A summer repeat edition of one of our favourite episodes of Roqe as we prepare to launch our new season. What was Persian music before the 20th Century? How do we assess the development of sound and musical traditions in Iran during the Safavid and Qajar eras - important influences that may be heard all the way to today? American musician and ethnomusicologist, Dr. Margaret Caton, author of the book, “A Persian Ode: Musical Life in Safavid and Qajar Iran,” joins Jian from Los Angeles for a fascinating, entertaining, and non-traditional journey through the sounds and music of Persia in the periods leading to modern Iran, examined within a broader socio-economic, cultural and political context. - This was originally posted as part of the Contemporary History of Iran series from Roqe Media.

Roqe Ep.336 - The Evolution of Persian Music (redux)

complex world of online identity, empowerment, and judgment. Rana Zandi, an Iranian-Canadian digital strategist and AI music experimenter, is not only breaking new ground in technology and design but also came to public attention as the self-proclaimed first Iranian woman to join OnlyFans — a platform known for empowering creators but also controversial for its association with adult content and the monetization of intimacy, raising concerns about exploitation, morality, and societal norms.

Rana opens up about her emotional journey through OnlyFans, where she initially found empowerment but eventually became disillusioned by the transactional nature of her relationships with men. She also discusses her academic background, her work in AI music, and how her story intersects with her Iranian identity, cultural expectations, and the challenges of being a woman in a space like OnlyFans.

This conversation challenges stereotypes, explores the complexities of identity, and takes a deeper look at the human experience in the digital age. Tune in for an insightful, emotional, and potentially controversial discussion.

Follow us on Instagram: @roqemedia

Available on all major podcast platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, and Castbox.

Roqe Ep. 381 - "The First Iranian OnlyFans Girl" - Rana Zandi

A new and unexpected trend is emerging: the face of Ali Khamenei and the flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran appearing in Western protests, from Toronto to London to Sydney. On this edition of Roqe, Jian Ghomeshi asks: Why are some Western activists and segments of the political Left embracing a regime widely known for its brutality, repression, and human rights abuses?

Human rights lawyer Kaveh Shahrooz and academic Forouq Canaani join Jian to explore this ideological shift. From propaganda and anti-imperialism to diaspora backlash and the legacy of Mahsa Amini, this panel discussion dives deep into the dissonance of supporting "resistance" while uplifting tyranny.

A thoughtful, provocative episode asking hard questions at a critical moment.

Roqe Ep. 382 - Mullahs: New Darlings of the West? - Kaveh Shahrooz, Forouq Canaani

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

She left behind everything she knew and walked into the unknown.

In this episode, Jian is joined in the Roqe Studio by Iranian adventurer and memoirist Melica Bokaie (@melliiica) for a powerful conversation about identity, risk, freedom, and life as a solo traveler through Latin America.

Melica opens up about her emotional transformation, her poetic relationship with solitude, and her new memoir written in Farsi.

Also in this episode: Jian announces the official date and location of Roqe Live 5.

Listen on all platforms or visit www.roqemedia.com

Roqe Ep. 384 - Melica: The Explorer

Exclusive first reveal of the Roqe Live 5 lineup – only for Roqe listeners before it goes public on August 18th at 9am ET.

Then, Jian sits down with Deejay AL, one of the most recognizable DJs and producers in the Iranian diaspora, to talk music, culture, and connection.

And later, a conversation with Farimah Nowroozi (FamLuxy) and Arezoo Sadeghi (Two Art) from the all-female collective behind Raavi, the September 7th art and culture event supporting emerging Iranian creators.

Roqe Ep. 385 - Deejay AL, RAAVI Artisans, Roqe Live 5 Lineup Reveal!

An exclusive conversation with iconic Iranian singer and performer Shohreh Solati. Jian Ghomeshi speaks with Shohreh about her remarkable life and legacy — from her early days in Tehran to her status as a pop legend in exile. They discuss her biggest hits, her activism, her influence as an LGBTQI and feminist icon, and her ongoing joy in performing live for new generations.

Also in this episode: full details on Roqe Live 5, happening October 2, 2025, at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts.

Roqe Ep. 386 - Shohreh Solati (Exclusive)

Conversations from, to, and about the Iranian diaspora.

Roqe is hosted by Jian Ghomeshi.