Persian Girl Podcast

In this episode, I speak with food writer Tannaz Sassooni who is compiling recipes (one grandmother at a time) to create a cookbook of Jewish food from different cities in Iran. Tannaz sheds light on the history of Jewish-Iranian recipes, unique background behind Kashi dishes from her family's origins, and her family's migration story from Iran to America. Keep up with Tannaz's food journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tannazsassooni/Intro music:Ghormeh Sabzi by Velshodegan&n...

In this episode, Danielle and Galeet Dardashti return to discuss the ending of their documentary podcast series the Nightingale of Iran, which explores and uncovers the life of their grandfather, Younes Dardashti, a famous Jewish singer in Iran. We discuss the tapes their family recorded starting from the 1950s that were used throughout the series, the reception of their podcast, their theory on the lasting effects of the "Motreb"/artist stigma in Jewish Persian communities, and why there are...

Alan Niku returns to the podcast to discuss another selection of Judeo-Persian writers, including poets, philosophers, and biblical commentators such as Emrānī, Baba'i ben Lotf, and Simantov Melamed. Their exploration of these writers raises questions about how Jews engaged with Sufism as Islamic rulership in Persia intensified, leading to forced conversions and massacres of minorities. They also delve into why poetic writings, such as these, remain undervalued and obscure within Western soci...

Judeo-Persian literature (Modern Persian written in Hebrew characters) is likely the largest untapped group within Jewish and Persian vernacular texts. Manuscripts are scattered worldwide, found in the bottoms of drawers in people's homes and some in libraries, yet they remain untranslated and largely inaccessible.Alan Niku, a filmmaker and writer who began researching Persian Jewish history around ten years ago in hopes of preserving it, joins Millie in discussing his findings on translating...

In this episode, I speak with Matthew Nouriel (sometimes known as The Empress Mizrahi) an activist, content creator, and drag queen from the Persian Jewish diaspora. Matthew is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Iranians, Jews and the state of Israel. Together we discuss the connections between a free Iran and the fight against Hamas/the Islamic Republic's terrorist proxies, authentic vs. inauthentic activism, what's next for Persian Jews, and Matthew's families unique migration story. Follow Mat...

In this episode, Maxine (from episode 3 Ancestral Healing) returns to reflect on the lessons from the Book of Esther/Purim from the Torah, which revolves around a Jewish woman in Persia named Esther who becomes Queen in the Persian Empire (5th BCE) and hides her Jewishness in order to survive. When Esther's uncle Mordecai, discovers that an official in court, Haman, has a plan to establish a decree to slay all the Jews in the empire, Esther throws a series of feasts for the King and eventuall...

In this episode, Millie delves into the history of the Dardashti family with sisters Danielle and Galeet, the creators of the podcast documentary series, "The Nightingale of Iran." Unveiling the captivating saga of their grandfather, Younes Dardashti, a revered religious Jewish singer in 1950s Iran, who graced the Shah's Palace and radio with his melodious voice, alongside their father, Farid Dardashti, a teen idol on Persian television. Together, they unravel the complexities surroundi...

Archival episode from November 25, 2022In an independent interview, Millie Efraim speaks with Zar Amir Ebrahimi, lead actress of Holy Spider (winner, Best Actress, Cannes)— the uncompromising film noir (dir. Ali Abbasi) painting the life of a serial killer targeting prostitutes in Mashhad, about how she built her character, Islamic fanaticism vis-à-vis sexual perversion, life in exile outside of Iran, the current revolution, and the real Spider Killer's family's response to the controversial ...

In this episode, Maxine Divon shares her personal journey into the self and spirituality for a discussion about the way our ancestral history impacts us. Maxine shares from her personal experience - as a woman in the Persian Jewish community and in the business world - and from the fields she’s studied including Jungian Psychology, Ancestral Healing, Archetypal Astrology and more recently Kabbalah. Her and Millie unpack various traumas and gifts passed through generations of Persian Jew...

PGP hosts, Millie Efraim and Natalie Sanandaji, bring on historian Debbie Lechtman to discuss the history of Ancient Judea/the Kingdom of Israel, Jewish presence in the land for the last 3000+ years, the events leading up to 1948, and what is at the core of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Debbie is a Jewish, Israeli, and Latina author, educator, content creator, and artist, specializing in Jewish history and antisemitism. She is well-known in Jewish spaces for condensing complex, multilayered,...

PGP returns after a 9 month hiatus (no, we did not have babies-sorry/motasefaneh). We discuss our time off the podcast and get into the unspoken, yet known standards of what is "appropriate" when attending a Persian wedding as someone who isn't yet married (so is technically single). We give our own thoughts and share what is normally expected from the Persian community. As always we encourage listeners who'd like to share their experiences anonymously or not by sending us a direct message or...

PGP returns for an episode where they're joined by Orna Simkhai and three other Persian mothers. They share the story of how they formed We Do Care: Iranian-American Parents of LGBTQ, a community formed in 2013. Orna and her friends also share advice and discuss their own experience with their children coming out. More info on We Do Care: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Community/We-Do-Care-Iranian-American-Parents-of-LGBTQ-943104462412560/Support the show

In this episode, Persian comic legend Maz Jobrani comes on PGP to discuss his path to standup and his early education and career experiences, and the ways in which it conflicted with his families expectations at the time. He also shares how he breaks the caricatures often imposed on Middle Eastern talent in Hollywood and gives insight to his approach of raising his kids. Check out Maz's Podcast: Back To School With Maz JobraniTour DatesSupport the show

In this episode, Millie, Natalie, and Adlee, a PGP favorite [brother of Millie], discuss the end of elitism, the demoralizing superbowl halftime show and the proliferation of mass culture, St. Valentine, and Persian swinger parties.Support the show

PGP answers listener submissions related to interracial relationships and how to bounce back in a relationship when you've been kept a secret and their family dislikes/disapproves of you. They also answer some questions related to physical attributes Persian women are attracted to, what cars they like to drive, and if they bring their boyfriends to their family dinners&parties. Lastly they give advice to a Black Jew whose type is Persian Jewish girls. Intro song:Mary Jane- Arash&nbsp...

In this episode PGP interviews Leyla Shams from Chai & Conversation, a podcast for learning Persian she started in 2011. Together they discuss some prevalent themes and quirks in the Persian language, abolishing the Persian goodbye and adopting the Irish exit, what the proper word for "butt" is, and how Leyla is carrying on the Persian language and culture to her half Amrikayee (American) kids.To learn more about the Chai & Conversation's programs for learning Persian follow thi...

In this episode, Natalie visits Millie in Paris and they discuss their time there together; operating a two women brothel, having no internet, and being stuck at a rave until 6 am. In the second half of the episode they discuss the importance of solitary experiences and cultivating your own life before joining another's. Support the show

PGP revisits the subject of cheshm (which they first talked about exactly two years prior to this episode, entitled "I don't dood esfand, I dood hookah"). In this new episode they discuss the more nuanced forms of the belief in cheshm (evil eye) and how it is ingrained in Persian society; from the way people deliver news and when they do, how they accept compliments and give compliments, saliva and the third eye, using cheshm as an excuse to create theatrics around their life, and wheth...

In this episode PGP features two voice submissions from their listeners regarding their experience dating outside their culture. One submission features a Persian girl's experience with dating someone not Persian and another submission features an Italian girl's experience dating a Persian guy.Intro song: Ahvaz - Makan AshgvariSupport the show

Chekhabareh? Another episode with an unhinged anonymous Persian girl. Discussing the difference in sexual encounters with men from Iran vs western men, the millennial's frustration with the lack of effort in flirting these days and generally loss of intimacy, how the life of religious taliban members resembles the present day fuccboy, men who think they deserve immediate sex as a reward for being "honest" about not wanting anything serious, being judged for having too many sexual partners whe...

Salut, salam. Cette semaine, een hafteh, PGP discusses wedding etiquette drama--ENCORE, and answers a listeners question regarding marrying outside of your religion. En particulier, they get into how one can be raised not by their parents values, but the values of the city/town in which they grew up (sounds like a classic case of ahberoo), reclaiming khanoom, what the real reasons are for Persian families being against their daughters marrying outside their religion, and what to d...

Natalie and Millie return with a special guest, Naomi Larbi, model and writer + childhood friend of Millie's, to answer some questions sent in by listeners during their hiatus. They discuss what is considered "normal" when dating a Persian girl, specifically when it comes to expectations of money, gifts, chivalry, dowry, etc. In this episode they give not only a Persian take on these topics but also an Eastern European one. Stay tuned to the end to hear Millie and Naomi's history of their fri...

Do beaten horses in fact ever die? Millie and Natalie attempted to discuss their being uninvited from a comedy show for their Jewishness when Al Jazeera asked them to record comments for the news channel's documentary on comedian Noam Shuster (see S1 E13). They then follow how the media orchestrates the never-ending Israeli-Palestinian conflicts on behalf of larger powers financing the proxy war (in the name of each's plights and passions, of course!) and why Recho Omondi felt obl...

PGP interviews rapper Shaheen Samadi and singer Arla Fandi to discuss their new music video "Atoosa" and the struggles of beauty standards for Persian women. https://www.instagram.com/shaheen.samadi/https://www.instagram.com/arla.fandi/Support the show

PGP has an anonymous Persian Girl come on to discuss the experience of marrying an Indian man. "Niloofar" talks about how she met her fiance and the way her parents have received the Indian culture, getting complaints that she's "too into" the Indian culture, how it's easier as a Persian American to receive an American into their culture as opposed to another rich culture, the way in which not being surrounded by other Persians influenced her conception and relationship towards it. She also s...

Millie's brother Adlee, professional gossip and aspirational vh1 commentator, returns on the podcast. They slander Bill and Melinda Gates and give a Persian take on their divorce. Later Adlee and PGP ponder what is contemporary Persian-ness; how each Persian family establishes their own set of laws of what Honor means to them and spill some tea. They dive deep into the meaning of the bizarre question that is often posed to them at parties: "what are you doing here?" and what's behind the beha...

Na rumi-ye rum, na zangi-ye zang which literally translates to "neither a Roman of Byzantium nor a Black person of the Subsaharan region", means to say that some things cannot be black or white. In this episode, Millie and Natalie discuss the struggles specific to the dual identity of being Persian and Jewish, diving deeper into the nuances of Sephardic Jewry, the stress of living for your ancestors and being the descendants of persecuted people, pressure to marry within your own ...

PGP hosts discuss behavior and etiquette at Persian weddings, Millie is reinvigorated by recent traumatic interactions with mega doodool tallahs, upper class Persians who define their worth based on how many lavish parties they go to, Persian men who use having a white girlfriend to flex on Persian girls, snobby Persians who think doing drugs makes them in any way bohemian, and other tea is spilled.In this episode PGP features Lavashak (dried fruit candy) from their Lavashak.com m...

​PGP interviews Mandana Salehi, founder of Zibahub, an inclusive beauty services app. They discuss how she got started with her company, beauty standards and how they're changing, how she met her husband and the response she got from the Persian community for marrying a Black man, ​dealing with being ostracized by your family for marrying outside your culture, and more.To get the app go to https://www.zibahub.com/Intro song: Hasoodi by Kamran & HoomanSupport the show

In this episode Dr Sherry Rostami comes on the podcast to share her life story: how her father making decisions for her changed the track of her life and how she's still picking up the pieces. We also discuss "ahberoo" (reputation/honor), what it was like being the daughter of a famous actor, being forced into marriage for the sake of ahberoo, raising your children in a certain way for the sake of ahberoo, how she's making a difference in raising her children, and her tips for creating a back...

Punk Elle Woods//Sahar Shiralian, returns to the podcast (previous episode Performative #Girlboss) to discuss how her outlook has changed since the last time she came on PGP from "man hating girlboss" to lovable lawyer. They talk about the temperament of Persian women, how Persian women are pigeon holed when dating a Persian man, the advantages of dating outside your culture, the advantages of dating "wonderbread", why Persian men worship natural blondes and treat non-Persian girls better.The...

In this episode PGP interviews a 25 year old biomedical engineer based in nyc, who grew up in Tehran. They discuss her experience living in Calabasas and Los Angeles, the culture shock she experienced in America during high school at Calabasas High despite speaking English and visiting annually, her childhood in Tehran and education, and the "life lessons" that were taught to her from a young age that she's been working on unlearning in her adult life. Intro song: Fataneh - Na...

In this episode Millie and Natalie discuss the guilt that Persian parents pass on to their children, running errands for the rest of their lives for their parents, absurd Persian grocery shopping habits, difference between brown parents vs. white parents, coddled vs. non coddled children, families who have live-in nannies, and more. They also discuss the results of the polls they conducted on jewelry ceremony at engagement parties and rave style weddings, ft a brief guest appearance by Millie...

In this episode Millie and Natalie discuss their experience with covid, why Persians dance/rave down the aisle at weddings, how bridal showers have basically become weddings, how proposal parties have basically become weddings, "suprise" proposals, and the engagement proposal video trend. They also talk about which Persian traditions they would keep for their own wedding and if they would still expect, for example, the whole jewelry on silver trays to be given at their engagement party, if th...

In this episode PGP interview Sarvin Esmaeili a 21 year old Vancouver based/Tehran born actor and writer. They discuss her upbringing in Tehran, what school was like there, dress code and the "nomreyeh enzebat", fashions for women there and the different ways to style the headscarf, the obsession with plastic surgery and how women in Tehran stick out if they don't have a nose job. They also discuss how women's bodies function as another trend in fashion in most societies now and how too ...

In this episode, Millie and Natalie interview Persian Jewish comedian Aaron Zarabi. Aaron is from New York and recently grew to prominence after being featured as the asshole of the week on antisemitism.org....The three discuss censorship in comedy, pushing boundaries with his humor, laughing at the truth, "fluffy" PG Persian comedians, Aaron's two bar mitzvahs, and what it was like living in Iceland. Interview begins at 4 minutes.Follow Aaron Zarabi on TikTok and Instagram @aaronzarabiC...

In this episode, PGP interviews Cyrus Veyssi, an intersectional wellness/beauty advocate and non-binary model. They discuss what it means to be queer and non-binary, cyber bullying, Persian instagram accounts, transphobia and homophobia (within the gay community as well), the need for Iranian queer representation, the spectrum of privilege and being able to speak with others with opposing views.Find Cyrus on instagram @cyrusveyssi https://www.instagram.com/cyrusveyssi/Support the show

PGP interviews Nicole Emrani Green, the CEO and co-founder of Givingli, a greeting card and gifting app. We discuss how she started Givingli, how she and her husband met, understanding why Persian-Americans are still holding on to certain values, dividing responsibilities equally with her husband at home and at work, and how their different cultural backgrounds compliment each other. Millie and Natalie also share the story of the first time they met...Download the Givingli app: https://a...

PGP interviews sister duo Pardiss and Saba Mehrzad who started the Iranian American Youth Group. They discuss how gen z Iranian Americans differ from the prior generation, what their intentions are for their youth group, what being Iranian means to them, how they're trying to improve the ways in which Iranians support each other and stepping away from competitiveness and toxicity from older generations. They also answer some questions sent in by the listeners such as...can they speak Persian?...

In this episode, PGP interviews Sayé Yabandeh, an actress, polo player, and humanitarian. Sayé talks about her childhood in Iran and living in both Tehran and Shiraz after the revolution, what her experience of moving to America was like, how she got into acting, the inspiration for her first film and women's rights issues she focuses on, and sex trafficking on facebook. They also discuss her love for Polo and how manifestation worked for meeting her career goals and personal goals. To l...

For the first episode of season 3, PGP interviews Doris Yadidi Micheletti, a certified sex coach and clinical sexologist. They discuss the emphasis of women's virginity in the Persian Jewish community, vaginal anatomy-like where is the choochooleh (clitoris) and g spot, old school customs of monitoring sex, how Doris educates her children about sex, vaginismus, female ejaculation, consent, and self pleasure. Shoot a DM or email for questions to be answered in the upcoming instagram live ...

In this short episode, Millie and Natalie bid adieu to the second season. They reminisce on past episodes and memories, discuss potentially becoming divorce lawyers, why they're obsessed with post-breakup/divorce women, and what's to come in season 3. They also address their tiktok which sparked some controversy...Support the show

In the final episode of Season Two, PGP interviews a second time guest, Dr. Ladan Hariri, to talk about her experience of pregnancy as a first-time mother. She discusses the expectations of mothers these days, working as a psychiatrist with no maternity leave, the tribulations of pregnancy and errors in the health system, the importance of finding the right ob-gyn and listening to your body and its instincts, prodromal labor, natural birth vs a c-section, the epidural shot, hospital policies ...

In this episode, singer/songwriter Mami Moon (Arielle Lavian) comes on the podcast to discuss her new song "Kissing on me". They also talk about her experience at Beverly Hills High School, what precipitates clique-y Persians girls saying "we can't be friends with you", what it meant to be Persian at Beverly High and the different types of Persians there, reclaiming her Persian identity after resenting what it meant for years and contrastingly, how it's trendy to be ethnic now. Music video fo...

In this episode, PGP interviews actress and comedian, Tara Grammy. Tara talks about her experience of the Persian community in Los Angeles compared to her hometown Toronto, being asked if she's Jewish repeatedly, the Persian fixation on class and religion, her upbringing, and more. Tara's alter ego Manijeh makes an appearance...The three also discuss the inescapability of smelling like fenugreek, kaleh pacheh, her 2018 film A Simple Wedding, the contrast of LA vs NY Persians, and racism...

In this episode, Millie and Natalie compare stereotypes about people from the different cities in Iran with the men of the Tehran based podcast, Ask An Iranian. They discuss the Turks/Azeris, Esfahanis, Shirazis, Kashis, Hamedoonis, Qazvinis, Rashtis, Yazdis, and Tehroonis. Also shared are some explicit jokes about these peoples. Unfortunately, we had to resort to explicit language to accurately depict the depravity of some people from these places. All love!!new acronym alert>TK = torkeh ...

In this episode Millie and Natalie invite previous guests, Millie's brother Adlee and Mohammad from Ask An Iranian Podcast, to discuss the Shah complex // doodool tallah upbringing, helicopter moms, difference of treatment from mothers towards their sons vs. daughters, and women's roles and value within the Persian/Iranian familial complex. Natalie also answers a listener's question about her current relationship and upcoming trip to Aruba. For more information on Sohrab Ahmari and his b...

In this episode, Millie and Natalie welcome back previous guest Kevin Nahai to have a conversation about dating during Covid-19.They discuss listener questions which include: when is moving too fast/when is it acceptable to go over each other’s places; when dates are at home, how to keep it from escalating too fast physically; how to you ask if the person you’re seeing is seeing other people (for the sake of covid) and how to have the “what are we” conversation.They also hypothesize on why it...

Millie and Natalie review the new Borat film. They also discuss halloween, hebrew school, and holocaust survivors. Support the show

In this episode, Millie and Natalie interview comedian and writer, Sarvenaz Elmi. Sarvey talks about growing up in a desolate town without a Persian community, dating outside her culture/having a sefid (white) boyfriend, what it’s like introducing an American boyfriend to a Persian family, and traditional Iranian beauty standards. https://www.sarvelmi.com/https://www.instagram.com/sarvashelmi/Support the show

Sasha Khalili, a 24 year old psychoanalyst in training based in LA, comes on the podcast to interpret Millie and Natalie's recent dreams and discuss the various meanings of common symbols/themes in dreams (i.e. losing consciousness or the ability to run from something dangerous, marriage, cars, violence, birth, etc).Support the show

In this episode Millie and Natalie are joined by Millie's brother Adlee and friend/audio production mentor Ahmed, to answer some listener's questions. Topics include socializing/flirting as a shy girl, how to not let other girls who compete with you over the same guy at parties get to you, sorority horror stories, how to deal with controlling in-laws, and why Persians are having so many weddings during Covid-19. Support the show

In this episode, Millie is joined by the men of Ask An Iranian podcast, Mohammad, a native to Iran, and David, originally from England, who are both currently living in Tehran. They discuss the current dating culture in Tehran, experiences with controlling women, not being allowed to have friends of the opposite sex while in a relationship, infidelity, Instagram and texting behavior, where people go on dates and the conversations that typically occur. They also talk about life in Iran during ...

In this episode, Millie and Natalie are joined by Sahar, an employment and labor attorney based In LA, to have a conversation about performative roles in feminism, the aestheticization of being a "career woman", being able to talk about the fears of aging and appearances without being labeled an ageist or misogynist by third wave feminists, and "selfie feminism". They also discuss the pressure to get married from Persian friends and single shaming, psychics, the madonna-whore complex, drama o...

In this half Persian, half English episode, Arman and Niloufar from Talksio Podcast join PGP for a conversation about what life is like right now for the youth in Iran. Niloufar shares her own experiences. We discuss where people meet, where young people go out, dating life, "machin bazi", getting arrested for not wearing the hijab properly, the difference of life between the ultra wealthy and poor, and more. Support the show

Solo episode where we answer a listener's question. We talk about when Persian men date non-Persian women, what to look for if you are going to date a Persian man (as an outsider), why you shouldn't cast off all Persian women as crazy or all Persian men as trash, as well as explain the kinds of behaviors and stereotypes that exist (for a reason). At 37:08 Millie's brother makes a debut on the pod to give his input on the topic and share other reasons for why a Persian man would be inclined to...

Sorry for the clickbait title...in this episode, we talk about self awareness, coming off self involved, guilt about talking about yourself too much to your family, reverse manifesting or cheshm vs positive affirmations. We also talk about girls who try to humiliate you and put you on the spot in front of other people, girls who are specifically jealous of other women with big personalities and who are comfortable in their skin. Towards the end Natalie objectifies men and the two briefly disc...

In this episode, PGP interviews Elle Toussi, a cross platform journalist and producer. Elle discusses her career and how coronavirus has impacted journalism and respectively, her life, work-life balance, having kids in your thirties, the process of freezing her eggs and its implications, and being on top of your hormones. Elle on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elletoussi/Support the show

Millie and Natalie discuss engagements that break up and the reasons they do, as well as tarnished reputations (men vs. women), "expiration date" and starting over at an older age, how to challenge your relationship prior to engagement, whether two hard headed families ​can merge in a marriage, and situationships. Support the show

Millie and Natalie have a discussion with Rose Knows, Persian punk legend and DJ based in LA. They talk cheshm, high school boyfriends and conservative parents, facebook corona crush pages, self doubt, how to navigate going about your own lifestyle that opposes your family without alienating them, how to differentiate your feelings towards something vs your parents feelings, and how to disagree with your parents without being combative. Rose's alter ego Zhilla also makes an appearance......

In this episode, Millie and Natalie return from a brief hiatus. They talk about what they've done since quarantine began, modernization, the extinction of old traditions, Persian parents on the internet, Beverly Hills High School, Whatsapp conspiracy threads, uptight Persian households, if returning a dirty utensil at a restaurant on the first date is acceptable, conservative Persian responses to BLM protests, and much more...Support the show

In this episode, Millie and Natalie talk coronavirus and the effects it's taken on their lives and the Persian community. They also talk about boomer humor, weird overly sexual adult memes, fake news via whatsapp/groupchats, Persians who hide having covid-19 for the sake of aberoo, tensions between Ashkenazi and Mizrahi Jews, facetime dating, and speculations of the length of the quarantine. Natalie's recommendations for covid-19 include staying home and having chicken soup till it goes away....

In this episode, PGP interviews music producer and dj Nick AM, to discuss his new single "Take it Back" on his EP which comes out March 3rd, 2020. He discusses incorporating Persian sounds into his music and goes more into what the tracks represent for him as an Iranian-American artist. They also discuss nightlife in New York, coronavirus, if we are ever totally single, house music venues, and birthdays. Instagram: https://bit.ly/nickam_igSpotify: https://bit.ly/nickam_spApple Music: htt...

In this episode, Millie and Natalie interview Elaine Chaya, a digital content creator and host of the podcast Behind the Rainbow. They talk about dressing eccentrically and how Persian relatives and friends will tell you to dress down on dates to not shock a guy or be "too much", the idea that you're supposed to dress weird and trendy with your friends and then dress simple and basic for guys, and how Persian guys have an idea of how their future wife should dress like. They also discuss whet...

In this episode, PGP discuss some toilet thoughts...doodool tallah men who put their mother "first" before their significant other, why Millie's personality invites unhinged people and trolls, dating people who never act serious, tropes on Tik Tok, vibe checks, martyrdom, how there are other podcasts now discussing taboo topics in Middle Eastern culture but they still are totally vague about their own personal lives/choices because they don't want to be vulnerable. They also discuss engagemen...

In this episode, PGP discuss using hinge as a platform to promote the podcast, guys who think girls who go out a lot must have sex a lot, guys who operate on the dynamic with girls who are needy and act like or are damsels in distress so their egos can be boosted, etc, etc. They also talk about the high pitch voices Persian women use and how eyeliner allegedly makes you see better...Listen to the end for Millie's boomer explanation of TikTok. NYT article referenced in regards to the boom...

In this episode, PGP interviews Erin Khar whose memoir Strung Out, coming February 25, 2020 from HarperCollins | Park Row Books, about her fifteen-year battle with opiate addiction which explores the very nature of why people do drugs, casting light on the larger opiate crisis, written with the intention to destigmatize the topic of drug addiction. The three discuss her book, the shame surrounding addiction, her connection to Persian culture, their favorite Persian foods, and much more. At th...

In this episode, Millie and Natalie record with each other from across the country! They discuss engagements, marriage proposal planning, short term life planning and decision making (living in the present or whatever), Persian guys who got weird from doing too many drugs, mens obsession with long hair, beauty standards of the 2010s-20s, amazon ring cameras robbing daughters of their privacy lol, and taking relationship advice from parents. They also discuss the phenomenon of manifesting...

Is WGM the DTF for Persians? In this episode, PGP interviews their friend who is not Persian but grew up amongst Persians in Great Neck, NY. She shares her experience with her past friendships with Persians and her relationship with a Persian guy. They talk marriage centric people, kenisah (synagogue), toxic relationships, whether you should voice to your friends that you think they're in an unhealthy relationship, and breakups. Support the show

In this week's episode, PGP interviews Kevin Nahai, a 27 year old speaker and writer who runs a mentorship program working with emotional and psychological wellness based in LA. Kevin shares his experience with the Persian community (friendships and dating), the pressures of needing to meet certain financial expectations when dating Persian women, and the confidence needed to do so as well. The three discuss the different types of Persian men, depending on when they prefer to get married and ...

In this episode, PGP interviews Samira Soro, a licensed marriage & family therapist and life coach from Los Angeles, CA. They talk about ways to cope with social media, particularly Instagram and the ways it can interfere with relationships, and how it is indicative or what it is indicative of in peoples' personalities. They also explore the dangers of the accessibility of Instagram as an outlet for porn which is being consumed more regularly and publicly as opposed to pornography which i...

Soheila Adelipour joins Persian Girl Podcast to discuss her new book, Dancing to the Darkest Light, which follows her journey from fleeing persecution in Iran to the loss of her second son in in a fire in Boston, then, a few years later, the passing of both her sister and brother after enduring long and horrific illnesses. Soheila takes us back to what life was like for her in Iran and amidst the revolution as she moved to America. PGP talks about the negative connotation Persians place behin...

In this episode, Millie and Natalie take a break from interviewing and discuss the much disputed topic of cheshm. Cheshm or the evil eye as known in the Persian language is a serious phenomenon within the Iranian community. Some people live by it, some think it's made up. It's also something that has ended friendships, relationships, and perhaps even marriages, not because of receiving cheshm, but because one person's practice of cheshm offending the other. Hiding certain luxuries (could be i...

In episode 3, Millie and Natalie interview Ladan Hariri, a psychiatrist from Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Hariri is a Board-Certified psychiatrist focused on helping patients with anxiety and depression, ADHD for both adults and adolescents, and women’s health issues including peri-natal mental health, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and menopause-related mood disorders. She treats patients via tele-psychiatry. They discuss alternative treatments to mental disorders, the nuances of panic ...

In episode 2 Millie and Natalie interview comedian Sarah Fatemi. Together they discuss her web series Saffron ‘n Rose which is about two Persian girls who start an anonymous radio show discussing taboo topics. They also explore stereotypes given in the Persian community, what it’s like growing up in a non Persian community, and ahbehroo. The second half of the episode (beginning at 33 minutes) includes a rant led by Natalie and Millie about the millennial man’s fascination with Southeast Asia...

In the first episode of season two, Millie and Natalie interview Nicole Nowparvar of Chaya Community, a sacred space for Jewish Iranians to experience meaningful connection and deepen their self-expression, based in LA. The three explore traditions in the Persian culture that they want to pass on to the next generation and the traditions they are not interested in passing on. Support the show

In this episode, Natalie interviews an old friend from her home town. Together they discuss the perception of age in the Persian community as well as dating redflags and dealbreakers. Support the show

In this episode, PGP hosts, Millie and Natalie talk about the feelings associated with birthdays and getting older (mental breakdowns), men who are "on the spectrum", and how all apps somehow encourage stalking (i.e. Venmo news feed). They also introduce a new segment: red flag or dealbreaker.Support the show

In episode 16, PGP interviews Tara, a Persian girl from Los Angeles. They discuss topics surrounding mental health; the difference between anxiety and panic attacks, the ways in which Persian households deal with mental health, and the nuances found in the values of Persian-American families depending on when they migrated to America. Support the show

PGP chats with Melissa Shoshahi about her experience as a comedian and being the first Persian American woman to tour internationally doing standup.Support the show

In the 15th episode, Persian Girl Podcast hosts Millie and Natalie talk about the rumors that are spread about people who haven't gotten married by 30 or been in a relationship if they're "older" and the criticisms men/women face when they don't pursue a higher degree program after finishing their undergraduate degree. They also discuss what is considered "cheating" in 2019 (DMing on instagram or using dating apps secretly) and secrecy in relationships in general. Support the show

In this episode, PGP chats with a 21 year old girl from LA. She talks about what it's like to not have a profession that has a linear path, like being a doctor or a lawyer, and how that affects her own personal feelings towards her career. They also discuss marijuana use, giving their parents a hard time, dating in LA, and parenting. Intro music by Siavash Ghomeyshi.Support the show

In Episode 13, Persian Girl Podcast interviews comedian Noam Shuster Eliassi (@noam_joon on instagram). Noam talks about her upbringing in Neve Shalom (in Arabic, Wahat al-Salam), the mixed Jewish-Arab community outside of Jerusalem. She also goes into further detail of how her Middle Eastern heritage allows her to take her comedy certain places where most people cannot (literally and metaphorically). Noam tells PGP about her experience of doing standup comedy in the West Bank and how she pla...

In the 12th episode, PGP interviews a Persian American divorce lawyer, Jacqueline Harounian, and discuss divorce law, prenuptial agreements, and ethics, equality, domestic violence, abuse, and infidelity in marriages. They also discuss "ahberoo" in Persian community and the hypocrisies/free passes that are given to wealthier members of the community. Furthermore, Jacqueline shares her experience as a working mother who navigated law school and establishing her practice while raising four chil...

In the 11th episode, PGP interviews Iman Hariri-Kia, sex and dating editor at Elite Daily. Iman discusses her career transitions, the struggles of giving up a dream, and the rewards she reaps from writing about extremely personal subjects online. The three discuss how Persian culture influences their identity as first generation Americans and the difference between the identities of Muslim Persians vs Jewish Persians. Additionally they talk about hair and hair removal, what dating a non-Persi...

In episode 10, PGP sits down and talks with prominent meme creator Sebastian Tribbie, aka Youvegotnomale on instagram. *NSFW* They discuss his experiences with Middle Eastern men, sexually and non sexually...and also doing lean with Pusha T and shitting out Juul pods. Youvegotnomale also asks PGP a few questions about their personal life. Lastly, he breaks down the difference between a Hyena and a Meerkat as well as establishing a new term, "Aardvark". Support the show

Norooz special! PGP interviews Iranian-American music producer and dj, Nick AM. The three discuss identity conflicts as first generation Americans, being told to stop acting "white", and why he's never dated Persians. They also ask Nick about his thoughts on the non Jewish Persian communities in New Jersey and how the strong females in his family influenced his relationships and friendships with women. Also discussed is the culture of instagram, facetune, etc and red flags on dating apps.&nbs...

In the eighth episode, PGP interviews a 21 year old Persian guy from Jericho, NY. They discuss the difference of expectations for Persian men vs. women; what is expected of men to major in college, career choices, and so on. They also ask the guest about texting/instagram etiquette, when he wants to get married, what he expects from his future wife/if he is okay with his future wife being a working mom, breastfeeding, and the general roles mothers and fathers have in a household. Support...

In the seventh episode, PGP interviews a dermatologist from Los Angeles. They discuss jealousy in friendships and relationships, Persian men who put financial conditions on marriage, doctors who have a god complex, and the fetishization of younger girls in the Persian community. PGP also introduces a new segment, "Shit my Persian dad says". Support the show

In the sixth episode, PGP interviews a half Persian musician, Niki Black (link to her music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaBKvaiqKrQ); interview starts at 19:47. Topics discussed include marriages in the Persian community ending due to "bad sex"; once again, more annoying stereotypes and cliches on hinge; racism in the Persian community; courting stage when dating a Persian guy; intimidating girls who are "too smart" for guys; education; bisexuality and monogamy. Support the show

In this episode PGP interviews their second guest of the first season. The three girls cover the topics of friendships and friend groups in Persian communities, cultural compatibility, dating and relationship expectations, porn usage, masturbation, and more...Support the show

In this episode, PGP discusses the repercussions of instagram stalking as well as the alleged "shelf life" for Persian Girls in LA vs. NY. Other topics include dream revenge scenarios, reasons people use dating apps, dating red flags, restaurant etiquette, and having to hide juul/hookah from your boyfriend (or girlfriend), or friends...Support the show

In our third episode, PGP talks about a recent dating experience; are drinks the new dinner? phone calls or texts? We interview our first guest (starts at 24:50), a 17 year old Persian-Jewish girl from LA, and discuss the younger generation of Persians, the difference of communities in LA vs. NY, doodool talahs, what it's like coming of age as a Persian girl, high school, career aspirations, family expectations, therapy, knockoff designer items, and more...Support the show

In Episode 2, PGP talk about their Saturday night out in NYC. Other topics include deranged Persian superstitions, older Persian men preying on younger girls for marriage, and Hinge dating...Support the show

Two Persian-Jewish girls share their personal stories. In this episode, they discuss virginity and the double standards within the Persian communities in America.Support the show