Successful Iranians

He crossed one of the hottest deserts on Earth at 16 because his faith left him with no legal way out, then landed in San Francisco with $75 and barely any English. That’s where Payam Zamani’s story starts, and it quickly becomes a masterclass in resilience, immigration, and what it really takes to build a life when the stakes are real. We talk through Payam’s early years growing up Baha’i in Iran...

What does it take to rise from nothing in Iran to a world series poker champion on the global stage? Melika Razavi's life story reads like an epic novel, filled with challenges that would have broken many, but which instead forged an unstoppable force of nature. Born near the Caspian Sea in Iran, Melika's rebellious spirit emerged early as she defied societal restrictions on women. Ridin...

Immerse yourself in a deeply engaging conversation with Payam Banifaz, an Iranian-American actor and comedian who has captured the hearts of many through his humorous portrayal of cultural experiences. Payam shares pivotal moments from his journey. With a refreshing perspective on the immigrant narrative, he discusses how laughter became a tool to bridge cultural gaps and foster connections. Payam...

From Pizza Waiter to Hospitality Mogul: Tony Aalam’s Inspiring Journey Join us for an exclusive, one-hour conversation with Tony Aalam, a self-made entrepreneur and restaurateur whose journey from a humble waiter at Pizza Pomodoro to a powerhouse in London’s hospitality scene is nothing short of extraordinary. Tony shares his incredible story of falling in love with hospitality, navigating the VIP...

Join us for a conversation with Hadi Partovi. Hadi is an inredicable Tech Leader, Serial Investor of some of the biggest companies in the world such as Facebook, Dropbox, Uber, Airbnb, and the visionary behind Code.org.  He shares his extraordinary journey from a war-torn Tehran to becoming a formidable force in the tech industry. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and seizing o...

Join us as we sit down with John Parsiani a leading real estate broker and developer who has made waves in Miami’s bustling market.  From his roots in Shiraz, Iran, to the challenges he faced in Sweden, John's journey is a compelling narrative of resilience and success. Listen as he opens up about the glamor of Miami's real estate scene, the hurdles of immigration, and how he sold over $...

The Persian language save the culture and history of Iranians after the Arab conquests. The Persian language is so significant that it preserved the identity of one of the world's oldest civilizations. Join us as we uncover the profound complexities of the Persian language with our guest, Leyla Shams. This conversation sheds light on how the Iranian diaspora, particularly after 1979, has infl...

Discover the dynamic world of franchising with Hossein Kasmai, a trailblazer in the industry who shares his invaluable insights gained from collaborating with over 700 companies. Explore how the franchising landscape has evolved beyond the dominance of fast-food giants to embrace lucrative opportunities in sectors like home services, fitness, and healthcare. Hossein uncovers the secrets to selecti...

Discover the riveting journey of Dr. Shohreh Ghassemi, an Iranian oral surgeon and human rights advocate, whose story is a testament to resilience and dedication. From navigating the challenges of immigration and the travel ban to making groundbreaking strides in facial cosmetic surgery, Dr. Ghassemi's experiences illuminate the perseverance needed to thrive in a male-dominated field. Explore...

What if you could turn your passion into a thriving career while navigating the challenges of fame and cyberbullying? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Uldouz Wallace, the Iranian-Swedish actress, comedian, and social media influencer, who has captivated millions with her unique blend of humor and authenticity.  Uldouz recounts her journey from studying marketing and advertising in Swe...

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 th...

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 reali...

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, Ten...

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 perspect...

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 v...

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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...

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...

Jacqueline Renee, Instagram sensation and witty chronicler of her marriage to a Persian guy and their family life in America, meets us in our latest episode.  Jacqueline takes us through her early days as a single mom to finding her place in the warm embrace of Persian hospitality and the shared meals that knit her new family together. We not only talk about the delectable dishes but also dive int...

Angella Nazarian is a noted speaker and best-selling author of three books: Life as a Visitor, Pioneers of the Possible: Celebrating Visionary Women of the World, and Visionary Women. Angella Nazarian joins us to unfurl the vibrant strands of her own story, from the challenges of adapting to a new culture as an Iranian immigrant to the triumphs of personal development as a best-selling author and...

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to leave the security of a nine-to-five and step into the world of entrepreneurship, chasing the elusive dream of freedom?  Shahab Elmi, the Co-Founder of Cymbiotika ,  unfolds his transformative journey from the confines of corporate America to the helm of a flourishing wellness empire.  Scaling a business is no mean feat—something Shahab learned firsthan...

From the teeming streets of Iran to the hallowed halls of Ontario Parliament, Goldie Ghamari's life is a canvas of courage, cultural pride, and an unwavering quest for justice. As a child of resolute immigrants, Goldie's narrative unfolds, revealing how the grit and grace of her family's flight from persecution laid the foundation for a future in public service. Feel the heart and s...

Reza Jackson, the Persian millennial who's fashion-forward antics are setting social media ablaze. As our special guest, Reza unfurls the tapestry of his ascent to digital stardom, transitioning from a tableau of static fashion images to a dynamic narrative of culturally rich, comedic video content. His anecdotes offer a treasure trove of insights into the essence of personal branding and the...

Have you ever uncovered a family secret that turned your world upside down? "Persian Version" is a film that unfolds just such a tale, featuring a young Iranian-American woman’s quest to unravel her family's hidden past. We sit down with the film's vibrant cast and Mariam, the director, to shed light on how their personal narratives are intricately stitched into the movie'...

As the daughter of Iranian immigrants, Lisa Daftari's unique perspective bridges two worlds, offering a rare insight into the often misunderstood narratives of Iran. Our conversation peels back the curtain on Iran's intricate political tapestry, revealing the vibrant, progressive spirit of its people that defies the extremist image cast by its rulers on. Our deep dive conversation, goes...