David Shams
@davidshamswriter.bsky.social
Food. Booze. Liverpool FC. UofL. St. Louis Cardinals. 2 Kids. Hiking. Iranian. American. Kentuckian. Bardstown. Photography. Writer. RT disclaimer. Currently in Warsaw.
The gurus say "ignore the news" or "optimize your routine." But I can't ignore what's happening in Iran. And my routine has been dead for 8 weeks.
My latest essay is about the art of not having the answers.
My latest essay is about the art of not having the answers.
The Diasporic Split Screen
There are no gurus for living between two homelands on fire
davidshams.substack.com
January 16, 2026 at 6:14 PM
The gurus say "ignore the news" or "optimize your routine." But I can't ignore what's happening in Iran. And my routine has been dead for 8 weeks.
My latest essay is about the art of not having the answers.
My latest essay is about the art of not having the answers.
"The lesson, I suppose, is that we should take what we know and use it as a bridge."
Reflecting on how soccer helped me explore my Iranian heritage and make connections as a Kentucky boy abroad.
#soccer #expats
Reflecting on how soccer helped me explore my Iranian heritage and make connections as a Kentucky boy abroad.
#soccer #expats
The Universal Language of the Pitch
Finding connection from Kentucky to Beijing to Warsaw and everywhere in between, one match at a time
davidshams.substack.com
January 9, 2026 at 6:10 PM
"Fandom manifests the same way everywhere. Whether in Beijing, Warsaw, or DC, there are unique bonds formed simply in the way we support our clubs."
My latest post on Substack:
My latest post on Substack:
Universal Fan Customs in Beijing
Snapshots from Afar: January 5th, 2026
davidshams.substack.com
January 7, 2026 at 12:55 PM
"Fandom manifests the same way everywhere. Whether in Beijing, Warsaw, or DC, there are unique bonds formed simply in the way we support our clubs."
My latest post on Substack:
My latest post on Substack:
Polonia Warsaw’s passion shines even in defeat. Authentic groundhopping adventure filled with heart.
#PolishSoccer #Warsaw #groundhopping @groundhopperweekly.bsky.social
#PolishSoccer #Warsaw #groundhopping @groundhopperweekly.bsky.social
Dispatches from an Iranian-American Expat: July 31st, 2025
Polonia Warszawa v GKS Tychy: July 27th, 2025
davidshams.substack.com
July 31, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Polonia Warsaw’s passion shines even in defeat. Authentic groundhopping adventure filled with heart.
#PolishSoccer #Warsaw #groundhopping @groundhopperweekly.bsky.social
#PolishSoccer #Warsaw #groundhopping @groundhopperweekly.bsky.social
Reposted by David Shams
Kids are at camp, which means… writing time! Finally making progress on the novel. Stay tuned for updates!
#Writing #Novel #ProductivityTips #Warsaw
davidshams.substack.com/p/dispatches...
#Writing #Novel #ProductivityTips #Warsaw
davidshams.substack.com/p/dispatches...
Dispatches from an Iranian American: July 25th, 2025
A new house, more time for creative pursuits, and progress on my novel.
davidshams.substack.com
July 26, 2025 at 6:58 AM
Kids are at camp, which means… writing time! Finally making progress on the novel. Stay tuned for updates!
#Writing #Novel #ProductivityTips #Warsaw
davidshams.substack.com/p/dispatches...
#Writing #Novel #ProductivityTips #Warsaw
davidshams.substack.com/p/dispatches...
Settling into our new Warsaw digs! From temporary to permanent – time to build a routine. Wish me luck!
#Warsaw #NewHome #ExpatLife
#Warsaw #NewHome #ExpatLife
Dispatches from an Iranian American: July 25th, 2025
A new house, more time for creative pursuits, and progress on my novel.
davidshams.substack.com
July 25, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Settling into our new Warsaw digs! From temporary to permanent – time to build a routine. Wish me luck!
#Warsaw #NewHome #ExpatLife
#Warsaw #NewHome #ExpatLife
Reposted by David Shams
I AM SHRIEKING 💀🤣
Forget the statue at City Hall, this guy is the *real* Spirit of Detroit. 🫡
Forget the statue at City Hall, this guy is the *real* Spirit of Detroit. 🫡
July 22, 2025 at 7:16 PM
I AM SHRIEKING 💀🤣
Forget the statue at City Hall, this guy is the *real* Spirit of Detroit. 🫡
Forget the statue at City Hall, this guy is the *real* Spirit of Detroit. 🫡
Productivity gurus often forget about childcare: 🙄
Let's talk about the REALITY of balancing work & kids!
#ParentingStruggles #Productivity
Let's talk about the REALITY of balancing work & kids!
#ParentingStruggles #Productivity
Dispatches from an Iranian American Expat: July 18th, 2025
More on Parenthood and Productivity, plus some other stuff.
davidshams.substack.com
July 19, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Productivity gurus often forget about childcare: 🙄
Let's talk about the REALITY of balancing work & kids!
#ParentingStruggles #Productivity
Let's talk about the REALITY of balancing work & kids!
#ParentingStruggles #Productivity
New blog post! Warsaw life, parenting truths, & why you can't go it alone. Plus, books, beers, & photography!
#expatlife #parenthood #writers
#expatlife #parenthood #writers
Dispatches from an Iranian American Expat: July 18th, 2025
More on Parenthood and Productivity, plus some other stuff.
davidshams.substack.com
July 19, 2025 at 5:44 AM
New blog post! Warsaw life, parenting truths, & why you can't go it alone. Plus, books, beers, & photography!
#expatlife #parenthood #writers
#expatlife #parenthood #writers
My first Legia Warsaw match is in the books. Read how it went and what my thoughts were on the match and vibes at the stadium.
#LegiaWarsaw #EuropaLeague #groundshopper
#LegiaWarsaw #EuropaLeague #groundshopper
Dispatches from an Iranian American Expat: July 14th, 2025
My first Legia Warsaw Experience
davidshams.substack.com
July 15, 2025 at 5:28 AM
My first Legia Warsaw match is in the books. Read how it went and what my thoughts were on the match and vibes at the stadium.
#LegiaWarsaw #EuropaLeague #groundshopper
#LegiaWarsaw #EuropaLeague #groundshopper
In a world of ‘either/or,’ I choose ‘both.’
I am who I am because I am both. I cannot shed either side of the hyphen when it suits me. I must carry both at all times.
My bicultural identity is my narrative’s heartbeat!
#writers
I am who I am because I am both. I cannot shed either side of the hyphen when it suits me. I must carry both at all times.
My bicultural identity is my narrative’s heartbeat!
#writers
June 19, 2025 at 9:00 PM
In a world of ‘either/or,’ I choose ‘both.’
I am who I am because I am both. I cannot shed either side of the hyphen when it suits me. I must carry both at all times.
My bicultural identity is my narrative’s heartbeat!
#writers
I am who I am because I am both. I cannot shed either side of the hyphen when it suits me. I must carry both at all times.
My bicultural identity is my narrative’s heartbeat!
#writers
When you're writing narrative non-fiction, you have to embrace the struggle.
Because with that struggle comes immense joy and satisfaction.
Let your voice fight through the pain!
#writers
Because with that struggle comes immense joy and satisfaction.
Let your voice fight through the pain!
#writers
June 17, 2025 at 9:01 PM
When you're writing narrative non-fiction, you have to embrace the struggle.
Because with that struggle comes immense joy and satisfaction.
Let your voice fight through the pain!
#writers
Because with that struggle comes immense joy and satisfaction.
Let your voice fight through the pain!
#writers
People often ignore stories from hyphenated authors.
Don't let that scare you.
Your voice is powerful enough to be a catalyst for change.
#writers
Don't let that scare you.
Your voice is powerful enough to be a catalyst for change.
#writers
June 15, 2025 at 9:00 PM
People often ignore stories from hyphenated authors.
Don't let that scare you.
Your voice is powerful enough to be a catalyst for change.
#writers
Don't let that scare you.
Your voice is powerful enough to be a catalyst for change.
#writers
Are you struggling to write your narrative?
Remember, every story is valid.
Celebrate the messiness of life—it's all part of the journey!
#Writers
Remember, every story is valid.
Celebrate the messiness of life—it's all part of the journey!
#Writers
June 12, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Are you struggling to write your narrative?
Remember, every story is valid.
Celebrate the messiness of life—it's all part of the journey!
#Writers
Remember, every story is valid.
Celebrate the messiness of life—it's all part of the journey!
#Writers
The hyphen tells a story of resilience.
As you write, lean into your identity and watch how your journey transforms your narrative!
#Writing
As you write, lean into your identity and watch how your journey transforms your narrative!
#Writing
June 10, 2025 at 9:03 PM
The hyphen tells a story of resilience.
As you write, lean into your identity and watch how your journey transforms your narrative!
#Writing
As you write, lean into your identity and watch how your journey transforms your narrative!
#Writing
Does fear of judgment keep you from writing?
Write anyway.
Your narratives can open doors and change perspectives.
Let your voice be heard!
#writers
Write anyway.
Your narratives can open doors and change perspectives.
Let your voice be heard!
#writers
June 8, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Does fear of judgment keep you from writing?
Write anyway.
Your narratives can open doors and change perspectives.
Let your voice be heard!
#writers
Write anyway.
Your narratives can open doors and change perspectives.
Let your voice be heard!
#writers
Some favorites from my first six months in Beijing. Lots of good ones, back when I knew even less about photography than I know now.
Beijing, China 2023 Favorites — David Shams
Come take a look as David shares his favorite photos that he captured during his time in China. Follow along in his journey from the record breaking summer heat wave all the way to the record breaking cold streak of mid-December. Look through the camera lens as he travels to the Great Wall and explo
www.davidshamswriter.com
June 7, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Some favorites from my first six months in Beijing. Lots of good ones, back when I knew even less about photography than I know now.
"He was trying to cover his tracks, but I was seven years old and unaccustomed to the nuances of Iranian culture, where saving face can often be more important than direct honesty, even with one’s friends."
Iranians Eating Pork in Kentucky
A lesson in cultural nuance
davidshams.substack.com
June 6, 2025 at 9:00 PM
"He was trying to cover his tracks, but I was seven years old and unaccustomed to the nuances of Iranian culture, where saving face can often be more important than direct honesty, even with one’s friends."
Some pics, including the most photographed urinal in the world.
Exploring Sapporo Day 2
Shot with a Fujifilm XT200 and edited with Lightroom.
Hit the link below for the full gallery.
https://bit.ly/Sapporo2Shams
#streetphotography #japan #fujifilm #lightroom #sapporostreetphotography #sapporo
Exploring Sapporo Day 2
Shot with a Fujifilm XT200 and edited with Lightroom.
Hit the link below for the full gallery.
https://bit.ly/Sapporo2Shams
#streetphotography #japan #fujifilm #lightroom #sapporostreetphotography #sapporo
June 6, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Some pics, including the most photographed urinal in the world.
Exploring Sapporo Day 2
Shot with a Fujifilm XT200 and edited with Lightroom.
Hit the link below for the full gallery.
https://bit.ly/Sapporo2Shams
#streetphotography #japan #fujifilm #lightroom #sapporostreetphotography #sapporo
Exploring Sapporo Day 2
Shot with a Fujifilm XT200 and edited with Lightroom.
Hit the link below for the full gallery.
https://bit.ly/Sapporo2Shams
#streetphotography #japan #fujifilm #lightroom #sapporostreetphotography #sapporo
Bicultural writing is about working to find the intersection of your two worlds.
Sharing our stories helps us better understand who we are.
#writers
Sharing our stories helps us better understand who we are.
#writers
June 5, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Bicultural writing is about working to find the intersection of your two worlds.
Sharing our stories helps us better understand who we are.
#writers
Sharing our stories helps us better understand who we are.
#writers
The views from the JR Tower Observation Deck.
Exploring Sapporo Day 2
Shot with a Fujifilm XT200 and edited with Lightroom.
Hit the link below for the full gallery.
https://bit.ly/Sapporo2Shams
#streetphotography #japan #fujifilm #lightroom #sapporostreetphotography #sapporo
Exploring Sapporo Day 2
Shot with a Fujifilm XT200 and edited with Lightroom.
Hit the link below for the full gallery.
https://bit.ly/Sapporo2Shams
#streetphotography #japan #fujifilm #lightroom #sapporostreetphotography #sapporo
June 5, 2025 at 12:01 PM
The views from the JR Tower Observation Deck.
Exploring Sapporo Day 2
Shot with a Fujifilm XT200 and edited with Lightroom.
Hit the link below for the full gallery.
https://bit.ly/Sapporo2Shams
#streetphotography #japan #fujifilm #lightroom #sapporostreetphotography #sapporo
Exploring Sapporo Day 2
Shot with a Fujifilm XT200 and edited with Lightroom.
Hit the link below for the full gallery.
https://bit.ly/Sapporo2Shams
#streetphotography #japan #fujifilm #lightroom #sapporostreetphotography #sapporo
The full gallery of my first day in Sapporo. A day of exploring side streets and a Japanese baseball game. Mountains peaking out between buildings and city boulevards.
Exploring Sapporo and Japanese Baseball: April 11th, 2025 — David Shams
Explore Sapporo’s beauty and spirit with captivating photography. From mountain-studded cityscapes to lively streets and a dynamic baseball game, this gallery captures Japan’s allure and adventure. Ideal for travel and photo lovers.
bit.ly
June 4, 2025 at 9:02 PM
The full gallery of my first day in Sapporo. A day of exploring side streets and a Japanese baseball game. Mountains peaking out between buildings and city boulevards.