Roqe Ep. 395 – Helli Hendesi (“HelliTalk”) | From Business to Purpose

On this edition of Roqe, the legendary artist Shahrokh Moshkin Ghalam returns to the Roqe Studio — in full colour, full force, and fresh off a packed performance of Aref Nameh in Toronto. Jian speaks with Shahrokh about his bold new staging of the cheeky, satirical, and explicit poem by Iraj Mirza; how he transitioned from iconic dance work into text-driven theatre; and what the pandemic taught him after years away from the stage. The conversation explores poetry, provocation, exile, identity, and the reinvention of one of the most distinctive Iranian performers in the world. Presented with the support of Quasar Homes. Subscribe and follow @JianGhomeshi and @RoqeMedia for more.

On Episode 396 of Roqe, two timely conversations that reflect the global Iranian experience. Jian begins with Samin Pourkhalili (Samin Yoga), joining via Zoom from Missouri. Samin shares her journey from Tehran to India to the U.S., her rise as a global Farsi-language yoga instructor, and the tension between authenticity and the digital wellness industry. Later in the program, Jian hosts an in-studio discussion on the major immigration policy changes announced by the Canadian government just days ago — including reduced temporary visa intake, flatter PR levels, and new barriers for transitioning from study and work permits to permanent residency. Immigration consultants Vahid Babaei and Hesam Asadi break down what these changes mean for Iranians hoping to come to Canada, Iranians already here, and the broader paradox within the Iranian-Canadian community regarding immigration levels. This episode of Roqe is presented with the support of Quasar Homes.

She built a career in business in America. Then, through depression and reflection, she found her true calling. Iranian-American podcaster and life coach Helli Hendesi, host of HelliTalk, joins Jian in the Roqe Studio to talk about her remarkable transformation - from corporate executive to full-time creator. A conversation about courage, reinvention, healing, and how one woman turned pain into purpose. Presented with support from Quasar Homes. Follow Jian on Instagram: @jianghomeshi and Roqe Media: @roqemedia Learn more at www.RoqeMedia.com

In a world where fitness is filtered and wellness is for sale, how do we separate truth from illusion? Studies show that six out of ten TikTok fitness videos are misleading or harmful, and that more social media use often means more body dissatisfaction — especially among young people. In this eye-opening conversation, Jian is joined by two Iranian-background fitness creators who are navigating both the promise and the pitfalls of the digital wellness boom: Sepideh Faraji (@sepideh_fit) – a Toronto-based fitness coach and lifestyle influencer helping women embrace realistic, sustainable approaches to health. Sama Ghorbani (@nutrifitopia) – a Los Angeles-based nutritionist and content creator bridging science, fitness, and accessibility online. Together, they unpack misinformation vs. expertise, “fitspiration” vs. pressure, and how social media is reshaping the entire fitness industry. Recorded with Sepideh in the Roqe Studio in Toronto and Sama joining via Zoom from L.A. This episode of Roqe is presented with the support of Tika — the customer-generating machine helping businesses grow through digital marketing, lead generation, and telecom innovation. #Fitness #SocialMedia #Roqe #JianGhomeshi #IranianDiaspora #Wellness #BodyImage #FitTok #TikTok #SepidehFaraji #SamaGhorbani

A rare in-studio performance and conversation with TrioMoon - featuring Milad Derakhshani (tar), Dara Daraei (bass), and Bahar Falsafi (violin). Visiting from Iran, the trio delivers two breathtaking instrumental pieces - a fusion of Persian classical roots, improvisation, and modern texture - followed by an intimate discussion with Jian Ghomeshi on creativity, collaboration, and the flourishing new wave of Iranian music. Milad and Dara open up about living double musical lives - from pop and rock to sonati and fusion - and what it means to make art between worlds. At the top of the show, Jian reflects on Toronto’s excitement as the Blue Jays head to the World Series and shares his recent streak of Persian concerts - from Alireza Ghorbani to Martik to Milad Derakhshani’s captivating Toronto performance with Trio Moon. 🎶 Featuring: • Milad Derakhshani – Tar • Dara Daraei – Bass • Bahar Falsafi – Violin 🎙 Interview by Jian Ghomeshi 📍Recorded live at the Roqe Hub, Toronto Presented with the support of @tia_immigration and @iwelcome.ca

A special edition of Roqe featuring two of the most influential Iranian architects of the last century - Hossein Amanat and Kamran Diba - together for the first time in the Roqe Studio. In a rare and deeply personal interview, they sit down with Jian Ghomeshi to explore architecture, identity, exile, and legacy - from the creation of Tehran’s Azadi Tower and Museum of Contemporary Art to life and creativity after 1979. Also in this episode: Jian’s Roqe Roundup with Pegah Ganji on the “Little Iran” designation in Toronto — and the unexpected backlash that followed. 🎙 Hosted by Jian Ghomeshi Presented with the support of @beigilaw and @raavi.artisans #Roqe #JianGhomeshi #HosseinAmanat #KamranDiba #IranianArchitecture #LittleIran #IranianDiaspora #AzadiTower #TehranMuseum #IranianCulture #Toronto

Recorded before a packed house at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts (Oct 2, 2025), in Richmond Hill, Canada. This is the live version of the weekly Roqe podcast - transformed into a variety show that had everything from rollicking dances to memorials and tears. Guests & Segments: *Deejay Al* (opening hype) • *Jian Ghomeshi* (monologue & host) • *Pegah Ganji* (Richmond Hill’s rise as an Iranian cultural hub) • *Navid Rezvani* (special dance + interview — first North American appearance) • *Dr. Mahshad Kolahdouzan* (neuroscience made practical) • *DJ Namito* (Berlin roots, House of Namito, community) • *Rubina* (live performance: “Tehran”) • *Kaveh Yaghmaei & Niloufar* (legacy, mentorship, hope) • *Jian’s Tribute to His Father* • *Shally Zomorodi* (journalism, public life, identity) • *Babak Amini Tribute & Roqe Media Icon Award presentation* • *Finale: Babak Amini & Kaveh Yaghmaei (together), Namito, Deejay Al, and Jian* Sponsors Icon Award Sponsor: Quasar Homes (Amir Firooz) Gold: Beigi Law (Dr. Shay Beigi) • Anabel Sharouyan (Affinity Mortgage Solutions) • Shamshiri Restaurant (Navid Badiei) Silver: TIA Immigration (Elahe Rezaei) • iAccounting • Hooman Golrokh • Raavi Artisans (Alia Pastry, Avers, Jadeite, Famluxy, Twoart) • iWelcome • Urban Windows & Doors • Forough Catering (Chef Forough Ghayedi) Bronze: Lazar Prop Creation (Ramtin Lazar) • Ontario Camera • i2Canada (Vahid Babaei) Host: Jian Ghomeshi • Produced by: Roqe Media Follow/subscribe for weekly episodes, long-form interviews, and live specials.

Episode 390: Shabnam Tolouei — Art Without Borders On this edition of Roqe, Jian Ghomeshi welcomes Iranian-French actress, playwright, and director Shabnam Tolouei. In a conversation spanning both English and Persian, Shabnam reflects on her new short film One Thousand and One Hundred, her journey from Tehran to Paris and now the U.S., and her decades of work amplifying women’s voices and minority experiences through theatre and film. The interview explores exile, faith, censorship, and the inner negotiations of an artist who refuses to stop creating. Along the way, Jian and Shabnam also discuss Autumn Dance, Dust-Flower-Flame, and her collaborations with Shirin Neshat and Sepideh Farsi. This episode also features an update on the upcoming Roqe Live 5 event on October 2nd at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. Brought to you by iWelcome.

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