Award-winning freelance podcast producer releases ‘Days Like These’ episode

Award-winning freelance podcast producer Pariya Taherzadeh has released an episode of the ABC’s podcast Days Like These titled ‘Jaleh’s Drive For Freedom’ exploring Iranian woman Jaleh Misaghi’s incredible story of challenge and triumph.

Every person has a childhood dream, but sometimes, life gets in the way. A strong, independent woman, Jaleh wanted to become a race car driver, but her goal was stripped away when she was forced into oppression in the wake of the 1979 Iranian revolution.

Six years in, things didn’t get easier, so she risked everything in pursuit of a better life. She sold her belongings and paid people smugglers to help her and her toddler escape to Australia. Now, three decades later, Jaleh has her freedom. While she didn’t become a race car champion, she does what she loves for a living: drive.

“I escaped Iran with my mum when I was eight months old,” said Pariya. “I grew up hearing Jaleh’s story and I knew it needed to be told. A lot of the work I do is a tribute to my mother.”

‘Jaleh’s Drive For Freedom’ comes after a run of freelance projects for Pariya. While in lockdown, she jumped into the role of sound designer and mixer for ‘The Trap’, a Victorian Women’s Trust podcast series about love, abuse, and power. She was also the executive podcast producer for ‘Two Broke Chicks’, a series hosted by Sally McMullen and Alex Hourigan about surviving your 20s amid a global pandemic. Pariya is still involved with both projects, and she will continue her role as executive producer on season two of 'Two Broke Chicks’.

“Lockdown has been tough for everyone, but I couldn’t be prouder of the work I did from home,” said Pariya. “The isolation gave me the time I needed to work on this next chapter of my career.”

Pariya’s freelance journey began in 2020 when she decided to leave her job at Mamamia. The leap came just three years into her career in audio production, which started with a Selwyn Speight Diversity Scholarship with the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) and the ABC.

After her studies and as a part of the scholarship, she secured a full-time job at the ABC, where she created the radio documentary ‘Escape from Iran’. Pariya took home the gold prize in history and silver in social issues at the 2020 NY Radio Festival Awards, firmly positioning her as one of the industry’s rising talents.

“I see my achievements as both personal triumphs and proof that aspiring content creators from across the globe can find success doing what they love,” said Pariya.

‘Jaleh’s Drive For Freedom’ will be available tomorrow, Wed Nov 24, in the Days Like These feed.

To find out more about Pariya Taherzadeh’s story and work, visit her website.