Learn Persian With Chai And Conversation podcast

45:49

In this episode of Growing Up Irooni , Leyla sits down with Chelsea Fagan—founder of The Financial Diet and author of the new novel High Dive . Known for blending personal finance with cultural critique, Chelsea joins Leyla for a wide-ranging conversation that covers: Why she wrote a romance novel with a Persian American love interest Navigating privilege, assimilation, and identity in immigrant communities Representing Iranian culture through a “cultural reader” and deep research The challenge of launching a joyful project in a dark political moment What it means to speak out as a business owner—and how capitalism shapes silence This is a conversation about complexity: what it means to hold joy and grief at the same time, to create art that is political without being preachy, and to run an ethical business in a deeply unequal world. 📚 High Dive is out May 27th! 👉 Learn more about Chelsea: @faganchelsea on Instagram and @TheFinancialDiet 🎧 Leyla mentions this video by Chelsea: Watch on YouTube…

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Culture | Attar's Parable of the Moths, Part 2 32:13

3 days ago32:13

32:13

In this episode of Learn Persian with Chai and Conversation , we continue to the second part of The Parable of the Moths by Attar, taken from his masterpiece Conference of the Birds . I'm joined by the brilliant Omid Arabian of YOUniversal Center , who walks us through the next 4 lines of the poem—exploring its language, imagery, and deeper meaning. This lesson is perfect for those with some background in Persian who want to experience the richness of mystical poetry and engage with timeless questions of love, longing, and transformation. 📄 Download the accompanying PDF guide: chaiandconversation.com 🎧 Listen to the first episode of our podcast: Spotify link 🔗 Learn more about Omid’s work: YOUniversal Center…

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Culture | Attar's Parable of the Moths, Part 1 41:49

10 days ago41:49

41:49

In this episode of Learn Persian with Chai and Conversation , we begin a brand new series on one of the most powerful mystical stories in Persian literature: The Parable of the Moths by Attar, taken from his masterpiece Conference of the Birds . I'm joined by the brilliant Omid Arabian of YOUniversal Center , who walks us through the first 4 lines of the poem—exploring its language, imagery, and deeper meaning. This lesson is perfect for those with some background in Persian who want to experience the richness of mystical poetry and engage with timeless questions of love, longing, and transformation. 📄 Download the accompanying PDF guide: chaiandconversation.com 🎧 Listen to the first episode of our podcast: Spotify link 🔗 Learn more about Omid’s work: YOUniversal Center…

Learn Persian with Chai and Conversation

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Interview | Comedian Neema Naz on Iranian Parents, Comedic Hustle, and Finding His Voice 36:58

15 days ago36:58

36:58

In this episode of Growing Up Irooni , I sit down with Neema Naz—comedian, content creator, and the internet’s favorite Persian son—to talk about his rise from Scarborough’s multicultural neighborhood to international stages. Neema shares how being the “funny kid” at family gatherings led to his career in comedy, why his Iranian identity is core to his storytelling, and how his whole family (especially his mom!) became an essential part of his brand. We talk about: Neema’s evolution as a comedian—from early sketches to working with Drake How his upbringing shaped his inclusive and culturally collaborative humor The pressures of representing the Iranian diaspora and navigating community expectations Why staying grounded in family is key to both his comedy and his sanity 🎫 Follow Neema & get tour dates: neemanaz.com 📱 On Instagram: @neemanaz 🧿 Learn Persian & more interviews: chaiandconversation.com If you’ve ever wondered how to balance being Persian and pursuing a creative career, this one’s for you.…

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Interview | Gissou Nia, Human Rights Lawyer, on Justice, Diaspora Identity, and the Power of Speaking Up 1:14:54

29 days ago1:14:54

1:14:54

Growing Up Irooni - Gissou Nia, Human Rights Lawyer, on Justice, Diaspora Identity, and the Power of Speaking Up In this episode, Leyla talks with Gissou Nia, a leading international human rights lawyer and Director of the Strategic Litigation Project at the Atlantic Council. Gissou shares her journey from growing up Iranian-American in New Jersey to taking on some of the world’s most urgent human rights cases. They discuss the tension between diaspora and homeland, how her name connects her to Persian poetry and protest, and why it’s more important than ever for those in the diaspora to speak up. Topics covered: Growing up Iranian in the U.S. What “Gissou” really means (and why it’s more than just “hair”) Legal work on Iran and other crisis zones Fear of speaking out—then and now Diaspora activism and responsibility Personal reflections on power, identity, and justice Follow Gissou: Twitter/X: @GissouNia Instagram: @gissounia…

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Interview | Babak Tafreshi on the Magic of the Night Sky 53:02

10 weeks ago53:02

53:02

Babak Tafreshi is an incredibly inspiring Iranian photographer, science journalist and amateur astronomer. He got his start photographing in Iran, but has since moved to the United States. He is the creator and director of The World At Night, an international program in which photographers from around the world capture images of night skies as seen above notable landmarks of the planet.…

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Interview | Naz Deravian on how she became the sabzé lady 25:08

12 weeks ago25:08

25:08

In this episode, Leyla sits down with Naz Deravian, the wonderful author of the cookbook Bottom of the Pot, to discuss how she started the tradition of growing sabzé for Nowruz (the Perisan new year) along with her international group of followers. Growing sabzé is an integral part of the Nowruz tradition. It acts as the centerpiece for the table we need to set up for Nowruz. She'll be starting on March 7th, so listen to hear how you can join, and why it's important that you do so, no matter where in the world you are.…

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Interview | Growing Up Irooni- Anna Eskamani and Doing The Good Work in the Face of Hostilities 27:07

14 weeks ago27:07

27:07

In this episode, Leyla sits down with Florida Representative Anna Eskamani, the first Iranian-American to serve in the Florida Legislature, to discuss her immigrant Iranian parents and how her mother's values continue to lead her as she's making big waves in Florida politics. Anna is a liberal politician in a sea of hostile Republican colleagues and now faces even more challenges at the federal level. Despite all this, she continues to fight for her values and is currently running for mayor of the city of Orlando.…

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Interview | Growing Up Neem-Rooni - Jasmin Mozaffari, Director of Motherland, on Identity in a Problematic Time 28:09

21 weeks ago28:09

28:09

In this episode, Leyla sits down with acclaimed filmmaker Jasmin Mozaffari to discuss her short film Motherland , a poignant exploration of cultural identity, family trauma, and resilience. Jasmin reflects on her upbringing as a neem-rooni (half-Iranian, half-Canadian) in post-9/11 North America, the generational trauma of Iranian immigrants, and how her father’s story during the Iran Hostage Crisis shaped her art. Together, they delve into themes of assimilation, cultural pride, and rediscovering one’s roots. Jasmin also shares behind-the-scenes insights into Motherland —a film set in 1979 about an Iranian immigrant navigating love and hostility in America—and how the Woman, Life, Freedom movement has deepened her connection with the Iranian diaspora. Plus, learn about her exciting new projects and how she’s using storytelling to bridge generations and cultures. Watch Motherland on Vimeo (available until mid-January) Follow Motherland on Instagram for updates Connect with Jasmin on Instagram: @jasminmozaffari Visit Jasmin's website: jasminmozaffari.com…

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Poetry | Ibn Yamin's ān kas ké bedānad va bedānad ké bedānad, Introduction with Alan Eyre 41:33

23 weeks ago41:33

41:33

In this lesson, we introduce the poem ān kas ké bedānad va bedānad ké bedānad by Ibn Yamin and discuss it with Alan Eyre.

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Poetry | Hafez's barafshān, Part 5 12:47

31 weeks ago12:47

12:47

In this discussion on Hafez's barafshān , we go over the last two lines of the poem.

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Poetry | Hafez's barafshān, Part 4 11:28

32 weeks ago11:28

11:28

In this discussion on Hafez's barafshān , we go over the fifth and sixth line of the poem.

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Poetry | Hafez's barafshān, Part 3 11:22

33 weeks ago11:22

11:22

In this discussion on Hafez's barafshān , we go over the third and fourth line of the poem.

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Interview | Growing Up Neem-Rooni - Kaveh Akbar, author of Martyr! On Martyr, Trauma, and Collateral Damage 1:24:40

33 weeks ago1:24:40

1:24:40

Kaveh Akbar is the Iranian-American author of the critically acclaimed and heavily lauded novel Martyr! In our long-awaited conversation we dive deep into the themes of his powerful book, Martyr , which explores the human cost of so-called “collateral damage” and the real-world trauma often reduced to mere statistics in Western media. I had so much I wanted to ask Kaveh about the deeply personal and timely relevance of his work, especially in light of ongoing global events. Check out the full episode, and let me know what you think! Related Links: Kaveh's webpage Kaveh on Instagram…

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Poetry | Hafez's barafshān, Part 2 18:27

34 weeks ago18:27

18:27

In this second part of the discussion for Hafez's barafshān , we go over the first two lines of the poem in detail.

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Poetry | Hafez's barafshān, Introduction with Fared Shafinury 40:10

35 weeks ago40:10

40:10

In this introductory lesson on Hafez's poem barafshān, we're joined by musician Fared Shafinury to go over the overall meaning of the poem. You can hear Fared's version of this poem in this track from his debut album.

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Speak Lesson 76 | A Separation, Part 5 36:26

37 weeks ago36:26

36:26

In this lesson, we watch a clip of a heated conversation between Nader and Simin, the title characters of the movie. This is a fast paced conversation, and gives us a glimpse at a type of conversation we may not often be privy to in the Persian language. This is the final episode in our series on clips from the movie A Separation by Asghar Farahadi with guest Yara Elmjouie.…

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Poetry | Omar Khayyam's rendee deedam, Part 2 14:50

38 weeks ago14:50

14:50

In this follow up episode about Khayyam's poem rendee deedam, we go over the poem word by word, line by line, to understand each part individually. We'll also learn how to use the particular words and phrases in current conversation.

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Speak Lesson 75 | A Separation, Part 4 30:25

38 weeks ago30:25

30:25

In this lesson about clips from the movie A Separation by Asghar Farahadi, we watch a conversation between Nader and Hojjat, Razieh's husband, about potential work Hojjat will be doing for Nader. We're joined in this episode by friend of the show, Yara Elmjouie.

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Poetry | Omar Khayyam's rendee deedam, Introduction with Alan Eyre 32:19

40 weeks ago32:19

32:19

In this special shabé shehr episode, we are joined by Alan Eyre, the first (and last) ever Persian language spokesperson for the U.S. State Department. Alan has a little book with lines of his favorite Persian poetry, and he shares one of those poems with us in this episode.

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Speak Lesson 74 | A Separation, Part 3 30:56

40 weeks ago30:56

30:56

In this lesson, we watch a clip of the movie A Separation by Asghar Farahadi in which Nader and Razieh have a conversation about the potential for her husband to come work for Nader. We're joined in this episode by friend of the show, Yara Elmjouie.

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Poetry | Hafez's aybé rendān makon, Part 6 9:14

44 weeks ago9:14

9:14

In this lesson, we go over the last two lines of the poem aybé rendān makon by Hafez. The lines are as follows: حافظا روزِ اجل گر به کف آری جامی hāfezā roozé ajal gar bé kaf āree jāmee Oh Hafez, if you have a chalice in your hand when you die یک سر از کویِ خرابات بَرَندَت به بهشت yek sar az koo-yé kharābāt barandat bé behesht They’ll take you directly from the winehouse street to heaven…

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Poetry | Hafez's aybé rendān makon, Part 5 8:12

45 weeks ago8:12

8:12

In this lesson, we go over the following lines of the poem aybé rendān makon by Hafez: نه من از پردهٔ تقوا به درافتادم و بس na man az pardé-yé taghva bā dar oftādam o bas پدرم نیز بهشتِ ابد از دست بهشت pedaram neez behishté abad az dast behesht

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1
Poetry | Hafez's aybé rendān makon, Part 4 10:24

46 weeks ago10:24

10:24

In this lesson, we go over the following lines of the poem aybé rendān makon by Hafez: همه کس طالبِ یارند چه هشیار و چه مست hamé kas tālebé yārand ché hoshyār o ché mast همه جا خانهٔ عشق است چه مسجد چه کِنِشت hamé jā khāna-yé ʿeshgh ast ché masjed ché kenest

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1
Poetry | Hafez's aybé rendān makon, Part 3 11:47

47 weeks ago11:47

11:47

In this discussion on Hafez's aybé rendān makon, we go over the third and fourth line of the poem.

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Poetry | Hafez's aybé rendān makon, Part 2 15:48

48 weeks ago15:48

15:48

In this lesson, we go over the individual words and phrases in the first two lines of the poem, aybé rendān makon by Hafez: عیبِ رندان مَکُن ای زاهدِ پاکیزه سرشت ʿaybé rendān makon ay zāhedé pākeezé seresht که گناهِ دگران بر تو نخواهند نوشت ké gonāhé deegarān bar tu nakhāhand nevesht

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1
Poetry | Hafez's aybé rendān makon, Introduction with Persian Poetics 39:33

49 weeks ago39:33

39:33

In this introductory lesson to one of Hafez's most famous poems, aybé rendān makon, we're joined by Muhammad Ali of Persian Poetics to go over the overall meaning of the poem and give a bit of an introduction to Hafez and his significance in Iranian culture. In subsequent lessons, Leyla will be going over the word by word, phrase by phrase, to provide an even deeper understanding to the poem.…

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Poetry | Baba tāher's khoshā emshō, Part 2 13:27

51 weeks ago13:27

13:27

In this lesson, we cover the words and phrases learned in the poem, and how to use them in everyday conversation. Related links: khosh bāsh by Khayyam

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1
Poetry | Baba Taher's khoshā emshō, Introduction with Yara Elmjouie 15:41

1 year ago15:41

15:41

In this shabé shehr episode, we go over the poem khoshā emshō by the poet Baba Taher with special guest Yara Elmjouie. This poem is about enjoying the night, and the company of the night- it's short, simple and sweet, and reminds you to take pleasure in the joy of living.

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1
Speak Lesson 73 | A Separation, Part 2 26:38

1 year ago26:38

26:38

In this lesson, we watch a clip of a conversation between Nader and Razieh, who he is hoping to convince to come work for him. We are joined in the lesson by Yara Elmjouie.

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1
Speak Lesson 72 | A Separation, Part 1 33:46

1 year ago33:46

33:46

In this new series, we watch clips chosen by Yara Elmjouie from the movie A Separation . To WATCH this lesson (highly recommended!), check it out on our website .

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Poetry | Hafez's payāmé naseem, Part 6 11:29

1 year ago11:29

11:29

In this lesson, we go over the last lines of the poem payāmé naseem by Hafez: می‌ای دارم چو جان صافی و صوفی می‌کند عیبش may-ee dāram chō jān sāfee ō soofee meekonad aybash خدایا هیچ عاقل را مبادا بخت بد روزی khodāyā heech āghel rā mabādā bakht bad roozee

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1
Poetry | Hafez's payāmé naseem, Part 5 9:11

1 year ago9:11

9:11

In this lesson, we go over the following lines of the poem payāmé naseem by Hafez: جدا شد یار شیرینت کنون تنها نشین ای شمع jodā shod yāré sheereenat konoon tanhā nesheen ay sha'am که حکم آسمان این است اگر سازی و گر سوزی ké hokmé āsemān een ast agar sāzee ō gar soozee

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1
Poetry | Hafez's payāmé naseem, Part 4 10:44

1 year ago10:44

10:44

In this lesson, we go over the following lines of the poem payāmé naseem by Hafez: به صحرا رو که از دامن غبار غم بیفشانی bé sahrā rō ké az dāman ghobāré gham beafshānee به گلزار آی کز بلبل غزل گفتن بیاموزی bé golzār āy k’az bolbol ghazal goftan beāmoozee

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1
Poetry | Hafez's payāmé naseem, Part 3 11:38

1 year ago11:38

11:38

In part 3 of our discussion of Hafez's poem payāmé naseem, we go over the 3rd and 4th lines of the poem: چو گُل گَر خُردِه‌ای داری خُدا را صَرفِ عِشرَت کُن کِه قارون را غَلَط‌ها داد سُودایِ زَر‌اَندوزی chō gol gar khordeyee dāree khodā rā sarfé eshrat kon ké ghāroon rā ghalat-hā dād sodāyé zarandoozee…

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1
Poetry | Hafez's payāmé naseem, Part 2 16:38

1 year ago16:38

16:38

In this part 2 episode of Hafez's beautiful poem payāmé naseem, we look at the individual words and phrases in the first two lines of the poem, and learn how to use the words and phrases in current Persian conversation.

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1
Poetry | Hafez's payāmé naseem, Introduction with Fared Shafinury 1:00:31

1 year ago1:00:31

1:00:31

In this introduction to the poem payāmé naseem, we are joined by musician Fared Shafinury to discuss the full selection of the poem. In addition, we provide a detailed overview of Hafez, the poet, and his significance in Iranian culture.

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1
Poetry | Rudaki's shād zee Part 2 13:00

1 year ago13:00

13:00

In this second part of the poetry lesson for Rudaki's poem shād zee, we go over the entire poem line by line, phrase by phrase so you can get a full grasp of the vocabulary in the poem. You'll then have a full understanding of how to use the vocabulary in everyday conversation.

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Poetry | Rudaki's shād zee Intro 12:23

1 year ago12:23

12:23

This is the introduction to our shabé shehr (night of poetry) series, where we go over short selections of poems in Persian, and their overall meanings in English. In this episode, we're joined by Yara Elmjouie to talk about a poem by Rudaki about living in the moment.

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1
Shally Zomorodi, on Embracing Joy and Acceptance as a Form of Resistance 41:15

1 year ago41:15

41:15

Shally Zomorodi is one of the more well-known and incredibly prolific members of the Iranian diaspora. Her day job is as a news anchor of Fox 5 San Diego Morning News where she’s been waking up San Diego for more than a decade now. However, her journalism career spans over two decades at this point, including a two-year stint in Texas where I live. But over the years, she’s also been heavily involved in the greater Iranian community, through her show Bereez o bepaz, through the many lives she does on her Instagram page interviewing other Iranians, or giving glimpses into her embrace of Iranian traditions in her home, through her Iranian gher breaks on her morning news show, and so much more. I had a lot of questions to ask Shally after having watched her develop into such a force in the past few years, and especially over the last year. Related Links: Shally Zomorodi on Instagram…

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Hollay Ghadery, on the perils of being half Iranian and her memoir, Fuse 46:28

1 year ago46:28

46:28

Hollay Ghadery is is an Iranian-Canadian writer living in Ontario on Anishinaabe land. She has her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Guelph. Fuse , her memoir of mixed-race identity and mental health, was released by Guernica Editions (2021) and won the 2023 Canadian Bookclub Award for Nonfiction/Memoir. Her collection of poetry, Rebellion Box , came out Radiant Press in 2023 and her collection of short fiction, Widow Fantasies , is scheduled for release with Gordon Hill Press in fall 2024. Hollay is also a book publicist and the Poet Laureate of Scugog Township. I read Hollay’s memoir Fuse back when it came out in 2021, and I couldn’t believe how applicable the things she wrote about were for my audience- for biracial or bicultural Iranians raised in the west grappling with issues of identity, of all the difficulties and joys of being raised with all these identities, of the dark sides of it, and the beautiful sides as well. I’m so excited for y’all to hear our conversation, and of course for you to experience this book, as I hope you all do. Related Links: Hollay’s memoir Fuse Hollay on instagram…

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1
Noam Schuster-Eliassi, Israeli comedian and activist, on the current state of affairs in Israel, and her Iranian-Israeli identity 1:06:38

1 year ago1:06:38

1:06:38

From the very beginning of this current stage of the conflict, after the horrific events of October 7th, the first person I turned to for an understanding of what was happening was Noam Shuster-Eliassi. I’d been following her for a long time because of her comedy about Israel and Palestine. I had so many questions to ask her, and was so incredibly grateful that she took the time to speak to me. There are no easy answers, and I will let the interview speak for itself. I thank you for taking the time to listen. Related Links Noam’s speech from 2015 Noam’s instagram page Standing Together - a grassroots Jewish-Arab movement fighting for peace, equality and social justice in Israel/Palestine.…

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1
Farnoosh Torabi, on Living in a Healthy State of Panic 38:07

2 years ago38:07

38:07

In this episode of Growing Up Irooni, host Leyla interviews Farnoosh Torabi, renowned podcast host and author of the book "A Healthy State of Panic." Leyla and Farnoosh delve into the world of finances, personal development, and the positive aspects of fear. Farnoosh shares her insights on fear and how it can be a powerful force in our lives when understood and harnessed correctly. Related Links: Podcast Website: www.chaiandconversation.com Book Mentioned: "A Healthy State of Panic" by Farnoosh Torabi Farnoosh Torabi's Podcast: "So Money with Farnoosh Torabi" Farnoosh Torabi's instagram…

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Interview | Arya Shahi, author of An Impossible Thing to Say 1:24:01

2 years ago1:24:01

1:24:01

I’m so excited to share with you my interview with Arya Shahi, author of the fantastic new debut novel, An Impossible Thing to Say . It’s coming out this week, September 26th 2023, so no matter when you’re listening to this interview, please drop everything and go buy it- you will love it. So as a brief introduction, Arya Shahi is an Iranian-American multidisciplinary artist. He is a co-founder of PigPen Theatre Co., the award-winning theatre company and band. With PigPen, Arya has written, directed, and performed in original musicals as well as books adapted for stage. Arya’s debut novel, An Impossible Thing To Say , has been published by HarperCollins and Arya will direct the Pulitzer Prize-winning English at The Old Globe in early 2024. We actually ended up recording this interview on September 11th, which is interesting because September 11th was a big part of this novel. I had been looking forward to talking to Arya for a long time, and our conversation did not disappoint- we could have talked for hours more. He is really an ideal guest for this podcast, and talked about so many of the issues I hear from a lot of you about all the time. I hope you enjoy, and thanks for listening!…

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Interview | Navied Mahdavian, author of This Country, Searching for Home in (Very) Rural American 35:45

2 years ago35:45