Zoei Cohen, a spiritual guide and teacher, offers her perspective on Esther's transformation from orphan to Queen in the Persian empire by taking a closer look at the original Hebrew text to capture the nuances often lost in translation to other languages. She simultaneously derives a radically positive interpretation of the story and relates it in ways of how we should live today.

Intro music: Aramaic Lesson by HULAULA

More about Zoei 

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In this episode, Maxine (from episode 3 Ancestral Healing) returns to reflect on the lessons from the Book of Esther/Purim from the Torah, which revolves around a Jewish woman in Persia named Esther who becomes Queen in the Persian Empire (5th BCE) and hides her Jewishness in order to survive. When Esther's uncle Mordecai, discovers that an official in court, Haman, has a plan to establish a decree to slay all the Jews in the empire, Esther throws a series of feasts for the King and eventually wins him over and not only embraces her Jewishness but saves the entire population of Jews from persecution in the Persian empire (this is a very brief summary you can find the full text linked below).

We explore how Queen Esther embodies what it means to integrate our Jewish and Persian backgrounds, mind-body connection practices, and divinity: the feminine divine and divine timing.

Full text of Esther:
https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/85468

Music:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTnvCgvuLl0&ab_channel=KamranNeydavoud

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In this episode, Millie delves into the history of the Dardashti family with sisters Danielle and Galeet, the creators of the podcast documentary series, "The Nightingale of Iran." Unveiling the captivating saga of their grandfather, Younes Dardashti, a revered religious Jewish singer in 1950s Iran, who graced the Shah's Palace and radio with his melodious voice, alongside their father, Farid Dardashti, a teen idol on Persian television. 

Together, they unravel the complexities surrounding the stigma attached to "motreb" (musician/entertainer) in Persian Jewish culture, shedding light on the cultural dynamics that led their family to depart Iran at the pinnacle of their fame. Reflecting on their upbringing and the disconnect from their Persian heritage despite a lineage steeped in rich history, they explore the notion of selective memory and the profound significance of asking the right questions, culminating in a poignant journey of self-discovery and understanding.

You can find "The Nightingale of Iran" on all streaming platforms:
https://www.nightingaleofiran.com/

Music featured on this episode is from Galeet's album Monajat.
Song details:
Monajat (feat. Younes Dardashti) · Galeet Dardashti 

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Archival episode from November 25, 2022

In an independent interview, Millie Efraim speaks with Zar Amir Ebrahimi, lead actress of Holy Spider(winner, Best Actress, Cannes)— the uncompromising film noir (dir. Ali Abbasi) painting the life of a serial killer targeting prostitutes in Mashhad, about how she built her character, Islamic fanaticism vis-à-vis sexual perversion, life in exile outside of Iran, the current revolution, and the real Spider Killer's family's response to the controversial film. Zar also shares fascinating anecdotes from behind the scenes of filming. 

Watch the full interview on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0ciUmyDYyk

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In this episode,Maxine Divon shares her personal journey into the self and spirituality for a discussion about the way our ancestral history impacts us. Maxine shares from her personal experience - as a woman in the Persian Jewish community and in the business world -  and from the fields she’s studied including Jungian Psychology, Ancestral Healing, Archetypal Astrology and more recently Kabbalah. Her and Millie unpack various traumas and gifts passed through generations of Persian Jewry, and explore tools for doing this kind of inner work in a self-regulated way, so that everyone is  able to receive the gifts and growth that come from self-inquiry, without reactivating past cycles of wounds.

Mentions:

Outline: 

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PGP hosts, Millie Efraim and Natalie Sanandaji, bring on historian Debbie Lechtman to discuss the history of Ancient Judea/the Kingdom of Israel, Jewish presence in the land for the last 3000+ years, the events leading up to 1948, and what is at the core of the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Debbie is a Jewish, Israeli, and Latina author, educator, content creator, and artist, specializing in Jewish history and antisemitism. She is well-known in Jewish spaces for condensing complex, multilayered, nuanced, and obscure Jewish history topics into more easily accessible education.

For context, this episode was recorded on November 22nd and the introduction was recorded on November 30th.

You can support Debbie's work and find all sources on her website: https://www.rootsmetals.com/pages/about
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/rootsmetals/
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rootsmetals
Her most recent blog post: https://www.rootsmetals.com/blogs/news/lies-about-1948

Listen to Natalie's story of surviving the October 7th Massacre:
https://www.foxnews.com/video/6339713888112

Abba Iban Documentary "Israel: A Nation is Born" which Millie refers to footage of Holocaust survivors being rejected at the border of Palestine can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdHQ6NTvq00&list=PLICqGk8IqdAKeCij_HmHPpkI28ckTlwSS

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PGP returns after a 9 month hiatus (no, we did not have babies-sorry/motasefaneh). We discuss our time off the podcast and get into the unspoken, yet known standards of what is "appropriate" when attending a Persian wedding as someone who isn't yet married (so is technically single). We give our own thoughts and share what is normally expected from the Persian community. As always we encourage listeners who'd like to share their experiences anonymously or not by sending us a direct message or email to be featured on an episode.

You can find Millie's natural lip oil at tabiatbeauty.com and @tabiatbeauty

Intro Song: Bishtar Bishtar - Hassan Shamaizadeh 

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PGP returns for an episode where they're joined by Orna Simkhai and three other Persian mothers. They share the story of how they formed We Do Care: Iranian-American Parents of LGBTQ, a community formed in 2013. Orna and her friends also share advice and discuss their own experience with their children coming out.

More info on We Do Care: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Community/We-Do-Care-Iranian-American-Parents-of-LGBTQ-943104462412560/

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In this episode, Persian comic legend Maz Jobrani comes on PGP to discuss his path to standup and his early education and career experiences, and the ways in which it conflicted with his families expectations at the time. He also shares how he breaks the caricatures often imposed on Middle Eastern talent in Hollywood and gives insight to his approach of raising his kids. 

Check out Maz's Podcast: Back To School With Maz Jobrani

Tour Dates

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In this episode, Millie, Natalie, and Adlee, a PGP favorite [brother of Millie], discuss the end of elitism, the demoralizing superbowl halftime show and the proliferation of mass culture, St. Valentine, and Persian swinger parties.

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PGP answers listener submissions related to interracial relationships and how to bounce back in a relationship when you've been kept a secret and their family dislikes/disapproves of you. They also answer some questions related to physical attributes Persian women are attracted to, what cars they like to drive, and if they bring their boyfriends to their family dinners&parties. Lastly they give advice to a Black Jew whose type is Persian Jewish girls. 

Intro song:
Mary Jane- Arash 

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In this episode PGP interviews Leyla Shams from Chai & Conversation, a podcast for learning Persian  she started in 2011. Together they discuss some prevalent themes and quirks in the Persian language, abolishing the Persian goodbye and adopting the Irish exit, what the proper word for "butt" is, and how Leyla is carrying on the Persian language and culture to her half Amrikayee (American) kids.

To learn more about the Chai & Conversation's programs for learning Persian follow this link!
https://www.chaiandconversation.com/?via=persian

Listen to Chai & Conversation on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/learn-persian-with-chai-and-conversation/id409050115

Persian Spongebob:
https://youtu.be/nx1zxMwOTGw

Intro song: Goleh Pooneh-Sattar

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In this episode, Natalie visits Millie in Paris and they discuss their time there together; operating a two women brothel, having no internet, and being stuck at a rave until 6 am. In the second half of the episode they discuss the importance of solitary experiences and cultivating your own life before joining another's. 

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PGP revisits the subject of cheshm (which they first talked about exactly two years prior to this episode, entitled "I don't dood esfand, I dood hookah"). In this new episode they discuss the more nuanced forms of the belief in cheshm (evil eye) and how it is ingrained in Persian society; from the way people deliver news and when they do, how they accept compliments and give compliments, saliva and the third eye,  using cheshm as an excuse to create theatrics around their life, and whether positive affirmations is a form of cheshm or if Persian men practice/believe in cheshm just as much as Persian women. 

*THE M IN CHESHM IS SILENT, DON'T COME AFTER US

Intro song: Hasood-Dariush 

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In this episode PGP features two voice submissions from their listeners regarding their experience dating outside their culture. One submission features a Persian girl's experience with dating someone not Persian and another submission features an Italian girl's experience dating a Persian guy.

Intro song: 
Ahvaz - Makan Ashgvari

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Chekhabareh? Another episode with an unhinged anonymous Persian girl. Discussing the difference in sexual encounters with men from Iran vs western men, the millennial's frustration with the lack of effort in flirting these days and generally loss of intimacy, how the life of religious taliban members resembles the present day fuccboy, men who think they deserve immediate sex as a reward for being "honest" about not wanting anything serious, being judged for having too many sexual partners when being single for extensive periods of time, and why Persian women are so damn horny. 

Intro song: Ghermez-Poobon ft Rudebeny

Photo: Taliban members in Bayman Province via Twitter 

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Salut, salam.  Cette semaine, een hafteh, PGP discusses wedding etiquette drama--ENCORE, and answers a listeners question regarding marrying outside of your religion. En particulier, they get into how one can be raised not by their parents values, but the values of the city/town in which they grew up (sounds like a classic case of ahberoo), reclaiming khanoom, what the real reasons are for Persian families being against their daughters marrying outside their religion,  and what to do when you are in that situation.

Sorry for the repeat song, Millie needs an external hard drive to download new bangers for you guys. 

For those who don't know: Azize Delami - Mansour 

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Natalie and Millie return with a special guest, Naomi Larbi, model and writer + childhood friend of Millie's, to answer some questions sent in by listeners during their hiatus. They discuss what is considered "normal" when dating a Persian girl, specifically when it comes to expectations of money, gifts, chivalry, dowry, etc. In this episode they give not only a Persian take on these topics but also an Eastern European one. Stay tuned to the end to hear Millie and Naomi's history of their friendship/BHHS tea and Millie's traveling tips. 

Intro song : Barbara Pravi - Saute

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Do beaten horses in fact ever die?  Millie and Natalie attempted to discuss their being uninvited from a comedy show for their Jewishness when Al Jazeera asked them to record comments for the news channel's documentary on comedian Noam Shuster (see S1 E13).  They then follow how the media orchestrates the never-ending Israeli-Palestinian conflicts on behalf of larger powers financing the proxy war (in the name of each's plights and passions, of course!) and why Recho Omondi felt obliged to somehow re-cancel Leandra Medine, a sadistic spectacle promptly picked up by the so-called fashion media (e.g. NY Mag's The Cut.) She is recancelled, she is recancelled indeed! 

Intro music: 

Mustafa Sandal - Kalmadı

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PGP interviews rapper Shaheen Samadi and singer Arla Fandi to discuss their new music video "Atoosa" and the struggles of beauty standards for Persian women. 

https://www.instagram.com/shaheen.samadi/

https://www.instagram.com/arla.fandi/

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PGP has an anonymous Persian Girl come on to discuss the experience of marrying an Indian man. "Niloofar" talks about how she met her fiance and the way her parents have received the Indian culture, getting complaints that she's "too into" the Indian culture, how it's easier as a Persian American to receive an American into their culture as opposed to another rich culture, the way in which not being surrounded by other Persians influenced her conception and relationship towards it. She also shares what her engagement party in Mumbai was like, how she's teaching her parents by leading by example instead of "gar"ing with them every time they clash, and what her Persian-Indian wedding ceremony will encompass. 

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Millie's brother Adlee, professional gossip and aspirational vh1 commentator, returns on the podcast. They slander Bill and Melinda Gates and give a Persian take on their divorce. Later Adlee and PGP ponder what is contemporary Persian-ness; how each Persian family establishes their own set of laws of what Honor means to them and spill some tea. They dive deep into the meaning of the bizarre question that is often posed to them at parties: "what are you doing here?" and what's behind the behavior of a woman whose idea of being a woman is a male-directed performance, and furthermore the developmental years of women/how their relationship with their mother and the amount of women they were surrounded by affected their identity. 

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Na rumi-ye rum, na zangi-ye zang which literally translates to "neither a Roman of Byzantium nor a Black person of the Subsaharan region",  means to say that some things cannot be black or white.  In this episode, Millie and Natalie discuss the struggles specific to the dual identity of being Persian and Jewish, diving deeper into the nuances of Sephardic Jewry, the stress of living for your ancestors and being the descendants of persecuted people, pressure to marry within your own religion for the sake of keeping your culture/ "people" alive, and not feeling 100% understood by secular Iranians nor Ashkenazy Jews.

Intro music: Dokhtar Ahvazi - Sandy

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PGP hosts discuss behavior and etiquette at Persian weddings, Millie is reinvigorated by recent traumatic interactions with mega doodool tallahs, upper class Persians who define their worth based on how many lavish parties they go to,  Persian men who use having a white girlfriend to flex on Persian girls, snobby Persians who think doing drugs makes them in any way bohemian,  and other tea is spilled.

In this episode PGP features Lavashak (dried fruit candy) from their Lavashak.com monthly subscription box, which can be found on their website or instagram @lavashaklovers!

Intro song: Salam - Sogand

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​PGP interviews Mandana Salehi, founder of Zibahub, an inclusive beauty services app. They discuss how she got started with her company, beauty standards and how they're changing, how she met her husband and the response she got from the Persian community for marrying a Black man, ​dealing with being ostracized by your family for marrying outside your culture, and more.

To get the app go to https://www.zibahub.com/

Intro song: Hasoodi by Kamran & Hooman

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In this episode Dr Sherry Rostami comes on the podcast to share her life story: how her father making decisions for her changed the track of her life and how she's still picking up the pieces. We also discuss "ahberoo" (reputation/honor), what it was like being the daughter of a famous actor, being forced into marriage for the sake of ahberoo, raising your children in a certain way for the sake of ahberoo, how she's making a difference in raising her children, and her tips for creating a backup plan if your marriage doesn't work out. 

Find more articles on Sherry's blog here: 

http://drsherrytalks.com

Email or direct message PGP any questions you may have for the next episode with Sherry!

Intro song is the score from the film Ehsase Dagh (1971) starring Sherry's father, Iraj Rostami and Googoosh.

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Punk Elle Woods//Sahar Shiralian, returns to the podcast (previous episode Performative #Girlboss) to discuss how her outlook has changed since the last time she came on PGP from "man hating girlboss" to lovable lawyer. They talk about the temperament of Persian women, how Persian women are pigeon holed when dating a Persian man, the advantages of dating outside your culture, the advantages of dating "wonderbread", why Persian men worship natural blondes and treat non-Persian girls better.

They also discuss how Persian women are perpetually stuck in a daddy/daughter relationship from their parents home to their husbands home and not being able to share everything with their mothers.

Intro song - Yeki Bood Yeki Nabood by The Black Cats

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In this episode PGP interviews  a 25 year old biomedical engineer based in nyc, who grew up in Tehran. They discuss her experience living in Calabasas and Los Angeles, the culture shock she experienced in America during high school at Calabasas High despite speaking English and visiting annually, her childhood in Tehran and education, and the "life lessons" that were taught to her from a young age that she's been working on unlearning in her adult life. 

Intro song: 

Fataneh - Namehraboon فتانه - نا مهربون

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In this episode Millie and Natalie discuss the guilt that Persian parents pass on to their children, running errands for the rest of their lives for their parents, absurd Persian grocery shopping habits, difference between brown parents vs. white parents, coddled vs. non coddled children, families who have live-in nannies, and more. They also discuss the results of the polls they conducted on jewelry ceremony at engagement parties and rave style weddings, ft a brief guest appearance by Millie's cousin who chimes on the trend of dancing down the aisle. 

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In this episode Millie and Natalie discuss their experience with covid, why Persians dance/rave down the aisle at weddings, how bridal showers have basically become weddings, how proposal parties have basically become weddings, "suprise" proposals, and the engagement proposal video trend. They also talk about which Persian traditions they would keep for their own wedding and if they would still expect, for example, the whole jewelry on silver trays to be given at their engagement party, if they were to marry a non-Persian and other cultural clashes that would occur while getting married to a non-Persian. 

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In this episode PGP interview Sarvin Esmaeili a 21 year old Vancouver based/Tehran born actor and writer. They discuss her upbringing in Tehran, what school was like there, dress code and the "nomreyeh enzebat", fashions for women there and the different ways to style the headscarf, the obsession with plastic surgery and how women in Tehran stick out if they don't have a nose job. 

They also discuss how women's bodies function as another trend in fashion in most societies now and how too much freedom or too little freedom affects the way we express ourselves.

Find Sarvin on instagram to follow her work and see her solo show: https://www.instagram.com/sarviiinak/

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In this episode, Millie and Natalie interview Persian Jewish comedian Aaron Zarabi. Aaron is from New York and recently grew to prominence after being featured as the asshole of the week on antisemitism.org....The three discuss censorship in comedy, pushing boundaries with his humor, laughing at the truth, "fluffy" PG Persian comedians, Aaron's two bar mitzvahs, and what it was like living in Iceland. 

Interview begins at 4 minutes.

Follow Aaron Zarabi on TikTok and Instagram @aaronzarabi

Check out his podcast Your Boyz: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-boyz/id1550770554

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In this episode, PGP interviews Cyrus Veyssi, an intersectional wellness/beauty advocate and non-binary model. They discuss what it means to be queer and non-binary, cyber bullying, Persian instagram accounts, transphobia and homophobia (within the gay community as well), the need for Iranian queer representation, the spectrum of privilege and being able to speak with others with opposing views.

Find Cyrus on instagram @cyrusveyssi
https://www.instagram.com/cyrusveyssi/

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PGP interviews Nicole Emrani Green, the CEO and co-founder of Givingli, a greeting card and gifting app. We discuss how she started Givingli, how she and her husband met, understanding why Persian-Americans are still holding on to certain values, dividing responsibilities equally with her husband at home and at work, and how their different cultural backgrounds compliment each other. Millie and Natalie also share the story of the first time they met...

Download the Givingli app: 

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/givingli/id1386635163

@givingli on Instagram

givingli.com

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PGP interviews sister duo Pardiss and Saba Mehrzad who started the Iranian American Youth Group. They discuss how gen z Iranian Americans differ from the prior generation, what their intentions are for their youth group, what being Iranian means to them, how they're trying to improve the ways in which Iranians support each other and stepping away from competitiveness and toxicity from older generations. They also answer some questions sent in by the listeners such as...can they speak Persian? are they more open about sex? and more. 

Check out their youth group on ig: https://www.instagram.com/iranianamericanyouthgroup/

The google form to apply to IAYG: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc7jAVbTN_COLJ8bOKj93VBv_6hdOlUeyQTtiOjMS0lV28YAw/viewform

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In this episode, PGP interviews Sayé Yabandeh, an actress, polo player, and humanitarian. Sayé talks about her childhood in Iran and living in both Tehran and Shiraz after the revolution, what her experience of moving to America was like, how she got into acting, the inspiration for her first film and women's rights issues she focuses on, and sex trafficking on facebook. They also discuss her love for Polo and how manifestation worked for meeting her career goals and personal goals. 

To learn more about The Miss Sayé Show and her Give Back Around the World charity: https://themisssayeshow.com/

Nadia Murad's book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/555106/the-last-girl-by-nadia-murad/

The Good Charlotte music video where Sayé plays ice cream!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rISYCquFeI8&ab_channel=GoodCharlotteVEVO

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For the first episode of season 3, PGP interviews Doris Yadidi Micheletti, a certified sex coach and clinical sexologist. They discuss the emphasis of women's virginity in the Persian Jewish community, vaginal anatomy-like where is the choochooleh (clitoris) and g spot, old school customs of monitoring sex, how Doris educates her children about sex, vaginismus, female ejaculation, consent, and self pleasure. 

Shoot a DM or email for questions to be answered in the upcoming instagram live with Doris!

Find more about Doris on her website: https://www.dorismicheletti.com/

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In this short episode, Millie and Natalie bid adieu to the second season. They reminisce on past episodes and memories, discuss potentially becoming divorce lawyers, why they're obsessed with post-breakup/divorce women, and what's to come in season 3. They also address their tiktok which sparked some controversy...

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In the final episode of Season Two, PGP interviews a second time guest, Dr. Ladan Hariri, to talk about her experience of pregnancy as a first-time mother. She discusses the expectations of mothers these days, working as a psychiatrist with no maternity leave, the tribulations of pregnancy and errors in the health system, the importance of finding the right ob-gyn and listening to your body and its instincts, prodromal labor, natural birth vs a c-section, the epidural shot, hospital policies on inducing labor, and the postpartum period. 

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In this episode, singer/songwriter Mami Moon (Arielle Lavian) comes on the podcast to discuss her new song "Kissing on me". They also talk about her experience at Beverly Hills High School, what precipitates clique-y Persians girls saying "we can't be friends with you", what it meant to be Persian at Beverly High and the different types of Persians there, reclaiming her Persian identity after resenting what it meant for years and contrastingly, how it's trendy to be ethnic now.

Music video for Mami Moon's "Kissing on me": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTk_WcTAbwM&ab_channel=MamiMoon

https://mamimoonmusic.com/

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In this episode, PGP interviews actress and comedian, Tara Grammy. Tara talks about her experience of the Persian community in Los Angeles compared to  her hometown Toronto, being asked if she's Jewish repeatedly, the Persian fixation on class and religion, her upbringing, and more. Tara's alter ego Manijeh makes an appearance...The three also discuss the inescapability of smelling like fenugreek, kaleh pacheh, her 2018 film A Simple Wedding, the contrast of LA vs NY Persians, and racism in the Persian community.

Tara on YouTube+ Imdb 

Music: Snoh Aalegra - Home

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In this episode, Millie and Natalie compare stereotypes about people from the different cities in Iran with the men of the Tehran based podcast, Ask An Iranian. They discuss the Turks/Azeris, Esfahanis, Shirazis, Kashis, Hamedoonis, Qazvinis, Rashtis, Yazdis, and Tehroonis. Also shared are some explicit jokes about these peoples. Unfortunately, we had to resort to explicit language to accurately depict the depravity of some people from these places. All love!!

new acronym alert>TK = torkeh khaar

Don't forget to check out new PGP merch at persiangirlpodcast.storenvy.com/

& Ask An Iranian merch at teespring.com/stores/askaniranian

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In this episode Millie and Natalie invite previous guests, Millie's brother Adlee and Mohammad from Ask An IranianPodcast, to discuss the Shah complex // doodool tallah upbringing, helicopter moms, difference of treatment from mothers towards their sons vs. daughters, and women's roles and value within the Persian/Iranian familial complex. Natalie also answers a listener's question about her current relationship and upcoming trip to Aruba. 

For more information on Sohrab Ahmari and his book: https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Water-Journey-Catholic-Faith/dp/162164202X

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In this episode, Millie and Natalie welcome back previous guest Kevin Nahai to have a conversation about dating during Covid-19.

They discuss listener questions which include: when is moving too fast/when is it acceptable to go over each other’s places; when dates are at home, how to keep it from escalating too fast physically; how to you ask if the person you’re seeing is seeing other people (for the sake of covid) and how to have the “what are we” conversation.

They also hypothesize on why it seems like so many people have gotten into relationships during covid and discuss areas of expectations you can sacrifice when seeing someone.

Find Kevin’s work here:

https://www.instagram.com/kevinnahai/?hl=en

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Millie and Natalie review the new Borat film. They also discuss halloween, hebrew school, and holocaust survivors. 

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In this episode, Millie and Natalie interview comedian and writer, Sarvenaz Elmi. Sarvey talks about growing up in a desolate town without a Persian community, dating outside her culture/having a sefid (white) boyfriend, what it’s like introducing an American boyfriend to a Persian family, and traditional Iranian beauty standards. 

https://www.sarvelmi.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sarvashelmi/

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Sasha Khalili, a 24 year old psychoanalyst in training based in LA, comes on the podcast to interpret Millie and Natalie's recent dreams and discuss the various meanings of common symbols/themes in dreams (i.e. losing consciousness or the ability to run from something dangerous, marriage, cars, violence, birth, etc).

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In this episode Millie and Natalie are joined by Millie's brother Adlee and friend/audio production mentor Ahmed, to answer some listener's questions. Topics include socializing/flirting as a shy girl, how to not let other girls who compete with you over the same guy at parties get to you, sorority horror stories, how to deal with controlling in-laws, and why Persians are having so many weddings during Covid-19. 

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In this episode, Millie is joined by the men of Ask An Iranian podcast, Mohammad, a native to Iran, and David, originally from England, who are both currently living in Tehran. They discuss the current dating culture in Tehran, experiences with controlling women, not being allowed to have friends of the opposite sex while in a relationship, infidelity, Instagram and texting behavior, where people go on dates and the conversations that typically occur. They also talk about life in Iran during the pandemic and the mask mandate.

Ask An Iranian's website: https://askaniranian.com/ 
They can also be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other streaming platforms.

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In this episode, Millie and Natalie are joined by Sahar, an employment and labor attorney based In LA, to have a conversation about performative roles in feminism, the aestheticization of being a "career woman", being able to talk about the fears of aging and appearances without being labeled an ageist or misogynist by third wave feminists, and "selfie feminism". They also discuss the pressure to get married from Persian friends and single shaming, psychics, the madonna-whore complex, drama on Persian meme accounts, and the WAP song...

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In this half Persian, half English episode, Arman and Niloufar from Talksio Podcast join PGP for a conversation about what life is like right now for the youth in Iran. Niloufar shares her own experiences. We discuss where people meet, where young people go out, dating life, "machin bazi", getting arrested for not wearing the hijab properly, the difference of life between the ultra wealthy and poor, and more. 

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Solo episode where we answer a listener's question. We talk about when Persian men date non-Persian women, what to look for if you are going to date a Persian man (as an outsider), why you shouldn't cast off all Persian women as crazy or all Persian men as trash, as well as explain the kinds of behaviors and stereotypes that exist (for a reason). At 37:08 Millie's brother makes a debut on the pod to give his input on the topic and share other reasons for why a Persian man would be inclined to act a certain way: for example, reassessing his behavior not as douche-y but rather as timid and unmanly, as a result of being ashamed. 

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Sorry for the clickbait title...in this episode, we talk about self awareness, coming off self involved, guilt about talking about yourself too much to your family, reverse manifesting or cheshm vs positive affirmations. We also talk about girls who try to humiliate you and put you on the spot in front of other people, girls who are specifically jealous of other women with big personalities and who are comfortable in their skin. Towards the end Natalie objectifies men and the two briefly discuss concerns of the derriere. 

We're also now on patreon.. https://www.patreon.com/persiangirlpodcast show PGP some love and support <3

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In this episode, PGP interviews Elle Toussi, a cross platform journalist and producer. Elle discusses her career and how coronavirus has impacted journalism and respectively, her life, work-life balance, having kids in your thirties, the process of freezing her eggs and its implications, and being on top of your hormones. 

Elle on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elletoussi/

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Millie and Natalie discuss engagements that break up and the reasons they do, as well as tarnished reputations (men vs. women), "expiration date" and starting over at an older age, how to challenge your relationship prior to engagement, whether two hard headed families ​can merge in a marriage, and situationships. 

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Millie and Natalie have a discussion with Rose Knows, Persian punk legend and DJ based in LA. They talk cheshm, high school boyfriends and conservative parents, facebook corona crush pages, self doubt, how to navigate going about your own lifestyle that opposes your family without alienating them, how to differentiate your feelings towards something vs your parents feelings, and how to disagree with your parents without being combative. Rose's alter ego Zhilla also makes an appearance...

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In this episode, Millie and Natalie return from a brief hiatus. They talk about what they've done since quarantine began, modernization, the extinction of old traditions, Persian parents on the internet, Beverly Hills High School, Whatsapp conspiracy threads, uptight Persian households, if returning a dirty utensil at a restaurant on the first date is acceptable, conservative Persian responses to BLM protests, and much more...

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In this episode, Millie and Natalie talk coronavirus and the effects it's taken on their lives and the Persian community. They also talk about boomer humor, weird overly sexual adult memes, fake news via whatsapp/groupchats, Persians who hide having covid-19 for the sake of aberoo, tensions between Ashkenazi and Mizrahi Jews, facetime dating, and speculations of the length of the quarantine. Natalie's recommendations for covid-19 include staying home and having chicken soup till it goes away. Millie recommends taking a billion vitamins and herbs from earthbar and dancing at home in your favorite outfit.

Millie's unsolicited herbal recommendations for helping your immune system: 

1) 2000-4000 mg of Vit C daily 

2) 50-100 mg Zinc daily 

3) Irrigate your sinuses (neilmed) and also use natural eye drops to flush your eyes

4) Elderberry extract is anti-viral 

5) Immune boost with shitake, reishi, Ganoderma capsules 

6) A few drops of oregano oil diluted in water for dry/sore throat 

Natalie's Rabbi's cure for Covid-19:

1) 2 spoon cinnamon 

2) 1/4 spoon cardamom 

3) 1/2 cloves

4) 1/2 ginger

5) 8oz water

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In this episode, PGP interviews music producer and dj Nick AM, to discuss his new single "Take it Back" on his EP which comes out March 3rd, 2020. He discusses incorporating Persian sounds into his music and goes more into what the tracks represent for him as an Iranian-American artist. They also discuss nightlife in New York, coronavirus, if we are ever totally single, house music venues, and birthdays. 

Instagram: https://bit.ly/nickam_ig
Spotify: https://bit.ly/nickam_sp
Apple Music: https://bit.ly/nickam_ap
Twitter: https://bit.ly/nickam_tw
SoundCloud: https://bit.ly/nickam_sc
Facebook: https://bit.ly/nickam_fb

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In this episode, Millie and Natalie interview Elaine Chaya, a digital content creator and host of the podcast Behind the Rainbow. They talk about dressing eccentrically and how Persian relatives and friends will tell you to dress down on dates to not shock a guy or be "too much", the idea that you're supposed to dress weird and trendy with your friends and then dress simple and basic for guys, and how Persian guys have an idea of how their future wife should dress like. They also discuss whether or not you should share your social media before going on a date with someone if you have a big following online, how Natalie wants to wear sweatpants on a date and how Millie said she would walk out of a date if they showed up in sweatpants...Elaine also talks about how she's toned down her fashion on dates and how the new uniform for girls is just blue jeans and a black shirt. The three discuss how some men lose sexual attraction to their partner once their partner becomes a mother. Lastly they discuss how some guys shame Persian girls for having had a strict upbringing or protective parents and face-timing before a first date.

Elaine's Podcast and Instagram:
www.instagram.com/elainechaya
www.bit.ly/BehindTheRainbowPodcast

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In this episode, PGP discuss some toilet thoughts...doodool tallah men who put their mother "first" before their significant other, why Millie's personality invites unhinged people and trolls, dating people who never act serious, tropes on Tik Tok, vibe checks, martyrdom, how there are other podcasts now discussing taboo topics in Middle Eastern culture but they still are totally vague about their own personal lives/choices because they don't want to be vulnerable. They also discuss engagements that break off due to financial disagreements between families, why girls never admit what they're "looking for" when initially dating someone. And is the question "what are you looking for" on the first date a genuine invitation for a sincere answer? or is it merely a way to categorize the relationship and earn control over it from the get go, and people who try to test how much other people like them or love them via humiliation, etc. to feel special. 

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In this episode, PGP discuss using hinge as a platform to promote the podcast, guys who think girls who go out a lot must have sex a lot, guys who operate on the dynamic with girls who are needy and act like or are damsels in distress so their egos can be boosted, etc, etc. They also talk about the high pitch voices Persian women use and how eyeliner allegedly makes you see better...Listen to the end for Millie's boomer explanation of TikTok. 

NYT article referenced in regards to the boom of Surveillance Capitalism: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/24/opinion/sunday/surveillance-capitalism.html

and no...we are not sponsored by The New York Times... ;)
..but hit us up 

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In this episode, PGP interviews Erin Khar whose memoir Strung Out, coming February 25, 2020 from HarperCollins | Park Row Books, about her fifteen-year battle with opiate addiction which explores the very nature of why people do drugs, casting light on the larger opiate crisis, written with the intention to destigmatize the topic of drug addiction. The three discuss her book, the shame surrounding addiction, her connection to Persian culture, their favorite Persian foods, and much more. At the end of the episode the three answer a question sent to PGP from a listener about "boy texting problems".

Her memoir can be found on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Strung-Out-Other-Nearly-Killed/dp/0778309738 and in stores from February 25th!

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In this episode, Millie and Natalie record with each other from across the country! They discuss engagements, marriage proposal planning, short term life planning and decision making (living in the present or whatever), Persian guys who got weird from doing too many drugs, mens obsession with long hair, beauty standards of the 2010s-20s, amazon ring cameras robbing daughters of their privacy lol, and taking relationship advice from parents. They also discuss the phenomenon of manifesting being asked out by someone you like by going out on other dates to trigger the sixth sense of that other person (lol). 

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Is WGM the DTF for Persians? In this episode, PGP interviews their friend who is not Persian but grew up amongst Persians in Great Neck, NY. She shares her experience with her past friendships with Persians and her relationship with a Persian guy. They talk marriage centric people, kenisah (synagogue), toxic relationships, whether you should voice to your friends that you think they're in an unhealthy relationship, and breakups. 

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In this week's episode, PGP interviews Kevin Nahai, a 27 year old speaker and writer who runs a mentorship program working with emotional and psychological wellness based in LA. Kevin shares his experience with the Persian community (friendships and dating), the pressures of needing to meet certain financial expectations when dating Persian women, and the confidence needed to do so as well. The three discuss the different types of Persian men, depending on when they prefer to get married and how they view their significant other in a relationship: as a partner or as adependent. Kevin returns some questions PGP asks him, back to them: if either of them will date a Persian guy (lol) and their dating expectations in general. They also ask Kevin his thoughts on the "right" number of previous sexual partners, sleeping on the first date, behavior on social media, and much more.

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In this episode, PGP interviews Samira Soro, a licensed marriage & family therapist and life coach from Los Angeles, CA. They talk about ways to cope with social media, particularly Instagram and the ways it can interfere with relationships, and how it is indicative or what it is indicative of in peoples' personalities. They also explore the dangers of the accessibility of Instagram as an outlet for porn which is being consumed more regularly and publicly as opposed to pornography which is traditionally consumed privately. Lastly, they ask Samira where to draw the line with a significant other if they are potentially borderline cheating via Instagram dm's or addicted to the app. 

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Soheila Adelipour joins Persian Girl Podcast to discuss her new book, Dancing to the Darkest Light, which follows her journey from fleeing persecution in Iran to the loss of her second son in in a fire in Boston, then, a few years later, the passing of both her sister and brother after enduring long and horrific illnesses. Soheila takes us back to what life was like for her in Iran and amidst the revolution as she moved to America. PGP talks about the negative connotation Persians place behind “mahsabi” and the extremes of religions. She shares her experiences of meeting khastegars (suitors) when moving to America and her thoughts on dating today. Soheila gets into how she dealt with her emotions during the loss of her son and her two siblings. Further into the episode they discuss anti anxiety medication and particularly Soheila’s experience with them. The three discuss the problems with the Persian idea that if you’ve experienced tragedy you should never smile, dress up or dance, and how Soheila, as well as her mother’s positive attitude have gotten them where they are today. They end the episode with the story of Soheila’s mother saving a young girl from a virgin killing as a midwife and another story which was not included in the book.

Her book is available on her website and on amazon (it is sold out on amazon but will be back in stock in a few weeks).

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In this episode, Millie and Natalie take a break from interviewing and discuss the much disputed topic of cheshm. Cheshm or the evil eye as known in the Persian language is a serious phenomenon within the Iranian community. Some people live by it, some think it's made up. It's also something that has ended friendships, relationships, and perhaps even marriages, not because of receiving cheshm, but because one person's practice of cheshm offending the other. Hiding certain luxuries (could be in the form of wealth, health, beauty, or success) is still commonly done and it can be seen as extremely offensive, because it implies that you think the other party will cheshm you. PGP discuss their experiences of cheshm, how they've seen it "manifest" in the Persian community, and whether if it's something we can put in the past. Also discussed is of course the subject of esfand dooding and other ways Middle Eastern cultures have historically tried to block cheshm. 

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In episode 3, Millie and Natalie interview Ladan Hariri, a psychiatrist from Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Hariri is a Board-Certified psychiatrist focused on helping patients with anxiety and depression, ADHD for both adults and adolescents, and women’s health issues including peri-natal mental health, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and menopause-related mood disorders. She treats patients via tele-psychiatry. 

They discuss alternative treatments to mental disorders, the nuances of panic and mood disorders, and how Dr. Hariri entered the field of psychiatry. Towards the end of the episode they discuss recovery practices for cosmetic surgeries and the abuse of fillers in the age of instagram. 

Dr. Hariri can be found at tmshealthsolutions.com and by 844-867-8444. She can also be reached by email at resultpsychiatry@gmail.com.

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In episode 2 Millie and Natalie interview comedian Sarah Fatemi. Together they discuss her web series Saffron ‘n Rose which is about two Persian girls who start an anonymous radio show discussing taboo topics. They also explore stereotypes given in the Persian community, what it’s like growing up in a non Persian community, and ahbehroo. The second half of the episode (beginning at 33 minutes) includes a rant led by Natalie and Millie about the millennial man’s fascination with Southeast Asia, Patagonia (the region), “spontaneous travel”, and whether men are “genetically programmed” to have an extreme promiscuous phase during their late adolescence/adulthood. Lastly, Millie questions what constitutes looking like an “LA Persian girl”.

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In the first episode of season two, Millie and Natalie interview Nicole Nowparvar of Chaya Community, a sacred space for Jewish Iranians to experience meaningful connection and deepen their self-expression, based in LA. The three explore traditions in the Persian culture that they want to pass on to the next generation and the traditions they are not interested in passing on. 

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In this episode, Natalie interviews an old friend from her home town. Together they discuss the perception of age in the Persian community as well as dating redflags and dealbreakers. 

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In this episode, PGP hosts, Millie and Natalie talk about the feelings associated with birthdays and getting older (mental breakdowns), men who are "on the spectrum", and how all apps somehow encourage stalking (i.e. Venmo news feed). They also introduce a new segment: red flag or dealbreaker.

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In episode 16, PGP interviews Tara, a Persian girl from Los Angeles. They discuss topics surrounding mental health; the difference between anxiety and panic attacks, the ways in which Persian households deal with mental health, and the nuances found in the values of Persian-American families depending on when they migrated to America. 

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PGP chats with Melissa Shoshahi about her experience as a comedian and being the first Persian American woman to tour internationally doing standup.

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In the 15th episode, Persian Girl Podcast hosts Millie and Natalie talk about the rumors that are spread about people who haven't gotten married by 30 or been in a relationship if they're "older" and the criticisms men/women face when they don't pursue a higher degree program after finishing their undergraduate degree. They also discuss what is considered "cheating" in 2019 (DMing on instagram or using dating apps secretly) and secrecy in relationships in general. 

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In this episode, PGP chats with a 21 year old girl from LA. She talks about what it's like to not have a profession that has a linear path, like being a doctor or a lawyer, and how that affects her own personal feelings towards her career. They also discuss marijuana use, giving their parents a hard time, dating in LA, and parenting. 

Intro music by Siavash Ghomeyshi.

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In Episode 13, Persian Girl Podcast interviews comedian Noam Shuster Eliassi
(@noam_joon on instagram). Noam talks about her upbringing in Neve Shalom (in Arabic, Wahat al-Salam), the mixed Jewish-Arab community outside of Jerusalem. She also goes into further detail of how her Middle Eastern heritage allows her to take her comedy certain places where most people cannot (literally and metaphorically). Noam tells PGP about her experience of doing standup comedy in the West Bank and how she plans to incite political change through the medium of comedy.

Noam will be doing performing in America in the Fall of 2019 as she completes a residency at Harvard University.

Find her on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noam_joon/

Read more about her here: https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/MAGAZINE-meet-the-jewish-activist-comedian-who-refuses-to-be-reduced-to-a-single-identity-1.6826888

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In the 12th episode, PGP interviews a Persian American divorce lawyer, Jacqueline Harounian, and discuss divorce law, prenuptial agreements, and ethics, equality, domestic violence, abuse, and infidelity in marriages. They also discuss "ahberoo" in Persian community and the hypocrisies/free passes that are given to wealthier members of the community. Furthermore, Jacqueline shares her experience as a working mother who navigated law school and establishing her practice while raising four children. 

Jacqueline's information: https://www.lawjaw.com/our-attorneys/jacqueline-harounian/

The Safe Center a victims’ services agency, which has locations in Bethpage, Cedarhurst, and Little Neck. All services are confidential and free: www.TSCLI.org.  (Leslie Kraut is a social worker there who does not charge for counseling and is familiar with the Persian community. Contact: 718-225-1750. Extension 248. Email:  lkraut@comminpointqueens.org)

Long Island Crisis Center, the main Suicide Hotline for Queens and Long Island. It has many services for lgbtq youth and young people at risk through the Pride for Youth Division: https://longislandcrisiscenter.org/

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In the 11th episode, PGP interviews Iman Hariri-Kia, sex and dating editor at Elite Daily. Iman discusses her career transitions, the struggles of giving up a dream, and the rewards she reaps from writing about extremely personal subjects online. The three discuss how Persian culture influences their identity as first generation Americans and the difference between the identities of Muslim Persians vs Jewish Persians. Additionally they talk about hair and hair removal, what dating a non-Persian is like, and beauty standards in Iran vs. America.

Iman's writings can be found here: https://www.elitedaily.com/profile/iman-hariri-kia-8123807 
Or here: https://www.teenvogue.com/contributor/iman-hariri-kia

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In episode 10, PGP sits down and talks with prominent meme creator Sebastian Tribbie, aka Youvegotnomale on instagram. *NSFW* They discuss his experiences with Middle Eastern men, sexually and non sexually...and also doing lean with Pusha T and shitting out Juul pods. Youvegotnomale also asks PGP a few questions about their personal life. Lastly, he breaks down the difference between a Hyena and a Meerkat as well as establishing a new term, "Aardvark". 

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Norooz special! PGP interviews Iranian-American music producer and dj, Nick AM. The three discuss identity conflicts as first generation Americans, being told to stop acting "white", and why he's never dated Persians. They also ask Nick about his thoughts on the non Jewish Persian communities in New Jersey and how the strong females in his family influenced his relationships and friendships with women. Also discussed is the culture of instagram, facetune, etc and red flags on dating apps. 

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In the eighth episode, PGP interviews a 21 year old Persian guy from Jericho, NY. They discuss the difference of expectations for Persian men vs. women; what is expected of men to major in college, career choices, and so on. They also ask the guest about texting/instagram etiquette, when he wants to get married, what he expects from his future wife/if he is okay with his future wife being a working mom, breastfeeding, and the general roles mothers and fathers have in a household. 

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In the seventh episode, PGP interviews a dermatologist from Los Angeles. They discuss jealousy in friendships and relationships, Persian men who put financial conditions on marriage, doctors who have a god complex, and the fetishization of younger girls in the Persian community. PGP also introduces a new segment, "Shit my Persian dad says". 

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In the sixth episode, PGP interviews a half Persian musician, Niki Black (link to her music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaBKvaiqKrQ); interview starts at 19:47. Topics discussed include marriages in the Persian community ending due to "bad sex"; once again, more annoying stereotypes and cliches on hinge; racism in the Persian community; courting stage when dating a Persian guy; intimidating girls who are "too smart" for guys; education; bisexuality and monogamy. 

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In this episode PGP interviews their second guest of the first season. The three girls cover the topics of friendships and friend groups in Persian communities, cultural compatibility, dating and relationship expectations, porn usage, masturbation, and more...

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In this episode, PGP discusses the repercussions of instagram stalking as well as the alleged "shelf life" for Persian Girls in LA vs. NY. Other topics include dream revenge scenarios, reasons people use dating apps, dating red flags, restaurant etiquette, and having to hide juul/hookah from your boyfriend (or girlfriend), or friends...

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In our third episode, PGP talks about a recent dating experience; are drinks the new dinner? phone calls or texts? We interview our first guest (starts at 24:50), a 17 year old Persian-Jewish girl from LA, and discuss the younger generation of Persians, the difference of communities in LA vs. NY, doodool talahs, what it's like coming of age as a Persian girl, high school, career aspirations, family expectations, therapy, knockoff designer items, and more...

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In Episode 2, PGP talk about their Saturday night out in NYC. Other topics include deranged Persian superstitions, older Persian men preying on younger girls for marriage, and Hinge dating...

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Two Persian-Jewish girls share their personal stories. In this episode, they discuss virginity and the double standards within the Persian communities in America.

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