ROQE Ep. 465 — Dr. Nader Engheta: The Scientist Who Computes With Light

Celebrated Iranian actor, playwright and satirist Houshang Touzie joins Jian for The Lessons of Fereydoun Farrokhzad, a feature conversation about the talent, defiance and enduring relevance of his friend, Fereydoun Farrokhzad, the beloved poet, singer and television host. Touzie, who portrays Farrokhzad in his touring production The Silver Poet, reflects on the man behind the public persona and the experience of bringing his friend to life onstage. The conversation explores Farrokhzad’s humour, his craft as a host, his refusal to conform and the personal cost of confronting the Islamic Republic. It also asks what his example means today: What responsibilities come with an artist’s influence? Where does the desire to return home become accommodation of the regime? And how readily do Iranians accept unconventional voices while they are still alive to challenge us? Jian opens with “Do we have to break something to be heard?” An essay examining the attention given to violent protest alongside the struggle of peaceful Iranian diaspora demonstrations to sustain the world’s focus. Plus, a preview of Jian’s participation in the Iranian-American Pioneers Summit, October 23–24 in Silicon Valley. Program and registration: https://www.iapsummit.org This episode is brought to you with the support of... Avoca Chocolates — https://avocachocolates.com Subscribe, follow and share Roqe wherever you listen. Sponsorship enquiries: [email protected] Jian on Instagram: @JianGhomeshi

What if computers could calculate using light instead of electricity? And how close are we to making objects invisible? On this edition of Roqe, Jian Ghomeshi welcomes Dr. Nader Engheta, one of the world's leading scientific innovators and a distinguished professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Born in Iran, Dr. Engheta has pioneered groundbreaking research in metamaterials, nanophotonics, and optical computing, opening up extraordinary new possibilities for science, technology, and artificial intelligence. From a childhood fascination with a transistor radio to receiving some of the world's most prestigious scientific honours, Dr. Engheta shares his remarkable journey, the power of imagination, and the discoveries that continue to push the boundaries of what's possible. The conversation comes ahead of his recognition at the Iranian-American Pioneers Summit, taking place October 23–24 in Silicon Valley. More information at www.iapsummit.org. Plus, Pegah Ganji joins Jian for another edition of the Roqe Roundup, and Jian opens with “We Are Not Just a Tragedy,” a provocative essay challenging the tendency to define Iranians solely through repression and suffering, and asking whether the Islamic Republic has become the main character in too many Iranian stories. This episode of Roqe is brought to you with the support of: Beigi Law — https://beigilaw.com Avoca Chocolates — https://avocachocolates.com Follow Jian Ghomeshi on Instagram: @JianGhomeshi For Roqe sponsorship inquiries: [email protected]

Two distinct conversations on this edition of Roqe, beginning with Jian's opening essay, "WHEN THE NURSES LEAVE," which examines the growing crisis facing Iran's nurses and teachers, and the consequences of the Islamic Republic's repression and mismanagement. Next, in Persian, Jian welcomes Iranian adventurer and social media star Ben Marco to the Roqe Studio to discuss his coast-to-coast journey across Canada. Ben recounts the highlights, unexpected encounters and personal discoveries of his latest adventure, reflecting on freedom, travel and life on the road. Then, in English, Canadian comedian Daniel Spaulding joins Jian for a candid conversation about his unlikely emergence as an outspoken advocate for a free Iran. An openly gay comedian who has challenged the politics of progressive and LGBTQ communities, Daniel discusses his opposition to the Islamic Republic, his support for Reza Pahlavi, and the personal and professional price of political conviction. This episode is supported by: Avoca Chocolates https://avocachocolates.com Follow Jian on Instagram: @JianGhomeshi https://roqemedia.com Meezoon basheen!

On this edition of Roqe, Jian is joined by David Marino, better known as David Shekamoo - the American chef, foodie and content creator who has built a huge following by diving headfirst into Persian food and culture. Joining from Dubai, David tells the unlikely and very funny story of how an American guy married into an Iranian family and gradually became, well...very Persian. From his first encounters with Iranian food to ghormeh sabzi, tahdig, kabab, taarof and Iranian hospitality, David explains how "Shekamoo" became an online identity, why his videos connected so strongly with Iranians, and how his mission has grown into connecting East and West through food, language and culture. Plus, Pegah Ganji joins Jian for another edition of the Roqe Roundup, with some of the issues, debates and stories making waves in the Iranian space. And Jian opens with a pointed essay about the United Nations, its treatment of representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and what he argues is a troubling double standard: "THE U.N. IS A CLOWN SHOW." This episode is brought to you with the support of Avoca Chocolates - @avocachocolates - avocachocolates.com (https://avocachocolates.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Follow Jian on Instagram: @JianGhomeshi Meezoon basheen.

A new edition of Roqe begins with a pointed opening essay from Jian ahead of Mehregan: "Iran Didn't Start in 1979." Jian argues that ancient Iranian celebrations are not simply exercises in diaspora nostalgia, but acts of historical continuity - reminders that Iranian civilization stretches back thousands of years and cannot be defined by the 47 years of the Islamic Republic. Then, two special guests join Jian in the Roqe Studio to confront a central question facing the Iranian opposition: what would it actually take to achieve unity? Iranian-Canadian activist Kam Mahinsa discusses his increasing involvement in Canadian politics, the perils of allowing the movement to become too closely identified with one political party, and how to build a bigger political tent without abandoning fundamental principles. And Iranian-Canadian actress, producer and activist Shiva Negar joins Jian for her first interview in the Roqe Studio to discuss her evolving career and activism, conviction versus coalition-building, the divisive influence of social media, and whether people with very different ideas about Iran's future can genuinely work together toward a shared goal. This episode is brought to you with the support of Avoca Chocolates.

Roqe Ep. 461 features Iranian-Canadian content creator and actor Ramtin Ari in the Roqe Studio for one of his first major feature interviews in English. Ramtin joins Jian for a candid conversation about growing up Iranian in Canada, his extraordinary connection to Iran, becoming a social media phenomenon, the psychology of online fame, confidence and insecurity, and who he is when the cameras are off. The episode opens with Jian's essay, "What Mahsa Taught Us," marking four years since the death of Jina Mahsa Amini and reflecting on what her death revealed about the Islamic Republic, the failure of reform, and the continuing human cost of repression. Plus, Pegah Ganji joins Jian for the Roqe Roundup. This episode is brought to you with the support of Avoca Chocolates: avocachocolates.com

A new season of Roqe begins with Iranian-born Bollywood star and international actor Elnaaz Norouzi. Elnaaz joins Jian to discuss her remarkable journey from Iran and a refugee camp in Germany to Bollywood stardom and now Hollywood - as well as identity, belonging, ambition, and her new film The Fix, alongside Liam Neeson and Zachary Levi, opening September 11. Plus, Pegah Ganji returns with the Roqe Roundup, and Jian opens the show with "2,500 Years Ahead" - an essay on why Cyrus the Great can be a powerful source of common ground for Iranians of different political and ideological perspectives, and what his remarkable legacy of tolerance can teach us about a future Iran - that strength does not require the erasure of difference. Sponsored by: Avoca Chocolates - avocachocolates.com

How did Iran become one of the world's great cinematic cultures? In this special pre-taped edition of Roqe, Jian revisits a fascinating conversation with Dr. Kaveh Askari about the remarkable growth of cinema in Iran during the Pahlavi era - and the complicated relationship between Hollywood, Persian culture and the emerging Iranian film industry. Askari, a film scholar and author of Relaying Cinema in Midcentury Iran: Material Cultures in Transit, takes us back to the Iran of the 1950s, 60s and 70s to explore how foreign films circulated through the country, why Hollywood initially considered Iran an almost invisible market, and how Iranian filmmakers adapted and borrowed from Western movies while developing a distinctly local cinema culture. The conversation explores pirated films and soundtracks, Iran's innovations in dubbing, the growing appetite for Hollywood movies, and the emergence of filmmakers like Masoud Kimiai and Dariush Mehrjui and the Iranian New Wave. It is a fascinating look at a less-explored chapter of Iranian cultural history - and the foundations of a cinematic tradition that would eventually become celebrated around the world. Featured Guest: Dr. Kaveh Askari - film scholar and author of Relaying Cinema in Midcentury Iran: Material Cultures in Transit This interview was originally recorded in March 2023. Roqe returns with its new season on Thursday, September 10th. This episode is brought to you with the support of: Quasar Homes - @quasarhomes Follow Jian on Instagram: @JianGhomeshi

A special end-of-summer Redux edition of Roqe featuring one of our favourite conversations with one of the defining voices of modern Persian pop music. Jian revisits his 2023 interview with Kamyar - the Iranian-French singer, songwriter and musician whose journey has taken him from Tehran to Paris, the Sorbonne, Los Angeles, the legendary Black Cats, and ultimately a successful solo career. Kamyar talks about growing up Iranian in France after the 1979 Revolution, studying classical piano, discovering his voice, and his deep musical connection to artists like Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. He reflects on moving to Los Angeles in 2003, joining Black Cats, the success of "Jooneh Khodet," leaving the band to forge his own path, and emerging as a solo artist with Dobareh. The conversation also explores identity, exile and Iran - including Kamyar's outspoken support for the Iranian people, his involvement in protests, and his decision to use his music and platform to take a stand. Featured Guest: Kamyar - Iranian-French singer, songwriter and musician This interview was originally recorded in July 2023. Roqe returns with its new season on Thursday, September 10th. This episode is brought to you with the support of: Tikatel - Tikatel.ca Avoca Chocolates - avocachocolates.com Follow Jian on Instagram: @JianGhomeshi

A special end-of-summer Redux edition of Roqe featuring one of our most memorable conversations with a true legend of Iranian music. Jian revisits his 2022 interview with Soleyman "Soley" Vaseghi - the Iranian singer, composer and songwriter whose remarkable life has taken him from pop stardom in pre-revolutionary Iran to exile, immigration, and a musical reinvention rooted in Persian poetry, spirituality and Sufi traditions. Soley reflects on the excitement of Iran's thriving pop music scene in the 1970s, the devastating impact of the 1979 Islamic Revolution on his life and career, leaving Iran, becoming an immigrant in Canada, and the extraordinary transition from pop star to driving a taxi for 10-12 hours a day in Toronto. He also discusses his later musical evolution and his deep connection to Rumi, Hafez, spirituality and Sufi-inspired music. Now 80 years old, Soley remains one of the precious treasures of the Iranian community. Featured Guest: Soleyman "Soley" Vaseghi - legendary Iranian-Canadian singer, composer and songwriter This interview was originally recorded in July 2022. Roqe returns with its new season on Thursday, September 10th. This episode is brought to you with the support of: Avoca Chocolates - avocachocolates.com Stellar Law - stellarlaw.ca Follow Jian on Instagram: @JianGhomeshi