Roqe

Roqe 196 - A feature interview with American historian, journalist, and Pulitzer Prize winning author, Kai Bird, on his latest book entitled, “The Outlier: The Unfinished Presidency of Jimmy Carter,” and re-examining the hostage crisis in Iran. Plus Jian talks to the highly contaminated Roqe on air team about his recent travels, and reaction to the new Roqe documentary, Talking to Persians: London, with letters from the audience.

The premiere of a new fast-paced documentary series from Roqe Media, focused on Persians living outside of Iran, and their adopted cities. In this first edition, Jian and team travel to London, England, to discover a diverse and passionate community of Iranians, with a diversity of opinions, and a very surprising twist when finding the house he was born in. (English with Persian subtitles)

Roqe 195 - A special preview podcast discussing the upcoming premiere of the new Roqe Media travel series, Talking to Persians. Jian is joined by Captain Reza, the Fabulous Kyan and Groovy Shaya to chat about this fast-paced documentary style series focusing on Persians living outside of Iran and life in their adopted cities. In each episode, we go on a mission to track down and learn about the Iranian diasporic community in a different global city. In the inaugural episode - that comes out next week - Jian and the team visit his birthplace of London, England and embark on a journey that leads to some unexpected revelations.

Be sure to visit www.roqemedia.ca as of August 15, 2022 to watch the pilot episode of Talking to Persians (with subtitles). First stop: London!

Roqe 194 - Feature interviews with award-winning cartoonist, blogger and journalist, Nikahang Kowsar, and teenage athletic phenom, Mahta Gharaei. Nik Kowsar joins Jian from Washington DC to discuss his journey to becoming a prominent Iranian cartoonist who would earn the ire of the clergy, and his current focus on addressing the water scarcity crisis in Iran. But first, Iranian-Canadian rising star, Mahta Gharaei, is in the Roqe Studio for a conversation about her impressive dual life as a young karate and pageant champion. Plus, Jian and Shaya revel in the relative calm with the absence of other Roqe on-air Team members this week.

Roqe 193 - Another big weekly edition of Roqe, including a feature interview with MMA star Pannie Kianzad, as well as a rare live appearance by Rastak in the Roqe Studio for a conversation and performance. Rastak, the internationally-recognized Iranian roots and folk ensemble known for their standout performances showcase their talents with a live piece in our studio, plus a group discussion of their mission to preserve and spread Persian folkloric music, and the ups and downs of migration after their dramatic recent move to Turkey. But first, Pannie “Banzai” Kianzad, an Iranian-Swedish mixed martial artist, and the first and only Iranian-born woman to ever be signed by UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) in the Women's Bantamweight division joins Jian from Stockholm, Sweden, to talk about perseverance, her ascension to the top ranks of MMA, a recent injury, and her intention to be the undisputed world champion. Plus, the on air Roqe team make an announcement about the debut of a brand new Roqe Media video series.

Roqe 192 - Three feature interviews on another big weekly edition of Roqe. Hailed as the “finest translator of Persian poetry,” award-winning British poet, and leading scholar of Persian Literature, Dr. Dick Davis, joins Jian to discuss his life journey, his love for Iran and Persian culture, and his mission. As well, award-winning Iranian-Canadian film director Babak Payami returns to Roqe to recount the latest unjust arrests and detention of prominent filmmakers in Iran for expressing dissent. But first, Toronto-based fitness trainer and social media star, Faezeh Samaei joins Jian live in the Roqe Studio to discuss health and how she went from an Iranian introvert who experienced great personal tragedy, to her current ebulient presence on popular instagram channels.

Note, re: the arrest of filmmakers in Iran, here is the link to an interview Jian did with Maziar Bahari in 2010 - as discussed on this episode - about the arrest of Jafar Panahi back then:

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1434960492

Roqe 191 - A feature lifetime conversation with Iranian music legend Soleyman (Soley) Vaseghi - his first ever interview conducted in English. Soley joins Jian in the Roqe Studio for an in-depth look at his remarkable life from early days growing up in a spiritual family in 1940s and ‘50s Iran, to becoming a massive pop star in the 1970s, to exile after the revolution and his journey into Sufi-inspired music in recent years. Plus, wellness coach and former European and Canadian karate champion, Pirooz Varasteh, also comes to the Roqe Studio for an interview about his passion for fitness and his legendary father, Dr. Farhad Varasteh. And the Roqe on-air Team convenes as Jian explains he overdid it with Max Amini at dinner, while Shaya charms an usher at a Roger Waters concert.

Feature interviews with Dr. Rosa Moradi and Helia Bandeh on an exciting new “Big Show” weekly summer edition of Roqe. First, Iranian-Canadian physician, Doctor of Natural Medicine, and Ayurveda specialist and instructor, Dr. Rosa Moradi, joins Jian in the Roqe Studio to discuss her captivating journey from MD to NMD and her growing social media stardom. Then visionary dancer, choreographer, and researcher, Helia Bandeh comes to the Roqe Studio for a genuine and wide-ranging chat about the rehabilitation of Iranian classical dance, the plight of dance in Iran since the Islamic Revolution, and her personal journey that has included international recognition as well as arrest in Iran. Plus, the Roqe on-air Team discusses following passions, the possibility of giving up bread and cheese, and Jian confronts Kyan about a birthday gift.

Roqe 189 - Part 3 of the Roqe mini-series, The Plight of Persian Music, takes a specific look at the adversity faced by female Iranian artists. In what ways have the burdens of repressive laws and cultural pressures both inside and outside of Iran impacted female singers and performers? Iranian-British vocalist and recording artist, Misagh Moradi, joins Jian from London, England, to give a first-hand account of what she faced as a performer in Iran, and a general history of the laws governing women and music. In this third segment of the series, the conversation revolves around the difficulties Iranian women face in wanting to be part of the continued growth of Persian music whilst being entangled in the ever-changing and severe restrictions of the country. Plus, the Roqe on-air Team recount stories and offer their own opinions on the repressive ban on female solo singers in Iran.

A feature interview with Iranian-American ENT specialist, facial plastic surgeon and social media sensation, Dr. Sina Joorabchi - best known, simply, as Doctor Sina. An accomplished otolaryngologist and appointed clinical assistant professor for Nova Southeastern University, Dr. Sina joins Jian from Pembroke Pines, Florida, to discuss everything from his practise, to hearing loss, the concept of "medical infotainment," and becoming an influencer. Plus the Roqe on-air Team discusses Pride, the use of the term "khareji" by Iranians in the diaspora, and Jian's thoughts on theocracies and the repeal of Roe v Wade in the United States.