So to Speak: The Free Speech Podcast
Episode 262, “Escaping Iran”
Release Date: January 22, 2026
Host: Nico Perrino (FIRE)
Guest: Puia Nikman, Iranian-born writer and author of the Substack Outliving Iran
Episode Overview
This episode features the harrowing and inspiring story of Puia Nikman, who fled Iran at age 18 and has since become a vocal advocate for free expression, secularism, and belonging in his adopted country. Puia details the realities of life under Iran’s repressive regime, the transformative power of free speech, and the extraordinary challenges faced by those who seek to escape authoritarian systems. The conversation offers both an on-the-ground perspective of recent uprisings in Iran and a deeply personal immigrant journey—one marked by resilience, trauma, and an unwavering faith in the American spirit.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Current State of Iran & The Brutality of the Regime
- State Violence and Suppression: Puia describes the government’s violent response to protesters, including killings, kidnappings, and the brutality of the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps).
“They not only machine gun young protesters on the street, they kidnap their corpses…It is a type of barbarism, likes of which we haven't seen since ISIS.”
— Puia Nikman [02:19] - Role of the IRGC: The IRGC functions as a lawless paramilitary force, indoctrinating recruits from a young age and operating outside even the government's own legal structures.
“There is nothing that IRGC does that can be admissible in the court of law…They have no morals. They were recruited since a young age and they just don't feel any remorse killing someone who they think is against Islamic government.”
— Puia Nikman [03:04]
2. Psychology and Structure of Repression
- Societal Indoctrination and 'Game' of Suppression: Members of paramilitary and morality forces derive pleasure from enforcing religious laws.
“So it is a fun game for them…They get a sense of pleasure out of hunting their own people.”
— Puia Nikman [05:14] - Censorship as a Tool of Control: The inability to discuss alternatives to the regime’s ideology or government is cited as a primary reason for the persistence of dictatorship and the entrenchment of oppressive norms.
“If only it was allowed to talk about a different option for society…better people could have been swayed and not reached a level where they could shoot protesters…”
— Puia Nikman [08:33]
3. Life Under Totalitarianism
- Ubiquity of Suppression: Freedom is denied not only in speech but in dress and personal expression, with compulsory hijab and standardized attire masking personal identity.
“...even freedom of speech through your own clothes…the way you style that you wear, is a way of speaking your beliefs, your personality. And it is not acceptable to show your personality through your clothes.”
— Puia Nikman [11:00] - Surveillance State & Social Complicity: Fear is magnified not just by authorities but also by neighbors and ordinary citizens who willingly enforce regime norms.
“People, for example…I had a girlfriend…all of our neighbors were really happy. They were taking pictures of us and they just spread the news. ‘Oh, do you know Puya's talking to a girl?’”
— Puia Nikman [15:31]
4. Change and Hope Within Iranian Society
- Shifts in Social Norms: The normalization of going unveiled, beginning with protest movements and the martyrdom of Mahsa Amini, has led to rapid social changes.
“Ever since Iran feels much of a lighter place, much of a happier place…even my own grandfather…now going around his neighborhood defending girls who are being harassed…”
— Puia Nikman [17:32]
5. Puia’s Personal Story: From Slums to Escape
- Poverty and Upbringing: Grew up in North Isfahan in severe poverty, heavily religious environment, unable to afford basic comforts.
- First Spark of Freedom – Western Influence: Early exposure to American media (Pixar’s Ratatouille) inspired both a sense of possibility and a rejection of a preordained life path.
“That movie completely shaped who I am…The fact that I'm here sitting with you to that movie.”
— Puia Nikman [25:34] - Rejection of Religion and the Regime: Inspired by foreign stories, he renounces Islam at age 12, seeking his own compass.
6. Escape & Exile – The Journey Out
- Obstacles to Emigration: Immigration laws, financial barriers, and lack of support options make escape nearly impossible for most Iranians.
“Just even getting a student visa…requires at least like $30,000 in your bank account when you apply.”
— Puia Nikman [33:39] - South Korea and Extreme Poverty: Secures a student visa to Korea with little money, survives by begging on the streets.
“I had to beg people on the street for food…I experienced like real, crushing poverty.”
— Puia Nikman [40:18] - Human Trafficking and Abuse in Europe: Lured by a trafficker to Europe, Puia is held in effective slavery for over a year, subject to assault and rape.
7. Finding American Values, Surviving Against Odds
- Escape through Education: Earns a research opportunity at the University of Texas at Austin, faces a year-long security screening delay due to family ties.
- Survivor’s Guilt and Loss: Returns to see friends devastated by Iran’s repression and feels the loss of loved ones who did not escape.
“They perish one by one, some of them commit suicide…that just grinds you down.”
— Puia Nikman [49:59]
8. Arrival and Reflections on America
- Unexpected Generosity: Praises the uniquely American impulse to confront injustice.
“Americans…the thing that makes them Americans in my head…they don't take injustice easily. Like they want to do something about it.”
— Puia Nikman [00:00 / 60:32] - Anxiety about the Future: Despite achieving legal status, he is deeply anxious about recent political efforts to deport immigrants from Muslim-majority countries.
“ICE could just come and pick me up at any moment and send me back to Iran to die.”
— Puia Nikman [63:27]
9. The Moral Imperative to Speak Out
- Refusal to Be Silenced: Despite real risks, Puia insists on telling his story and advocating for change.
“I rather be deported back to Iran and die and speak up than live in fear for another three years…I've just decided that I'm not afraid anymore.”
— Puia Nikman [66:55]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the transformative power of dissent:
“Iran is a country that since day one didn't have freedom of speech. So not only freedom of speech through writing, but even freedom of speech through your own clothes…the way you style that you wear, is a way of speaking your beliefs…”
— Puia Nikman [11:00] -
On American exceptionalism:
“Everywhere else. People don't like injustice, but they don't. It doesn't even occur to them that they could do something about it. They give up, they're given up, they accept injustice. But Americans…don't take injustice easily. Like they want to do something about it.”
— Puia Nikman [00:00/60:32] -
On why he refuses to stay silent, even at personal risk:
“I rather be deported back to Iran and die and speak up than live in fear for another three years…I want to live my life to the max. I want to get…this last bit of juice and I am very much against being silent…”
— Puia Nikman [66:55] -
On survivor’s guilt and the fates of friends left behind:
“They perish one by one, some of them commit suicide and other could become so depressed that they're not themselves anymore…the environment…the threat of death over your shoulders.”
— Puia Nikman [49:59]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [02:19] Puia describes the current brutal Iranian crackdown
- [05:14] Exploration of the militia mindset and suppression as “a game”
- [10:47] Discussion on the critical value of free speech & effects of censorship
- [17:32] Societal changes in Iran post-2022 hijab protests
- [25:34] Puia’s first exposure to America via Ratatouille; rejection of regime
- [33:39] Navigation of impossible immigration laws
- [40:18] Begging and survival on the streets of Seoul
- [49:59] Loss of friends and survivor’s guilt
- [54:46] Final escape to the U.S. and ongoing risks as an immigrant
- [60:32] Praise for American culture’s response to injustice
- [66:55] Choosing to speak out, no matter the risk
Summary
Through harrowing personal experience, Puia Nikman illustrates both the necessity of free speech and the lengths people will go to claim it. His testimony is a window into the realities of totalitarian repression, the resilience of those who resist it, and the urgent requirement for societies—especially America—to remain vigilant and compassionate in upholding their ideals. The episode is both a stark warning and a call to action for listeners, putting a human face on the stakes of speech, migration, and resistance.
For further reading from Puia Nikman, visit his Substack, Outliving Iran.