Episode 221- Bryner Agassi is a musician and producer and the son of the legendary Assyrian singer Evin Agassi. In this episode, we talked about what it was like growing up in a family where music was a way of life, Bryner's own journey as an artist, and the unique experience of preserving his father's timeless catalog through the remastering of his recordings. Along the way, Bryner shares…
Episode 220 – Dyana Dawood is an Assyrian football player in Iraq’s Women’s National Team. She has competed at professional levels in both the United States and Europe. Her journey reached a historic milestone when she earned a call-up to the Iraq Women’s National Football Team. As the first Assyrian woman to represent this team, she has become a powerful symbol of representation, resilience, and…
Episode 219 - Ano Memari is an Assyrian DJ local to the San Francisco Bay Area. Based out of Gilroy, CA, Ano does shows and sets for various weddings, parties, and other events every weekend of the year. In this episode, we learn more about his humble beginnings, memorable moments, his love for the Assyrian community, and how he found himself spinning music for the masses week in and week out.…
Episode 218 – Chris Halef is an Assyrian comedian calling Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada home — and his story is one worth hearing. In this episode, we sit down with Chris to talk about how his family found their way to the East Coast, his journey into stand-up comedy, and what his heritage means to him both on and off the stage. Sponsor: This episode of the Assyrian Podcast is brought to you by Get…
Episode 217 Part 2 - Shamiram Urshan: The Life and Music of an Assyrian Icon Step into the world of an Assyrian legend! 🎤✨ In this episode, we explore the life and enduring legacy of the iconic Shamiram Urshan, a singer and entertainer who rose to international fame in the 1980s. Known for her vibrant style and "revolutionary" spirit, Shamiram was a performer who stayed true to her roots while…
Episode 217 - Dino Pick (Part 1) In this episode of the Assyrian Podcast, we sit down with Retired U.S. Army Colonel Dino (Danial) Pick, whose life sits at the intersection of military service, diplomacy, and Assyrian identity. From commanding tanks in Desert Storm to leading special operations in northern Iraq, Dino reflects on the tension of serving as an Assyrian-American during the 2003…
Episode 216 – Assyriska Fotbollsföreningen, also known simply as Assyriska FF, is a Swedish football club based in Södertälje, Stockholm. The club, formed in 1974 by Assyrian immigrants, has advanced through the league system and is currently playing in the third highest Swedish league, Division 1. They played in the highest Swedish football league Allsvenskan in 2005 where their games were…
Episode 215 - Dr. Shana Sara Zaia In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Shana S. Zaia, an Assistant Professor at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and a rare Assyrian Assyriologist. We explore the rise of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, widely regarded as the world’s first true empire, and discuss the innovations, from standing armies to complex diplomacy, that allowed it to dominate the ancient world.…
Episode 214 - Ramina Samuel, Christine Kochou Yousif, John Shlimon What does it take to turn a language that was once dismissed as “not possible” into a fully accredited high school course in the United States? In this episode of the Assyrian Podcast, we sit down with educators, advocates, and students behind the first accredited Assyrian language program in the U.S. Together, they give us an…
Episode 213: ChatGPT In the latest episode of the Assyrian Podcast, we sat down with ChatGPT for a unique and thought-provoking conversation. From intriguing to controversial questions, I explore how AI navigates complex topics, its perspectives on Assyrian culture, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. Tune in for a fascinating dialogue that bridges technology and humanity!