Roqe

A feature interview with Professor Nayereh Tohidi, Founding Director, Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies at California State University, Northridge. Nayereh joins Jian for a spirited discussion on the prospects of progress on human rights and gender equality under the current regime in Iran, and lessons learned from decades of Iranian women’s activism before and after the revolution. Plus, a Valentine’s edition of “It’s All Persian to Us,” Chef Hoss teaches Iranian-style braised meat on “Hoss-pitality,” and Jian discusses Roqe patrons and how Captain Reza hit the relationship jackpot.

Feature interviews with Iranian-American cultural leader Nazy Kaviani in San Francisco, and Iranian-British musician and archeologist, Roya Arab in London. Nazy joins Jian to discuss the importance and challenges of supporting the Iranian artistic community in America, and being the founder of the “Let Her Sing” concert series. Then Roya joins us for a wide-ranging interview about her artistic journey, the importance and allure of history and archaeology, and why she is so drawn to her Iranian heritage. Plus Mona from Melbourne with the Persian Proverb of the Week, and the Roqe Team read letters, discuss the Super Bowl’s Iranian connection, and celebrate our new patrons.

A feature interview with Iranian composer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist, Reza Tajbakhsh - one of the most prolific and well-known popular musicians working in Iran today. Reza joins Jian from Tehran for his first-ever interview in English, to discuss his musical journey, getting to play jazz with his world-renowned idols, singing on his own compositions for the first time, and deciding to remain in Iran when many of his star contemporaries have elected to leave. Plus the Roqe Team makes the case for Patrons, Kyan delivers a new edition of “It’s All Persian To Us” and Chef Hoss gives his secrets on making baghali polo with a new episode of “Hoss-pitality.”

A feature interview with Shahriar Mandanipour, one of the most accomplished and successful writers of contemporary Iranian literature. Shahriar sits down with Jian for a wide-ranging interview about war, love, censorship, living in exile, being one of the top Iranian writers almost murdered on a fateful bus trip in the 1990s, and his latest novel, Moon Brow. Plus Mona from Melbourne with the “Persian Proverb of the Week,” and the Roqe Team combs through a variety of harsh reactions to a recent interview.

A feature interview with Iranian-British musician, TV producer and presenter, Maral Mohammadi. Moral joins Jian for an energetic conversation about going from a cellist/composer to becoming a star host/producer at Manoto TV and Iran International, her desire to promote Persian arts and culture, and her alternative nature and sensibilities. Plus Kyan has a new edition of, “It’s All Persian to Us,” Chef Hoss tackles fessenjoon sauce on “Hoss-pitality,” and the on-air Roqe Team chimes in on Jian’s mother wondering why he is “naked” in the middle of winter.

A feature interview with Iranian kickboxing champion, entrepreneur, and social media influencer, Picasso Moin. Picasso (born Ahmad Moin Shirazi) joins Jian from Istanbul to discuss his athletic career, his iconoclastic tendencies, his complicated lineage as the son of a mullah, and the instagram posts that led him and his wife to a harrowing escape before being sentenced to 16 years in prison in Iran last year. Plus Mona from Melbourne with the Persian Proverb of the Week and the on-air Roqe Team convenes to read letters.

A feature interview with award-winning Iranian-Italian actress, Maya Sansa. Maya talks about her childhood, her journey to becoming the “new face of Italian cinema,” and reconnecting with her Persian roots and visiting Iran. Plus author Barbara Slavin, Director of the Atlantic Council’s Future of Iran Initiative, on Iran and Iranians in the new Biden Era on the day after inauguration. And new editions of “Hoss-pitality” and “It’s All Persian to Us!”

A feature interview with Iranian-American singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist and Persian setār virtuoso, Fared Shafinury. Fared sits down with Jian for a wide-ranging discussion about being born and raised in Texas, grappling with identity, travelling to Iran and embracing classical Iranian art, and finding his path back to America and a diverse music career. Plus Mona Kiani with a new edition of the “Persian Proverb of the Week” and the Roqe on-air team assemble with letters and chatter about kale pache.

Feature interviews with hip hop artist Afta Hill and designer and brand-builder, Saman Taherpour of Kiani Concept. Jian sits down with Afta Hill in the Roqe Studio on the eve of the release of his debut album, Tehranto, to discuss identity, hip hop, his journey as a musician, politics, and recruiting Persian hip hop pioneer, Erfan, to appear on his album rapping for the first time in English. Then Saman Taherpour joins Jian from Sweden to tell the story of how he built his popular Kiani Concept brand, and fusing design and iconography with Persian history and culture in jewelry and accessories. Plus new instalments of “It’s All Persian to Us” with Kyan Nademi and “Hoss-pitality” with Chef Hoss Zare.

A feature interview with Iranian motor-biking world record holder, fashion designer and motivational speaker, Dr. Maral Yazarloo-Pattrick - winner of the Economic Times’ 'Gen Next Icon Award' for 2020. Maral joins Jian to recount her journey from leaving Iran for India as a student, becoming a marketing professional, starting her own fashion line, and then leaving it all behind to turn a passion for motorcycle riding into a global pursuit. She has crossed 7 continents and over 64 countries on her bike, including a groundbreaking visit back to Iran. Plus Mona Kiani joins us from Melbourne with another edition of “Persian Proverb of the Week,” and the Roqe Team discusses letters about our Flight PS752 remembrance special.