Successful Iranians

Hosted by Johnny Nash

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

A podcast dedicated to showcasing successful Iranians around the world. We highlight the good and the great of the Iranian community. Interviews, life stories, career journeys, and what made them successful.

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52 recent

June 1, 202628 min

From Tehran To Silicon Valley: Payam Zamani Story

He crossed one of the hottest deserts on Earth at 16 because his faith left him with no legal way out, then landed in San Francisco with $75 and barely any English. That’s where Payam Zamani’s story starts, and it quickly becomes a masterclass in resilience, immigration, and what it really takes to build a life when the stakes are real.We talk through Payam’s early years growing up Baha’i in Iran, the constant pressure and discrimination, and the moment he realises survival means leaving everything behind. From Pakistan to the US Embassy in Islamabad, he describes his first direct experience of human rights and why the United States still represents “hope to the world”, even while wrestling with its contradictions. It’s an unfiltered conversation about gratitude, complexity, and refusing to let hardship become an excuse.From there we move into entrepreneurship and the Silicon Valley ecosystem: why contract law matters, why failure is treated as experience, and why venture capital and reinvestment create momentum that’s hard to copy elsewhere. Payam shares how he and his brother built AutoWeb.com, an early internet pioneer in online car buying, and how that journey leads to a public company valued at around $1.2bn. We also dig into the darker side of capitalism: greed, excessive materialism, and the hollow feeling that can follow “winning”.Finally, Payam lays out his idea of spiritual capitalism: building companies that serve people, changing hearts not just rules, and aiming for a coherent life where work and values cannot be separated. If you care about startups, leadership, immigrant success, purpose-led business, or building wealth without losing yourself, you’ll get a lot from this one. Subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave us a review with your biggest takeaway.

March 28, 202556 min

Poker Face: The Woman Who Bet It All On Herself & Won

What does it take to rise from nothing in Iran to a world series poker champion on the global stage? Melika Razavi's life story reads like an epic novel, filled with challenges that would have broken many, but which instead forged an unstoppable force of nature.Born near the Caspian Sea in Iran, Melika's rebellious spirit emerged early as she defied societal restrictions on women. Riding bicycles when it was forbidden, practicing Kung Fu, attending theater against her family's wishes – these small acts of defiance laid the foundation for a woman who would refuse to accept limitations throughout her life.At 15, facing the prospect of an arranged marriage, Melika escaped to South Africa with her mother who had been separated from her children for six years. Their reunion and subsequent struggles, including arriving to find her mother's husband had sold everything they owned, created the crucible that shaped Melika's extraordinary resilience. Standing on a rainy beach with nothing to their name, her mother spoke words that would become Melika's north star: "Remember this day well, because one day you'll look back and see how far you've gone."The podcast takes us through Melika's remarkable journey: working in retail at 16, juggling education with night shifts at clubs, opening her own sports massage clinic, and her eventual discovery of poker. Her path to becoming a World Series of Poker bracelet winner in 2020 wasn't just about skill, but about approaching the game with the same philosophy she applies to life: "Sometimes you get a bad beat, but you keep going until you win." Even when facing discrimination in the poker world due to her Iranian heritage, Melika refused to be deterred.With over 2 million Instagram followers today, Melika uses her platform to advocate for freedom in Iran while continuing to build businesses and pursue new dreams. Her story isn't just inspiring – it's a masterclass in creating your own destiny regardless of where you begin. As she puts it, "I believe our life is like a book that you write. So write it good, because when you look back, you're going to say, 'Wow, I've done an amazing job.'"Listen now and let Melika's journey challenge you to break free of them.

February 25, 202550 min

Acting, Comedy, Courage & Chasing Dreams: Payam Banifaz Journey

Immerse yourself in a deeply engaging conversation with Payam Banifaz, an Iranian-American actor and comedian who has captured the hearts of many through his humorous portrayal of cultural experiences. Payam shares pivotal moments from his journey. With a refreshing perspective on the immigrant narrative, he discusses how laughter became a tool to bridge cultural gaps and foster connections.Payam’s viral videos depicting the quirky yet relatable dynamics of Iranian dads highlight not only the humor but also the tenderness underlying familial bonds. He dives into the cultural nuances that shape his comedic lens, revealing how he uses comedy to explore shared experiences of struggle and adaptation in a new country.His story goes beyond comedy, reflecting a broader narrative of resilience within the Iranian-American community, where many have successfully integrated their rich cultural heritage into their new lives. Payam speaks candidly about the expectations faced by first-generation immigrants and how he transitioned from traditional career paths into the arts—a field that has historically been met with skepticism from families. Throughout the episode, Payam outlines the challenges of the entertainment industry while emphasizing the importance of pursuing passions that resonate deeply with one’s identity. His journey is an inspiring testament to the immigrant Iranian spirit and the belief that challenges can be transformed into opportunities.

January 9, 20251 hr 3 min

Mr Paparazzi (Restaurateur & Serial Entrepreneur) Tony Aalam Is Back

From Pizza Waiter to Hospitality Mogul: Tony Aalam’s Inspiring JourneyJoin us for an exclusive, one-hour conversation with Tony Aalam, a self-made entrepreneur and restaurateur whose journey from a humble waiter at Pizza Pomodoro to a powerhouse in London’s hospitality scene is nothing short of extraordinary.Tony shares his incredible story of falling in love with hospitality, navigating the VIP nightclub and members’ club circuit in London during the golden era of Peter Stringfellow, and the highs and lows of building a career in one of the world’s toughest industries.We dive deep into his Iranian roots, his passion for Italian food, and his unshakable belief in the power of making people happy. Tony opens up about the heartbreak of having a successful restaurant taken from him and how he rebuilt himself to rise again as a true icon in the industry.This episode is packed with entrepreneurial insights, personal triumphs, and candid reflections on life at the top of the hospitality game. Don’t miss this unforgettable journey of resilience, ambition, and the art of entertaining.

December 17, 202448 min

Hadi Partovi: Tech Leader, Incredible Serial Investor, and EduTech Pioneer

Join us for a conversation with Hadi Partovi. Hadi is an inredicable Tech Leader, Serial Investor of some of the biggest companies in the world such as Facebook, Dropbox, Uber, Airbnb, and the visionary behind Code.org. He shares his extraordinary journey from a war-torn Tehran to becoming a formidable force in the tech industry. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and seizing opportunities.Hadi's determination to restore his family's legacy dismantled by the Iranian Revolution is nothing short of inspiring, and his global mission to make computer science education accessible is transforming classrooms across the U.S with over 100 million students.

December 1, 20241 hr 14 min

From Shiraz to $448 Million: 20 Years of Perseverance

Join us as we sit down with John Parsiani a leading real estate broker and developer who has made waves in Miami’s bustling market. From his roots in Shiraz, Iran, to the challenges he faced in Sweden, John's journey is a compelling narrative of resilience and success. Listen as he opens up about the glamor of Miami's real estate scene, the hurdles of immigration, and how he sold over $448 million in real estate in 2022, all while staying true to himself and his heritage.John’s story is a fascinating exploration of cultural integration and identity. We unpack the contrasts between life in Sweden and the United States, and the unique experiences that shaped his professional path. Discover how he maneuvered through the intricacies of different societies, turning obstacles into stepping stones. Tune in for insights on how embracing discomfort and stepping beyond comfort zones can lead to formidable growth and success.

November 14, 202451 min

Persian: The Language That Saved A Culture

The Persian language save the culture and history of Iranians after the Arab conquests. The Persian language is so significant that it preserved the identity of one of the world's oldest civilizations.Join us as we uncover the profound complexities of the Persian language with our guest, Leyla Shams. This conversation sheds light on how the Iranian diaspora, particularly after 1979, has influenced Western perceptions, and why educating English speakers on this distinction is more significant than it appears.

October 30, 20241 hr 0 min

From Tehran To Franchise King & Serial Entrepreneur

Discover the dynamic world of franchising with Hossein Kasmai, a trailblazer in the industry who shares his invaluable insights gained from collaborating with over 700 companies. Explore how the franchising landscape has evolved beyond the dominance of fast-food giants to embrace lucrative opportunities in sectors like home services, fitness, and healthcare. Hossein uncovers the secrets to selecting the right franchise opportunity, spotlighting key considerations and red flags aspiring entrepreneurs should watch out for.Hear how franchising has revolutionized traditional blue-collar industries by integrating sophisticated marketing strategies, providing a structured pathway to business success. We dive into the financial nuances of owning a franchise, discussing liquidity requirements, the role of credit scores, and the strategic benefits of securing loans. Huossein offers an engaging narrative of his entrepreneurial journey, from pioneering technologies to launching a successful child safety identification business, demonstrating the resilience and passion needed for entrepreneurial triumph.

October 17, 202443 min

From Iran to Surgical Fame: What Is Beautiful Now?

Discover the riveting journey of Dr. Shohreh Ghassemi, an Iranian oral surgeon and human rights advocate, whose story is a testament to resilience and dedication.From navigating the challenges of immigration and the travel ban to making groundbreaking strides in facial cosmetic surgery, Dr. Ghassemi's experiences illuminate the perseverance needed to thrive in a male-dominated field. Explore her perspectives on gender equality and the importance of teaching the next generation of surgeons, showcasing how personal grit can lead to professional excellence.We also explore the cultural nuances of beauty ideals in the Middle East, shedding light on the rising preference for non-invasive cosmetic procedures and female surgeons. The conversation delves into the increasing reliance on safe techniques like fillers and thread lifts, while reflecting on how social media shapes modern beauty standards. By paying homage to timeless icons like Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren, we celebrate the fusion of personality and charm with physical appearance as the essence of true beauty.

September 30, 20241 hr 2 min

Tehran To Stardom & Influencer: The Price of Going Viral

What if you could turn your passion into a thriving career while navigating the challenges of fame and cyberbullying? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Uldouz Wallace, the Iranian-Swedish actress, comedian, and social media influencer, who has captivated millions with her unique blend of humor and authenticity. Uldouz recounts her journey from studying marketing and advertising in Sweden to discovering her comedic talents in Vancouver, leading to viral success and recognition from industry legends like John Singleton and Marlon Wayans. Listen as she shares the highs and lows of her career, including the battle against typecasting and the emotionally draining experience of cyberbullying. Her insights reveal the often-hidden struggles behind maintaining a massive social media presence and the relentless drive required to stay ahead in the ever-evolving influencer landscape.