Armenian Enough

One of the greatest gifts we can bestow on our culture is to make our historical past relevant by merging it with the present day. Composer John Hodian guides us through his process of rediscovering Armenian music, infusing it with world music influences, and welding that combination to ancient lyrics, resulting in a genre that defies categorization. You can reach The Naghash Ensemble on IG @nagha...

Universally, Armenia is recognized as a Christian nation, but what were we before then? Armenian history goes back thousands of years. What did our ancestors believe in? To whom did they pray? Are any of the pagan traditions still practiced today? Historian Vazgen Barsegian takes us back in time to discover a rich Armenian and pre-Armenian pantheon of Gods & Goddesses, whose remnants can still be...

In America and across the globe today, people have been experiencing an intense sense of polarization. It's happening on social media, TV news, and in our very living rooms. The gulf between us and them feels at its widest. It is increasingly difficult for us to find meaningful common ground with those we view as being on the opposing end of the moral spectrum. It wasn't always this way... and it...

In Part 2 of our episode on racism in the Armenian community, Sonia and Brandon speak frankly about the challenges they face as a mixed family and the importance of representation for their children. They illustrate how being biracial can be an enhancement of culture rather than a dilution of it. At its core, it is a matter of knowing and loving who we are as individuals and trusting our hearts to...

When we talk about marriage in Armenian culture, we tread on sacred ground. Most of us grow up knowing we are expected to marry one of our own, another Armenian. We are told this is the only way to preserve our bloodline, our heritage, our history -- and to fail in this simple task is to complete the job the Turks set out to accomplish during the Armenian Genocide. It's a compelling argument on on...

Most of us are in the habit of making snap judgments about others with very little information. It's a shortcut our brains frequently use to conserve energy. But what we often miss when we do so is the acknowledgement and recognition of the humanity of the person standing before us. Autism Spectrum Disorder is, on one level, an opportunity to look deeper; to admit that our understanding is severel...

We begin our second season by highlighting the underlying theme of our podcast - that all our stories deserve to be told. There is arguably no better medium than film for conveying the human condition, for allowing the audience to step into the shoes of the protagonist, to feel her pain and her joy. The ARPA International Film Festival serves as a unique platform to bolster Armenian filmmakers and...

The second part of our double-episode on substance abuse is focused on the American experience of addiction and the cultural norms surrounding the recovery process. [Trigger warning: this episode mentions suicide. suicidepreventionlifeline.org ] Erin Khar's autobiographical novel Strung Out (to be released on February 25, 2020) provides readers with an unflinchingly honest look into the mind, hear...

The first part of our double-episode on substance abuse takes a look at the Armenian perspective and explores what role cultural dynamics play in addiction as well as in the courageous act of seeking treatment. Suzy's openness about her own struggles with drugs & alcohol help to make this taboo subject approachable. Her optimism and tough-love approach to recovery comes from a genuine belief that...

When we talk about Armenia or being Armenian, what is it that we really mean? Is it possible that we are paradoxically divided by a common culture? With Salpi's deep academic roots and experiential frankness, we explore the notions of diasporan and native Armenianness as well as the unprocessed trauma of our collective tribe. Innovate Armenia takes place Saturday, May 18, 2019 - from 10 am to 6 pm...

One of the most valuable treasures each one of us owns is our stories, both personal and collective. It's what we endeavor to pass on to the generations that follow. However, some stories are more challenging to pass on than others. For those of us who grew up with grandparent-survivors of the Armenian Genocide, their stories permeated our lives in an organic fashion. How do we we now preserve, ho...

For those in the diaspora who yearn to forge a personal connection with our ancestral homeland of Armenia, there's nothing quite like the Birthright Armenia program. Aris Mardirossian's well-crafted blog, Lavash Life , chronicles not only his physical journey through the motherland, but also the deeper psycho-social experience of delving head first into the intersection where mythical Armenia coll...

Hrag Kalebjian speaks candidly about what it takes to be a part of a successful family business and how to maintain family harmony by navigating the delicate social, psychological, and cultural dynamics of this unique balancing act. Above all, his love and genuine reverence for the heritage of his coffee business as well as its patriarch shine through. You can visit Henry's House of Coffee at 1618...

When you follow the path that is your true calling, the road opens up before you. Artist Arpi Krikorian talks about returning to her first love, how her work ended up at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and her visionary new project. You can reach Arpi at: www.arpikrikorian.com On Instagram @arpikrikorian On Facebook @arpikrikorian.studio  

In Armenian lore, perhaps to a greater degree than in many other cultures, Mothers are revered figures. The Armenian Mother is selfless and devoted to her children, an ever-loving angelic figure to whom poems and songs of admiration flow in abundance. But what if your mother wasn't like that at all? What if your mother was abusive and cruel and you lived your childhood in fear of her? Author Melin...

If you're single and looking for love, you've come to the right episode! Discover how we often stand in our own way on the path to Happily Ever After. Through her background in psychology and years of experience coaching single men & women, Christie offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at the realities of modern dating for Armenians and non-Armenians alike!  

One of the most powerful things any human being can do is stand in the full embodiment of all aspects of herself. The world often tries to compartmentalize and categorize people into invisibility. But unity is where true power lies. Linda Riley walks the talk. Hear about what it was like to grow up connected to her Armenian roots as a proud lesbian and diversity advocate. You can reach Linda Riley...

Are artists born or created? What sacrifices must be made in order to produce art that resonates with others? What role does fear play in an artist's life? Vahe Berberian takes us on a journey into the essence of how and why he creates. With depth and levity, and a charm that is uniquely his, he allows us a glimpse into his revolutionary world. www.vaheberberian.com

If we want a better society, we need to build a better foundation. Few people are in a position to exert more influence over our children than their teachers. Whether they are aware of it or not, young minds absorb much more than their daily lesson plans. Teachers have the ability to imprint their world view, their love of learning, their kindness as well as their curiosity onto the very souls of...

What does it mean to be a person with no home country? A stranger in every land. Imagine living your life unable to open a bank account in your own name; obtain a driver's license; or perform a myriad of daily tasks that require official identification. Karina shines a spotlight on the struggle of stateless individuals in America, while drawing parallels between her experience and the historical t...

Are Armenian women encouraged to be all that they can be? Do we consciously or unconsciously treat people differently based on their perceived gender? Dr. Sandra Thomasian discusses the unique challenges of being an Armenian woman of many talents and passions. Learn some of her most important tips for living the life you desire. And follow her health & wellness blog at www. DaintyHostess.com

Food plays a powerful role in human memory. The smell, texture, and taste of a particular dish can instantaneously take us back to our first encounter with it. For those of us in the diaspora, it is an immediate connection to our Motherland. It is also one of the most accessible parts of our culture that we are able to share and enjoy with others. Food truly does bring people together. Join us for...