Ourselves Podcast
Ourselves Podcast
Podcast Description
OURSELVES is the world’s first open-source podcast that dives deep into the worlds of creativity, culture, & personal growth. Hosted by film & music video director Arrad, each episode brings you unfiltered conversations with visionary artists, trailblazing entrepreneurs, and thought leaders shaping the future. From behind-the-scenes stories of groundbreaking projects to candid discussions about mental health, reinvention, and navigating the creative industry, OURSELVES is your space to feel inspired, challenged, and connected.
Made by ourselves, for ourselves.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers a diverse range of topics such as creativity, culture, personal growth, and mental health. Specific episodes delve into themes like navigating fame in the music industry with artists like RealestK, tackling anxiety within the creative community, and resilience stories featuring actors like Daniel Moncada. Focus areas include personal challenges faced by creatives, behind-the-scenes industry insights, and strategies for maintaining mental well-being.
OURSELVES is the world’s first open-source podcast that dives deep into the worlds of creativity, culture, & personal growth. Hosted by film & music video director Arrad, each episode brings you unfiltered conversations with visionary artists, trailblazing entrepreneurs, and thought leaders shaping the future. From behind-the-scenes stories of groundbreaking projects to candid discussions about mental health, reinvention, and navigating the creative industry, OURSELVES is your space to feel inspired, challenged, and connected.
Made by ourselves, for ourselves.
I sat down with Iranian rapper and activist Erfan Paydar to unpack what’s really happening in Iran right now and why the world isn’t paying enough attention. From the 1979 revolution to today’s protests, we break down the political history that led to the current regime and the massive nationwide uprising demanding change.
Erfan shares a deeply personal perspective shaped by growing up between Iran and the United States. We discuss the brutal crackdowns on protesters, the economic collapse inside the country, and why millions of Iranians believe the Islamic Republic has reached its breaking point. He explains the role of the IRGC, the influence of foreign powers, and why many Iranians are rallying behind Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi as a potential transitional leader.
Beyond politics, Erfan also reflects on his childhood in Iran, the beauty of Iranian culture, and how his experiences living in both worlds shaped his music and activism. From stories of growing up in Isfahan and Tehran to building a rap career that speaks for the Iranian diaspora, this conversation dives into identity, freedom, and the responsibility of using your voice.
This episode is an honest, emotional look at a nation at a crossroads and a reminder that behind every headline are real people fighting for their future.
01:59 Diaspora Connection to Iran
02:20 Growing Up Between Iran and USA
03:53 Iran’s 1979 Revolution to Today
05:16 Uprising and Brutal Crackdown
08:09 Corruption and the IRGC
12:13 1953 Coup and the Shah Era
18:17 Why the 1979 Revolution Happened
35:45 Free Iran vs Free Palestine Debate
36:40 Media Silence and Minimizing Deaths
38:40 False Comparisons to US Protests
39:45 Being Called a Zionist for Speaking Out
40:20 Hyperinflation and Daily Survival
41:26 Can the Regime Outlast Collapse?
44:11 US Sanctions Versus Corruption
46:41 Iranian Regime’s Children Living Lavish in Dubai
48:23 Erfan’s Childhood Memories of Iran
50:38 Hope of Returning Home
51:29 Trump Talks and Nuclear Standoff
54:33 How Strict Censorship is in Iran
01:01:13 How to Help Iran
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