Roqe

With the entire world caught up in the mystery, madness and machinations of the American presidential election this week, we look at how this election has been seen by Iranians and the implications for people of Iranian descent in the United States, the diaspora, and inside Iran. Internationally recognized author and academic Dr Mehrzad Boroujerdi and broadcaster and political analyst Reza Goharzad join Jian to discuss. Plus the Roqe on-air team convenes on voting choices, cuisine, and critical letters.

A feature interview with award-winning Iranian-American entrepreneur, Elnaz Sarraf, founder and CEO of the ROYBI Robot, the world’s first-ever AI-powered smart toy to teach children language and STEM skills. The ROYBI made the cover of Time Magazine as one of the inventions of the year in 2019. Elnaz joins Jian for a wide-ranging conversation about growing up in Iran, learning to surmount failures, and becoming one of Silicon Valley’s top tech success stories. Plus the Roqe Team reassembles to discuss robots and relationships. And Jian tells his story of still missing the loobia polo that wasn’t shared.

A special edition of Roqe: The Case for Nasrin. Iranian lawyer and human rights activist Nasrin Sotoudeh has been sentenced to 38 years in prison in Iran for defending those charged with political offences. While she was just awarded the Alternative Nobel Prize for human rights, her imprisonment continues, her situation is dire, and due to a hunger strike and heart issues, she is in a weakened state. We are joined by a diversity of voices from around the world to speak to the importance of Nasrin and the symbolic nature of her case, including: Elahe Sharifpour Hicks, Natalie Amiri, Ramin Jahanbegloo, Abdolkarim Lahiji, Mehrangiz Kar, Hossein Raeesi, Jeff Kaufman, and a message from Nasrin Sotoudeh’s husband, Reza Khandan, in Tehran.

A feature interview with the talented musical duo behind the alternative fusion group, Niyaz. Azam Ali and Loga Ramin Torkian join Jian for a wide-ranging chat to discuss their respective journeys from Iran to the West, their balance as work and life partners, the roots of their hybrid Middle Eastern global trance sound, and their views on representation, nationalism and identity.

An interview with Zartoshte Bakhtiari, the recently elected Mayor of Neuilly-sur-Marne, France. Zartoshte joins Jian to discuss his passion for politics, public action, and the story of becoming the first French mayor of Iranian descent - and one of the youngest ever in France. Then, Iranian biker Shima Mehri joins us from Denmark for a spirited and wide-ranging interview. Shima is the first woman to ever become the Head Road Captain for Harley-Davidson. Plus the Roqe Team convenes with letters and commentary about recent episodes.

A feature interview with composer, producer, pianist, Reza Rohani. Reza joins Jian to discuss his journey from classical to jazz fusion music, celebrity status after a regular stint on a big TV show, success in social media, and following in the footsteps of his legendary father, Maestro Anoushiravan Rohani.

A feature interview with Jane Lewisohn, Director of the Golha Project, about her multi-year mission to preserve Persian culture, music, poetry and art from the 20th Century, particularly by digitizing and archiving the legendary Golha radio programs from pre-revolutionary Iran. And, Iranian-New Zealander psychologist Tina Parsamand on her decision to return to Tehran to help those in need of mental health counselling, her upbringing as an Iranian girl in a homogenous New Zealand town, and her popular Instagram channel, “Insight with Tina Parsa.” Plus the Roqe Team with letters, and Jian tells the story of ordering “Canada Dry” as a 5-year old in 1970s Iran.

A feature interview with Iranian-French tennis player, Aravane Rezai. Aravane joins Jian to reflect on her journey to #15 in the world, sacrifices along the way, stepping away from the game, and how she has found her inspiration again as a proud Iranian and French national. Plus the Roqe Team discusses the late Eddie Van Halen, group photos, and dips into the bulging mailbag with comments and letters about the Tribute to Shajarian special on Episode #51.

A special edition of Roqe: A Tribute to Shajarian. On the day of the passing of the iconic Maestro Mohammad-Reza Shajarian, we are joined by important voices from the Iranian global community, including: Abbas Milani, Babak Amini, Arsalan Kamkar, Golrokh Aminian, Iraj Janati Ataie, Erfan, Hooman Khalatbari, Hamed Nikpay, Fariba Davoodi, Amir Koushkani, Farid Zoland, Safoura Safavi, Yahya Alkhansa , Hamid Motebassem and Ali Azimi.

A feature interview with superstar Iranian-American comedian and actor, Maz Jobrani. Maz joins Jian for a more serious long-form conversation about his political leanings, identity, activism, and social media presence during a chaotic election year in America.