Roqe 191 - A feature lifetime conversation with Iranian music legend Soleyman (Soley) Vaseghi - his first ever interview conducted in English. Soley joins Jian in the Roqe Studio for an in-depth look at his remarkable life from early days growing up in a spiritual family in 1940s and ‘50s Iran, to becoming a massive pop star in the 1970s, to exile after the revolution and his journey into Sufi-inspired music in recent years. Plus, wellness coach and former European and Canadian karate champion, Pirooz Varasteh, also comes to the Roqe Studio for an interview about his passion for fitness and his legendary father, Dr. Farhad Varasteh. And the Roqe on-air Team convenes as Jian explains he overdid it with Max Amini at dinner, while Shaya charms an usher at a Roger Waters concert.
Feature interviews with Dr. Rosa Moradi and Helia Bandeh on an exciting new “Big Show” weekly summer edition of Roqe. First, Iranian-Canadian physician, Doctor of Natural Medicine, and Ayurveda specialist and instructor, Dr. Rosa Moradi, joins Jian in the Roqe Studio to discuss her captivating journey from MD to NMD and her growing social media stardom. Then visionary dancer, choreographer, and researcher, Helia Bandeh comes to the Roqe Studio for a genuine and wide-ranging chat about the rehabilitation of Iranian classical dance, the plight of dance in Iran since the Islamic Revolution, and her personal journey that has included international recognition as well as arrest in Iran. Plus, the Roqe on-air Team discusses following passions, the possibility of giving up bread and cheese, and Jian confronts Kyan about a birthday gift.
Roqe 189 - Part 3 of the Roqe mini-series, The Plight of Persian Music, takes a specific look at the adversity faced by female Iranian artists. In what ways have the burdens of repressive laws and cultural pressures both inside and outside of Iran impacted female singers and performers? Iranian-British vocalist and recording artist, Misagh Moradi, joins Jian from London, England, to give a first-hand account of what she faced as a performer in Iran, and a general history of the laws governing women and music. In this third segment of the series, the conversation revolves around the difficulties Iranian women face in wanting to be part of the continued growth of Persian music whilst being entangled in the ever-changing and severe restrictions of the country. Plus, the Roqe on-air Team recount stories and offer their own opinions on the repressive ban on female solo singers in Iran.
A feature interview with Iranian-American ENT specialist, facial plastic surgeon and social media sensation, Dr. Sina Joorabchi - best known, simply, as Doctor Sina. An accomplished otolaryngologist and appointed clinical assistant professor for Nova Southeastern University, Dr. Sina joins Jian from Pembroke Pines, Florida, to discuss everything from his practise, to hearing loss, the concept of "medical infotainment," and becoming an influencer. Plus the Roqe on-air Team discusses Pride, the use of the term "khareji" by Iranians in the diaspora, and Jian's thoughts on theocracies and the repeal of Roe v Wade in the United States.
“Shooting the Revolution – Part 33 of the Roqe Media series, The Contemporary History of Iran. When we think of the Islamic revolution of 1979, what images are engrained in our thoughts? What pivotal moments or snapshots from the chaotic scramble that lead to the triumph of the ayatollahs and the sudden end of the Shah’s rule do we remember best? Interestingly, many of the evocative photographs that have become the most iconic from this moment were all taken by one man: Legendary American photojournalist, David Burnett. The world traveling photographer, Mr. Burnett, author of the , “44 days: Iran and the remaking of the world,” joins Jian Ghomeshi from New York City to discuss his unique eyewitness account of those pivotal 44 days in Iran.
Roqe 187 - Feature interviews with Shally Zomorodi and Peyman Salimi on a rollicking and diverse edition of Roqe. Iranian-American journalist and broadcaster Shally Zomorodi joins Jian from San Diego to discuss her much-anticipated new children’s book, “Myla Caterpillars Become Butterflies,” and her forthcoming appearance at the Seattle Iranian Festival. Then Iranian-Italian singer-songwriter, guitarist, and music producer, Peyman Salimi, comes to the Roqe Studio for a chat and live performance of songs from his solo project. Plus, the Roqe on-air Team discusses Father’s Day, the city of Seattle, and another team birthday. This episode is brought to you with the generous support of: http://www.safipoor.com/ https://www.cherryst.com/
Roqe 186 - A feature interview with Iranian-Canadian public speaker, professional coach, and personal branding expert, Dr. Shahab Anari, author of “The How of Personal Branding: 3 C's to become the Highly Paid Authority in Your Field.” Dr. Anari joins Jian in the Roqe Studio for an entertaining and educational deep dive into personal development, positive psychology, and life lessons gained from both success and failure, plus his journey from being the number one ranked student in the Iranian university entrance exam (“konkoor”), graduating as a physician, and migrating to Canada to follow his passion of becoming a professional coach. In the post-interview recap, the Roqe on-air Team discuss the implications of having to “sell yourself” in today’s society and the pressures of self-promotion.
Roqe 185 -A feature interview with award-winning Iranian political cartoonist and activist Ali Dorani (also known as, “Eaten Fish”). In the week before World Refugee Day, Ali joins Jian from Stavanger, Norway, to recount his remarkable and deeply harrowing story of fleeing Iran on the promise of finding asylum in Australia, only to end up in a prison-style Australian “immigration camp” for years where he was denied basic human rights. It was only through his art and poignant self-portraits and cartoons created from inside the camp and smuggled out that Ali became globally known and an international cause that led to his current asylum in Norway. Plus, the Roqe On-air Team share their reactions and related personal stories.
Roqe 184 - An ideas based episode looking at the notable increase in the usage of psychedelic and psychoactive drugs in recent years for the purposes of health and mental wellness (beyond any recreational utility) and the Iranian connection. Why have psychedelics like magic mushrooms become “cool” again, and gained popularity in clinical trials for the purposes of treating psychiatric conditions? Iranian-Canadian entrepreneur and scientist, Dr. Shauheen Etminan, joins Jian from Tehran to explain the resurgence of hallucinogenics, and to share his surprising research on the ancient Iranian roots of psychedelics.
Feature interviews with Iranian-American rising star violinist, Nikki Naghavi, in Dallas, and Founder and Director of the designer online marketplace Alangoo, Golshid Mola, in Los Angeles. Plus community builder Fariba Fard in the Roqe Studio on her project called, “Ash Arezooha”, that seeks to invite wishes and spread positivity around the world, and the Roqe Team pore over the Letters of the Week.