Rephonic
Artwork for Roqe
Iran
Islamic Republic
Iranian Diaspora
Islamic Republic Of Iran
Human Rights
Toronto
Cultural Identity
Diaspora
Persian Music
Protests
Faramarz Aslani
Human Rights Violations
Women's Rights
Donald Trump
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

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Roqe

Latest Episodes

Broadcaster, actor, singer and cultural commentator Ehsan Karami joins Jian Ghomeshi in studio for a special conversation in both English and Persian. Together they discuss the current state of the Iranian freedom movement, the reaction to the new me... more

A new Memorandum of Understanding between the Trump administration and the Islamic Republic has ignited outrage, disappointment, and fierce debate among many Iranians around the world. Jian Ghomeshi welcomes Shayan Samii, Picasso Moin, and Kiarash Ki... more

YouTube

The World Cup has begun and Team Melli has finally taken the field. Following Iran's 2-2 draw with New Zealand in Los Angeles, Jian Ghomeshi is joined by Atbin Arian, Seena Ghaznavi and Mehrdad Ahmadpour to discuss the atmosphere surrounding the open... more

YouTube

As the FIFA World Cup gets underway, many people around the world are focused on football. But many Iranians are focused on something else entirely. Jian Ghomeshi welcomes former political prisoner and activist Ahmad Batebi and historian and politica... more

YouTube

Key Facts

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

Recent Guests

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
Bozorgmehr Sharafedin
Iranian-British journalist and documentary filmmaker; head of digital news service at Iran International
Iran International
Episode: Roqe Ep. 441 - IRAN RISES - Why the Prolonged Pause? - Bozorgmehr Sharafedin, Lisa Daftari
Seena Ghaznavi
Iranian-American radio host, podcaster, comedian
Zero Cool Creative Agency
Episode: Roqe Ep. 438 - IRAN RISES - Do We Return to “Normal” - Or Not Yet? - Panel
Pantea Modiri
International journalist and documentary filmmaker
London-based journalist
Episode: Roqe Ep. 437 - IRAN RISES - Lion & Sun Revolution: Stalled or Still Alive? Bijan Kian, Pantea Modiri
Mohammad Manzarpour
Journalist, producer and host of RoqoShaw; veteran Persian-language media
Roqe/ BBC Persian/ VOA collaborations
Episode: Roqe Ep. 436 - IRAN RISES - Should Iran be Banned from World Cup 2026? - Panel Debate
Andy Alem
Founder of New Persian Times; content creator
New Persian Times
Episode: Roqe Ep. 434 - IRAN RISES - The Role of Alternative Media - Nazenin Ansari, Andy Alem, Kiarash Kian

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 States3 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.

Top Society & Culture Podcasts

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This American LifeThis American Life
The Ezra Klein Show
The Ezra Klein ShowNew York Times Opinion
Modern Wisdom
Modern WisdomChris Williamson
If Books Could Kill
If Books Could KillMichael Hobbes & Peter Shamshiri
Greta Wire
Greta WireNewsmax Podcasts
Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly
Under the Influence with Terry O'ReillyApostrophe Podcast Network

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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.
Roqe Ep. 432 - IRAN RISES - The War of Perception - Bozorgmehr Sharafedin
Q: Do you still feel that the IRGC and the Islamic Republic are not winning this war?
Yes, the guest argues that while the regime may be surviving militarily, the broader struggle is about narrative, legitimacy, and international perception, with both sides seeking to end the conflict but not necessarily with a decisive military victory.

Audience Metrics

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

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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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How many episodes of Roqe are there?

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. Atbin Arian Moyaddi
2. Avideh Motmaenfar
3. Amir Arfa
4. Pouya Comedy
5. Bozorgmehr Sharafedin
6. Seena Ghaznavi
7. Pantea Modiri
8. Mohammad Manzarpour

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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