On this episode of Roqe, Jian Ghomeshi leads a powerful panel discussion on language, migration, and identity.

For many immigrants, speaking English isn’t just a practical skill — it’s a profound shift in how they express emotion, how they’re perceived, and how they perceive themselves. This episode explores the idea that a second language can become a second self.

Jian is joined by:

Dr. Jila Ghomeshi, linguist and expert on language and identity

Mojdeh Razeh, English instructor and creator of @english.with.mojdeh

Shahrzad Kazemi, social media educator behind @learningenglishwithsherry

Together, they ask:
Who are you when you speak in your second language?
Does your personality shift?
And what happens to the real you in translation?

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, SoundCloud, and RoqeMedia.com.
Follow us: @RoqeMedia | @JianGhomeshi

Roqe Ep. 383 – Are You the Same Person in a Second Language? - Dr. Jila Ghomeshi, Mojdeh Razeh, Shahrzad Sherry Kazemi

On this edition of Roqe, Jian Ghomeshi welcomes Gdaal – the Iranian rapper who has become a defining voice of his generation. In this expansive and all-encompassing conversation, Gdaal speaks with rare candor about his successes and struggles: from competition in the hip hop scene, to frustrations with the industry, to the profound impact of losing his father last year.

He reflects on growing up in Tehran as a 90s kid inspired by Eminem, moving to France in search of freedom, and the paradoxical pull of Iran that continues to shape his music and identity. The conversation also touches on the expectations to be political, the challenges of exile, and the responsibility of being part of the second generation of Persian rap.

Gdaal’s love of hip hop shines through as he discusses his creative journey, his brand new collaboration with Toomaj Salehi, and his upcoming Toronto performance on September 26th at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

Note: much of the interview is conducted in Persian, with some parts in English. Non-Farsi speakers may find it less accessible, though most Iranians will follow both languages.

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– Raavi Artisans: @raavi.artisans
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#Roqe #Gdaal #PersianRap #IranianHipHop #ToomajSalehi #MahsaAmini #IranianDiaspora #HipHopCulture #PersianMusic #TorontoConcert

Roqe Ep. 387 - Gdaal

What happens when a nation goes bankrupt on water?

In this edition of Roqe, Jian opens with a reflection on why “water is the new oil” - the defining resource of the 21st century. He argues that the crisis unfolding in Iran today is not just a local tragedy, but a preview for the world.

Our feature guest is Professor Kaveh Madani, former Deputy Head of Iran’s Department of Environment and current Director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health. In a wide-ranging and candid interview, Kaveh explains why Iran’s water and electricity shortages have reached a tipping point, what this means for ordinary Iranians, and how environmental collapse threatens the very legitimacy of the regime.

This is not only a story about Iran. It is about governance, dignity, and survival — and a warning for all of us.

This episode of Roqe is brought to you in part by iWelcome. Learn more at iwelcome.ca
 or on Instagram @iwelcome.ca

Roqe Ep. 388 - No Water, No Power: Iran’s Harsh New Reality - Kaveh Madani

Jian’s feature guest is Iranian-British fitness instructor and performer Elham Mahrooz (Move Like Ellie). Known for her joyful dance videos and infectious positivity, Ellie joins from London for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about her mission, her cultural identity, and what it means to radiate joy even under pressure.

The episode also opens with a fiery essay — “When the Left Marches with the Mullahs: Remember 1979” — a look at past alliances and their dangerous echoes today.

Plus: news on Roqe Live 5, coming October 2nd at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts.

Roqe Ep. 389 - Move Like Ellie, + “The Left and the Mullahs” (essay)

Episode 390: Shabnam Tolouei — Art Without Borders

On this edition of Roqe, Jian Ghomeshi welcomes Iranian-French actress, playwright, and director Shabnam Tolouei. In a conversation spanning both English and Persian, Shabnam reflects on her new short film One Thousand and One Hundred, her journey from Tehran to Paris and now the U.S., and her decades of work amplifying women’s voices and minority experiences through theatre and film.

The interview explores exile, faith, censorship, and the inner negotiations of an artist who refuses to stop creating. Along the way, Jian and Shabnam also discuss Autumn Dance, Dust-Flower-Flame, and her collaborations with Shirin Neshat and Sepideh Farsi.

This episode also features an update on the upcoming Roqe Live 5 event on October 2nd at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts.

Brought to you by iWelcome.

Roqe Ep. 390 - Shabnam Tolouei — Art Without Borders

Recorded before a packed house at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts (Oct 2, 2025), in Richmond Hill, Canada. This is the live version of the weekly Roqe podcast - transformed into a variety show that had everything from rollicking dances to memorials and tears.

Guests & Segments:
*Deejay Al* (opening hype) • *Jian Ghomeshi* (monologue & host) • *Pegah Ganji* (Richmond Hill’s rise as an Iranian cultural hub) • *Navid Rezvani* (special dance + interview — first North American appearance) • *Dr. Mahshad Kolahdouzan* (neuroscience made practical) • *DJ Namito* (Berlin roots, House of Namito, community) • *Rubina* (live performance: “Tehran”) • *Kaveh Yaghmaei & Niloufar* (legacy, mentorship, hope) • *Jian’s Tribute to His Father* • *Shally Zomorodi* (journalism, public life, identity) • *Babak Amini Tribute & Roqe Media Icon Award presentation* • *Finale: Babak Amini & Kaveh Yaghmaei (together), Namito, Deejay Al, and Jian*

Sponsors

Icon Award Sponsor: Quasar Homes (Amir Firooz)

Gold: Beigi Law (Dr. Shay Beigi) • Anabel Sharouyan (Affinity Mortgage Solutions) • Shamshiri Restaurant (Navid Badiei)

Silver: TIA Immigration (Elahe Rezaei) • iAccounting • Hooman Golrokh • Raavi Artisans (Alia Pastry, Avers, Jadeite, Famluxy, Twoart) • iWelcome • Urban Windows & Doors • Forough Catering (Chef Forough Ghayedi)

Bronze: Lazar Prop Creation (Ramtin Lazar) • Ontario Camera • i2Canada (Vahid Babaei)

Host: Jian Ghomeshi • Produced by: Roqe Media
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Roqe Ep. 391 - Roqe Live 5!

Conversations from, to, and about the Iranian diaspora.

Roqe is hosted by Jian Ghomeshi.