Investigating the factors influencing the popularity of the “Radio Rah” podcast among Iranian audiences

The Persian podcast “Radio Rah”, hosted by Mojtaba Shakouri, has become a highly popular audio program among Iranian audiences, particularly the younger generation. It has consistently ranked among the top three in most polls conducted on the most beloved podcasts. This article, using the method of thematic analysis, evaluates the content of this podcast’s episodes in order to determine what types of themes are currently favored by the Iranian public. According to the findings, Radio Rah is a podcast aimed at encouraging listeners to think critically and seek ways to live better lives. It appears to carry the mission of helping its audience cope with the sufferings of life. In the podcast, Mojtaba Shakouri explores complex philosophical and psychological concepts in a simple and fluent language. He makes these ideas more tangible and accessible by incorporating literary stories, music, and scientific articles. The most frequently recurring themes in the podcast include the necessity of a realistic outlook on life, the importance of positive practical actions in times of crisis, encouragement of self-awareness and self-knowledge, critique of modernity and consumerist culture, and emphasis on spiritual and emotional growth in life. Furthermore, through a thematic analysis of listeners’ comments on the Castbox platform, it was revealed that emotional resonance with the content, admiration for the quality of production, and acknowledgment of the podcast’s psychological and cognitive impact are the main reasons behind its widespread popularity.

Keywords:

Radio Rah Podcast , Persian Podcast , Psychology Podcast , Internet Studies , Thematic Analysis