Stories from Tom Dreesen’s Life in Comedy

Introducing Back to School with Maz Jobrani

Back to School with Maz Jobrani is a new podcast on the All Things Comedy network. Maz and his co-hosts Tehran and Kaitlin will be talking to professors and experts from all walks of life who will educate them on a plethora of subjects, from God to fashion to Russian politics and more. The show was inspired by Maz’s 10 year-old son who asked Maz a question that he didn’t have an answer for. Rather than facing the embarrassment of turning to Google to answer his son yet again, Maz decided it was time to bring in the experts to help expand his knowledge once and for all. Join Maz and his pals as they audit the classes of esteemed experts and try to learn something while also being funny. Don't spend thousands of dollars to get a graduate degree - just go back to school with Maz Jobrani! Don't miss the premiere of Back to School with Maz Jobrani on Tuesday, April 9. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The History of God and Spirituality with Reza Aslan

On the first episode of Back to School with Maz Jobrani, religious studies scholar and author Reza Aslan stops by to chat about his new book, God: A Human History. We talk with our expert about the God, the evolution of spirituality, and why Persians invented morality. Let's go Back to School with Maz Jobrani! God: A Human History is now available for purchase wherever books are sold. Check out Maz's website here. This podcast is on the All Things Comedy network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sneakers, Entrepreneurship and How to Hustle with Jon Buscemi

This week, we're auditing the class of shoe designer and entrepreneur Jon Buscemi. We chat with Jon about his sneaker company Buscemi, how he got his first fashion inspiration from the movie Beat Street, and what to do when you get sued by Nike. Let's go Back to School with Maz Jobrani! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Did Russia Interfere with our Election? with Professor Richard Anderson

On this week's episode of Back to School with Maz Jobrani, we're joined by Professor Richard Anderson, an expert on Russian Politics, who tells us the real reasons why Russia hacked our 2016 election, how Vladimir Putin used to keep track of him back in the day and how Trump could win again with help from the Russians. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are American Public Schools Really That Bad? With Jackie Goldberg

This week on Back to School with Maz Jobrani we sit down with activist and public school advocate Jackie Goldberg to talk about the racist history of charter schools, Berkeley in the 60’s, and why rich people want to end public education in America!   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

War with Iran? Sanctions? Diplomacy? with Dr. Abbas Milani

This week on Back to School with Maz Jobrani, we talk to Stanford professor Dr. Abbas Milani about the Iran Nuclear Deal and whether Trump is leading us into our next war in the Middle East. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Immigration, Latin America, and "The Wall" with Shannon O'Neil

On this week's episode of Back to School with Maz Jobrani, we're joined by Shannon O'Neil, an expert in Latin America Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. She talks to us about the strife in Venezuela, what's really going on at the border, and some good alternatives to Trump's wall. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Humans Believe False Information and Other Interesting Facts with Prof. Daniel Fessler

This week on Back to School with Maz Jobrani, Professor of Evolutionary Anthropology Daniel Fessler stops by to explain how natural selection has led to golddiggers, why humans have evolved to believe false information, and why men get bitten by rattlesnakes more than women. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are America and Iran Going to War? with Karim Sadjadpour

Are America and Iran going to war? This week we talk to Middle East expert Karim Sadjadpour of the Carnegie Endowment for Peace to get the answer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s Left of Your Constitutional Rights? with Vince Warren

This week we are joined by Vince Warren, director of the Center for Constitutional Rights, who talks to us about how the government is spying on Black Lives Matter protesters, how after 9/11 they were literally rounding up Muslims by looking up their names in the phonebook, and how there are probably gay people working at Chik-Fil-A. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Presidential Candidate, Congressman Tim Ryan and His Plans to Unite America

This week, Presidential Candidate Congressman Tim Ryan stops by to tell us how he plans to unite America, how to beat Trump in 2020, and why Congress is like a bunch of first graders.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's It Like To Be a Political Prisoner? With Jason Rezaian

This week, we're joined by Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian who talks to us about his time as a political prisoner in Iran, his love affair with his wife, and how he introduced Anthony Bourdain to Persian kebabs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How to Get Your Friends Out of a Cult with Dr. Janja Lalich

Ever been in a cult? Dr. Janja Lalich was and she stopped by to tell us how to get out of a cult, what to do if you have a friend who’s in a cult and why you shouldn’t drink the Kool-Aid. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spirit and Opportunity: Landing on Mars with NASA Scientist Firouz Naderi

Did we fake the moon landing? Is there life on Mars? Are there aliens among us? This week, we're talking to Dr. Firouz Naderi, former director of Solar System Exploration for JPL at NASA, who answers all our questions and tells us everything we need to know about space. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Do We Need a Comedian in the White House? With Ben Gleib

This week, comedian and Presidential candidate Ben Gleib stops by to explain how to run for President, how he started getting death threats for criticizing Trump, and why he thinks cage-free eggs are good, but cage-free kids are even better.   To donate to Ben's campaign or learn more, check out his website! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What Ever Happened to Guantanamo Bay? With Dr. Richard Abel

This week, UCLA Professor Richard Abel comes in to talk to us about Guantanamo, the Patriot Act and how our rights got taken away from us. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How To Be a Great Athlete with Pro Soccer Player Steven Beitashour

He played for Iran in the World Cup and plays for LAFC in Major League Soccer. This week, Steven Beitashour stops by to tell us how hard you have to work to make it as a professional athlete, why it’s good for kids to have a chip on their shoulders, and why parents should support their kids dreams no matter how outrageous. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Our Planet Doomed? with Environmental Law Professor Tim Malloy

This week, we're talking to Timothy Malloy, Professor of Environmental Law at UCLA. He tells us how we can save the environment from impending doom, what the deal is with nanotechnology, and how your tennis racket might cause cancer! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How to Succeed in the Music Industry with Rana Mansour

This week, international musician and singer Rana Mansour stops by to tell us how to make it as an independent artist in the music industry, how she learned to sing in 10 different languages, and why Donald Trump's hands are too tiny to play piano. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Him, Her, They, and More - Discussing Gender with Professor Juliet Williams

This week we have Gender Studies Professor Juliet Williams who will educate us about gender pronouns, explain how racial desegregation in schools caused gender segregation and tell us if men are actually smarter than women! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Enes Kanter Became an NBA Star and Got Banned From Turkey

This week, professional basketball player Enes Kanter of the Boston Celtics stops by to tell us how he turned down a million dollars when he was sixteen years old, how he got banned from his home country of Turkey, and how he once tried to eat Cheez-its as a breakfast cereal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unpacking Trauma, Mental Illness and Addiction with Dr. Drew

This week on Back to School, our very special guest Dr. Drew stops by to tell us how we store our personal trauma in our hips and chest, how it’s hard to find the right therapist and how sometimes it’s good to have low self esteem! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How a Heart Surgeon Named Bassem Youssef Became the Jon Stewart of Egypt

This week on Back To School, political comedian Bassem Youssef talks to us about the Egyptian Revolution, why it's important to make fun of your leaders, and how veganism can cure all kinds of diseases, but it can't fix baldness. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Freshman Representative Katie Hill, Sometimes Called Nancy Pelosi’s Protege, Stops By to Talk Politics

This week, Freshman Congress member Katie Hill tells us how she flipped a congressional seat that had always been Republican, gives us her thoughts on impeaching Donald Trump and teaches us that your best ideas always come in the shower. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How To Raise a Self-Driven Child with Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson

This week, Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson join us to talk about their book The Self-Driven Child, the importance of being a consultant to your child instead of a manager, and how Daylight Savings can be deadly! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor Freddy Miyares from the Emmy Award Winning "When They See Us" About The Exonerated Five

This week, actor Freddy Miyares comes by to talk about his breakout role on When They See Us, how he learned to have a purpose greater than himself, and why you shouldn't hurt your back two days before your first big scene. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talking Moneyland and the Kleptocrats Who Run The World with Oliver Bullough

This week, we're talking to Oliver Bullough, author of the book Moneyland: The Inside Story of the Crooks and Kleptocrats Who Rule the World. He tells us about the corrupt bureaucrats who steal and hide trillions of dollars offshore, how they get away with it, and why the best place to hide your money is South Dakota! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How to Deal With Anxiety and Depression with Dr. Foojan Zeine

This week, Dr. Foojan Zeine stops by to talk to us about her book, Life Reset: The Awareness Integration Path to Create the Life You Want, how marijuana actually can be addictive and how every parent should make their kids clean the bathroom! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doing Impressions with Aries Spears

This week, Comedian Aries Spears stops by to teach us how to do spot-on impressions, that you have to be well-rounded to do stand-up comedy, and how you can get Barack Obama to pay your rent. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ghosts, Spirits, and More with Paranormal Researcher David Harvey

This week, we're joined by Paranormal Researcher David Harvey who explains what to do if your house is haunted, what types of ghosts and spirits you should be on the lookout for, and how if a ghost tells you to "get out," you might want to listen! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Halloween, The Occult, and More with Mitch Horowitz

This week, we're joined by occult expert Mitch Horowitz, who tells us about witchcraft, Satanism, the history of Halloween, and that if you're horny, you should write a book! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Domestic Terrorism, Disgruntled White Men and the Story of the Alphabet Bomber with Dr. Jeffrey Simon

This week, we're joined by Dr. Jeffrey Simon who stops by to tell us about Lone Wolf Terrorists, the unbelievable story of the Alphabet Bomber, and why you should always ask if the previous tenant of your apartment was a domestic terrorist.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Importance of Art and Following Your Passion with Azadeh Shladovsky

This week, we're joined by artist Azadeh Shladovsky, who teaches us how to encourage our kids to be creative and reminds us it's never too late to pursue your passion. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Internet is Watching You and What You Can Do About It with Professor Ramesh Srinivasan

This week, Professor Ramesh Srinivasan stops by to talk about his book, Beyond the Valley, why we need a digital Bill of Rights, and how the internet is watching and recording everything we do!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What Americans Can Do to Help Refugees with Miry’s List Founder Miriam Whitehill

This week, we're joined by Miry Whitehill, the founder of Miry’s List, who stops by to tell us how she has helped settle refugee families from Iran, Syria, Afghanistan and elsewhere. She also explains how doing a mitzvah will make you feel better, and that instead of living by the philosophy of “fake it 'til you make it," you need to “be it 'til you are it!" See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adjusting to Life After Prison: The Honest Struggle with Justin Mashouf and Sadiq Davis

This week, we're joined by Sadiq Davis and Justin Mashouf, who stop by to talk about their film The Honest Struggle, how Islam saved Sadiq's life, and that if you really want to stay out of prison, don't be black in America! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why We Should All Be Doing Yoga with Tabay Atkins

Why We Should All Be Doing Yoga with Tabay Atkins See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Do You Become a Professional Cave Diver? with Jill Heinerth

This week on Back to School with Maz Jobrani, we're talking to Jill Heinerth, a professional cave diver and underwater explorer. She tells us about her book Into the Planet, how to face your biggest fears, and the importance of buying your own domain name! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How to Actually Be Happy with Dr. Elizabeth Dunn

This week, happiness expert Dr. Elizabeth Dunn stops by to explain the importance of mentors, why volunteering is better for you than donating to charity, and why you need to hit “do not disturb” on your group texts.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Do We Make College Affordable for Everyone? With Erin Thiemann

This week, we’re joined by Erin Thiemann who stops by to talk to us about the student debt crisis, why college should be free, and how the only way to escape your student loans is to die! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why People Don’t Trust Experts Anymore and How It’s Ruining Us with Prof. Tom Nichols

This week, Professor Tom Nichols stops by to talk to us about his book, The Death of Expertise, why incompetent people are unable to recognize their own incompetence, and why everyone should be thanking their wives more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are America and Iran Going To War? Pt. 2 with Karim Sadjadpour

This week, Karim Sadjadpour joins us once again to talk about everything going on in Iran, the downing of the Ukrainian plane, the killing of Qasem Soleimani, and much more.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discrimination Against Iranian-Americans, the Travel Ban, Guantanamo Bay, and More with Advocates from the Center for C…

This week, we're joined by Darius Charney, Nahal Zamani, and Pardiss Kebriaei, attorneys and advocates from the Center for Constitutional Rights, who tell us about Iranian Americans being detained at the US border, how there are still prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, and that if you ever get deported, make sure they send you to Portugal.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump Impeachment with Jessica Yellin

This week, we're joined by Jessica Yellin, former White House Correspondent for CNN, for a special Impeachment episode! We talk about what exactly is going on with the Impeachment, how Rudy Giuliani is walking around with his zipper down, and how if you want to get Americans to care, make a 30-second commercial! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sobriety and the Struggle to Overcome Addiction with Siamak Afshar

This week, we're joined by Siamak Afshar, founder of the Transforming Life Center, who talks to us about addiction, how families and friends can help their loved ones struggling with addiction, and why you it's never a good idea to run from the cops! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s Going On with John Bolton, Lt. Col. Vindman, and Trump’s National Security Council? with John Gans

This week, we're joined by Professor John Gans, who joins us to talk about his book about Donald Trump's National Security Counsel, White House Warriors, the Ukraine scandal, and why nobody likes John Bolton!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How to be a Successful Celebrity Photographer with Storm Santos

This week, we're joined by celebrity photographer Storm Santos who stops by to tell us how to shoot pictures with intent, to be ready to take advantage of opportunities, and how your chicano grandfather can be your guardian angel! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Forty-Year Rivalry Between Saudi Arabia and Iran with Kim Ghattas

This week, we're joined by journalist and author Kim Ghattas who talks to us about her book, Black Wave, how the Middle East is a lot more diverse than most Americans think, and why we need to let women do whatever they want! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How to Succeed in Stand-up Comedy with Paul Virzi

This week Paul Virzi stops by to talk about being a touring comedian during the Coronavirus, how you have to live your life if you want to be a good performer, and why you shouldn't be afraid to park far away when you go to Target. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Dr. Pimple Popper Went From One Instagram Post to TV Star

This week, we're joined by Dr. Sandra Lee who stops by to talk to us about her hit TLC show Dr. Pimple Popper, how you should be using cream in the winter and lotion in the summer, and why white people are a dermatologist's dream!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coronavirus, Social Distancing and More with Epidemiologist Dr. Scott Lillibridge

This week, we're joined by Dr. Scott Lillibridge, epidemiologist at the International Medical Corps, who tells us the importance of washing our hands, keeping our distance, and not going to coffee shops!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Becoming a Successful DJ with Grammy Award Winner Dubfire

This week we're joined by Ali Shirazinia aka Dubfire who tells us how the coronavirus has affected the live touring business, encourages parents to foster their kids imaginations, and teaches us how daydreaming can lead to a career in the arts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How the Coronavirus Became a Catastrophe with Journalist Alexis Madrigal of The Atlantic

This week, we are lucky to be joined by Alexis Madrigal, staff writer at The Atlantic and founder of the COVID Tracking Project, who talks to us about why testing for the Coronavirus is so important, why every US state needs to take social distancing seriously, and why even the CDC needs help sometimes! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How to Protect Your Mental Health During the Coronavirus Crisis with Dr. Elle Sajed Connor

This week, we're joined by Dr. Elle Sajed Connor, a therapist and mental health expert, who tells us why she's offering 2 free sessions to people during the Coronavirus pandemic, that it's okay to not be okay right now and why we should not tell our wives they look cute when they're angry! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why is the Census Important? With USC Professor Colin Maclay

This week, we're joined by Colin Maclay, professor and executive director of the Annenberg Innovation Lab at USC, who tells us how you can save the government millions of dollars by filling out your 2020 Census online, that there's no citizenship question on the census, and why it's important that babies get counted too!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learning About the Foster Care System and Court Appointed Special Advocates with Wendelyn Julien of CASA

This week, we're joined by Wendelyn Julien, CEO of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), who stops by to tell us about the work that CASA does for kids in foster care, why getting involved with the CASA organization can change kids' lives and help society as a whole, and that the Trump administration finally did something good for once!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talking Nutrition and Health in a Pandemic with Dr. Michael Greger

This week, we're joined by Dr. Michael Greger of NutritionFacts.org who talks about his book, How Not to Diet, why lockdown is the perfect time to start eating well, and why you should never circumcise your oatmeal! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Internet is Watching You, Pt. 2 with Prof. Ramesh Srinivasan

#TBT to pre-Coronavirus when Professor Ramesh Srinivasan, author of Beyond the Valley, came back on the show to talk to us about how tech companies are profiting off of our data, why we need a digital bill of rights, and why you should tip your Uber driver (if Uber ever comes back after lockdown!) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Do People Believe Conspiracy Theories, Especially About Coronavirus and Politics? With Dr. Parham Holakouee

This week, we're joined remotely by Dr. Parham Holakouee, who talks to us about the danger of spreading conspiracy theories, why you should never make career decisions based on fear, and how the easiest way to lose your audience is by talking about statistics!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Islamophobia, Refugees and the Coronavirus with Oxfam Activist Isra Chaker

This week on Back to School, we are joined by Oxfam activist Isra Chaker who is here to tell us about the Islamophobia she has experienced as an American! She also tells us how refugees and immigrants are affected by Coronavirus and if you want to make a lot of money you shouldn’t be an activist. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Rob Paulsen Became the Voice of Your Favorite Cartoon Characters

This week, we're so excited to be talking to voice actor Rob Paulsen, who has voiced iconic characters like Yakko, Donatello from TMNT and Pinky, about his book Voice Lessons, how you should work for the joy of it, not just for the money, and how you can get so successful at voice acting that you can buy a Porsche! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Importance of Making Sure You’re Registered to Vote with Vote Riders

This week, we’re joined by Kathleen Unger, founder and president of Vote Riders, who talks to us about the many hoops you have to jump through to vote, that women are still victims of voter suppression, and how you just can’t trust Congressmen in North Carolina. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What It Means to Say Defunding the Police, Black Lives Matter and Racial Justice with Prof. Jody Armour

This week on Back to School with Maz Jobrani, we are so lucky to be speaking with USC Law Professor Jody Armour who talks to us about his upcoming book, N*gga Theory, how the current racism in America is a bipartisan issue, why prison reform is part of the solution, and what happened to Kanye! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stories from Tom Dreesen’s Life in Comedy

This week, we’re joined by legendary comedian Tom Dreesen, who stops by to tell us about his new book, touring with Frank Sinatra, and why comedians are actually doctors! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s Going On With Our Democracy? With David Litt

This week, we’re joined by former speechwriter for Obama, David Litt, who talks to us about his book “Democracy in One Book or Less,” why DC should have statehood, and how the best way to get a job is by being the only applicant! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is the US Doing to the Middle East? With Vali Nasr

This week, we're joined by Vali Nasr, Professor of Middle East Studies from Johns Hopkins University, who talks to us about the Iran Nuclear Deal, why sanctions only work if you give the country a way out, and why Iranians love America! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How to Sustain a Lifelong Career in Acting with Academy Award Nominee Eric Roberts

This week, we're joined by Academy Award Nominee,Eric Roberts, who tells us about his lifelong acting career, how you'll meet the love of your life when you least expect it, and that sometimes you have to meet a real genius to realize you're not one! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food, Immigrants and America with Padma Lakshmi

This week, we're joined by special guest Padma Lakshmi, who tells us about her new Hulu series, Taste the Nation, why Persian cuisine is one of her favorites, and that Donald Trump once had a Black girlfriend! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Garth Walker on Being an ER Doctor During COVID and Racism in the Medical Industry

This week, we're joined by Dr. Garth Walker, an emergency medicine doctor in Chicago and Chief Equity Officer with IMPACT4HC, who talks to us about how COVID disproportionately affects communities of color, how some medical students think Black people feel less pain than white people, and that if you want to become a doctor, you can start by being a failed athlete.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Writing About the War on Drugs, the Trump Presidency, and More with NYT Best-Selling Novelist Don Winslow

This week, we're joined by novelist Don Winslow who tells us how he became a bestselling author, how he's using his platform to speak out against Trump and how racism isn't a left or right issue, it's a wrong or right issue! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How to Help Your Children Succeed in Life with Dr. Sarah Haynes

This week, we're joined by Dr. Sarah Haynes, clinical psychologist and former Georgetown professor, who tells us how not to be a helicopter parent, why it's important to go easy on yourself and your kids (especially during COVID!) and why your kids need to get a job!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Designing Iconic Homes with Award Winning Architect Chad Oppenheim

This week, we're joined by Chad Oppenheim, founder of Oppenheim Architecture, who tells us that grit is what you need to be successful in your career, speaks to us about his book Lair which shows that movie villains always have the coolest homes, and warns that renovating your house could lead to a divorce!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How to Have Compassion for Others Amidst a Global Pandemic and National Unrest with Dr. Nelly

This week, we're joined by Dr. Nelly, psychologist and founder of Mom Talk, who talks about how suffering allows us to cultivate compassion, how to talk to your family about anti-racism, and tells us about yoga protests! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Writing About the Immigrant Experience with Iranian-American Novelist Parnaz Foroutan

This week, in a special throwback episode of Back to School, we're joined by author Parnaz Fourotan who talks to us about her novel, Home is a Stranger, tells us that you have to get rid of your inner critic if you're pursuing a creative endeavor, and that if you're ever in Iran, don't wear a red bikini! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Immigrants and Refugees Gotta Vote with Anahita Panahi from We Are All America

This week, we're joined by Anahita Panahi from We Are All America, an organization dedicated to helping refugees. We talk about why the US is slowing down admitting refugees, how important it is for immigrants to vote and, and that if you're planning on voting for Trump, Election Day is November 4th! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lessons From a Life as a Foreign Correspondent with Reese Erlich

This week, we're joined by Peabody award-winning journalist Reese Erlich who talks to us about why Cuba is handling the COVID crisis much better than America, why he travels wherever the government tells him not to, and that the two things you can find anywhere in the world are Coca Cola and the Kardashians.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Being a Mom, an LGBTQ Ally, and a Woman of Color in the World of Comedy with Debi Gutierrez

This week, we're joined by Debi Gutierrez (the first comedian Maz ever toured with!) who talks to us about the struggles of being a female comedian, how everyone should find a cause they care about and step up and be a part of it, and that if you end up marrying a marine, they may try to kill you with the lid of a ketchup bottle!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is it Like to Run for City Council? with Yassamin Ansari

This week, we're joined by Yassamin Ansari who is running for City Council in Phoenix, Arizona. She talks to us about how she plans to address climate change, growing up in Phoenix as an Iranian-American, and how she got asked out on a date while canvassing! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Running for Congress with Sima Ladjevardian

This week, we're joined by Sima Ladjevardian, who is running for US Congress in Texas. She tells us about how if she wins she will be the first Iranian-American Congress Member ever, why it is so important for each and every one of us to vote, and that every immigrant grandmother hides treats in her closet! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Threat of Right Wing Extremist Violence After the Elections with Former Asst. Dir. of Counterintelligence at the FB…

This week, we're joined by Frank Figliuzzi, MSNBC analyst and former Asst. Director of Counterintelligence at the FBI, who stops by to tell us that if you work for the FBI, "you never embarrass the Bureau," why he's worried about potential violence after the election, and who Q from Qanon is. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russian Interference in the 2020 Elections and Trump's Tax Returns with David Corn of Mother Jones

This week David Corn of Mother Jones and MSNBC joins us to talk about Trump's tax returns, why it’s okay to preach to the choir, and how Russia is hacking our elections again! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Running for LA City Council and Solving the Homeless Crises with Nithya Raman

This week, we’re joined by candidate for LA city council Nithya Raman who talks to us about her progressive platform, the importance of getting involved in local politics, and how to compassionately address the homelessness crisis! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maz and Tehran Talk About Being Comedians in the Era of Trump and the Elections

Maz and Tehran discuss what life has been like for comedians the past 3 1/2 years under Trump, how some Iranians get upset at them for telling Trump jokes and how Maz is going to be drunk on election night. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What Astrology Can Teach Us About American Politics with Jessica Lanyadoo

This week, we’re joined by Astrologer Jessica Lanyadoo who talks to us about her book, Astrology for Real Relationships, how astrology can predict political revolutions, and why now is not the right time to put a pool in your house! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Do We Teach Kids About Racism? with Daniel Frio

This week, we're joined by teacher and author Daniel Frio who talks to us about his controversial book Classroom Voices on Education and Race, why we should be listening more to kids, and that when it comes to racism, slow motion is better than no motion!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's It Like Being a Rap Legend? With Willie D of The Geto Boys

This week, we're joined by special guest Willie D from The Geto Boys who talks to us about his iconic career in Hip Hop, the importance of getting involved and making a difference instead of just complaining, and how you have to love your kids before they're born.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Can We Make the Democratic Party Better? with Rep. Anna Eskamani

This week, we're joined by Representative Anna Eskamani, the first Iranian-American Representative in Florida, who talks to us about what inspired her to get into politics, how we have to come together as a family to overcome loss, and how your parents really just want you to get a job!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How to be a Successful Entrepreneur with Divya Gugnani, Co-founder of Wander Beauty

This week, we're joined by Divya Gugnani, entrepreneur and co-founder of Wander Beauty, who talks to us about what it takes to start a successful business, how you have to keep moving forward with your ideas, and that in life, it's not about human being, it's about human doing!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Building a Luxury Car Brand with Ferris Rezvani

This week, we're joined by Ferris Rezvani, car designer and founder of Rezvani Motors, who tells us about his amazing tank-inspired cars, that you should always pursue your dreams no matter how far-reaching they are, and how even when you find success, your teenage son will still be embarrassed of you! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inside the Trump Administration with Michael Cohen

This week, Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer and author of the book Disloyal, talks to us about prison reform, why Trumpism is a cult, and how you should always listen to your grandmother, but sometimes it will land you in jail!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finding Love in a Pandemic with Matchmakers Jessica Fass and Daniella Bloom

This week, we're joined by Matchmakers Daniella Bloom and Jessica Fass who teach us how to find our soulmates during a global pandemic, why the lockdown is actually the best and cheapest time to date, and the importance of taking a bath before a Zoom date! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Effective Way to Learn a New Language with Professor Stephen Krashen

This week, we're joined by Stephen Krashen, Professor Emeritus of Linguistics from USC, who tells us why it's never too late to learn a language, why it's Farsi, not Persian, and that if you really want to learn a language, you should take a shot of Jack Daniels first! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Being a Woman in Comedy and More with Liz Miele

This week, we're joined by comedian Liz Miele who talks to us about her new comedy special, Self Help Me, about the difficulty of being a female comedian in the male-dominated world of comedy, and how audiences treat female comedians the same way that immigrant parents treat their kids who are comedians - they tell them they suck!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You Think Your 2020 Was Crazy? Wait Till You Hear Comedian Sammy Obeid’s Story!

This week, we’re joined by comedian Sammy Obeid who tells us about how his 2020 was crazier than your 2020, the importance of sharing your feelings, and why you should never go to a doctor with a one star rating! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discussing the film Nasrin, about the Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh, with filmmakers Marcia Ross and Jeff…

This week we’re joined by documentary filmmakers Marcia Ross and Jeff Kaufman who talk to us about their new film Nasrin, which centers on the riveting story of Nasrin Soutoudeh, a human rights lawyer imprisoned in Iran. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everything you need to know about weed with Cannabis industry leader Jared Mirsky

In this episode we learn from marketing genius and weed connoisseur, Jared Mirsky who teaches us how to tell the difference between indica and setiva, what age is the right age to try weed, how to market your business no matter what industry you’re in plus more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why you should let your children play video games with author and parenting expert Jordan Shapiro

This week we're joined by author and parenting expert Jordan Shapiro, who teaches us why it's okay for your children to be on screens, tells us that you can be the hero of your own story, while also being the villain in someone else's and how you should try to become the voice in your kids' head. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How to do Valentine’s Day and find romance during a pandemic with therapist Amanda E. White

This week, we’re joined by therapist and relationship expert Amanda E. White who is here to tell us about the difference between guilt and shame, what you should do for your pandemic Valentine’s Day and how if you’re looking to get married you should lower your expectations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is One Month Enough for Black History Month? With social commentator Touré

This week author, cultural critic and podcaster Touré stops by to talk to us about Black history month, how we can fix the race problem in America and how when you learn a foreign language from a male friend, they usually teach you how to cuss! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Things You Don’t Need To Know

Subscribe to Things You Don't Need To Know wherever you get your podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Covering Sports During a Pandemic with Sports Journalist Arash Markazi

This week we're joined by sports journalist and fellow Iranian-American, Arash Markazi, who talks to us about how you can find success pursuing your passion no matter what it is, what it's like to cover sports during a pandemic and the role Arnold Schwarzenegger and Kobe Bryant played in his weight loss journey! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Goal of the Latest Mars Landing with Scientist Firouz Naderi

This week we're joined by scientist, engineer and human rights activist Firouz Naderi who talks to us about the latest Mars landing, why everyone needs to be involved in politics no matter what field they’re in and whether Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos or NASA will be the first to get humans to Mars. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.