Obscuristan

Latest episode

22 Mar 2025 · 1 hr 1 min

Ep. 6: Erased in Artsakh, Edited in Istanbul

In this episode, I join Elia Ayoub of The Fire These Times to speak with Efe Levent, editor of Mangal Media, about what it meant to collaborate on my article "Thunder, The Rose, and Ethnic Cleansing" about the erasure of Armenian cultural heritage in Artsakh. When a Turkish editor and an Armenian writer come together to shape this story about the ethnic cleansing of Armenians in Artsakh, history becomes part of the editing process. We discuss the challenges and revelations of working across a painful history, how the Armenian Genocide shaped our respective perspectives, and why narratives of…

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Earlier episodes 6 most recent

1. 

   15 Mar 2024 · 1 hr 10 min

   Ep. 5: Navalny from the Periphery

   Anna and Karena are ~back~ with special guest Daniel Voskoboynik to discuss the life of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and what his death means for those of us not quite at the heart of the Russian empire. PLUS a few special announcements about a wonderful new project in the works. Follow us on https://thefirethesetimes.com/ for more updates on that! Music by Sarven Yapar.

2. 

   12 Nov 2022 · 43 min

   Ep. 4: Bolshoi Colonizer Energy

   Karena and Anna share some gossip on the recent influx of Russian emigres in Yerevan following the War on Ukraine and discuss the pros, cons, consequences, and colonizer vibes that have accompanied them.

3. 

   4 Nov 2022 · 46 min

   Ep. 3: Dictator Decolonization Disco

   Karena tells Anna about Emomali Rahmon's recent decolonial girlboss moment. Anna encourages him to #quietquit instead. Our hosts also have a chat about what colonial consciousness looks like in Eurasia and what we can learn from talking to each other. Find us on Twitter @ObscuristanPod Produced by Samson Martirosyan. Music by Sarven Yapar.

4. 

   2 Nov 2022 · 43 min

   Ep. 2: Turkmenbashi is a Bad Boyfriend

   Karena tells us about the life and times of Turkmenbashi I, which brings her and Anna to a discussion about the absurdity of cults of personality, the damage they cause, and the empathy we extend to their victims depending on where they are. Find us on Twitter @ObscuristanPod Music by Sarven Yapar. Production by Samson Martirosyan.

5. 

   21 Oct 2022 · 55 min

   Ep. 1: Pink Top, Tits, and Microphone

   Anna and Karena discuss the illustrious career of none other than Russian pop-star Philipp Kirkorov, what his path tells us about gay rights in Russia, and why joining the Russian elite is never it, fam. Find us on Twitter @ObscuristanPod Music by Sarven Yapar.

6. 

   14 Oct 2022 · 40 min

   Ep. 0: Keeping Up With the Caucasus (And Why You Can't)

   Karena and Anna discuss the ongoing conflict in Armenia and tell you a little bit about why you are having the worst time keeping up with any of it. Find us on Twitter @ObscuristanPod Music by Sarven Yapar.

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