Roqe
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Conversations from, to, and about the Iranian diaspora.
Roqe is hosted by Jian Ghomeshi.
Roqe is hosted by Jian Ghomeshi.
465 Episodes
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2Jian opens Episode 411 of Roqe – Iran Rises with a searing essay explaining why the anger felt by Iranians around the world right now is not excessive, emotional, or misplaced - but informed, earned, and justified.
He’s then joined by Nazenin Ansari (Kayhan London / Kayhan Life) and Sadeq Bigdeli (Toronto-based lawyer and human rights advocate) for a sharp, up-to-the-minute conversation on the Huda Beauty backlash, disinformation campaigns, atrocity denial, the EU’s designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization, legal accountability, and the possibility of international intervention.
Recorded January 29, 2026.
Jian is joined by Farzin Nadimi, senior Iran and defense analyst at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, and Shayan Samii, a U.S. national security analyst specializing in strategic communications.
The panel examines why Western intervention in Iran is no longer optional, how the regime’s escalating violence signals strategic weakness rather than strength, and what tools the United States and its allies actually have at their disposal as mass killing unfolds inside Iran.
The episode opens with a forceful in-studio essay arguing that Western media atrocity denial - driven by hesitation, ideological discomfort, and an obsession with disputing numbers - is delaying truth and enabling the continued killing of Iranian civilians.
This episode is brought to you with the support of Stellar Law
🔗 stellarlaw.ca
Jian opens Episode 409 of Roqe - Iran Rises with a direct message to members of the Iranian diaspora who have chosen silence during one of the most violent chapters in the Islamic Republic’s history - not out of ignorance or absence, but out of convenience.
The episode then turns to a panel discussion with two guests joining from opposite sides of the world:
Erfan Paydar, Iranian-American rapper and activist in Los Angeles, and
Forouq Canaani, academic and political analyst based in Munich.
Together, they examine the current state of the uprising inside Iran, the unprecedented scale of global solidarity rallies, the role of regime-linked lobbying and disinformation efforts, and how Iranians inside the country are navigating repression, fear, and hope in real time.
Roqe - Iran Rises is recorded as events continue to move rapidly on the ground, with perspectives shared as close to real time as possible.
This episode is brought to you with the support of Stellar Law
🔗 stellarlaw.ca
In this episode of Roqe – as part of the Iran Rises series - Jian reflects on a defining moment in Iran’s ongoing revolution as internet blackouts begin to crack and evidence of mass violence by the Islamic Republic regime against civilians comes into view.
In an opening essay entitled “Don’t Look Away,” Jian argues that silence, exhaustion, and narrative distortion are among the most powerful tools authoritarian regimes rely on.
Jian is then joined by Iranian-American former U.S. senior official and global business leader Bijan Kian for an in-depth conversation about:
What the regime’s actions reveal about its survival strategy
Whether recent massacres mark a point of no return
The international community’s response – and its limits
The role of disinformation and soft-pedalled narratives
What sustained attention and support can actually achieve
This episode was recorded on January 19, 2026, as events inside Iran continued to evolve
This edition of Roqe is supported by Stellar Law – a Toronto-based boutique litigation firm known for disciplined strategy and rigorous advocacy.
What is happening in Iran can no longer be described as a “regime crackdown.”
It is a military occupation of civilians by their own state.
In this urgent new episode of Roqe, Jian opens with a forceful essay addressing the scale of violence, mass arrests, and civilian deaths unfolding inside Iran - and the growing silence from Western governments and media.
This edition features a wide-ranging panel discussion with:
Dr. Siamak Aram (Washington DC) – Academic and community organizer focused on Iranian civic mobilization
Shayan Samii (Virginia) – U.S. national security analyst specializing in the Near East and strategic communications
Later, Jian speaks with Gazelle Sharmahd (Los Angeles), a German-American freedom advocate and the daughter of Jimmy Sharmahd, who was kidnapped and killed by the Islamic Republic in 2024.
Recorded on January 15, 2026, this episode asks a painful question many Iranians are now voicing openly: Are we alone again?
This edition of Roqe is brought to you with the support of:
Stellar Law – stellarlaw.ca (http://stellarlaw.ca/)
Famluxy – famluxy.com (http://famluxy.com/)
As protests escalate inside Iran and internet access is increasingly restricted, the urgency of this moment continues to sharpen.
On this edition of Roqe (Episode 406) - the third installment of the ongoing Iran Rises series - Jian leads a timely panel discussion examining the rapidly unfolding situation inside Iran, the regime’s escalating crackdown, the information blackout, and what meaningful international pressure could realistically look like.
This episode was recorded on January 12th, 2026 at 3pm ET, as events were moving quickly on the ground.
🎙️ Guests:
Ari Aramesh - Iranian-American lawyer and political commentator (Washington DC)
Dr. Kayvan Mirhadi (Dr. Kay) - Chief of Internal Medicine and trusted medical voice to Iranians worldwide (New York)
Lisa Daftari - Foreign policy journalist, Founder & Editor-in-Chief of The Foreign Desk (Los Angeles)
🧭 Topics include:
Shifting dynamics of the protests inside Iran
Global media and policy reactions
Internet shutdowns and information warfare
Human and medical realities on the ground
Possible paths forward and the limits of external intervention
🤝 Sponsors:
Stellar Law - stellarlaw.ca
iWelcome - iwelcome.ca
Jian continues the Iran Rises series with a timely panel discussion examining the unfolding protest movement inside Iran.
Recorded on January 8, 2026, this episode brings together four perspectives - street-level insight, security analysis, economic context, and historical framing - to better understand what is happening now and what may come next.
Guests:
Picasso Moin – Iranian activist and commentator (Istanbul)
Mahdi Ghodsi – Economist, Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies
Sepehr Vakil – Associate Professor, Northwestern University; author of Revolutionary Engineers
Shayan Samii – U.S. national security analyst and strategic communications expert
The conversation explores protest organization, regime power dynamics, economic pressure points, historical parallels, international response, and what may determine whether this moment advances or stalls.
The episode opens with Jian’s essay honoring the bravery of Iranians in the streets.
This edition of Roqe is brought to you with the support of:
Stellar Law – stellarlaw.ca
Famluxy – famluxy.com
As mass protests continue across Iran, Roqe launches IRAN RISES, a new twice-weekly series dedicated to understanding an uprising that is not simply about economic unrest – but about legitimacy, power, and regime change.
This episode opens with Jian's short essay arguing that what is unfolding in Iran is a new revolution. What follows is a focused panel discussion examining the current phase of the uprising, insights coming directly from inside the country, the Islamic Republic’s posture, and what the near future may realistically look like.
Panel:
Nazanin Ansari – Iranian journalist, editor (London)
Kamyar Mahinsa – Police officer, analyst (Vancouver)
Ali Fathollah-Nejad – Political scientist, Iran expert (Berlin)
This edition of Roqe is brought to you with the support of:
Stellar Law – a Toronto-based boutique litigation firm
Visit stellarlaw.ca
iWelcome – premium Iranian-Canadian tour, travel, and limo services
Visit iwelcome.ca
Hosted by Jian Ghomeshi.
Meezoon basheen.
In this special New Year’s Day episode of Roqe, Jian convenes eight prominent Iranian voices from around the world to reflect on the year that was and the year ahead.
The episode opens with a freshly recorded opening essay responding to the most recent protests inside Iran and the ongoing mischaracterization of Iranian uprisings by parts of the Western media. The interviews themselves were recorded shortly before the latest events, but the themes explored remain strikingly current.
Each guest is asked four shared questions:
How they characterize the past year for Iranians
Their hopes for Iranians in 2026
Their fears for the year ahead
And their personal resolutions
Guests featured on this episode:
Andy Madadian (Los Angeles)
Elina Shirazi (Washington DC)
Dr. Ali Fathollah-Nejad (Berlin)
Bijan Kian (California)
Nazenin Ansari (London)
Tehran Von Ghasri (Los Angeles)
Shahrzad “Sherry” Kazemi (Vancouver)
Pegah Ganji (Toronto)
Together, they offer a global portrait of a people navigating protest, trauma, hope, and the enduring belief that meaningful change is still possible.
Nothing says Christmas quite like talking about Iranians and drinking.
On this Christmas Day edition of Roqe, we revisit one of our most compelling conversations - an exploration of alcohol’s long, complicated, and often contradictory place in Iranian and Islamic history.
While alcohol is officially forbidden under Islam, it has played a persistent and sometimes conspicuous role across centuries of Persian culture - from ancient wine traditions and mystical poetry, to royal courts, revolutions, and the underground drinking culture of modern Iran.
Our guest is Dr. Rudi Matthee, professor of Middle Eastern history at the University of Delaware and a leading authority on early modern Iran. His new book, Angels Tapping at the Wine Shop's Door, examines the hidden, contested, and enduring history of alcohol across the Islamic world.
This wide-ranging conversation looks at:
The religious prohibition of alcohol and its interpretations
Iran’s ancient wine culture
Alcohol in Persian poetry, art, and mysticism
Drinking at royal courts and repeated attempts at prohibition
Alcohol before and after the 1979 Revolution
Smuggling, homemade wine, and modern contradictions
Whether the Islamic world’s relationship with alcohol is still evolving
A conversation about pleasure and prohibition.
Faith and culture.
Public rules and private lives.
This episode of Roqe is supported by Stellar Law and iWelcome.
In Episode 401, Jian welcomes automotive content creator Vahid Amirimoghaddam into the Roqe Studio. Vahid is the force behind the Instagram page “Cars I Have Driven,” with more than 400,000 followers watching the cars he gets behind the wheel of. Jian speaks with him about his rise on social media, what drives his fascination with cars, how Iranians express identity and status through vehicles, and how car culture is evolving — from luxury flexing to EV adoption.
This episode also features:
• An update on Roqe Live 6, set for Feb. 19, 2026 at RHCPA in Toronto
This edition of Roqe is brought to you with the support of Stellar Law (@stellarlaw.ca on Instagram).
Follow @roqemedia and @JianGhomeshi on Instagram and subscribe for new episodes.
On Episode 400 of Roqe, Jian reunites members of the original team - Groovy Shaya, Captain Reza and Smart Pegah - for a special roundtable reflecting on the five and a half years since the show launched in April 2020.
The conversation explores how Roqe evolved from a pandemic-era experiment into a global program streamed over 45 million times; how Toronto has become the epicentre of a rapidly growing Iranian diaspora; and how events such as the Mahsa Amini uprising, mass executions in Iran, worsening economic and environmental crises and the Iran-Israel conflict have reshaped the tone and urgency of diaspora media.
The team also discusses the rise of Iranian digital creators, shifting audience expectations and standout moments from 400 episodes of Roqe.
Plus: Jian speaks about the upcoming Roqe Live 6.
Meezoon basheen.
Episode 399 of Roqe features the return of Dr. Kayvan Mirhadi – “Dr. Kay” – the Chief of Internal Medicine at Clifton Springs Hospital in New York and one of the most trusted medical voices for Iranians around the world. He first gained widespread recognition during COVID-19 and again during the Mahsa Amini protests, when his clear guidance and steady presence became a lifeline for millions.
In this special feature, Jian Ghomeshi puts 12 (although it ends up being more like 8!) of the most common and most sensitive audience questions to him – from Plan B to herpes panic, from anal sex myths to antibiotics, stress, fasting diets, Vitamin D, and more. A candid, informative, surprisingly funny conversation that cuts through fear, misinformation, stigma, and confusion.
Also in this episode:
A reveal of the first lineup for Roqe Live 6, happening February 19, 2026 at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. Tickets go on sale next Wednesday, Dec 10th at 9am ET, with early-bird pricing for the first 24 hours.
This edition of Roqe is created with support from Quasar Homes.
Follow for more interviews, essays, and conversations from across the Iranian diaspora.
Instagram: @roqemedia @JianGhomeshi
Meezoon basheen.
On this week's edition, Jian offers a clear and comprehensive primer on the environmental crisis now affecting Iran - a polycrisis that touches the country's air, water, energy grid, and public health.
Jian outlines recent AQI levels in major cities, groundwater depletion, the shrinkage of rivers and wetlands, dust storms, land subsidence, and the impact of Iran's inefficient energy sector on daily life.
Two experts then join in the Roqe Studio:
• Roozbeh Eskandari - Environmental researcher focused on water systems, wetlands, and Iran's deepening water bankruptcy.
• Farid Safari - Engineer and energy analyst examining the country's fragile power grid, gas shortages, and outdated energy infrastructure.
An informative and accessible conversation for listeners around the world.
This episode is created with the support of Quasar Homes.
On this edition of Roqe, the legendary artist Shahrokh Moshkin Ghalam returns to the Roqe Studio — in full colour, full force, and fresh off a packed performance of Aref Nameh in Toronto.
Jian speaks with Shahrokh about his bold new staging of the cheeky, satirical, and explicit poem by Iraj Mirza; how he transitioned from iconic dance work into text-driven theatre; and what the pandemic taught him after years away from the stage. The conversation explores poetry, provocation, exile, identity, and the reinvention of one of the most distinctive Iranian performers in the world.
Presented with the support of Quasar Homes.
Subscribe and follow @JianGhomeshi and @RoqeMedia for more.
On Episode 396 of Roqe, two timely conversations that reflect the global Iranian experience.
Jian begins with Samin Pourkhalili (Samin Yoga), joining via Zoom from Missouri. Samin shares her journey from Tehran to India to the U.S., her rise as a global Farsi-language yoga instructor, and the tension between authenticity and the digital wellness industry.
Later in the program, Jian hosts an in-studio discussion on the major immigration policy changes announced by the Canadian government just days ago — including reduced temporary visa intake, flatter PR levels, and new barriers for transitioning from study and work permits to permanent residency.
Immigration consultants Vahid Babaei and Hesam Asadi break down what these changes mean for Iranians hoping to come to Canada, Iranians already here, and the broader paradox within the Iranian-Canadian community regarding immigration levels.
This episode of Roqe is presented with the support of Quasar Homes.
She built a career in business in America. Then, through depression and reflection, she found her true calling. Iranian-American podcaster and life coach Helli Hendesi, host of HelliTalk, joins Jian in the Roqe Studio to talk about her remarkable transformation - from corporate executive to full-time creator.
A conversation about courage, reinvention, healing, and how one woman turned pain into purpose.
Presented with support from Quasar Homes.
Follow Jian on Instagram: @jianghomeshi and Roqe Media: @roqemedia
Learn more at www.RoqeMedia.com
In a world where fitness is filtered and wellness is for sale, how do we separate truth from illusion? Studies show that six out of ten TikTok fitness videos are misleading or harmful, and that more social media use often means more body dissatisfaction — especially among young people.
In this eye-opening conversation, Jian is joined by two Iranian-background fitness creators who are navigating both the promise and the pitfalls of the digital wellness boom:
Sepideh Faraji (@sepideh_fit) – a Toronto-based fitness coach and lifestyle influencer helping women embrace realistic, sustainable approaches to health.
Sama Ghorbani (@nutrifitopia) – a Los Angeles-based nutritionist and content creator bridging science, fitness, and accessibility online.
Together, they unpack misinformation vs. expertise, “fitspiration” vs. pressure, and how social media is reshaping the entire fitness industry.
Recorded with Sepideh in the Roqe Studio in Toronto and Sama joining via Zoom from L.A.
This episode of Roqe is presented with the support of Tika — the customer-generating machine helping businesses grow through digital marketing, lead generation, and telecom innovation.
#Fitness #SocialMedia #Roqe #JianGhomeshi #IranianDiaspora #Wellness #BodyImage #FitTok #TikTok #SepidehFaraji #SamaGhorbani
A rare in-studio performance and conversation with TrioMoon - featuring Milad Derakhshani (tar), Dara Daraei (bass), and Bahar Falsafi (violin).
Visiting from Iran, the trio delivers two breathtaking instrumental pieces - a fusion of Persian classical roots, improvisation, and modern texture - followed by an intimate discussion with Jian Ghomeshi on creativity, collaboration, and the flourishing new wave of Iranian music.
Milad and Dara open up about living double musical lives - from pop and rock to sonati and fusion - and what it means to make art between worlds.
At the top of the show, Jian reflects on Toronto’s excitement as the Blue Jays head to the World Series and shares his recent streak of Persian concerts - from Alireza Ghorbani to Martik to Milad Derakhshani’s captivating Toronto performance with Trio Moon.
🎶 Featuring:
• Milad Derakhshani – Tar
• Dara Daraei – Bass
• Bahar Falsafi – Violin
🎙 Interview by Jian Ghomeshi
📍Recorded live at the Roqe Hub, Toronto
Presented with the support of @tia_immigration and @iwelcome.ca
A special edition of Roqe featuring two of the most influential Iranian architects of the last century - Hossein Amanat and Kamran Diba - together for the first time in the Roqe Studio.
In a rare and deeply personal interview, they sit down with Jian Ghomeshi to explore architecture, identity, exile, and legacy - from the creation of Tehran’s Azadi Tower and Museum of Contemporary Art to life and creativity after 1979.
Also in this episode: Jian’s Roqe Roundup with Pegah Ganji on the “Little Iran” designation in Toronto — and the unexpected backlash that followed.
🎙 Hosted by Jian Ghomeshi
Presented with the support of @beigilaw and @raavi.artisans
#Roqe #JianGhomeshi #HosseinAmanat #KamranDiba #IranianArchitecture #LittleIran #IranianDiaspora #AzadiTower #TehranMuseum #IranianCulture #Toronto
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Today is January 8th, 2026 and I really want this guy, Mohammad Amini, to listen to himself and also what people are chanting in streets of Iran. If something has never happened anywhere around the world, it doesn't mean it's not going to happen in Iran. Today people in Iran unanimously want one thing and you know what it is.
thanks jian, This topic was great. I enjoyed a lot
The true voice of Iran ❤️
incredible interview, story, magical voice and Jian speaking Persian
مگه اد شیرن اهنگ عزیزم و با گوگوش نخونده؟ اندی توش نبود
آنوشا❤️
hi, tanks for all your great podcasts in advance , can I recommend you limit them little than half of an hour?
First time I got to know the Coldplay was 2010 at Apple town hall event with Steve Jobs introduced them as a new found music band … how cool was that ???
kashani is a great man.
ajaab
A beautiful guru from Persia, blessing to you💕
Great episode! Thanks. Is there anyway to introduce a person to you? I also sent messages on Instagram.
you guys are great 👍
Many thanks for preparing these amazing episodes. I hope he could defeat his late cancer detection.
Hello Jian, I am a new Roqe subscriber, your podcast is great specially sheding light on social matters of Irainian. Please invite Dr.saeid Ghavami, an Irainian professor at University of Manitoba who did research with his team on schoolgirl mass poisoning and global action of Woman Life Freedom. Thank you.
Hello Jian, I am a new Roqe subscriber, your podcast is great specially sheding light on social matters of Irainian. Please invite Dr.saeid Ghavami, an Irainian professor at University of Manitoba who did research with his team on schoolgirl mass poisoning and global action of Woman Life Freedom. Thank you.
I'd like to express my gratitude to @roqemedia for conducting such an amazing interview. I truly enjoyed it and had a great time. Thank you indeed
Me too, I'm a fan of eye😁👀🐑
مرسی بابت برنامه خیلی خوبتون. همیشه سبز باشین و برقرار
15 u've got chubby 😅😅