Learn Persian with Chai and Conversation

In this episode of Growing Up Neem-Rooni, Leyla talks with Representative Yassamin Ansari, the youngest member of Congress and the first Iranian-American Democrat to be elected. From growing up in a mostly white Arizona suburb to representing her diverse district in Washington, D.C., Yassamin shares her story of identity, community, and public service.We talk about her family's immigration journey, what it was like growing up Persian in Arizona, the political awakenings that shaped her career, and the urgent fights she’s now taking on—climate change, immigration justice, labor rights, and Iranian-American visibility. She also opens up about the personal weight of carrying a diaspora story into the halls of power, and why this moment in American politics requires all of us to show up, speak out, and organize.🟢 Topics covered include:Her upbringing in Arizona and the influence of her Iranian familyWhy she got into politics, and how the first Trump presidency galvanized herHer work on Iranian-American Heritage Month and immigration reformThe erosion of climate policy and the importance of mass mobilizationWhat gives her hope—and why we need to fight harder than ever

In this episode of Growing Up Irooni, Leyla sits down with Chelsea Fagan—founder of The Financial Diet and author of the new novel High Dive. Known for blending personal finance with cultural critique, Chelsea joins Leyla for a wide-ranging conversation that covers:Why she wrote a romance novel with a Persian American love interestNavigating privilege, assimilation, and identity in immigrant communitiesRepresenting Iranian culture through a “cultural reader” and deep researchThe challenge of launching a joyful project in a dark political momentWhat it means to speak out as a business owner—and how capitalism shapes silenceThis is a conversation about complexity: what it means to hold joy and grief at the same time, to create art that is political without being preachy, and to run an ethical business in a deeply unequal world.📚 High Dive is out May 27th! 👉 Learn more about Chelsea: @faganchelsea on Instagram and @TheFinancialDiet 🎧 Leyla mentions this video by Chelsea: Watch on YouTube

In this episode of Learn Persian with Chai and Conversation, we continue to the second part of 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 next 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 

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 

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 DrakeHow his upbringing shaped his inclusive and culturally collaborative humorThe pressures of representing the Iranian diaspora and navigating community expectationsWhy 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.comIf you’ve ever wondered how to balance being Persian and pursuing a creative career, this one’s for you.

Growing Up Irooni - Gissou Nia, Human Rights Lawyer, on Justice, Diaspora Identity, and the Power of Speaking UpIn 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 zonesFear of speaking out—then and nowDiaspora activism and responsibilityPersonal reflections on power, identity, and justiceFollow Gissou:Twitter/X: @GissouNiaInstagram: @gissounia

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.

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.

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.

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.Watch Motherland on Vimeo (available until mid-January)Follow Motherland on Instagram for updatesConnect with Jasmin on Instagram: @jasminmozaffariVisit Jasmin's website: jasminmozaffari.com