Roqe

In this special edition of Roqe, Jian Ghomeshi sits down with Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi for a rare and revealing conversation - one of his first ever in-studio interviews in Canada. Recorded at the Roqe Studio in Toronto, this 75-minute exchange spans the personal, political, and philosophical. From the Crown Prince's Five-Point Strategy for supporting grassroots resistance in Iran, to the growing wave of trucker strikes disrupting the regime's infrastructure, to his reflections on cultural censorship and Jafar Panahi's win at Cannes, to his fiercest detractors - this is a candid, honest, and wide-ranging discussion. Also on the table: legacy, identity, personal loss, criticism, exile, and the emotional toll of four decades of upheaval. Subtitled in Persian for global accessibility.

In this edition of Roqe, two Iranian-Canadian visionaries share their insights on building ideas into impact. First, Jian speaks with Babak Khodaparast — a young inventor, entrepreneur, and President of the National Inventors Team of Canada — about thriving in what he calls the “Invention Economy.” From clean-tech to startup incubation, Babak explains why creativity, adaptability, and innovation are the ultimate skill sets in an unpredictable future. Then, highlights from a feature on-stage interview at Ideas at the Roqe Hub with Hamed Azimi — legal-tech entrepreneur and digital marketing strategist — who offers a bold critique of how professionals market themselves in the digital age. Are we spending too much and thinking too little when it comes to strategy? Hamed breaks it down. A double feature on building, branding, and the new economy.

Iranian singer, dancer, and activist Saba Zameni was once jailed in Iran for doing what many of us take for granted — expressing herself through music and movement. Now based in Canada, she has emerged as a rising voice in the global Iranian community, with a fast-growing online presence and a story that resonates with audiences around the world. In this special episode, recorded live as part of the ‘Ideas at the Roqe Hub' series in Toronto, Saba performs on stage and joins Jian for an extended and emotional conversation about her time in prison, her family's support, the power of art as protest — and what freedom really means. With her mother and sister in the front row, this is one of our most moving and unforgettable recordings. (Note: interview is conducted mostly in Persian) This episode of Roqe is brought to you with the support of Grazing Delice, Apadana Entertainment and Diora Jewels. #SabaZameni #IranianWomen #FreedomOfExpression #WomenLifeFreedom #IranianArtist #PersianMusic #RoqeMedia #JianGhomeshi #LiveAtRoqeHub #DiasporaVoices

In this new edition of Roqe – recorded live at the Roqe Hub – we explore the science, psychology, and shifting cultural standards of beauty with Dr. Amir Rouzati, a leading figure in the world of aesthetic medicine. In a wide-ranging talk followed by a candid and thought-provoking - and, at times challenging - on-stage interview with Jian, Dr. Rouzati unpacks how the human brain perceives beauty, why symmetry and proportion still hold evolutionary power, and how social media and global forces are reshaping our aesthetic ideals. From biology to Botox, from ancient instincts to modern influencers, this is a fascinating look at what beauty means today – and why it matters more than we might admit. Plus, Jian kicks the show off with a stirring essay aimed at non-Iranians about why the Persian Gulf should never be renamed.

In the wake of Canada's latest federal election, Jian hosts a timely and incisive roundtable exploring what the results reveal about Iranian-Canadian political identity and influence. With the Liberal Party securing a minority government and traditional voting patterns shifting, this special episode of Roqe asks: How did Iranian-Canadians vote this time, what drove the changes, and what might the new government mean for Canada's approach to the Islamic Republic of Iran? Joining Jian for this in-depth conversation are four sharp and diverse voices: longtime Liberal strategist Maryam Azari from Vancouver; author and activist Mehrdad Loghmani; international law expert and ICANN founder Sadeq Bigdeli; and veteran journalist and Persian Mirror editor-in-chief Dr. Mohammad Tajdolati. From divided loyalties to diaspora awakening, this episode digs into the complexities-and consequences-of a maturing political voice.

A new episode of Roqe including a feature interview and performance with popular Iranian-Canadian musician and podcaster King Raam - recorded live in front of an audience as part of the ‘Ideas at the Roqe Hub' series. Raam joins Jian to open up about the horrific experience of losing his father - killed in Evin prison in Iran - and the detainment of his mother just a few years ago, and finding meaning after loss. It is an emotional, powerful and, at times, very funny conversation that includes a couple of songs. Plus Jian opens the show with an essay called, “It's Time for Iranians to Take Copyright Seriously” - a monologue - with a new show in Iran debuting called....wait for it..."Roqe"(!) - that tackles the deep-rooted disregard for copyright and intellectual property in Iranian culture — from pirated films to unpaid music legends like Farid Zoland and authors like Iraj Pezeshkzad.

A feature exclusive and wide-ranging interview with legendary Iranian pop singers and songwriter, Andy Madadian. Andy joins Jian for a career interview about his path from modest means in Iran, to exile in America, the effective creation of a new genre of Persian music in LA, hit songs, collaborations, and recent participation in Ed Sheeran's global hit, “Azizam.” Plus Jian kicks of the show with an essay ode to Andy as “the symbol of self-made.”

On the precipice of a Canadian federal election, a new episode of Roqe features a discussion/debate on the question of how the growing Iranian-Canadian community should vote this time. Jian is joined in the Roqe Studio by Iranian-Canadian lawyer Sadeq Bigdeli advocating for the Conservative Party and Iranian-Canadian academic and author Mehrdad Loghmani speaking in favour of a vote for the Liberal Party. It is a comprehensive and passionate episode that covers a lot of territory with respect to the alignment, interests, issues and voting patterns of people of Iranian descent in Canada. Plus, Jian begins the episode with an essay imploring Iranian-Canadians to vote and be seen.

A new episode of Roqe including a feature interview with chess prodigy Dorsa Derakhshani, who joins Jian from Missouri. Dorsa discusses her journey of how she quickly rose through the ranks of competitive chess, earning the titles of Women's Grandmaster and International Master, along with multiple gold medals at the Asian Youth Chess Championships, before being banned from competing with the Iranian national team after defying Iran's mandatory hijab rule at a tournament. It is a harrowing tale of courage, frustration and perspective having been in the United States in recent years as a medical student while continuing her presence in the chess world. Plus Jian opens the show with an ode to his French bulldog, Oogie, on his 7th birthday week, with an essay entitled, “Dogs Are Better Than Us.”

A new episode of Roqe examining the role of psychedelics in mental health. What was until recently considered taboo, is now being embraced in some medical circles for innovative treatments, the science of psychedelics, and the promise of ayahuasca or psilocybin. Jian is first joined by Anisa Deghani in Rotterdam - a researcher who has worked at Harvard University Medical Center and has a deep interest in alternative therapies, she brings both scientific insight and a global perspective to discussions on mental health. Then Mohammad Barzegari, psychotherapist based in Toronto who has been working in the mental health field for several years and has recently focused on psychedelic-assisted therapy, joins us in the Roqe Studio. Plus, Jian kicks off the program with an appeal to fellow “humans of Iranian descent” to finally remove the taboo and stigma and embrace therapy and progressive approaches to mental health.

On the day of Nowruz, a Roqe Special with a Roundtable featuring some members of the Roqe Team and Tehranto Times reflecting on the Persian New Year. Jian is joined in the Roqe Hub studio by Pegah, Parissa, Tina, Ghazaleh, Ebi and Bella for a heartfelt conversation about the best and worst of Nowruz, fond family memories, the beauty of new beginnings, the worries about commercialization and the state of the world. Plus Jian opens the show with an essay entitled, “Nowruz: A Gift to the World.”

A new edition of Roqe featuring two inspiring Iranian-Canadian women who have redefined their life journeys and careers. Popular psychotherapist and author Sara Rahimi is the latest prominent guest to do an on-stage talk and interview as part of the “Ideas at the Roqe Hub” series. She performs a monologue about her perspective on age and ambition and then joins Jian in front of a sold out crowd at our Roqe space last Friday night, to discuss her decision, on the cusp of 50 years of age, to enter a bikini competition and competitive fitness path. Then, in the Roqe Studio, Jian is joined by publisher and author, Dr. Katty Bidad, founder of North Star Success. Katty recounts her journey of leaving her career as a medical doctor to pursue her passion for books, and how she is building an independent publishing business that is empowering many Iranians in the diaspora to tell their stories.

A feature conversation with Iranian explorer, adventurer, and social media star, Ben Marco. Ben joins Jian in the Roqe Studio during a brief visit to Toronto to for a riveting conversation about all that he has learned in his explorations around the world, his favourite places, the dangers he has faced, the most attractive people he has encountered, the least, the most fun, the safest travels and the best food. This entertaining and moving conversation is in both English and Persian.

A new episode of Roqe featuring an all-star language panel on the question of Iranian immigrants learning English and whether the journey of language learning is truly bound by age. Jian is joined by popular social media star and English teacher, Shahrzad Sherry Kazemi, in Vancouver, popular YouTuber and creator of Houshang Academy, Houshang Noormohammadi in Oklahoma, and popular language instructor and translator, Mojdeh Razeh in the Roqe Studio. The panel looks at everything from why benefits of embracing the language of a new home are profound, to the challenges and excuses in doing so, to the criticism of Iranian towards other Iranians who do their best and may speak imperfect English.

A new edition of Roqe including a feature hour with Iranian-American comedian and actor Maz Jobrani returning to the show. Maz joins Jian amidst his ongoing tour that brings him to Canada to discuss everything from being Iranian to growing older to evolving as a comedian in the social media and AI era. It's a dynamic and funny wide-ranging conversation that is not to be missed.

Our latest live edition of the Roqe podcast recorded on Feb 6, 2025, in front of a sold out audience at City Playhouse in Thornhill, Canada, featuring Shohreh Aghdashloo (recipient of the Roqe Media Icon Award), Fardad Farahzad, Dang Show, Siamak Mehr, Ghazal Akhounzadeh, Anahita Nayebi, Mahsa Mortazavi, Pegah Ganji and DJ Blanch Echo. Jian kicks off the show with an essay about Persians and tardiness (“The Science of Being Late”) before being joined by all the special guests for interviews and memorable performances. Full video of the show is available on our YouTube Channel and audio across all of our podcast platforms. Thanks to the full Roqe team, crew, and volunteers. Makeup by Milad Beauty and lighting by Light Night Design And our sponsors for Roqe Live 4: Montrok Group @montrokgroup Anabel Sharouyan @anabel_sharouyan Beigi Law Firm @beigilaw Gta partyplatter @gtapartyplatter Famluxy @famluxy Aydin Rahimy @aydin_rahimy_realestate Twoar.t @twoar.t TIP Services @tip_services Dental forest wood @dentalforestwood Ontario Camera @ontariocamera Alia pastry @aliapastry Lazar prop creation @lazar_prop_creation

A special episode of Roqe presenting the inaugural edition of “Ideas at the Roqe Hub”- taped in front of a live audience. Nima Behnoud, founder of the luxury fashion brand, NIMANY, gives a talk and then is joined by Jian for an on-stage interview on the topic, How AI is Changing the Fashion World. It is a fascinating, fun, and at times, philosophical conversation and insight into Nima's view on tech and the future of fashion. Plus Jian opens the show with an essay entitled, The AI Future: Inevitable Doesn't Always Mean Good.

A new edition of Roqe featuring two accomplished women who have defied conventions and redefined what it means to be successful, proud, and true to oneself in the Iranian community. First up, Nicole Dayani joins Jian from Los Angeles, to discuss her journey to becoming a beloved Iranian-American chef and the person behind Nicole's Kitchen LA. It's a dynamic conversation that ranges from family expectations, to passion and politics, to how to make a special Fessenjoon. Then Jian is joined in studio by Elham Rezaei, who has become one of the most successful financial advisors in North America in a very short time, and has made it her mission to help fellow Iranians and all Canadians and beyond, improve their financial literacy.

A new edition of Roqe focused on big ideas and entrepreneurial lessons in a feature interview with Iranian-Canadian inventor, businessman and tech star, Martin Basiri. Martin joins Jian in the Roqe Studio to defend is notion that anyone can become a millionaire, and to discuss his journey to creating a multi-billion dollar company while still in his twenties. The conversation is chock full of ideas, provocation, information, adoration and debate, and one of the most animated in the studio to date.

A new edition of Roqe featuring Dr. Fathali Moghaddam, the distinguished psychologist and professor at Georgetown University, who joins Jian to discuss his new book and his provocative thesis around the limits of multiculturalism in the West, and his antidote: “omniculturalism.” Dr. Moghaddam, one of our favourite returning guests, and a globally recognized expert on cultural integration, conflict resolution, and the psychology of globalization, makes the case that our societies should be focusing more on inter-individual similarities rather than differences, a thesis he presents in his latest book entitled, The Psychology of Multiculturalism, Assimilation, and Omniculturalism.

On a special episode marking our first show of 2025, we assemble a group of 9 prominent Iranians around the world to get their answer to the question: Will change come to Iran in 2025? Given the immense geo-political shifts we have seen in recent months, from the election of Trump, to the fall of Assad, and the relative neutering of Hezbollah and Hamas...will the coming year be one in which the profound change that so many Iranians around the world have been aching for, comes to fruition? Jian is joined by Hadi Ghaemi in New York, Nazenin Ansari in London, Cameron Khansarinia in Washington DC, Gilda Sahebi in Berlin, Picasso Moin in Istanbul, Nik Kowsar in DC., Ghazaleh Sharmahd in Los Angeles, Ali Hamedani in London, and Fereydoon Rahmani in Toronto, offering a variety of opinions and perspectives and an overall optimism about the immediate future for Iranians.

With news of the passing of the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, we present a special edition of Roqe. While Carter is being lauded for virtues and impressive accomplishments through his storied life, his legacy with Iran during the period of his presidency is more problematic and fraught with questionable decisions. Indeed, a credible case can be made that it was a consequence of Carter's actions - and inactions - that Khomeini and the Islamic Republic of Iran was enabled to take power. Jian is joined by historian and journalist Kai Bird (redux) on his biography - The Outlier: The Unfinished Presidency of Jimmy Carter. Plus Jian opens the show with an essay suggesting to non-Iranians: “Don't be surprised if some of your Iranian friends are less forgiving in remembering Jimmy Carter.”

A new episode of Roqe focused on the psychological concept of narrative identity, how we shape the story of who we are, and the symbolic and behavioural masks we wear as a product of our environment, our past, and our fears. Jian is joined by professional coach and personal branding expert, Dr. Shahab Anari, and certified life coach, Tannaz Nouri, for a conversation that ranges from the theoretical to the very personal, and specifically how Iranians develop their mask-wearing identities due to culture and history. Plus, Jian kicks the show off with a related essay entitled, “Don't Judge Iranians for Wearing Masks,” and Pegah joins for a chat about the very Persian experience of fully celebrating Christmas!

A new edition of Roqe featuring an in-studio conversation with Iranian-Canadian tech innovator and entrepreneur, Soheil Alavi, the creator and host of the popular Persian podcast, Tabaghe16 (the 16th Floor). Soheil joins Jian on technology, immigration, podcasting and integration - in a wide-ranging and personal chat. Plus, Pegah makes her return to catch up with Jian on updates for Roqe Live 4, explore the concept of Persian Christmas, and more. And Jian kicks off the episode with an essay entitled, Imagine if Iran's Tech Trailblazers Were Allowed to Soar.

A new episode of Roqe focused on the plight of recent Iranian immigrants in Canada after a decision by the federal government to roll back its immigration policies that invited millions of newcomers in the last three years. Temporary residents, like international students and work permit holders, are now being told there's no room for them anymore - and this will directly affect many Iranian newcomers. We convene a panel with respected Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant Mehran Aminian and Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant and member of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Houshang Lotfi, joining Jian in the Roqe Studio. Plus, Jian kicks off the show with an essay entitled, “Is the Trudeau Government betraying Iranian immigrants?”

A new edition of Roqe featuring a high-energy in-studio interview with comedian, actor and activist, Tehran, as well as a passionate conversation with Iranian-Canadian boxing champion Salar Gholami, who joins Jian in the Roqe Studio in advance of his huge fight for the WBC North American title. Plus, Jian announces the much-anticipated lineup for Roqe Live 4, coming on Feb 6th, 2025.

A new edition of Roqe featuring a very funny and engaging full hour interview with beloved Iranian singer-songwriter, Mazyar Fallahi. Mazyar joins Jian in the Roqe Studio for a conversation about everything from how he met his wife, to Pink Floyd, to coming through his sadness, and learning to use English swear words with aplomb! He also performs a new song in the Roqe Hub space. Plus, Jian opens the show with an essay with his theory on how collective trauma has bonded Iranians together in the Diaspora, entitled, “The Connectivity of Iranians Will Never Fade.”

A new edition of Roqe featuring an on-stage interview with award-winning Iranian-American author and musician Sepehr Haddad, live at the Roqe Hub, on the occasion of the release of his new book, The Harmless and Necessary Cat, a novel about a family trying to make ends meet in Allied-Occupied Iran during World War II. Given the theme of the book and conversation, Jian begins with an opening essay asking, “Why has the devastation of Iran during World War II been largely ignored?” But first up, Gazelle Sharmahd joins us from Los Angeles to discuss the horrific abduction and killing of her father, Jamshid, a U.S. national and software engineer, by the Islamic Republic regime, and the inaction of Western governments in trying to save him.

A new edition of Roqe featuring an in-depth debate about whether a new Trump Administration will create more opportunity for regime change in Iran. Jian is joined by two prominent Iranian-Americans thinkers who are no strangers to the topic, albeit coming from different sides of the political fence. Democratic Party-supporting lawyer and TV commentator, Arash “Ari” Aramesh joins Jian from Washington DC, and Republican former US senior official who served under three presidents, Bijan Kian, joins from California to discuss the president elect and Iran policy. Plus, Pegah begins the program with her take on the heartbreaking news of the death of Kianoosh Sanjaris.

Is Ozempic a new wonder drug that is changing the world or an epidemic with dangerous consequences? On a new edition of Roqe, we feature an in-depth exploration of the trendy weight-loss “miracle” drug with a compelling trio medical experts. Iranian-American Naturopathic Medical Doctor, fitness instructor, and meditation practitioner, Dr. Afrouz Demeri, Iranian-American Chief of Internal Medicine at Clifton Springs Hospital in New York and social media star, Dr. Kayvan “Dr. Kay” Mirhadi, and Iranian-Canadian endocrinologist and metabolic disorders specialist Dr. Jaleh Hassanloo all join Jian for the great Ozempic debate. Plus Jian opens the show with an essay looking at the results of the American election entitled, “Don't be Surprised That Many Iranians Support Trump.”

A new episode of Roqe featuring a very entertaining interview with Berlin-based Iranian singer, composer, and instrumentalist, Ardavan Hatami. Ardavan visits the Roqe Studio and joins Jian for a conversation about everything from his viral hit song, “Khodanoor,” to getting arrested over 100 times in Iran as a street performer and finding his path in Turkey in exile. Ardavan also exclusively performs live in the new Roqe Hub. Plus, Jian opens the show with an essay about the Iranian expat obsession with status and BMWs (“Do we NEED a BMW?”) and Pegah joins Jian for a roundup including the outrageous killing of Jamshid Sharmahd by the Iranian government this week.

A new edition of Roqe including a feature interview with acclaimed Iranian-Canadian composer, singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, Kaveh Yaghmaei. Kaveh joins Jian live in the Roqe Studio to share his distinct approach to blending Western and Persian musical traditions, his take on modern rock, and his thoughts on the ongoing suppression of artists under Iran's theocratic regime. Plus, Pegah joins Jian to discuss his opening essay, which calls on Iranians to stop mocking fellow Iranians speaking English, and to pay tribute to the legacy of Dr. Ahang Kowsar.

A brand new edition of Roqe featuring a dynamic and compelling powerhouse duo in Iranian popular music. Iranian-American singer Sara Naeini and Iranian-American composer, producer, and pianist Reza Rohani join Jian live in the Roqe studio for an in-depth conversation about their music, the viral videos that have taken the internet by storm, and the unique chemistry that fuels their performances both on and off stage. Plus, Jian kicks off the show with an ode to the British band Coldplay, and their Iranian connection, and Pegah and Jian discuss the cultural significance of Mehregan.

A new edition of Roqe featuring award-winning photographer and mixed-media luxury artist, Max Jamali. Max joins Jian live in the Roqe Studio for a conversation about his art, his business approach, and his popular events and exhibitions. Later, Iranian-Canadian film expert and CEO of the Cyrus International Film Festival, Dr. Amir Ganjavie, along with Executive Director Dr. Javad Panah, join Jian to discuss a festival that has grown in stature and prominence, showcasing hundreds of films from Iran, by Iranians, and by other Middle Eastern and diverse voices over the years. This weekend, Oct 12-14, marks the latest incarnation of the Cyrus Fest. Plus, Pegah and Jian discuss the existential question of unity among the Iranian diaspora, the struggles of getting camera-ready for this season of Roqe.

Roqe Live 3 - FULL SHOW AUDIO - recorded live at City Playhouse Theatre in Thornhill, Ontario, Canada - Sept 27th, 2024. Featuring Jian Ghomeshi, Pegah Ganji, Nooshafarin, Anousha, Solmaz Barghir. Performances by Arian and Sara, Golrokh Aminian, Nooshafarin and Ghazal Akhoondzadeh. And a special presentation of the Roqe Media Icon Award to legendary Shahbal Shabpareh with special guest, Babak Amini.

A brand new edition of Roqe featuring a rare interview with popular Iranian-German DJ and music producer, Namito. Namito joins Jian in the new Roqe Studio for a comprehensive chat about everything from the evolving status of DJs (from anonymous record-spinners to the new global rock stars) to his remarkable story of fleeing Iran by himself at the age of 13 and joining a commune in Germany. Also, Pegah is in studio at the top of the episode and Jian makes an impassioned case against allowing Pezeshkian and the IRI to “normalize” their image on a trip to New York and the UN. Note: the entire episodes of Roqe are now on video as well as audio at our YouTube channel!

A new season of Roqe kicks off with Episode 338 in our brand new studio. Iranian-American actor and producer Armin Amiri joins Jian live in the studio, for a chat about everything from his time as a refugee to the delicate dance of nude scenes in the Sex in the City sequel. Then co-founders of Divan Events, popular Iranian-Canadian fashion blogger Bahar Eslami and successful event planner Mona Hassanzadeh also arrive in the new Roqe space for an interview. Plus, Pegah joins Jian for the first Roqe Roundup of the season for a discussion about emotions around the second anniversary of the killing of Mahsa Amini, and what to make of Trump vs Harris and immigrants eating pets.

A summer repeat edition of one of our favourite episodes of Roqe as we prepare to launch our new season. In the early 20th Century, in the midst of widespread discontent with the corruption and inefficacy of the Qajar Dynasty, a powerful movement formed and mobilized in Iran, aimed at changing the structure of the monarchy from despotic to constitutional, and to adopt representative governance by introducing the country to a parliamentary system. The Constitutional Revolution is considered a major turning point in the formation of modern Iran. Dr. Ali Massoud Ansari, a Professor of Iranian History and Founding Director of the Institute for Iranian Studies at the University of St. Andrews, joins Jian from Fife, Scotland, to discuss what gave rise to the constitutionalists, the turbulent five year period in which the Constitution was established, and the unmet revolutionary goals of liberal secularism, parliamentary democracy, the containment of clerical dominance, and the limiting of the power of the monarchy, in the aftermath of the 1906 Revolution and the century that followed. Plus Pegah and Jian talk about Roqe Live 3, the launch of a new season of Roqe coming soon…and Jian's time in England sleeping on a very small couch.

A summer repeat edition of one of our favourite episodes of Roqe as we prepare to launch our new season. What was Persian music before the 20th Century? How do we assess the development of sound and musical traditions in Iran during the Safavid and Qajar eras - important influences that may be heard all the way to today? American musician and ethnomusicologist, Dr. Margaret Caton, author of the book, “A Persian Ode: Musical Life in Safavid and Qajar Iran,” joins Jian from Los Angeles for a fascinating, entertaining, and non-traditional journey through the sounds and music of Persia in the periods leading to modern Iran, examined within a broader socio-economic, cultural and political context. - This was originally posted as part of the Contemporary History of Iran series from Roqe Media.

On this episode we once again explore the Persian preoccupation with cars and status with a fun-driving edition. Jian is joined by two very popular experts in the field of cars and Iranians - Vahid Amirimoghaddam of the "Cars I Have Driven" channel (Montreal), and Ali Bekhradi of the "Garage Bekhradi" YouTube/Instagram site (Houston) - to discuss all things auto obsession, from a Mercedes fixation to the vehicular expectations of a nation. Plus Jian announces the lineup and ticket information for Roqe Live 3(!) and about early bird discounts for those listening to the show.

With Iran back in the news again for a multitude of negative reasons, we pivot to a special edition focused entirely on pre-Islamic Republic Iranian history and, particularly, arts and culture and the role of Farah Diba, the last Empress of Iran, and the significant role she played in the cultural renaissance of the 1960s and 70s that resonates to the present day. Jian is joined by Dr. Layla Diba, an Iranian-American independent scholar, art advisor and curator, who was the first woman museum director in Iran, for a very intimate, detailed and first-hand look at the role that Queen Farah played in fostering a vibrant cultural scene in Iran.

A new edition of Roqe (Ep.333) including two feature guests, a very big announcement, and, of course, the Roundup. Iranian-American fitness, nutrition, and wellness guru Sama Ghorbani joins Jian from Los Angeles to talk about her experience in the fitness space, the perils of cardio, questions about Ozempic, and her very popular Instagram account and app, Nutrifitopia. Later, Persian miniature painting master, Alijan Alijanpour, talks about the harrowing and heartbreaking recent story of theft of his paintings, which he values at $2 million. Plus, Pegah joins Jian to make a BIG Roqe announcement, and to discuss Tehran turmoil amidst the assassination of a Hamas leader and the impending imprisonment of popular musical artist Shervin Hajipour.

A new edition of Roqe (Ep.332) featuring Iranian-American software engineer, viral video star and stand-up comedian Arash Rowshan in the Roqe Studio. Arash sits down with Jian for an all-encompassing and laughter filled conversation about his journey from engineer to stand-up comic, the ever changing nature of the Iranian diaspora, and the current state of American politics. But first, Smart Pegah and Super P join Jian for a conversation about everything from politics to coffee to a gruesome gash in Jian's hand and the story behind it. Plus, Pegah and Jian convene for the Roundup and discuss the latest in whether or not Biden's exit will affect US foreign policy on Iran.

A new edition of Roqe featuring high-profile Iranian activist Elahe Tavakolian, who became an international figure after suffering a horrific injury during the Woman Life Freedom uprising. Elahe joins Jian from Philadelphia to discuss her harrowing story, the journey it has taken her on, her unwavering efforts to raise awareness about human rights violations in Iran, and the implications of the recent election of President Pezeshkian in Iran. Plus, after a number of audience comments inspired by last week's episode, Jian and Pegah explore the question: “Are Iranians Too Critical of Iranians?”

A new edition of Roqe (Ep.330) featuing the iconic Iranian dancer, choreographer, pop celebrity, activist and cultural pioneer, Mohammad Khordadian, who joins Jian from London for a provocative and no-holds-barred interview about his mixed feelings on his homeland, breaking barriers, finding new love, and giving up on hope for change in Iran. Mr Khordadian makes the case that he hates lies, and he lays out his truth in this interview. Plus Pegah joins Jian for the Roundup about Western excitement about a new "reformist" President and funding and support for certain Western protest groups by the Islamic Republic.

A new edition of Roqe, featuring a deep dive into the pre-Islam history of Iran with acclaimed cultural historian Dr. Richard Foltz and an examination of how the common conflation of Iranians and Islam (and Islamism) is actually not historically supported. Dr. Foltz joins Jian to discuss Iran before the arrival of Islam in the 7th century, shedding light on the ancient Persian empires, Zoroastrianism, and the rich cultural heritage that predates Islamic influence. Dr. Foltz, a Canadian scholar with a PhD in Middle Eastern History from Harvard University and a professor at Concordia University in Montréal, brings his extensive knowledge of Iranian civilization and its far-reaching impacts on the broader region. Plus, Pegah and Jian convene for the Roqe Roundup to discuss the upcoming runoff election in Iran this Friday, and the numerous football games and football fever brewing.

A new edition of Roqe including a feature interview in the Roqe Studio with Iranian-American actor, author, and spiritually-driven social media star, Anousha. Anousha joins Jian to discuss the concept of “unlearning,” her mission to follow her intuition, redefining success, and her journey as an “audacious” teenager from Shiraz to Tehran, to England and then to the US, as well as being recently cast as a main character for the second season of the hit Netflix series "The Night Agent". Plus, Pegah and Jian convene for the Roqe Roundup to discuss all things presidential-election-related, both in the Islamic Republic and in the United States.

A new episode of Roqe including a feature interview with Iranian-British journalist, broadcaster, and activist. Ali Hamedani, who made history as the first Iranian gay journalist to report on the LGBTQI community and underground life in Iran for an international media platform, BBC. Plus a conversation with Iranian-Canadian activist and lawyer Ardeshir Zarehzadeh about the big news of the Canadian government (finally) putting the IRGC on the terrorist list. And of course, Jian and Pegah convene for the Roqe Roundup to discuss the latest implications of the IRGC decision.

A brand new episode of Roqe including a feature interview with Iranian-Canadian professional boxer, Salar Gholami - Canada's Cruiserweight Champion. Salar joins Jian live in the Roqe Studio to talk about how boxing became his path to a better life, his sacrifices, his father, and his time as the Captain of the Iranian National Team. Plus, Pegah and Jian convene for the Roqe Roundup to discuss the nuances of Tarof, Jian's newly coined phrase “the tarof loop,” more Gemini birthdays, and the latest from inside and outside Iran.

A new episode including a feature interview with superstar British dancer Yasmine Naghdi, Principal Ballerina of The Royal Ballet. Yasmine returns to Roqe and joins Jian from London to discuss her recent international performances and her new book, the first in an upcoming series entitled “Ballet Besties.” Plus, Pegah is in studio for the Roundup to discuss the latest news surrounding the upcoming election in Iran, new horrifying statistics regarding executions in the Islamic Republic, and an imminent Netflix show chronicling the life of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

A new episode of Roqe featuring an in-depth and intimate interview with returning guest, Ali Azimi, a leading light in Persian alternative music, who joins Jian, this time in the Roqe studio. Jian and Ali discuss and preview his forthcoming album “Madineye Fazelab,” his personal life and journey, and more - including a special in-studio acoustic performance. Plus, Pegah joins Jian for a Roundup to discuss the latest laughable commemoration of Raisi at the UN, Khamenei's twitter rant and letter to student protesters, and the “All Eyes on Iran” campaign and whether it is the way forward.