Roqe

The start of a new mini-series on Roqe, The Plight of Persian Music, about the dysfunctional nature of the Iranian music business. Guitarist, producer, and industry veteran, Babak Khiavchi, joins Jian from Seattle to discuss the burgeoning music scene in Iran before the revolution, the devastating effects of the Islamic Republic censorship on creativity and musical artists, and the issues that still exist for Persian music inside and outside Iran in the present day where innovation is limited, no democratic platform for exposure exists, and even the best Persian music does not get the international recognition and acclaim it deserves. Plus the Roqe Team pore over some very polarized reaction to a recent episode on the Letters of the Week.

“The Rise of Reza Shah” - Part 11 of the Roqe Media series, The Contemporary History of Iran. How did a man named Reza Khan, who came from modest means, become the ‘father of modern Iran’ and the founder of a new Iranian dynasty? Acclaimed historian Dr. Shaul Bakhash, author of a new book on the life of Reza Shah, joins Jian Ghomeshi from George Mason University to discuss Reza Shah’s evolution from military strongman, to Prime Minister, to King of Iran from 1925-1941, his remarkable role in a fundamental progressive transformation and centralization of the Iranian state, as well as his autocratic nature and rule by iron will that would leave him deeply unpopular by his final year in power. This is the first section of two conversations with Dr. Bakhash that will be followed by Part 12 of the Contemporary History of Iran, “The Fall of Reza Shah.”

A feature interview with renowned Iranian-American psychic, hypnotherapist and holistic healer, Fia Johansson, “The Persian Medium.” Fia says that from the age of seven in Iran she realized she was receiving messages from those that have passed. She joins Jian from California to talk about communicating with the dead, using her abilities to aid law enforcement, her large global audience and popular Instagram channel, and the high demand for her work as a psychic and celebrity medium.

“The Persian Schindler” - Part 10 of the new Roqe Media series, The Contemporary History of Iran. How did an Iranian diplomat with Qajar royal family lineage, who was the Console General in Nazi occupied Paris in 1942, help thousands of Iranian - and non-Iranian - Jews escape the Holocaust? And why was his heroic tale left untold for many years? Historian and writer, Dr. Fariborz Mokhtari, the author of “In the Lion’s Shadow: The Iranian Schindler and his homeland in the Second World War,” joins Jian Ghomeshi from Vermont to discuss the remarkable feats of Sardari, and what motivated Dr. Mokhtari to pursue this fascinating and, ultimately, heartbreaking saga.

A feature interview with Iranian-Canadian teenage genius, Erfan Nouraee, an award-winning quantum physics inventor.

Erfan joins Jian in the Roqe Studio to discuss his journey from curious young scientist in Iran, to creating landmark inventions, his move to Canada three years ago, and winning the Bronze Medal in the United Nations World Best Inventor and Innovator category last month representing Canada. Plus the Roqe Team reacts to feisty letters about Persians and culture, and Jian shares what he’s learned about Reza Shah.

“The Rise of Opium” - Part 9 of the new Roqe Media series, The Contemporary History of Iran. How is it that opium became an extremely popular substance for the citizens of Iran in the Qajar era, and reached a zenith in consumption and production in the early 20th Century? Was opium use always a negative? And when did it shift from a medicinal product that was eaten, to a recreational and dangerous drug that is smoked? Historian Dr. Rudi Matthee, author of, “The Pursuit of Pleasure: Drugs and Stimulants in Iranian History, 1500-1900,” joins Jian Ghomeshi from the University of Delaware to shed light on the dramatic rise of Persian opium use and cultivation in the 19th Century, and the roots of the current crisis of opioid addiction in modern-day Iran.--

“A feature interview with Iranian-Canadian performer and promoter, Aras, Canada’s first “Persian Celebrity DJ.” Aras joins Jian in the Roqe Studio for a very frank conversation about his journey to popular performer, the challenges of trying to run an entertainment business in the Persian community, his struggles with depression and anxiety, and his recent desire to get rid of all his material possessions and leave his career. As well on this episode, geological surveyor Alan Ekbatani and veteran journalist Mohammad Manazarpour provide perspective on the ongoing water scarcity crisis in Iran and, in particular, the recent crackdown on related protests in Isfahan. Plus the Roqe Team read the Letters of the Week, and Jian gives a debrief on his weekend experience at the Faramarz Aslani concert.

“The Shiraz Festival Complexities” - Part 8 of the new Roqe Media series, The Contemporary History of Iran. How did an annual international summer arts festival, the Shiraz Festival of Arts, celebrated for its innovation and unprecedented mix of progressive programming, part of a series of groundbreaking Pahlavi-led initiatives for culture in Iran, also become a lightning rod for contested symbolism, accusations of elitism, ideological debate, boycotts, the monarchy, and questions around the very nature of Iran itself? Art historian, curator and writer, Vali Mahlouji joins Jian Ghomeshi from London to discuss the rise of an event that led the world with its eclectic curatorial approach and transgressive liberalism, but that still inspires a paradox of emotions from nostalgia and pride, to controversy and debate

A feature interview with acclaimed Iranian-American fashion designer, Behnaz Sarafpour. Behnaz joins Jian from New York City to talk about growing up in Iran, moving to the USA and attending the Parsons School, launching her own brand in 2001, winning the National Design Award (handed to her by Michelle Obama at the White House) in 2013, Angelina Jolie and others handpicking her line of clothing, and her popular new brand of Behnaz Fragrances based on Persian scents. Plus the Roqe On-Air Team convenes to discuss world football, the sad passing of Jian’s Uncle Hooshang, and Kyan’s conduit to Caspian caviar.

“Siahkal and the Failure of the Left” - Part 7 of the new Roqe Media series, The Contemporary History of Iran. Why was the unsuccessful 1971 Marxist guerrilla action in the small northern town of Siahkal such a pivotal event that still gets named as a proud symbol of leftist resistance in Iran? And how do we explain the notable failure of the left in Iran to attain any semblance of power, despite wielding influence, throughout the 20th Century, and especially after the revolution of 1979? Dr. Maziar Behrooz, an Iranian-American historian, associate professor in the Department of History at San Francisco State University, and author of “Rebels With A Cause: The Failure of the Left in Iran,” joins Jian Ghomeshi from Berkeley, California, to shed light on the Siahkal incident and the plight of the Left - from the growth of the Communist Tudeh in the 1940s, to the crushing of leftist groups under Khomeini.