DOWNLOAD "BREAKING MY ALLEGIANCE" by Bernard Borghei on your favorite APP or go to: Breaking My Allegiance - Single - Album by Bernard Borghei - Apple Music Learn more about Bernard at: Bernard Borghei | LinkedIn Episode Highlights From Tehran to Philadelphia: A Teenager’s Escape from Revolution At just 12 years old, Bernard witnessed the Iranian Revolution up close. His family lost everything—their home, savings, and even his Star Wars toys were confiscated. By 13, he was fleeing across Europe, eventually finding asylum in the U.S. thanks to policy changes under the Reagan administration. The Immigrant’s Fire: Why Hunger Beats Talent Bernard shares how working in pizza shops to pay for college while never attending a single basketball game or spring break fueled his relentless drive. His biggest fear? That his own children would have to experience the same survival mode he did. A Forgotten Iran: When Faith United, Not Divided Before the revolution, Iran was a secular, democratic society where Christians, Muslims, and Jewish Persians celebrated each other’s holidays. Bernard recalls watching the Israeli national soccer team play in Tehran—proof that the region once thrived on coexistence. The Music That Saved Him (And the Record Exec Who Said No) Music was therapy for Bernard. He taught himself guitar on a left-handed Fender, wrote 22 songs, and almost got signed by Polygram—until an A&R guy told him, “I can’t sell this face to the MTV generation.” Instead of giving up, he kept playing on weekends for decades. Breaking My Allegiance: A Song Against Weaponized Faith Bernard’s first official single, releasing this Friday, is a rock anthem born from his experience with the Iranian regime. It’s not against faith—it’s against using religion to justify oppression. The song’s message: *“If that’s what your religion is, I’m breaking my allegiance.”* The Immigrant’s Oath: Integrate, Follow Rules, Be Grateful Bernard offers a powerful perspective on immigration: he never hid his roots, but he worked tirelessly to learn English, pay taxes, and contribute. His advice to new immigrants? “If you want to chase a better life, respect what this country has to offer.” Show Notes 2:35 🇮🇷 Bernard’s childhood in Tehran – close to the Shah’s family 5:21 🗽 Ronald Reagan’s policy change allowed Iranian refugees like Bernard into the U.S. 7:44 🍕 Working in pizza shops and restaurants to pay for college 10:39 🇺🇸 “This is still the greatest country on Earth” 12:35 ✡️✝️☪️ Remembering a secular Iran where all faiths coexisted 14:31 ⚽ Iran was the only Middle Eastern country that would play soccer against Israel| 18:20 🧠 Defining ingredients of success: hunger, fire, and learning from mentors 23:40 🎸 Music as therapy – unwinding from the harsh realities of life 25:58 🎸🎸 Bernard is left-handed – finding a left-handed guitar was nearly impossible 26:58 💰 His dad bought him his first Fender; Bernard paid for $20/hr lessons himself 30:20 🎤 Polygram A&R guy loved his voice 32:25 🎸 Bernard never stopped playing – weekends recording for decades 34:48 🛐 His song stands up to the weaponization of faith 37:36 🗳️ Democracy is fragile – vote, stay involved, don’t be complacent 40:08 🧳 Bernard’s advice to immigrants: integrate, learn the language, follow the rules 44:37 ❤️ What keeps him centered? Family. He prays only for health and togetherness. Please leave a review or send us a Voice note letting us know what you enjoyed at: Back2Basics reconnecting to the essence of YOU (podpage.com) Follow us on IG and FB @Back2BasicsPodcast
