Persian Curious

Maryam joins us from Iran to share what it’s like to be a young woman between worlds... picking up English from the show "Friends" while navigating cultural pressures around honour, disgrace, and keeping up appearances.

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Arif Mirbaghi, musician extraordinaire from Chesmak and Kamakon (with Mehdi Saki). We explore the latest shifts in the Tehran music scene, trade insider tips on thriving as a gigging musician, and venture into unexpected territory—tiny Persian cigarettes, the fate of Persian hippies, and the art of making Baba Karam cool again!

Today's guest, Armin delves into Iran’s cultural and linguistic heritage. He speaks of the man believed to have brought tea to Iran, shares the surprising root of a common English word, and discusses the fading presence of regional languages, like Gilaki, in Iran.

In this conversation Pourya talks about the cultural and historical importance of his home city of Rasht, particularly during the period of the Constitutional Revolution. He also delves into the controversial topic of racism within Iran, and discusses influences of Greek and French culture.

Today's guest Parisa has just returned from a couple of months in Iran. We talk about nightlife in Tehran, warmth of the Iranian people, and oil on the stomach.

Today I speak with Naaz who shares her journey from Iran as a teenager to the rainforests of BC. She speaks of her path of healing and reconnecting with cultural roots, as she passes on customs and language to her daughter. We chat about smoking Esfand, soothing Chai Nabat, Iranian grieving practices, and more. Naaz wishes to give a shout out to her setar teacher, esteemed musician Mahmood Schricker at https://www.linkmusiclab.com/. Show notes artwork by Nasser Ovissi.

Today's guest, celebrated comedian Neema Naz, joins me for a candid conversation about immigrant family life, what makes Persians laugh, how to speak with an Irooni accent, and more!

Today's guest Roofia talks about the traditional lifestyle of the Bakhtiari people from her home region high in the Zagros mountains. She shares an inspiring proverb about holding on to hope, and talks about the expectations and sacrifices of Persian parents. 

Today's guest Vahideh joins us from Canada. She shares proud and painful memories from life in late 1970s Iran, the unique values of her family, and relates how “talk begets talk”.

Today's guest Kia, shares about his Zoroastrian heritage, life as a Persian growing up in Canada, and some cool ways he's decided to celebrate Persian culture during Nowruz & Chaharshanbeh Suri.