In this episode of AWESOME People, Iman Huschmand has an intimate chat with the legendary Persian Pop star, Andy Madadian. In this wide ranging and in-depth interview, Andy discusses what his recent star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame means to him, his opinion on the lyrics in today's music, his controversial concert in Saudi Arabia and what he would consider as the pinnacle achievement of his career.

SHOW NOTES:

Introduction of Andy [1:51]

Early life in Iran [4:59]

Iman and Andy speak on Voices Out, Andy and his wife’s charity for neglected animals and children [7:36]

Receiving his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame [15:02]

Dealing with a change in expectations for 2020 due to the COVID-19 lockdown [20:18]

Andy addressees the controversy surrounding his decision to preform at The Music Without Boarders Festival in Saudi Arabia [26:00]

Andy is grateful for the opportunities that America is able to provide immigrants [31:33]

Banned Music in Iran and hopes for the future of Iranian expression [33:29]

The importance of immigrants specifying their nationality in the census [38:39]

Andys favorite musicians and thoughts new popular music [41:16]

Do for what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life [48:01]

Maintaining a healthy married life [50:16]

Making the best of the your days during the stay at home order [53:30]

QUOTES:

“I see the world as a nice place and I trust everything and everybody until it’s proven otherwise.” [4:34]

“We are blessed with so many things. Most importantly, obviously, our health, our home, our music and talent we have, these are all blessing and gifts from the god we all know and we think it’s because we’re constantly doing something for others and the more we do, the more luckier we feel and we think life is great because of what we do for others.” [11:20]

“I’m a workaholic. I love my work. I wake up in the morning, first of all, I can’t wait to wake up because I want to wake up and do something new, learn something new, accomplish something new.” [15:43]

“Musicians and music is beyond politics, we are ambassadors of peace and love and art and culture.” [27:14]

“I just want to introduce my music to the west, and the star has given me the opportunity to voice it out.” [38:05]

“I think every generation has its own great musicians, it’s just that, as humans, we rely to our memories, nostalgia… When I was listening to, for example, Rod Stewart, that was my first love. So, we connect to those feelings, and we think they were better.” [44:11]

“The best thing I can tell anybody is find out what you love to do. Don’t go for the money. Don’t go for riches. They mean nothing if your miserable. You can be the richest most accomplished business wise, and be unhappy. So look for what makes you happy and go learn that craft to be the the best you can be, and do not rival with others, you are your own rival to get better everyday in your own craft, and if you love something you’ll never be working in your life.” [48:30]

“Life as we kew is gone, and it will never be the same. So we better adapt to what we have. We have another 24 hours everyday to do something great. So we should embrace that opportunity.” [53:46]

FOLLOW IMAN AND ANDY ON IG @imanhuschmand @andymusic1

With more than 25 years in sales, marketing and sales management, Alan Berg has been called “The Leading International Expert on the Business of Weddings & Events”. He’s a Certified Speaking Professional™️, the highest earned designation conferred by the National Speakers Association, and one of only 36 Global Speaking Fellows worldwide! Alan is a featured presenter every year at major industry conferences in North America and internationally. He has extensive sales, sales management and marketing experience ranging from publishing two wedding magazines, to Vice President of Sales and Education at The Knot (the nation’s leading multi-platform wedding resource), and now, in addition to public speaking and consulting with venues, caterers, entrepreneurs and local businesses, Alan is also a contributing Education Guru for WeddingWire, the leading wedding technology company (with websites in 15 countries). He also speaks and consults for websites in Ireland, Dubai, India, Australia, the UK, as well as countless venues, hotels, bridal shops, planners, entertainers and more. Alan has presented in 14 countries, 5 of them in Spanish, and is the author of the books “If your website was an employee, would you fire it?”, “Your Attitude for Success”, “Shut Up and Sell More Weddings & Events!”, “Why Don’t They Call Me? – 8 Tips for converting wedding & event inquiries into sales.” , and his latest book “Wit, Wisdom and the Business of Weddings.” Alan speaks to thousands of entrepreneurs and business professionals every year through webinars, live presentations, small-group Mastermind Days and on-site sales training. For more information on Alan’s website review and consulting and/or sales training services; to get a copy of his books, or to have Alan speak for your company, group or association visit www.AlanBerg.com, contact [email protected], text, or call 732.422.6362, international enquiries 001 732 422 6362. If you have any questions please contact me via email, use the short form on this page, text, or call 732.422.6362, international enquiries 001 732 422 6362.

SHOW NOTES:

Introduction of Alan Berg [1:23]

Alan Berg’s career path and credentials for becoming a guru of sales and marking in the events and wedding industry [4:22]

The events and wedding industry will survive anything and how to handle the COVID-19 Lockdown [19:52]

Starting a business during a recession [29:08]

10 Proactive Things You Can Do Right Now To Lean In, webinar teaser, tips for businesses to cope during lockdown and recession [36:05].

Proactively reach out to clients [36:32] and do the things you have been putting off to “someday isle” [39:37].

Rapid Fire Questions [47:16]

Where to access Alan Bergs content [54:16]

Alan Berg’s code for a good life [56:33]

QUOTES:

“Education’s purpose is to change an empty mind into an open one.” [5:12]

“You should never be selling anything, you should be helping people buy.” [7:06]

“I’d rather have a smaller list of engaged people than a bigger list fooling me.” [32:26]

“I’d rather be happy and successful than be right.” [56:33]

“Always do the right thing, and when in doubt do the hard thing.” [56:55]

“People do business with people, not with companies.” [1:01:00]

In this episode of "AWESOME People", Iman Huschmand has a candid conversation with one of the most beloved comedians, Maz Jobrani, who is Iranian-American. Now a father of two, Maz shares how he's been spending time during Quarantine, his advice to parents especially as it relates to supporting the career paths of their children, immigrant culture and dealing with pressure.

SHOW NOTES:

Maz’s comedy set [1:22]

How coronavirus is bringing people together [5:30]

Maz talks about why he became a comedian [7:05]

Maz talks about his kind of comedy [10:03]

Maz talks about meeting Eddie Murphy [11:10]

What success means as a comedian [14:04]

Advice for parents to encourage passion in their kids [18:48]

Jimmy Vestvood: Amerikan Hero [22:50]

Why the census is important [27:08]

The Persian American Cancer Institute [29:13]

Maintaining humility with fame [32:17]

The impact of corona on comedians [34:14]

Maz talks about his original career plan [37:00]

Rapid fire questions [42:48]

Advice for young comedians [47:30]

How Maz writes his jokes [49:38]

Maz shares his personal message [53:00]

QUOTES:

“You live your life once, and you got to live for yourself, you can’t live for your parents.” [15:11]

“Never believe the hype, and never believe the criticism.” [32:55]

Follow Maz and Iman on IG: @mazjobrani @imanhuschmand

Farzy Loko (full name Farzam Kazemi) was born and raised in New Jersey, USA and currently residing in New Jersey. Growing up, he we went to Farsi school every Saturday which is where he learned how to read, write, and speak Farsi. He graduated college with a film making degree. "Throughout my life, I was always known as “the funny guy” by my friends and family.  I’m known to be very social, always in a good mood, and friendly.  I’ve always been the type of guy to want to make people happy and make them smile and laugh." Farzy started producing short comedy skits in 2017 and has amassed a loyal following of tens of thousands on Social via Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and Telegram. His videos all mainly revolve around the Persian culture. "Besides making people happy and laugh, I wanted to make these videos that non-Persians can see and get a different perspective about us Persians.  The media is always showing Iran in a certain light with the “government” and “nuclear weapons.”  There’s so much more about us Persians and the country of Iran than what the media shows. I am using my comedy to show a different side to us Persians to the general public and at the same time, I can also make videos that us Persians can relate to and laugh about." Farzy writes, films, acts, and edits all of his own material and produces weekly content. His social media is not his main income although he generates revenue from advertising and promos.   Farzy works full time for NBC NEWS/TELEMUNDO in New York in Technical Operations. He have been working in the media for various News Networks in NYC since graduating college.  "I am married to a beautiful Ukrainian girl who motivates, pushes me, and supports me.  Aside from my social media and my job, I co-own an entertainment company with my good friend Harry.  We do weddings and special events.  I also get invited by my fans to host and MC Persian concerts, club parties, weddings, birthdays, and more."

SHOW NOTES:

Introduction of Farzy Loco [4:23]

Creating Persian content on social media [12:37]

Reporting on Iranian homeland issues on social media [18:38]

How to handle negative comments [20:49]

Balancing comedy, journalism, and family life [23:01]

Growing up in a immigrant household [25:38]

Making content for an international audience [27:36]

Early life and family [30:14]

The Corona Virus quarantine, lockdown, and social distancing [34:50]

Rapid Fire Questions [41:04]

Spreading positivity trough entertainment [50:52]

The importance of expressing your cultural heritage [52:54]

QUOTES:

"When I was younger my parents worked their asses off, just like any other immigrant parents does today. Both my mom and dad worked their ass’s off to get me and my brother to where we are today. You know, encouraged us to get through college, get a good job and all that. I’m surrounded by positivity, to be honest, throughout my whole life. In general, I can just say, I’m a positive person, I always look at things in a positive light." [24:12]

"Just yesterday we were talking to a 87 year old man that survived the corona virus. He fought it and he beat it… He told the viewers on TV, he said, ‘Listen, have faith, have hope, just because your older dose not mean you can’t fight this, just be strong.’ Those things are important to hear in times like this because all people need is faith and hope." [36:06]

"I always tell people, I think, the most important thing is to help people in any way you can, weather its putting a smile on their face, that cost nothing, zero dollars, giving someone advice, in any way possible, If you can help anybody else out, if you can, do it." [50:53]

"We got to to take all this negativity and turn it into something positive, because I always say, if you cant control something don’t get upset about it, there’s nothing you can do about it, so make the best of it, be positive." [56:15]

FOLLOW FARZY AND IMAN ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

IG: @farzyloko @imanhuschmand

FB: @Farzy Kazemi @Iman Huschmand

In this episode of "AWESOME People", Iman Huschmand has a candid conversation with Bita Milanian. Bita is the SVP of Global Marketing at Ribbon, Communications Strategist, Community Leader & Producer, just to name a few of her titles and roles. A true badass lady! As expected, Bita kept it 100% real as she discussed her personal experience with Menopause, advice for women, her efforts to encourage Iranians to visit IraniansCount.org to submit their census and knowing your limits!

SHOW NOTES:

Who Bita is [3:29]

What Ribbon does [7:47]

Being connected to the Persian community [10:17]

How Bita has been handling coronavirus [13:35]

The importance of supporting your loved ones [15:26]

How coronavirus has affected all aspects of life [17:32]

Rapid fire questions [24:02]

Being healthy and cooking during quarantine [28:34]

Bita’s kitchen [31:50]

Bita’s health message to women [34:37]

Knowing when to stop [36:19]

The U.S. census [41:34]

Being happy [52:09]

Advice for young business workers [53:50]

Feeling connected to your roots [55:10]

Bita’s message on self care [1:00:41]

QUOTES:

“To be able to go past [negativity] and really focus on your mission, which is doing a good job with pure intentions and being genuine about it, those that get it and appreciate it, they stick with you, and that’s all that matters.” [12:36]

“Dance has really emotionally and physically helped me to get through that really difficult period.” [35:36]

“You need to be your own biggest advocate and love yourself like nobody else loves you.” [37:22]

“That’s my tip to every young person entering the business world, entering the real world, is that don’t forget the power of your network.” [53:50]

“If you’re confident… people respect you more for that and you become more interesting.” [56:42]

Follow Bita and Iman on IG:

@bitamilanian

@imanhuschmand

In this episode of "AWESOME People", Iman Huschmand has a wide ranging conversation with Aras, who is best known for being Canada's celebrity Persian DJ...DJ Bliss. Born in Shiraz, Iran, is a place known for its rich culture, producing some of the greatest wine, mystics, and an entertainer who encompasses the wonders of Shiraz, DJ Bliss. At the age of 7, Aras got his first taste of the thrills that come with being an entertainer, where he had the opportunity to perform a handful of magic tricks in front of his entire school, which turned out to be a great success. Without knowing, the entertainment seed and passion was planted in Aras’ heart and soul. Fast forward to the age of 14, Aras and his loving family decided to move to Canada, and at the age of 17, Aras decided to join his high school’s radio station, Jag Radio as the schools official DJ. This is where the budding musical mystic would start to hone his craft, ensuring all his listeners were “partying right”. After having a taste of DJing at his high school, Aras went on to compete in the YUMCW, and placed 2nd overall out of the fourteen contestants battling it out for the ISAYU. It was this competition that nurtured the little seed that was planted in Aras’ heart and soul as a boy, and blossomed into the full-bodied and smooth sounds of DJ Bliss! Aras is the founder of Mehmooni, and travels the world, sharing his sweet sounds, spreading joy and touching the hearts and souls of his listeners, as his genuine passion for music is felt through his awe-inspiring mixes. DJ Bliss is also Canada’s first ever Persian celebrity DJ, which has given DJ Bliss the opportunity to perform with the likes of: Shahram Shabpareh, Kamran & Hooman, Andy, Ehsan Khajeh Amiri, Benyamin, Dariush, Ebi, Black Cats, Mansour, Siavash Ghomayshi, Elcid, Radio Javan, Morteza, Sami Beigi, Siavash Shams (sahneh), Carl Wolf, Craig Smart, Tania Zygar, and many more. Music aside, Bliss has been involved in a multitude if different ventures. He founded Push it Marketing Inc in 2009 as a full service marketing company. And is a co-founder and owner of Graffiti Exhibiting Bar Experience in Ontario as of 2019. A popular concept bar featured in different outlets, where music, street art and amazing food bring people from near and far together. Aras has been hosting TV shows on Ten TV, Radio Javan and is currently working with the Manoto TV, the most watched entertainment oriented Farsi speaking outlet outside of Iran. His journey is just beginning and he aims to help as many others as he can on his path forward.

SHOW NOTES:

Introduction of DJ Bliss [1:12]

Combatting the Corona virus lockdown as an entertainer and business owner [10:35]

Entertainment and hospitality business owners need to adapt now more than ever [28:00]

Aras’ plans for his restaurant and how they have changed trying to ride out the storm [34:00]

How artists and other creatives have been impacted by quarantine [44:00]

Rapid Fire Questions [48:07]

Closing remarks (be kind to earth and each other) [59:00]

QUOTES:

“You have to make things work for the audience to enjoy themselves without them realizing there’s every any hiccups. Making that happen, you learn a lot about how to deal with people and who your type of people are and who aren’t.” [8:16]

“We have to start thinking how we’re going to live moving forward. By just sitting on our asses and saying ’things are going to get better’ nothing is going to get better.” [15:37]

“This is the time where you have to start getting creative; you have to start thinking outside of the box.” [28:25]

“Any entrepreneur that want’s to survive this storm, they have to get creative. The only way to survive this is to get creative. The money alone isn’t going to be the issue […] you’re still going to have to figure out how you’re going to repurpose your space and how you’re going to work around your services, to now cater to a paranoid audience.” [40:00]

“I think success means reaching your dreams; that’s all I take from success.” [56:30]

“Please remember, while you’re in the comfort of your own house, think about being kinder to Mother Nature, because don’t forget, we are not even specs of dust in what it comes to how small humans are […] I think this is Mother Earth telling us we need to be more kind.” [1:00:30]

FOLLOW DJ BLISS AND IMAN:

IG: @aras.bliss and @blissfulshow

FB: @Aras Dar Bliss

IG: @imanhuschmand

FB: @iman huschmand

In this episode of "AWESOME People", Iman Huschmand sits down with the hilarious Tehran Ghasri, professionally known as Tehran, is an Iranian-American comedian, actor, host, television and radio personality, entertainer of African-American and Iranian descent. He performs stand-up comedy internationally, and hosts every Monday and Thursday at the world famous Laugh Factory in Los Angeles. He was named after the capital of Iran and as he says, his parents chose the name Tehran as a reminder of his Persian roots and culture.

SHOW NOTES:

Introduction of Tehran Ghasri [1:15]

How Los Angeles is doing their part in quarantine [3:55]

How the pandemic has affected Tehran as a person, artist, and comedian [5:20]

Striving to be that “arrogant” celebrity [9:00]

Iman asks Tehran what he wish he knew when he first started out in comedy [10:48]

Cultural and Economic ramifications of a lockdown and social distancing situation [13:35]

Tehran’s interest in deeper spirituality and how it relates to religion and success [18:40]

Tehran’s legacy: sharing self love, purpose of comedy, and the idea of greatness [20:33]

Life as a half African American, half Iranian American person [28:45]

Tehran’s influences and guiding mentors through life and comedy [38:50]

Being drug and alcohol free, family life, and early life [44:40]

QUOTES:

“It’s easy, all you have to do is ‘W.U.T.A.N.G.’ Basically if you do WUTANG you will be good” [4:30]

“I’ve been practicing acting like this my whole life, I have been a cocky, arrogant, piece of ’s.’ So I’m ready, I can’t wait until my level of success reaches my level of confidence” [9:45]

“A lot of people think [success] happens overnight. It really doesn’t and I’m nowhere near I need to be. I have a lot of work to do and a lot to grow” [11:12]

“I’m glad Tom Hanks [got COVID] because everyone was so sad, and no-one thought this was real until Tom Hanks announced it […] because then people believed it. I’m more happy that Tom Hanks got it because now they’re going to find a cure, they’re not going to let Tom Hanks die“ [17:55]

“I’ve been sharing my legacy since the very beginning. The concept of self love is my legacy. Loving yourself and that your self love does not effect your love for others they’re not mutually exclusive. I can love you and love me” [20:36]

“People find it offensive when you find purpose, especially when they haven’t found theirs because you will never offend another person with purpose. Greatness does not disrespect greatness.“ [23:30]

FOLLOW TEHRAN AND IMAN:

IG: @iamtehran

FB: @TehranVonGhasri

IG: @imanhuschmand

FB: @ihuschmand