Learn Persian with Chai and Conversation

Chai & Conversation
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Dec 8, 2025 • 18min

Culture | Ferdowsi's Shahnameh, On the Creation of the World, Part 4

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.
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Dec 1, 2025 • 19min

Culture | Ferdowsi's Shahnameh, On the Creation of the World, Part 3

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.
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Nov 24, 2025 • 21min

Culture | Ferdowsi's Shahnameh, On the Creation of the World, Part 2

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.
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Nov 17, 2025 • 36min

Culture | Ferdowsi's Shahnameh, On the Creation of the World, Part 1

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).
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Oct 27, 2025 • 14min

Speak Lesson 70 | Thanking a Shopowner

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.
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Oct 22, 2025 • 1h 6min

Interview | Growing Up Irooni - Nilo Tabrizy on the Cost of Telling Iran’s Story

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 mattersThis 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
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Oct 20, 2025 • 18min

Speak Lesson 69 | Giving Thanks

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.
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Oct 13, 2025 • 17min

Speak Lesson 68 | Talking with a Neighbor

In this lesson, we learn a few more tārof-related expressions useful when talking with neighbors and also learn some useful phrases about gardening.
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Oct 6, 2025 • 18min

Speak Lesson 67 | How to Talk About School

In this lesson, we learn how to talk a little bit about school.
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Sep 29, 2025 • 29min

Speak Lesson 66 | Tārof When Welcoming Guests

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

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