Persian Curious

Maryam ~ A Young Woman in Iran, Between Worlds

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.

Musician Arif Mirbaghi ~ "Make it happy!"

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!

Armin - Tea Pioneer & Gilaki Language

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.

Pourya ~ Racism in Iran? ~ Rasht & the French Connection

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.

Parisa ~ Just Back from Tehran

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.