Episodes

  • Roqe Ep. 332 - Arash Rowshan, + Does Biden's Exit Affect Iran Policy?

    Roqe Ep. 332 - Arash Rowshan, + Does Biden's Exit Affect Iran Policy?
    Jul 25 2024
    A new edition of Roqe (Ep.332) featuring Iranian-American software engineer, viral video star and stand-up comedian Arash Rowshan in the Roqe Studio. Arash sits down with Jian for an all-encompassing and laughter filled conversation about his journey from engineer to stand-up comic, the ever changing nature of the Iranian diaspora, and the current state of American politics. But first, Smart Pegah and Super P join Jian for a conversation about everything from politics to coffee to a gruesome gash in Jian’s hand and the story behind it. Plus, Pegah and Jian convene for the Roundup and discuss the latest in whether or not Biden’s exit will affect US foreign policy on Iran.
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    1 hr and 44 mins
  • Roqe Ep. 331 - Elahe Tavakolian, + "Are Iranians Too Critical of Iranians?"

    Roqe Ep. 331 - Elahe Tavakolian, + "Are Iranians Too Critical of Iranians?"
    Jul 18 2024
    A new edition of Roqe featuring high-profile Iranian activist Elahe Tavakolian, who became an international figure after suffering a horrific injury during the Woman Life Freedom uprising. Elahe joins Jian from Philadelphia to discuss her harrowing story, the journey it has taken her on, her unwavering efforts to raise awareness about human rights violations in Iran, and the implications of the recent election of President Pezeshkian in Iran. Plus, after a number of audience comments inspired by last week's episode, Jian and Pegah explore the question: “Are Iranians Too Critical of Iranians?”
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    1 hr and 30 mins
  • Roqe Ep. 330 - Mohammad Khordadian, Roundup

    Roqe Ep. 330 - Mohammad Khordadian, Roundup
    Jul 11 2024
    A new edition of Roqe (Ep.330) featuing the iconic Iranian dancer, choreographer, pop celebrity, activist and cultural pioneer, Mohammad Khordadian, who joins Jian from London for a provocative and no-holds-barred interview about his mixed feelings on his homeland, breaking barriers, finding new love, and giving up on hope for change in Iran. Mr Khordadian makes the case that he hates lies, and he lays out his truth in this interview. Plus Pegah joins Jian for the Roundup about Western excitement about a new "reformist" President and funding and support for certain Western protest groups by the Islamic Republic.
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    1 hr and 47 mins
  • Roqe Ep. 329 - Iran Before Islam (A Brief History Primer)

    Roqe Ep. 329 - Iran Before Islam (A Brief History Primer)
    Jul 4 2024
    A new edition of Roqe, featuring a deep dive into the pre-Islam history of Iran with acclaimed cultural historian Dr. Richard Foltz and an examination of how the common conflation of Iranians and Islam (and Islamism) is actually not historically supported. Dr. Foltz joins Jian to discuss Iran before the arrival of Islam in the 7th century, shedding light on the ancient Persian empires, Zoroastrianism, and the rich cultural heritage that predates Islamic influence. Dr. Foltz, a Canadian scholar with a PhD in Middle Eastern History from Harvard University and a professor at Concordia University in Montréal, brings his extensive knowledge of Iranian civilization and its far-reaching impacts on the broader region. Plus, Pegah and Jian convene for the Roqe Roundup to discuss the upcoming runoff election in Iran this Friday, and the numerous football games and football fever brewing.
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Roqe Ep. 328 - Anousha: "Learning to Unlearn," Roundup

    Roqe Ep. 328 - Anousha: "Learning to Unlearn," Roundup
    Jun 27 2024
    A new edition of Roqe including a feature interview in the Roqe Studio with Iranian-American actor, author, and spiritually-driven social media star, Anousha. Anousha joins Jian to discuss the concept of “unlearning,” her mission to follow her intuition, redefining success, and her journey as an “audacious” teenager from Shiraz to Tehran, to England and then to the US, as well as being recently cast as a main character for the second season of the hit Netflix series "The Night Agent". Plus, Pegah and Jian convene for the Roqe Roundup to discuss all things presidential-election-related, both in the Islamic Republic and in the United States.
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    1 hr and 38 mins
  • Roqe Ep. 327 - Ali Hamedani, IRGC (finally) on the Terrorist List

    Roqe Ep. 327 - Ali Hamedani, IRGC (finally) on the Terrorist List
    Jun 20 2024
    A new episode of Roqe including a feature interview with Iranian-British journalist, broadcaster, and activist. Ali Hamedani, who made history as the first Iranian gay journalist to report on the LGBTQI community and underground life in Iran for an international media platform, BBC. Plus a conversation with Iranian-Canadian activist and lawyer Ardeshir Zarehzadeh about the big news of the Canadian government (finally) putting the IRGC on the terrorist list. And of course, Jian and Pegah convene for the Roqe Roundup to discuss the latest implications of the IRGC decision.
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    2 hrs and 11 mins
  • Roqe Ep. 326 - Salar Gholami, Roundup, "The Tarof Loop"

    Roqe Ep. 326 - Salar Gholami, Roundup, "The Tarof Loop"
    Jun 13 2024
    A brand new episode of Roqe including a feature interview with Iranian-Canadian professional boxer, Salar Gholami - Canada's Cruiserweight Champion. Salar joins Jian live in the Roqe Studio to talk about how boxing became his path to a better life, his sacrifices, his father, and his time as the Captain of the Iranian National Team. Plus, Pegah and Jian convene for the Roqe Roundup to discuss the nuances of Tarof, Jian’s newly coined phrase “the tarof loop,” more Gemini birthdays, and the latest from inside and outside Iran.
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    1 hr and 52 mins
  • Roqe Ep. 325 - Yasmine Naghdi, Roundup

    Roqe Ep. 325 - Yasmine Naghdi, Roundup
    Jun 6 2024
    A new episode including a feature interview with superstar British dancer Yasmine Naghdi, Principal Ballerina of The Royal Ballet. Yasmine returns to Roqe and joins Jian from London to discuss her recent international performances and her new book, the first in an upcoming series entitled “Ballet Besties.” Plus, Pegah is in studio for the Roundup to discuss the latest news surrounding the upcoming election in Iran, new horrifying statistics regarding executions in the Islamic Republic, and an imminent Netflix show chronicling the life of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.
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    1 hr and 6 mins