Experience the mesmerizing journey of Babak Amini, an Iranian guitarist and composer whose talent and resilience have transcended extraordinary challenges. From his childhood moments picking up a small guitar at age 10 to launching "Blue of the Rain," the first post-revolution guitar album in Iran, Babak's story is a testament to the power of passion against all odds. He recounts the adversities faced during the Iran-Iraq war and the cultural restrictions that couldn't deter his devotion to music, providing a glimpse into the life of an artist who never let go of his dreams.

Babak's evolution as a guitarist is nothing short of remarkable. Listen as he shares his journey from resisting the use of a pick to mastering flamenco , all while drawing inspiration from legends like Paco de Lucia and Al Di Meola .

His narrative unfolds with a significant highlight—collaborating with the distinguished guitar luthier Felipe Conde, leading to his very own signature guitar line. Babak's insights into the modern era of musicianship, where technology and diverse skills play a crucial role, offer invaluable lessons for aspiring guitarists.

In our heartfelt conversation, Babak offers sage advice on music, fame, and trust. He emphasizes the importance of nurturing one's unique musical style over chasing quick fame and financial success.

Embark on an inspiring journey with us as we welcome the remarkable Poyua Hashemi, whose entrepreneurial spirit has led him from humble beginnings to founding tech company Spin Touch and SIP Awards, a global spirit brand evaluator.

Poya's story is a testament to the power of passion and resilience. From selling candy in middle school to spearheading cutting-edge technology in augmented reality and VR, his experiences offer invaluable lessons for anyone looking to turn their dreams into reality. But Pouya isn't just about business—his forays into magic, stand-up comedy, and acting provide a holistic view of balancing professional pursuits with creative outlets, especially during the challenging times of COVID-19.

In an equally captivating segment, we dive into the life of a former business professional who has found new joy in creating comedy content on social media. Transitioning from a more traditional career path to the world of comedy reels, this individual's story underscores the liberating nature of creative expression, even when faced with criticism.Resulting in a large Instagram following to his content.

Ever wondered what it takes to go from being a heart doctor to an aspiring astronaut? This episode features Eiman, an associate professor of medicine and radiology at NMD, who's on the cusp of realizing his space travel dreams with Blue Origin's New Shepard. Join us as we journey through his incredible story of perseverance, from his roots in Iran to his thriving career in Nashville, Tennessee. Eiman opens up about his two-time finalist experiences with NASA and the emotional rollercoaster that has defined his relentless pursuit of space travel.

We delve into the nitty-gritty of astronaut selection, contrasting traditional government programs with the emerging commercial spaceflight industry. Eiman shares the rigorous process he underwent, from psychological evaluations to medical exams, and the complex emotions tied to this career shift. Hear firsthand about the reactions of his family, especially his parents and wife, as they grapple with the excitement and risks of his upcoming suborbital flight. These insights provide a unique look into the human side of space exploration, highlighting the balance between ambition and personal sacrifice.

Looking ahead, we explore the broader implications of human space travel, touching on subjects like rapid global travel, potential colonization of other planets, and the search for extraterrestrial life. Eiman reflects on our technological and financial hurdles, as well as the existential questions that arise from our quest to explore the cosmos.

What if you could witness the 1979 revolution of a nation through the eyes of someone who lived it? Join us for an insightful conversation with Amir Tahiri, an esteemed Iranian-born journalist and scholar, as he takes us on a political journey of Iran's revolution.

Amir's firsthand experiences as the executive editor of Iran's largest daily newspaper, Kayhan, offer a unique perspective on the Shah's leadership, the rise of Khomeini, and the seismic shifts that reshaped Iran and its global relationships.

Join us as we dissect the economic and political paradigms that challenge conventional wisdom, like the perceived links between democracy and wealth. Amir unpacks the Shah's industrial ambitions, the strategic errors that facilitated Khomeini's ascent, and the complex geopolitical dance between Iran and the United States. Through detailed anecdotes and critical analysis, we expose the misinformation and external influences that fueled the revolution, providing a rich narrative that illuminates the nuances of this pivotal moment in history.

Finally, we celebrate Iran's cultural resilience and the boundless creativity of the Iranian people, who continue to inspire despite oppressive regimes. Amir reflects on the enduring spirit of Iranians and their potential for greatness, amplified by social media's transformative power.

#iran #iranrevolution #tehran #iranian

Join us as we sit down with the remarkable Tina Ghazimorad, editor-in-chief of Manoto News Desk, who shares her extraordinary journey from Tehran to the UK. Tina recounts the powerful influence of her family's pre-Islamic revolution stories on her career, revealing how these narratives ignited her passion for cinema and media. Discover the unique vision behind Manoto, a stylish, independent voice for Iranians that stands apart from government-backed networks. Tina's insights into the role of storytelling in envisioning a modern Iran are both compelling and inspiring.

We dive into the often-overlooked challenges faced by Iranian media outlets like Manoto . From financial constraints to political pressures, maintaining an independent, non-ideological platform is no easy feat.

#iran

Have you ever pondered the intersection of cultural identity and financial acumen? Our latest episode features the remarkable Patty, who guides us through her journey from Iran to the U.S., navigating financial hurdles to emerge triumphant in law and finance.

Patty is a media host, keynote speaker, content creator and author. Her story is not just one of numbers but of cultural resilience and the empowering lessons that financial literacy can bring to people everywhere, especially women.

Diving into the world of investing and entrepreneurship, we confront common misconceptions head-on, thanks to Patty's invaluable insights. Gone are the illusions of startup glamor, replaced with the real potential of stock investments and the wonders of compound interest.

Patty dissects the psychology behind investment fears and the advantages of an abundance mindset. As she shares her expertise on purchasing businesses wisely, she also teaches us to distinguish between making a true investment and inadvertently buying ourselves a job.

We wrap up our conversation by examining the essence of financial independence and its impact on power dynamics in relationships and society at large. Patty illustrates why traits like prudence and thorough research may indeed make women superior investors and salespeople.

When Tehran Von Ghasri steps up to the mic, you know you're about to ride a wave of laughter that crashes through cultural barriers. Having the dual heritage of Iranian and African-American. His story is a masterclass in identity alchemy, turning inherited labels into a unique personal brand that resonates beyond the stage.

We explore the universal language of comedy and how it has shaped our perspectives, serving as a beacon through the fog of societal norms. I share my own journey of finding solace in sarcasm, while Tehran illuminates the artistry behind our craft, tipping his hat to the likes of Ricky Gervais.

Strap in as we tackle the heavier truths behind the laughs—embracing the duality of a comedian's life filled with both public joy and private battles. We reflect on the profound impact that humor can have on mental health and the shared dream of performing in places that hold pieces of our identity. Join Tehran and me for an unfiltered journey into the heart of what makes us laugh, cry, and everything in between.