Roqe

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

Recorded before a packed house at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts (Oct 2, 2025), in Richmond Hill, Canada. This is the live version of the weekly Roqe podcast - transformed into a variety show that had everything from rollicking dances to memorials and tears. Guests & Segments: *Deejay Al* (opening hype) • *Jian Ghomeshi* (monologue & host) • *Pegah Ganji* (Richmond Hill’s rise as an Iranian cultural hub) • *Navid Rezvani* (special dance + interview — first North American appearance) • *Dr. Mahshad Kolahdouzan* (neuroscience made practical) • *DJ Namito* (Berlin roots, House of Namito, community) • *Rubina* (live performance: “Tehran”) • *Kaveh Yaghmaei & Niloufar* (legacy, mentorship, hope) • *Jian’s Tribute to His Father* • *Shally Zomorodi* (journalism, public life, identity) • *Babak Amini Tribute & Roqe Media Icon Award presentation* • *Finale: Babak Amini & Kaveh Yaghmaei (together), Namito, Deejay Al, and Jian* Sponsors Icon Award Sponsor: Quasar Homes (Amir Firooz) Gold: Beigi Law (Dr. Shay Beigi) • Anabel Sharouyan (Affinity Mortgage Solutions) • Shamshiri Restaurant (Navid Badiei) Silver: TIA Immigration (Elahe Rezaei) • iAccounting • Hooman Golrokh • Raavi Artisans (Alia Pastry, Avers, Jadeite, Famluxy, Twoart) • iWelcome • Urban Windows & Doors • Forough Catering (Chef Forough Ghayedi) Bronze: Lazar Prop Creation (Ramtin Lazar) • Ontario Camera • i2Canada (Vahid Babaei) Host: Jian Ghomeshi • Produced by: Roqe Media Follow/subscribe for weekly episodes, long-form interviews, and live specials.

Episode 390: Shabnam Tolouei — Art Without Borders On this edition of Roqe, Jian Ghomeshi welcomes Iranian-French actress, playwright, and director Shabnam Tolouei. In a conversation spanning both English and Persian, Shabnam reflects on her new short film One Thousand and One Hundred, her journey from Tehran to Paris and now the U.S., and her decades of work amplifying women’s voices and minority experiences through theatre and film. The interview explores exile, faith, censorship, and the inner negotiations of an artist who refuses to stop creating. Along the way, Jian and Shabnam also discuss Autumn Dance, Dust-Flower-Flame, and her collaborations with Shirin Neshat and Sepideh Farsi. This episode also features an update on the upcoming Roqe Live 5 event on October 2nd at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. Brought to you by iWelcome.

Jian’s feature guest is Iranian-British fitness instructor and performer Elham Mahrooz (Move Like Ellie). Known for her joyful dance videos and infectious positivity, Ellie joins from London for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about her mission, her cultural identity, and what it means to radiate joy even under pressure. The episode also opens with a fiery essay — “When the Left Marches with the Mullahs: Remember 1979” — a look at past alliances and their dangerous echoes today. Plus: news on Roqe Live 5, coming October 2nd at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts.

What happens when a nation goes bankrupt on water? In this edition of Roqe, Jian opens with a reflection on why “water is the new oil” - the defining resource of the 21st century. He argues that the crisis unfolding in Iran today is not just a local tragedy, but a preview for the world. Our feature guest is Professor Kaveh Madani, former Deputy Head of Iran’s Department of Environment and current Director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health. In a wide-ranging and candid interview, Kaveh explains why Iran’s water and electricity shortages have reached a tipping point, what this means for ordinary Iranians, and how environmental collapse threatens the very legitimacy of the regime. This is not only a story about Iran. It is about governance, dignity, and survival — and a warning for all of us. This episode of Roqe is brought to you in part by iWelcome. Learn more at iwelcome.ca or on Instagram @iwelcome.ca

On this edition of Roqe, Jian Ghomeshi welcomes Gdaal – the Iranian rapper who has become a defining voice of his generation. In this expansive and all-encompassing conversation, Gdaal speaks with rare candor about his successes and struggles: from competition in the hip hop scene, to frustrations with the industry, to the profound impact of losing his father last year. He reflects on growing up in Tehran as a 90s kid inspired by Eminem, moving to France in search of freedom, and the paradoxical pull of Iran that continues to shape his music and identity. The conversation also touches on the expectations to be political, the challenges of exile, and the responsibility of being part of the second generation of Persian rap. Gdaal’s love of hip hop shines through as he discusses his creative journey, his brand new collaboration with Toomaj Salehi, and his upcoming Toronto performance on September 26th at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Note: much of the interview is conducted in Persian, with some parts in English. Non-Farsi speakers may find it less accessible, though most Iranians will follow both languages. Follow and support our sponsors: – Raavi Artisans: @raavi.artisans – Tika: @tikatel #Roqe #Gdaal #PersianRap #IranianHipHop #ToomajSalehi #MahsaAmini #IranianDiaspora #HipHopCulture #PersianMusic #TorontoConcert

An exclusive conversation with iconic Iranian singer and performer Shohreh Solati. Jian Ghomeshi speaks with Shohreh about her remarkable life and legacy — from her early days in Tehran to her status as a pop legend in exile. They discuss her biggest hits, her activism, her influence as an LGBTQI and feminist icon, and her ongoing joy in performing live for new generations. Also in this episode: full details on Roqe Live 5, happening October 2, 2025, at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts.

Exclusive first reveal of the Roqe Live 5 lineup – only for Roqe listeners before it goes public on August 18th at 9am ET. Then, Jian sits down with Deejay AL, one of the most recognizable DJs and producers in the Iranian diaspora, to talk music, culture, and connection. And later, a conversation with Farimah Nowroozi (FamLuxy) and Arezoo Sadeghi (Two Art) from the all-female collective behind Raavi, the September 7th art and culture event supporting emerging Iranian creators.

She left behind everything she knew and walked into the unknown. In this episode, Jian is joined in the Roqe Studio by Iranian adventurer and memoirist Melica Bokaie (@melliiica) for a powerful conversation about identity, risk, freedom, and life as a solo traveler through Latin America. Melica opens up about her emotional transformation, her poetic relationship with solitude, and her new memoir written in Farsi. Also in this episode: Jian announces the official date and location of Roqe Live 5. Listen on all platforms or visit www.roqemedia.com

On this episode of Roqe, Jian Ghomeshi leads a powerful panel discussion on language, migration, and identity. For many immigrants, speaking English isn’t just a practical skill — it’s a profound shift in how they express emotion, how they’re perceived, and how they perceive themselves. This episode explores the idea that a second language can become a second self. Jian is joined by: Dr. Jila Ghomeshi, linguist and expert on language and identity Mojdeh Razeh, English instructor and creator of @english.with.mojdeh Shahrzad Kazemi, social media educator behind @learningenglishwithsherry Together, they ask: Who are you when you speak in your second language? Does your personality shift? And what happens to the real you in translation? Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, SoundCloud, and RoqeMedia.com. Follow us: @RoqeMedia | @JianGhomeshi

A new and unexpected trend is emerging: the face of Ali Khamenei and the flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran appearing in Western protests, from Toronto to London to Sydney. On this edition of Roqe, Jian Ghomeshi asks: Why are some Western activists and segments of the political Left embracing a regime widely known for its brutality, repression, and human rights abuses? Human rights lawyer Kaveh Shahrooz and academic Forouq Canaani join Jian to explore this ideological shift. From propaganda and anti-imperialism to diaspora backlash and the legacy of Mahsa Amini, this panel discussion dives deep into the dissonance of supporting "resistance" while uplifting tyranny. A thoughtful, provocative episode asking hard questions at a critical moment.

complex world of online identity, empowerment, and judgment. Rana Zandi, an Iranian-Canadian digital strategist and AI music experimenter, is not only breaking new ground in technology and design but also came to public attention as the self-proclaimed first Iranian woman to join OnlyFans — a platform known for empowering creators but also controversial for its association with adult content and the monetization of intimacy, raising concerns about exploitation, morality, and societal norms. Rana opens up about her emotional journey through OnlyFans, where she initially found empowerment but eventually became disillusioned by the transactional nature of her relationships with men. She also discusses her academic background, her work in AI music, and how her story intersects with her Iranian identity, cultural expectations, and the challenges of being a woman in a space like OnlyFans. This conversation challenges stereotypes, explores the complexities of identity, and takes a deeper look at the human experience in the digital age. Tune in for an insightful, emotional, and potentially controversial discussion. Follow us on Instagram: @roqemedia Available on all major podcast platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, and Castbox.

How do authoritarian regimes survive decade after decade? In this episode of Roqe, Jian Ghomeshi breaks down the “7 Rules of Modern Dictatorship” — and how Ayatollah Khamenei continues to cling to power in Iran despite global outrage, economic hardship, and internal dissent. Then, acclaimed psychologist and author Dr. Fathali Moghaddam joins Jian from Washington, D.C. to share his latest insights on dictatorship, mass psychology, and collective irrationality. Together, they examine why the Islamic Republic remains in place, how global politics enable tyranny, and what Iranians — inside and outside the country — can do to shift the future. — 🟡 Sponsored by: 🔹 Famluxy – Artistic, handcrafted accessories | @famluxy 🔹 Forough Catering – Exceptional Persian catering in Toronto | @forough_ghayedi — Subscribe to Roqe wherever you get your podcasts.

Just weeks ago, the world watched as tensions between Israel and Iran surged and the Iranian people appeared to be approaching a pivotal moment. The conditions for an uprising were aligning. Then came a ceasefire. Then… Trump’s shift - signalling a willingness to work with the same Islamic Republic regime he once vowed to crush. So: Did Trump blow a real opportunity for change? Jian Ghomeshi hosts a passionate, high-level panel with legal analyst and political commentator Ari Aramesh, and former U.S. senior official Bijan Kian, to tackle the hard questions: Did the Trump pivot deflate the movement for freedom in Iran? Was there ever a plan to follow through? What does this mean for Iranians both inside and outside the country? Why does the regime seem untouched, emboldened even? A raw and revealing discussion about power, pressure, and the moment that may have slipped away. Find us on all major platforms and at RoqeMedia.com Follow Jian on Instagram: @JianGhomeshi

A fragile ceasefire. A fractured people. And a pressing question: What now? On this edition of Roqe, Jian Ghomeshi leads a probing conversation about the aftermath of the Israel–Islamic Republic conflict, and what it has revealed about the state of Iranians today — politically, emotionally, and spiritually. While Trump, Netanyahu, and Khamenei claim “victory,” the Iranian people face a resurgence of crackdowns and internal division. Panel guests include: – Bahador Alast, popular YouTuber and commentator – Picasso Moin, athlete and social observer (from Istanbul) – Sadeq Bigdeli, lawyer and political analyst (from Toronto) Plus, psychotherapist and PTSD expert Shirin Amani Azeri joins the show for an intimate and powerful look at the psychological toll of the past two weeks.

In this urgent and emotional edition of Roqe, host Jian Ghomeshi opens a new series exploring the human impact of the fast-escalating conflict between Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Recorded on June 18th, 2025 — amidst rapidly shifting events — this episode amplifies Iranian voices from both inside the country and across the diaspora. Guests include: Dr. Kayvan Mirhadi (“Dr. Kay”) in New York, a physician receiving messages from hundreds of Iranians on the ground Kamyar Mahinsa, a longtime police officer and influential voice on Iranian social media, joining from Vancouver Nik Kowsar, celebrated cartoonist, journalist, and advocate, speaking from Washington, D.C. Roqe contributors Pegah Ganji and Anahita Nayebi, reflecting on grief, diaspora guilt, family, and hope This episode marks the beginning of The Israel–Iran War: Voices of Iranians — a continuing Roqe series documenting the thoughts, emotions, and lived experiences of Iranians during this unprecedented crisis. If you disagree with something you hear, stay tuned — more voices and perspectives are coming. This is not an echo chamber. This is a space for humanity, nuance, and truth-seeking.

Two powerful Iranian-Canadian stories — both interviews conducted in Persian. First, Milad Taherzadeh (aka @miladbeauty) opens up publicly for the first time at a live Roqe Hub event, sharing his harrowing journey as an LGBTQ person growing up and pursuing a career in style and makeup in Mashhad and fleeing Iran. Then, entrepreneur Navid Badiei joins Jian in the Roqe Studio to talk about rebuilding his life from scratch and creating one of Canada’s most beloved Persian restaurants, Shamshiri. Follow @RoqeMedia and @JianGhomeshi Subscribe for more episodes. Episode supported by: @grazingdelice | @twoar.t | @oxygenbotanicals | @aliapastry #IranianDiaspora #RefugeeStories #PersianPodcast #MiladBeauty #Shamshiri #Roqe

On this episode of Roqe, acclaimed Iranian-Canadian comedian Neema Naz returns to the studio for a candid and celebratory conversation in the middle of his world tour. After receiving a major boost from megastar Drake, Neema has gone from social media sensation to global performer, sharing stages with comedy legends like Russell Peters and Howie Mandel. He opens up about the pressure of success, his acting ambitions, and staying grounded through it all. Plus, Jian begins the show with a powerful opening essay marking the start of Pride Month — contrasting the joy of LGBTQ celebrations in the West with the brutal persecution faced by LGBTQ people in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Recorded in Toronto. Presented by Roqe Media. This episode comes to you with the generous support of Tika, Famlixy and Novvanguard.