Roqe

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.