Made of Armenians: Recent Episodes
Ross Asdourian
A series that interviews the incredible, influential, and inspirational Armenians among us. Listen to their stories as we explore the people who share our history and inspire our future.
Mayor Ardashes "Ardy" Kassakhian serves the City of Glendale. His knowledge of Armenian history provides a foundation for the richness with which he builds the community around him. Our conversation reveals how the Mayor identifies and pursues causes as an individual and as a cultural mouthpiece. As interesting, he talks about the historical depth of Armenians beyond the 200 years that tend to dominate the topic.
Follow Ardy on instagram @ArdyKassakhian.
At once, Vahé is both a stranger and a relative. His warmth has reached the diaspora through books, plays, paintings, and performances, and the experience of his presence is truly a gift. We sat down in his home while he hosted a few guests, which should always be expected, for a unique interview about his history, the advice that changed his life, and the influence our heritage has had on his individual human experience.
"Every piece of writing is a letter."
Elina Abovian immigrated from humble beginnings in Armenia to Glendale in 1987. Her meteoric rise through the ranks of local news onto the most popular broadcasts in Los Angeles is a tribute to her character. Although her work is often seen on screen, she has been absolutely essential in the coverage of both Armenians and other communities under duress, often right on the ground in the middle of it. Combining grit and grace, Ellina (@ellina_abovian) talks about how being Armenian empowers her to work each day with integrity and presence.
When it comes to representation, Rex Kalamian is it. For over 20 years, he's been an assistant to some of the greatest NBA coaches of all time -- including three trips to the All-Star game. His decorated resume includes the players he's developed like James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Demar DeRozan, and Kevin Durant. To be in conversation with him is to be humbled by the selflessness it takes to succeed with the world's greatest athletes.
"It's not just making them good basketball players... it's showing them what's coming ahead for them."
Imagine being born to the sound of an unruly civil war. Natalie and her mother, a survivor of abuse, found refuge in America in 1989. Our conversation digs into Natalie's roots and how they led her to a career in law and leadership, where she is now one of California's most revered people in impact and heritage as the CEO of CORO. Against all odds, her story is one of survivorship, service, culture, and redemption through relentless love is truly tear-invoking.
"All of this wasn't promised... Our ancestors demand that we live in joy."