On this episode of SEPADPod, Simon chats with Edward Wastnidge, Lecturer in Politics and International Studies at the Open University. Edward is the author of a number of books and articles looking at Iran's role in the Middle East, including Diplomacy and Reform in Iran: Foreign Policy under Khatami (I.B Tauris, London, 2016). He is also deputy director of SEPAD. On this episode, Simon and Edward talk about a range of issues related to Iran, including soft power, cultural influence, learning Persian and playing a gig in Tehran. One of the more optimistic episodes of the show, it is one not to be missed.