“The Constitutional Revolution of 1906” - Part 16 of the Roqe Media series, The Contemporary History of Iran. In the early 20th Century, in the midst of widespread discontent with the corruption and inefficacy of the Qajar Dynasty, a powerful movement formed and mobilized in Iran, aimed at changing the structure of the monarchy from despotic to constitutional, and to adopt representative governance by introducing the country to a parliamentary system. The Constitutional Revolution is considered a major turning point in the formation of modern Iran. Dr. Ali Massoud Ansari, a Professor of Iranian History and Founding Director of the Institute for Iranian Studies at the University of St. Andrews, joins Jian Ghomeshi from Fife, Scotland, to discuss what gave rise to the constitutionalists, the turbulent five year period in which the Constitution was established, and the unmet revolutionary goals of liberal secularism, parliamentary democracy, the containment of clerical dominance, and the limiting of the power of the monarchy, in the aftermath of the 1906 Revolution and the century that followed.

The Contemporary History of Iran - Part 16: “The Constitutional Revolution of 1906”

A bonus Monday edition of Roqe featuring a 4-person Roundup panel. Jian and Pegah are joined by marketing specialist Raha Rou, and recording artist, Sepp Osley, in the Roqe Studio, to discuss a number of issues of the week including: The drumbeats of war in the Middle East and the role of the IRGC; the horrific murder of iconic Iranian filmmaker Dariush Mehrjui;  the most recent meeting of the Iranian Foreign Minister and Hamas; and the Roqe team’s excursion to find authentic Kale Pache(!). 

Note: The Monday editions of Roqe will be offered as a free bonus on all of our platforms for October and then, starting in November, will be for Roqe Members only - through our Patreon subscriber page. To become a Roqe Member and have access to all our content, visit our website and press the “Support Us” button the main page! MERCI!!

Roqe Ep. 290.5 - BONUS PODCAST - Roundup: Mehrjui Murder, Hamas & Abdollahian, War & Kale Pache

A new edition of Roqe focusing on the legacy of the great Iranian songwriter, musician, singer and recording star, Habib. Jian is joined by the late musical icon’s son, Mohamad Mohebian, for a feature hour, to discuss the remarkable talents, famous songs, difficult story…and, in the end, tragic life of Habib - told for the first time in a comprehensive way in English. Jian begins with a meditation on all that was lost culturally - including the career of Habib - in the aftermath of the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran. Plus Pegah joins for a Roundup on the news of the week, including a new Shervin song, a farcical World Economic Forum and an unplanned obsession with Shakira.

This episode is brought to you with the generous support of:
https://www.niliinteriors.com

Roqe Ep.306 - The Legacy of Habib - Mohamad Mohebian, Roundup

A new episode of Roqe featuring an in-depth and intimate interview with returning guest, Ali Azimi, a leading light in Persian alternative music, who joins Jian, this time in the Roqe studio. Jian and Ali discuss and preview his forthcoming album “Madineye Fazelab,” his personal life and journey, and more - including a special in-studio acoustic performance. Plus, Pegah joins Jian for a Roundup to discuss the latest laughable commemoration of Raisi at the UN, Khamenei’s twitter rant and letter to student protesters, and the “All Eyes on Iran” campaign and whether it is the way forward.

Roqe Ep. 324 - Ali Azimi, Roundup: "All Eyes on Iran"?

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.

Roqe Ep. 329 - Iran Before Islam (A Brief History Primer)

A new episode of Roqe featuring a very entertaining interview with Berlin-based Iranian singer, composer, and instrumentalist, Ardavan Hatami. Ardavan visits the Roqe Studio and joins Jian for a conversation about everything from his viral hit song, “Khodanoor,” to getting arrested over 100 times in Iran as a street performer and finding his path in Turkey in exile. Ardavan also exclusively performs live in the new Roqe Hub. Plus, Jian opens the show with an essay about the Iranian expat obsession with status and BMWs (“Do we NEED a BMW?”) and Pegah joins Jian for a roundup including the outrageous killing of Jamshid Sharmahd by the Iranian government this week.

Roqe Ep. 344 - Ardavan Hatami, "Do we NEED a BMW?" Essay

A new episode of Roqe focused on the plight of recent Iranian immigrants in Canada after a decision by the federal government to roll back its immigration policies that invited millions of newcomers in the last three years. Temporary residents, like international students and work permit holders, are now being told there’s no room for them anymore - and this will directly affect many Iranian newcomers. We convene a panel with respected Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant Mehran Aminian and Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant and member of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Houshang Lotfi, joining Jian in the Roqe Studio. Plus, Jian kicks off the show with an essay entitled, “Is the Trudeau Government betraying Iranian immigrants?”

Roqe Ep. 350 - PANEL: Is the Trudeau Government Betraying Iranian Immigrants?

A new edition of Roqe featuring an in-studio conversation with Iranian-Canadian tech innovator and entrepreneur, Soheil Alavi, the creator and host of the popular Persian podcast, Tabaghe16 (the 16th Floor). Soheil joins Jian on technology, immigration, podcasting and integration - in a wide-ranging and personal chat. Plus, Pegah makes her return to catch up with Jian on updates for Roqe Live 4, explore the concept of Persian Christmas, and more. And Jian kicks off the episode with an essay entitled, Imagine if Iran’s Tech Trailblazers Were Allowed to Soar.

Roqe Ep. 351 - Tech Trailblazing on the 16th Floor - Soheil Alavi

A new episode of Roqe focused on the psychological concept of narrative identity, how we shape the story of who we are, and the symbolic and behavioural masks we wear as a product of our environment, our past, and our fears. Jian is joined by professional coach and personal branding expert, Dr. Shahab Anari, and certified life coach, Tannaz Nouri, for a conversation that ranges from the theoretical to the very personal, and specifically how Iranians develop their mask-wearing identities due to culture and history. Plus, Jian kicks the show off with a related essay entitled, “Don’t Judge Iranians for Wearing Masks,” and Pegah joins for a chat about the very Persian experience of fully celebrating Christmas!

Roqe Ep. 352 - Narrative Identity and the 'Masks' We Wear - Dr. Shahab Anari, Tannaz Nouri

With news of the passing of the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, we present a special edition of Roqe. While Carter is being lauded for virtues and impressive accomplishments through his storied life, his legacy with Iran during the period of his presidency is more problematic and fraught with questionable decisions. Indeed, a credible case can be made that it was a consequence of Carter’s actions - and inactions - that Khomeini and the Islamic Republic of Iran was enabled to take power. Jian is joined by historian and journalist Kai Bird (redux) on his biography - The Outlier: The Unfinished Presidency of Jimmy Carter. Plus Jian opens the show with an essay suggesting to non-Iranians: “Don’t be surprised if some of your Iranian friends are less forgiving in remembering Jimmy Carter.”

Roqe Ep.353 - Special Edition: Jimmy Carter and a Problematic Legacy With Iran

On a special episode marking our first show of 2025, we assemble a group of 9 prominent Iranians around the world to get their answer to the question: Will change come to Iran in 2025? Given the immense geo-political shifts we have seen in recent months, from the election of Trump, to the fall of Assad, and the relative neutering of Hezbollah and Hamas...will the coming year be one in which the profound change that so many Iranians around the world have been aching for, comes to fruition? Jian is joined by Hadi Ghaemi in New York, Nazenin Ansari in London, Cameron Khansarinia in Washington DC, Gilda Sahebi in Berlin, Picasso Moin in Istanbul, Nik Kowsar in DC., Ghazaleh Sharmahd in Los Angeles, Ali Hamedani in London, and Fereydoon Rahmani in Toronto, offering a variety of opinions and perspectives and an overall optimism about the immediate future for Iranians.

Roqe Ep. 354 - Will Change Come to Iran in 2025?

A new edition of Roqe featuring Dr. Fathali Moghaddam, the distinguished psychologist and professor at Georgetown University, who joins Jian to discuss his new book and his provocative thesis around the limits of multiculturalism in the West, and his antidote: “omniculturalism.” Dr. Moghaddam, one of our favourite returning guests, and a globally recognized expert on cultural integration, conflict resolution, and the psychology of globalization, makes the case that our societies should be focusing more on inter-individual similarities rather than differences, a thesis he presents in his latest book entitled, The Psychology of Multiculturalism, Assimilation, and Omniculturalism.

Roqe Ep. 355 - Is Multiculturalism Broken? - Dr. Fathali Moghaddam

A new edition of Roqe focused on big ideas and entrepreneurial lessons in a feature interview with Iranian-Canadian inventor, businessman and tech star, Martin Basiri. Martin joins Jian in the Roqe Studio to defend is notion that anyone can become a millionaire, and to discuss his journey to creating a multi-billion dollar company while still in his twenties. The conversation is chock full of ideas, provocation, information, adoration and debate, and one of the most animated in the studio to date.

Roqe Ep.356 - "Everyone Can Be a Millionaire" - Martin Basiri

A new edition of Roqe featuring two accomplished women who have defied conventions and redefined what it means to be successful, proud, and true to oneself in the Iranian community. First up, Nicole Dayani joins Jian from Los Angeles, to discuss her journey to becoming a beloved Iranian-American chef and the person behind Nicole’s Kitchen LA. It’s a dynamic conversation that ranges from family expectations, to passion and politics, to how to make a special Fessenjoon. Then Jian is joined in studio by Elham Rezaei, who has become one of the most successful financial advisors in North America in a very short time, and has made it her mission to help fellow Iranians and all Canadians and beyond, improve their financial literacy.

Roqe Ep. 357 - Defying Cultural Expectations - Nicole Dayani, Elham Rezaei

A special episode of Roqe presenting the inaugural edition of “Ideas at the Roqe Hub”- taped in front of a live audience. Nima Behnoud, founder of the luxury fashion brand, NIMANY, gives a talk and then is joined by Jian for an on-stage interview on the topic, How AI is Changing the Fashion World. It is a fascinating, fun, and at times, philosophical conversation and insight into Nima’s view on tech and the future of fashion. Plus Jian opens the show with an essay entitled, The AI Future: Inevitable Doesn’t Always Mean Good.

Roqe Ep. 358 - How AI is Changing the Fashion World - Nima Behnoud

Our latest live edition of the Roqe podcast recorded on Feb 6, 2025, in front of a sold out audience at City Playhouse in Thornhill, Canada, featuring Shohreh Aghdashloo (recipient of the Roqe Media Icon Award), Fardad Farahzad, Dang Show, Siamak Mehr, Ghazal Akhounzadeh, Anahita Nayebi, Mahsa Mortazavi, Pegah Ganji and DJ Blanch Echo. Jian kicks off the show with an essay about Persians and tardiness (“The Science of Being Late”) before being joined by all the special guests for interviews and memorable performances. Full video of the show is available on our YouTube Channel and audio across all of our podcast platforms. 

Thanks to the full Roqe team, crew, and volunteers. Makeup by Milad Beauty and lighting by Light Night Design

And our sponsors for Roqe Live 4:

Montrok Group @montrokgroup
Anabel Sharouyan @anabel_sharouyan
Beigi Law Firm @beigilaw
Gta partyplatter @gtapartyplatter
Famluxy @famluxy
Aydin Rahimy @aydin_rahimy_realestate
Twoar.t @twoar.t
TIP Services @tip_services
Dental forest wood @dentalforestwood
Ontario Camera @ontariocamera
Alia pastry @aliapastry
Lazar prop creation @lazar_prop_creation

Roqe Ep. 359 - ROQE LIVE 4! - Shohreh Aghdashloo, Fardad Farahzad, Dang Show and more...

A new edition of Roqe including a feature hour with Iranian-American comedian and actor Maz Jobrani returning to the show. Maz joins Jian amidst his ongoing tour that brings him to Canada to discuss everything from being Iranian to growing older to evolving as a comedian in the social media and AI era. It’s a dynamic and funny wide-ranging conversation that is not to be missed.

Roqe Ep. 360 - Maz Jobrani Returns!

A new episode of Roqe featuring an all-star language panel on the question of Iranian immigrants learning English and whether the journey of language learning is truly bound by age. Jian is joined by popular social media star and English teacher, Shahrzad Sherry Kazemi, in Vancouver, popular YouTuber and creator of Houshang Academy, Houshang Noormohammadi in Oklahoma, and popular language instructor and translator, Mojdeh Razeh in the Roqe Studio. The panel looks at everything from why benefits of embracing the language of a new home are profound, to the challenges and excuses in doing so, to the criticism of Iranian towards other Iranians who do their best and may speak imperfect English.

Roqe Ep.361 - Learning Language Later in Life - Sherry, Mojdeh, Houshang

A feature conversation with Iranian explorer, adventurer, and social media star, Ben Marco. Ben joins Jian in the Roqe Studio during a brief visit to Toronto to for a riveting conversation about all that he has learned in his explorations around the world, his favourite places, the dangers he has faced, the most attractive people he has encountered, the least, the most fun, the safest travels and the best food. This entertaining and moving conversation is in both English and Persian.

Roqe Ep. 362 - "The Instagram Marco Polo" - Ben Marco

A new edition of Roqe featuring two inspiring Iranian-Canadian women who have redefined their life journeys and careers. Popular psychotherapist and author Sara Rahimi is the latest prominent guest to do an on-stage talk and interview as part of the “Ideas at the Roqe Hub” series. She performs a monologue about her perspective on age and ambition and then joins Jian in front of a sold out crowd at our Roqe space last Friday night, to discuss her decision, on the cusp of 50 years of age, to enter a bikini competition and competitive fitness path. Then, in the Roqe Studio, Jian is joined by publisher and author, Dr. Katty Bidad, founder of North Star Success. Katty recounts her journey of leaving her career as a medical doctor to pursue her passion for books, and how she is building an independent publishing business that is empowering many Iranians in the diaspora to tell their stories.

Roqe Ep. 363 - The Courage to Redefine Ourselves - Sara Rahimi, Dr. Katty Bidad

On the day of Nowruz, a Roqe Special with a Roundtable featuring some members of the Roqe Team and Tehranto Times reflecting on the Persian New Year. Jian is joined in the Roqe Hub studio by Pegah, Parissa, Tina, Ghazaleh, Ebi and Bella for a heartfelt conversation about the best and worst of Nowruz, fond family memories, the beauty of new beginnings, the worries about commercialization and the state of the world. Plus Jian opens the show with an essay entitled, “Nowruz: A Gift to the World.”

Roqe Ep. 364 - Nowruz 2025 - Roqe Team Roundtable

A new episode of Roqe examining the role of psychedelics in mental health. What was until recently considered taboo, is now being embraced in some medical circles for innovative treatments, the science of psychedelics, and the promise of ayahuasca or psilocybin. Jian is first joined by Anisa Deghani in Rotterdam - a researcher who has worked at Harvard University Medical Center and has a deep interest in alternative therapies, she brings both scientific insight and a global perspective to discussions on mental health. Then Mohammad Barzegari,  psychotherapist based in Toronto who has been working in the mental health field for several years and has recently focused on psychedelic-assisted therapy, joins us in the Roqe Studio. Plus, Jian kicks off the program with an appeal to fellow “humans of Iranian descent” to finally remove the taboo and stigma and embrace therapy and progressive approaches to mental health.

Roqe Ep. 365 - Why Psychedelics Can Help Your Mental Health - Anisa Dehghani, Mohammad Barzegary

A new episode of Roqe including a feature interview with chess prodigy Dorsa Derakhshani, who joins Jian from Missouri. Dorsa discusses her journey of how she quickly rose through the ranks of competitive chess, earning the titles of Women’s Grandmaster and International Master, along with multiple gold medals at the Asian Youth Chess Championships, before being banned from competing with the Iranian national team after defying Iran’s mandatory hijab rule at a tournament. It is a harrowing tale of courage, frustration and perspective having been in the United States in recent years as a medical student while continuing her presence in the chess world. 
Plus Jian opens the show with an ode to his French bulldog, Oogie, on his 7th birthday week, with an essay entitled, “Dogs Are Better Than Us.”

Roqe Ep. 366 - The Chess Master Mindset - Dorsa Derakhshani

On the precipice of a Canadian federal election, a new episode of Roqe features a discussion/debate on the question of how the growing Iranian-Canadian community should vote this time. Jian is joined in the Roqe Studio by Iranian-Canadian lawyer Sadeq Bigdeli advocating for the Conservative Party and Iranian-Canadian academic and author Mehrdad Loghmani speaking in favour of a vote for the Liberal Party. It is a comprehensive and passionate episode that covers a lot of territory with respect to the alignment, interests, issues and voting patterns of people of Iranian descent in Canada. Plus, Jian begins the episode with an essay imploring Iranian-Canadians to vote and be seen.

Roqe Ep. 367 - How Should Iranian-Canadians Vote?- Sadeq Bigdeli, Mehrdad Loghmani

A feature exclusive and wide-ranging interview with legendary Iranian pop singers and songwriter, Andy Madadian. Andy joins Jian for a career interview about his path from modest means in Iran, to exile in America, the effective creation of a new genre of Persian music in LA, hit songs, collaborations, and recent participation in Ed Sheeran’s global hit, “Azizam.” Plus Jian kicks of the show with an essay ode to Andy as “the symbol of self-made.”

Roqe Ep.368 - Andy

A new episode of Roqe including a feature interview and performance with popular Iranian-Canadian musician and podcaster King Raam - recorded live in front of an audience as part of the ‘Ideas at the Roqe Hub’ series. Raam joins Jian to open up about the horrific experience of losing his father - killed in Evin prison in Iran - and the detainment of his mother just a few years ago, and finding meaning after loss. It is an emotional, powerful and, at times, very funny conversation that includes a couple of songs. Plus Jian opens the show with an essay called, “It’s Time for Iranians to Take Copyright Seriously” - a monologue - with a new show in Iran debuting called....wait for it..."Roqe"(!) - that tackles the deep-rooted disregard for copyright and intellectual property in Iranian culture — from pirated films to unpaid music legends like Farid Zoland and authors like Iraj Pezeshkzad.

Roqe Ep. 369 - King Raam - Live at the Roqe Hub

In the wake of Canada’s latest federal election, Jian hosts a timely and incisive roundtable exploring what the results reveal about Iranian-Canadian political identity and influence. With the Liberal Party securing a minority government and traditional voting patterns shifting, this special episode of Roqe asks: How did Iranian-Canadians vote this time, what drove the changes, and what might the new government mean for Canada’s approach to the Islamic Republic of Iran? Joining Jian for this in-depth conversation are four sharp and diverse voices: longtime Liberal strategist Maryam Azari from Vancouver; author and activist Mehrdad Loghmani; international law expert and ICANN founder Sadeq Bigdeli; and veteran journalist and Persian Mirror editor-in-chief Dr. Mohammad Tajdolati. From divided loyalties to diaspora awakening, this episode digs into the complexities-and consequences-of a maturing political voice.

Roqe Ep. 370 - Iranians and the Canadian Election - M. Loghmani, M. Azari, S. Bigdeli, M. Tajdolati

In this new edition of Roqe – recorded live at the Roqe Hub – we explore the science, psychology, and shifting cultural standards of beauty with Dr. Amir Rouzati, a leading figure in the world of aesthetic medicine. In a wide-ranging talk followed by a candid and thought-provoking - and, at times challenging - on-stage interview with Jian, Dr. Rouzati unpacks how the human brain perceives beauty, why symmetry and proportion still hold evolutionary power, and how social media and global forces are reshaping our aesthetic ideals. From biology to Botox, from ancient instincts to modern influencers, this is a fascinating look at what beauty means today – and why it matters more than we might admit.
Plus, Jian kicks the show off with a stirring essay aimed at non-Iranians about why the Persian Gulf should never be renamed.

Roqe Ep. 371 - How the Brain Perceives Beauty - Live at the Roqe Hub with Dr. Amir Rouzati

Roqe - Ep #1 - Hamed Esmaeilion

Interviews with Ramin Jahanbegloo and Dr. Farnaz Zendehdel

Roqe - Ep #3 - Ramin Jahanbegloo, Dr. Farnaz Zendehdel

Conversations from, to, and about the Iranian diaspora.

Roqe is hosted by Jian Ghomeshi.

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