In this week's episode, Kelly is joined by community builder Maryam Banikarim! She was the former Chief Marketing Officer of many global organizations, She is the Co-Founder of Longest Table, and Host of the podcast “The Messy Parts”. 

Kelly asks Maryam about coming to The United States from Iran. Maryam talks about her experience living in Iran and in California. She talks about her first trip to the East Coast and how she got into Barnard off the wait list. 

Maryam talks about life in NYC in the 80s. She tells us about a fateful encounter she had on the subway, fast talking her way into night clubs, and joining Chippendales!

Kelly asks her about her experience doing a TedTalk. Maryam tells us how she got the opportunity to do the talk, what her process was in coming up with topics for it, and how she was able to practice and perfect her performance. 

Maryam then talks about putting together The Longest Table. She discusses challenges that she faced when putting on the first event. She talks about how the obstacles become obstacle courses in how she navigates regection and keeps it from letting it affect her. 

She then talks about New York Next and how during covid, she and a group of concerned New Yorkers got together to put together an incredible video to help support artists during that dark time. 

Kelly asks Maryam about the formation of "The Messy Parts". The two talk about their experience being podcast hosts, and the unique challenges that face them. They discuss the creation of Maryam's show: From inspiration to early planning and to how it is now.

Finally, Maryam tells the audience about her wedding anniversary, as it is the same day that they recorded the podcast. Maryam met her husband on the Subway! And she recounts her classic New York Story for us. 

But above all else; Maryam Banikarim is a New Yorker.

Kelly's Social Media

@NewYorkCityKopp

Maryam's Social Media

@mbanikarim

@LongestTableCommunity

@TheMessyPartsPodcast

Jae's Social Media

@Studiojae170