Episode Appearances
Gone Medieval · Mar 8, 2026
How Islam came to Iran
“Medieval Persian poet and author of Shahnameh epic; discussed as monument to Persian literary culture post-Islamic conquest”
Sasanian Empire political structure and aristocracyArab-Muslim conquest of Persia (7th century)Religious diversity in pre-Islamic Iran
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The Interview · Feb 11, 2026
Azar Nafisi, author: Iranians are fighting for their freedom
“Iran's epic poet from 1000 years ago; discussed as symbol of cultural continuity and regime's inability to suppress poetry”
Iranian Islamic Revolution and regime changeWomen's rights and gender-based oppression in theocratic statesNonviolent resistance and civil disobedience
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The Literary Life Podcast · Feb 10, 2026
Episode 315: "Don Juan" by Moliere, Introduction and Act 1
“Persian poet and author of the Shahnameh (Book of Kings), source of Persian tales influencing C.S. Lewis”
Molière's Don Juan and its literary sourcesCommedia dell'arte character types and conventionsRoman new comedy (Plautus and Terence) influence on European drama
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