Farhad lived in US for 47 years
Iranian-American fan Farhad came to the US from Iran 47 years ago, having spent two-thirds of his life in America.
Where this was said
Introduction to Farhad and Kevin
At 21:39 · chapter starts 20:20
Natalie Kitroeff sets up the personal story that will dominate the rest of the episode. Producer Anna Foley went to Los Angeles just hours before Iran's first 2026 World Cup game and sat down with a father and son — Farhad and Kevin — who are lifelong Iranian team fans. Their story, Kitroeff explains, is about the 'complex business of sorting out national pride and fandom — in the middle of war.'
Farhad's Visa: An Act of God
Farhad spent five years trying to get a US visa before the Iranian Revolution. One day he showed up at the embassy — the whole street was filled with people. Then a consular officer called his name with no microphone, no speaker, just his voice. Farhad has replayed that moment every day of his 47 years in America.
Similar snapshots
SF average rent up 18% in 2 years
San Francisco's average rent rose 18% over the past two years to $3,728/month, surpassing New York City as the most expensive rental market in the country.
SF average rent: $3,728/month
San Francisco's average monthly rent now stands at $3,728, surpassing New York City to become the most expensive rental city in the United States.
Bobby walked 7 miles with dicks drawn on face
At a childhood sleepover, Bobby Lee's friends drew penises on his face and he walked 7 miles home on a dirt road before being picked up by Eric Purvis's mom.
World poverty: 60% in 1950 vs 10% today
In 1950, about 60% of the world lived in extreme poverty; today it's about 1 in 10, attributable to capitalist economic growth.
6M US children fell into poverty 2021–24
From 2021 to 2024, 6 million children fell below the poverty line in the US after the expanded child tax credit expired.
Private adoption costs $40,000–$70,000
Private domestic infant and international adoptions typically cost $40,000 to $70,000, while foster care adoption is the most affordable route at $0 to $2,000.
Only 40% of men have ever reproduced
Historically, only 40% of men have ever reproduced — Galloway uses this to argue that romantic success requires effort, not a hall pass.
7th of 10 children
Robby Hoffman is the 7th of 10 children raised in a Hasidic household in Montreal, where the family was poor and comedy was a survival mechanism.
No concept of 'too soon'
Robby's Hasidic community had no concept of 'too soon' in comedy — if it was funny, you threw it, and if you bombed, your sibling told you immediately.
