Ask An Iranian
65 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 months ago -There's nothing sensible about what we're doing — like hosting Iran's #1 English-language podcast... until we can't. So get that hashtag ready #FreeAskAnIranian
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Episodes
What does Tehran sound like at 2.22am?
September 14, 2020 10:35 - 40 minutes - 58.4 MBListen to the peculiar prequel to our interview with Persian Girls Podcast.
What do Japanese people think of Iranian-made sushi?
September 07, 2020 13:00 - 34 minutes - 47.7 MBIn this episode, we were delighted to be joined by Mr Yoshioka, a Japanese expat currently living and working in Iran. Against his better judgement, we wanted to sit, eat Iranian-made sushi, and chat about his experience of living and working in Iran. We also get answer to the following questions... What do Japanese people think of Iran and Iranians? Are there Japanese restaurants in Iran? What types of sushi do Japanese people normally eat? What do the names for different types of sus...
How do I spot the Iranians in the room?
August 31, 2020 13:57 - 18 minutes - 26.9 MBIn this episode, we try to equip you with the knowledge needed to help you understand whether you're talking to an Iranian or not. Iranians may hide among you, they may appear wearing your national dress, but in many cases, they will struggle to hide it when they talk. So, listen in and we'll help you know how you can spot the Iranians in the room. Questions that we get answers to during this episode... How will Iranians try to disguise or "visually look" while in other nations? Which Eng...
Where do I go for a first date in Iran?
August 24, 2020 12:36 - 30 minutes - 43 MBIn this episode, we are joined by the proprietor of one of Iran's long-standing cultural hotspots, deep in the heart of Tehran's flourishing downtown district. During it, we'll also be chatting about where to go on a first date in Iran. Café 78's owner, Mehrva, sat with us to discuss how Iran's café culture has come to dominate the social spheres, and how it has evolved throughout her 18-years of business. We also chat about the challenges of running a café in Iran and learn about why Iran...
Why won’t Iranians take my money?
August 17, 2020 09:00 - 17 minutes - 25.6 MBIn this episode, we discuss the peculiar Iranian practice of wanting to give you anything and everything for free... until they don't. We help you understand when it happens, why it happens and what you should do when confronted with it. See if we learn more about why Iranians won't take your money. We also get you answers to these questions What does "ghaabel nadaareh" (قابل نداره) mean? How do I know when I should and shouldn't pay for something in Iran? What should I say in response t...
Is there an underground dance music scene in Iran?
August 10, 2020 13:00 - 29 minutes - 41.1 MBIn this episode, we're joined by the Tehran based, Iranian DJ and music producer, Aryo. He is one half of the drum and bass music group known as The DevilDog, which he formed with his partner, Arshia, back in 2017. We were honoured to have him sit with us and discuss subjects such as, whether the infamous underground dance music scene in Iran truly exists; how various forms of dance music is made available to Iranians; and the difficulties involved in being a DJ in the Islamic Republic of Ir...
Do Iranians have daddy issues?
August 02, 2020 09:00 - 20 minutes - 29.1 MBIn this episode, we discuss the many peculiar Persian expressions using the word 'dad'. Listen in to learn how to express frustration, how to be sarcastic and how to tell someone where to go when they've ticked you off. So, do Iranians have daddy issues or not, listen to find out. A question that we'll only half-answer We have Tyrel to thank for this question. He asks, "I don't speak Farsi [Persian], but I know that "baba" is dad. And I see my Persian [Iranian] friends say that word a lot ...
How do I make a successful podcast in Iran?
July 26, 2020 08:00 - 46 minutes - 68.5 MBIn this episode, we're joined by the creator of one of Iran's most popular podcasts. Our guest, Farshad, set up the Persian language podcast, 'Digesttt', around two years ago and has been simply summarising societal matters ever since. Subjects of his show have ranged from Israel & Palestine, Feminism and Brexit. The monthly podcast recently passed a mile-stone of one million downloads, so we wanted to invited him on the show to discuss what's involved in setting up a successful podcast in I...
Who are the most famous Iranians?
July 18, 2020 17:25 - 18 minutes - 26.8 MBThere are many lists of top famous Iranians available online, but we decided to tackle this matter differently. In this episode, we help you learn about well known Iranians by playing the 'Name Game'. To do this, we describe the famous Iranians, as if we are them. So listen in and play along! Questions we also answer in this episode Who are the most famous contemporary Iranians? What are the names of some of the famous historical Iranians? Who are the most famous Iranian women? Which si...
Why is all Iranian bread flat?
July 10, 2020 20:00 - 15 minutes - 23 MBIn this episode, we are joined by an Iranian chef, Shahriar of Shahriar's Kitchen. He helps us answer a question from one of our listeners, Susie. She wants to know why it is that all Iranian bread is flat. Our guest, Shahriar, has worked as a chef around the world, and although he has a wealth of experience with Iranian and international cuisine, for his first appearance on Ask An Iranian we asked him to help get you familiar with one of Iran's staples, Iranian flatbread. Questions we also...
Why do Iranians support Trump?
July 05, 2020 20:00 - 21 minutes - 34.5 MBIn this episode, we discuss what happened when 6,769.5 Iranians on Twitter, answered a poll on whether they support Donald Trump or not. Listen to this episode to find out what happened when we put a poll together and posted it in response to a tweet by TheTweetOfGod, who seemed a little puzzled as to why Iranians would support the American president, Donald Trump. Our poll was seen by just over 60,000 of his 6,100,000 following and was engaged with by around 15,000 of them. Questions we a...
Why do Iranians think I am tired all of the time?
July 01, 2020 10:00 - 8 minutes - 14 MBIn this episode, we discuss an odd question by Karen, who we suspect has Iranian friends that keep telling her, "don't be tired". This is the translation of the term, "khaste nabashi", and it's maybe one of the most important things you should learn about Iran and Iranians. We also tackle other topics, such as... How should I use the Persian term "khaste nabaashi" ("don't be tired")? When should I not use the term "khaste nabaashi"? How should I greet and thank Iranian taxi drivers? If ...
What souvenirs should I bring for my Iranian friends?
June 26, 2020 09:23 - 13 minutes - 18.1 MBIn this episode, we do our very best to answer a question by Murat, who seems to know how important it is to bring Iranians souvenirs. During the episode, we also tackle other tricky topics, such as: What things should I definitely not bring as souvenirs for Iranians? Is it better to bring chocolates or clothing as souvenirs for Iranians? What size souvenir is an Iranian hoping to get? What type of souvenirs should I bring for big groups of Iranians? Why are biscuits from Fortnum & Mas...
Why can’t Iranians get through doors?
June 21, 2020 18:00 - 12 minutes - 17.8 MBIn our second episode, we answer a question submitted by James — who we imagine knows exactly how the door stand-off goes between Iranians. James is referring to the Iranian social protocol known as "tarof". Listen to this episode to learn more about this complex Iranian form of politeness and to learn about Iranian "tarof", in general. In this episode we also tackle the following questions How many times should you offer an Iranian to pass through the door? What physical contact should ...
What’s the best way to greet an Iranian?
June 16, 2020 13:52 - 16 minutes - 22.9 MBListen to our first show, and learn how you can best greet an Iranian. During this first ever episode of Ask An Iranian we tell you when to shake hands and how to say hello in Persian. During this episode, we tackle the following subjects How do I say hello in Persian (Farsi)? How do I shake an Iranian person's hand (or not)? Should I kiss an Iranian when you meet them? How should I greet an Iranian during a business meeting? What's the appropriate way to greet the opposite gender in I...