Born in Arizona to an Iranian family and raised partly in Iran, Amini describes what it was like growing up between two cultures — experiencing both the warmth of Persian culture and the repression of the Islamic Republic. He explains the “double life” many Iranians live under the regime, the difference between the Iranian people and their government, and why Western audiences often get the country’s identity wrong.

Cuomo and Amini also discuss cancel culture in comedy, the pressure artists face in a social media age, and how propaganda and political messaging shape how Americans view the Middle East. Amini argues that storytelling — even through comedy — can help bridge cultural misunderstandings and bring attention to the reality of life inside Iran.

The conversation also touches on the Iranian revolution, the role of the regime in fueling regional conflicts, and why Amini believes the Iranian people deserve to have their story told beyond the stereotypes often seen in the news.

Join The Chris Cuomo Project on YouTube for ad-free episodes, early releases, exclusive access to Chris, and more: https://www.youtube.com/@chriscuomo/join

Follow and subscribe to The Chris Cuomo Project on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for new episodes every Tuesday and Thursday: https://linktr.ee/cuomoproject

Head to https://factormeals.com/cuomo50off and use code cuomo50off to get 50% off and free breakfast for a year (new customers only, auto-renewing subscription required).

Get 20% off and free rush shipping on LEAN, the weight loss supplement from Brickhouse Nutrition, at https://takelean.com with promo code CUOMO.

Head to https://Superpower.com and use code CUOMO at checkout for $20 off your membership. Live up to your 100-Year potential. #superpowerpod

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices