Today’s episode is something truly special. I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with a veteran journalist whose career spans over 30 years — a name that’s especially well known in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. From hosting on TKS and STV, to reporting for Axborot in Tashkent, this guest has seen the evolution of Uzbek journalism firsthand. In fact, he’s interviewed none other than the first President of Uzbekistan seven times — a remarkable achievement by any standard. Now based in the United States for the past five years, he continues to stay connected with his roots by creating content for the "Vatan Community of Uzbekistan" Philadelphia division, sharing stories and voices that matter. Get ready for an insightful, nostalgic, and inspiring conversation with a man whose voice helped shape the news for generations.
UZB:
Bugungi epizodimiz haqiqatan ham o‘ziga xos. Men 30 yildan ortiq tajribaga ega bo‘lgan, ayniqsa, Samarqandda keng tanilgan faxriy jurnalist Bahodir aka Sharafov bilan suhbatlashish baxtiga muyassar bo‘ldim.
TKS va STV telekanallarida boshlovchilik qilgan, Toshkentdagi “Axborot” dasturida faoliyat yuritgan Bahodir aka o‘zbek jurnalistikasi taraqqiyotiga bevosita guvoh bo‘lgan inson. Qolaversa, Bahodir aka O‘zbekistonning birinchi Prezidenti bilan yetti marotaba suhbat qilganlar — bu ulkan yutuq. So‘nggi besh yil davomida AQShda istiqomat qilayotgan bo‘lsalar-da, hanuz Vatan bilan bog‘lanib yashaydilar — xususan, Filadelfiyadagi "Vatan Community of Uzbekistan" bo‘limi orqali jamiyat uchun ahamiyatli bo‘lgan video dasturlar yaratishda davom etmoqdalar.
Oldingizda o‘tmishni eslatadigan, chuqur fikrlarga boy va ilhomlantiruvchi suhbat turibdi — necha avlodlar yangiliklarini shakllantirgan ovoz egasi Bahodir aka Sharafov.
In this episode, we sit down with Muhammad Aslamov, a driven entrepreneur who moved to the United States just a few years ago with a dream—and made it a reality. In early 2025, with the support of his family, he opened Sofiya Restaurant, an authentic Samarkand restaurant located in the heart of Manhattan, New York. Built on tradition and passion, Sofiya is a true family-run establishment, featuring professional chefs straight from Samarkand and a menu that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Uzbekistan.Currently focused on pick-up and catering services, Muhammad Aslamov shares his journey, challenges, and the big vision behind Sofiya Restaurant: to turn it into a nationwide franchise and bring the flavors of Samarkand to cities across America
Today’s guest is a true example of hustle, resilience, and ambition. Originally from the historic city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, he made the bold move to the United States in 2023. In just a short time, through relentless hard work and a clear vision, he’s been steadily building the life he dreamed of.
At just 25 years old, he’s already made impressive strides in the trucking industry — not only working as a driver but also owning multiple trucks and growing his business. But he’s not stopping there. With his eyes set on financial freedom, his next big goal is creating streams of passive income.
You might also know him from Instagram, where he shares his journey and insights under the name @TheDavlatjan.
Let’s dive into his inspiring story of grit, growth, and going after what you want.
Today on the podcast, I’m excited to welcome someone who truly embodies the American Dream. In 2003, he arrived in the United States with just $400 in his pocket and a drive to build a better life. Through hard work, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit, he opened several successful pizzerias in the Philadelphia region.But he didn’t stop there. In 2010, he launched Samarkand Steakhouse - a standout success and now a beloved destination for food lovers in Philadelphia region and beyond.Beyond business, he’s a dedicated family man who now spends more of his time enjoying life with his loved ones and diving into new passions, like learning Arabic.Please welcome Ozod Soliev — a true self-made success and an inspiring example of what’s possible when you dare to dream big!
Our guest today embodies the American dream in its truest form. Imagine moving to a new country, starting a new life, and through sheer grit and ambition, carving out incredible success. From her early days as a cleaning lady after arriving from Uzbekistan in 2006, to becoming a sought-after nail technician in Philadelphia's most upscale salons, her story is one of constant growth and reinvention. Now, she's channeling that same drive and dedication into the world of real estate, guiding clients from diverse backgrounds to find their perfect place in the city. We are thrilled to have the remarkable Alia Asanova with us today!
Today, I’m excited to welcome Raj Patel to the podcast. Raj is currently an analyst at Uline in Allentown and a graduate of Temple University. We first connected while working together as pharmacy technicians, and since then, he’s continued to bring that same attention to detail and work ethic into everything he does. Outside of his professional role, Raj is deeply involved in the world of fantasy sports. He runs a successful YouTube channel called The DFS Process, where he shares expert insights and strategies on fantasy football and daily fantasy sports.
From humble beginnings to top performer — this is the story of Firuz Rahmatov.
In 2015, Firuz left everything he knew behind in Samarkand Uzbekistan, chasing a dream and a better future here in the United States. He arrived with a suitcase full of hope, a heart full of determination, and a willingness to start from the very bottom.
His first job? Waiting tables at a restaurant — long hours, little pay, but Firuz never complained. He knew every step was part of a bigger journey. After that, he worked in billing for insurance claims, learning the American business world from the inside out, sharpening his skills, and setting his sights higher.
Today, Firuz is one of the top car dealers at Conicelli dealerships in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania — a name respected by colleagues and customers alike. His success isn’t just about selling cars — it’s about earning trust, building relationships, and never forgetting where he came from.
Firuz’s story is a true testament to hard work, resilience, and the American Dream in action.
Get ready to be inspired.
Today’s guest has lived multiple lives—first as a police officer on the tough streets of Philadelphia, then behind the wheel as a truck driver logging thousands of miles across the country. Now, he’s flipped the script again, managing his own properties and building his own path. He’s seen the world from a squad car, a semi-truck, and now from the perspective of an entrepreneur. Please welcome my friend, Paul Siwek
Today, I had the pleasure of sitting down with two inspiring brothers—Daler and Doniyor Mahmudov—visionaries behind a growing family business that's putting Uzbek cuisine on the map here in the United States.
From their roots in hospitality to building standout venues like Bellagio, a stunning wedding destination, Suzani Palace, and the beloved Suzani Restaurant, these two have played a major role in shaping their family's entrepreneurial journey.
Their mission? To share the rich flavors and warm culture of Uzbekistan with communities across the country—and they're just getting started.
Let’s dive into their story.
Today, we’re diving into the world of business, hard work, and big moves! Meet Furqatxon, the mastermind behind AFS World — a powerhouse in the transportation industry in Pennsylvania. All included trucking services here with AFS.But success doesn’t come easy. We’ll hear his story, his struggles, and the mindset that turned his vision into a thriving business. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a trucking enthusiast, or just love a great success story—this one’s for you!
