Obscuristan Brought to you by Karena Avedissian and Anna

Anna and Karena are ~back~ with special guest Daniel Voskoboynik to discuss the life of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and what his death means for those of us not quite at the heart of the Russian empire.

PLUS a few special announcements about a wonderful new project in the works. Follow us on https://thefirethesetimes.com/ for more updates on that!


Music by Sarven Yapar.

Karena and Anna share some gossip on the recent influx of Russian emigres in Yerevan following the War on Ukraine and discuss the pros, cons, consequences, and colonizer vibes that have accompanied them.

Karena tells Anna about Emomali Rahmon's recent decolonial girlboss moment. Anna encourages him to #quietquit instead. Our hosts also have a chat about what colonial consciousness looks like in Eurasia and what we can learn from talking to each other.

Find us on Twitter @ObscuristanPod

Produced by Samson Martirosyan.
Music by Sarven Yapar.

Karena tells us about the life and times of Turkmenbashi I, which brings her and Anna to a discussion about the absurdity of cults of personality, the damage they cause, and the empathy we extend to their victims depending on where they are.

Find us on Twitter @ObscuristanPod

Music by Sarven Yapar. Production by Samson Martirosyan.

Anna and Karena discuss the illustrious career of none other than Russian pop-star Philipp Kirkorov, what his path tells us about gay rights in Russia, and why joining the Russian elite is never it, fam.

Find us on Twitter @ObscuristanPod

Music by Sarven Yapar.

Karena and Anna discuss the ongoing conflict in Armenia and tell you a little bit about why you are having the worst time keeping up with any of it.

Find us on Twitter @ObscuristanPod

Music by Sarven Yapar.