Learn Persian with Chai and Conversation

In this lesson, we cover the thrilling conclusion to the Story of Zal in the Shahnameh with Leyla and Dr. Sahba Shayani, where Zal returns with Sam to their palace in Zabulistan, where he enjoys a hero's welcome.

In this lesson, we continue our discussion of Ferdowsi's Shahnameh with Dr. Sahba Shayani to the fourth part of the Story of Zal, where Simorgh reunites Zal with his father, Sam.

In this lesson, we continue our discussion of Ferdowsi's Shahnameh with Dr. Sahba Shayani to the third part of the Story of Zal, where Sam begins to have dreams that inspire him to search for the son he had previously abandoned.

In this lesson, we continue our discussion of Ferdowsi's Shahnameh with Dr. Sahba Shayani to the second part of the Story of Zal, where Simorgh spots the abandoned baby.

Dr. Sahba Shayani, a scholar of classical Persian epic poetry, dives deep into Ferdowsi's Shahnameh, a cornerstone of Persian identity. The discussion reveals how this masterpiece preserved the Persian language during Arabic dominance. They explore the rich mythology and language of the Shahnameh, focusing on the character of Zal and the interplay of beauty and shame in cultural narratives. Shayani highlights the vital roles women play in these stories, connecting historical themes to contemporary societal expectations.

In this deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation, Daniel Nayeri, author of the acclaimed autobiographical novel Everything Sad is Untrue, talks about growing up as an Iranian refugee in Oklahoma, the mythic structure of memory, and the stories we inherit—true or not. He reflects on what it means to carry generational trauma, how he began writing the book in a Brooklyn bathroom, and the long journey of learning to tell his family’s story with emotional honesty.We discuss the magic of Persian storytelling traditions, from Shahnameh to Khosrow and Shirin, why he originally wrote the book for adults, and how his father reacted to seeing himself as a character on the page. Daniel also shares a preview of his newest novel, The Teacher of Nomadland, a literary adventure set in WWII-era Iran, and why he wanted to sneak a Farsi lesson into the heart of it.This episode is for anyone who’s ever tried to make sense of a fractured past—and found something beautiful in the pieces.📚 Related LinksEverything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Sad-Untrue-True-Story/dp/1646140001The Teacher of Nomadland (Preorder): https://www.chroniclebooks.com/products/the-teacher-of-nomadlandDaniel Nayeri on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/danielnayeriLearn Persian with Chai and Conversation:https://chaiandconversation.comDaniel's publisher:https://www.levinequerido.com/daniel-nayeri

In this final part of our discussion of Nizami Ganjavi's sokhanee chand dar eshgh, we cover the remaining lines, explaining how love transcends even existence on Earth and applies to the entire universe.

In this fifth part of the discussion of Nizami Ganjavi's sokhanee chand dar eshgh, we cover the two more lines that describe the life-giving nature of love.

In this lesson, we learn some examples of tārof appropriate for talking to older people and see some examples in a conversation at an art gallery.

In this laugh-out-loud and deeply personal conversation, Iranian Canadian actor, writer, and creator Tara Grammy joins Leyla to talk about growing up as an Iranian weirdo, navigating diaspora identity, creating her hit comedy series Soosi Lee, and embracing curiosity (aka being fusooli) as a cultural superpower. From getting discovered by Woody Harrelson in a tiny Toronto theatre to producing a DIY Iranian Borat-meets-Cribs series in LA, Tara's story is as inspiring as it is hilarious.She shares her journey through acting, motherhood, cultural expectations, language guilt, and the power of telling your own story—even when no one gives you permission.🔗 Related Links:📺 Watch Foozooli: https://www.instagram.com/taragrammy🎥 Simple Wedding (film): IMDb📝 Tara’s Harper’s Bazaar essay: Joyful Rebellion – Harper’s Bazaar📚 Learn Persian with Chai and Conversation: https://www.chaiandconversation.com🎧 Follow Tara on Instagram: @taragrammy📣 Connect with Us:Follow Growing Up Irooni on Instagram: @chaiandconversationSubscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube