Roqe

A feature interview with mountain climber Sara Safari, who is on a quest to be the first Iranian in history to climb the Seven Summits. Sara is an author, speaker, climber, college professor, electrical engineer and advocate for women’s empowerment. She joins Jian to discuss her journey from shy Iranian girl to Everest scaler, TEDx speaker, and global spokesperson against human trafficking. She recounts the harrowing tale of being half way up Mt Everest when an earthquake and avalanche hit in 2015 - an event that would forever change her life. Plus the inaugural instalment of “It’s All Persian to Us” with Kyan Nademi.

A feature interview with acclaimed Iranian-German cinematic artist Ali Samadi Ahadi - film director, producer and visual effects supervisor. Ali is known for his hit comedy films like “Salami Aleikum” and “45 Minutes to Ramallah,” as well as award-winning documentaries, “Lost Children,” and, “The Green Wave” - a landmark film focused on the Green Movement in Iran, the disputed 2009 elections, and the crackdown in the streets that followed. Ali joins Jian to talk about his passion for film, his journey from Iran as kid during the war, and his latest battle with advanced cancer and coming to terms with mortality. Plus, Mona from Melbourne with the Persian proverb of the week, the Roqe team debates feta cheese (with a surprise appearance by Chef Hoss Zare), and Letters of the Week regarding Kusha.

A feature interview with renowned Iranian-American photographer, monologist, and personality, Kusha Alagband, the host and creator of the popular instagram and youtube series, Kusha’s Corner. Kusha joins Jian to discuss the journey from Iran to America, from the banking world to the creative space, and from misfit to internet star. Plus the Roqe team convenes on the follies of acquiring feta cheese during a pandemic, and a barrel of letters from the audience.

A look at the devastating ‘Bloody November’ (Aban) 2019 protests in Iran - historical context, details, and lessons to learn - one year later. Jian is joined by Nazenin Ansari, Editor of Kayhan London/Kayhan Life, freelance journalist Roshanak Astaraki, and Stuart Willians from Agence France-Presse. Plus the Roqe Team convenes to celebrate International Ghormeh Sabzi Day, and Mona from Melbourne joins for the Persian saying of the week.

On the occasion of the death of football legend Diego Maradona, a Roqe Special to pay tribute and assess his career, his remarkable talents, his personal struggles and controversies, and the connection that many Iranians felt to the global sport and pop culture icon. Jian is joined by Iranian football experts, players, fans and analysts: Mehrdad Ahmadpour in Toronto, Nader Davoodi in Tehran, Hoss Zare in San Francisco, Hossein Madjid in Los Angeles, and Dr. Khosro Hamzeh in Chicago.

Feature interviews with Dr. Javad Mashreghi, President of the Canadian Mathematical Society, and Nima Kiann, Director and Choreographer of the Iranian National Ballet Company. Javad joins Jian from Quebec to discuss his journey from Tehran to the top of the math world, the artistry of mathematics in his eyes, and the differences he sees between Western students and those from Iran. Nima joins the show from Stockholm and recounts his journey as a young artist leaving post-revolutionary Iran, establishing a notable ballet career in Europe, and his ongoing mission to rebuild an Iranian ballet legacy, albeit from exile. Plus Mona from Melbourne teaches the team a Persian idiom, and everyone discusses chess.

A feature interview with groundbreaking young Afghan rapper and activist, Sonita Alizadeh. Sonita joins Jian to discuss her remarkable story: She arrived in Iran as an undocumented refugee fleeing the Taliban; was almost sold by her mother as a child bride - twice; found her voice in writing and performing rap music; and found her strength in beginning an international mission to end child marriage. Sonita has now become a viral rap star and a human rights symbol and resides in the United States. In this conversation she unveils new information about her latest projects and her evolving dreams for change in the world. Plus, the Roqe Team reconvenes for Letters of the Week, and a tribute to an Iranian community friend who has been tragically killed in recent days.

A feature interview with iconic Iranian sculptor, painter, scholar and art collector, Parviz Tanavoli - one of greatest modern and contemporary artists of Iran. Parviz joins Jian to talk about his life journey, his confidence, his persistence, his views on mortality, his migration to Canada and Vancouver, his forthcoming book, “A Virus for Collecting,” and his recent donation of over 1400 rugs and carpets from his collection to the Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Ministry in Iran. Plus the Roqe team reconvenes with Mona from Melbourne for the proverb/saying of the week.

A feature interview with Iranian-Canadian business and marketing guru, Ramin Mesgarlou, the founder and CEO of Forensic Network and Opulence Global - Canada's largest private designer fashion house. Ramin joins Jian for a spirited chat about ambition, motivation, goals and material success. Plus the Roqe Team reconvenes with Farsi chatter and Letters of the Day.

A feature interview with Israeli actress and singer, Liraz Charhi. Liraz joins Jian to discuss her journey towards understanding her dual identity, her Persian roots, her true inspiration, the dangers of being an Israeli recording artist working with Iranian musicians from inside Iran, and her new album of Iranian pop music, "Zan". Liraz is also one of the stars of the new Apple TV espionage thriller series, Tehran, and discusses her role and the success and controversies of the program. Plus the Roqe Team convene with letters from across the political divide, and the inaugural visit of Iranian wordsmith, Mona from Melbourne, with the Persian proverb of the week.