Roqe

On this episode we once again explore the Persian preoccupation with cars and status with a fun-driving edition. Jian is joined by two very popular experts in the field of cars and Iranians - Vahid Amirimoghaddam of the "Cars I Have Driven" channel (Montreal), and Ali Bekhradi of the "Garage Bekhradi" YouTube/Instagram site (Houston) - to discuss all things auto obsession, from a Mercedes fixation to the vehicular expectations of a nation. Plus Jian announces the lineup and ticket information for Roqe Live 3(!) and about early bird discounts for those listening to the show.

With Iran back in the news again for a multitude of negative reasons, we pivot to a special edition focused entirely on pre-Islamic Republic Iranian history and, particularly, arts and culture and the role of Farah Diba, the last Empress of Iran, and the significant role she played in the cultural renaissance of the 1960s and 70s that resonates to the present day. Jian is joined by Dr. Layla Diba, an Iranian-American independent scholar, art advisor and curator, who was the first woman museum director in Iran, for a very intimate, detailed and first-hand look at the role that Queen Farah played in fostering a vibrant cultural scene in Iran.

A new edition of Roqe (Ep.333) including two feature guests, a very big announcement, and, of course, the Roundup. Iranian-American fitness, nutrition, and wellness guru Sama Ghorbani joins Jian from Los Angeles to talk about her experience in the fitness space, the perils of cardio, questions about Ozempic, and her very popular Instagram account and app, Nutrifitopia. Later, Persian miniature painting master, Alijan Alijanpour, talks about the harrowing and heartbreaking recent story of theft of his paintings, which he values at $2 million. Plus, Pegah joins Jian to make a BIG Roqe announcement, and to discuss Tehran turmoil amidst the assassination of a Hamas leader and the impending imprisonment of popular musical artist Shervin Hajipour.

A new edition of Roqe (Ep.332) featuring Iranian-American software engineer, viral video star and stand-up comedian Arash Rowshan in the Roqe Studio. Arash sits down with Jian for an all-encompassing and laughter filled conversation about his journey from engineer to stand-up comic, the ever changing nature of the Iranian diaspora, and the current state of American politics. But first, Smart Pegah and Super P join Jian for a conversation about everything from politics to coffee to a gruesome gash in Jian’s hand and the story behind it. Plus, Pegah and Jian convene for the Roundup and discuss the latest in whether or not Biden’s exit will affect US foreign policy on Iran.

A new edition of Roqe featuring high-profile Iranian activist Elahe Tavakolian, who became an international figure after suffering a horrific injury during the Woman Life Freedom uprising. Elahe joins Jian from Philadelphia to discuss her harrowing story, the journey it has taken her on, her unwavering efforts to raise awareness about human rights violations in Iran, and the implications of the recent election of President Pezeshkian in Iran. Plus, after a number of audience comments inspired by last week's episode, Jian and Pegah explore the question: “Are Iranians Too Critical of Iranians?”

A new edition of Roqe (Ep.330) featuing the iconic Iranian dancer, choreographer, pop celebrity, activist and cultural pioneer, Mohammad Khordadian, who joins Jian from London for a provocative and no-holds-barred interview about his mixed feelings on his homeland, breaking barriers, finding new love, and giving up on hope for change in Iran. Mr Khordadian makes the case that he hates lies, and he lays out his truth in this interview. Plus Pegah joins Jian for the Roundup about Western excitement about a new "reformist" President and funding and support for certain Western protest groups by the Islamic Republic.

A new edition of Roqe, featuring a deep dive into the pre-Islam history of Iran with acclaimed cultural historian Dr. Richard Foltz and an examination of how the common conflation of Iranians and Islam (and Islamism) is actually not historically supported. Dr. Foltz joins Jian to discuss Iran before the arrival of Islam in the 7th century, shedding light on the ancient Persian empires, Zoroastrianism, and the rich cultural heritage that predates Islamic influence. Dr. Foltz, a Canadian scholar with a PhD in Middle Eastern History from Harvard University and a professor at Concordia University in Montréal, brings his extensive knowledge of Iranian civilization and its far-reaching impacts on the broader region. Plus, Pegah and Jian convene for the Roqe Roundup to discuss the upcoming runoff election in Iran this Friday, and the numerous football games and football fever brewing.

A new edition of Roqe including a feature interview in the Roqe Studio with Iranian-American actor, author, and spiritually-driven social media star, Anousha. Anousha joins Jian to discuss the concept of “unlearning,” her mission to follow her intuition, redefining success, and her journey as an “audacious” teenager from Shiraz to Tehran, to England and then to the US, as well as being recently cast as a main character for the second season of the hit Netflix series "The Night Agent". Plus, Pegah and Jian convene for the Roqe Roundup to discuss all things presidential-election-related, both in the Islamic Republic and in the United States.

A new episode of Roqe including a feature interview with Iranian-British journalist, broadcaster, and activist. Ali Hamedani, who made history as the first Iranian gay journalist to report on the LGBTQI community and underground life in Iran for an international media platform, BBC. Plus a conversation with Iranian-Canadian activist and lawyer Ardeshir Zarehzadeh about the big news of the Canadian government (finally) putting the IRGC on the terrorist list. And of course, Jian and Pegah convene for the Roqe Roundup to discuss the latest implications of the IRGC decision.

A brand new episode of Roqe including a feature interview with Iranian-Canadian professional boxer, Salar Gholami - Canada's Cruiserweight Champion. Salar joins Jian live in the Roqe Studio to talk about how boxing became his path to a better life, his sacrifices, his father, and his time as the Captain of the Iranian National Team. Plus, Pegah and Jian convene for the Roqe Roundup to discuss the nuances of Tarof, Jian’s newly coined phrase “the tarof loop,” more Gemini birthdays, and the latest from inside and outside Iran.