Assyrian Podcast

Episode 22 - This week we hear from Dr. Nicholas Al-Jeloo, the founder of The Assyria Institute ( www.facebook.com/AssyriaInstitute ). You’ll learn about his journey in pursuing a PhD in Syriac Studies at the University of Sydney, what The Assyria Institute aims to do, as well as his findings and experiences in traveling to the Middle East and documenting precious parts of Assyrian history. You ca...

Episode 21 - Ben Eil Dariush! The Assyrian Lion, Beneil Khobier Dariush is an Iranian-born Assyrian-American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Dariush began training Brazilian jiu-jitsu in 2007, earning his black belt in just five years. He was a highly decorated competitor, becoming a no gi world champion as a blue, p...

Episode 20 - This week we hear from Reni Stephan, an Assyrian artist, from the Metro Detroit area. Reni focuses on sculptures and oil paintings and he is responsible for the art work displayed inside Ishtar Restaurant in Sterling Heights, MI. You’ll hear Reni talk about his inspirations, past projects, and dreams for the Assyrian arts and the community of artists in this episode. You can learn mor...

Episode 19 - This week we hear from Dr. Evette Haddad, the president of the Bet Nahrain Assyrian Heritage Centre (www.betnahrainahc.com). You'll learn about her PhD research, her work in the Assyrian community, and her experience raising a bicultural family. You can connect with Evette at evette@betnahrainahc.com.

Episode 18 - Dr. Andrew Davoodian, MD, MBA, was born in Los Angeles and raised in Central California in the Assyrian-dense city of Turlock. He completed his undergraduate studies in Integrative Biology with an emphasis on Human Biology at the University of California, Berkeley. At UC Berkeley, he created, lectured and directed courses in Modern Assyrian Culture, Introduction to Neo-Assyrian/Neo-Ar...

Episode 17 - Born in Madison Heights, MI, Sargon “Seggie” Isho attended Indiana University as a trumpet player. He joined Straight No Chaser, an a cappella singing group associated with the University. In 2009, Straight No Chaser was signed with Atlantic Records, which has been home to artists like Aretha Franklin, Led Zepplin, Bruno Mars, and Ed Sheeran. With 6 studio albums, Straight No Chaser h...

Episode 16 - This week we hear from Aneki Nissan, the founder of the Centre for Canadian-Assyrian Relations ( www.ccarofficial.com ). You’ll learn more about the work he and the CCAR are doing, including a documentary titled, "The Forgotten Assyrians of Canada." You can connect with Aneki at anissan@gmail.com . If you like what you are hearing on the Assyrian Podcast, please subscribe and review w...

Episode 15 - Joseph Hermiz is a first-generation Assyrian-American. Both of Joseph's parents left the Middle East as refugees in the midst of persecution and political upheaval. He attended Arizona State University and graduated with a BA in History and Religious Studies. He served on the board of the Assyrian American Cultural Organization of Arizona from December 2012 to September 2014. He is cu...

Episode 14 - Nathan Kalasho, a Michigan resident, who at the age of 31 is the founder of KEYS, which stands for Kalasho Empowerment of Young Scholars. Nathan and his family opened KEYS Grace Academy in Madison Heights, MI in 2015, and this school is special because in addition to core subjects, it offers an Assyrian language class and it incorporates various cultural components in its classrooms....

Episode 13 - This week we hear from May Ishak, the wife of the Assyrian martyr, Youbert Benyamin. You’ll hear about her life growing up in Iraq and later fleeing oppression to create a new life in Canada.   Like what you're hearing? Rate and reviews on the iTunes or Google Play store. Don't forget to subscribe and tell a friend. 

Episode 12 - Born in London, England in 1982, he and his family emigrated to Los Angeles when he was 7 years old. He earned his Juris Doctor at Loyola University Law School in Los Angeles and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of California Berkeley.  For the past several years, he worked as an attorney at a boutique litigation firm in downtown Los Angeles.  In the next month, he...

Episode 11 - This week we hear from Michael Youash, a PhD candidate in Political Science at the University of Toronto. He is part of the Assyrian Global (Self) Governance Mandate and is the Secretary for the Nineveh Plain Defense Fund ( https://ninevehplaindefensefund.org/ ).  You'll learn more about his life in politics and current projects, as well as his experience raising a bi-cultural family....

Episode 10 - Kevin Markarian joins the Assyrian Podcast and tells us all about his journey. Founded in 2014, Marker Real Estate achieved rapid success as one of the nation’s most innovative companies. Word is spreading in industry circles about Marker’s unique approach to digital marketing communications via a transparent, inclusive client-focused strategy. Email Kevin here:  kevinmarkarian@marker...

Episode 9 - This week we hear from Nadia Younan, a PhD candidate at the University of Toronto in Ethnomusicology looking at Assyrian music. You’ll learn about how she selected her PhD topic, her findings thus far, and how it has been like growing up first-generation Canadian with Assyrian & Italian heritage. You can connect with her at nadia.younan@mail.utoronto.ca .

Episode 8 - On this week's episode we get to meet Ray Markarian in the Assyrian trunks (boxing). Ray grew up in Modesto California and currently live in San Francisco where he is a Real Estate Agent, writer, producer, and LOVES boxing! Ray has written for the Sweet Science and also the Bleacher report. We had a great time getting to know Ray and we know you will too. Find him on twitter or instagr...

Episode 7 - This week’s episode we hear from Rosemary Georges who is of the Syriac Orthodox faith and her journey coming to the Assyrian identity, the challenges she’s faced with marrying someone of a different Christian sect, and about her dissertation covering mental health in the midst of the Syria conflict. You can connect with her on Facebook at Rosemary Georges or through email at rosieyacho...

Episode 6 - This week we hear from Mar Awa Royel, Bishop of the Assyrian Church of the East overseeing California. I had a blast at his home, getting to know him better and I know you'll enjoy as well. Add him on social media: https://www.facebook.com/marawa.royel    

Episode 5 - This week we hear from Lidia Bit-Yunan, Co-founder and COO of Set Scouter ( https://www.setscouter.com/ ). You’ll learn about how she co-founded her company, growing up in Kazakhstan, and how she rekindled her love for being Assyrian. You can connect with her on any social media outlets at: Lidia Bit-Yunan or lidiabityunan@gmail.com   Find Lidia @lidiabetyunan @setscouter 

Episode 4 - Get to know the Assyrian activist Savina Dawood. You'll get to hear more about her story and also the etuti institute which provides opportunities in the Assyrian homeland. Check out www.etuti.org    

Episode 3 - Jay Mirza joins the Assyrian Podcast. Jay wrote a book called, 'The Assyrian Dream'. Check it out on amazon! 

Episode 2 - On this episode I interviewed Martin Youmaran. He is the president of the Assyrian American National Federation (aanf.org) His instagram handle is silverfox121 or you can add him on Facebook. Great guy to talk to and learn more about! 

Episode 1 - Linda George joins us on the Assyrian Podcast!