Way2Go with Pedram: Recent Episodes
Pedram Keyvani
Explore life through different lenses. "I would like my life to be a statement of love and compassion â and where it isn't, that's where my work lies." Insta: @pedraminjas
This was such a unique episode not only because it was recorded inside a freakin stadium, but also because Lucy is just one of those people who is rare and unapologetically themselves, in a good way (for the most part). I knew that I wanted to record an episode with her, given that pretty much whenever we hung out it was a blast, but would have never thought it would be at the stadium, watching a METS match.
Listening to it back, I'm so glad that I recorded this. I found myself smiling and living back the moments again. Lucy is such a vibrant, intelligent young individual who is eager and wants to live life fully. Despite our similar personality types, we are very different people, from very different backgrounds, but it is magical to see how deeply we've been able to connect over a relatively short period of time. In a way, I think it's a result of both of us having a good chunk of respect (both for ourselves and toward the other), and seeing a rare reflection of ourselves in the other.
We talked about a wide array of topics from personality types/disorder (listening to it back you gotta watch the movie Split (2016)), Sadness/Happiness (never got a chance to hear about Lucy's saddest time, I'll just ask her later), to growing up, and ideal vision for the future.
By the way, totally recommend recording a podcast while watching live baseball, this sport is ADD on a different level. if it wasn't for that I would have been bored and left long before they were finished, which we almost did. But thankfully stayed for a last potential play and it ended up being an epic final bat, and METS won! Worth it for suurrree.
I look forward to your future Lucy, and no matter where you are know that there's someone out there rooting for you.
Hugs,
Your bestie for life,
Pedram
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After a while I got the privilege to sit down again with another inspiring soul. Mila has such a big heart and during the short time we've known each-other, We've quickly become good friends, and I've been deeply touched by her story and her unique way of life.
The is another episode out in public. Since the last one went well, I thought, well why not do it again? Right? But, this time of the year it's cold and we had to be indoors. At first, I was worried that with all the chaos going on around, it was probably not the best spot, and despite going to a corner that was less hectic, you can still hear a lot in the background (even with editing). But hey, it definitely gives it character and a sense of time and place.
We started recording after appreciating the beautiful pink sunset. I once again understood why I love doing these.
Editing and listening to it back at the public library, I kept finding myself smiling, pondering, and smiling again. We talked about everything from humility to meaning of love, and the Israel, Palestine conflict. I once again felt the power of conversation, and how important it is to hear each other out and sharing our stories and ideas.
The way you care about people, and despite having many reasons to see the bad in people first, you're one of the rare ones who still does not have a big guard up for strangers, and who doesn't want to break anyone's heart. I think it takes immense strength to remain soft or develop even more softness after going through tough/traumatic experiences.
Appreciate you and wish you all the very best Mila,
Always your trusty friend,
Pedram :)
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This episode was a special one. We recorded this episode where we first met each other. I was not sure how the ambient sounds would work, but it actually came out pretty nice (for the most part). I'd been wanting to record an episode with Thomas for a while now, and we finally were able to do it, and it had a little bit of everything from stories to conversations about navigating through life and the good old banter of course.
This podcast always presents this opportunity to be more real with one another that usually won't happen in a regular conversation and I definitely feel that our friendship has gotten stronger as a result.
The main takeaway from this episode was that life is more simple than we take it to be. Moments of joy are embedded like these tokens all around us and if we look for them more often, life all around us becomes so much more interesting/rewarding. You can say that you'd lived a good life doing the 'small things' right (treating people right, going about your day the best as you can, seeing the thrill of life, and adding to the thrill of life, etc.). After all, that is what it's all really about.
I appreciate the presence and perspective that Thomas brings to the world. I never knew how eloquent he spoke before, it's been a joy listening back to this conversation.
Your journey so far and the journey ahead of you is an epic one and I can't wait to see all that is yet to unfold. Just know that through it all you have someone who is rooting for you and is going to be there for any support (maybe just not at 2 am, lol).
Hugs,
Pedram
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This conversation was everything that I hoped it would be and more. I could not wait to start listening to it from the moment I got home. The truth is that I had finished the episode days ago, but just did not have a chance to upload it until now. I'm back in Boston and listening for maybe the fifth time, it is so obvious to me that this has become one of my favorite episodes. Everything from the location and where the conversation took us was a breath of fresh air. Cristina is such a smart, playful, and interesting individual. We talked about the importance of celebrating our uniqueness, and not fitting into a box society puts us in. We both have come along way to be where we are now (mentally, physically, and emotionally). During the conversation I felt empowered to keep challenging myself to think outside the box. Sometimes we create boxes for ourselves that we might not be even conscious about. This is why I do these after-all, to keep challenging my beliefs. Before I might have been neutral toward being queer, but now I am pro queer.
As you can probably tell, toward the end it started getting cold, and the ending was more abrupt than previous episodes, but I love it, lol; how we ended it always brings a smile to my face!
Thanks again Cristina for sharing the time and your perspective. I am inspired by you, and remember you do not need to keep doing things to be inspiring. Just the way you are is more inspiration than any achievement or output ever could create. Happy to call you my friend.
Hugs,
Pedram
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Sitting down with Dani symbolized so many things. In the past year, plenty things have changed and it was great to get back to the podcast and start the year reflecting on some that had gone on, while at the same time creating an opening for new beginnings. Through our conversation and listening back to it, I yet again was reminded of the power of genuine connection and being able to listen and communicate our thoughts and experiences with each other. It is our similarities that bring us together, but our differences that help us understand and respect other perspectives. We talked about all kinds of topics from new year goals, relationships, world events, and even some sensitive topics that I would not tend to bring up on the pod. However, Dani's openness allowed us to take the conversation to a different level, which I appreciated, and look at as a leap forward. The smallest moments of spontaneity can lead to significant outcomes in our lives, and everything that led to this conversation is an example of that, and one that encourages me to take more similar ones often. This past semester, personally, I have grasped greatly that the hardest thing is to start, once you take that first step the rest come more easily. All of this was possible because of Dani's curiosity, and then exchanging Instagrams and staying in touch. More than ever we should practice more curiosity, and limit judgment. It'll just reward us so much more.
Dani or Danial, you are a special young man with pure intentions that is an inspiration to more people than you think. You are an eloquent speaker, and that shows that words are important to you; you developed extra care crafting sentences. I'm sure that you are going to continue to evolve and bless the things you come across.
Make sure you compliment more people Mr. Clooney, that story inspired me to genuinely compliment someone the other day and I'm so glad I did :)
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I had looked forward to having this conversation with Shaya for a while now and it finally happened. Although it took a few tries and it almost did not happen because of you know, life, I'm glad we persevered and made it happened. The conversation took many twists and turns and it did feel like a great one to start season 2 with. Shaya comes from an Iranian-Armenian-Turkish heritage. But was born and raised in the U.S. The stories he shared about his parents' journey were jaw dropping at times. Hearing these stories of what the generation before you had gone through for you to have the life you have now is as always inspiring. He himself had been a soccer fanatic growing up, lived in Germany for a while, and used to sing, which we'll hear about in the Pod.
Shaya and I had connected through soccer less than a year ago at Northeastern. He has this aura about him that you can feel his genuine pure goodness within. He's a jokester at heart, and one can totally understand that when listening to the Pod. Oh, and he loves to take long range shots! (you will not know that from that Pod, oh, wait, actually, if you listen carefully you would ;)). I am grateful that we met and that I got to know more about him in this conversation; I surely learned a lot from his experiences, way of thinking, and communicating. Thank you Shaya.
I'm looking forward to see how you'll navigate through life in the years to come. And will always be a friend to celebrate your victories or be of support through difficulties.
- Pedram
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This episode was full of warm energy and the conversation was super intriguing for me because we have many things in common. I loved how I learned so much more about the Afghan culture and Sorosh's story is one that has so much depth that could be extended for hours and hours to be fully covered. Born and raised in Denmark he has tried to keep educated about his heritage and keep in touch with his culture. I am super happy we met and know that our friendship is one that could pass the test of time. I'm sure that I'll come visit Denmark aat some point and You'll definitely come visit Iran. And I'm really looking forward to that, but for now let's enjoy the here and now ;)
Thanks for the delicious 'torch' btw chef Sorosh!
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After multiple failed attempts to get John and Zack on, we finally did it. And I'm so glad we made it happen because in this episode I got to see a different side of them that I'm not sure I would've gotten to see otherwise. Zack and John are embodiments of humans that make the world a better place to be in. Once again I'm fascinated by the power of open conversation and exchanging thoughts. Listening back to this recording, it was interesting to witness the dynamics that come out not only in their friendship, but also as a trio. In the episode, I did not know what to say about what makes these people unique, but having had some time to think I can say that Zack is a master at social interaction/consideration, and John is a master at empathy/attention to detail. These are their two distinct super powers that make them special.Â
Thank you again for making the time to do this and sharing your perspectives. I am so blessed to have come to met you guys and call you friends; You're already very successful people, and I'm positive that with your attitudes and characteristics the future is only gonna get brighter, and I can't wait to see and celebrate it with you. I'm not sure where life will take us and all, but I came across this quote: "The one who loves the moon still loves it when it isn't there in the sky." You'll always be that moon :)
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This episode is the first one with two guests. Sana and Zeenah brought so much depth and color into this one. Hence, it has been the longest episode yet. We talked about so many different things from culture, family, and personal experiences. The two are almost polar opposites, but somehow they make their friendship work. This episode has been a full journey for me and I smiled and laughed so many times listening back and editing the episode. It was refreshing to talk and learn about Lebanese culture; shortly after the episode, I found myself searching Lebanese music and dance, and getting thoroughly inspired and entertained.
I'm super grateful for the opportunity and time to be able to record such an encriching experience. It is very true that "Sometimes the greatest adventure is simply a conversation." (Amadeus Wolfe) I deeply felt that in this one.
I'm sure that no matter what these two powerful young women will do in the future, they will be successful at it, and I will be rooting for them.Â
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So a lot has happened since the last episode. Schools are starting back as somewhat normal again and the world is seemingly shifting toward a post-COVID era. Reflecting back on the past summer many things happened in my life and looking back I'm grateful for what I experienced; from losing grandma and learning to be there for my family, to meeting up with old friends, making new friends, getting the vaccine, moving to a new place, and going on crazy adventures, it all felt like years has gone by this past summer. Here we are again, Fall is here and second year of grad. school is about to start.
Cathy is one of the new people I met who is full of good energy and I appreciate people like her. Spontaneously, before the semester started for me, I reached out and asked if she would like to be a part of these podcast conversations I do. Kindly she accepted, although I know it was not something she was comfortable with, which I appreciated; plus, it's not bad to spend some time outside our comfort zones. For me doing these is not easy either, but after doing each one I just feel pure joy and much inspiration for life. We did it and it ended up being exactly that.
With Taiwanese roots and growing up in Shanghai, Cathy or Pei Yu explained many things about the East-Asia that I was not familiar with. Also, people can actually not dance and not listen to music or sing to themselves, which I never thought it was possible, but boyyy I was wrong.
She considers her greatest accomplishment the people and friends around her; the recording does not portray how I felt when I heard that, it's honestly one of the greatest things I've ever heard. I was really touched and wanted to give her a big hug, but...
Thank you again Cathy for coming on and being open to go on this journey. Wish you all the best, you'll always have a friend in me :)
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This episode was all about digging deep, and realizing how different components of our daily pursuits affect our lives. Episodes like these remind me of how valuable our connections are. Quentin coming from a French culture and me coming from and Iranian culutre once again showed me insights that no book on this planet can give. I'm grateful that we met so spontaneously and remained in contact ever after. Appreciate you Quentin! :)
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Initiation through Zoom, the pandemic, and injuries. Life shows us people and it is our responsibility to learn our lesson from each person. I have surely learned a bunch from Nick and his experiences as a twin (not identical!) and as a half Persian born in the U.S. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to get to meet these amazing people from all walks of life. Thanks again for hopping on with me on this episode Nick. All the best.Â
FYI, we recorded this one about three weeks ago, and I finally got to post it... Architecture school man...
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I just enjoyed this conversation so much. After so many years Sophie and I reconnected and I am so happy to have connected with her again. We talked about so many different things, from our high school days to the people we are now. She was really brave and reminded me to be the same especially in times of hardship. I have never laughed so much in an episode before, definitely wins humor points up to now. Thanks Sophie, you're the best, luv ya :)
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In this episode, after a long break due to COVID I'm back this time with my brother to talk about his childhood and his views as an 18 year-old Iranian living in America. Many memories came back during the talk. I did use this time away from doing this to add some more interesting questions that it'll make you think. I would love to hear your answers to any of the question that you found interesting.Â
Thanks again for your time and sharing your thoughts Parsa! đ
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In this episode, we talk about Soham's Childhood journey to where he is now. Coming from Kolkata, India, he has a wide range of interesting stories that have shaped him into who he has become today. A big city lover at heart, Soham currently lives and works in NYC on post-OPT and shares a bit about what he would do differently if he were to go back in time. Family for him has played and continues to play a crucial role in his development. He shares one of his favorite songs with us, and also tells us what has changed his life most recently.
Enjoy!
For bts follow @keyvanipedram on Insta
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In this Episode we talked about the importance of going back to your childhood. Val who has lived 15 years in Romania and 15 years in the U.S. gives us some interesting stories about how he has shaped to be who he is today. He also teaches us a Romanian word and has a song reccomendation!
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