A powerful story of survival, resilience, and the search for freedom. Former Iranian citizen Seyed Nourashrafeddin shares what life in Iran was really like before finding freedom in America.
In this relevant and timely episode, I sit down with Seyed Nourashrafeddin — former Iranian citizen, now proud American — whose life story is a profound testament to resilience and the relentless search for freedom.
Seyed shares what life in Iran was like before the 8-year war… and the 37 years that followed. He speaks openly about childhood trauma with his father, growing up amid political upheaval, and watching his homeland change before his eyes.
Despite early academic struggles and low-test scores as a child, he refused to accept limitation as his destiny. He went on to earn his PhD, mentor others, and ultimately leave Iran for good to build a beautiful life in America with his wife and daughter.
With Israel and the United States currently bombing Iran, this conversation became urgent and deeply relevant. Seyed offers wisdom, insight, and sobering perspective drawn from lived experience — not headlines.
His newly released book, Searching for Freedom from Motel Qu to Pittsburgh, documents his extraordinary journey.
This episode explores:
• Life in Iran before, during, and after war
• Healing early childhood trauma
• Overcoming academic labels and rising to a PhD
• Immigration, identity, and building a new life in America
• What Americans should understand about Iran and democracy right now
• The true meaning of freedom
If you believe in transformational journeys, this episode will stay with you.
Connect with Seyed on social media -
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And buy his book "In Search of Rain from Hotel Qu to Pittsburgh" on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Search-Rain-Motel-Qu-Pittsburgh/dp/1665767499
Order Shari's book, "Broken to Enlightened", join the launch party or request an author event at shariroberts.org/my-book.
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Available on all major podcast platforms including -
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/transcending-trauma-the-spiritual-odyssey/id1808753390
https://open.spotify.com/show/04tAzvkdzB7cHHVKtipv27 and
Watch or listen on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@ShariRoberts-g4u
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