Learn Persian with Chai and Conversation

In this episode, Leyla sits down with Hamid Rahmanian — the Iranian-American artist, filmmaker, and visionary behind some of the most ambitious Shahnameh projects of our time, including the illustrated Shahnameh: The Epic of the Persian Kings, the touring live productions Feathers of Fire and Song of the North, and most recently Rostam: Tales from the Shahnameh, a beautifully illustrated edition for younger readers.Hamid takes us back to his childhood in Tehran, where he grew up in a traditional family with no exposure to the arts — not knowing that art school even existed until he was nineteen. He shares the moment Pink Floyd changed his life, the exam that nearly sent him to the front lines of the Iran-Iraq war, and the Saadi poem that pushed him to leave his successful Tehran design firm at the height of his career to start over in New York.The conversation traces his unlikely path through Pratt Institute, Disney Animation (which he begged to be laid off from), early documentary films exploring Iranian identity, and his eventual partnership with his wife Melissa — whose simple challenge, "Why don't you just do it?", sparked what would become nearly two decades of work bringing the Shahnameh to global audiences.Hamid speaks honestly about the economics of cultural work that doesn't fit easily into grants or markets, why he refuses to make art for elites or museums, and what he's learned about the Iranian diaspora's complicated relationship with its own culture. He shares why he believes culture, not politics, is what endures — and why building it requires us to show up, spend money, and participate, rather than scroll past.It's a generous, funny, and often pointed conversation with someone who has spent his life proving that Persian stories belong on every table, in every classroom, in every home — and that the people best positioned to make that happen are us. Related LinksHamid Rahmanian's official site — kingorama.com (note: I wasn't able to verify the exact URL spelling — Hamid mentions it in the interview as "Kingarama" but this should be confirmed before publishing)Hamid's instagram- https://www.instagram.com/hamidinperson/Rostam: Tales from the Shahnameh — the new illustrated edition, available at his site (this is the book Leyla is giving away in the episode)Shahnameh: The Epic of the Persian Kings — the complete illustrated edition referenced throughoutFeathers of Fire — the touring live production (full video viewable on his site)Song of the North — the second major live production, which toured over 100 timesTragedy of Siyāvash — his newest live production, just finishedThe Glass House — his 2008 documentary about a charity center for troubled teenage girls in TehranSir Alfred of Charles de Gaulle Airport — his documentary about Mehran Karimi Nasseri, the Iranian who lived in the Paris airportSaadi's Golestan — the source of the poem (tang-cheshmān nazar be meeve konand, mā tamāshā-konāne bostāni) that changed Hamid's lifeJa'far Mahjoob — the Shahnameh scholar whose recordings ignited Hamid's love for the epicZeffirelli's Don Giovanni at the Met — the production that convinced Hamid to stay in New York

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2026

In this episode, Leyla sits down with Danesh Nosirvan — the Iranian-American creator known online for identifying perpetrators of public harm and holding them accountable through the court of public opinion. What began as a comedy career took an unexpected turn in 2021, when a single video calling out a child abuser went viral and reshaped the trajectory of his work entirely.Danesh shares the story of his family's arrival in the U.S. after the revolution, growing up as one of the only Iranian kids in his Southern California school, and the quiet weight of watching his immigrant parents accept mistreatment in order to stay safe. That early sense of injustice, he reflects, is what now fuels his willingness to speak up on behalf of others.The conversation moves through some of the most difficult chapters of recent Iranian diaspora life: the unifying surge of the Mahsa Amini protests, the painful fracturing that followed October 7th, and the ongoing struggle to maintain moral clarity when communities are pulled in opposite directions. Danesh speaks candidly about the cost of using a large platform to advocate — the stalking, the loss of income, the loneliness of being misread by people on every side — and why he still believes in doing it anyway.Leyla and Danesh also discuss the cultural reluctance to hold powerful men accountable, the case of Jian Ghomeshi and his quiet rehabilitation in parts of the Iranian community, and what genuine accountability looks like in a media landscape that rewards outrage over reflection. Danesh closes with a meditation drawn from his anthropology studies — the contrast between chimpanzee and bonobo societies — as a lens for thinking about the kind of community we're choosing to build, both as Iranians and as humans.A warm, honest, and at times uncomfortable conversation about identity, responsibility, and what it means to use your voice with care.

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2026

In the fourth part of our discussion about the Tale of Zahhak, Leyla and Dr. Sahba Shayani introduce the story of Fereydoon, who, as we already know by now, eventually kills Zahhak and rules Iran in his place. Zahhak tries in vain to prevent fate, and Fereydoon, even as a child, survives all of Zahhak's attempts to kill him.

Transcribed - Published: 20 April 2026

In this lesson, we learn from Leyla and Dr. Sahba Shayani about the nature of the evil king Zahhak's reign and the beginning of his downfall.

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2026

In this lesson, we continue our discussion of the famous Tale of Zahhak from Ferdowsi's Shahnameh with Dr. Sahba Shayani. Here, having covered the background that led to Zahhak's rise to power, we begin to delve into Zahhak's own story in earnest.

Transcribed - Published: 23 March 2026

In this lesson, we begin our discussion of the famous Tale of Zahhak from Ferdowsi's Shahnameh with Dr. Sahba Shayani. We use the end of the story of Jamshid as a prelude and begin to learn of how Zahhak becomes an evil king.

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2026

In this thrilling conclusion to Hafez's poem yoosofé gom gashté, we cover the words and phrases in the last four lines of the poem. Hafez concludes by acknowledging the difficulties the reader may face and reiterating his encouragement and confidence that God will help the reader overcome them.

Transcribed - Published: 9 February 2026

In this lesson, we cover the words and phrases in the next four lines of the poem yoosofé gom gashté by Hafez. In this part of the poem, Hafez provides the reader encouragement and inspiration for overcoming any difficulties they may face.

Transcribed - Published: 1 February 2026

In this lesson, we go over more words and phrases in the next four lines of the poem yoosofé gom gashté by Hafez. Here, Hafez reassures the reader regarding forces that are beyond their control.

Transcribed - Published: 26 January 2026

In this lesson, we go over the individual words and phrases in the next four lines of the poem yoosofé gom gashté by Hafez, which refer broadly to the nature of the heavens and earth.

Transcribed - Published: 18 January 2026

In this lesson, we go over the individual words and phrases in the first four lines of the poem yoosofé gom gashté by Hafez.

Transcribed - Published: 12 January 2026

In this lesson, we conclude our discussion of the section “On the Creation of the World” from Ferdowsi's Shahnameh and reflect on its implications with Dr. Omid Arabian. In this last part, Ferdowsi explains the origins and significance of human beings in more detail.

Transcribed - Published: 5 January 2026

In this introductory lesson to Hafez's poem yoosofé gom gashté, we're joined by Prof. Sahba Shayani to talk about the general theme and meaning behind this poem.

Transcribed - Published: 4 January 2026

In this lesson, we proceed to the fifth part of our discussion of the section “On the Creation of the World” from Ferdowsi's Shahnameh with Dr. Omid Arabian. In this part of the epic poem, Ferdowsi briefly concludes his discussion of the origins of plants and animals and begins explaining the origins of human beings.

Transcribed - Published: 15 December 2025

In this lesson, we proceed to the fourth part of our discussion of the section “On the Creation of the World” from Ferdowsi's Shahnameh with Dr. Omid Arabian. This part of the epic poem explains Ferdowsi's account of the origins of plants and animals.

Transcribed - Published: 8 December 2025

In this lesson, we proceed to the third part of our discussion of the section “On the Creation of the World” from Ferdowsi's Shahnameh with Dr. Omid Arabian. This part of the epic poem discusses the formation of the Earth.

Transcribed - Published: 1 December 2025

In this lesson, we continue our discussion of the section “On the Creation of the World” from Ferdowsi's Shahnameh with Dr. Omid Arabian. This part of the epic poem discusses the very beginnings of the universe.

Transcribed - Published: 24 November 2025

In this lesson, we begin our discussion of the section of Ferdowsi's Shahnameh called “On the Creation of the World” with Dr. Omid Arabian. We begin with a discussion of just the first two lines (the first two rhyming couplets).

Transcribed - Published: 17 November 2025

In this lesson, we learn some more expressions for expressing thanks, particularly in the context of visiting a jewelry store or other shop and making arrangements in advance.

Transcribed - Published: 27 October 2025

In this episode of Growing Up Irooni, journalist Nilo Tabrizy joins Leyla Shams to talk about her groundbreaking book For the Sun After Long Nights — The Story of Iran’s Women-Led Uprising, recently long-listed for the National Book Award. Nilo reflects on what it means to love a country she can no longer return to, the emotional toll of reporting on Iran from afar, and her friendship and collaboration with Iranian journalist Fatemeh Jamalpour, who reported from inside Iran during the Women Life Freedom movement.Together they discuss:The personal cost of choosing to tell Iran’s storyThe rise of forensic journalism and verifying truth in the digital ageThe trauma and beauty of living between worldsThe responsibility and tensions within the Iranian diasporaWhy every act of defiance by Iranian women still matters This conversation offers a rare glimpse into the human side of reporting on revolution, identity, and belonging. 🔗 Related Links 📖 For the Sun After Long Nights by Nilo Tabrizy & Fatemeh Jamalpour → Book Link 🎧 Listen to Nilo Tabrizy on Pod Save America → [Episode Link]📰 Follow Nilo Tabrizy’s work → Instagram @badboystomeninblackhawkdown | X @NiloTabrizi 📺 Watch the video interview on YouTube → YouTube Link to Full Conversation🌸 Learn Persian with Leyla Shams → chaiandconversation.com

Transcribed - Published: 22 October 2025

In this lesson, we learn some other tārof-related expressions for expressing thanks, especially when talking to people at a party or other social gathering.

Transcribed - Published: 20 October 2025

In this lesson, we learn a few more tārof-related expressions useful when talking with neighbors and also learn some useful phrases about gardening.

Transcribed - Published: 13 October 2025

In this lesson, we learn how to talk a little bit about school.

Transcribed - Published: 6 October 2025

In this lesson, we continue to explore examples of tārof relevant in situations where we have guests at our houses.

Transcribed - Published: 29 September 2025

In this lesson, we cover the thrilling conclusion to the Story of Zal in the Shahnameh with Leyla and Dr. Sahba Shayani, where Zal returns with Sam to their palace in Zabulistan, where he enjoys a hero's welcome.

Transcribed - Published: 15 September 2025

In this lesson, we continue our discussion of Ferdowsi's Shahnameh with Dr. Sahba Shayani to the fourth part of the Story of Zal, where Simorgh reunites Zal with his father, Sam.

Transcribed - Published: 8 September 2025

In this lesson, we continue our discussion of Ferdowsi's Shahnameh with Dr. Sahba Shayani to the third part of the Story of Zal, where Sam begins to have dreams that inspire him to search for the son he had previously abandoned.

Transcribed - Published: 1 September 2025

In this lesson, we continue our discussion of Ferdowsi's Shahnameh with Dr. Sahba Shayani to the second part of the Story of Zal, where Simorgh spots the abandoned baby.

Transcribed - Published: 25 August 2025

In this lesson, we begin our discussion of Ferdowsi's Shahnameh with Dr. Sahba Shayani. We specifically begin covering the first part of the Story of Zal in the Shahnameh.

Transcribed - Published: 18 August 2025

In this deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation, Daniel Nayeri, author of the acclaimed autobiographical novel Everything Sad is Untrue, talks about growing up as an Iranian refugee in Oklahoma, the mythic structure of memory, and the stories we inherit—true or not. He reflects on what it means to carry generational trauma, how he began writing the book in a Brooklyn bathroom, and the long journey of learning to tell his family’s story with emotional honesty.We discuss the magic of Persian storytelling traditions, from Shahnameh to Khosrow and Shirin, why he originally wrote the book for adults, and how his father reacted to seeing himself as a character on the page. Daniel also shares a preview of his newest novel, The Teacher of Nomadland, a literary adventure set in WWII-era Iran, and why he wanted to sneak a Farsi lesson into the heart of it.This episode is for anyone who’s ever tried to make sense of a fractured past—and found something beautiful in the pieces. 📚 Related Links Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Sad-Untrue-True-Story/dp/1646140001 The Teacher of Nomadland (Preorder): https://www.chroniclebooks.com/products/the-teacher-of-nomadland Daniel Nayeri on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielnayeri Learn Persian with Chai and Conversation: https://chaiandconversation.com Daniel's publisher: https://www.levinequerido.com/daniel-nayeri

Transcribed - Published: 6 August 2025

In this final part of our discussion of Nizami Ganjavi's sokhanee chand dar eshgh, we cover the remaining lines, explaining how love transcends even existence on Earth and applies to the entire universe.

Transcribed - Published: 28 July 2025

In this fifth part of the discussion of Nizami Ganjavi's sokhanee chand dar eshgh, we cover the two more lines that describe the life-giving nature of love.

Transcribed - Published: 21 July 2025

In this lesson, we learn some examples of tārof appropriate for talking to older people and see some examples in a conversation at an art gallery.

Transcribed - Published: 21 July 2025

In this laugh-out-loud and deeply personal conversation, Iranian Canadian actor, writer, and creator Tara Grammy joins Leyla to talk about growing up as an Iranian weirdo, navigating diaspora identity, creating her hit comedy series Soosi Lee, and embracing curiosity (aka being fusooli) as a cultural superpower. From getting discovered by Woody Harrelson in a tiny Toronto theatre to producing a DIY Iranian Borat-meets-Cribs series in LA, Tara's story is as inspiring as it is hilarious.She shares her journey through acting, motherhood, cultural expectations, language guilt, and the power of telling your own story—even when no one gives you permission. 🔗 Related Links: 📺 Watch Foozooli: https://www.instagram.com/taragrammy 🎥 Simple Wedding (film): IMDb📝 Tara’s Harper’s Bazaar essay: Joyful Rebellion – Harper’s Bazaar📚 Learn Persian with Chai and Conversation: https://www.chaiandconversation.com🎧 Follow Tara on Instagram: @taragrammy 📣 Connect with Us: Follow Growing Up Irooni on Instagram: @chaiandconversationSubscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Transcribed - Published: 16 July 2025

In this fourth part of the discussion of Nizami Ganjavi's sokhanee chand dar eshgh, we cover the next two lines in detail, regarding the indispensability of love.

Transcribed - Published: 14 July 2025

In this lesson, we learn some more expressions we can use when meeting new people and a new expression related to tārof.

Transcribed - Published: 14 July 2025

In this third part of the discussion of Nizami Ganjavi's sokhanee chand dar eshgh, we cover the next two lines in detail, beginning to contemplate the importance of love to all human beings.

Transcribed - Published: 7 July 2025

In this lesson, we learn some useful expressions for talking with friends or people we know, especially people who we haven't seen in a long time.

Transcribed - Published: 7 July 2025

In this second part of the discussion of Nizami Ganjavi's sokhanee chand dar eshgh, we go over the first two lines of the poem in detail.

Transcribed - Published: 30 June 2025

In this lesson, we learn a new way to call attention to someone and how to return a lost item.

Transcribed - Published: 30 June 2025

In this lesson, we introduce Nizami Ganjavi, an important 12th-century poet in the cultures of Iran, Azerbaijan, Kurdistan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan who is also considered the national poet of Azerbaijan. We are joined by Dr. Sahba Shayani to discuss sokhanee chand dar eshgh, or “A Few Words on Love,” an excerpt from Nizami Ganjavi's Romance of Khosrow and Shirin.

Transcribed - Published: 23 June 2025

In this lesson, we learn some phrases that could be useful when talking to people on the street and how to talk briefly about some routine daily activities.We also introduce Vijay, his mixtape, and his YouTube playlist, which you can find here!

Transcribed - Published: 23 June 2025

In this episode of Learn Persian with Chai and Conversation, we conclude The Parable of the Moths by Attar, taken from his masterpiece Conference of the Birds. I'm joined by the brilliant Omid Arabian of YOUniversal Center, who walks us through the last 4 lines of the poem—exploring its language, imagery, and deeper meaning. This lesson is perfect for those with some background in Persian who want to experience the richness of mystical poetry and engage with timeless questions of love, longing, and transformation.📄 Download the accompanying PDF guide: chaiandconversation.com 🎧 Listen to the third episode of our podcast: Spotify link🔗 Learn more about Omid’s work: YOUniversal Center 

Transcribed - Published: 9 June 2025

In this episode of Learn Persian with Chai and Conversation, we continue to the third part of The Parable of the Moths by Attar, taken from his masterpiece Conference of the Birds. I'm joined by the brilliant Omid Arabian of YOUniversal Center, who walks us through the next 4 lines of the poem—exploring its language, imagery, and deeper meaning. This lesson is perfect for those with some background in Persian who want to experience the richness of mystical poetry and engage with timeless questions of love, longing, and transformation.📄 Download the accompanying PDF guide: chaiandconversation.com 🎧 Listen to the third episode of our podcast: Spotify link🔗 Learn more about Omid’s work: YOUniversal Center 

Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2025

In this episode of Growing Up Neem-Rooni, Leyla talks with Representative Yassamin Ansari, the youngest member of Congress and the first Iranian-American Democrat to be elected. From growing up in a mostly white Arizona suburb to representing her diverse district in Washington, D.C., Yassamin shares her story of identity, community, and public service. We talk about her family's immigration journey, what it was like growing up Persian in Arizona, the political awakenings that shaped her career, and the urgent fights she’s now taking on—climate change, immigration justice, labor rights, and Iranian-American visibility. She also opens up about the personal weight of carrying a diaspora story into the halls of power, and why this moment in American politics requires all of us to show up, speak out, and organize. 🟢 Topics covered include: Her upbringing in Arizona and the influence of her Iranian familyWhy she got into politics, and how the first Trump presidency galvanized herHer work on Iranian-American Heritage Month and immigration reformThe erosion of climate policy and the importance of mass mobilizationWhat gives her hope—and why we need to fight harder than ever

Transcribed - Published: 1 June 2025

In this episode of Growing Up Irooni, Leyla sits down with Chelsea Fagan—founder of The Financial Diet and author of the new novel High Dive. Known for blending personal finance with cultural critique, Chelsea joins Leyla for a wide-ranging conversation that covers: Why she wrote a romance novel with a Persian American love interest Navigating privilege, assimilation, and identity in immigrant communities Representing Iranian culture through a “cultural reader” and deep research The challenge of launching a joyful project in a dark political moment What it means to speak out as a business owner—and how capitalism shapes silence This is a conversation about complexity: what it means to hold joy and grief at the same time, to create art that is political without being preachy, and to run an ethical business in a deeply unequal world. 📚 High Dive is out May 27th! 👉 Learn more about Chelsea: @faganchelsea on Instagram and @TheFinancialDiet 🎧 Leyla mentions this video by Chelsea: Watch on YouTube

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2025

In this episode of Learn Persian with Chai and Conversation, we continue to the second part of The Parable of the Moths by Attar, taken from his masterpiece Conference of the Birds. I'm joined by the brilliant Omid Arabian of YOUniversal Center, who walks us through the next 4 lines of the poem—exploring its language, imagery, and deeper meaning. This lesson is perfect for those with some background in Persian who want to experience the richness of mystical poetry and engage with timeless questions of love, longing, and transformation.📄 Download the accompanying PDF guide: chaiandconversation.com🎧 Listen to the second episode of our podcast: Spotify link🔗 Learn more about Omid’s work: YOUniversal Center 

Transcribed - Published: 26 May 2025

In this episode of Learn Persian with Chai and Conversation, we begin a brand new series on one of the most powerful mystical stories in Persian literature: The Parable of the Moths by Attar, taken from his masterpiece Conference of the Birds. I'm joined by the brilliant Omid Arabian of YOUniversal Center, who walks us through the first 4 lines of the poem—exploring its language, imagery, and deeper meaning. This lesson is perfect for those with some background in Persian who want to experience the richness of mystical poetry and engage with timeless questions of love, longing, and transformation.📄 Download the accompanying PDF guide: chaiandconversation.com🎧 Listen to the second episode of our podcast: Spotify link🔗 Learn more about Omid’s work: YOUniversal Center 

Transcribed - Published: 19 May 2025

In this episode of Growing Up Irooni, I sit down with Neema Naz—comedian, content creator, and the internet’s favorite Persian son—to talk about his rise from Scarborough’s multicultural neighborhood to international stages. Neema shares how being the “funny kid” at family gatherings led to his career in comedy, why his Iranian identity is core to his storytelling, and how his whole family (especially his mom!) became an essential part of his brand.We talk about:Neema’s evolution as a comedian—from early sketches to working with DrakeHow his upbringing shaped his inclusive and culturally collaborative humorThe pressures of representing the Iranian diaspora and navigating community expectationsWhy staying grounded in family is key to both his comedy and his sanity🎫 Follow Neema & get tour dates: neemanaz.com 📱 On Instagram: @neemanaz 🧿 Learn Persian & more interviews: chaiandconversation.comIf you’ve ever wondered how to balance being Persian and pursuing a creative career, this one’s for you.

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2025

Growing Up Irooni - Gissou Nia, Human Rights Lawyer, on Justice, Diaspora Identity, and the Power of Speaking UpIn this episode, Leyla talks with Gissou Nia, a leading international human rights lawyer and Director of the Strategic Litigation Project at the Atlantic Council. Gissou shares her journey from growing up Iranian-American in New Jersey to taking on some of the world’s most urgent human rights cases. They discuss the tension between diaspora and homeland, how her name connects her to Persian poetry and protest, and why it’s more important than ever for those in the diaspora to speak up.Topics covered:Growing up Iranian in the U.S.What “Gissou” really means (and why it’s more than just “hair”)Legal work on Iran and other crisis zonesFear of speaking out—then and nowDiaspora activism and responsibilityPersonal reflections on power, identity, and justiceFollow Gissou:Twitter/X: @GissouNiaInstagram: @gissounia

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2025