Therapy Gecko – Episode Summary

Episode: “I’M FROM IRAN, AND I HAVE A MESSAGE”

Date: January 18, 2026
Host: Therapy Gecko (Lyle)
Guest: Arman Ahmed Arman

Overview

In this emotionally charged episode, Therapy Gecko connects with Arman, an Iranian living in Toronto, who shares his firsthand perspective on the ongoing unrest and internet shutdowns in Iran. The conversation, centering on the turmoil, economic strife, propaganda, and personal feelings of helplessness and survivor's guilt, humanizes the often-abstract news headlines about Iran. Arman’s story serves as both testimony and plea: a message from the Iranian diaspora to the wider world about what is happening to his people under the regime.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introduction and Arman’s Background

• [02:24-04:14] Arman, originally from Tehran, lived in Iran until age 24 before moving to Canada about six to seven years ago. He currently resides in Toronto after a period in Montreal.
  • Quote: "I know what the government is like, I know what the people are like..." (04:16 – Arman)
• Arman is not politically active but feels compelled to speak about the situation in Iran due to the current climate and lack of communication with his family.

Life in Iran and Reasons for Emigrating

• [05:21-09:27] Economic hardship was a driving force behind his emigration. Even professionals in Iran cannot cover basic needs due to currency devaluation.
  • Quote: "It doesn't make sense for a white collar worker to go to their office because that doesn't pay for the cab ride there..." (08:18 – Arman)
• When arriving in Canada, Arman was supported by his family and feels privileged for having the opportunity to leave.

Current Situation in Iran

• [12:18-17:20] Arman is anxious due to the week-long total internet blackout in Iran, curfews, and reports of indiscriminate violence against civilians.
  • Quote: "I don’t have any specific... it has been a week since I heard anything from my family members there.” (14:39 – Arman)
• Communication is nearly impossible; information only comes through rare channels like Starlink.

The Reality of Protests and Government Repression

• [18:24-21:42] The guest contextualizes current protests as the latest in a cycle of unrest, explaining historical precedents (2019’s protests, Woman Life Freedom protests in 2022–23).
  • Quote: “It’s got to a point where people don’t have a choice anymore because... they can’t afford very basic food.” (19:49 – Arman)
• Poverty is widespread; people have no alternative but to protest.

Regime Propaganda and International Perceptions

• [21:52-26:45] Arman explains government narratives that blame unrest on Western interference and threaten "balkanization".
  • Quote: "That's one of their instruments of terror... These people are Westerners. They're paid by the U.S." (25:13 – Arman)
• The “threat” of Iran splitting into ethnic enclaves is regime propaganda to maintain control.

Structure of the Regime

• [26:45-29:09] A brief primer on Iran's theocracy: false elections, a figurehead president, and real power in the hands of the Supreme Leader, Khamenei.

Personal Emotional Toll & Survivor’s Guilt

• [43:37-46:30] Arman opens up about his emotional exhaustion, lack of news from family, constant anxiety, and a profound sense of survivor's guilt.
  • Quote: "I wish I could do more. Yeah, I don’t know. Did you want to ask something else? I really want to talk as much as possible because... I feel like I have a duty, you know.” (46:30 – Arman)

Daily Life and Indoctrination in Iranian Schools

• [51:43-59:50] Vivid details about school life:
  • Gender-segregated education.
  • Daily collective chanting of anti-Western slogans, regardless of comprehension.
  • Emphasis on religious indoctrination, Arabic to recite Quran, little exposure to arts.
  • Mandatory “defense” education focusing on guns and readiness for war.
  • Quote: "They would read a bit of Quran and then they chant things like death to Israel, to America. They would chant stuff like this... to 6 year olds, 6 year olds all around Iran." (53:27 – Arman)
  • Despite this, many youth see through the propaganda.

Poverty, Information Control, and Social Stratification

• [61:04-65:24] Those very poor or very rich are likely to support the regime: the poor due to indoctrination and lack of access/information, the rich because it serves them materially.
  • Use of VPNs is widespread among those seeking uncensored news or connection to the outside world, but many still lack awareness of life elsewhere.

Reflections on Ignorance vs. Awareness

• [67:54-70:10] Arman compares the pain and anxiety of awareness (e.g., after reading '1984') to the comparative “comfort” of ignorance, but affirms knowledge is ultimately a privilege and a responsibility.
  • Quote: "If I didn’t have the education that I’ve had, I wouldn’t have a chance and a privilege to stand up for people... because, you know, the knowledge, even if it brings pain with it, it’s still a privilege." (70:10 – Arman)

Closing Message & Call to Listeners

• [73:36-75:59] Arman directly addresses the audience, urging them to share information about Iran and not let the suffering become invisible.
  • Quote: "If you can spread the word, I would be personally grateful to you... You don’t have to take my word for it. You can do your own research." (74:09 – Arman)
• He also reflects on the possible benefits and risks of foreign intervention and the importance of keeping the plight of Iranians in public consciousness.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On economic hopelessness:
  “Even white collar workers, it doesn’t make sense for them to work anymore because they can’t afford the cab to their workplace.” (08:18 – Arman)

• On government repression:
  "People are being shot at if they’re outside... there’s just no discrimination." (13:10 – Arman)

• On propaganda:
  "They keep telling people, oh, these people are Westerners. They're paid by the U.S. They're paid by outside forces." (25:53 – Arman)

• On survivor's guilt:
  "It could be me who's unemployed, who can’t afford anything, who dreams about having a car or even phone. It could be me there, and now. It could be me fighting for my life, fighting for food..." (45:21 – Arman)

• On knowledge vs. ignorance:
  "Even if it brings pain with it, [knowledge] is still a privilege." (70:10 – Arman)

• On the power of testimony:
  "Your just sharing of your lived experience is, I think, a lot more powerful than you having some kind of savviness over the complex information..." (47:51 – Therapy Gecko)

Important Timestamps

• [02:24] — Arman introduces himself and shares his background.
• [05:21] — Discusses the economic collapse and life in Tehran.
• [14:39] — Shares the pain of not hearing from family during the internet blackout.
• [18:24] — Historical context of protests in Iran.
• [21:52] — Details about propaganda and Western “incitement.”
• [29:09] — Explains Iran’s regime and Supreme Leader.
• [43:37] — Opens up about exhaustion, worry, and survivor's guilt.
• [51:43] — Describes indoctrination and life in Iranian schools.
• [61:04] — On poverty, lack of information, and VPN use in Iran.
• [67:54] — Reflection on awareness and the pain of knowledge.
• [73:36] — Arman’s closing appeal to the audience.

Episode Tone

The episode is raw, earnest, and somber, with the host exhibiting deep empathy and curiosity. Arman speaks with a mixture of urgency, heartbreak, and cautious hope—both for Iran’s future and for international awareness.

Takeaway

This episode provides a rare, unfiltered perspective from within the Iranian diaspora, highlighting not only the macro-political and economic crises, but the intensely personal consequences—family separation, fear, indoctrination, and guilt. Arman’s central message is clear: the Iranian struggle is not abstract, but real, personal, and ongoing. Listeners are called upon to witness, to remember, and to amplify the voices under threat.

"This last few minutes has been my story and it has been the story of a lot of people in Iran, and [they] are suffering a lot more."
— Arman, [74:09]