Learn Persian with Podgap

Ever wondered why Persian food is considered a global culinary treasure? In this episode of Podgap, we travel back over a thousand years to the heart of the Silk Road to uncover the legendary secrets of three iconic Iranian ingredients: Saffron, Barberry, and Rose Water. Join your hosts, Hanieh and Mohsen, as we blend history, science, and linguistics. Discover how these ingredients didn't just fl...

Have you ever been invited to an Iranian home? In this episode, James visits Bahram and Behnoush for the first time You'll learn useful Persian expressions, practice a simple conversation, and discover some interesting facts about Iranian culture. In this episode, you'll learn: • Useful expressions such as "Befarmaayin too", "Chera zahmat keshidin?", and "Ghabel-e shomaa ro nadaare" • Three cultur...

In this episode of Podgap, we explore one of the most colorful corners of spoken Persian: dog-related idioms and expressions. You'll learn 10 common expressions that native speakers use in real conversations, including: 🐾 Sag-joon (سگ‌جون) – someone incredibly tough and resilient 🐾 Sag-do zadan (سگ‌دو زدن) – working hard with little result 🐾 Mahall-e sag nazaashtan (محل سگ نذاشتن) – completely...

Did you know that “checkmate” comes from the Persian phrase “Shah Mat”? It means the king is helpless — and it’s one of the many ways Persian has left its mark on the world of chess. In this episode of Podgap, we explore the fascinating story of chess: where it began, how it entered Iran during the Sasanian era, and how Persian culture helped shape the game the world knows today. We also talk abou...

Are you struggling with the Persian /q/ sound? You’re not alone! This episode of Podgap focuses on the Persian sound /q/ — one of the most unique and tricky sounds in the language. Join Hanieh and Mohsen for an easy, guided practice that will help you master this Persian sound with confidence. Follow along, repeat with your hosts, and strengthen your pronunciation skills. If Podgap makes your Pers...

Do you know the spoken form of “want” and “come” in the present tense in Persian? In this episode, we break down two of the most essential verbs — khaastan (to want) and aamadan (to come) — and show you how they’re actually used in everyday conversation. Forget the formal textbook versions — you’ll learn the real spoken forms like mikhaam and miyaam, practice them step by step, and hear them in na...

In this episode of Podgap, we explore the concept of “home” — not merely as a physical space, but as a source of identity, memory, and emotional connection. While many of us experience a sense of comfort when returning home after a short trip, this feeling takes on deeper meaning for those who have lived abroad for many years. Today, we examine why some individuals choose to return to their homela...

In this emotional and powerful episode of Podgap, Mohsen and Hanieh speak directly to their listeners during a difficult time, sharing heartfelt reflections on resilience, loss, and hope. As Iran faces the challenges of war, they honor the memory of innocent lives and express gratitude to their loyal audience who continue learning Persian despite the circumstances. Through the familiar storytellin...

In this episode of Podgap, Mohsen and Hanie explore one of Iran’s most fascinating archaeological treasures: the Hasanlu Golden Bowl.  Discovered in 1958 in northwestern Iran, this remarkable artifact dates back more than 3,200 years and is covered with symbolic engravings that reflect ancient myths and beliefs. We talk about the discovery of the bowl, the ancient civilization that lived near Lake...

This week on Podgap, we’re going to talk about ride-hailing services. We have a dialogue about how a woman requests an online taxi and the conversations that take place between her and the driver. You’ll also become familiar with the new vocabulary from this dialogue, along with some cultural tips. If Podgap makes your Persian learning journey easier and more enjoyable, share it with your friends...

In this episode, you will learn how to talk about losing and finding things in Persian. We will teach you useful words and simple sentences to explain what you lost or where you left something behind. You will also learn the difference between gom kardan (to lose) and jā gozāshtan (to leave something behind), and hear a short conversation about real-life situations. At the end of the episode, you...

The Shahnameh by Ferdowsi is one of the greatest epic poems in Persian literature It tells the story of Iran’s history, myths, and heroes. In this episode, we talk about 8 famous characters from Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh. You’ll get to know these characters, and in each section we’ve included a few selected verses from the Shahnameh to give you a feel for the book. Our goal is to introduce you to the w...

Hello and welcome back to PadGap! In today’s episode, Hanieh and Mohsen dive into a very simple yet incredibly powerful Persian word—one you’ll hear everywhere. It’s a true magic word: short, polite, and surprisingly flexible. Through short, everyday dialogues—from cafés and homes to classrooms, shops, phone calls, and friendly conversations—you’ll learn eight different real-life uses of this esse...

Welcome to Podgap. In this episode, Hanieh and Mohsen discuss the theme of friendship—what defines a true friend, how friendships change over time, and why maintaining them requires trust, communication, and healthy boundaries.  The conversation also highlights cultural aspects of friendship in Iran and introduces useful Persian expressions related to relationships. Designed for Persian learners,...

Hello and welcome to a new episode of Podgap! Today, we’re talking about a topic that affects millions of people in Iran and in many other countries around the world: air pollution. In this episode, Hanieh and Mohsen discuss why air pollution happens, how it affects daily life, and what factors—like traffic, old vehicles, factories, drought, and dust storms—make the situation worse. They also expl...

In today’s episode, we’re learning 10 useful Persian verbs that use zadan as an auxiliary verb — and we’ll show you how to use them naturally in a friendly conversation between two friends. Don’t miss this fun and practical lesson! For extra practice, write a short story using all ten verbs and send it to us at: podgapp@gmail.com. We’d love to read your work! Want to dive deeper? By joining us on...

In this episode, Bahram and Behnoush team up to teach you how to make a delicious Iranian dish. You’ll pick up new Persian words through a real conversation, and at the end, test yourself with a quiz! If Podgap makes your Persian learning journey easier and more enjoyable, share it with your friends — it truly means the world to us! We’d also love to hear from you: drop us a message anytime at pod...

In this episode, we’re going to explore a topic that’s a bit different and more emotional than usual. Life is full of happy moments, but also difficult ones—especially when we lose someone we love. In such times, just a few kind and heartfelt words can bring comfort to those who are grieving. That’s why, in this episode, we’ll learn how to offer condolences in Persian. We’ll look at different word...

Ever wondered how to introduce your country in Persian? In this episode, Mohsen and Hanieh walk you through everything you need—from talking about the flag and capital city to neighbors, geography, and population. By the end, you’ll be ready to confidently describe your own country in Persian!  Listen now and try recording yourself talking about your homeland—we’d love to hear from you! If Podgap...

"In this episode of Podgap, Mohsen and Hanie sit down with a Turkish guest who shares her journey of learning Persian. From the challenges she faced to the joys of discovering a new culture, we ask her everything about her experience with the Persian language." This episode also comes with a free transcription—visit patreon.com/podgap to access it.  If Podgap makes your Persian learning journey ea...

Welcome back to Podgap, the podcast that helps you explore the beauty and rhythm of the Persian language. In this episode, Hanieh and Mohsen take you on a journey into one of the most playful and musical parts of the Persian language: echo compounds—those catchy word pairs like rizé-mizé or āt o āshqāl that add rhythm, humor, and charm to everyday conversations. You’ll learn what makes these expre...

In this beginner-friendly episode, you will learn how to talk about different tastes in Persian — like sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and spicy. First, we introduce the words one by one, and then we use them in short dialogues so you can understand and practice them in real conversations. If you’d like to go further, you can access extra learning materials on our Patreon page, www.patreon.com/podgap,...

Have you ever read a paragraph in Persian, recognized most of the words, but still had no idea what the sentence was really saying? If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone — this is one of the most common challenges for language learners. The truth is, understanding a text isn’t just about vocabulary.  It’s about learning how to read between the lines, make educated guesses, follow the flow of t...

In the desert of Persian proverbs, what do the camels say? In this episode of our Persian podcast, we explore 4 interesting proverbs that include the word "camel"! We explain their meanings, give simple and practical examples for each one. If you're learning Persian or just love discovering fun and deep expressions, this episode is for you! Listen, learn, and enjoy! If Podgap helps you with learni...

Welcome back to Podgap! In this episode, Hanieh and Mohsen dive into one of the most powerful nonverbal forms of communication: eye contact. You’ll discover how Persian uses dozens of unique words and expressions to describe different types of looks—whether it’s a warm glance, a cold stare, a flirty gaze, or even a sharp glare. Explore how the Persian language reflects emotion, culture, and meanin...