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© 2025 Successful Iranians
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A podcast dedicated to showcasing successful Iranians around the world. We highlight the good and the great of the Iranian community. Interviews, life stories, career journeys, and what made them successful.
51 Episodes
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1What 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. Riding bicycles when it was forbidden, practicing Kung Fu, attending theater against her family's wishes – thes...
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’s viral videos depicting the quirky yet relatable dynamics of Iranian dads highlight not only t...
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 nightclub and members’ club circuit in London during the golden era of Peter Stringfellow, and t...
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 opportunities. Hadi's determination to restore his family's legacy dismantled by the Irania...
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 $448 million in real estate in 2022, all while staying true to himself and his heritage. John’s story...
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 influenced Western perceptions, and why educating English speakers on this distinction is more significan...
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 selecting the right franchise opportunity, spotlighting key considerations and red flags aspiring entrep...
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 her perspectives on gender equality and the importance of teaching the next generation of surgeons, ...
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 Sweden to discovering her comedic talents in Vancouver, leading to viral success and recogniti...
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 the adversities faced during the Iran-Iraq war and the cultural restrictions that couldn't deter his devotion to m...
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 reality and VR, his experiences offer invaluable lessons for anyone looking to turn their dreams into...
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, Tennessee. Eiman opens up about his two-time finalist experiences with NASA and the emotional rollercoaster th...
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 perspective on the Shah's leadership, the rise of Khomeini, and the seismic shifts that reshaped Iran and its global re...
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 voice for Iranians that stands apart from government-backed networks. Tina's insights into the role of ...
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 empowering lessons that financial literacy can bring to people everywhere, especially women. D...
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 perspectives, serving as a beacon through the fog of societal norms. I share my own journey of findi...
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 into the importance of food in crossing cultural barriers and creating a home away from home, ...
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 co-founder of Visionary Women. Her first book, "Life as a Visitor," serves as a gateway into our...
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 firsthand almost reaching the brink of bankruptcy to a $200 Million business and climb...
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