The Song of America

There has been much ado about Armenian cinema. Recent accolades have sent shock waves in what is left of Hollywood. But Armenians are not anywhere new to Hollywood, the techniques of famed Director Ruben Mamulyan (circa 1930-1950's) are still immitated today. Howard Kazandjian, famed Producer of the Indiana Jones series and Star Wars is one of the most recognized names in the industry. Then there is the recent Academy Awards blowout be Sev Ohanians "Sinners"..you see, Armenians are not only not

It is absolutely impossible to speak of the iconic history of American auto racing without speaking about the Agajanian family and the patriarche himself, JC Agajanian. I won't spoil the story by letting in on even a little bit of the history, you must hear it from the direct decendants of this race promoting legend. But the story doesn't stop or start there...because the Agajanian story is about immigration to the US, California history, racing history, trash business history, hog ranching his

It is a rare occasion when you sit in the midst of definition of humility. It doesn't happen in this trade. And certainly in Academia, this type of humility is rare. I have been acquainted with Dr. Max Nikias for many years; I was a subcontractor for the USC Athletic Department when Dr. Max was reigning over the University. But it is clear now, I didn't KNOW him. If you could bottle academic excellence, humilty, perserverance and philisophical genius, you would get Dr. Max Nikia elixir. Max Ni

This is Part Two of this incredible history of the Agajanian family and the legacy of JC Agajanian. Evel Knievel may have been able to jump just about anything, but after sitting down with the Agajanian family for this episode, I realized there’s no vaulting over their impact on American racing. As I listened, I felt like I’d revved my engine onto a hidden track through the backroads of motoring history, engines roaring, family legends at every turn. The Agajanian saga is more than a tale of ch

The Song of America is more than a podcast. It is the story of the American spirit told through the voices of those who lived it. Every family who came to America brought something with them. Some arrived with money, most arrived with nothing. But nearly all carried the same hope: the chance to build a life through freedom, sacrifice, hard work, and opportunity. They were not looking for handouts. They were searching for the outstretched hand of liberty — the freedom to carve their own path, pr

The crew behind "Winter Song" could hardly have anticipated just how deeply their project would resonate—not only with Armenians seeking to see themselves anew, but with anyone curious about the mechanics and miracle of making an indie film that both honors and transcends its roots. It’s no secret that Armenian stories, for generations, have been cast through a lens of tragedy—a cultural narrative shaped as much by history as by the ongoing desire to keep memory alive. But this team wanted more;