Irena Sendler, a Polish war hero who bravely saved thousands of Jewish children during WWII, speaks about her harrowing experiences. Sally Quinn shares her firsthand accounts of the Shah's extravagant 1971 celebration, shedding light on the disconnect between luxury and rising dissent. Former Empress Farah Pahlavi and social scientist Rouhi Shafi reflect on their exiles from Iran following the Islamic Revolution, revealing personal stories of loss and resilience. Together, they highlight the courage of women in times of crisis.

Sally Quinn, a seasoned author and journalist for the Washington Post, shares her firsthand experience covering the Shah of Iran's extravagant 2,500-year celebration of the Persian Empire in 1971. She reveals how the lavish three-day festival highlighted a stark disconnect between opulence and the political turmoil brewing in Iran. The surreal extravagance featured royal guests, imported birds, and a military parade, yet it ultimately united opposition against the Shah, marking a turning point in his credibility.