Successful Iranians

Jacqueline Renee, Instagram sensation and witty chronicler of her marriage to a Persian guy and their family life in America, meets us in our latest episode. 

Jacqueline takes us through her early days as a single mom to finding her place in the warm embrace of Persian hospitality and the shared meals that knit her new family together. We not only talk about the delectable dishes but also dive into the importance of food in crossing cultural barriers and creating a home away from home, serving up a delicious reminder of the ties that bind.

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Angella Nazarian is a noted speaker and best-selling author of three books: Life as a Visitor, Pioneers of the Possible: Celebrating Visionary Women of the World, and Visionary Women.

Angella Nazarian joins us to unfurl the vibrant strands of her own story, from the challenges of adapting to a new culture as an Iranian immigrant to the triumphs of personal development as a best-selling author and co-founder of Visionary Women. Her first book, "Life as a Visitor," serves as a gateway into our discussion on the complex interplay between sense of self and the environments we inhabit, inviting listeners to reflect on their own multifaceted identities and the ways in which art and personal connections shape our journeys.

Angella doesn't shy away from the delicate balancing act between pursuing passions and navigating the weight of cultural and familial expectations. Listen closely as she recounts her bold move into the world of psychology, a choice that stood in stark contrast to the path laid out before her.

#iran #iranian #persian 

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Have you ever wondered what it feels like to leave the security of a nine-to-five and step into the world of entrepreneurship, chasing the elusive dream of freedom? 

Shahab Elmi, the Co-Founder of Cymbiotika ,  unfolds his transformative journey from the confines of corporate America to the helm of a flourishing wellness empire. 

Scaling a business is no mean feat—something Shahab learned firsthand almost reaching the brink of bankruptcy to a $200 Million business and climbing fast. 

Through intimate revelations, Shahab shares the sacrifices and triumphs that come with such a bold move. His story is a testament to the power of cultural influences, the mastery of time, and the relentless pursuit of one's passions, underscoring the profound impact such a path can have on family and personal well-being.

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From the teeming streets of Iran to the hallowed halls of Ontario Parliament, Goldie Ghamari's life is a canvas of courage, cultural pride, and an unwavering quest for justice. As a child of resolute immigrants, Goldie's narrative unfolds, revealing how the grit and grace of her family's flight from persecution laid the foundation for a future in public service. Feel the heart and soul of their story as we navigate the challenges and celebrate the victories that have marked Goldie's ascent to a political luminary, striving for the rights of Canadians, the Iranian diaspora and voicing opposition to forces like Hamas.

Venture behind the veil of the Iranian identity through the transformative lens of social media, where the true essence of a nation's people outshines the grim portrayal by a controlling regime. Goldie's journey from law to the legislative chamber is a testament to the power of social media in shaping perceptions and forging connections. Sharing the impact of her most personal endeavors, from pro bono legwork to legislative triumphs, Goldie's tale is one of dedication to her roots and unyielding commitment to the well-being of her constituents and the broader immigrant community.

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Reza Jackson, the Persian millennial who's fashion-forward antics are setting social media ablaze. As our special guest, Reza unfurls the tapestry of his ascent to digital stardom, transitioning from a tableau of static fashion images to a dynamic narrative of culturally rich, comedic video content. His anecdotes offer a treasure trove of insights into the essence of personal branding and the tenacity required to navigate the influencer landscape, all while maintaining the rich threads of his Persian heritage.

The conversation swerves into the fast lane as we explore the balancing act of nurturing a personal brand alongside a traditional career path. Here Reza unveil his own experiences, marking the transition from niche Persian-centric content to universal themes that strike a chord with millennials and second-generation immigrants alike. Together, we uncover the potential waiting in the wings—from coveted brand partnerships to the dream of a Netflix special—while wrestling with the pivotal decisions that content creators face in preserving their cultural identity amidst a broadening audience.

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Have you ever uncovered a family secret that turned your world upside down? "Persian Version" is a film that unfolds just such a tale, featuring a young Iranian-American woman’s quest to unravel her family's hidden past. We sit down with the film's vibrant cast and Mariam, the director, to shed light on how their personal narratives are intricately stitched into the movie's fabric, delivering an intimate portrayal of identity and resilience in a time plagued by xenophobia. The episode peels away the layers of the film's creation, spotlighting the chemistry of the cast and the director’s own immigrant story that serves as the heartbeat of this culturally rich narrative.

As our conversation progresses, we celebrate how "Persian Version" champions the industry's incremental shift towards inclusivity, breaking stereotypes through complex characters and heartfelt performances. 

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As the daughter of Iranian immigrants, Lisa Daftari's unique perspective bridges two worlds, offering a rare insight into the often misunderstood narratives of Iran. Our conversation peels back the curtain on Iran's intricate political tapestry, revealing the vibrant, progressive spirit of its people that defies the extremist image cast by its rulers on.

Our deep dive conversation, goes through Lisa's transition from a non-political childhood to becoming an acclaimed voice on matters that shape our world. We navigate the transformative aftermath of the Iranian Revolution, the pivotal events of 9/11, and the inception of The Foreign Desk - Lisa's answer to the mainstream media's overlooked stories.

Feel the pulse of Iran's internal struggle as we dissect the powerful fight for women's rights ignited by Mahsa Amini's death. The unity among Iranians today contrasts starkly with past movements, challenging us to understand the complexity of their quest for change. We probe the global community's response, seeking reasons behind its silence, and underscore the significance of accurate Western narratives that echo the Iranian plea for freedom. As the dialogue shifts to the Biden administration's strategies, we critically analyze their impact on Iran's regional conduct and the overarching implications for global stability.

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Imagine embarking on a journey of self-discovery, leaving behind your job, home, and the familiarity of your surroundings to explore the world with your family. Our guest on today's episode, Michael Motamadi, bravely embarked on this journey, redefining success along the way. From finishing sixth on MasterChef Canada to being the Chief Marketing Officer of Rabbit Hole Spirits (ScaleUp) and entrepreneur. Michael shifted his focus from material possessions to spending quality time with his loved ones. In this captivating conversation, we traverse the idea of success, the significance of self-awareness, and the value of multiple income streams. 

Michael's pursuit of happiness has taken him to over 15 countries in the past two years alone, reshaping his perspective on life. We delve into his experiences, discussing the importance of entrepreneurship, financial obligations, and, most importantly, living life to the fullest. We talk about the highs and lows of a nomadic lifestyle, the universal language of food, and the life lessons that have shaped his journey. In the face of uncertainty, Michael inspires us all to embrace change and live life on our terms.

As we wind down, we reflect on the past and look forward to the future. Michael candidly shares his regrets, dreams, and life lessons, emphasizing the importance of cherishing our loved ones. He compares his current state of uncertainty to swimming in the ocean until he feels alive, reminding us all of the importance of perseverance and tenacity. We leave you with this thought - life is unpredictable, but every experience has a purpose. So tune in, and let's embark on this journey together, discovering life, love, food, and most importantly, our own happiness threshold.

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Ever think about the power and poise it takes to build a lavish brand from the ground up? Buckle up as we take a fascinating journey with Nika Diamond-Krendel, the brain behind the luxury leather goods brand, Paradise Row. An entrepreneur, a passionate woman rights advoce and a proud mother, Nika is here to share her trials and triumphs in building a brand that resonates with the heart.

We navigate the treacherous ocean of entrepreneurship, exploring the highs and lows, the solitude, the startling statistics, and the sweet taste of success. Nika shares the story behind her brand, how it came to be a symbol of thoughtfulness and personalization in the luxury gifting industry. Reflecting on the inspiration she finds in everyday heroes and icons like Oprah. We discover the resilience that allowed her to carve a path of her own. 

As we journey further, we delve into the importance of self-development, finding balance, and understanding the distinction between being busy and being productive. Nika opens up about her definition of success and her aspirations to empower women, particularly within the Iranian community. Tune in for an enthralling expedition, a tale of resilience, and an inspiring lesson on creating your own narrative.

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Are you ready to be captivated by the journey of a chemist-turned entrepreneur? Meet Mo Saremi, the CEO of Bell International Labs, and join us as we traverse his inspiring journey from Iran to the US, shedding light on his transition from a chemistry student to a giant in the consumer health industry. Mo shares his insights about the importance of hard work, mastery of one's craft, and the right mindset needed to scale up your business. He doesn't mince words about the fear of risk, and the sacrifices that success often demands. 
 
 In a society where instant gratification is cherished, Mo champions the concept of delayed gratification. He believes in the power of perseverance and patience, especially when faced with setbacks. Mo also sheds light on the importance of work ethic, continuous education, and the crucial role they play in shaping success. As we conclude our chat, Mo introduces us to his mission of promoting Iranian role models globally, emphasizing how we can all learn from those with knowledge and experience. Get ready for an episode brimming with wisdom, insights and a whole lot of motivation for aspiring entrepreneurs. Tune in now!

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