Assyrian Podcast

Episode 221- Bryner Agassi is a musician and producer and the son of the legendary Assyrian singer Evin Agassi. In this episode, we talked about what it was like growing up in a family where music was a way of life, Bryner's own journey as an artist, and the unique experience of preserving his father's timeless catalog through the remastering of his recordings. Along the way, Bryner shares persona...

Episode 220 – Dyana Dawood is an Assyrian football player in Iraq’s Women’s National Team. She has competed at professional levels in both the United States and Europe. Her journey reached a historic milestone when she earned a call-up to the Iraq Women’s National Football Team. As the first Assyrian woman to represent this team, she has become a powerful symbol of representation, resilience, and...

Episode 219 - Ano Memari is an Assyrian DJ local to the San Francisco Bay Area. Based out of Gilroy, CA, Ano does shows and sets for various weddings, parties, and other events every weekend of the year. In this episode, we learn more about his humble beginnings, memorable moments, his love for the Assyrian community, and how he found himself spinning music for the masses week in and week out.  Sp...

Episode 218 – Chris Halef is an Assyrian comedian calling Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada home — and his story is one worth hearing. In this episode, we sit down with Chris to talk about how his family found their way to the East Coast, his journey into stand-up comedy, and what his heritage means to him both on and off the stage.    Sponsor: This episode of the Assyrian Podcast is brought to you by...

Episode 217 Part 2 - Shamiram Urshan: The Life and Music of an Assyrian Icon Step into the world of an Assyrian legend! 🎤✨ In this episode, we explore the life and enduring legacy of the iconic Shamiram Urshan, a singer and entertainer who rose to international fame in the 1980s. Known for her vibrant style and "revolutionary" spirit, Shamiram was a performer who stayed true to her roots while c...

Episode 217 - Dino Pick (Part 1) In this episode of the Assyrian Podcast, we sit down with Retired U.S. Army Colonel Dino (Danial) Pick, whose life sits at the intersection of military service, diplomacy, and Assyrian identity. From commanding tanks in Desert Storm to leading special operations in northern Iraq, Dino reflects on the tension of serving as an Assyrian-American during the 2003 invasi...

Episode 216 – Assyriska Fotbollsföreningen, also known simply as Assyriska FF, is a Swedish football club based in Södertälje, Stockholm. The club, formed in 1974 by Assyrian immigrants, has advanced through the league system and is currently playing in the third highest Swedish league, Division 1. They played in the highest Swedish football league Allsvenskan in 2005 where their games were broadc...

Episode 215 - Dr. Shana Sara Zaia In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Shana S. Zaia, an Assistant Professor at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and a rare Assyrian Assyriologist. We explore the rise of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, widely regarded as the world’s first true empire, and discuss the innovations, from standing armies to complex diplomacy, that allowed it to dominate the ancient world. Dr...

Episode 214 - Ramina Samuel, Christine Kochou Yousif, John Shlimon What does it take to turn a language that was once dismissed as “not possible” into a fully accredited high school course in the United States? In this episode of the Assyrian Podcast, we sit down with educators, advocates, and students behind the first accredited Assyrian language program in the U.S. Together, they give us an upda...

Episode 213: ChatGPT In the latest episode of the Assyrian Podcast, we sat down with ChatGPT for a unique and thought-provoking conversation. From intriguing to controversial questions, I explore how AI navigates complex topics, its perspectives on Assyrian culture, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. Tune in for a fascinating dialogue that bridges technology and humanity!

Episode 212: Christina Salem is the director of ACS Mental Health, an author, and an entrepreneur. She is from West Bloomfield, Michigan, and is an active member of the Assyrian community in Michigan. Her hard work ethic inspires all aspiring entrepreneurs who strive to give back to their community. In this interview, Christina talks about ACS Mental Health, Salem’s Vision, and her book, this girl...

Episode 211 - Arim Hawsho is an Assyrian writer and researcher based in Stockholm, where he lives with his wife and three kids. With a passion for exploring ancient Assyrian culture through food, history, and daily life, Arim connects the past with the present. His upcoming cookbook, Table of Gods, features over 60 recipes inspired by the flavors of ancient Mesopotamia. Through his work, Arim aims...

Episode 210 - Diane Patheiu is an accomplished journalist and news anchor, with a career in broadcast media. From her early steps in the newsroom to becoming a trusted voice in Chicago, Diane shares her journey in broadcast media, insights on the changing landscape of journalism, and the pivotal moments that shaped her path. Plus, she opens up about deeply personal experiences, including her husba...

Episode 209 - Join us as we dive into vital themes like vocation and calling, the church's role in our communities, and the unity between the Assyrian and Chaldean churches. We’ll hear from Father Peter Patros and Father Andrew Aziz about their personal ministries, the challenges they face, and contemporary issues affecting our faith. Plus, they'll share valuable advice for navigating life's compl...

Episode 208 - In this episode, two couples discuss how they found their Assyrian partner online and you’ll get to hear from a new matchmaking initiative, MesoMatchmaker, aimed at bringing Assyrian matches together in an intentional and thoughtful way. Website: https://www.mesomatchmaker.com/  

Episode 207 - Dilan Adamat - In this enlightening episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Dilan Adamat, the founder of The Return—a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting returnees to Assyria.  Dilan shares the inspiring story behind The Return and its mission to preserve the ancestral heritage of Assyrians. We delve into the challenges faced by returnees—whether they're second- or...

Episode 206 - Paul Elia: Is an standup comedian from Detroit, Michigan. Among the few Chaldean-Assyrians in Hollywood, the Iraqi-American artist has appeared in dozens of films and television shows including Ramy, Lady Dynamite and is perhaps best known for his recurring roles on TBS’s Conan, appearing in over a dozen sketches. With fellow comedian and collaborator Matt Rife, the duo created LowKe...

Episode 205 – Baneta, Romta and Dilan are young adults living in the homeland of Northern Iraq. They combine their various backgrounds and experiences to share with you some honest and raw insights on what it’s like to be an Assyrian living in the homeland. They dive into questions of cultural identity and heritage, the challenges faced and opportunities available for Assyrians in the homeland, th...

Episode Description 204 - Dr. Sandra Solaiman was born in Abadan, Iran, and earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Urmieh in the early 70’s. She immigrated to the United States on a student visa to continue her education at UC Davis. Various life circumstances led her to the midwest then the South where she earned her PhD from University of Missouri in Animal Sciences, with a focus on...

Episode 203 - Mark Michael guided DevHub.com through venture-backed Series A, A1, and completed the acquisition of Brickwork Software, adding Nike, Chanel, and David Yurman among leading Fortune 1000 companies powered through DevHub’s OEM and VAR channels. He continues to lead DevHub as CEO. Through his role as the CEO of DevHub, Mark works with multi-location brands of all sizes - from emerging b...

Episode 202 - Emil Brikha - a former DJ, music producer, and spoken word artist turned dad. But not just any kind of dad, a stay-at-home Dad. Emil was born in Iran to Assyrian parents and raised in Sweden. He met the love of his life while living and working in Malta.  As a self-described “odd man out” Emil talks to us about the intuitive decision within his marriage to be primary caregiver and so...

Episode 201 - Meet Lisa Mirza Grotts, “The Golden Rules Gal,” a renowned etiquette expert, author, and public speaker. She has 25 years of experience in helping individuals navigate social situations to present themselves with confidence and poise. Lisa has gained recognition for her expertise in traditional and modern manners. She dispenses pearls of wisdom to provide guidance with civility, cons...

Episode 200 - Paul Elia IG & Tik Tok: @pauleliacomedy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Pauleliacomedy   Is an LA-based standup comedian from Detroit, Michigan. Among the few Chaldean-Assyrians in Hollywood, the Iraqi-American artist has appeared in dozens of films and television shows including Ramy, Lady Dynamite and is perhaps best known for his recurring roles on TBS’s Conan, appearing in...

Episode 199 - Paul Gabriel, Kristin Mar-Elia, Anthony Narsi, and Arbella Maisom have all had to experience the loss of a parent, one has lost both. In this episode, we discuss coping with the loss of a parent, and how difficult it can be. There’s no “normal” path or timeline to navigate one's life after losing their mother or father.  Everyone deals with it in their own way. But taking steps to un...

We are re-releasing Episode 191 in honor of Obelit “Obie” Yadgar who passed away on August 30th 2023. We are so thankful we had the opportunity to get to know Obie before he passed away. There was great strength and inspiration felt in every word that he spoke to us. Obie's legacy and impact on the world are profound. His radiant spirit, indomitable will, and the melodies of his voice continue to...