Islamic community. Mac was so seated in his hatred that he devised a plan to build a bomb and blow up the Islamic Center in Muncie. During his initial "recon" mission to the center Mac intended to gather evidence of the evils of the religion and it's patrons, but instead came to find that they were "just plain pleasant" and after getting to know them and their religion more eventually converted to Islam and is now a devout Muslim. He is joined by Bibi Bahrami, the "Mother Teresa" of the Muncie Muslim community and one of the pivotal figures in Mac's adoption of the religion and it's ideals of peace and compassion.

[akhanddbangladesh]

8:51

1. “Say: O you disbelievers, "
2. “I worship not what you worship, "
3. “Nor do you worship Whom I worship, "
4. “Neither shall I worship what you worship, "
5. “Nor will you worship Whom I worship, "
6. “To you be your religion, and to me my religion.”

Surah Kafirun, Verses 1-6

[WestSideBarson]

African American Muslim from California. Was born Christian but converted two years ago in May.

[BenAhmed]

Even some of the Muslims forget the message in Surah Al-Kafiroon...Allah bless you Mac..

[williamboyle]

Jon has created his own lane in the podcast space.... Great conversation

[Spawn]

This should be movie and John should play him... I would watch the shit out of that.. ❤️💯

[abdullahalhathlol]

"O disbelievers I do not worship what you worship nor do you worship what I worship nor do I serve what you serve to you your religion, and to me my religion.”

[maxwendling]

Richard is a good friend of mine. I won’t toot my own horn, but I was a vet in trouble and he worked along side with my finance in Muncie. I told him I was in a bad place and I needed help. This dude devoted 4 freaking hours at a Perkins to help me. Every time I text him he hits me back up. He’s such a stand up guy and will drop everything to be able to help someone else. He’s a reliable friend

[soya]

All of America needs to watch this episode

[nemospodcast]

Being an American Muslim, my parents are from Syria and I was born here in Detroit. I understand both sides a lot more, and I watched a video with Richard that he made a while ago and MAN DID I TEAR 😢UP. And now watching this interview melts my heart even more.

ps Jon is such a great guy such a badass ASKING great questions I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again being an actor I met him for five minutes at a con, and he actually took the time and looked in my eye and gave me some great acting advice about auditioning, etc. he didn’t have to do that. He also bought some he-man toys from my friend.

[crazymudman]

Huge respect to Jon for hosting Mr McKinley on his podcast to share his story

[mawar_kasturi]

It makes me cry seeing how full of love and patience the woman in the video is. Her smile, calm demeanor and what she did for the guy despite his intentions. A rare beauty radiates from her face. May Allah reward these strong muslim women with everything.

[BigMo]

I don’t know who chooses the topics and guests, but y’all are doing a heck of job so far, keep it up Jon & staff!

[conquest]

"No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite."

-Nelson Mandela

[casanova]

I loved him for being “The Punisher” but now i love him more for being “The Preacher” Good job Jon for bringing forth the people that are the real heroes being the torch bearers of faith, humanity and all the good that this society lacks in general. 👍👏

[adelky]

Beautiful honesty from a man that was in darkness and he gave to him self another chance just by listening to other side of the story. Wow. That all what it took. Always double check before you judged that will save you a lot of trouble. I loved his story as he said it’s God plan and I believe it 100%. The moment God knows and he knows your intentions, God will got you where you deserve to be.🙏

[AMagdyy]

This is the most fasted 11:52 minutes I had in my entire life! What a beautiful conversation! Thank you sir for such content. Love and peace

[augustuspigmeatsir]

I'll never, ever get tired of hearing this bloke's conversion story hey? It's just beautiful, and truly a miracle, Ah humdilllah!

[lionruntz]

This was a beautiful display of humanity! It’s crazy how a lot of the world’s problems are simply a lack of communication

[GlitchBomb]

Jon you a real one, for allowing people to use your platform to share such stories. Respect brother!

[adingalug]

Great conversation. it made me cry.

Peace to all of you.
Salaam