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

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