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Thank You, MamaAuthor: Ana Tajder
Award-winning author and journalist Ana Tajder talks to women from all over the world who share most valuable lessons they learned from their mothers. This biweekly trip around the world should allow the colorful experiences and wisdom of global mothers to inspire, empower, and maybe teach the listeners a lesson or two. Language: en Genres: Kids & Family, Parenting, Personal Journals, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Heading East to Reach the West: Mitra Jordan on Not Letting Circumstances Define You; Women's Resilience Through Iran's Revolutions; Following Your Own Path; and the Courage to Act Counterintuitively
Episode 186
Wednesday, 21 January, 2026
Originally published in 2021, I'm replaying this remarkable interview in solidarity with the courageous women of Iran and to offer you historical context for the protests unfolding today. Retired preschool teacher Mitra Jordan reflects on the life and legacy of her mother, Sattareh Farman Farmaian - widely regarded as the mother of social work in Iran and author of Daughter of Persia (highly recommended). Sattareh was raised in a royal harem as one of 36 children born to the ruling prince of the Qajar dynasty. She earned a degree in sociology from the University of Southern California, worked for the United Nations in Iraq, and then returned to Iran to found the country's first school of social work. Under her leadership, the school flourished, training hundreds of social workers and launching programs in family planning, women's education, and orphan care, with strong support from Farah Diba, wife of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. In 1979, the Islamic Revolution led by Ayatollah Khomeini forced Sattareh, at age 58, to abandon her life's work and flee Iran. She rebuilt her career in the United States, passing her exams and becoming a practicing social worker in Los Angeles. Mitra shares the lessons her mother lived by: the importance of education and self-reliance, the courage to follow one's own path, the refusal to be defined by your circumstances, and the often-overlooked mental benefits of physical exercise. You will find "Daughter of Persia" by Sattareh Farman Farmaian here. Subscribe to Ana's new "Mama Loves…" newsletter here. To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net For more about "Thank You, Mama", please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net Connect with Ana on social media: https://www.instagram.com/anatajder/ https://www.facebook.com/ana.tajder
