Roqe

“Shooting the Revolution – Part 33 of the Roqe Media series, The Contemporary History of Iran.

When we think of the Islamic revolution of 1979, what images are engrained in our thoughts? What pivotal moments or snapshots from the chaotic scramble that lead to the triumph of the ayatollahs and the sudden end of the Shah’s rule do we remember best? Interestingly, many of the evocative photographs that have become the most iconic from this moment were all taken by one man: Legendary American photojournalist, David Burnett. The world traveling photographer, Mr. Burnett, author of the , “44 days: Iran and the remaking of the world,” joins Jian Ghomeshi from New York City to discuss his unique eyewitness account of those pivotal 44 days in Iran.

Roqe 187 - Feature interviews with Shally Zomorodi and Peyman Salimi on a rollicking and diverse edition of Roqe. Iranian-American journalist and broadcaster Shally Zomorodi joins Jian from San Diego to discuss her much-anticipated new children’s book, “Myla Caterpillars Become Butterflies,” and her forthcoming appearance at the Seattle Iranian Festival. Then Iranian-Italian singer-songwriter, guitarist, and music producer, Peyman Salimi, comes to the Roqe Studio for a chat and live performance of songs from his solo project. Plus, the Roqe on-air Team discusses Father’s Day, the city of Seattle, and another team birthday.

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Roqe 186 - A feature interview with Iranian-Canadian public speaker, professional coach, and personal branding expert, Dr. Shahab Anari, author of “The How of Personal Branding: 3 C's to become the Highly Paid Authority in Your Field.” Dr. Anari joins Jian in the Roqe Studio for an entertaining and educational deep dive into personal development, positive psychology, and life lessons gained from both success and failure, plus his journey from being the number one ranked student in the Iranian university entrance exam (“konkoor”), graduating as a physician, and migrating to Canada to follow his passion of becoming a professional coach. In the post-interview recap, the Roqe on-air Team discuss the implications of having to “sell yourself” in today’s society and the pressures of self-promotion.

Roqe 185 -A feature interview with award-winning Iranian political cartoonist and activist Ali Dorani (also known as, “Eaten Fish”). In the week before World Refugee Day, Ali joins Jian from Stavanger, Norway, to recount his remarkable and deeply harrowing story of fleeing Iran on the promise of finding asylum in Australia, only to end up in a prison-style Australian “immigration camp” for years where he was denied basic human rights. It was only through his art and poignant self-portraits and cartoons created from inside the camp and smuggled out that Ali became globally known and an international cause that led to his current asylum in Norway. Plus, the Roqe On-air Team share their reactions and related personal stories.

Roqe 184 - An ideas based episode looking at the notable increase in the usage of psychedelic and psychoactive drugs in recent years for the purposes of health and mental wellness (beyond any recreational utility) and the Iranian connection. Why have psychedelics like magic mushrooms become “cool” again, and gained popularity in clinical trials for the purposes of treating psychiatric conditions? Iranian-Canadian entrepreneur and scientist, Dr. Shauheen Etminan, joins Jian from Tehran to explain the resurgence of hallucinogenics, and to share his surprising research on the ancient Iranian roots of psychedelics.

Feature interviews with Iranian-American rising star violinist, Nikki Naghavi, in Dallas, and Founder and Director of the designer online marketplace Alangoo, Golshid Mola, in Los Angeles. Plus community builder Fariba Fard in the Roqe Studio on her project called, “Ash Arezooha”, that seeks to invite wishes and spread positivity around the world, and the Roqe Team pore over the Letters of the Week.

Roqe 182 - How big a problem is poor communication amongst Iranians? And is that why we are so divided? And can Clubhouse somehow help? Whether in intra-community polemics and politicized social media debates, or in intimate relationships and family gatherings, dialogue seems to be a challenge for Iranians when it comes to openness, honesty, transparency and tolerance. Psychologist, scholar, and philosopher, Dr. Soroush Dabbagh joins Jian from Mississauga, Canada, to address the challenges of critical thinking, transparency, and acceptance of individual fallibility in the broader Iranian community. And at the same time, the social media platform, Clubhouse, where Dr. Dabbagh has built a huge following, and that is all about dialogue, has become a big boon to Iranians around the world, long after its popularity has waned amongst other communities. What does that say about Iranians and the desire to talk to each other and is Clubhouse fostering improved dialogue for the community?

Roqe 181 - An interview with renowned Iranian-American playwright and actor, Houshang Touzie. Houshang joins Jian from Los Angeles for a wide-ranging interview about his career success, learning from his failures, and his recent stage play, The Sliver Poet, portraying the story of the love and sacrifice of Fereydoun Farrokhzad. Plus the Roqe Team, joined by journalist Mohammad Manzarpour in Washington, DC, discuss the current tragic situation in Abadan, the uplifting victory of Iranian actress Zar Amir-Ebrahimi at the Cannes Film Festival, and the Letters of the Week.

“Persian Language Under the Ayatollahs” - Part 32 of the Roqe Media series, The Contemporary History of Iran. The Islamic Revolution of 1979 created seismic shifts in Iranian society, but what effect did it have on language? What impact did the Islamic Republic’s attempts to Islamize language in Iran have on the way Persians speak? Iranian-Canadian linguist, author, and curator of Iranian cinema and Persian literature, Dr. Khatereh Sheibani, professor of Persian Studies at York University, joins Jian Ghomeshi from Toronto, to discuss how the Persian lexicon has changed since the period of the Shah, and how resistance to the current Iranian government has created a new vernacular as well.

A feature interview and live performance in the Roqe studio with the popular Iranian political rock band, Kiosk. Arash, Ali, Nima, and KC from the group all join Jian for a wide-ranging conversation on the occasion of their return to the concert stage, and to play songs following the release of their seventh studio album, Sweet Destiny.