Back To School with Maz Jobrani

Latest Episodes:

Running for Congress with Sima Ladjevardian Oct 05, 2020

Show notes

This week, we're joined by Sima Ladjevardian, who is running for US Congress in Texas. She tells us about how if she wins she will be the first Iranian-American Congress Member ever, why it is so important for each and every one of us to vote, and that every immigrant grandmother hides treats in her closet!

What is it Like to Run for City Council? with Yassamin Ansari Sep 28, 2020

Show notes

This week, we're joined by Yassamin Ansari who is running for City Council in Phoenix, Arizona. She talks to us about how she plans to address climate change, growing up in Phoenix as an Iranian-American, and how she got asked out on a date while canvassing!

Being a Mom, an LGBTQ Ally, and a Woman of Color in the World of Comedy with Debi Gutierrez Sep 22, 2020

Show notes

This week, we're joined by Debi Gutierrez (the first comedian Maz ever toured with!) who talks to us about the struggles of being a female comedian, how everyone should find a cause they care about and step up and be a part of it, and that if you end up marrying a marine, they may try to kill you with the lid of a ketchup bottle!

Lessons From a Life as a Foreign Correspondent with Reese Erlich Sep 15, 2020

Show notes

This week, we're joined by Peabody award-winning journalist Reese Erlich who talks to us about why Cuba is handling the COVID crisis much better than America, why he travels wherever the government tells him not to, and that the two things you can find anywhere in the world are Coca Cola and the Kardashians.

Why Immigrants and Refugees Gotta Vote with Anahita Panahi from We Are All America Sep 08, 2020

Show notes

This week, we're joined by Anahita Panahi from We Are All America, an organization dedicated to helping refugees. We talk about why the US is slowing down admitting refugees, how important it is for immigrants to vote and, and that if you're planning on voting for Trump, Election Day is November 4th!

Writing About the Immigrant Experience with Iranian-American Novelist Parnaz Foroutan Sep 01, 2020

Show notes

This week, in a special throwback episode of Back to School, we're joined by author Parnaz Fourotan who talks to us about her novel, Home is a Stranger, tells us that you have to get rid of your inner critic if you're pursuing a creative endeavor, and that if you're ever in Iran, don't wear a red bikini!

How to Have Compassion for Others Amidst a Global Pandemic and National Unrest with Dr. Nelly Aug 25, 2020

Show notes

This week, we're joined by Dr. Nelly, psychologist and founder of Mom Talk, who talks about how suffering allows us to cultivate compassion, how to talk to your family about anti-racism, and tells us about yoga protests!

Designing Iconic Homes with Award Winning Architect Chad Oppenheim Aug 18, 2020

Show notes

This week, we're joined by Chad Oppenheim, founder of Oppenheim Architecture, who tells us that grit is what you need to be successful in your career, speaks to us about his book Lair whichshows that movie villains always have the coolest homes, and warnsthatrenovating your house could lead to a divorce!

How to Help Your Children Succeed in Life with Dr. Sarah Haynes Aug 11, 2020

Show notes

This week, we're joined by Dr. Sarah Haynes, clinical psychologist and former Georgetown professor, who tells us how not to be a helicopter parent, why it's important to go easy on yourself and your kids (especially during COVID!) and why your kids need to get a job!

Writing About the War on Drugs, the Trump Presidency, and More with NYT Best-Selling Novelist Don Winslow Aug 04, 2020

Show notes

This week, we're joined by novelist Don Winslow who tells us how he became a bestselling author, how he's using his platform to speak out against Trump and how racism isn't a left or right issue, it's a wrong or right issue!