Podcast: Ask An IranianPage 1 of 3

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.

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 is about what you’re kinda forced to do. Listen to us answer “what MUST you do in Iran?”

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.

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?

Listen to this episode, to learn how Iranians go about tipping, and thank us later for the millions (of Rials!) you’ll likely save.

Why bother?

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!

What do Iranians vote for?

Listen to responses from our Iranian audience on whether they’ll vote in Iran’s 2021 presidential election, and if they feel it will make a difference. We also discuss 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?

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.

How do I propose to an Iranian girl?

Traditionally, Iranians show their intent to marry, with a “khaastegaari”. In times past, this moment may have been the 1st time the potential partners would have met. Listen to how Amir did it differently though.

Which Iranian national anthem is which?

Ask two Iranians to sing the Iranian national anthem and you’ll likely get two differing results. Also, they’ll probably both be wrong. Listen to us explain why.

How do I “fakefast”?

Join us for Iftar as we test foods for both fasters and “fakefasters”, while explaining everything you need to know about Ramadan in Iran.

Norooz, Norouz, Nowruz?

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

Why do Iranians blackface? (feat. Tehran Von Ghasri)

In this episode, we get schooled by comedian-great, Tehran Von Ghasri. He/They joined us for a chat, and a chuckle on subjects such as Iranian black-facing, racial intersectionality and contemporary changes in comedy.