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

A special edition of Roqe featuring two of the most influential Iranian architects of the last century - Hossein Amanat and Kamran Diba - together for the first time in the Roqe Studio.

In a rare and deeply personal interview, they sit down with Jian Ghomeshi to explore architecture, identity, exile, and legacy - from the creation of Tehran’s Azadi Tower and Museum of Contemporary Art to life and creativity after 1979.

Also in this episode: Jian’s Roqe Roundup with Pegah Ganji on the “Little Iran” designation in Toronto — and the unexpected backlash that followed.

🎙 Hosted by Jian Ghomeshi
Presented with the support of @beigilaw and @raavi.artisans

#Roqe #JianGhomeshi #HosseinAmanat #KamranDiba #IranianArchitecture #LittleIran #IranianDiaspora #AzadiTower #TehranMuseum #IranianCulture #Toronto

Roqe Ep. 392 – Icons of Design: Hossein Amanat, Kamran Diba + Roundup: “Little Iran” Backlash

A rare in-studio performance and conversation with TrioMoon - featuring Milad Derakhshani (tar), Dara Daraei (bass), and Bahar Falsafi (violin).
Visiting from Iran, the trio delivers two breathtaking instrumental pieces - a fusion of Persian classical roots, improvisation, and modern texture - followed by an intimate discussion with Jian Ghomeshi on creativity, collaboration, and the flourishing new wave of Iranian music.

Milad and Dara open up about living double musical lives - from pop and rock to sonati and fusion - and what it means to make art between worlds.

At the top of the show, Jian reflects on Toronto’s excitement as the Blue Jays head to the World Series and shares his recent streak of Persian concerts - from Alireza Ghorbani to Martik to Milad Derakhshani’s captivating Toronto performance with Trio Moon.

🎶 Featuring:
• Milad Derakhshani – Tar
• Dara Daraei – Bass
• Bahar Falsafi – Violin

🎙 Interview by Jian Ghomeshi
📍Recorded live at the Roqe Hub, Toronto

Presented with the support of @tia_immigration and @iwelcome.ca

Roqe Ep. 393 - Milad Derakshani, Dara Daraee, Bahar Falsafi (Triomoon)

In a world where fitness is filtered and wellness is for sale, how do we separate truth from illusion? Studies show that six out of ten TikTok fitness videos are misleading or harmful, and that more social media use often means more body dissatisfaction — especially among young people.

In this eye-opening conversation, Jian is joined by two Iranian-background fitness creators who are navigating both the promise and the pitfalls of the digital wellness boom:

Sepideh Faraji (@sepideh_fit) – a Toronto-based fitness coach and lifestyle influencer helping women embrace realistic, sustainable approaches to health.

Sama Ghorbani (@nutrifitopia) – a Los Angeles-based nutritionist and content creator bridging science, fitness, and accessibility online.

Together, they unpack misinformation vs. expertise, “fitspiration” vs. pressure, and how social media is reshaping the entire fitness industry.

Recorded with Sepideh in the Roqe Studio in Toronto and Sama joining via Zoom from L.A.

This episode of Roqe is presented with the support of Tika — the customer-generating machine helping businesses grow through digital marketing, lead generation, and telecom innovation.

#Fitness #SocialMedia #Roqe #JianGhomeshi #IranianDiaspora #Wellness #BodyImage #FitTok #TikTok #SepidehFaraji #SamaGhorbani

Roqe Ep. 394 - Fitness in the Social Media Age: What is Real? - Sepideh Faraji, Sama Ghorbani

She built a career in business in America. Then, through depression and reflection, she found her true calling. Iranian-American podcaster and life coach Helli Hendesi, host of HelliTalk, joins Jian in the Roqe Studio to talk about her remarkable transformation - from corporate executive to full-time creator.

A conversation about courage, reinvention, healing, and how one woman turned pain into purpose.


Presented with support from Quasar Homes.
Follow Jian on Instagram: @jianghomeshi and Roqe Media: @roqemedia
Learn more at www.RoqeMedia.com

Roqe Ep. 395 – Helli Hendesi (“HelliTalk”) | From Business to Purpose

On Episode 396 of Roqe, two timely conversations that reflect the global Iranian experience.

Jian begins with Samin Pourkhalili (Samin Yoga), joining via Zoom from Missouri. Samin shares her journey from Tehran to India to the U.S., her rise as a global Farsi-language yoga instructor, and the tension between authenticity and the digital wellness industry.

Later in the program, Jian hosts an in-studio discussion on the major immigration policy changes announced by the Canadian government just days ago — including reduced temporary visa intake, flatter PR levels, and new barriers for transitioning from study and work permits to permanent residency.

Immigration consultants Vahid Babaei and Hesam Asadi break down what these changes mean for Iranians hoping to come to Canada, Iranians already here, and the broader paradox within the Iranian-Canadian community regarding immigration levels.


This episode of Roqe is presented with the support of Quasar Homes.

Roqe Ep. 396 - Samin Yoga, + New Immigration Laws and Iranians

On this edition of Roqe, the legendary artist Shahrokh Moshkin Ghalam returns to the Roqe Studio — in full colour, full force, and fresh off a packed performance of Aref Nameh in Toronto.

Jian speaks with Shahrokh about his bold new staging of the cheeky, satirical, and explicit poem by Iraj Mirza; how he transitioned from iconic dance work into text-driven theatre; and what the pandemic taught him after years away from the stage. The conversation explores poetry, provocation, exile, identity, and the reinvention of one of the most distinctive Iranian performers in the world.

Presented with the support of Quasar Homes.

Subscribe and follow @JianGhomeshi and @RoqeMedia for more.

Roqe Ep. 397 - Shahrokh Moshkin Ghalam Returns!

On this week's edition, Jian offers a clear and comprehensive primer on the environmental crisis now affecting Iran - a polycrisis that touches the country's air, water, energy grid, and public health.

Jian outlines recent AQI levels in major cities, groundwater depletion, the shrinkage of rivers and wetlands, dust storms, land subsidence, and the impact of Iran's inefficient energy sector on daily life.

Two experts then join in the Roqe Studio:

• Roozbeh Eskandari - Environmental researcher focused on water systems, wetlands, and Iran's deepening water bankruptcy.
• Farid Safari - Engineer and energy analyst examining the country's fragile power grid, gas shortages, and outdated energy infrastructure.

An informative and accessible conversation for listeners around the world.


This episode is created with the support of Quasar Homes.

Roqe Ep. 398 - How Dire is the Environmental Crisis in Iran? - Roozbeh Eskandari, Farid Safari

Episode 399 of Roqe features the return of Dr. Kayvan Mirhadi – “Dr. Kay” – the Chief of Internal Medicine at Clifton Springs Hospital in New York and one of the most trusted medical voices for Iranians around the world. He first gained widespread recognition during COVID-19 and again during the Mahsa Amini protests, when his clear guidance and steady presence became a lifeline for millions.

In this special feature, Jian Ghomeshi puts 12 (although it ends up being more like 8!) of the most common and most sensitive audience questions to him – from Plan B to herpes panic, from anal sex myths to antibiotics, stress, fasting diets, Vitamin D, and more. A candid, informative, surprisingly funny conversation that cuts through fear, misinformation, stigma, and confusion.

Also in this episode:
A reveal of the first lineup for Roqe Live 6, happening February 19, 2026 at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. Tickets go on sale next Wednesday, Dec 10th at 9am ET, with early-bird pricing for the first 24 hours.

This edition of Roqe is created with support from Quasar Homes.


Follow for more interviews, essays, and conversations from across the Iranian diaspora.

Instagram: @roqemedia @JianGhomeshi

Meezoon basheen.

Roqe Ep. 399 - 12 Questions for Dr. Kay (Kayvan Mirhadi)

Conversations from, to, and about the Iranian diaspora.

Roqe is hosted by Jian Ghomeshi.