Andrew Bustamante

So when we have our best episodes on this show, the most shared episodes, the most rated episodes, I would love you to know.

And the simple way for you to know that is to hit that follow button.

But also the fact that

I think what 41% of you have chosen to follow the show that listen to it regularly is the reason why we've been able to improve everything.

It's the simple, easy, free thing that you can do to help us make the show better.

And I would be hugely grateful if you could take a minute on the app you're listening to this on right now and hit that follow button.

Thank you so, so, so much.

Benjamin, Annie, Andrew.

First and foremost, thank you for being here today.

I have to start with the question that's been on my mind as somebody that doesn't know a huge amount about geopolitics, which is, what the hell is going on?

And I say that because that's exactly what I mean.

What is going on and what context do I need to understand this sort of historical context of the actions we're seeing in Iran with this war right now?

Benjamin, what is going on?

I know you've got a personal connection to Iran because your family fled Iran, I believe.

What is the Shah and what is...

And how was Iran different when the Shah was in power versus when Khomeini was in power?

And the Americans didn't like this?

So as far as I understand, there was the Shah, the sort of royal leader who was in power.

He was overthrown in the late 1970s by Khomeini.

Khomeini galvanized people to believe in his way, and he's been in power ever since.