Learn Persian with Chai and Conversation

Latest Episodes:

Culture | Attar's Parable of the Moths, Part 1 May 19, 2025

Show notes

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

Interview | Comedian Neema Naz on Iranian Parents, Comedic Hustle, and Finding His Voice May 14, 2025

Show notes

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 Drake
How his upbringing shaped his inclusive and culturally collaborative humor
The pressures of representing the Iranian diaspora and navigating community expectations
Why 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.com

If you’ve ever wondered how to balance being Persian and pursuing a creative career, this one’s for you.

Interview | Gissou Nia, Human Rights Lawyer, on Justice, Diaspora Identity, and the Power of Speaking Up Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

Growing Up Irooni - Gissou Nia, Human Rights Lawyer, on Justice, Diaspora Identity, and the Power of Speaking Up

In 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 zones
Fear of speaking out—then and now
Diaspora activism and responsibility
Personal reflections on power, identity, and justice

Follow Gissou:

Twitter/X: @GissouNia
Instagram: @gissounia

Interview | Babak Tafreshi on the Magic of the Night Sky Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

Babak Tafreshi is an incredibly inspiring Iranian photographer, science journalist and amateur astronomer. He got his start photographing in Iran, but has since moved to the United States. He is the creator and director of The World At Night, an international program in which photographers from around the world capture images of night skies as seen above notable landmarks of the planet.

Interview | Naz Deravian on How She Became the sabzé Lady Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Leyla sits down with Naz Deravian, the wonderful author of the cookbook Bottom of the Pot, to discuss how she started the tradition of growing sabzé for Nowruz (the Perisan new year) along with her international group of followers. Growing sabzé is an integral part of the Nowruz tradition. It acts as the centerpiece for the table we need to set up for Nowruz. She'll be starting on March 7th, so listen to hear how you can join, and why it's important that you do so, no matter where in the world you are.

Interview | Anna Eskamani on Doing the Good Work in the Face of Hostilities Feb 19, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Leyla sits down with Florida Representative Anna Eskamani, the first Iranian-American to serve in the Florida Legislature, to discuss her immigrant Iranian parents and how her mother's values continue to lead her as she's making big waves in Florida politics. Anna is a liberal politician in a sea of hostile Republican colleagues and now faces even more challenges at the federal level. Despite all this, she continues to fight for her values and is currently running for mayor of the city of Orlando.

Interview | Jasmin Mozaffari, Director of Motherland, on Identity in a Problematic Time Dec 31, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Leyla sits down with acclaimed filmmaker Jasmin Mozaffari to discuss her short film Motherland, a poignant exploration of cultural identity, family trauma, and resilience. Jasmin reflects on her upbringing as a neem-rooni (half-Iranian, half-Canadian) in post-9/11 North America, the generational trauma of Iranian immigrants, and how her father’s story during the Iran Hostage Crisis shaped her art. Together, they delve into themes of assimilation, cultural pride, and rediscovering one’s roots.

Jasmin also shares behind-the-scenes insights into Motherland—a film set in 1979 about an Iranian immigrant navigating love and hostility in America—and how the Woman, Life, Freedom movement has deepened her connection with the Iranian diaspora. Plus, learn about her exciting new projects and how she’s using storytelling to bridge generations and cultures.