Roqe

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  Roqe Ep. 462 - Seeking Unity: Kam Mahinsa, Shiva Negar 24.09.2026 1ч 16мин

  A new edition of Roqe begins with a pointed opening essay from Jian ahead of Mehregan: "Iran Didn't Start in 1979." Jian argues that ancient Iranian celebrations are not simply exercises in diaspora nostalgia, but acts of historical continuity - reminders that Iranian civilization stretches back thousands of years and cannot be defined by the 47 years of the Islamic Republic. Then, two special guests join Jian in the Roqe Studio to confront a central question facing the Iranian opposition: what would it actually take to achieve unity? Iranian-Canadian activist Kam Mahinsa discusses his increasing involvement in Canadian politics, the perils of allowing the movement to become too closely identified with one political party, and how to build a bigger political tent without abandoning fundamental principles. And Iranian-Canadian actress, producer and activist Shiva Negar joins Jian for her first interview in the Roqe Studio to discuss her evolving career and activism, conviction versus coalition-building, the divisive influence of social media, and whether people with very different ideas about Iran's future can genuinely work together toward a shared goal. This episode is brought to you with the support of Avoca Chocolates.
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  Roqe Ep. 461 - Ramtin Ari, Roqe Roundup 17.09.2026 1ч 36мин

  Roqe Ep. 461 features Iranian-Canadian content creator and actor Ramtin Ari in the Roqe Studio for one of his first major feature interviews in English. Ramtin joins Jian for a candid conversation about growing up Iranian in Canada, his extraordinary connection to Iran, becoming a social media phenomenon, the psychology of online fame, confidence and insecurity, and who he is when the cameras are off. The episode opens with Jian's essay, "What Mahsa Taught Us," marking four years since the death of Jina Mahsa Amini and reflecting on what her death revealed about the Islamic Republic, the failure of reform, and the continuing human cost of repression. Plus, Pegah Ganji joins Jian for the Roqe Roundup. This episode is brought to you with the support of Avoca Chocolates: avocachocolates.com
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  Roqe Ep. 460 - Elnaaz Norouzi, Roqe Roundup 10.09.2026 1ч 25мин

  A new season of Roqe begins with Iranian-born Bollywood star and international actor Elnaaz Norouzi. Elnaaz joins Jian to discuss her remarkable journey from Iran and a refugee camp in Germany to Bollywood stardom and now Hollywood - as well as identity, belonging, ambition, and her new film The Fix, alongside Liam Neeson and Zachary Levi, opening September 11. Plus, Pegah Ganji returns with the Roqe Roundup, and Jian opens the show with "2,500 Years Ahead" - an essay on why Cyrus the Great can be a powerful source of common ground for Iranians of different political and ideological perspectives, and what his remarkable legacy of tolerance can teach us about a future Iran - that strength does not require the erasure of difference. Sponsored by: Avoca Chocolates - avocachocolates.com
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  Roqe Ep. 459 - The Growth of Cinema in Pahlavi-era Iran - Dr. Kaveh Askari 03.09.2026 1ч 4мин

  How did Iran become one of the world's great cinematic cultures? In this special pre-taped edition of Roqe, Jian revisits a fascinating conversation with Dr. Kaveh Askari about the remarkable growth of cinema in Iran during the Pahlavi era - and the complicated relationship between Hollywood, Persian culture and the emerging Iranian film industry. Askari, a film scholar and author of Relaying Cinema in Midcentury Iran: Material Cultures in Transit, takes us back to the Iran of the 1950s, 60s and 70s to explore how foreign films circulated through the country, why Hollywood initially considered Iran an almost invisible market, and how Iranian filmmakers adapted and borrowed from Western movies while developing a distinctly local cinema culture. The conversation explores pirated films and soundtracks, Iran's innovations in dubbing, the growing appetite for Hollywood movies, and the emergence of filmmakers like Masoud Kimiai and Dariush Mehrjui and the Iranian New Wave. It is a fascinating look at a less-explored chapter of Iranian cultural history - and the foundations of a cinematic tradition that would eventually become celebrated around the world. Featured Guest: Dr. Kaveh Askari - film scholar and author of Relaying Cinema in Midcentury Iran: Material Cultures in Transit This interview was originally recorded in March 2023. Roqe returns with its new season on Thursday, September 10th. This episode is brought to you with the support of: Quasar Homes - @quasarhomes Follow Jian on Instagram: @JianGhomeshi
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  Roqe Ep. 458 - Kamyar - Redux 27.08.2026 1ч 10мин

  A special end-of-summer Redux edition of Roqe featuring one of our favourite conversations with one of the defining voices of modern Persian pop music. Jian revisits his 2023 interview with Kamyar - the Iranian-French singer, songwriter and musician whose journey has taken him from Tehran to Paris, the Sorbonne, Los Angeles, the legendary Black Cats, and ultimately a successful solo career. Kamyar talks about growing up Iranian in France after the 1979 Revolution, studying classical piano, discovering his voice, and his deep musical connection to artists like Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. He reflects on moving to Los Angeles in 2003, joining Black Cats, the success of "Jooneh Khodet," leaving the band to forge his own path, and emerging as a solo artist with Dobareh. The conversation also explores identity, exile and Iran - including Kamyar's outspoken support for the Iranian people, his involvement in protests, and his decision to use his music and platform to take a stand. Featured Guest: Kamyar - Iranian-French singer, songwriter and musician This interview was originally recorded in July 2023. Roqe returns with its new season on Thursday, September 10th. This episode is brought to you with the support of: Tikatel - Tikatel.ca Avoca Chocolates - avocachocolates.com Follow Jian on Instagram: @JianGhomeshi
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  Roqe Ep. 457 - Soleyman (Soley) Vaseghi - Redux 20.08.2026 1ч 11мин

  A special end-of-summer Redux edition of Roqe featuring one of our most memorable conversations with a true legend of Iranian music. Jian revisits his 2022 interview with Soleyman "Soley" Vaseghi - the Iranian singer, composer and songwriter whose remarkable life has taken him from pop stardom in pre-revolutionary Iran to exile, immigration, and a musical reinvention rooted in Persian poetry, spirituality and Sufi traditions. Soley reflects on the excitement of Iran's thriving pop music scene in the 1970s, the devastating impact of the 1979 Islamic Revolution on his life and career, leaving Iran, becoming an immigrant in Canada, and the extraordinary transition from pop star to driving a taxi for 10-12 hours a day in Toronto. He also discusses his later musical evolution and his deep connection to Rumi, Hafez, spirituality and Sufi-inspired music. Now 80 years old, Soley remains one of the precious treasures of the Iranian community. Featured Guest: Soleyman "Soley" Vaseghi - legendary Iranian-Canadian singer, composer and songwriter This interview was originally recorded in July 2022. Roqe returns with its new season on Thursday, September 10th. This episode is brought to you with the support of: Avoca Chocolates - avocachocolates.com Stellar Law - stellarlaw.ca Follow Jian on Instagram: @JianGhomeshi
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  Roqe Ep. 456 - "Enough Already!" - Sara Rahimi 13.08.2026 54мин

  Why do so many of us spend our lives trying to make everyone else happy? And at what point does kindness become self-abandonment? On Episode 456 of Roqe, Jian welcomes back returning guest Sara Rahimi - Iranian-Canadian therapist, certified life coach, trauma-informed practitioner, and author - to discuss her new book, Enough Already! Together they explore the psychology of people-pleasing, why we often sacrifice authenticity in order to gain approval, how childhood and culture shape those patterns, and why healthy boundaries may be essential to reclaiming our own identity. Topics include: Sara and her new book Enough Already! What people-pleasing really is Why we learn to seek approval The influence of Iranian family expectations and culture Kindness vs. people-pleasing Fear of conflict and disappointing others Setting healthy boundaries Self-authorship and living according to your own values Authenticity, self-acceptance, and self-improvement This episode is brought to you by: Avoca Chocolates 🌐 https://www.avocachocolates.com 📸 @avocachocolates Interested in sponsoring Roqe? 📧 [email protected] Follow Jian Ghomeshi on Instagram: @JianGhomeshi
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  Roqe Ep. 455 - Survival Is Not Victory - Lisa Daftari, Shayan Sami'i 06.08.2026 1ч 6мин

  In this episode, Jian opens with the essay Survival Is Not Victory, challenging the growing narrative that the Islamic Republic has somehow emerged triumphant. While the regime remains in power, many of the underlying conditions that fueled the largest uprising in decades - economic collapse, repression, corruption and widespread public frustration - have only intensified. Joining Jian are Lisa Daftari and Shayan Samii for a wide-ranging conversation on Iran's political future, the IRGC's expanding role, international diplomacy, the opposition movement, and why the story of Iran is far from over. This episode is brought to you with the support of: Avoca Chocolates - https://avocachocolates.com (@avocachocolates) Thank you for listening and for supporting independent media.
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  Roqe Ep.454 - Vessbroz 30.07.2026 1ч 24мин

  Vessbroz have become one of the biggest Iranian success stories in global electronic music. But behind the stages, festivals and billions of online views is a remarkable story of two brothers from Isfahan whose lives were shaped by exile, resilience, family and an enduring connection to Iran. In this conversation, Jian sits down with Armia and Arsham for one of their rare long-form interviews, exploring their childhood in Iran, discovering dance music, the years they were separated between Iran and Malaysia, overcoming racism, navigating fame, and why they've chosen to speak publicly about the ongoing human rights crisis in their homeland. Recorded before this week's executions in Isfahan, the conversation includes the brothers' reflections on the young people who were then on death row and the responsibility they feel to raise awareness internationally. This episode also includes Jian's reflections on Roqe Live 6, the latest developments in Iran, and community announcements for listeners in Toronto. This episode is brought to you with the support of: Stellar Law - https://stellarlaw.ca Tikatel - https://tikatel.ca Instagram: @JianGhomeshi
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  Roqe Ep. 453 - ROQE LIVE 6! - Shahram Shabpareh Honoured, Tina Parsa, Gdaal, Shally Zomorodi & More 24.07.2026 2ч 11мин

  A very special edition of Roqe - recorded live at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. Jian Ghomeshi opens the show with a personal talk about his family's roots in southern Iran, the hardships facing people in Khuzestan and across the country, and the enduring idea behind Roqe: wherever we live, and however much we may disagree, Iranians remain connected. Then, Smart Pegah Ganji joins Jian for a live Roqe Roundup before an extraordinary lineup of guests and performances. Ghazal Piano performs live. Shally Zomorodi discusses journalism, Iran and the complicated expectations placed on prominent Iranian voices. Gdaal performs a brand-new track and speaks about protest, unity and the responsibilities of Persian rap artists. Mahta Gharaei joins Jian to discuss karate, activism, law school and Cats of Purcia. Darius Azar performs and talks about blending Persian music with jazz, soul and rock. And Dr. Tina Parsa - a clinical psychologist, psychoanalyst and one of the most recognizable Iranian voices online - makes her first visit to Canada. She speaks with Jian about living and working in Iran until very recently, the psychological state of Iranians, counselling people inside and outside the country, and her memorable observation that "being Iranian is not for beginners." Finally, Roqe presents the fifth-ever Roqe Media Icon Award to the legendary Shahram Shabpareh. Mayor David West, Amir Firooz, Babak Amini and Shally Zomorodi join the tribute before Shahram receives the award and sits down with Jian to reflect on six decades of music, his extraordinary longevity, his hopes for the future and what Iran means to him today. The evening ends with a special performance of "To Mitooni" featuring Shahram Shabpareh, Houman Javid, Mehran Aminian, Ghazal Piano and Heraud Javid. This episode is brought to you with the support of Quasar Homes (@quasarhomes), Dina Shoraka and Harvey Kalles Real Estate (@dinashorakahomes), Beigi Law (@beigilaw), Anabel Sharouyan and Affinity Mortgage Solutions (@anabel_sharouyan), Forough Catering (@forough_ghayedi), Persian Empire Distillery (@persianempiredistillery), iWelcome (@iwelcome.ca), Famluxy (@famluxy), Ontario Camera (@ontariocamera), Avoca Chocolates (@avocachocolates), and Sano & Onas Heating (@ontarioairservices).
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  Roqe Ep. 452 - Should Canada Return to Tehran? - Avideh Motmaenfar, Ardershir Zarezadeh 13.07.2026 44мин

  Should Canada reopen its embassy in Tehran? Prime Minister Mark Carney has reignited a debate that many believed ended when Canada closed its embassy in Tehran in 2012. In the opening essay, Jian asks: "Reopening the Canadian embassy in Tehran? Really?" He argues that an embassy is never simply a building. It is recognition. It is legitimacy. It is a message. Joining Jian are Avideh Motmaen-Far, journalist, political commentator and President of the Council of Iranian Canadians, and Ardeshir Zarezadeh, lawyer, former political prisoner and Director of the International Center for Human Rights in Iran. They discuss why the embassy was originally closed, whether engagement amounts to endorsement, the unresolved legacy of Flight PS752, the IRGC's terrorist designation in Canada, transnational repression against Iranian-Canadians and who would ultimately benefit from Canada returning to Tehran. Plus, details on Roqe Live 6, coming this Saturday, July 18. This episode is brought to you with the support of Avoca Chocolates. Website: https://avocachocolates.com Instagram: @avocachocolates Thanks for listening to Roqe.
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  Roqe Ep. 451 - The Funeral as a Weapon - Bozorgmehr Sharafedin 06.07.2026 48мин

  A new edition of Roqe featuring Jian’s opening essay, “The Funeral as a Weapon,” and a feature interview with Iranian-British journalist and documentary filmmaker Bozorgmehr Sharafedin. As the Islamic Republic stages the public funeral spectacle for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Jian asks what the world is really watching: grief, propaganda, coercion, political theatre - or all of the above? Bozorgmehr joins from Washington, DC, to discuss the regime’s claims of “millions” in the streets, what journalists can and cannot verify, how state funerals function as propaganda, and what this moment reveals about succession, legitimacy, and the fragility of power in Iran. Plus: Roqe Live 6 is coming July 18th to the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts.
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  Roqe Ep. 450 - IRAN RISES - Bijan Kian, Shahram Kholdi 02.07.2026 1ч 12мин

  This episode opens with Jian Ghomeshi's essay, "AS IF NOTHING HAPPENED," a commentary on the Islamic Republic's attempt to sell a narrative of stability and normalcy to the world following the recent conflict, and why history cannot simply be rewritten. Jian is then joined by Dr. Shahram Kholdi, followed by Bijan Kian for an in-depth discussion on where Iran stands today. Has the Islamic Republic successfully shifted the global conversation from vulnerability to stability? Has the MOU changed the way the world views the regime? Why has so much Western coverage embraced a narrative of normalcy? And what does the reaction to Team Melli reveal about the growing gap between how Iran is perceived abroad and how many Iranians experience it? Guests: • Dr. Shahram Kholdi - Historian and Political Analyst • Bijan Kian - Iranian-American business leader, former senior U.S. government official and longtime Republican strategist Sponsored by: • Avoca Chocolates Also in this episode: • Roqe Live 6 returns on Saturday, July 18th at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts featuring Shahram Shabpareh, Tina Parsa, Shally Zomorodi, Mahta Gharaei, Dariush Azar and Pegah Ganji. Thank you for listening to Roqe.
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  Roqe Ep. 449 - IRAN RISES - Ramin Zamani 25.06.2026 1ч 19мин

  For months, events surrounding Iran have moved at a relentless pace. In the midst of that, some remarkable conversations had to wait their turn. This is one of them. In this episode, Jian Ghomeshi welcomes acclaimed composer, producer and arranger Ramin Zamani to the Roqe studio for a fascinating discussion about music, exile, creativity, discipline and authenticity. Long before he became one of the key architects of modern Persian pop music, Ramin Zamani left Iran to pursue classical guitar and composition. His dream was not chart success but film scoring. Yet through a series of unexpected turns, including a chance encounter with Kamran of Kamran & Hooman, he found himself helping shape the sound of Persian music for a generation. The conversation explores: • Life under the Islamic Republic • Leaving Iran for artistic freedom • Classical music and creative discipline • The dream of film composition • The making of Persian pop music • Collaborations with Shahbal Shabpareh and Dariush • The role of mentorship • The creative process • Autotune and authenticity • Artificial intelligence and the future of music The episode also features Jian's opening essay: WE ARE BETWEEN CHAPTERS Sponsored by: • Stellar Law - stellarlaw.ca Hosted by Jian Ghomeshi. Produced by Roqe Media.
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  Roqe Ep. 448 - IRAN RISES - Ehsan Karami 22.06.2026 1ч 8мин

  Broadcaster, actor, singer and cultural commentator Ehsan Karami joins Jian Ghomeshi in studio for a special conversation in both English and Persian. Together they discuss the current state of the Iranian freedom movement, the reaction to the new memorandum of understanding between the Trump administration and the Islamic Republic, the ongoing debate surrounding Team Melli at the FIFA World Cup, and Ehsan's acclaimed theatrical production Talangor. An honest and reflective conversation about politics, culture, identity, exile, disappointment, resilience and what may come next for Iranians around the world. Sponsored by: • Quasar Homes • Avoca Chocolates
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  Roqe Ep. 447 - Memorandom of Undermining - Shayan Sami'i, Picasso Moin, Kiarash Kian 18.06.2026 1ч 24мин

  A new Memorandum of Understanding between the Trump administration and the Islamic Republic has ignited outrage, disappointment, and fierce debate among many Iranians around the world. Jian Ghomeshi welcomes Shayan Samii, Picasso Moin, and Kiarash Kian for a discussion about the deal, the prospect of sanctions relief and a reported $300 billion reconstruction package, and whether the agreement represents a diplomatic success - or a major setback for those hoping to see meaningful change in Iran. The panel also examines the ongoing controversy surrounding Team Melli at the FIFA World Cup, discussing whether support for Iran's national football team can be separated from the politics of the Islamic Republic and why all three guests have chosen not to cheer for Team Melli during this tournament. Plus Jian's opening essay: "WE KNOW WHERE THE $300 BILLION WON'T GO." Guests: • Shayan Samii • Picasso Moin • Kiarash Kian Host: Jian Ghomeshi Sponsored by: • Stellar Law • Quasar Homes
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  Roqe Ep. 446 - IRAN RISES - After the First Match - Atbin Arian, Seena Ghaznavi, Mehrdad Ahmadpour 16.06.2026 1ч 14мин

  The World Cup has begun and Team Melli has finally taken the field. Following Iran's 2-2 draw with New Zealand in Los Angeles, Jian Ghomeshi is joined by Atbin Arian, Seena Ghaznavi and Mehrdad Ahmadpour to discuss the atmosphere surrounding the opening match, the presence of Lion and Sun flags inside the stadium, FIFA's role in shaping the broadcast narrative, and the complicated feelings many Iranians have toward supporting the national team under the Islamic Republic. Before the panel, Jian opens the show with an essay entitled "The Cameras Looked Away" about television, censorship, narrative control, and what happens when millions of viewers are shown one version of reality while another exists just outside the frame. Sponsored by Avoca Chocolates.
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  Roqe Ep. 445 - IRAN RISES - The Game They're Playing - Ahmad Batebi, Shahram Kholdi 11.06.2026 1ч 23мин

  As the FIFA World Cup gets underway, many people around the world are focused on football. But many Iranians are focused on something else entirely. Jian Ghomeshi welcomes former political prisoner and activist Ahmad Batebi and historian and political analyst Dr. Shahram Kholdi for a discussion about the World Cup, Team Melli, the Islamic Republic's attempts to shape narratives on the global stage, and how the Iranian diaspora can use this moment to keep attention focused on the struggle for freedom in Iran. The panel also examines rising tensions between Iran and the United States, new threats from President Donald Trump, and whether recent developments point to growing regime vulnerability or simply another turn in a familiar geopolitical cycle. But first, Jian opens the show with an essay entitled "WE KNOW THE GAME," reflecting on football, politics, propaganda, and why so many Iranians have become deeply skeptical of the competing agendas surrounding major international events. This episode is brought to you by Stellar Law and Quasar Homes.
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  Roqe Ep. 444 - IRAN RISES - The FIFA Follies - Atbin Arian, Shayan Sami’i 04.06.2026 1ч 7мин

  The FIFA World Cup begins in just one week, and once again the debate is underway. Will politics overshadow the football? Or will the football eventually overshadow the politics? On this episode of Roqe, Jian Ghomeshi welcomes Atbin Arian and Shayan Sami’i for a conversation about the upcoming World Cup, FIFA’s contradictions, the controversy surrounding the Lion and Sun flag, Team Melli, nationalism, identity, free expression, and the difficult questions many Iranians continue to wrestle with whenever international sport and Iranian politics collide. Will Iranian fans support Team Melli? Has FIFA’s handling of the Lion and Sun flag created more controversy rather than less? And when the first whistle blows, will football once again reclaim center stage? But first, Jian opens the show with an essay entitled “They Always Tell Us To Keep Politics Out Of It”, exploring why so many people are told to separate politics from culture and sport, and why that separation is often easier said than done. Guests: Atbin Arian Shayan Sami’i Sponsors: Stellar Law Quasar Homes Recorded June 4, 2026.
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  Roqe Ep. 443 - IRAN RISES - Who Let the Mullahs In? - Sadeq Bigdeli, Mehran Aminian, Avideh Motmaenfar 28.05.2026 1ч 4мин

  Canada officially lists the IRGC as a terrorist entity. So why do reports continue surfacing about regime-connected figures, insiders, and individuals allegedly tied to the Islamic Republic entering Canada? On this episode of Roqe, Jian Ghomeshi moderates a timely and provocative panel discussion examining immigration, ideology, western political culture, security concerns, and whether Canada has failed to meaningfully confront the nature of the Islamic Republic regime. Featuring: Sadeq Bigdeli - lawyer and Iranian human rights advocate (Toronto) Mehran Aminian - artist, activist, and immigration consultant (Toronto) Avideh Motmaenfar - osteopathic practitioner, political commentator, and a President of the Council of Iranian Canadians (Oakville) But first, Jian opens the episode with an essay entitled “Who Let the Mullahs In?” - a sharp and poetic reflection on power, influence, ideology, and the growing concern among many Iranian Canadians that the regime they fled may now be finding comfort inside the very democracies built on freedom. This episode is supported by: Stellar Law - stellarlaw.ca Famluxy - famluxy.com