Estupid Neema Podcast: Alex Eskandarkhah on Culture, Creativity & The Absurdity of Life
How Alex Eskandarkhah Balances Art and Commerce
This week on Estupid Neema, Alex Eskandarkhah pulls up for a conversation that’s equal parts insightful and hilarious. From his Iranian heritage to his filmmaking journey, Alex dishes on life, culture, and creativity with humor that keeps the heavy moments light.
If you’re navigating your own creative path—or just want a good laugh—you’ll love this episode.
The Podcast Boom and “Saying Anything”
Alex kicks off with a funny but real observation: podcasting is everywhere because equipment is so cheap now. According to Alex, it’s led to a saturation where “people are just saying anything.” But instead of complaining, he flips the script—sharing how creators can rise above the noise by making their content relatable and showing the process, not just the polished end result.
It’s about creating a connection, whether through a podcast, vlog, or story. If your audience feels like they’re part of your journey, they’re more likely to engage and show up for you.
From Basketball to Filmmaking
Alex dives into how storytelling led him to filmmaking. It wasn’t just about making movies; it was about learning the business behind them. He compares filmmaking to retail: buy low, sell high, and understand your margins.
He shares the backstory of two standout projects:
"Coaching While Black": A documentary inspired by Alex’s basketball past and love for storytelling. The film got a DGC nomination and was self-distributed as a proof of concept, eventually landing on Amazon Prime.
"Cycles": A short film shot in just three nights. It was a creative leap for Alex’s friend Andre, who wrote the script to take control of his acting career.
These projects show Alex’s belief that storytelling is both an art and a business—and you need to know both to thrive.
Tackling Cultural Identity
One of the most powerful parts of the episode is Alex’s deep dive into his Iranian heritage and the complexities of Black identity within that space. He gets candid about the erasure of Black history in Iranian culture, highlighting the need to challenge harmful traditions—like the blackface character Haji Firus—and educate people on their origins.
He shares a story of his dad confronting a shopkeeper about blackface in a bazaar, emphasizing the importance of speaking up, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Alex also touches on how Black culture is perceived differently in the West versus other parts of the world. His takeaway? Question everything. Seek out knowledge for yourself instead of regurgitating what you’ve heard.
Humor in the Absurd
It’s not all serious, though. Alex has a knack for turning life’s oddities into comedy gold:
AI Respect: He jokes about being “nice” to AI chatbots in case they take over someday.
The Persian Penguin: Alex imagines a villain who “makes people smell better” as part of a made-up superhero universe.
These stories are ridiculous in the best way and show that humor can make even the strangest moments relatable.
Alex’s Takeaways for Creators
If you’re chasing a creative dream, Alex dropped some gems:
Question Everything: Don’t just go with the flow—dig deeper and challenge the norm.
Be Authentic: Let your unique experiences shape your work.
Learn the Business: Creativity is only half the equation—know how to sell what you create.
Engage Your Audience: Build a real connection with your community instead of just chasing numbers.
Stay Consistent: Whether it’s content or personal growth, the results come from showing up again and again.
Use AI Wisely: From spreadsheets to editing, it’s a tool to make your work easier—but keep a human touch.
Dreams of Directing and Future Moves
Alex closes out the episode with a big dream: directing an episode of Law and Order: SVU. He’s all about working with people who share his vision and passion, knowing that success is as much about the people you surround yourself with as it is about talent.
Final Thoughts
Whether he’s breaking down cultural identity or cracking jokes about life’s absurdities, Alex Eskandarkhah brings depth and humor to the table. This episode of Estupid Neema isn’t just about creativity—it’s about questioning the world around you, staying authentic, and finding joy in the ridiculous.
Don’t miss it—listen to Alex’s episode of Estupid Neema now.