Learn Persian with Chai and Conversation

In this lesson, we proceed to the fourth part of our discussion of the section “On the Creation of the World” from Ferdowsi's Shahnameh with Dr. Omid Arabian. This part of the epic poem explains Ferdowsi's account of the origins of plants and animals.

In this lesson, we proceed to the third part of our discussion of the section “On the Creation of the World” from Ferdowsi's Shahnameh with Dr. Omid Arabian. This part of the epic poem discusses the formation of the Earth.

In this lesson, we continue our discussion of the section “On the Creation of the World” from Ferdowsi's Shahnameh with Dr. Omid Arabian. This part of the epic poem discusses the very beginnings of the universe.

In this lesson, we begin our discussion of the section of Ferdowsi's Shahnameh called “On the Creation of the World” with Dr. Omid Arabian. We begin with a discussion of just the first two lines (the first two rhyming couplets).

In this lesson, we learn some more expressions for expressing thanks, particularly in the context of visiting a jewelry store or other shop and making arrangements in advance.

In this episode of Growing Up Irooni, journalist Nilo Tabrizy joins Leyla Shams to talk about her groundbreaking book For the Sun After Long Nights — The Story of Iran’s Women-Led Uprising, recently long-listed for the National Book Award. Nilo reflects on what it means to love a country she can no longer return to, the emotional toll of reporting on Iran from afar, and her friendship and collaboration with Iranian journalist Fatemeh Jamalpour, who reported from inside Iran during the Women Life Freedom movement. Together they discuss: This conversation offers a rare glimpse into the human side of reporting on revolution, identity, and belonging. 🔗 Related Links For the Sun After Long NightsBook Link Pod Save America Instagram @badboystomeninblackhawkdownX @NiloTabrizi YouTube Link to Full Conversation

In this lesson, we learn some other tārof-related expressions for expressing thanks, especially when talking to people at a party or other social gathering.

In this lesson, we learn a few more tārof-related expressions useful when talking with neighbors and also learn some useful phrases about gardening.

In this lesson, we learn how to talk a little bit about school.

In this lesson, we continue to explore examples of tārof relevant in situations where we have guests at our houses.

In this lesson, we cover the thrilling conclusion to the Story of Zal in the Shahnameh with Leyla and Dr. Sahba Shayani, where Zal returns with Sam to their palace in Zabulistan, where he enjoys a hero's welcome.

In this lesson, we continue our discussion of Ferdowsi's Shahnameh with Dr. Sahba Shayani to the fourth part of the Story of Zal, where Simorgh reunites Zal with his father, Sam.

In this lesson, we continue our discussion of Ferdowsi's Shahnameh with Dr. Sahba Shayani to the third part of the Story of Zal, where Sam begins to have dreams that inspire him to search for the son he had previously abandoned.

In this lesson, we continue our discussion of Ferdowsi's Shahnameh with Dr. Sahba Shayani to the second part of the Story of Zal, where Simorgh spots the abandoned baby.

In this lesson, we begin our discussion of Ferdowsi's Shahnameh with Dr. Sahba Shayani. We specifically begin covering the first part of the Story of Zal in the Shahnameh.

In this deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation, Daniel Nayeri, author of the acclaimed autobiographical novel Everything Sad is Untrue, talks about growing up as an Iranian refugee in Oklahoma, the mythic structure of memory, and the stories we inherit—true or not. He reflects on what it means to carry generational trauma, how he began writing the book in a Brooklyn bathroom, and the long journey of learning to tell his family’s story with emotional honesty. We discuss the magic of Persian storytelling traditions, from Shahnameh to Khosrow and Shirin, why he originally wrote the book for adults, and how his father reacted to seeing himself as a character on the page. Daniel also shares a preview of his newest novel, The Teacher of Nomadland, a literary adventure set in WWII-era Iran, and why he wanted to sneak a Farsi lesson into the heart of it. This episode is for anyone who’s ever tried to make sense of a fractured past—and found something beautiful in the pieces. 📚 Related Links Everything Sad is Untrue https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Sad-Untrue-True-Story/dp/1646140001 The Teacher of Nomadland https://www.chroniclebooks.com/products/the-teacher-of-nomadland https://www.instagram.com/danielnayeri https://chaiandconversation.com https://www.levinequerido.com/daniel-nayeri

In this final part of our discussion of Nizami Ganjavi's sokhanee chand dar eshgh, we cover the remaining lines, explaining how love transcends even existence on Earth and applies to the entire universe.

In this fifth part of the discussion of Nizami Ganjavi's sokhanee chand dar eshgh, we cover the two more lines that describe the life-giving nature of love.

In this lesson, we learn some examples of tārof appropriate for talking to older people and see some examples in a conversation at an art gallery.

In this laugh-out-loud and deeply personal conversation, Iranian Canadian actor, writer, and creator Tara Grammy joins Leyla to talk about growing up as an Iranian weirdo, navigating diaspora identity, creating her hit comedy series Soosi Lee, and embracing curiosity (aka being fusooli) as a cultural superpower. From getting discovered by Woody Harrelson in a tiny Toronto theatre to producing a DIY Iranian Borat-meets-Cribs series in LA, Tara's story is as inspiring as it is hilarious. She shares her journey through acting, motherhood, cultural expectations, language guilt, and the power of telling your own story—even when no one gives you permission. 🔗 Related Links: Watch Foozoolihttps://www.instagram.com/taragrammy Simple WeddingIMDb Joyful Rebellion – Harper’s Bazaar https://www.chaiandconversation.com @taragrammy 📣 Connect with Us: Growing Up Irooni@chaiandconversationApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube