This casual roundtable explores the natural harmony between Zoroastrian wisdom and the core values that shape the American spirit. Drawing from the Gathas of Zarathushtra, we reflect on timeless principles such as freedom and personal choice, responsibility, integrity, equality and justice for all, care for the community, and the ongoing effort to innovate and renew in order to make the world better. Rather than a formal lecture, this conversation brings together colleagues for an open and relatable discussion on how these shared values show up in modern American life- at home, at work, and in our civic communities. This session is welcoming to all and highlights how ancient teachings continue to inspire thoughtful, compassionate, and purposeful living in the United States today. Please see below for episodes and bios for our panelists.
Ep 1 – Freedom and Individual Responsibility
Panelists:
Kaveh Arbab is a Zoroastrian-American who lives in Los Angeles, California where he owns and operates an architecture office with his wife. Kaveh’s work is guided by his interest in Zoroastrian heritage and architectural traditions connected to it. He writes about Zoroastrian sacred spaces, cosmology, and symbolism, and creates detailed architectural reproductions that explore how ritual, geometry, and spiritual meaning shaped the Zoroastrian built environment. The Gathas guide Kaveh in his day-to-day life, strengthening his connection with Ahura Mazda and informing the way he lives with his family, approaches his work, and engages with the living world.
Rebecca DesPrez is a writer, speaker, and advocate for Zoroastrian heritage. Rebecca holds a degree in Political Science from San Jose State University and pursued undergraduate studies in International Relations at Marmara University in Turkey. She serves on the Board of the American Zoroastrian Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing Zoroaster’s teachings, and is an active member of the PR Committee for the California Zoroastrian Center. Through her writing and public speaking, she works to make Zoroastrian history and philosophy more accessible to modern audiences. When she’s not writing, Rebecca enjoys knitting, reading and biking. She currently lives in Eugene, Oregon enjoying rain and foggy mornings like a true pluviophile.
Navid Mansourian has been a student of the Gathas of Zarathushtra for nearly 30 years. He shares Zoroastrian philosophy through his Devotion to Wisdom series and variety of talks and social media content. Navid currently serves on the Board of Directors of the American Zoroastrian Society, a nonprofit dedicated to educating anyone interested in Zoroastrianism and fostering an inclusive, worldwide community with equal membership opportunities for all.
Robert St. Thomas, also known as “Bahram Anushiravan,” was born and raised in Anaheim, California, September 11, 1990. An avid historian, Robert has a deep passion for Zoroastrianism and the pre-Islamic history and culture of the Greater Iran. A devoted Zoroastrian of 8 years, he is actively involved in the community and its causes, working to preserve and promote the teachings of his faith. Robert began his higher education journey at Fullerton College, studying Business administration, and is currently at Saddleback College, where he is preparing to transfer to the University of California, Irvine (UCI). He plans to pursue a PhD in Iranian History furthering his commitment to understanding and sharing the rich history of greater Iran and Zoroastrianism.