Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Stories shape the way we see the world, connect with others, and find hope in the midst of hardship. In this episode, I had the privilege to interview one of my favorite living authors Daniel Nayeri, whose books Everything Sad is Untrue and The Many Assassinations of Samir the Seller of Dreams have captivated readers with their honesty, humor, and heart.
Daniel shares his journey from childhood in Iran, to life as a refugee, to becoming an award-winning writer in the U.S. He recalls his early love for storytelling: from family gatherings where stories replaced television, to the treasures of small-town American libraries. Books shaped his imagination, with Tolkien and Terry Pratchett leaving lasting marks on his reading and writing life.
We discuss how storytelling is an act of hospitality. Daniel explains, “The writer inhabits the reader,” describing reading as a deeply intimate experience. Authors, he believes, have an obligation to be good guests in the reader’s mind: gentle, careful, and respectful.
Daniel also reflects on the truth-telling power of stories, even when memory is imperfect. His memoir Everything Sad is Untrue embraces the flaws of memory, while his fantasy The Many Assassinations of Samir the Seller of Dreams plays with unreliable narrators and trickster tales. He contrasts a common mode of storytelling, shaped by film’s “invisible lens,” with Eastern traditions like Arabian Nights, where stories exist within stories.
Suffering and hope are recurring themes in Daniel’s books. Drawing on lessons from pastor Tim Keller, he explains how belief in a just future transforms how we endure hardship: “What you believe about the future will change how you live in the present.” Stories, he notes, help us remember and embody this hope.
For aspiring writers, Daniel encourages persistence: “There’s no such thing as a talent on this topic. It’s entirely built on how much you’d like to work that muscle out.” His new book, How to Tell a Story, combines practical exercises with imaginative play, making storytelling accessible for writers of all ages.
Daniel also shares what he’s reading—from Arabian Nights to Redwall to the charming manga Yotsuba!—and offers wisdom for homeschool families. On tough days, his advice is simple: “Let’s go make something.” Whether cooking, crafting, or storytelling, creation restores balance and joy.
This episode was such a joy for me to record, and I pray it will encourage you as well!
👍 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more conversations about faith, books, and homeschooling.
Show notes and transcript: humilityanddoxology.com/daniel-nayeri-truth-story-hospitality-hope
Thank you to Podcast Season Sponsor Berean Builders. Click here for homeschool science your kids will love: bereanbuilders.com/ecomm
While you’re here, would you take a minute to leave a rating and review in your podcast app? Send me a screenshot of your review and I’ll send you a $15 gift certificate to my shop! Just email me your review screenshot at Amy@HumilityandDoxology.com
Join Made2Homeschool for exclusive content and community: HumilityandDoxology.com/M2H made2homeschool.com/a/2147529243/KNcPGL3t
FREE Homeschool Planner Calendar: humilityanddoxology.com/free-homeschool-planner-calendar
FREE Homeschool Planning Guide: humilityanddoxology.com/homeschool-planning-guide
Year of Memory Work: humilityanddoxology.com/year-of-memory-work
Follow Humility and Doxology Online:
Blog humilityanddoxology.com/
Facebook facebook.com/HumilityAndDoxology
Instagram instagram.com/humilityanddoxology
YouTube: YouTube.com/humilityanddoxology
Amy’s Favorites: humilityanddoxology.com/favorites
This podcast and description contains affiliate links.
#danielnayeri #readaloudfamily #homeschool #literarylife
Stories shape the way we see the world, connect with others, and find hope in the midst of hardship. In this episode, I had the privilege to interview one of my favorite living authors Daniel Nayeri, whose books Everything Sad is Untrue and The Many Assassinations of Samir the Seller of Dreams have captivated readers with their honesty, humor, and heart.
Daniel shares his journey from childhood in Iran, to life as a refugee, to becoming an award-winning writer in the U.S. He recalls his early love for storytelling: from family gatherings where stories replaced television, to the treasures of small-town American libraries. Books shaped his imagination, with Tolkien and Terry Pratchett leaving lasting marks on his reading and writing life.
We discuss how storytelling is an act of hospitality. Daniel explains, “The writer inhabits the reader,” describing reading as a deeply intimate experience. Authors, he believes, have an obligation to be good guests in the reader’s mind: gentle, careful, and respectful.
Daniel also reflects on the truth-telling power of stories, even when memory is imperfect. His memoir Everything Sad is Untrue embraces the flaws of memory, while his fantasy The Many Assassinations of Samir the Seller of Dreams plays with unreliable narrators and trickster tales. He contrasts a common mode of storytelling, shaped by film’s “invisible lens,” with Eastern traditions like Arabian Nights, where stories exist within stories.
Suffering and hope are recurring themes in Daniel’s books. Drawing on lessons from pastor Tim Keller, he explains how belief in a just future transforms how we endure hardship: “What you believe about the future will change how you live in the present.” Stories, he notes, help us remember and embody this hope.
For aspiring writers, Daniel encourages persistence: “There’s no such thing as a talent on this topic. It’s entirely built on how much you’d like to work that muscle out.” His new book, How to Tell a Story, combines practical exercises with imaginative play, making storytelling accessible for writers of all ages.
Daniel also shares what he’s reading—from Arabian Nights to Redwall to the charming manga Yotsuba!—and offers wisdom for homeschool families. On tough days, his advice is simple: “Let’s go make something.” Whether cooking, crafting, or storytelling, creation restores balance and joy.
This episode was such a joy for me to record, and I pray it will encourage you as well!
👍 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more conversations about faith, books, and homeschooling.
Show notes and transcript: humilityanddoxology.com/daniel-nayeri-truth-story-hospitality-hope
Thank you to Podcast Season Sponsor Berean Builders. Click here for homeschool science your kids will love: bereanbuilders.com/ecomm
While you’re here, would you take a minute to leave a rating and review in your podcast app? Send me a screenshot of your review and I’ll send you a $15 gift certificate to my shop! Just email me your review screenshot at Amy@HumilityandDoxology.com
Join Made2Homeschool for exclusive content and community: HumilityandDoxology.com/M2H made2homeschool.com/a/2147529243/KNcPGL3t
FREE Homeschool Planner Calendar: humilityanddoxology.com/free-homeschool-planner-calendar
FREE Homeschool Planning Guide: humilityanddoxology.com/homeschool-planning-guide
Year of Memory Work: humilityanddoxology.com/year-of-memory-work
Follow Humility and Doxology Online:
Blog humilityanddoxology.com/
Facebook facebook.com/HumilityAndDoxology
Instagram instagram.com/humilityanddoxology
YouTube: YouTube.com/humilityanddoxology
Amy’s Favorites: humilityanddoxology.com/favorites
This podcast and description contains affiliate links.
#danielnayeri #readaloudfamily #homeschool #literarylife
