What if the very words you use to describe a language could reshape its cultural narrative? Join us as we uncover the profound complexities of the Persian language with our guest, Leyla Shams. This conversation sheds light on how the Iranian diaspora, particularly after 1979, has influenced Western perceptions, and why educating English speakers on this distinction is more significant than it appears.Success isn't just about fame or fortune—it's about making a meaningful impact. Join us as we...

Discover the dynamic world of franchising with Hossein Kasmai, a trailblazer in the industry who shares his invaluable insights gained from collaborating with over 700 companies. Explore how the franchising landscape has evolved beyond the dominance of fast-food giants to embrace lucrative opportunities in sectors like home services, fitness, and healthcare. Hossein uncovers the secrets to selecting the right franchise opportunity, spotlighting key considerations and red flags aspiring entrep...

Discover the riveting journey of Dr. Shohreh Ghassemi, an Iranian oral surgeon and human rights advocate, whose story is a testament to resilience and dedication.From navigating the challenges of immigration and the travel ban to making groundbreaking strides in facial cosmetic surgery, Dr. Ghassemi's experiences illuminate the perseverance needed to thrive in a male-dominated field. Explore her perspectives on gender equality and the importance of teaching the next generation of surgeons, sh...

What if you could turn your passion into a thriving career while navigating the challenges of fame and cyberbullying? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Uldouz Wallace, the Iranian-Swedish actress, comedian, and social media influencer, who has captivated millions with her unique blend of humor and authenticity. Uldouz recounts her journey from studying marketing and advertising in Sweden to discovering her comedic talents in Vancouver, leading to viral success and recognition...

Experience the mesmerizing journey of Babak Amini, an Iranian guitarist and composer whose talent and resilience have transcended extraordinary challenges. From his childhood moments picking up a small guitar at age 10 to launching "Blue of the Rain," the first post-revolution guitar album in Iran, Babak's story is a testament to the power of passion against all odds. He recounts the adversities faced during the Iran-Iraq war and the cultural restrictions that couldn't deter his devotion to m...

Embark on an inspiring journey with us as we welcome the remarkable Poyua Hashemi, whose entrepreneurial spirit has led him from humble beginnings to founding tech company Spin Touch and SIP Awards, a global spirit brand evaluator. Poya's story is a testament to the power of passion and resilience. From selling candy in middle school to spearheading cutting-edge technology in augmented reality and VR, his experiences offer invaluable lessons for anyone looking to turn their dreams into r...

Ever wondered what it takes to go from being a heart doctor to an aspiring astronaut? This episode features Eiman, an associate professor of medicine and radiology at NMD, who's on the cusp of realizing his space travel dreams with Blue Origin's New Shepard. Join us as we journey through his incredible story of perseverance, from his roots in Iran to his thriving career in Nashville, Tennessee. Eiman opens up about his two-time finalist experiences with NASA and the emotional rollercoaster th...

What if you could witness the 1979 revolution of a nation through the eyes of someone who lived it? Join us for an insightful conversation with Amir Tahiri, an esteemed Iranian-born journalist and scholar, as he takes us on a political journey of Iran's revolution.Amir's firsthand experiences as the executive editor of Iran's largest daily newspaper, Kayhan, offer a unique perspective on the Shah's leadership, the rise of Khomeini, and the seismic shifts that reshaped Iran and its global rela...

Join us as we sit down with the remarkable Tina Ghazimorad, editor-in-chief of Manoto News Desk, who shares her extraordinary journey from Tehran to the UK. Tina recounts the powerful influence of her family's pre-Islamic revolution stories on her career, revealing how these narratives ignited her passion for cinema and media. Discover the unique vision behind Manoto, a stylish, independent voice for Iranians that stands apart from government-backed networks. Tina's insights into the role of ...

Have you ever pondered the intersection of cultural identity and financial acumen? Our latest episode features the remarkable Patty, who guides us through her journey from Iran to the U.S., navigating financial hurdles to emerge triumphant in law and finance.Patty is a media host, keynote speaker, content creator and author. Her story is not just one of numbers but of cultural resilience and the empowering lessons that financial literacy can bring to people everywhere, especially women.Diving...

When Tehran Von Ghasri steps up to the mic, you know you're about to ride a wave of laughter that crashes through cultural barriers. Having the dual heritage of Iranian and African-American. His story is a masterclass in identity alchemy, turning inherited labels into a unique personal brand that resonates beyond the stage. We explore the universal language of comedy and how it has shaped our perspectives, serving as a beacon through the fog of societal norms. I share my own journey of...

Jacqueline Renee, Instagram sensation and witty chronicler of her marriage to a Persian guy and their family life in America, meets us in our latest episode.  Jacqueline takes us through her early days as a single mom to finding her place in the warm embrace of Persian hospitality and the shared meals that knit her new family together. We not only talk about the delectable dishes but also dive into the importance of food in crossing cultural barriers and creating a home away from home,...

Angella Nazarian is a noted speaker and best-selling author of three books: Life as a Visitor, Pioneers of the Possible: Celebrating Visionary Women of the World, and Visionary Women. Angella Nazarian joins us to unfurl the vibrant strands of her own story, from the challenges of adapting to a new culture as an Iranian immigrant to the triumphs of personal development as a best-selling author and co-founder of Visionary Women. Her first book, "Life as a Visitor," serves as a gateway into our...

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to leave the security of a nine-to-five and step into the world of entrepreneurship, chasing the elusive dream of freedom?  Shahab Elmi, the Co-Founder of Cymbiotika ,  unfolds his transformative journey from the confines of corporate America to the helm of a flourishing wellness empire.  Scaling a business is no mean feat—something Shahab learned firsthand almost reaching the brink of bankruptcy to a $200 Million business and climbing...

From the teeming streets of Iran to the hallowed halls of Ontario Parliament, Goldie Ghamari's life is a canvas of courage, cultural pride, and an unwavering quest for justice. As a child of resolute immigrants, Goldie's narrative unfolds, revealing how the grit and grace of her family's flight from persecution laid the foundation for a future in public service. Feel the heart and soul of their story as we navigate the challenges and celebrate the victories that have marked Goldie's ascent to...

Reza Jackson, the Persian millennial who's fashion-forward antics are setting social media ablaze. As our special guest, Reza unfurls the tapestry of his ascent to digital stardom, transitioning from a tableau of static fashion images to a dynamic narrative of culturally rich, comedic video content. His anecdotes offer a treasure trove of insights into the essence of personal branding and the tenacity required to navigate the influencer landscape, all while maintaining the rich threads of his...

Have you ever uncovered a family secret that turned your world upside down? "Persian Version" is a film that unfolds just such a tale, featuring a young Iranian-American woman’s quest to unravel her family's hidden past. We sit down with the film's vibrant cast and Mariam, the director, to shed light on how their personal narratives are intricately stitched into the movie's fabric, delivering an intimate portrayal of identity and resilience in a time plagued by xenophobia. The episode peels...

As the daughter of Iranian immigrants, Lisa Daftari's unique perspective bridges two worlds, offering a rare insight into the often misunderstood narratives of Iran. Our conversation peels back the curtain on Iran's intricate political tapestry, revealing the vibrant, progressive spirit of its people that defies the extremist image cast by its rulers on. Our deep dive conversation, goes through Lisa's transition from a non-political childhood to becoming an acclaimed voice on matters that...

Imagine embarking on a journey of self-discovery, leaving behind your job, home, and the familiarity of your surroundings to explore the world with your family. Our guest on today's episode, Michael Motamadi, bravely embarked on this journey, redefining success along the way. From finishing sixth on MasterChef Canada to being the Chief Marketing Officer of Rabbit Hole Spirits (ScaleUp) and entrepreneur. Michael shifted his focus from material possessions to spending quality time with his...

Ever think about the power and poise it takes to build a lavish brand from the ground up? Buckle up as we take a fascinating journey with Nika Diamond-Krendel, the brain behind the luxury leather goods brand, Paradise Row. An entrepreneur, a passionate woman rights advoce and a proud mother, Nika is here to share her trials and triumphs in building a brand that resonates with the heart. We navigate the treacherous ocean of entrepreneurship, exploring the highs and lows, the solitude, the...

Are you ready to be captivated by the journey of a chemist-turned entrepreneur? Meet Mo Saremi, the CEO of Bell International Labs, and join us as we traverse his inspiring journey from Iran to the US, shedding light on his transition from a chemistry student to a giant in the consumer health industry. Mo shares his insights about the importance of hard work, mastery of one's craft, and the right mindset needed to scale up your business. He doesn't mince words about the fear of risk, and the...

Imagine being born with a dream of exploring the cosmos, only to be confined to the stifling conventions of your birthplace. This is the story of Sherry M, the Persian Urban Queen, who dared to break free and redefine her destiny. Hailing from Iran, where she once harbored aspirations of becoming an astronaut, Sherry’s journey led her to Austria to be free to do her music and as an artist, which is pushing back the barriers. Her challenges were manifold - the dangers of the undergroun music...

Ready to embark on a culinary odyssey unlike any other? Brace yourself for a delicious deep dive into the rich world of Iranian cuisine, guided by Piers Zangana, Persian food aficionado and founder of the Persian Hospitality Network. Our exploration begins with a conversation about the reasons why Persian cuisine, in spite of its variety and richness, remains an undiscovered gem to many. We'll mull over the historical influences, marketing hindrances, and cultural factors that have shaped its...