Episode

Mandana Dayani: From Fleeing Iran to Living the American Dream S3E1

Podcast
LIZ’S COFFEE CONNECTION
Published
Jan 21, 2026
Duration seconds
2498
Processing state
not_requested
Canonical source
https://TheCapitolCoffeeConnection.podbean.com/e/standing-up-to-the-regime-a-refugees-journey-from-tehran-to-global-activism/
Audio
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/a8zuucnzm2g2rpih/Mandana_Manyani_012026_Podcast_UPDATED9wfqa-d3ffwz-Optimized.mp3
JSON
/v1/public/podcasts/liz-s-coffee-connection-6602786/episodes/mandana-dayani-from-fleeing-iran-to-living-the-american-dream-s3e1
Markdown
/podcast/liz-s-coffee-connection-6602786/mandana-dayani-from-fleeing-iran-to-living-the-american-dream-s3e1.md

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Summary

Mandana Dayani’s story begins in Tehran—where, as a child, she lived with bomb sirens, fear in the streets, and the pressure to hide her Jewish identity. By age five, her family fled on a one-day visa, leaving everything behind. Resettled in Queens with nothing, she went on to live the American dream she now fiercely defends. Mandana shares what pushed her into action after witnessing the 2018 child separation policy, why she founded I Am A Voter, and how she uses branding and behavioral science to drive change—from voter participation to fighting antisemitism after October 7th. She also reflects on parenting, community, and why joy isn’t a luxury—it’s a responsibility.