Made of Armenians

Ross Asdourian
  • 4.7 (12)
  • Documentary
  • Updated Biweekly

A series that interviews the incredible, influential, and inspirational Armenians among us. Listen to their stories as we explore the people who share our history and inspire our future.

Episodes

  1. 11/08/2022

    What Makes a Worthy Cause? (Guest Mayor Kassakhian)

    Mayor Ardashes "Ardy" Kassakhian serves the City of Glendale. His knowledge of Armenian history provides a foundation for the richness with which he builds the community around him.  Our conversation reveals how the Mayor identifies and pursues causes as an individual and as a cultural mouthpiece. As interesting, he talks about the historical depth of Armenians beyond the  200 years that tend to dominate the topic. Follow Ardy on instagram @ArdyKassakhian.

    15 min

  2. 09/01/2022

    The Role of Comedy in Life. (Guest Vahé Berberian)

    At once, Vahé is both a stranger and a relative. His warmth has reached the diaspora through books (including the newly published Diary of a Dead Man), plays, paintings, and performances. The experience of his presence is truly a gift. We sat down in his home while he hosted a few guests, which should always be expected, for a unique interview about his history, the advice that changed his life, and the influence our heritage has had on his individual human experience.  Find  Vahé's latest book, "Diary of a Dead Man" and his prior work at vaheberberian.com/ "Every piece of writing is a letter."

    20 min

  3. 02/02/2022

    Living Outside Our Comfort Zone. (Guest Ellina Abovian)

    Elina Abovian immigrated from humble beginnings in Armenia to Glendale in 1987. Her meteoric rise through the ranks of local news onto the most popular broadcasts in Los Angeles is a tribute to her character. Although her work is often seen on screen, she has been absolutely essential in the coverage of both Armenians and other communities under duress, often right on the ground in the middle of it. Combining grit and grace, Ellina (@ellina_abovian) talks about how being Armenian empowers her to work each day with integrity and presence.

    32 min

  4. 11/26/2021

    Who is the NBA's Only Armenian? (Guest Rex Kalamian)

    When it comes to representation, Rex Kalamian is it. For over 20 years, he's been an assistant to some of the greatest NBA coaches of all time -- including three trips to the All-Star game. His decorated resume includes the players he's developed like James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Demar DeRozan, and Kevin Durant. To be in conversation with him is to be humbled by the selflessness it takes to succeed with the world's greatest athletes.  "It's not just making them good basketball players... it's showing them what's coming ahead for them."

    40 min

  5. 11/08/2021

    What Do Our Ancestors Demand? (Guest Natalie Samarjian)

    Imagine being born to the sound of an unruly civil war.  Natalie and her mother, a survivor of abuse, found refuge in America in 1989. Our conversation digs into Natalie's roots and how they led her to a career in law and leadership, where she is now one of California's most revered people in impact and heritage as the CEO of CORO. Against all odds, her story is one of survivorship, service, culture, and redemption through relentless love is truly tear-invoking.  "All of this wasn't promised... Our ancestors demand that we live in joy."

    38 min
  6. What does it mean to be Armenian?

    11/03/2021

    What does it mean to be Armenian?

    A brief introduction to the show, to me, and to why we are the way we are.

    1 min
  • 6 Episodes

4.7
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

A series that interviews the incredible, influential, and inspirational Armenians among us. Listen to their stories as we explore the people who share our history and inspire our future.

Information

  • Creator
    Ross Asdourian
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2022
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ross Asdourian
  • Show Website
    Made of Armenians