Best Bigd Podcasts (2025)

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Roqe Ep. 377 – The Israel–Iran War: Voices of Iranians 1:37:30

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5d ago1:37:30

1:37:30

In this urgent and emotional edition of Roqe, host Jian Ghomeshi opens a new series exploring the human impact of the fast-escalating conflict between Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Recorded on June 18th, 2025 — amidst rapidly shifting events — this episode amplifies Iranian voices from both inside the country and across the diaspora.Gues…

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Roqe Ep. 376 - Resilience and Success – Milad Taherzadeh & Navid Badiei (in Persian) 2:31:49

11d ago2:31:49

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Two powerful Iranian-Canadian stories — both interviews conducted in Persian.First, Milad Taherzadeh (aka @miladbeauty) opens up publicly for the first time at a live Roqe Hub event, sharing his harrowing journey as an LGBTQ person growing up and pursuing a career in style and makeup in Mashhad and fleeing Iran. Then, entrepreneur Navid Badiei join…

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Roqe Ep. 375 - Comedian Neema Naz + Opening Essay on LGBTQ Persecution in Iran 1:18:26

18d ago1:18:26

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On this episode of Roqe, acclaimed Iranian-Canadian comedian Neema Naz returns to the studio for a candid and celebratory conversation in the middle of his world tour. After receiving a major boost from megastar Drake, Neema has gone from social media sensation to global performer, sharing stages with comedy legends like Russell Peters and Howie Ma…

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Roqe Ep. 374 - Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi: Legacy, Loss, and the Future of Iran 1:18:32

25d ago1:18:32

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In this special edition of Roqe, Jian Ghomeshi sits down with Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi for a rare and revealing conversation - one of his first ever in-studio interviews in Canada. Recorded at the Roqe Studio in Toronto, this 75-minute exchange spans the personal, political, and philosophical.From the Crown Prince’s Five-Point Strategy for support…

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Roqe Ep. 373 - The Innovation Formula - Babak Khodaparast, Hamed Azimi 1:08:42

1M ago1:08:42

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In this edition of Roqe, two Iranian-Canadian visionaries share their insights on building ideas into impact.First, Jian speaks with Babak Khodaparast — a young inventor, entrepreneur, and President of the National Inventors Team of Canada — about thriving in what he calls the “Invention Economy.” From clean-tech to startup incubation, Babak explai…

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Roqe Ep. 372 - Saba Zameni - Live at the Roqe Hub 1:27:12

1M ago1:27:12

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Iranian singer, dancer, and activist Saba Zameni was once jailed in Iran for doing what many of us take for granted — expressing herself through music and movement. Now based in Canada, she has emerged as a rising voice in the global Iranian community, with a fast-growing online presence and a story that resonates with audiences around the world.In…

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Roqe Ep. 371 - How the Brain Perceives Beauty - Live at the Roqe Hub with Dr. Amir Rouzati 1:14:58

2M ago1:14:58

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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. Rouz…

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Roqe Ep. 370 - Iranians and the Canadian Election - M. Loghmani, M. Azari, S. Bigdeli, M. Tajdolati 1:13:12

2M ago1:13:12

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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…

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Roqe Ep. 369 - King Raam - Live at the Roqe Hub 1:52:21

2M ago1:52:21

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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 o…

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Roqe Ep.368 - Andy 1:15:14

2M ago1:15:14

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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 globa…

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Roqe Ep. 367 - How Should Iranian-Canadians Vote?- Sadeq Bigdeli, Mehrdad Loghmani 1:32:53

2M ago1:32:53

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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 Log…

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Roqe Ep. 366 - The Chess Master Mindset - Dorsa Derakhshani 1:03:28

3M ago1:03:28

1:03:28

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…

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Roqe Ep. 365 - Why Psychedelics Can Help Your Mental Health - Anisa Dehghani, Mohammad Barzegary 1:47:41

3M ago1:47:41

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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 Har…

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Roqe Ep. 364 - Nowruz 2025 - Roqe Team Roundtable 1:14:24

3M ago1:14:24

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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 beginnin…

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Roqe Ep. 363 - The Courage to Redefine Ourselves - Sara Rahimi, Dr. Katty Bidad 1:40:05

3M ago1:40:05

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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 a…

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Roqe Ep. 362 - "The Instagram Marco Polo" - Ben Marco 1:00:56

4M ago1:00:56

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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…

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Roqe Ep.361 - Learning Language Later in Life - Sherry, Mojdeh, Houshang 1:06:18

4M ago1:06:18

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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 Noormo…

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Roqe Ep. 360 - Maz Jobrani Returns! 1:13:04

4M ago1:13:04

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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 conversa…

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Roqe Ep. 359 - ROQE LIVE 4! - Shohreh Aghdashloo, Fardad Farahzad, Dang Show and more... 2:05:06

4M ago2:05:06

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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 o…

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Episode 114 - Interview With A Vampire (1994) 49:38

5M ago49:38

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Send us a text This movie was originally supposed to be covered back in October of 2024. We finally got to it! Christine, with her hit and miss internet is back! Join us as we dive into Interview With A Vampire from 1994! Find Guess What? You're Wrong! on the socials! Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok Youtube…

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Roqe Ep. 358 - How AI is Changing the Fashion World - Nima Behnoud 1:06:04

5M ago1:06:04

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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, philosophic…

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Episode 113 - It's Alive (1974) 51:18

5M ago51:18

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Send us a text Prepare to be terrified! In this classically spooky episode, I'm joined by the fantastic couple from Ozark Still Works, Wayne and Jen Herbert, for a chilling deep dive into the 1974 cult classic "It's Alive!". Join us as we dissect this terrifying tale of a monstrous offspring born under mysterious circumstances. Expect insightful co…

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Roqe Ep. 357 - Defying Cultural Expectations - Nicole Dayani, Elham Rezaei 1:16:34

5M ago1:16:34

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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 …

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Roqe Ep.356 - "Everyone Can Be a Millionaire" - Martin Basiri 1:47:41

5M ago1:47:41

1:47:41

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 hi…

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Roqe Ep. 355 - Is Multiculturalism Broken? - Dr. Fathali Moghaddam 56:00

5M ago56:00

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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 r…

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Episode 112 - The Lost Boys (1987) 59:14

6M ago59:14

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Send us a text Prepare for a bloodbath of fun on this episode of Guess What? You're Wrong! where we finally slay the undead beast that is our long-awaited coverage of the 1987 vampire classic, The Lost Boys. Yes, you heard that right – the movie that was supposed to be one of our Halloween 2024 treats is finally arriving, fashionably late, like a t…

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Roqe Ep. 354 - Will Change Come to Iran in 2025? 2:18:13

6M ago2:18:13

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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 H…

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Roqe Ep.353 - Special Edition: Jimmy Carter and a Problematic Legacy With Iran 49:06

6M ago49:06

49:06

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 cre…

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Episode 111 - Frankenstein (1931) 27:38

6M ago27:38

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Send us a text Get ready to jolt yourself back to the golden age of horror! On this episode of "Guess What? You're Wrong!", we're diving headfirst into the 1931 masterpiece, "Frankenstein." Forget the campy versions you might be thinking of. This film, with its groundbreaking special effects and chilling atmosphere, still packs a punch today. We'll…

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Roqe Ep. 352 - Narrative Identity and the 'Masks' We Wear - Dr. Shahab Anari, Tannaz Nouri 1:12:02

6M ago1:12:02

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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, …

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Roqe Ep. 351 - Tech Trailblazing on the 16th Floor - Soheil Alavi 1:38:50

6M ago1:38:50

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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 t…

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Roqe Ep. 350 - PANEL: Is the Trudeau Government Betraying Iranian Immigrants? 1:14:18

6M ago1:14:18

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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 …

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Roqe Ep. 349 - Tehran, Salar Gholami, Roqe Live 4 Announcement 1:34:53

7M ago1:34:53

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A new edition of Roqe featuring a high-energy in-studio interview with comedian, actor and activist, Tehran, as well as a passionate conversation with Iranian-Canadian boxing champion Salar Gholami, who joins Jian in the Roqe Studio in advance of his huge fight for the WBC North American title. Plus, Jian announces the much-anticipated lineup for R…

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Episode 110 - From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) 59:20

7M ago59:20

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Send us a text Get ready to sink your teeth into this episode of Guess What? You're Wrong! as we welcome a brother in shine, Jeremy Stewart to discuss the 1996 cult classic, From Dusk Till Dawn. We'll dive deep into the film's spectacular plot, iconic characters, and, of course, the ever-gorgeous Salma Hayek. Together, we'll explore the film's tran…

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Roqe Ep. 348 - Mazyar Fallahi Returns!, Essay: The Connectivity of Iranians Will Never Fade 1:05:01

7M ago1:05:01

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A new edition of Roqe featuring a very funny and engaging full hour interview with beloved Iranian singer-songwriter, Mazyar Fallahi. Mazyar joins Jian in the Roqe Studio for a conversation about everything from how he met his wife, to Pink Floyd, to coming through his sadness, and learning to use English swear words with aplomb! He also performs a…

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Roqe Ep. 347 - Iran During WWII: The Overlooked Devastation + Gazelle Sharmahd 1:13:21

7M ago1:13:21

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A new edition of Roqe featuring an on-stage interview with award-winning Iranian-American author and musician Sepehr Haddad, live at the Roqe Hub, on the occasion of the release of his new book, The Harmless and Necessary Cat, a novel about a family trying to make ends meet in Allied-Occupied Iran during World War II. Given the theme of the book an…

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Roqe Ep. 346 - Will Trump Foster Regime Change in Iran? Ari Aramesh, Bijan Kian 1:22:05

7M ago1:22:05

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A new edition of Roqe featuring an in-depth debate about whether a new Trump Administration will create more opportunity for regime change in Iran. Jian is joined by two prominent Iranian-Americans thinkers who are no strangers to the topic, albeit coming from different sides of the political fence. Democratic Party-supporting lawyer and TV comment…

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Roqe Ep. 345 - The Ozempic Debate, Essay: Don’t be Surprised That Many Iranians Support Trump 1:42:17

8M ago1:42:17

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Is Ozempic a new wonder drug that is changing the world or an epidemic with dangerous consequences? On a new edition of Roqe, we feature an in-depth exploration of the trendy weight-loss “miracle” drug with a compelling trio medical experts. Iranian-American Naturopathic Medical Doctor, fitness instructor, and meditation practitioner, Dr. Afrouz De…

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Roqe Ep. 344 - Ardavan Hatami, "Do we NEED a BMW?" Essay 1:35:54

8M ago1:35:54

1:35:54

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 i…

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Episode 109 - Without Warning (1980) 34:29

8M ago34:29

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Send us a text This episode was originally recorded for The Retro Movie Geek Podcast, their yearly Spooky Flix Fest. They released on their platform, and now you miscreants have it to! Hit up Mom and Pop Video Shop on the YouTubes to check out all they have to offer for Spooky Flix Fest! Find Guess What? You're Wrong! on the socials! Facebook Insta…

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Roqe Ep. 343 - Kaveh Yaghmaie, "Iranians Being Critical" Essay 1:30:21

8M ago1:30:21

1:30:21

A new edition of Roqe including a feature interview with acclaimed Iranian-Canadian composer, singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, Kaveh Yaghmaei. Kaveh joins Jian live in the Roqe Studio to share his distinct approach to blending Western and Persian musical traditions, his take on modern rock, and his thoughts on the ongoing su…

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Roqe Ep. 342 - Reza Rohani & Sara Naeini, + Ode to Coldplay 59:33

8M ago59:33

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A brand new edition of Roqe featuring a dynamic and compelling powerhouse duo in Iranian popular music. Iranian-American singer Sara Naeini and Iranian-American composer, producer, and pianist Reza Rohani join Jian live in the Roqe studio for an in-depth conversation about their music, the viral videos that have taken the internet by storm, and the…

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Episode 108 - Salem's Lot (1979) 36:50

8M ago36:50

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Send us a text Okay, so maybe I'm a little biased. I mean, who doesn't love a good vampire story? But this time, I'm not talking about the sparkly, brooding kind. I'm talking about the real deal: the kind that turns people into blood-sucking monsters and turns small towns upside down. In this episode, I'm diving headfirst into the 1979 made-for-TV …

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Roqe Ep. 341 - Max Jamali, Cyrus International Film Fest 1:39:57

9M ago1:39:57

1:39:57

A new edition of Roqe featuring award-winning photographer and mixed-media luxury artist, Max Jamali. Max joins Jian live in the Roqe Studio for a conversation about his art, his business approach, and his popular events and exhibitions. Later, Iranian-Canadian film expert and CEO of the Cyrus International Film Festival, Dr. Amir Ganjavie, along w…

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Roqe Ep. 340 - Roqe Live 3 - Live in Thornhill, Canada - Sept 27, 2024 2:01:22

9M ago2:01:22

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Roqe Live 3 - FULL SHOW AUDIO - recorded live at City Playhouse Theatre in Thornhill, Ontario, Canada - Sept 27th, 2024. Featuring Jian Ghomeshi, Pegah Ganji, Nooshafarin, Anousha, Solmaz Barghir. Performances by Arian and Sara, Golrokh Aminian, Nooshafarin and Ghazal Akhoondzadeh. And a special presentation of the Roqe Media Icon Award to legendar…

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Episode 107 - Near Dark (1987) 1:21:07

9M ago1:21:07

1:21:07

Send us a text Get ready to sink your teeth into a spooky, sexy, and utterly bloodthirsty cinematic experience! In this episode, we're joined by the one and only Gillman Joel from the Retro Movie Geek Podcast to dive headfirst into the vampire classic, Near Dark. Join us as we explore the dark, dusty roads of America in the 1987 cult hit that's equ…

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Roqe Ep. 339 - Namito, Roundup: IRI at the UN 1:16:29

9M ago1:16:29

1:16:29

A brand new edition of Roqe featuring a rare interview with popular Iranian-German DJ and music producer, Namito. Namito joins Jian in the new Roqe Studio for a comprehensive chat about everything from the evolving status of DJs (from anonymous record-spinners to the new global rock stars) to his remarkable story of fleeing Iran by himself at the a…

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Roqe Ep. 338 - Season 6 Launch! - Armin Amiri, Bahar Eslami & Mona Hasanzadeh 2:05:28

9M ago2:05:28

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A new season of Roqe kicks off with Episode 338 in our brand new studio. Iranian-American actor and producer Armin Amiri joins Jian live in the studio, for a chat about everything from his time as a refugee to the delicate dance of nude scenes in the Sex in the City sequel. Then co-founders of Divan Events, popular Iranian-Canadian fashion blogger …

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Roqe Ep. 337 - The 1906 Constitutional Revolution in Iran (Redux) 1:09:46

10M ago1:09:46

1:09:46

A summer repeat edition of one of our favourite episodes of Roqe as we prepare to launch our new season. 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 constitu…

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Roqe Ep.336 - The Evolution of Persian Music (redux) 57:26

10M ago57:26

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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 ethno…