The demonstrations in Iran have been met with mass arrests, internet restrictions, and even accusations of murder. While large-scale demonstrations appear to have subsided for now, reporting from Iran describes a tense calm, a heightened security presence, and widespread “disappointment and disillusionment” among Iranians.
Today we are joined by Pouya Nikmand, an Iranian-born writer who escaped Iran at 18. He writes about how his experiences have shaped his understanding of expression, freedom, and belonging on his Substack, Outliving Iran.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
02:17 What’s happening in Iran now?
10:47 What does life look like under an authoritarian regime?
20:33 Growing up in Iran
24:48 The influence of Western media in Iran
32:55 Escaping Iran
37:05 Life after escape
40:55 Being trafficked to Poland
54:45 Escaping captivity and coming to America
01:01:53 An immigrant’s perspective on US immigration
1:07:24 Outro
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