Persian Girl Podcast
121 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 days ago -Sharing voices from the diaspora and beyond. Originally founded in 2019 by Millie Efraim and Natalie Sanandaji with the intention to create a space for Mizrahi stories to come to life, the podcast has expanded to interviews with psychologists, historians, actors, spiritual workers, and creatives from all over the world.
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Episodes
Khoda Hafez to Season 2
January 11, 2021 23:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MBIn 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
First-Time Maman
December 28, 2020 16:00 - 1 hour - 44.4 MBIn 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...
Beverly High Bitches
December 21, 2020 19:00 - 54 minutes - 37.6 MBIn 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...
Beverly High Bitches
December 21, 2020 19:00 - 54 minutes - 37.6 MBIn 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...
Oghdei ppl ft. Tara Grammy
December 14, 2020 18:00 - 59 minutes - 41.2 MBIn 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 ...
2 Persian Girls 1 Sefid Boy
December 07, 2020 21:00 - 58 minutes - 40.2 MBNatalie brings her boyfriend, Kyle, on the podcast to discuss relationship dynamics and what it's like dating a Persian girl as a Sefid boy. Millie and Natalie talk about how to shop with your significant other, Michael Kors and the futility of middle tier "luxury" brands, the aesthetic of "middle class fancy" and they also teach Natalie's boyfriend some aspects of Persian and Jewish culture. Find Kyle's music on Spotify and on instagram @kywilliammusic Support the show
Don't be such a TK!
December 01, 2020 02:00 - 1 hour - 42.6 MBIn 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 ...
The Shah Complex
November 23, 2020 11:00 - 50 minutes - 34.5 MBIn 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 boo...
On Gratitude w/ Asal Dean
November 16, 2020 05:00 - 1 hour - 46.8 MBPGP interviews Asal Azizoddin, founder of The Gratitude Grams and trained oncology pharmacist. In this episode they discuss what the practice of gratitude is, who it can benefit/how one can benefit from it and how it maps on to mental health. Millie shares her skepticisms of the practice: can gratitude practices replace therapy? who is the ideal client? and Natalie speaks on the benefits of positive affirmations. At the end of the episode Asal guides Millie and Natalie through a gratitude pr...
Making the best of dating in the 'rona era w/ Kevin Nahai
November 09, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 53 MBIn 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 w...
Making the best of dating in the 'rona era w/ Kevin Nahai
November 09, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 53 MBIn 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 w...
The Persian Exit
November 02, 2020 22:00 - 58 minutes - 40.1 MBMillie and Natalie review the new Borat film. They also discuss halloween, hebrew school, and holocaust survivors. Support the Show.
Persian girl in a sefid world
October 26, 2020 11:00 - 59 minutes - 41 MBIn 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.
Persian girl in a sefid world
October 26, 2020 11:00 - 59 minutes - 41 MBIn 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
Dream Analysis w/ Sasha Khalili
October 19, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 44.7 MBSasha 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.
The Dowry Hunter
October 12, 2020 18:00 - 1 hour - 41.4 MBIn this episode Millie and Natalie return from their brief hiatus to discuss stalkers, one of the host's new relationships, Yom Kippur, who pays for the wedding in Persian culture, dowries, Persian Covid weddings, and when it's "convenient" to believe in Covid...They also give their thoughts on the One Hotel and the show Ramy. Millie's cousin Aliya chimes in on the discussion. Support the show
OnlyOrphans
September 15, 2020 16:00 - 52 minutes - 36.3 MBIn 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.
Tehran life ft. Ask An Iranian
September 01, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 54.4 MBIn 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...
Tehran life ft. Ask An Iranian
September 01, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 54.4 MBIn 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...
Performative #Girlboss
August 25, 2020 18:00 - 1 hour - 50.4 MBIn 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 ...
The current youth of Iran ft. Talksio Podcast
August 18, 2020 17:00 - 57 minutes - 39.4 MBIn 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.
Are all Persian men like this? ft. Millie's brother
August 13, 2020 16:00 - 51 minutes - 35.4 MBSolo 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 t...
Unteaching Behaviors and Habits
August 04, 2020 23:00 - 1 hour - 53.5 MBIn this episode, PGP interviews Sally Sahebi, a board certified behavior analyst. She shares the basic principles of behavior analysis such as the contingencies of behaviors which include antecedents, the response, and the consequences as well as the kinds of reinforcement histories that trigger certain behaviors. They also discuss the decision to not have your partner see you give birth, men who lose attraction to their partners after childbirth, why Persian families often tend to stick tow...
2 Persian girls 1 cup of chai
July 21, 2020 17:00 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MBSorry 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 dis...
New paths to conception and work life balance with journalist Elle Toussi
July 14, 2020 15:00 - 1 hour - 42.3 MBIn 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.
Broken engagements
July 08, 2020 15:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MBMillie 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.
Broken engagements
July 08, 2020 15:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MBMillie 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
Finding your own voice in the face of parental judgement with Rose Knows
June 30, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 53.4 MBMillie 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... Su...
Whatsapp Conspiracy Theories
June 16, 2020 22:00 - 48 minutes - 33 MBIn 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.
Whatsapp Conspiracy Theories
June 16, 2020 22:00 - 48 minutes - 33 MBIn 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
Quarantine and Chai Nabat
March 23, 2020 03:00 - 1 hour - 42.7 MBIn 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...
Interview with Nick AM
March 03, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 44.4 MBIn 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_ig Spotify: https://bit.ly/nickam_sp Apple Music: htt...
Interview with Elaine Chaya
February 24, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 49 MBIn 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 whe...
Cherto pert
February 11, 2020 01:00 - 50 minutes - 35 MBIn 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 engageme...
Cherto pert
February 11, 2020 01:00 - 50 minutes - 35 MBIn 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 engageme...
Khoshgel Nisti
February 03, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 46.4 MBIn 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 o...
Khoshgel Nisti
February 03, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 46.4 MBIn 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 o...
Interview with Erin Khar
January 20, 2020 22:00 - 1 hour - 55.3 MBIn 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 t...
Amazon ring blowing up the spot
January 06, 2020 14:00 - 1 hour - 42.2 MBIn 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 bei...
WGM - Wanna Get Married?
December 23, 2019 13:00 - 1 hour - 42.6 MBIs 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.
A fresh perspective on dating, relationships and sex, from a Persian guy
December 16, 2019 10:00 - 1 hour - 56.4 MBIn 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...
A fresh perspective on dating, relationships and sex, from a Persian guy
December 16, 2019 10:00 - 1 hour - 56.4 MBIn 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...
Insta-cheating
December 08, 2019 21:00 - 40 minutes - 27.5 MBIn 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 is t...
Insta-cheating
December 08, 2019 21:00 - 40 minutes - 27.5 MBIn 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 is t...
Interview with Soheila Adelipour
November 27, 2019 19:00 - 1 hour - 48 MBSoheila 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 behi...
I don't dood esfand, I dood hookah
November 13, 2019 13:00 - 47 minutes - 32.3 MBIn 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 ...
Interview with Psychiatrist Dr. Ladan Hariri
October 29, 2019 17:00 - 1 hour - 47.4 MBIn 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 an...
Sex and Fesenjoon
October 06, 2019 22:00 - 1 hour - 44.5 MBIn 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 Asi...
Persian Princess vs. Doodool Talah, Interview with Nicole Nowparvar
September 18, 2019 00:00 - 55 minutes - 38.4 MBIn 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.
Mid Season Episode: "Live" From Great Neck Library
August 22, 2019 00:00 - 48 minutes - 33.1 MBIn 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.