Language Therapy with Dr. K

What does it mean to call Armenian an Indo-European language? And, what, exactly, is a "language family"? In this episode, Dr. K sits down with historical comparative linguist Dr. Hrach Martirosyan to unpack the scientific foundations behind that claim. Together, they explain how scholars reconstruct linguistic relationships across thousands of years, why Indo-European became the most studied language family, and common misperceptions about linguistic ancestry. Moving from early discoveries about deep similarities between Sanskrit and European languages to Grimm's Law and beyond, the conversation illustrates how words like mother, father, and daughter preserve echoes of a shared linguistic past across millennia, and how linguists distinguish inheritance from contact. This episode offers a clear and compelling introduction to how historical-comparative linguistics uncovers the deep history of Armenian, showing how scientific methods illuminate its place within one of the world's most widespread and extensively studied language families.

Why do we call it stand-up? What do mob violence and comedy have in common? In this episode of Language Therapy, Dr. K sits down with Judith Shelton—comedian, actor, and professor of stand-up comedy and improvisation at the USC School of Dramatic Arts—to unpack the language and culture behind making people laugh. Drawing on her decades-long career, from The Groundlings to a memorable turn as Kramer's girlfriend on Seinfeld, Judith reflects on how stand-up comedy is shaped by combative metaphors: punchlines, killing it, bombing on stage. Together, they explore whether comedy can truly be taught, and where craft ends and instinct begins. The conversation culminates in a powerful reflection on stand-up as a humanizing force—one that fosters empathy, connection, and self-knowledge, especially in the diverse classroom Judith has cultivated at USC. Join us for a sharp, thoughtful, and deeply entertaining exploration of language, laughter, and what comedy reveals about who we are.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Hrach Martirosyan, a leading historical-comparative linguist, dives into the rich tapestry of the Armenian language. He debunks common myths about its Indo-European roots and age, shedding light on its evolution as a living language shaped by history and its speakers. Topics like language purism, borrowings, and the emotional weight of linguistic debates are explored. Dr. Hrach emphasizes the importance of research and collaboration in understanding Armenia's historical linguistic presence, setting the stage for further exploration.

What happens when your first American "language" isn't English, but jazz? How does a voice shaped in the uncertainty and upheaval of 1990s Armenia find its way onto New York's storied jazz stages while still carrying the timbre of folk songs and candlelit nights? In this episode, Dr. K sits down with jazz vocalist Lucy Yeghiazaryan, born in Armenia during a period of profound transition before immigrating at twelve—not to an Armenian enclave, but to rural New Jersey. Together they trace Lucy's journey as a quintessential 1.5-generation Armenian: from growing up between literary Russian, colloquial Eastern Armenian, and jazz standards learned phonetically, to navigating the complexities of singing a Black American art form as an Armenian immigrant woman. Lucy reflects on longing, guilt, and the feeling of forever standing "beside the golden door" that shaped her new album pairing Armenian folk songs with American jazz standards. The conversation explores raising a bilingual child, the tension between colloquial and literary Armenian, and why diasporans must shed the myth of being "defective Armenians" and claim their role as cultural creators. Join us for an intimate conversation about music as firelight, the universality of human feeling, and how a mountain-top voice can carry Armenia far beyond the narratives of war and loss.

Ken Khachigian, a veteran presidential speechwriter for Nixon and Reagan and author of Behind Closed Doors, shares his fascinating journey from a California farm to the political spotlight. He discusses the art of speechwriting, emphasizing the balance of message and emotion. Khachigian reflects on his Armenian heritage and the concept of resilience that shaped him. The conversation dives into crafting speeches, the significance of audience connection, and the intense pressure of last-minute fixes. With insights on the evolving role of AI in writing, Ken showcases the timeless power of words.

Dr. Hrach Martirosyan, a historical-comparative linguist and inaugural scholar at USC's Armenian Studies Institute, dives deep into the significance of Armenian within the Indo-European language family. He explains the intricate methods linguists use to trace language origins and the importance of recognizing Armenian as a distinct branch. They explore the historical context of linguistic classification, its impact on Armenian identity, and the ongoing mysteries in their field. Martirosyan's passion for linguistics shines as they discuss the relevance of language to cultural continuity.

What does it mean to live and create between languages? How can code-switching become a form of artistry? In this episode of Language Therapy with Dr. K, Armenian American singer, songwriter, and one-half of the chart-topping duo Capital Cities, Sebu Simonian, takes listeners behind the scenes of his creative process and reveals the central role of language. From growing up a heritage speaker of Western Armenian to performing in Eastern Armenian, from writing global pop hits in English to reimagining Komitas in bilingual form, Sebu moves fluidly not only between languages but also across genres — making hybridity itself a hallmark of his work. The conversation highlights his deep connection to Armenian music, particularly Komitas, and the wide-ranging collaborations through which he continually reimagines how language, culture, and sound converge. Listen for a thoughtful reflection on the power of words and melodies to shape both personal expression and collective experience.

Sebu Simonian, an Armenian-American singer and half of the duo Capital Cities, discusses the vibrant interplay of language and culture in his music. He shares his experiences as a heritage speaker navigating between Western and Eastern Armenian, and the essence of code-switching as a form of artistry. The conversation highlights his creative process in reviving Komitas' music in a bilingual format and the significance of preserving cultural identity through musical expression. Sebu also reflects on the communal support among Armenian artists, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.

What happens when language is more than a tool—when it becomes a performance, a personality, a portal to the past? In this richly layered conversation, artist and filmmaker Arman Nshanian joins Dr. K to trace the story of his life through the languages and dialects he's spoken, sung, embodied, and directed—from Egyptian-Armenian roots to Vienna opera halls, Yerevan film sets, and now to the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles with his latest project, Echoes of Our Ancestors. Together, they explore multilingualism, method acting, dialectal code-switching, diasporic identity, and the cost—and power—of artistic vulnerability.

What happens when language is more than a tool—when it becomes a performance, a personality, a portal to the past? In this richly layered conversation, artist and filmmaker Arman Nshanian joins Dr. K to trace the story of his life through the languages and dialects he's spoken, sung, embodied, and directed—from Egyptian-Armenian roots to Vienna opera halls, Yerevan film sets, and now to the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles with his latest project, Echoes of Our Ancestors. Together, they explore multilingualism, method acting, dialectal code-switching, diasporic identity, and the cost—and power—of artistic vulnerability.