In 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 Iran.
During this episode, we discuss popular Persian language podcasts, the Iranian podcast community, how podcasts have changed over time in Iran, and where the red lines are for podcast content made in Iran.
In the episode we get answers to…
- What are the names of popular podcasts made in Iran?
- How long does it take to make a podcast episode?
- What is the famous Iranian ‘Channel B’ podcast and who runs it?
- Is there an Iranian podcast community and if so, how is it?
- How many Persian language podcasts are being made in Iran?
- What percentage of Iranians listen to podcasts?
- How have Persian podcasts evolved over time?
- What platforms do Iranians use to listen to podcasts?
- Where in the world are Persian language podcasts listened to?
- What Iranian companies are active in the Iranian podcast scene?
- How do I get sponsorship or donation for my podcast?
- What type of podcast content is popular in Iran?
- How long it will take before you give up podcasting?
- Which subjects should you avoid when making a podcast in Iran?
- What should I consider before setting up a podcast?
Where can I listen to Digesttt podcast?
You can listen the Digesttt podcast online via the website, or find the show on your preferred podcast provider. You can also follow Digesttt on Instagram here, follow Digesttt in Twitter here, and follow Digesttt on Telegram here.
FAQs about Persian language, Iranian podcasts
The answers to the following questions were made using information from our interview with Farshad of Digesttt podcast.
Channel B, Digesttt, Stringcast and Radio Joloon. Click here for a longer list of Persian language podcasts.
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Ali Bandari runs Channel B podcast, a Persian language podcast based in Iran.
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The Digesttt podcast takes around a month to make each show.
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Yes, there is a Persian language podcast community in Iran, and according to Farshad, there are over 500 available to listen to.
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There are over 500 available as of mid-2020.
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There have been two main phases leading up to 2020. The first phase involved more cultural and intellectual podcast, with a second wave introducing general entertainment content.
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Around 1% of the Iranian population listen to podcasts as of mid-2020.
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Castbox, Podkadeh, Podbean and Apple Podcasts less so, due to Android having a larger user base in Iran.
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General entertainment content is the most popular category.
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Shenato, Namlik, Podkadeh and Fidibo are all Iranian companies involved with either creating or hosting a podcast. As of mid-2020, each of these companies have their own podcast app.
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In the case of the Digesttt podcasts, it is mainly listened to in Iran, America, Canada, Germany and Australia (listed in order of listenership). Other Persian language countries such as Afghanistan and Tajikistan also have listenership.
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Donations to help set up Iranian made podcasts can be handled via a platform called Hami. This site functions like Kickstarter.
Persian terms used during the show
| Persian | English translation |
|---|---|
| Vatan fooroosh: | A term suggesting that a person is selling their country |
Photo credits: Jeremy Thomas
DavidDam
Hello guys. And Bye.
neversurrenderboys 😉
An Iranian
Hello David, and thank you! We shall not surrender! Help us by sharing 🙂