Armenian Enough

The causes of addiction have been pondered for ages, but there is an ever-growing consensus that a sense of belonging (or lack thereof) may play an important role, particularly in its inception. It is at once intangible and deeply personal, bringing to bear individual sensitivities and perspectives. In this episode, we discuss Srab's experience of growing up as an Armenian in England and how that led him down a difficult path, resulting in his own bout with addiction, but ultimately resulted in not only his healing, but into fully claiming his true identity. You can reach Srab on IG @mancunian_bars / FB @srabmancunian Or on his website Transformative-Healing.com And on YouTube Mancunian Bars

Co-Hosts Lara Vanian-Green and Armen Menechyan have an unscripted, free-flowing discussion on the topic of grief & joy: their interconnectedness, the importance of experiencing both, and how sharing them unites us inextricably as one fabric of humanity. This episode is Part 2 of that talk. Armen Menechyan is the owner of Pur Joy Yoga in Hollywood, California @purjoyoga

Co-Hosts Lara Vanian-Green and Armen Menechyan have an unscripted, free-flowing discussion on the topic of grief & joy: their interconnectedness, the importance of experiencing both, and how sharing them unites us inextricably as one fabric of humanity. This episode is Part 1 of that talk. Armen Menechyan is the owner of Pur Joy Yoga in Hollywood, California @purjoyoga

Recently, I heard someone refer to New Year's Resolutions as New Year's Revolutions - and I'm all in! In this episode, we introduce Tigran Grigoryan's brand new dance exercise program - think of it as Zumba but with music you would hear at an Armenian wedding! It's suitable for all ages & abilities and will have different dance moves for men and women (just like traditional Armenian dance). So, if you're in the mood to try something new, join me in dancing the night away! Tig has generously provided our listeners with a 10% discount code, just enter APARM at checkout. Happy New Year! Thank you for being part of our Armenian Enough family. May 2022 be your best year yet. Sign up for Arrii Parrii at www.arriiparrii.com And follow them on IG @arriiparrii  

In this episode, we get a behind-the-scenes look at what it was like to be a "Main Dater" on the first ever Armenian dating show. Vanessa and Shant talk about some of the most anxiety-inducing moments on camera as well as what they have learned, not only about dating, but also about themselves as a result of participating in this groundbreaking social experiment. The Armenian Dating Show is full of cultural treasures. Chief among them is the representation of Armenians who don't necessarily fit the traditional mold but whose genuine dedication to their heritage shines through at every turn. You can watch The Armenian Dating Show on their website at www.TheArmenianDatingShow.com Or on YouTube @Miaseen,Inc. Vanessa can be reached on IG @vanessaveee Shant can be reached on IG @shanti_manti

The Armenian Dating Show is one of those ideas whose time has (thankfully) come! Showcasing a variety of diasporan Armenians is arguably the hallmark of our podcast - but the sheer array of different  expressions of being Armenian is also a truth that emerges from the singles, whose dating lives we catch a glimpse of on the show. The genuine care on behalf of cast & crew alike allows for the vulnerable reality of a first blind-date to be captured and experienced vicariously through the safety of our screens. The Armenian Dating Show feels authentic and honest in a way that harkens more to documentary filmmaking than to what we have come to expect of so-called reality television. Beautifully shot and edited, the series feels nothing like a YouTube show, and everything like a Netflix show you might binge watch with friends over the weekend! You can reach The Armenian Dating Show at www.TheArmenianDatingShow.com And on IG @thearmeniandatingshow and @miaseen_inc

The task of discovering our individual identity is made that much more challenging when our very foundation is built upon shifting sands. Yasmin was raised by a Christian-Armenian mother and Muslim-Syrian father who emigrated to the United States when Yasmin was a child. In the midst of the push & pull of competing cultures, religious beliefs, and societal expectations, they were able to forge an identity uniquely theirs. Yasmin's confidence is as compelling as her vulnerability is disarming - truly, a model for us all. You can reach Yasmin on their website www.yasminalmo.com IG @yassayassayassa

One of the most meaningful things we can do with our one precious life on Earth is to leave this world better than we found it. Bravery born of love & compassion is the fuel that powers revolutions. In this case, a food & lifestyle innovation that enriches humans and animals alike, for the good of both. VegCheese is an artisanal plant-based cheese company founded by Lori Sroujian and run by her entire family, showcasing healthy vegan foods which sacrifice neither taste nor culinary pleasure. Find out more about VegCheese at VegCheese.com Follow VegCheese on IG @VegCheese

Do the people currently living on ancestral Armenian lands give any thought to the indigenous people of that land? Do they know they're living on Armenian soil, where countless generations of our people lived and loved and perished? How much thought do we give to the indigenous people of the land we call home today? Kya's Aboriginal roots provide a rich framework within which to explore their recently discovered Armenian DNA. Kya's curiosity of and reverence for history and tradition inspires us all to pause and ponder our own unique cultural legacy. You can reach Kya on FB @kyabranch

Serving up truth with humor is an insidious and brilliant way to make oneself understood on the most intimate level. Humor is a balm to our weary souls. I, for one, wouldn't want to live in a world without it. By the same token, it takes a heady mix of genuine confidence and vulnerability to be able to laugh at oneself in earnest. Mary Basmadjian, on her own and through her iconic characters, is skilled at bringing audiences into her world and through that lens, allowing us all to gain a fresh perspective of both our culture and our place in it. If you haven't seen her perform live, find out where she will be performing next and go! www.MaryBasmadjianComedy.com IG @marybasmadjian / FB @marybasmadjian / Twitter @marybasmadjian / TikTok @marybasmadjian

This episode provides a behind-the-curtains view of my most cherished relationship, the one with my only child. Hear her speak candidly about her life, her mother, and her internal sense of not feeling Armenian enough. (That last one kind of broke my heart a little.) With vulnerability and an abundance of compassion each of us can model what belonging and enough-ness really looks like in our own lives so that everyone understands on the deepest level that they, too, are a part of our tribe. Samantha's YouTube channels include Sammy's Dream World and Chillin' With Samantha

Our greatest freedom lies in the full acceptance of who we genuinely are, even if the world at large fails to understand or endorse our unique individuality. From that vantage point, so much is revealed about the veneer of society's rules and trappings. With humor, bluster, and at times, great vulnerability, Paul speaks about their undying love for all things Armenian, the beauty in making peace with death and the path to a unified future. You can reach Paul on IG @deadskull and @deadskullcurio  

What is it like to be Jewish and Armenian? Aside from inheriting intergenerational trauma from both sides, it is also something that has provided Alyssa with a unique view of both communities. More of a New Yorker than an "American," Alyssa explores how her upbringing has provided her access to two distinct and oftentimes insular worlds, as well as how her family's history has shown her that it can be even more advantageous to be a citizen of the world. You can reach Alyssa on Twitter @AlyssaZakaryan Or on LinkedIn And you can watch her YouTube channel Social Work Tarotist

Representation matters. It allows us a glimpse into the world of possibilities and rescues us from societal erasure. It's difficult to put into words how it felt to see actors on the big screen either speaking Armenian or telling the story of our ancestors who survived the Genocide... never did it cross my mind that the queer Armenian experience would also make it to the silver screen one day. Filmmaker Natalie Shirinian tells the story of her own coming out to her Armenian mother, in her new short film Parev Mama.  You can buy tickets to watch Parev Mama online here: https://www.goelevent.com/InsideOut/e/ShortsLongStoryShort You can reach Natalie on IG @natalie_shirinian Read her food blog Femme On Feast Connect to her production company NES Films  

The old adage of laughter being the best medicine still holds true - laughter strengthens the immune system and boosts feel-good chemicals in our brain. Good comedy is funny because it's true... or at least, there's a healthy dose of truth in it. Through his comedy, Andy gently pokes fun at Armenian (and other) stereotypes and provides poignant social commentary. Watch it with a friend! You can reach Andy on IG @andykenareki His linktree there provides links to his YouTube channel AndyKComedy and his brand new Cudee Pie merch!

The passion required for sustained activism is one that is born neither of blood nor soil, but a deep inner conviction in one's soul that each of us is ultimately responsible for bringing about justice in the world. The source of righteous anger is love. It has always been love. Hear Aram talk about his quintessentially American upbringing, the pull toward his Armenian roots, and the evolution of his activism. You can reach Aram on IG @aram_bowen Links to organizations discussed in this episode include: IG @armenianunityproject and @agbu_ypgny as well as www.coaf.org

There are few life events more damaging to the soul than being a victim of sexual assault and/or rape. Survivors often struggle with feelings of shame and anger, exacerbated by a society that all too frequently places blame on victims rather than perpetrators. Sharing stories of survival is a powerful reminder that we are not in this alone. Hear Aram Ronaldo speak candidly about sexual assault, existing in the murky trauma of its aftermath, and the eventual path towards healing. You can reach Aram on his website at aramronaldokrikorian.wordpress.com And on IG @lalimeohlonetransfer Rainn.org Rainn Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) TheTrevorProject.org The Trevor Project Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386  

What does it mean to be asexual? Aromantic? How do people who identify as Ace [asexual] establish intimate relationships which suit their needs as well as the needs of their partners? Writer Sarah Elgatian walks us through a frank and, at times, humorous discussion of sexuality, romance, identity - and the all too common struggle to be understood and accepted for who we genuinely are. You can reach Sarah on her website at www.rahelgatian.com and on IG @rahelgatian For a good resource about Asexuality, Sarah recommends www.asexuality.org

Even people who never suffered from anxiety probably got to experience some over the last year. A global pandemic can do that to us! As adults, we generally have the benefit of perspective as well as a whole host of healthy and not-so-healthy coping mechanisms. But what can children do when they are the ones dealing with anxiety? Who is there to listen to their fears? And perhaps more importantly, how can we teach them constructive and effective methods of quieting the "buzzing" in their heads. Dr. Muradian, a therapist specializing in anxiety, has just published a children's book called Franky and the Worry Bees, about just this topic. Hear her speak about why we could all use a little help managing our discomfort. You can reach Dr. Regine Muradian on her website www.reginemuradian.com On IG @dr._regine_muradian Purchase your copy of Franky and The Worry Bees here.

In this episode, we explore the experience of being African American and Armenian from a different vantage point than our previous episodes on this topic. As a bi-racial father raising his two daughters in a multi-ethnic family, David is uniquely equipped to guide and shape his children's sense of self and curate the cultural elements of their identity. The embodiment of goodwill and non-judgment, his perspective belies a deep and universal wisdom. You can reach David on IG @david_d_415 and on LinkedIn at David Djanikian

How much would you have to love someone to spend years in their pursuit, travel across the world during a global pandemic, and brave living in a foreign country during wartime? Mandy Breitenstein and her husband Adam, as well as their four children, did just that in October of 2020 to retrieve their fifth child, Ember, from an Armenian orphanage. Driven by her unshakeable faith in God, Mandy and her family embody the concept of brave love and show us all that we each have the ability and the responsibility to make the world a kinder place. You can reach Mandy on IG @a_september_monday Donate to the Emili Aregak center here. @emili_aregak @aregakbakery

Armen Abelyan, founder of the NGO Equality Armenia, discusses the importance of embracing our LGBTQ community and its members while drawing on the rich and often forgotten history of the Armenian people. Now, perhaps more than ever before, it is clear that every single Armenian has a crucial role to play in securing the future of our culture and its continued existence. You can reach Equality Armenia directly at www.EqualityArmenia.org as well as on FB @equalityarmenia and IG @EqualityArmenia To donate and enter the raffle (ending January 6, 2021) buy your tickets here!

Do our possessions foster a sense of happiness and peace or can over-accumulation of material goods itself lead to anxiety and discomfort? What happens to all our "stuff" when we no longer need or want it? Sustainable minimalist expert Stephanie Seferian guides us beyond superficial decluttering to consider the broader implications, both personal and global, that our consumer culture promotes. Listen to Stephanie's Sustainable Minimalism Podcast here Pre-order her book Sustainable Minimalism: Embrace Zero Waste, Build Sustainability Habits That Last, and Become a Minimalist without Sacrificing the Planet wherever books are sold. You can reach Stephanie on Facebook at @MamaMinimalist or IG @mommyminimalist as well as on her website www.MamaMinimalist.com

One of the least acknowledged populations in the Armenian community are Bolsahyes or Armenians from Istanbul. Armenians from Turkey are often subject to dual rejection - in Turkey, they are forced to repress their Armenian identity and in the diaspora, they must hide all aspects of Turkish culture, leaving them in a virtual "no man's land" of belonging. Tamar, whose Armenian parents hail from Turkey, discusses her conflicted thoughts and feelings as she claims her rightful place in the diaspora. You can reach Tamar on IG @tamm_alexandra

The church can be a great source of comfort and support for many individuals. It forms part of a culture that we are often born into and from which we forge a sense of identity. But what happens when who you are conflicts with who you were taught you are supposed to be? For many LGBTQ folks, the church can be a source of pain and rejection. The love that is preached from the pulpits is not always, it seems, meant for every parishioner. People like the Reverend Tory Topjian are actively working to create a worship environment where everyone is not only welcome, but encouraged to come as they are. As church attendance is near historic lows, it's crucial to their survival to not only change with the times, but to genuinely connect with and offer spiritual guidance to their communities. You can reach Tory at his church website www.milwaukeemcc.org Facebook - MilwaukeeMCC or Tory Topjian Twitter - RevToryTopjian

In the midst of turbulent times, we are confronted with the reality that we neither control nor fully understand the forces of destiny. What often appears to be a time ripe for despair may in fact be the beginning of our journey towards enlightenment. In embracing the mystery and accepting all that is, we uncover the immutable truth of the universe: that we are all one. As an intuitive energy healer, Ani weaves her compassion and sensitivity with her love of Armenian heritage and reverence for the wisdom of all our ancestors to provide guidance for those who seek it. You can reach Ani on IG @ani.vibes

ARPA Film Festival Director Maral Kazazian and Jury Liaison Sonia Keshishian tell us everything we need to know about this year's festival and the not-to-be-missed films of 2020. As a departure from previous years, this year's films will be streamed online and available any time from November 12th through 22nd, with all proceeds going to Armenia Fund. So, grab some popcorn and gather the family to watch all the films in the comfort of your home! For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.arpafilmfestival.com

Imagine the power that future generations of Armenians could harness if all aspects of their being were supported by teachers and parents alike? Join us for a deep dive into the state of Armenian private school education and how we must evolve to meet the needs of all our students and create a deeper sense of belonging in the Armenian community and beyond. You can reach Armen at his website www.ArmenMenechyan.com and on IG at armen.menechyan

In our first official episode of Season 3, we turn the tables and allow story coach Anna Darian to interview Armenian Enough host, Lara Vanian-Green, about how she does & doesn't feel "Armenian Enough" and how her relationship with her Armenianness has changed over time. In her work as a story coach, Anna helps people utilize their personal stories to connect more meaningfully with their audience. You can reach Anna on her website at www.AnnaDarian.com or on Instagram @anna.darian {Editor's Note: This episode was recorded prior to the attack on Artsakh, which took place on September 27, 2020.}

Martin Luther King Jr. once famously said, "In the end, we will not remember the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." How can we, in the Armenian diaspora, cope with the silence of the world as our homeland is under attack? We are outnumbered, outgunned, and dealing with forces much more powerful on the world stage. Azerbaijan (and their ruthless attack on Artsakh) is backed by Turkey, whose President Erdogan has said that they intend to "finish what our grandfathers started," alluding to the Armenian Genocide of 1915. We, second and third generation survivors of this genocide and inheritors of the trauma of our parents and grandparents, are dealing with emotional and phsysiological burdens that are both seen and unseen wounds that are now being torn open anew. How do we build resilience in these trying times? And how do we protect future generations from the same fate? Dr. Christie Kederian, who wrote her doctoral dissertation on the transfer of intergenerational trauma and resilience, through her analysis provides validation and hope for our ability to not just to endure but also to thrive. You can reach Dr. Christie on IG at @thedatedoctorchristie or on her website at www.drchristiekederian.com  

100 Years from Home, airing on PBS SoCal on September 1, 2020, is a documentary about an Armenian woman returning to her ancestral homeland on the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, to search for the house her family was forced to flee a century ago. Filmmaker Jared White captures both the personal intensity and historical perspective of his wife, Lilit’s, journey. Hear about the challenges and the triumphs they experienced along the way. Watch the trailer here: 100yearsfromhome.com Reach them on FB @100yearsfromhome and Instagram @100yearsfromhome

Last Fall, when we featured a two-part episode on racism in the Armenian culture [episodes #25 and #26], it was intended to be an ongoing conversation. Given the current momentum of the Black Lives Matter movement and the massive societal shift in consciousness regarding police brutality and systemic racism, we felt that it was more important than ever to hear directly from Black Armenians now. Isis Ani Mack is a student of international business and global politics at the University of Nevada, Reno. Our first introduction to Isis was through her essay for @kooyrigs where she shared that when she was a child growing up in Glendale, other Armenian families wouldn't allow their children to play with her because her father was black, and later - how a conversation with an elderly woman in Armenia forever altered her perspective about being a mixed-race Armenian. Hear Isis's story in her own words. You can reach Isis directly on IG @_isis_mack

Last Fall, when we featured a two-part episode on racism in the Armenian culture [episodes #25 and #26], it was intended to be an ongoing conversation. Given the current momentum of the Black Lives Matter movement and the massive societal shift in consciousness regarding police brutality and systemic racism, we felt that it was more important than ever to hear directly from Black Armenians now. Our second bonus episode features Brown University computer-science student, Levon Brunson, who has an enormous passion for Armenian culture, particularly Armenian traditional dance. Our first introduction to Levon was through the article he penned in Massachusetts' The Armenian Weekly newspaper. Hear Levon talk about his experience of being Black and Armenian in his own words. You can reach Levon on Instagram @levonbrunson and Facebook @levonbrunson

Last Fall, when we featured a two-part episode on racism in the Armenian culture [episodes #25 and #26], it was intended to be an ongoing conversation. Given the current momentum of the Black Lives Matter movement and the massive societal shift in consciousness regarding police brutality and systemic racism, we felt that it was more important than ever to hear directly from Black Armenians now. Our first bonus episode features Carene Rose, an Ivy-league educated actress and activist, who wrote an essay for @kooyrigs which instantly captured our attention. She wrote, "To be a Black Armenian woman is to be the legacy of two failed genocides." Hear Carene's story in her own words. Photo credit: Christopher Montgomery  

In the United States, as in many other countries, dogs are considered treasured companions and frequently pampered (more than some humans). However, they do not enjoy quite the same reputation in Armenia. Rampant street dogs and a historically agrarian culture have contributed to the low status of canine-Armenians. Oknooshoon (a combination of the word "help" and the word "dog" in Armenian) is a non-profit whose mission it is to change how dogs are perceived in Armenia. Hear Nairi talk about her passion for dogs and their therapeutic benefits as well as her vision for the future of Armenia, in our last episode of Season 2.  

Being Armenian and gay are largely thought of as incompatible identities in contemporary Armenian culture. However, Dr. David Alajajian-Fox posits that the two marginalized cultures actually share striking historical parallels in their search to define themselves as well as rise from the ashes of near destruction. How do we bridge the divide of generations lost? Who remains to pass along history, folklore, and traditions to future generations? How can each community enrich the other? You can reach Dr. David on IG @drgay_la Or at his practice Pacific Oaks Medical Group

The journey into motherhood is at once uniquely personal and deeply universal. It is full of moments of profound love and fear, in turn. Some women are fortunate enough to have a tribe of other women to support and guide them through this rite of passage. For those who do not, Dr. Jenn and Dr. Sarine fill in as therapists, mothers, and best girlfriends with their aptly titled podcast, Is It Bedtime Yet? With humor and compassion, they tackle all aspects of life after children, giving us all permission to be human.

In this episode, we weave our way through South American and Armenian cultures, and the unique ebb and flow of belonging to several cultures simultaneously. We examine the relative importance of speaking mother tongues and the myriad ways we can inhabit our communities as full-fledged members without doing so.  

In this episode, we traverse beyond the physical challenge of running long distances and delve into the spiritual strength required to do so successfully, exploring the notion that training to push one's body beyond its limits may also have an effect on other areas of one's life. Armen Sarrafian reveals what it takes to run an ultramarathon and why the 2020 Artsakh Ultra Stage Race is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Support Armen by donating to his GoFundMe page. Find out more about the 2020 Artsakh Ultra Stage Race Contact Armen on his IG at: scalpelandthesoul

The death of a loved one is always difficult to bear, but when someone you love dies by suicide the effects of grief are multiplied. Suicide remains a taboo subject in just about every culture, and Armenians are no different in that respect. However, our culture does imbue death by suicide with an added layer of shame that ultimately serves a punitive purpose not merely for the deceased but for their family as well. In this episode, a "Suicide Widow" discusses her journey through pain, sadness and anger towards healing and forging her new identity as a Suicide Warrior. If you are having suicidal thoughts or feelings, please contact The National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. To purchase a copy of Therapeutic Musings, click on the link.  

Where do we get our news? Who do we trust to tell us the truth about what is happening in the world? Is all media created equal? Anna Kachikyan talks about her passion for storytelling and the importance of journalistic integrity, particularly in the Armenian community. From her days at TMZ to covering Armenia's Velvet Revolution for a diasporan audience, the trajectory of her career and her trailblazing vision for the future of journalism is nothing short of inspired. You can reach Anna on IG @annakachikyan @thearmenianreport @theannareport And on FB @annakachikyan @thearmenianreport The Anna Report The Armenian Report

Few things in life hurt so deeply as watching (what seems like) everyone else experience that which you so deeply desire, what society expects you to achieve with ease. Infertility is often a lonely and isolating experience, and many women suffer in silence and even shame, which can prevent them from receiving the very support they need most. In this episode, Therapist Margrit Boghosian shares her painful, yet ultimately hopeful journey through infertility and miscarriage to the eventual birth of her three children. Margrit can be reached via her website at Get Well Ahead

At long last, we bring you the third episode in our ongoing Series on Dating! Mike Gabriel hosts his own podcast called MikedUpPod and is a co-host of The Anna Report, where he can be found doling out dating and relationship advice live every Monday evening. On this episode, Mike shares his candid views on dating and marriage from an Armenian male perspective. When it comes to romantic relationships, men tend to play their cards close to the vest, making this a unique opportunity to discover some of the hopes, expectations, and struggles, that Armenian men experience in the world of dating. You can find MikedUpPod wherever you listen to podcasts. You can reach Mike on IG @MikedUpPod Watch The Anna Report on FB Live every Monday at 6 p.m. PST

How do we, as a society, measure a woman's value? How should it be measured? How do we treat women who don't look the way society says they should? And what kind of damage are next-to-impossible standards doing to young girls and women of all ages? Elizabeth Megrabyan joins us for an honest and unflinching look at the price we sometimes pay in order to pursue perfection. [Editor's note: while eating disorders also affect men, the societal pressures still disproportionately fall on women.] If you think you may have an eating disorder, please contact the National Eating Disorders hotline at 1-800-931-2237 or visit their website here: NEDA You can learn more about Elizabeth and read her blog at ElizabethMegrabyan.com Elizabeth's IG: helloelizabethmeg and hyewerehere Photo Credit: Diana Davis

Diasporan Armenians often go to great lengths to "stay connected to our roots," but there are many different kinds of roots, one of the most fundamental being our connection to Nature itself. What are we missing when we live our lives in concrete boxes, bombarded by electronics, seeking communion via social media? Who would we be if we allowed ourselves to feel the soil beneath our feet? To drink in the stars in the nighttime sky? Dr. Nicole Apelian shares what she has learned from living with African tribes whose way of life is in harmony with nature, along with the sacred medicine of healing plants, and the secret to re-setting our souls and reconnecting with our essence. You can reach Dr. Nicole Apelian directly via her website: www.nicoleapelian.com On Instagram @nicoleapelian On Facebook @nicoleapeliansurvival or @thelostbookofherbalremedies The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies can be purchased here: https://www.thelostremedies.com/nicole-apelian/ Watch Nicole on Season 2 and Season 5 of National Geographic's Alone show here: Alone

Armenian wine making dates back 4000 years BC, so it's safe to say that our people have a long history of experimenting with intoxicating beverages and flavors. Influenced by his family's tradition of brandy making, Melkon (along with his wife) reinterprets flavor profiles of traditional spirits using the environment as his guide, in more ways than one. Listen, be inspired, and experience them for yourself. www.greenbardistillery.com

One of the greatest gifts we can bestow on our culture is to make our historical past relevant by merging it with the present day. Composer John Hodian guides us through his process of rediscovering Armenian music, infusing it with world music influences, and welding that combination to ancient lyrics, resulting in a genre that defies categorization. You can reach The Naghash Ensemble on IG @naghashensemble and purchase their latest CD at naghashensemble.com

Universally, Armenia is recognized as a Christian nation, but what were we before then? Armenian history goes back thousands of years. What did our ancestors believe in? To whom did they pray? Are any of the pagan traditions still practiced today? Historian Vazgen Barsegian takes us back in time to discover a rich Armenian and pre-Armenian pantheon of Gods & Goddesses, whose remnants can still be found today in ancient ruins and elements of tradition woven through cultural holiday customs - that is, if you know where to look! Vazgen can be reached on his website at www.vazgentheurartian.com as well as on FB at Vazgen Barsegian and Instagram @vazgentheurartian

In America and across the globe today, people have been experiencing an intense sense of polarization. It's happening on social media, TV news, and in our very living rooms. The gulf between us and them feels at its widest. It is increasingly difficult for us to find meaningful common ground with those we view as being on the opposing end of the moral spectrum. It wasn't always this way... and it doesn't have to be this way now, either. How to Have Impossible Conversations is a timely new book by Dr. Peter Boghossian and James Linsdey that offers a practical, step-by-step guide to navigate even the most challenging conversations. Get your copy today wherever books are sold! You can reach Dr. Peter Boghossian on Twitter @peterboghossian Purchase your copy of HOW TO HAVE IMPOSSIBLE CONVERSATIONS here:

In Part 2 of our episode on racism in the Armenian community, Sonia and Brandon speak frankly about the challenges they face as a mixed family and the importance of representation for their children. They illustrate how being biracial can be an enhancement of culture rather than a dilution of it. At its core, it is a matter of knowing and loving who we are as individuals and trusting our hearts to be true. The gorgeous portraits of Yeraz and Ashkhen are the artwork of Arpi Krikorian. www.ArpiKrikorian.com Sonia Pierce can be reached on her FB page at www.facebook.com/sonia.garbet

When we talk about marriage in Armenian culture, we tread on sacred ground. Most of us grow up knowing we are expected to marry one of our own, another Armenian. We are told this is the only way to preserve our bloodline, our heritage, our history -- and to fail in this simple task is to complete the job the Turks set out to accomplish during the Armenian Genocide. It's a compelling argument on one level, but we humans are complicated, fallible beings with hearts and yearnings all our own. And calls for racial or ethnic purity cannot simply wrap themselves in a flag and be transformed into patriotism. Sonia & Brandon Pierce tell the story of their love for one another, and in doing so, reveal the true nature of what it means to be a proud Armenian in today's diaspora.