Roqe Podcast By Roqe Global Media cover art

Roqe

Roqe

By: Roqe Global Media
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Conversations from, to, and about the Iranian diaspora. Roqe is hosted by Jian Ghomeshi.All rights reserved Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Roqe Ep. 429 - IRAN RISES - Regime Unchanged - Behnam Taleblu

    Roqe Ep. 429 - IRAN RISES - Regime Unchanged - Behnam Taleblu
    Apr 9 2026
    As a ceasefire takes hold and attention shifts, what are we left with? On this episode, Jian opens with an essay arguing that the recent war has diverted global focus away from what he describes as one of the most consequential events in recent Iranian history - the mass killing of civilians in January. The piece examines how media narratives, geopolitical analysis, and ideological debates can displace moral clarity. Jian is then joined by Behnam Ben Taleblu, Senior Director of the Iran Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, joining from Washington, D.C. The conversation explores whether anything has fundamentally changed inside the Islamic Republic, how to interpret competing narratives about the regime’s strength, and whether ceasefires and de-escalation ultimately prolong the status quo. This episode is supported by: Stellar Law - https://stellarlaw.ca Famluxy - https://famluxy.com
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    55 mins
  • Roqe Ep. 428 - IRAN RISES - Consequential Moment - Dr. Shahram Kholdi, Dr. Mahdi Ghodsi

    Roqe Ep. 428 - IRAN RISES - Consequential Moment - Dr. Shahram Kholdi, Dr. Mahdi Ghodsi
    Apr 7 2026
    On this edition of Roqe, Dr. Shahram Kholdi (Southwestern Ontario) and Dr. Mahdi Ghodsi (Vienna) join Jian for a timely conversation at a consequential moment in the Iran crisis. With a deadline from Donald Trump threatening major escalation, strikes already hitting infrastructure inside Iran, and ongoing uncertainty about how Iranians are responding, this episode examines where things stand - and what may come next. Jian opens with an essay titled “Iran Is Being Debated While Iranians Are Cut Off”, looking at the regime’s internet blackout and how the absence of voices from inside Iran is shaping global narratives. The conversation covers the escalation of the conflict, the role of the blackout, the Iranian economy, recent executions, and whether the regime can survive. This episode is supported by: Quasar Homes - https://www.instagram.com/quasarhomes Avoca Chocolates - https://avocachocolates.com
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    1 hr
  • Roqe Ep. 427 - IRAN RISES - A Deal Means More of This - Andrew Ghalili

    Roqe Ep. 427 - IRAN RISES - A Deal Means More of This - Andrew Ghalili
    Apr 2 2026
    On this episode of Roqe, Andrew Ghalili joins Jian from New York for a conversation on the dangers of pursuing another deal with the Islamic Republic. They discuss the aftermath of President Trump’s recent speech, why the idea of a “moderate” replacement within the regime is fundamentally flawed, and how the IRGC continues to hold power despite mounting pressure. Andrew also shares insights on what he is hearing from inside Iran, the state of the opposition, and the role of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi at this pivotal time. Jian opens with an essay titled A Deal Means More of This - a stark look at how diplomacy with the regime may delay change and prolong repression, underscored by the recent execution of 18-year-old Amirhossein Hatemi. This is Roqe Episode 427 - Iran Rises. This episode is supported by: Famluxy https://famluxy.com Avoca Chocolates https://avocachocolates.com
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    47 mins
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