Roqe Ep. 389 - Move Like Ellie, + “The Left and the Mullahs” (essay)

Jian’s feature guest is Iranian-British fitness instructor and performer Elham Mahrooz (Move Like Ellie). Known for her joyful dance videos and infectious positivity, Ellie joins from London for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about her mission, her cultural identity, and what it means to radiate joy even under pressure. The episode also opens with a fiery essay — “When the Left Marches with the Mullahs: Remember 1979” — a look at past alliances and their dangerous echoes today. Plus: news on Roqe Live 5, coming October 2nd at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts.

What happens when a nation goes bankrupt on water? In this edition of Roqe, Jian opens with a reflection on why “water is the new oil” - the defining resource of the 21st century. He argues that the crisis unfolding in Iran today is not just a local tragedy, but a preview for the world. Our feature guest is Professor Kaveh Madani, former Deputy Head of Iran’s Department of Environment and current Director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health. In a wide-ranging and candid interview, Kaveh explains why Iran’s water and electricity shortages have reached a tipping point, what this means for ordinary Iranians, and how environmental collapse threatens the very legitimacy of the regime. This is not only a story about Iran. It is about governance, dignity, and survival — and a warning for all of us. This episode of Roqe is brought to you in part by iWelcome. Learn more at iwelcome.ca or on Instagram @iwelcome.ca

On this edition of Roqe, Jian Ghomeshi welcomes Gdaal – the Iranian rapper who has become a defining voice of his generation. In this expansive and all-encompassing conversation, Gdaal speaks with rare candor about his successes and struggles: from competition in the hip hop scene, to frustrations with the industry, to the profound impact of losing his father last year. He reflects on growing up in Tehran as a 90s kid inspired by Eminem, moving to France in search of freedom, and the paradoxical pull of Iran that continues to shape his music and identity. The conversation also touches on the expectations to be political, the challenges of exile, and the responsibility of being part of the second generation of Persian rap. Gdaal’s love of hip hop shines through as he discusses his creative journey, his brand new collaboration with Toomaj Salehi, and his upcoming Toronto performance on September 26th at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Note: much of the interview is conducted in Persian, with some parts in English. Non-Farsi speakers may find it less accessible, though most Iranians will follow both languages. Follow and support our sponsors: – Raavi Artisans: @raavi.artisans – Tika: @tikatel #Roqe #Gdaal #PersianRap #IranianHipHop #ToomajSalehi #MahsaAmini #IranianDiaspora #HipHopCulture #PersianMusic #TorontoConcert

An exclusive conversation with iconic Iranian singer and performer Shohreh Solati. Jian Ghomeshi speaks with Shohreh about her remarkable life and legacy — from her early days in Tehran to her status as a pop legend in exile. They discuss her biggest hits, her activism, her influence as an LGBTQI and feminist icon, and her ongoing joy in performing live for new generations. Also in this episode: full details on Roqe Live 5, happening October 2, 2025, at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts.

Exclusive first reveal of the Roqe Live 5 lineup – only for Roqe listeners before it goes public on August 18th at 9am ET. Then, Jian sits down with Deejay AL, one of the most recognizable DJs and producers in the Iranian diaspora, to talk music, culture, and connection. And later, a conversation with Farimah Nowroozi (FamLuxy) and Arezoo Sadeghi (Two Art) from the all-female collective behind Raavi, the September 7th art and culture event supporting emerging Iranian creators.

She left behind everything she knew and walked into the unknown. In this episode, Jian is joined in the Roqe Studio by Iranian adventurer and memoirist Melica Bokaie (@melliiica) for a powerful conversation about identity, risk, freedom, and life as a solo traveler through Latin America. Melica opens up about her emotional transformation, her poetic relationship with solitude, and her new memoir written in Farsi. Also in this episode: Jian announces the official date and location of Roqe Live 5. Listen on all platforms or visit www.roqemedia.com

On this episode of Roqe, Jian Ghomeshi leads a powerful panel discussion on language, migration, and identity. For many immigrants, speaking English isn’t just a practical skill — it’s a profound shift in how they express emotion, how they’re perceived, and how they perceive themselves. This episode explores the idea that a second language can become a second self. Jian is joined by: Dr. Jila Ghomeshi, linguist and expert on language and identity Mojdeh Razeh, English instructor and creator of @english.with.mojdeh Shahrzad Kazemi, social media educator behind @learningenglishwithsherry Together, they ask: Who are you when you speak in your second language? Does your personality shift? And what happens to the real you in translation? Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, SoundCloud, and RoqeMedia.com. Follow us: @RoqeMedia | @JianGhomeshi

A new and unexpected trend is emerging: the face of Ali Khamenei and the flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran appearing in Western protests, from Toronto to London to Sydney. On this edition of Roqe, Jian Ghomeshi asks: Why are some Western activists and segments of the political Left embracing a regime widely known for its brutality, repression, and human rights abuses? Human rights lawyer Kaveh Shahrooz and academic Forouq Canaani join Jian to explore this ideological shift. From propaganda and anti-imperialism to diaspora backlash and the legacy of Mahsa Amini, this panel discussion dives deep into the dissonance of supporting "resistance" while uplifting tyranny. A thoughtful, provocative episode asking hard questions at a critical moment.

complex world of online identity, empowerment, and judgment. Rana Zandi, an Iranian-Canadian digital strategist and AI music experimenter, is not only breaking new ground in technology and design but also came to public attention as the self-proclaimed first Iranian woman to join OnlyFans — a platform known for empowering creators but also controversial for its association with adult content and the monetization of intimacy, raising concerns about exploitation, morality, and societal norms. Rana opens up about her emotional journey through OnlyFans, where she initially found empowerment but eventually became disillusioned by the transactional nature of her relationships with men. She also discusses her academic background, her work in AI music, and how her story intersects with her Iranian identity, cultural expectations, and the challenges of being a woman in a space like OnlyFans. This conversation challenges stereotypes, explores the complexities of identity, and takes a deeper look at the human experience in the digital age. Tune in for an insightful, emotional, and potentially controversial discussion. Follow us on Instagram: @roqemedia Available on all major podcast platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, and Castbox.

How do authoritarian regimes survive decade after decade? In this episode of Roqe, Jian Ghomeshi breaks down the “7 Rules of Modern Dictatorship” — and how Ayatollah Khamenei continues to cling to power in Iran despite global outrage, economic hardship, and internal dissent. Then, acclaimed psychologist and author Dr. Fathali Moghaddam joins Jian from Washington, D.C. to share his latest insights on dictatorship, mass psychology, and collective irrationality. Together, they examine why the Islamic Republic remains in place, how global politics enable tyranny, and what Iranians — inside and outside the country — can do to shift the future. — 🟡 Sponsored by: 🔹 Famluxy – Artistic, handcrafted accessories | @famluxy 🔹 Forough Catering – Exceptional Persian catering in Toronto | @forough_ghayedi — Subscribe to Roqe wherever you get your podcasts.