A Conversation with Lala and Brian! (on a podcast)

On October 1 of this year, I sat down with an extraordinary pair of human beings hosting me on their extraordinary podcast called “Everything’s not Black & White.” Not only does the title speak tongue in cheek to the fact that the dynamic cohosts, Lachandra (“Lala”) and Brian Baker, happen to be an interracial couple happily married for the last 15 years; it also speaks eloquently to the theme that underlies and interconnects each of their podcast episodes. Namely, that in the face of our unique stories, widely contrasting circumstances, and individual differences, it is difficult for us to be accurate in our understanding (let alone assessments) of each other, the life paths we follow, and the choices we make. But that a positive first step toward increased understanding and maintaining healthy human connections in the world is simply to provide a space to hear each other’s stories—truly listening while suspending our prejudgments and preconceptions.

This was the platform Lala and Brian generously provided me as a guest on their delightful and welcoming podcast! During the episode, we talk about everything from cross-cultural, interracial, and/or interfaith love to what used to keep me awake at night, to the thrills and challenges of living abroad, to addressing Iranian/American relations, to the secret of peoples and countries getting along. And with the release of my memoir (Road Between Two Hearts: A Black American Bride Discovers Iran) anticipated for Spring of 2025, I am grateful to them for their enthusiasm and support in getting the word out (Thank you, Lala and Brian!)

In addition to viewing Lala and Brian’s podcast episode (and their website), please (continue to) do the following:

• Please note that my contact information (email address) has changed from [email protected] to [email protected]
• Follow me on Instagram (@leslieahmadi) or my author page on Facebook under “Leslie Powell Ahmadi.” There you’ll find other snippets of my personal story on moving to and living in Iran from 1992-1996.
• If you take interest in what you discover, please direct one or two other people who might be interested to www.lesliepowellahmadi.com (my author website), where they also can sign up for news, updates, and free downloads.)

​Kheilee mamnoon! (i.e., “Thank you!” in Persian),
Leslie Powell Ahmadi

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