Why ask an Iranian?

Iran’s #1 English-language podcast — we tackle tricky questions on occasionally taboo topics, helping you get comically clued up on Iran, Iranians and their take on things.

Is it safe to visit Iran?

You have lots of questions about Iran, we know! One of which—maybe the third—is likely to be, “Is it safe to visit Iran?”. If you ask us, we’d say yes. If you ask your Home Office, they’d say no. Sure, it’s complicated, and if you’re reading this any time between 1979 and 2029, it’s even more complicated.

Baba, why did you circumcise me?!

Iranians prefer their men cut — they think it’s a good idea, but… they aren’t too sure about having it done with their sons. Listen to us discuss circumcision in Iran.

Norooz, Norouz, Nowruz?

Norooz, Norouz, Nowruz… Bah! Humbug! Listen to learn about the many bizarre ways by which Iranians mark the measurement of the concept commonly known as ‘time’.

What are the weirdest Iranian names?

Learn about the weird, the wonderful and the unpronounceable names used by Iranians. Also — bonus content! — listen to learn what you shouldn’t call your Iranian child.

When and how should I use Persian sweet-talk?

“Eshgham”, listen on to learn the sweetest of Iranian sweet-talk and why this “mush” is such an important part of the culture.

How deep will an Iranian uncle’s love go?

Iranians feel differently about paternal uncles and maternal uncles, while honourary uncles feel all sorts of things. Why?! Iranian aunts, however… Shhh!

WTF are NFTs and why are Iranian artists into them?

Iranian NFT artist, Nightwatcher, joins us to talk about Iran’s emerging NFT scene, the promise of Web 3.0, and the launch of our collaborative NFT art piece.

What’s it like being Christian in a Muslim nation?

German priestess, Kirsten Wolandt joined us to discuss life as a Christian in Iran, as well as sing a Christmas carol.

Are all Iranian men mummy’s boys?

In Iran, we won’t refer to a boy as a “special child” of a family — we’ll say he’s the “golden willy”. The reference can result in the creation of mummy’s boys. Listen to Shanay help us unpeel this tricky topic.

What MUST you do in Iran?

No, this isn’t about tourist stuff — this one is about what you’re kinda forced to do in Iran. You’d be forgiven for thinking that a list for Iran would be longer than other nations — but is that strictly true?

Farsi or Persian — who’s wrong?

Yup, quite possibly the most contentious question you can ask of an Iranian — listen to our take, our audience’s take, and the take of a special guest.

What is the most Iranian thing?

Listen to learn why the most Iranian things are the most Iranian things, while also learning about Iranian food and culture.

Fingilish, or is it Pingilish?

Learn what Pingilish (or Fingilish) is. Learn how to use it. Then learn how you’ll upset people by simply trying to use it.

How do Iranians see other people?

Do you have gaping wall-space that is begging to be filled? If so, buy yourself an over simplistic visual representation of how Iranians see other people.

Why do Iranians think we’re better than them?

Iranians can be kinda racist — but the good kind! They will hold certain peoples in high esteem. With the help of “khaarejis” we discuss why this happens and with who it happens.

How much do Iranians tip?

You do it. We do it. Even educated Iranian PhDs do it. Let’s do it. Let’s show a little extra gratitude. So yes, Iranians do have a culture of tipping, but there are difference.

Do you make any money?

We definitively answer a question that we get asked ALL OF THE TIME! It’s a question that our nearest and dearest especially like to ask. Listen to learn the answer — then please don’t ask again, baba!

Does voting in Iran’s presidential elections make a difference?

We explain how Iran’s political structure is both similar and different between sharing stories of how voting goes down in Iran.

What doesn’t happen at Iranian birthday parties?

Birthdays are about making a fuss for the ones we love. Yes, every culture makes its own fuss, in its own way. Listen to us, make a fuss, about how Iranians make their fuss.

Can women play football… in Iran?

Listen to Iran’s former U19 women’s football coach, Katayoun Khosrowyar, explain how Iranian female footballers face restrictions in and out of Iran.

Are all Iranians hairy?

We reveal all — well, our chest hair at least — to help you learn if we, and other Iranians, are hairy.

Flight stories… what’s Iran got?

Listen to weird and wonderful Iran related flight stories and learn what to expect and what to be aware of when travelling with Iranians.

No? “Noch”!

Iranians are not ones for saying no, but when they do say no, they don’t actually say no. Listen to learn about the Iranian “noch” — when to do it, and how to do it.