I did it, Tala! I freakin’ did it! Hahaha :)

Wow, Episode 6 of Season 2 was a special one. This podcast was originally recorded in late August 2025 via Google Meet; today is December 3, 2025. It took a while, but we did it. I’m a big proponent of doing things when you feel mentally ready rather than making them a chore. Today, after finishing work earlier than usual, my gut said: it’s the day.

We met online, and it’s crazy that a moment in time captured us talking for an hour and a half through electricity and frequency. I believe that no matter the distance, it’s inevitable that like-minded people will find one another. It might take time, but that is life’s way of teaching us to cherish it. We hopped on a WhatsApp call a day or two before recording to get comfortable, and listening back, many of the topics we covered were derived from that prep call.

In this episode, we discussed finding moments of calm in chaos, art, and yoga. Tala beautifully described yoga as a moment of being present with body and space after years of abuse and neglect—witnessing our body not just as a tool to get from A to B, but as a spectacular instrument.

We also touched on relationships with siblings, the importance of asking parents deep questions, and the formality of Iranian culture and shame. It was funny when you mentioned how weird it is that we still become this "polite version" of ourselves when meeting new people, treating them like a 60-year-old regardless of their actual age. I definitely still do that—it’s cute.

You mentioned a quote I love: “People mirror your level of comfort.” There is nothing more powerful than being comfortable in your own skin. This is something I’m still working on; it’s how we improve individually and as a collective.

Why did this take so long to edit? A mix of learning new podcast software, personal life events, and honestly... a feeling of "cringe" about myself! Listening back, I had so many cringey moments, but I laughed through them with love. My brother and grandpa must’ve thought I was going crazy laughing to myself. But we don’t really care about that, right? (insert side-eye emoji)

Tala sees herself going back to Iran, and viewing it as something she owes herself to explore. While it is sad that Iranians are building elsewhere, my experience has opened a door to seeing Earth itself as our home. As I write this, the Trump administration has enforced stricter restrictions for immigrants. Having been in the US for over 13 years, I’m unsure what I have to do next year.

However, a voice in me says everything will work out. I see myself in the US not because it's all sunshine and rainbows, but because of the possibilities. The fact that Zohran Mamdani was able to get elected as NYC Mayor after immigrating not so long ago is special and worth it to me. As much as I love Iran, it is in a period of agony. As the new Jafar Panahi movie portrayed, revenge is a vicious cycle; forgiveness and empathy are getting forgotten. But this darkness is developing some audacious, bright-hearted stars in this new generation. I hope this dark cloud passes soon.

Tala jaan, I hope nothing but the best for you. You are a genuine, kind-hearted soul full of life. I’m happy you are alive and that I got to experience your energy. I don’t doubt you will experience wonders with your spiritual, creative, and explorative curiosity. We said we’d keep in touch, and while we haven’t really, please know I consider you a close friend; your joy is my joy:)

Big hug,

Pedram

Farsi Glossary:

• Ehteram: Respect

• Masalan: For example

• Begoo: Say it

• Fohsh: Curse word

• Esalat: Originality / Nobility / Heritage

• Adabiat: Literature / Language

• Mahdekoodak: Kindergarten

• Dabestan: Primary school

• Shomal: Northern Iran

• Refaghat: Close friendship

• Ba marefat: Loyal, kind, considerate, understanding, caring (all encompassing)

• Cheshme ham cheshmi: Showing off out of jealousy/envy; "keeping up with the Joneses"; competitive one-upping