Armenian Enough

Our greatest freedom lies in the full acceptance of who we genuinely are, even if the world at large fails to understand or endorse our unique individuality. From that vantage point, so much is revealed about the veneer of society's rules and trappings. With humor, bluster, and at times, great vulnerability, Paul speaks about their undying love for all things Armenian, the beauty in making peace with death and the path to a unified future.

You can reach Paul on IG @deadskull and @deadskullcurio

What is it like to be Jewish and Armenian? Aside from inheriting intergenerational trauma from both sides, it is also something that has provided Alyssa with a unique view of both communities. More of a New Yorker than an "American," Alyssa explores how her upbringing has provided her access to two distinct and oftentimes insular worlds, as well as how her family's history has shown her that it can be even more advantageous to be a citizen of the world.

You can reach Alyssa on Twitter @AlyssaZakaryan

Or on LinkedIn

And you can watch her YouTube channel Social Work Tarotist

Representation matters. It allows us a glimpse into the world of possibilities and rescues us from societal erasure. It's difficult to put into words how it felt to see actors on the big screen either speaking Armenian or telling the story of our ancestors who survived the Genocide... never did it cross my mind that the queer Armenian experience would also make it to the silver screen one day.

Filmmaker Natalie Shirinian tells the story of her own coming out to her Armenian mother, in her new short film Parev Mama. 

You can buy tickets to watch Parev Mama online here: https://www.goelevent.com/InsideOut/e/ShortsLongStoryShort

You can reach Natalie on IG @natalie_shirinian

Read her food blog Femme On Feast

Connect to her production company NES Films

The old adage of laughter being the best medicine still holds true - laughter strengthens the immune system and boosts feel-good chemicals in our brain. Good comedy is funny because it's true... or at least, there's a healthy dose of truth in it. Through his comedy, Andy gently pokes fun at Armenian (and other) stereotypes and provides poignant social commentary. Watch it with a friend!

You can reach Andy on IG @andykenareki

His linktree there provides links to his YouTube channel AndyKComedy and his brand new Cudee Pie merch!

The passion required for sustained activism is one that is born neither of blood nor soil, but a deep inner conviction in one's soul that each of us is ultimately responsible for bringing about justice in the world. The source of righteous anger is love. It has always been love.

Hear Aram talk about his quintessentially American upbringing, the pull toward his Armenian roots, and the evolution of his activism.

You can reach Aram on IG @aram_bowen

Links to organizations discussed in this episode include: IG @armenianunityproject and @agbu_ypgny as well as www.coaf.org

There are few life events more damaging to the soul than being a victim of sexual assault and/or rape. Survivors often struggle with feelings of shame and anger, exacerbated by a society that all too frequently places blame on victims rather than perpetrators. Sharing stories of survival is a powerful reminder that we are not in this alone.

Hear Aram Ronaldo speak candidly about sexual assault, existing in the murky trauma of its aftermath, and the eventual path towards healing.

You can reach Aram on his website at aramronaldokrikorian.wordpress.com

And on IG @lalimeohlonetransfer

Rainn.org

Rainn Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

TheTrevorProject.org

The Trevor Project Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386

What does it mean to be asexual? Aromantic? How do people who identify as Ace [asexual] establish intimate relationships which suit their needs as well as the needs of their partners? Writer Sarah Elgatian walks us through a frank and, at times, humorous discussion of sexuality, romance, identity - and the all too common struggle to be understood and accepted for who we genuinely are.

You can reach Sarah on her website at www.rahelgatian.com

and on IG @rahelgatian

For a good resource about Asexuality, Sarah recommends www.asexuality.org

Even people who never suffered from anxiety probably got to experience some over the last year. A global pandemic can do that to us! As adults, we generally have the benefit of perspective as well as a whole host of healthy and not-so-healthy coping mechanisms. But what can children do when they are the ones dealing with anxiety? Who is there to listen to their fears? And perhaps more importantly, how can we teach them constructive and effective methods of quieting the "buzzing" in their heads. Dr. Muradian, a therapist specializing in anxiety, has just published a children's book called Franky and the Worry Bees, about just this topic. Hear her speak about why we could all use a little help managing our discomfort.

You can reach Dr. Regine Muradian on her website www.reginemuradian.com

On IG @dr._regine_muradian

Purchase your copy of Franky and The Worry Bees here.

In this episode, we explore the experience of being African American and Armenian from a different vantage point than our previous episodes on this topic. As a bi-racial father raising his two daughters in a multi-ethnic family, David is uniquely equipped to guide and shape his children's sense of self and curate the cultural elements of their identity. The embodiment of goodwill and non-judgment, his perspective belies a deep and universal wisdom.

You can reach David on IG @david_d_415 and on LinkedIn at David Djanikian

How much would you have to love someone to spend years in their pursuit, travel across the world during a global pandemic, and brave living in a foreign country during wartime? Mandy Breitenstein and her husband Adam, as well as their four children, did just that in October of 2020 to retrieve their fifth child, Ember, from an Armenian orphanage.

Driven by her unshakeable faith in God, Mandy and her family embody the concept of brave love and show us all that we each have the ability and the responsibility to make the world a kinder place.

You can reach Mandy on IG @a_september_monday

Donate to the Emili Aregak center here.

@emili_aregak @aregakbakery