Roqe

Another special edition of Roqe amidst the current uprising in Iran, with a continued focus on the movement for change and outcry after the killing of Mahsa Amini. On this episode, Jian is once again joined by prominent voices from the Iranian Diaspora, this time to discuss the uprising no longer simply being a set of protests, but rather, the beginnings of a new revolution. Featured guests include:

Activist Shaparak Shajarizadeh

Blogger and journalist Nikahang Kowsar

Refugee advocate Mozhgan Moarefizadeh

Social media influencer, Kimia Yousefi

Musical fusion stars, Dang Show

Plus, the Roqe on-air team reflect on the crackdown by the regime, and the latest reports of solidarity from around the world. And Dang Show debut a special new song live in the Roqe Studio dedicated to the youth of Iran.

Another Special Edition of Roqe addressing the movement for change in Iran and outcry after the killing of Mahsa Amini. On this episode we once again hear from three (different) courageous Iranians who have been on the frontlines demonstrating against the regime in Iran in the last three weeks, and join us to provide a first-hand account of what exactly they are witnessing and experiencing in this volatile moment. “Luna,” who holds a PhD in Fine Arts and has been at the protests every day and was injured by a police baton joins Jian from Tehran. Mostafa, a web content creator in his 20s, who has been very active, joins us from Mashhad. And “Homa,” a young filmmaker and film editor, joins us from Tehran at an undisclosed location where she is in hiding while being sought after by regime authorities. Plus, Jian does his opening essay focused on the de facto leadership and inspiration of Iranian youth right now and the Roqe On Air Team discusses the growing visibility of the Iran situation in Western media and government policies.

Another special edition of Roqe during the current uprising in Iran, this time focusing on the infuriating inattention of Western leaders, corporations, and media while the regime in Iran continues its brutal crackdown on youthful protestors. Jian is joined by prominent voices from across the Iranian Diaspora, including:

Dr. Mehrzad Boroujerdi in Los Angeles

Nazenin Ansari in London, UK

Arash Sobhani in New York,

Armin Amiri in Los Angeles

Shirin Nasseri in London, UK.

Plus, the Roqe on-air team reflects on the global day of action that took place at the weekend with various demonstrations organized globally in solidarity with Iranians inside Iran, the meager efforts of Western leaders when it comes to human rights in Iran, a viral song by Shervin and the unexpected (albeit spotty) unity of the diaspora.

Another Special Edition of Roqe addressing the movement for change in Iran and the outcry after the killing of Mahsa Amini. After our last two editions assembling voices across the diaspora, in this episode, there is a different approach and we hear from three courageous Iranians who have been on the frontlines demonstrating against the regime in Iran in the last two weeks, and join us to provide a first-hand account of what exactly they are witnessing and experiencing in this volatile moment. “Sara,” a young professional employed in the field of logistics, joins Jian from Tehran, “Elham,” a young English teacher is on the line from Mashhad, and “Sam,” a filmmaker and musician, shares his experience from Tehran. Plus, the Roqe on-air team discuss the latest news regarding the arrests of many prominent Iranians, and pays tribute to Shervin Hajipour, now detained in Iran, by playing his epic and viral protest song, “Baraye.”

A special edition of Roqe focused on how those in the diaspora can support the brave young women and men fighting for human rights and justice in Iran. Once again, we assemble prominent voices from across the diaspora, this time to discuss solidarity with Iran and actions that can be taken locally and internationally. Lawyer and activist Kaveh Shahrooz joins Jian in the Roqe Studio, Kurdish-Iranian lawyer and commentator Awin Tavakoli is in Zurich, Afghan rapper and activist Sonita Alizadeh joins from New York, broadcaster Kambiz Hosseini grants a rare interview to speak his mind, artist and singer Gelareh Sheibani is in Los Angeles, musician and composer Reza Rohani, also in LA, pioneering politician, Dr. Reza Moridi, comes to the Roqe Studio in Toronto, and heroic pilot Captain Christopher Behnam chimes in from Sacramento. Plus, the on air Roqe team discuss the efficacy of demonstrations around the world, and a brand new musical piece by Dang Show is played in solidarity with the people of Iran.

A special edition of Roqe addressing the horrific death of young Mahsa Amini while in detention in Tehran - an event that has galvanized protesters inside the country and Iranians around the world. We convene several prominent voices from across the diaspora to discuss Mahsa’s killing, the role of the “morality police,” and whether this latest outrage in the Islamic Republic may become a tipping point for change. Jian is joined by journalist Mohammad Manzarpour in Washington, broadcaster Maral Mohammadi in London, actress and model Mandana Karimi in Paris, cartoonist and activist Nikahang Kowsar in DC, fashion blogger and influencer, Bahar Eslami in Vancouver, singer and dancer Saba Zameni in Toronto, and documentarian Dorreh Khatibi-Hill in Yorkshire UK…all of whom share their personal experiences and perspectives on the increasingly incendiary climate in Iran.

A feature interview with the illustrious Iranian broadcaster, Behzad Bolour, who returns to the show - this time live in the Roqe Studio. Behzad joins Jian for a rollicking fun conversation about everything from interview tips to body hair and - in a more serious vein - the expectations of Iranian audiences in TV and radio. Then, popular Iranian-Australian baker, Shadi Majlessy, visits the Roqe Studio to chat about using historic figures and images in her cake designs. Plus, Jian shares his experience and observations from visiting London, England, on the weekend and witnessing the scene at Buckingham Palace in the aftermath of the passing of the Queen.

Another big weekly edition of Roqe, including feature interviews with pioneering Iranian-American psychologist and behavioral analyst, Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh, as well as internationally celebrated Iranian-French architect and designer, Ali Behnam Bakhtiar. Dr. Granpeesheh joins Jian from Los Angeles to discuss dedicating her life to autism research and therapy and founding the landmark Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD). Later, Ali Bakhtiar joins Jian from Slovenia to share the secret to his success and creativity as one of the world's leading designers in wedding and event planning. Plus, the Roqe on-air team commemorates the sad loss of renowned Iranian author, playwright, poet, publisher, and journalist, Abbas Maroufi.

Another big weekly edition of Roqe, including feature interviews with pioneering Iranian-American psychologist and behavioral analyst, Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh, as well as internationally celebrated Iranian-French architect and designer, Ali Behnam Bakhtiar. Dr. Granpeesheh joins Jian from Los Angeles to discuss dedicating her life to autism research and therapy and founding the landmark Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD). Later, Ali Bakhtiar joins Jian from Slovenia to share the secret to his success and creativity as one of the world's leading designers in wedding and event planning. Plus, the Roqe on-air team commemorates the sad loss of renowned Iranian author, playwright, poet, publisher, and journalist, Abbas Maroufi.

Roqe 197 - A feature interview with the popular musical duo, 25 Band, who have built a vast following with their infectious alternative pop sounds and stunning videos. A-Del and Tamin join Jian live in the Roqe Studio for a fun-filled and comprehensive chat covering the origins of their distinctive sound, their artistic influences, and their personal relationship and journey from Mashhad to the West. (The interview is mostly in Persian with English subtitles on YouTube.) Plus, a look at the controversy surrounding comments from one of the “Talking to Persians: London” guests, and Jian introduces the idea of uniting as many Iranian Arsenal fans as he can find.