SWANA Stories

Kayhan Azadi
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Arts

A storytelling podcast to celebrate Southwest Asian and North African voices with a transnational lens. Join us for a new storyteller every episode as we explore the richness and complexity of SWANA identity.

Episodes

  1. Mar 21

    Dalia: Daughter of Mountains

    This episode features Kurdish writer, restorative justice practitioner, and community organizer, Dalia. She describes her experiences growing up in Southern California and visiting Kurdistan as a kid, the origins of Jin Jiyan Azadi, why Kurds are often accused of being separatists, and more.  This was recorded before recent aggression against Kurds in Syria, as well as the US-Israeli imperialist war on Iran, and additional violence against Kurds from the Iranian government. And yet these stories from Dalia feel more relevant and needed today.  Find Dalia on Instagram at  Follow SWANA Stories on Instagram @swanastoriespod. Artwork designed by Paradise/Pardis. Check out more from them at pardislili.com.

  2. 04/05/2024

    Dani: Beware of Mothers

    We're back! Our storyteller this episode is Black and Palestinian artist and songwriter, Dani Isaily. She highlights the beauty and challenges unique to the mixed race experience through her stories from childhood and being a music artist. CONTENT WARNING: She recounts incidents of discrimination and racism she faced including being called racial slurs. Find Dani on Instagram @daniisaily. Her music featured in this episode will be available later this year. Follow SWANA Stories on Instagram @swanastoriespod. Artwork designed by Paradise/Pardis. Check out more from them at pardislili.com.

  3. 05/03/2023

    Ammar: Deeply Chosen

    SWANA Stories welcomes Ammar as this week's storyteller. An artist and performer, Ammar describes visiting Sudan and discovering how America has affected his sense of self. He also explores the complex relationships we have with our elders and provides insight into his creative process for making music and art. Find Ammar on Instagram @ammar.idk and listen to his music on Apple or Spotify. Follow SWANA Stories on Instagram @swanastoriespod. Artwork designed by Paradise/Pardis. Check out more from them at pardislili.com.

  4. 04/18/2023

    Carene: The Legacy of Two Failed Genocides

    This episode's storyteller is Carene, a community organizer and multidisciplinary artist based in Los Angeles on Tongva land. She talks about solidarity among movements, her ancestral roots as an artist, and her Black and Armenian identity. CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains mentions of slavery and the Armenian genocide. Find Carene on Instagram @carenerose and follow @yerazadcoalition. Follow SWANA Stories on Instagram @swanastoriespod. Artwork designed by Paradise/Pardis. Check out more from them at pardislili.com.

  5. 04/11/2023

    Madina: You're Allowed to Feel Joy

    Our storyteller today is Madina, an Afghan community organizer and social worker based in Los Angeles on Tongva land. She shares a bit about the origins of Burqas and Beer on Instagram, how her family inspired her move into social work, and the insidious impacts of imperialism. CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains mentions of refugee trauma. Find Madina on Instagram @burqasandbeer. Learn more about her work at madinawardak.com. Follow SWANA Stories on Instagram @swanastoriespod. Artwork designed by Paradise/Pardis. Check out more from them at pardislili.com.

  6. 04/04/2023

    Habibah: Jumping on Rooftops in Damascus

    In the debut episode of SWANA Stories, Habibah, a Sufi healer, artist, and organizer, shares moments from her childhood, her relationship to the land and music in Syria, and her path and continued work towards healing and helping others to heal. CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains mentions of transmisogyny, violence, and torture. To book a healing session with Habibah or to purchase prayer beads, DM her on Instagram @habibahbeads. Follow SWANA Stories on Instagram @swanastoriespod. Artwork designed by Paradise/Pardis. Check out more from them at pardislili.com.

  7. Season 1 Trailer

    Introducing SWANA Stories

    Stay tuned! You can connect with the show on Instagram at @swanastoriespod. Artwork created by Paradise/Pardis. See more of their work at pardislili.com.

  • 1 Trailer
    6 Episodes

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

A storytelling podcast to celebrate Southwest Asian and North African voices with a transnational lens. Join us for a new storyteller every episode as we explore the richness and complexity of SWANA identity.

Information

  • Creator
    Kayhan Azadi
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 SWANA Stories
  • Show Website
    SWANA Stories