Learn Persian with Podgap

Podgap (150) | Persian Conversation (A2): Bahram and Behnoush (Visiting an Iranian Home) 27.06.2026 9мин

Have you ever been invited to an Iranian home?In this episode, James visits Bahram and Behnoush for the first timeYou'll learn useful Persian expressions, practice a simple conversation, and discover some interesting facts about Iranian culture.In this episode, you'll learn:• Useful expressions such as "Befarmaayin too", "Chera zahmat keshidin?", and "Ghabel-e shomaa ro nadaare"• Three cultural tips about visiting an Iranian home, including taking off your shoes, Iranian hospitality, and taarof.🎧 Perfect for A2 Persian learners.📚 Patreon members can access the transcript, transliteration, vocabulary list, worksheets, and bonus materials.👉 patreon.com/podgapIf Podgap makes your Persian learning journey easier and more enjoyable, share it with your friends — it truly means the world to us!We’d also love to hear from you: drop us a message anytime at podgapp@gmail.com

Podgap (149) | Persian Idioms and Expressions (B2): Why Do Persians Say “Dog” So Much? 06.06.2026 13мин

In this episode of Podgap, we explore one of the most colorful corners of spoken Persian: dog-related idioms and expressions.You'll learn 10 common expressions that native speakers use in real conversations, including:🐾 Sag-joon (سگ‌جون) – someone incredibly tough and resilient🐾 Sag-do zadan (سگ‌دو زدن) – working hard with little result🐾 Mahall-e sag nazaashtan (محل سگ نذاشتن) – completely ignoring someone🐾 Sag sahebesh ro nemishnase (سگ صاحبش رو نمی‌شناسه) – a place that is total chaosBut this episode is more than vocabulary.You'll also discover:🔹 Why animals play such a big role in Persian idioms🔹 How native speakers use these expressions in everyday life🔹 Which expressions are funny, which are offensive, and when NOT to use them🔹 A full dialogue featuring all 10 expressions in contextIf you want to sound more natural, understand Iranian humor, and take your Persian beyond textbooks, this episode is for you.🎧 Listen now and tell us:In your language, what animal is used to describe extreme fear, chaos, or a very dirty place?👇 Leave a comment and share your favorite animal-based expression!📚 Patreon members can download:• Full transcript• Vocabulary list with example and transliteration • Worksheet• Bonus dog expressions that didn't make it into the episodeJoin us at patreon.com/podgapEmail: podgapp@gmail.com

Podgap (148) | Culture & History (B2): How Persian Shaped the Language of Chess 31.05.2026 10мин

Did you know that “checkmate” comes from the Persian phrase “Shah Mat”?It means the king is helpless — and it’s one of the many ways Persian has left its mark on the world of chess.In this episode of Podgap, we explore the fascinating story of chess: where it began, how it entered Iran during the Sasanian era, and how Persian culture helped shape the game the world knows today.We also talk about the chess pieces in Persian — shah / king, vazir / queen, rokh / rook, fil / bishop, asb / knight, and piyadeh or sarbaz / pawn — and discover which words and expressions traveled from Persian into other languages, including English.Chess is not just a game of strategy. It is a story of language, history, culture, and the journey of words across borders.So, what’s your next move? Listen to the new episode of Podgap and learn Persian through stories, culture, and real conversations.Tell us: Do you play chess? And who taught you your first move?If Podgap makes your Persian learning journey easier and more enjoyable, share it with your friends — it truly means the world to us!We’d also love to hear from you: drop us a message anytime at podgapp@gmail.comWant to dive deeper? By joining us on Patreon.com/podgap

Podgap (147) | Speak Persian Naturally (A-C): Mastering the Sound /q/ 09.05.2026 7мин

Are you struggling with the Persian /q/ sound?You’re not alone! This episode of Podgap focuses on the Persian sound /q/ — one of the most unique and tricky sounds in the language.Join Hanieh and Mohsen for an easy, guided practice that will help you master this Persian sound with confidence.Follow along, repeat with your hosts, and strengthen your pronunciation skills.If Podgap makes your Persian learning journey easier and more enjoyable, share it with your friends — it truly means the world to us!We’d also love to hear from you: drop us a message anytime at podgapp@gmail.comWant to dive deeper? By joining us on Patreon.com/podgap

Podgap (146) | Persian Grammar (A1): Simple Present Conjugation of “Want” and “Come” 25.04.2026 4мин

Do you know the spoken form of “want” and “come” in the present tense in Persian?In this episode, we break down two of the most essential verbs — khaastan (to want) and aamadan (to come) — and show you how they’re actually used in everyday conversation.Forget the formal textbook versions — you’ll learn the real spoken forms like mikhaam and miyaam, practice them step by step, and hear them in natural dialogues. Perfect for learners who want to sound more natural and understand native speakers with ease.🎁 Bonus: Get your free conjugation poster for these two verbs on our Patreon page.If Podgap makes your Persian learning journey easier and more enjoyable, share it with your friends — it truly means the world to us!We’d also love to hear from you: drop us a message anytime at podgapp@gmail.comWant to dive deeper? By joining us on Patreon.com/podgap

Podgap (145) | Persian Discussion (B2): There's No Place Like Home 18.04.2026 8мин

In this episode of Podgap, we explore the concept of “home” — not merely as a physical space, but as a source of identity, memory, and emotional connection.While many of us experience a sense of comfort when returning home after a short trip, this feeling takes on deeper meaning for those who have lived abroad for many years.Today, we examine why some individuals choose to return to their homeland even in challenging or uncertain times and what drives this enduring attachment to the place where their roots lie. Through conversation and personal stories, we seek to understand how the idea of home continues to shape our sense of belonging.We host a new Podgap meeting the day after each episode is published. All Patreon members are welcome to join! Even free members can participate. Visit www.patreon.com/podgap to receive the Google Meet details.***If Podgap makes your Persian learning journey easier and more enjoyable, share it with your friends — it truly means the world to us!We’d also love to hear from you: drop us a message anytime at podgapp@gmail.comWant to dive deeper? By joining us on Patreon.com/podgap

Podgap (144) | Persian Conversation (B1): Bahram & Behnoush (Nature Day) 11.04.2026 7мин

In this emotional and powerful episode of Podgap, Mohsen and Hanieh speak directly to their listeners during a difficult time, sharing heartfelt reflections on resilience, loss, and hope.As Iran faces the challenges of war, they honor the memory of innocent lives and express gratitude to their loyal audience who continue learning Persian despite the circumstances.Through the familiar storytelling of Bahram and Behnoosh, this episode also brings you a meaningful dialogue set on Sizdah Bedar (Nature Day). What begins as a simple plan for a day out turns into a deeper story about courage, community, and the reality of living through uncertain times.This episode is not only a Persian learning experience, but also a window into culture, humanity, and strength in the face of adversity.If Podgap makes your Persian learning journey easier and more enjoyable, share it with your friends — it truly means the world to us!We’d also love to hear from you: drop us a message anytime at podgapp@gmail.comWant to dive deeper? By joining us on Patreon.com/podgap

Podgap (143) | History (B2): The Hasanlu Golden Bowl – A 3,200-Year-Old Story 14.03.2026 14мин

In this episode of Podgap, Mohsen and Hanie explore one of Iran’s most fascinating archaeological treasures: the Hasanlu Golden Bowl. Discovered in 1958 in northwestern Iran, this remarkable artifact dates back more than 3,200 years and is covered with symbolic engravings that reflect ancient myths and beliefs.We talk about the discovery of the bowl, the ancient civilization that lived near Lake Urmia, and the stories behind the figures carved on its surface. In the episode, we explain each character and symbol on the bowl. To make it easier to follow, the images of these figures are included in the Patreon transcript for free. you can just join to the patreon.com/podgap in order to access the transcription of this episode. If Podgap makes your Persian learning journey easier and more enjoyable, share it with your friends — it truly means the world to us!We’d also love to hear from you: drop us a message anytime at podgapp@gmail.comBy subscribing to us at www.patreon.com/podgap you will get access to Persian Transcription & Glossary list of all the episodes that were published.

Podgap (142) | Persian Conversation (B2): Getting a Ride Online 28.02.2026 9мин

This week on Podgap, we’re going to talk about ride-hailing services.We have a dialogue about how a woman requests an online taxi and the conversations that take place between her and the driver.You’ll also become familiar with the new vocabulary from this dialogue, along with some cultural tips.If Podgap makes your Persian learning journey easier and more enjoyable, share it with your friends — it truly means the world to us!We’d also love to hear from you: drop us a message anytime at podgapp@gmail.comWant to dive deeper? By joining us on Patreon.com/podgapFull Persian transcriptions of every episodeA glossary & worksheets to practice withPlus extra learning goodies like Persian news, proverbs, vocabulary challenges, videos, and more!Let’s keep learning and growing together — one word at a time

Podgap (141) | Persian Vocabulary (A2): losing and finding things in Persian. 14.02.2026 8мин

In this episode, you will learn how to talk about losing and finding things in Persian.We will teach you useful words and simple sentences to explain what you lost or where you left something behind.You will also learn the difference between gom kardan (to lose) and jā gozāshtan (to leave something behind), and hear a short conversation about real-life situations.At the end of the episode, you will learn cultural expressions that Iranians use when someone loses something.This episode is perfect for beginner Persian learners who want to speak more naturally in everyday situations.If Podgap makes your Persian learning journey easier and more enjoyable, share it with your friends — it truly means the world to us!We’d also love to hear from you: drop us a message anytime at podgapp@gmail.comWant to dive deeper? By joining us on Patreon.com/podgapFull Persian transcriptions of every episodeA glossary & worksheets to practice withPlus extra learning goodies like Persian news, proverbs, vocabulary challenges, videos, and more!Let’s keep learning and growing together — one word at a time

Podgap (140) | Persian Literature (B1): Eight famous characters in the Shahnameh 31.01.2026 11мин

The Shahnameh by Ferdowsi is one of the greatest epic poems in Persian literature It tells the story of Iran’s history, myths, and heroes.In this episode, we talk about 8 famous characters from Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh.You’ll get to know these characters, and in each section we’ve included a few selected verses from the Shahnameh to give you a feel for the book.Our goal is to introduce you to the world of the Shahnameh and hopefully inspire you to read more of this epic in the future.If Podgap makes your Persian learning journey easier and more enjoyable, share it with your friends — it truly means the world to us!We’d also love to hear from you: drop us a message anytime at podgapp@gmail.comWant to dive deeper? By joining us on Patreon.com/podgapFull Persian transcriptions of every episodeA glossary & worksheets to practice withPlus extra learning goodies like Persian news, proverbs, vocabulary challenges, videos, and more!Let’s keep learning and growing together — one word at a time

Podgap (139) | Persian Vocabulary (A1): 8 Real-Life Uses of “Befarmāyin” 27.12.2025 4мин

Hello and welcome back to PadGap!In today’s episode, Hanieh and Mohsen dive into a very simple yet incredibly powerful Persian word—one you’ll hear everywhere. It’s a true magic word: short, polite, and surprisingly flexible.Through short, everyday dialogues—from cafés and homes to classrooms, shops, phone calls, and friendly conversations—you’ll learn eight different real-life uses of this essential word and how tone can completely change its meaning. If you want to sound more natural and confident in Persian, this episode is a must-listen. Let’s get started! If Podgap makes your Persian learning journey easier and more enjoyable, share it with your friends — it truly means the world to us!We’d also love to hear from you: drop us a message anytime at podgapp@gmail.comWant to dive deeper? By joining us on Patreon.com/podgapFull Persian transcriptions of every episodeA glossary & worksheets to practice withPlus extra learning goodies like Persian news, proverbs, vocabulary challenges, videos, and more!Let’s keep learning and growing together — one word at a time

Podgap (138) | Persian Discussion (C2): Understanding Friendship 13.12.2025 14мин

Welcome to Podgap.In this episode, Hanieh and Mohsen discuss the theme of friendship—what defines a true friend, how friendships change over time, and why maintaining them requires trust, communication, and healthy boundaries. The conversation also highlights cultural aspects of friendship in Iran and introduces useful Persian expressions related to relationships. Designed for Persian learners, this episode offers clear, natural dialogue, thoughtful questions, and practical language input to support listening comprehension and cultural understanding.Let’s begin.If Podgap makes your Persian learning journey easier and more enjoyable, share it with your friends — it truly means the world to us!We’d also love to hear from you: drop us a message anytime at podgapp@gmail.comWant to dive deeper? By joining us on Patreon.com/podgapFull Persian transcriptions of every episodeA glossary & worksheets to practice withPlus extra learning goodies like Persian news, proverbs, vocabulary challenges, videos, and more!Let’s keep learning and growing together — one word at a time

Podgap (137) | Persian Discussion (B2): Talking About Air Pollution 29.11.2025 9мин

Hello and welcome to a new episode of Podgap!Today, we’re talking about a topic that affects millions of people in Iran and in many other countries around the world: air pollution.In this episode, Hanieh and Mohsen discuss why air pollution happens, how it affects daily life, and what factors—like traffic, old vehicles, factories, drought, and dust storms—make the situation worse.They also explain some useful vocabulary related to the environment and talk about how people and the government are trying to deal with this problem. And of course, they invite you to think about your own country: Do you experience air pollution or drought where you live?So, stay with us, listen carefully, and enjoy learning Persian while exploring one of the most important environmental issues in Iran today. Let’s get started!If Podgap makes your Persian learning journey easier and more enjoyable, share it with your friends — it truly means the world to us!We’d also love to hear from you: drop us a message anytime at podgapp@gmail.comWant to dive deeper? By joining us on Patreon.com/podgapFull Persian transcriptions of every episodeA glossary & worksheets to practice withPlus extra learning goodies like Persian news, proverbs, vocabulary challenges, videos, and more!Let’s keep learning and growing together — one word at a time

Podgap (136) | Persian Vocabulary (A2): 10 Verbs with Zadan as an Auxiliary 15.11.2025 5мин

In today’s episode, we’re learning 10 useful Persian verbs that use zadan as an auxiliary verb — and we’ll show you how to use them naturally in a friendly conversation between two friends. Don’t miss this fun and practical lesson!For extra practice, write a short story using all ten verbs and send it to us at: podgapp@gmail.com. We’d love to read your work!Want to dive deeper? By joining us on Patreon.com/podgapFull Persian transcriptions of every episodeA glossary & worksheets to practice withPlus extra learning goodies like Persian news, proverbs, vocabulary challenges, videos, and more!Let’s keep learning and growing together — one word at a time

Podgap (135) | Persian Conversation (B1): Bahram & Behnoush (Making Food Together) 01.11.2025 8мин

In this episode, Bahram and Behnoush team up to teach you how to make a delicious Iranian dish. You’ll pick up new Persian words through a real conversation, and at the end, test yourself with a quiz!If Podgap makes your Persian learning journey easier and more enjoyable, share it with your friends — it truly means the world to us!We’d also love to hear from you: drop us a message anytime at podgapp@gmail.comWant to dive deeper? By joining us on Patreon.com/podgapFull Persian transcriptions of every episodeA glossary & worksheets to practice withPlus extra learning goodies like Persian news, proverbs, vocabulary challenges, videos, and more!Let’s keep learning and growing together — one word at a time

Podgap (134) | Situational Conversation (C1): Speaking About Death and Condolences in Persian 18.10.2025 8мин

In this episode, we’re going to explore a topic that’s a bit different and more emotional than usual. Life is full of happy moments, but also difficult ones—especially when we lose someone we love.In such times, just a few kind and heartfelt words can bring comfort to those who are grieving.That’s why, in this episode, we’ll learn how to offer condolences in Persian.We’ll look at different words used for “death” in various contexts, and we’ll also practice common phrases for expressing sympathy and responding to condolences.If Podgap makes your Persian learning journey easier and more enjoyable, share it with your friends — it truly means the world to us!We’d also love to hear from you: drop us a message anytime at podgapp@gmail.comWant to dive deeper? By joining us on Patreon.com/podgapFull Persian transcriptions of every episodeA glossary & worksheets to practice withPlus extra learning goodies like Persian news, proverbs, vocabulary challenges, videos, and more!Let’s keep learning and growing together — one word at a time

Podgap (133) | Iranology (Beg.): How can I talk about my country 04.10.2025 7мин

Ever wondered how to introduce your country in Persian?In this episode, Mohsen and Hanieh walk you through everything you need—from talking about the flag and capital city to neighbors, geography, and population.By the end, you’ll be ready to confidently describe your own country in Persian! Listen now and try recording yourself talking about your homeland—we’d love to hear from you!If Podgap makes your Persian learning journey easier and more enjoyable, share it with your friends — it truly means the world to us!We’d also love to hear from you: drop us a message anytime at podgapp@gmail.comWant to dive deeper? By joining us on Patreon.com/podgapFull Persian transcriptions of every episodeA glossary & worksheets to practice withPlus extra learning goodies like Persian news, proverbs, vocabulary challenges, videos, and more!Let’s keep learning and growing together — one word at a time

Podgap | Interview: Doga Narin from Turkey 28.09.2025 27мин

"In this episode of Podgap, Mohsen and Hanie sit down with a Turkish guest who shares her journey of learning Persian. From the challenges she faced to the joys of discovering a new culture, we ask her everything about her experience with the Persian language."This episode also comes with a free transcription—visit patreon.com/podgap to access it. If Podgap makes your Persian learning journey easier and more enjoyable, share it with your friends — it truly means the world to us!We’d also love to hear from you: drop us a message anytime at podgapp@gmail.comWant to dive deeper? By joining us on Patreon.com/podgapFull Persian transcriptions of every episodeA glossary & worksheets to practice withPlus extra learning goodies like Persian news, proverbs, vocabulary challenges, videos, and more!Let’s keep learning and growing together — one word at a time

Podgap (132) | Persian Vocabulary (Int.): Echo Compounds, a Fun Feature of Persian Language 20.09.2025 8мин

Welcome back to Podgap, the podcast that helps you explore the beauty and rhythm of the Persian language.In this episode, Hanieh and Mohsen take you on a journey into one of the most playful and musical parts of the Persian language: echo compounds—those catchy word pairs like rizé-mizé or āt o āshqāl that add rhythm, humor, and charm to everyday conversations.You’ll learn what makes these expressions special, how native speakers use them in real life, and how you can sprinkle them into your own Persian to sound more natural and fluent.With plenty of fun examples, a guessing game, and a short challenge for you to try, this episode is all about enjoying the music of words in Persian.So grab your headphones, get ready to learn, and let’s dive in!If Podgap makes your Persian learning journey easier and more enjoyable, share it with your friends — it truly means the world to us!We’d also love to hear from you: drop us a message anytime at podgapp@gmail.com💡 Want to dive deeper? By joining us on Patreon.com/podgapFull Persian transcriptions of every episodeA glossary & worksheets to practice withPlus extra learning goodies like Persian news, proverbs, vocabulary challenges, videos, and more!Let’s keep learning and growing together — one word at a time