Assyrian Podcast

Episode 164 - David A. Armstrong is an Assyrian-American cinematographer, film producer and director. He is best known for his work on the first six installments of the Saw franchise, and has also directed the films Pawn and The Assassin's Code. David is also the author of Dragons and Violins, a memoir of war and music. Dragons and Violins tells the story of his grandfather’s journey through life, which covers the Assyrian Genocide, immigrating to American, World War II, and much more.  Instagram: assyrian_memoir  Website: https://www.dragonsandviolins.com/  This episode is sponsored by @theoushanapartners -- a husband and wife real estate team. Are you considering purchasing or selling a home in Arizona or California? John and Reata are available to help make your next real estate decision into a seamless transaction. Contact the Oushana’s at 209-968-9519. Get to know them a bit more by checking out their website TheOushanaPartners.com

Episode 163 - This week’s guests all have something in common: they’re all from different cultural backgrounds and married to Assyrians. In this episode, Nick, Atsushi, Lundi, Celia and Dylan reflect on their experiences marrying into the Assyrian culture. We discuss everything from their first impressions to their challenges and everything in between. This episode is not one to miss! This episode is sponsored by @theoushanapartners -- a husband and wife real estate team. Are you considering purchasing or selling a home in Arizona or California? John and Reata are available to help make your next real estate decision into a seamless transaction. Contact the Oushana’s at 209-968-9519. Get to know them a bit more by checking out their website TheOushanaPartners.com

Episode 162 - Making Room for Atheism with Mathew Sharif Mathew Sharif is a first generation Assyrian-American. He was born and raised in the technologically and culturally rich city of San Jose, California. Mathew’s parents met and married in America and raised Mathew in an Assyrian household.  Even though Mathew was raised in an Assyrian church, he went the unconventional route of choosing atheism as his truth. Mathew took his questions beyond the church walls and discovered a more authentic explanation for our existence. He was able to read from like free thinkers and find like minded individuals who helped form and refine his perspective. Having taken Philosophy courses at California State University Stanislaus, Mathew’s understanding of the world continued to evolve and today he is a proud atheist.  Mathew loves traveling the world while learning about different cultures and perspectives. Mathew’s mindset is to live for today, plan for tomorrow. He hopes there will be more after this life, but he isn’

Episode 161 - Robert Noghli is a drummer who began his musical career in Iran before the Islamic Revolution. Under the tutorage of an Armenian drummer, he worked on his craft and began playing with some of the giants of Persian pop music like Ebi, Googoosh, and Dariush. After moving to the United States, he worked with various Assyrian singers like Linda George, Walter Aziz, Shamiram Urshan, and Ogen Betsamo to record some of their most legendary albums in the 1980’s, as he continued to perform and record for various Persian singers as well. In this episode we discuss how he came to play the drums, how his knowledge of Assyrian music has helped shape him into the musician he is today, and what he thinks of the current state of Assyrian music. This episode is sponsored by The Oushana Partners-- a husband and wife real estate team. Are you considering purchasing or selling a home in Arizona or California? John and Reata are available to help make your next real estate decision into a seamless transaction. Cont

Episode 157 – Nineb Toma is best known as Nineb Lamassu. Born in Kirkuk, his family and him fled to Iran in 1986 and later settled in New Zealand. His hardships as a refugee and the culture shock he experienced as an immigrant in New Zealand had a deep impact on him, inspiring him to take pen to paper and write poetry.  Poet, organic academic, politician and peace builder, Nineb’s passion is to work for the Assyrian people; a work that was recently put into question by, what Nineb calls, an attempt at character assassination. Tune in to hear more!  This episode is sponsored by The Oushana Partners-- a husband and wife real estate team. Are you considering purchasing or selling a home in Arizona or California? John and Reata are available to help make your next real estate decision into a seamless transaction. Contact the Oushana’s at 209-968-9519. Get to know them a bit more by checking out their website TheOushanaPartners.com

Episode 159 - Dr. Sargon Donabed is an associate professor of history at Roger Williams University. He holds a PhD in Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations from the University of Toronto and a MSci from Canisius College in Anthrozoology/Animal Studies. He also serves as one of the Board of Directors for the Assyrian Studies Association.  Donabed is one of the foremost experts on the perennial history of Assyria-Mesopotamia and its heritage. His recent focus consists of indigenous and marginalized methodologies concerning the development of Assyrian Studies as an anti-orientalist and anti-colonialist field, as well as issues of cultural continuity. Currently, his studies in animal studies touch upon storytelling and folklore and issues of re-enchantment of reality through myth and panentheism. In this episode, we discuss his unique and enriching upbringing, his journey into academia, his book, “Reforging a Forgotten History”, the interesting intersection between Assyrian studies and Animal studies, and the i

Episode 158 - Philimon Darmo has spent over 50 years volunteering for Assyrian community in Australia, whether it be teaching Assyrian, running an Assyrian radio programme or translating important announcements. Born in Iraq, Philimon migrated to Australia in the early 60s and while officially retired, still translates to this day. He recently gained wide recognition for his role in translating Government messages and advice relating to the COVID-19 pandemic in Assyrian.  How to install Assyrian keyboard: Android: Set up Gboard - Android - Gboard Help (google.com) iOS:  https://t.co/klgFG4uuKD" / Twitter Support for this week’s episode of The Assyrian Podcast is brought to you by Tony Kalogerakos and the Injury Lawyers of Illinois and New York. If you know anyone that has been in a serious accident, please reach out to Tony Kalogerakos. Tony has been recognized as a Top 40 lawyer, and a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Publication and has obtained multiple multi-million-dollar awards. Tony can be reached at

Episode 157 – William Bnyameen, better known as Khlapieel, was born in 1993 in Sarsink and is one of seven children. He later studied film making in Duhok and became a documentary filmmaker, directing such films as “A Civilization Under the Rubble” and “Rise of Gilgamesh,” both short films giving an exclusive look at Khabour (Syria) and the lives of Khabour's Assyrians post-ISIS. He is currently completing a degree in Administrative Law at the Lebanese-French University, in Erbil. On top of being a documentary film-maker, Khlapieel is a writer, a civil activist and a journalist with a simple mission of highlighting injustices suffered by Assyrians and speaking up about inequalities that exist, and demanding inclusivity and equal rights in order to achieve harmonious coexistence with other ethnic groups in the homeland. I’m this episode, we discuss Khlapieel’s vision of himself as simply a “Nashet Mata,” or “village person,” his journey to becoming Khlapieel, and his work in filmmaking and activism.  Support

Episode 156 - Eva Toma is an extraordinary blend of both sides of the brain—encompassing the technical and design skills sets that make her the well-rounded and hard-to-come by professional in the architecture and interior design spaces. With proven acumen in both worlds, Eva has a robust list of clients across the entire hospitality spectrum—from boutique power houses in hotel hospitality to independent, national and global restaurant brands. And when she isn’t found creating a new design concept or next iteration for one of her many longstanding clients, she can be found researching and concepting for another. Outside of architectural and interior design, Eva has successfully built or evolved several high-profile hospitality brands. That work includes complete brand identity packages and full-spectrum brand development work that encompasses everything from visual identity to collateral, to signage and menus, to holistic customer experiential programs that elevate and differentiate her clients in a dense sea

Ep. 155 - ܩܫܝܼܫܐ ܝܘܿܚܢܢ ܒܕܠ ܦܝܼܪܘܿ - Reverend Qashisha John Badal Piro was born on February 7, 1973 in Turlock, California to his father Reverend Cor-Bishop Badal S. Piro, and Bereshwa Piro. He completed both his Bachelors of Science and Masters of Science degrees in Physiology from the University of California, Davis. In 2004, he obtained his Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of California, San Francisco. Fr. John is a long-time practicing pharmacist, which allows him the opportunity to further serve the community which he finds the most rewarding aspect of his professional career. Ordained a priest in 2017, He is currently serving St. Mary’s Mission in Sacramento, California. He recently completed his Masters in Theology from the Antiochian House of Studies.    Support for this week’s episode of The Assyrian Podcast is brought to you by Tony Kalogerakos and the Injury Lawyers of Illinois and New York. If you know anyone that has been in a serious accident, please reach out to Tony Kalogerakos. Ton

Episode 154 - Brian Patto is the writer and director of a new short film, Grace. The film has been a finalist for numerous film festivals and tells the poignant story of a father attempting to keep his daughter safe in war-torn Iraq. In this episode we talked about Brian’s inspirations behind creating the film, the casting process, and the name of the movie.  Instagram for Brian Patto: @brianpatto  Instagram for Grace Film: @grace.shortfilm  Support for this week’s episode of The Assyrian Podcast is brought to you by Tony Kalogerakos and the Injury Lawyers of Illinois and New York. If you know anyone that has been in a serious accident, please reach out to Tony Kalogerakos. Tony has been recognized as a Top 40 lawyer, and a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Publication and has obtained multiple multi-million-dollar awards. Tony can be reached at InjuryRights.com or 847-982-9516.  This episode is sponsored by The Oushana Partners - a husband and wife real estate team. Are you considering purchasing or selling a

Episode 153 - Steve Oshana is the executive director of A Demand for Action, which advocates for the rights of minorities in the Middle East. He started his career in Washington DC as an intern and worked his way to becoming a political consultant, or lobbyist. In this episode we talk about what lobbyists do, how he manages to work with US politicians across the aisle on Assyrian issues, how he marched as a teenager with Reverand Jesse Jackson, and the first time he met former President Barack Obama in Chicago.    Support for this week’s episode of The Assyrian Podcast is brought to you by Tony Kalogerakos and the Injury Lawyers of Illinois and New York. If you know anyone that has been in a serious accident, please reach out to Tony Kalogerakos. Tony has been recognized as a Top 40 lawyer, and a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Publication and has obtained multiple multi-million-dollar awards. Tony can be reached at InjuryRights.com or 847-982-9516.    This episode is sponsored by The Oushana Partners-- a hu

Episode 152 - Ninwa Yonan is 29 years old and the former chairwoman of the Assyrian Youth Federation in Central Europe (AJM). She currently works as a psychotherapist in training and resides in Berlin, the capital of Germany. In this episode she shares information about her case study in regards to the Sayfo (or Seyfo) Genocide and transgenerational Trauma, her upbringing, and her perspective on the “name issue” of our people. Tune in to learn more about her experiences in different movements, the work of AJM, and to find inspiration for youth work wherever you live.  Instagram: @ninwa.yonan Facebook: Ninwa Yonan Support for this week’s episode of The Assyrian Podcast is brought to you by Tony Kalogerakos and the Injury Lawyers of Illinois and New York. If you know anyone that has been in a serious accident, please reach out to Tony Kalogerakos. Tony has been recognized as a Top 40 lawyer, and a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Publication and has obtained multiple multi-million-dollar awards. Tony can be reac

Episode 151 - Eleanor Thorn is a first generation Assyrian-American, born in Chicago and currently residing in the north suburbs of Chicago. Early family tragedies didn’t prevent Eleanor from getting a college education, having a long and well-traveled career in accounting, starting her own family, and creating a legacy as the most recent steward of Lake Forest Bookstore. Tune in to learn more about her journey, her family, her book recommendations, and what she hopes is the future of small business and her own bookstore. Instagram: @if_bookstore Facebook: lakeforestbookstore Support for this week’s episode of The Assyrian Podcast is brought to you by Tony Kalogerakos and the Injury Lawyers of Illinois and New York. If you know anyone that has been in a serious accident, please reach out to Tony Kalogerakos. Tony has been recognized as a Top 40 lawyer, and a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Publication and has obtained multiple multi-million-dollar awards. Tony can be reached at InjuryRights.com or 847-982-951

Episode 150 - Dr. Ashurina Ream is a clinical psychologist who began to focus on perinatal psychology and education for women, after the birth of her son turned her world upside down. Feeling alone and experiencing postpartum depression, she began cultivating a community online that validates the experiences of other moms struggling with similar issues and educates them and their partners on how to best cope with struggles related to fertility, pregnancy loss, and postpartum. In this episode, we discussed how her page @psychedmommy came to be and discussed lots of topics like boundaries and effective communication that will apply to you, even if you are not a parent.  Support for this week’s episode of The Assyrian Podcast is brought to you by Tony Kalogerakos and the Injury Lawyers of Illinois and New York. If you know anyone that has been in a serious accident, please reach out to Tony Kalogerakos. Tony has been recognized as a Top 40 lawyer, and a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Publication and has obtained

Episode 149 - Ninus Benjamin is a first generation Assyrian American. He has a twin sister, Shamiran, and older brother, Danny Benjamin. The twins were born in Santa Clara, California. Being raised in an Assyrian home to hard-working immigrants who had to learn things from scratch set a wonderful example for them. Being bilingual has been an added advantage not only in academics, but also when it comes to learning new skills, talents, and technologies.   He found his entrance into Google in 2013 where he spent a few years learning the ropes and eventually moving towards his passion, "helping people." Recruiting came easy as he began Recruiting for engineering leadership roles at two of the largest tech companies in the world. He would eventually find his home at Facebook for almost 4 years where he has brought in an enumerable number of people into the "company of their dreams." Learning the technical requirements, understanding how to find them using exhaustive searches, closing candidates....   Email: n

Episode 148 - Afram Yakoub is an Assyrian born in Qamishli, Syria. He migrated to Sweden in 1989, where he has been living since. Afram has been an Assyrian activist for over 20 years; his activism leading to being President of the Assyrian Federation of Sweden. Since leaving the position, Afram has written about his experiences and learnings, with the book Vägen till Assyrien - en uppmaning till nationell förnyelse published in Sweden last year (Tigris Press ISBN: 978-9198154160), before being published in English late 2020, titled The Path to Assyria - A Call For National Renewal (Tigris Press ISBN: 978-9198154160). Support for this week’s episode of The Assyrian Podcast is brought to you by Tony Kalogerakos and the Injury Lawyers of Illinois and New York. If you know anyone that has been in a serious accident, please reach out to Tony Kalogerakos. Tony has been recognized as a Top 40 lawyer, and a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Publication and has obtained multiple multi-million-dollar awards. Tony can be r

Episode 147 - Andrious Mama Jotyar, MBE was born in Iraq, grew up in Habbaniya and later moved to London to raise his family. He kept his Assyrian roots alive by establishing the Assyrian Society of Great Britain amongst his peers, starting the longest running magazine called, the Assyrian Observer, and was awarded the Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, which is the third highest ranking Order of the British Empire award (excluding a knighthood/damehood) for all of his humanitarian efforts and projects he has done for the Assyrians and ethnic minorities in London, England.  Support for this week’s episode of The Assyrian Podcast is brought to you by Tony Kalogerakos and the Injury Lawyers of Illinois and New York. If you know anyone that has been in a serious accident, please reach out to Tony Kalogerakos. Tony has been recognized as a Top 40 lawyer, and a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Publication and has obtained multiple multi-million-dollar awards. Tony can be reached at InjuryRights

Episode 146 - Firas Fawzi Jatou was born in Baghdad, Iraq, leaving Iraq as a teenager, eventually emigrating to Toronto, Canada and later to the United States. Firas has been active in Assyrian affairs for over 30 years, and credits Malfono Ninos Aho and Rabi Alfred Duman for igniting his passion for Assyrians. Some of his accomplishments include publishing the first Assyrian website in 1993 Assyria Online, co-founded the Assyrian International News Agency, also known as AINA and most notably, was an early investor in the Assyrian heartland of the Nineveh Plains. Firas currently resides in Los Gatos, California and is married to Susan Nessan. Susan and Firas are the proud parents to an 11 year old boy, Tatian.  Support for this week’s episode of The Assyrian Podcast is brought to you by Tony Kalogerakos and the Injury Lawyers of Illinois and New York. If you know anyone that has been in a serious accident, please reach out to Tony Kalogerakos. Tony has been recognized as a Top 40 lawyer, and a Rising Star by

Episode 145 - Sarah Bennett is the great great granddaughter of Rev. Dr. Isaac Adams - the first Assyrian to lead a mass migration of Assyrians to North America (Saskatchewan, Canada and later California, USA) from Iran in the early 1900s. In this episode, Sarah retells the great story of Dr. Adams and the other Assyrian settlers who helped to build North Battleford, Saskatchewan and later Turlock, California. This episode will help you give a glimpse into our modern Assyrian history and not one to miss!  Rev. Dr. Adams publications: Persia by a Persian: Personal Experiences, Manners, Customs, Habits, Religious and Social Life in Persia Darkness and Daybreak A special thank you to Dr. Arianne Ishaya for her book that served as a reference throughout the interview:  Familiar Faces in Unfamiliar Places: ASSYRIANS in the California Heartland 1911 - 2010.   Support for this week’s episode of The Assyrian Podcast is brought to you by Tony Kalogerakos and the Injury Lawyers of Illinois and New York. If you