Rephonic
Artwork for Roqe
Iran
Islamic Republic
Iranian Diaspora
Islamic Republic Of Iran
Human Rights
Toronto
Cultural Identity
Diaspora
Persian Music
Protests
Donald Trump
Faramarz Aslani
Human Rights Violations
Women's Rights
Prince Reza Pahlavi
Immigration
Iranian Music
Women Life Freedom Movement
Masa Amini
Social Media

Conversations from, to, and about the Iranian diaspora. Roqe is hosted by Jian Ghomeshi.

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes500Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Society & Culture

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Artwork for Roqe

Latest Episodes

Should Canada reopen its embassy in Tehran? Prime Minister Mark Carney has reignited a debate that many believed ended when Canada closed its embassy in Tehran in 2012. In the opening essay, Jian asks: "Reopening the Canadian embassy in Tehran? Reall... more

A new edition of Roqe featuring Jian’s opening essay, “The Funeral as a Weapon,” and a feature interview with Iranian-British journalist and documentary filmmaker Bozorgmehr Sharafedin. As the Islamic Republic stages the public funeral spectacle for ... more

YouTube

This episode opens with Jian Ghomeshi's essay, "AS IF NOTHING HAPPENED," a commentary on the Islamic Republic's attempt to sell a narrative of stability and normalcy to the world following the recent conflict, and why history cannot simply be rewritt... more

YouTube

For months, events surrounding Iran have moved at a relentless pace. In the midst of that, some remarkable conversations had to wait their turn. This is one of them. In this episode, Jian Ghomeshi welcomes acclaimed composer, producer and arranger Ra... more

YouTube

Key Facts

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Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Recent Guests

Ramin Zamani
Composer, producer, arranger; influential figure in Persian pop music
Independent musician/producer
Episode: Roqe Ep. 449 - IRAN RISES - Ramin Zamani
Ehsan Karami
Popular Iranian broadcaster, actor, singer, writer, and theatre artist
Roqe; Talangor production
Episode: Roqe Ep. 448 - IRAN RISES - Ehsan Karami
Atbin Arian
British, Swedish, Iranian medical scientist; venture capitalist; Iranian history and culture writer
The Spectator; Goldman Sachs background (described in intro)
Episode: Roqe Ep. 446 - IRAN RISES - After the First Match - Atbin Arian, Seena Ghaznavi, Mehrdad Ahmadpour
Mehrdad Ahmadpour
Engineer, football historian, documentary maker
Football media platforms including FootballCast; Students of the Game
Episode: Roqe Ep. 446 - IRAN RISES - After the First Match - Atbin Arian, Seena Ghaznavi, Mehrdad Ahmadpour
Ahmad Batebi
Journalist and activist, former political prisoner, NUFTI Fellow for Advocacy
NUFTI
Episode: Roqe Ep. 445 - IRAN RISES - The Game They're Playing - Ahmad Batebi, Shahram Kholdi
Atbin Arian Moyaddi
British-Swedish-Iranian medical scientist by training, storyteller, Spectator contributor on Iranian history and Middle Eastern geopolitics
The Spectator
Episode: Roqe Ep. 444 - IRAN RISES - The FIFA Follies - Atbin Arian, Shayan Sami’i
Avideh Motmaenfar
Osteopathic practitioner, journalist, political commentator and human rights advocate
Independent
Episode: Roqe Ep. 443 - IRAN RISES - Who Let the Mullahs In? - Sadeq Bigdeli, Mehran Aminian, Avideh Motmaenfar
Amir Arfa
Expat Unleashed host, Iranian satirist
Expat Unleashed
Episode: Roqe Ep. 442 - IRAN RISES - It's Okay to Laugh - Amir Arfa, Pouya Comedy
Pouya Comedy
Iranian software engineer and stand-up comedian
Independent/Zurich-based
Episode: Roqe Ep. 442 - IRAN RISES - It's Okay to Laugh - Amir Arfa, Pouya Comedy

Host

Jian Ghomeshi
Host of Roqe; associated with Roqe Media; notable for hosting across Iran-focused diaspora discussions

Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars from 451 ratings
  • Love the show

    Great show! Very informative about what's going on in Iran. I am not Iranian, but I am rooting for you guys!

    Freedom to the Historic and Brave People of Iran!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    CSK loves history
    United States4 months ago
  • Absolutely incredible!

    The opening essay of podcast #364 about Nowruz is fantastic. It had me in tears while still making me smile. Jian, you’re truly talented—thank you!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Masoud Mohsenpour
    Canadaa year ago
  • Reading some comments that are nonsense

    The next president of United States is a felon “grabbing ### by hand“ and is given the chance of highest office in this universe TWICE. Q was branded by Jian and took away from him unfairly and unjustly.

    Ppl need to chill and move on. Kudos Jian.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Truth-trust
    Canada2 years ago
  • Enjoyable podcast

    I Love everything about this podcast . I used to live in Toronto and listened to it all the time . I moved to California and I still listen to this podcast. I Love Jian’s natural talent and the way he interviews people. His voice is mesmerizing and never get tired of listening to him. Please never give up this podcast.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    gita joon
    Canada2 years ago
  • RAPIST

    jian ghomeshi is a rapist piece of garbage and deserve a long drop with a short rope

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Sb2999
    Canada3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some feedback critiques Jian Ghomeshi's past and commentary around accountability, but many also acknowledge post-recovery and continued impact.
Quality guests and rigorous moderation are frequently highlighted as strengths by reviewers.
The show is praised for credibility, depth, and producing timely dialogue that informs both insiders and general audiences.
Listeners appreciate the thoughtful, multi-voiced discussions that blend geopolitics with diaspora humanity.

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Modern WisdomChris Williamson
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Sword and ScaleSword and Scale
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Behind the BastardsCool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts
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The Viall FilesNick Viall

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Roqe Ep. 449 - IRAN RISES - Ramin Zamani
Q: I want to ask you about AI and the future of music before I let you go. But just before that, about being a producer in the Iranian music space, Iranian pop space. What is something that you need to know when producing Iranian pop that wouldn't necessarily apply to Western pop?
You have to know the roots of the culture in order to have an impact on the society. The surface, which is production, is not as important as the root. Anyone who wants to produce or write a Persian song would have to know the culture, the culture of Iran—the religion, the religious melodies—and then they can have a full impact on the society.
Roqe Ep. 441 - IRAN RISES - Why the Prolonged Pause? - Bozorgmehr Sharafedin, Lisa Daftari
Q: What factors most explain why war has not restarted given the pause?
The main factors include regime strategy to buy time, the US's cautious posture due to political timing (World Cup, midterms), and the possibility that a limited, targeted action could still occur if it serves broader strategic aims.
Roqe Ep. 441 - IRAN RISES - Why the Prolonged Pause? - Bozorgmehr Sharafedin, Lisa Daftari
Q: Have you been surprised by the prolonged pause in hostilities?
Lisa and Bozorgmehr suggest the pause is strategic for both sides: the regime seeks to consolidate power and avoid escalation while the US and its allies weigh limited responses and narrative control, influenced by domestic and international pressures.
Roqe Ep. 437 - IRAN RISES - Lion & Sun Revolution: Stalled or Still Alive? Bijan Kian, Pantea Modiri
Q: Why is the Western media narrative so overwhelmingly negative about the revolution's prospects?
Because media often reflects resistance to Trump-era policies and a general anti-war sentiment, which shapes perception; this can overlook on-the-ground realities and the resilience of Iranian protesters.
Roqe Ep. 432 - IRAN RISES - The War of Perception - Bozorgmehr Sharafedin
Q: How do you interpret the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic instrument and its impact on global energy markets?
The guest explains that the Strait serves as a powerful deterrent; neither side fully seeks closure because alternative routes are limited and the real impact is on insurance and price volatility, effectively making Hormuz a strategic pressure point rather than an easily exploitable weapon.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About Roqe

What is Roqe about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This program frequently features diaspora-focused conversations that blend geopolitics, media narratives, and personal perspectives from Iranians living abroad. Episodes commonly examine Iran's relationship with global powers, diaspora solidarity, and the role of media in shaping public perception, often through multi-guest panels that tackle timely topics such as sanctions, diplomacy, and domestic unrest. A standout trait is the mix of policy analysis with culturally resonant storytelling, providing listeners with both analytical depth and human context. The show appears to attract professionals and engaged observers in politics, journalism, academia, and activism who want nuanced, multi-perspective discussions about Iran and the diaspora ... more

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Roqe launched 6 years ago and published 500 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Roqe?

Recent guests on Roqe include:

1. Ramin Zamani
2. Ehsan Karami
3. Atbin Arian
4. Mehrdad Ahmadpour
5. Ahmad Batebi
6. Atbin Arian Moyaddi
7. Avideh Motmaenfar
8. Amir Arfa

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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