Roqe – Episode 403: Iranian Hopes, Fears and Resolutions for 2026

In this special New Year’s Day episode of Roqe, Jian convenes eight prominent Iranian voices from around the world to reflect on the year that was and the year ahead. The episode opens with a freshly recorded opening essay responding to the most recent protests inside Iran and the ongoing mischaracterization of Iranian uprisings by parts of the Western media. The interviews themselves were recorded shortly before the latest events, but the themes explored remain strikingly current. Each guest is asked four shared questions: How they characterize the past year for Iranians Their hopes for Iranians in 2026 Their fears for the year ahead And their personal resolutions Guests featured on this episode: Andy Madadian (Los Angeles) Elina Shirazi (Washington DC) Dr. Ali Fathollah-Nejad (Berlin) Bijan Kian (California) Nazenin Ansari (London) Tehran Von Ghasri (Los Angeles) Shahrzad “Sherry” Kazemi (Vancouver) Pegah Ganji (Toronto) Together, they offer a global portrait of a people navigating protest, trauma, hope, and the enduring belief that meaningful change is still possible.

Nothing says Christmas quite like talking about Iranians and drinking. On this Christmas Day edition of Roqe, we revisit one of our most compelling conversations - an exploration of alcohol’s long, complicated, and often contradictory place in Iranian and Islamic history. While alcohol is officially forbidden under Islam, it has played a persistent and sometimes conspicuous role across centuries of Persian culture - from ancient wine traditions and mystical poetry, to royal courts, revolutions, and the underground drinking culture of modern Iran. Our guest is Dr. Rudi Matthee, professor of Middle Eastern history at the University of Delaware and a leading authority on early modern Iran. His new book, Angels Tapping at the Wine Shop's Door, examines the hidden, contested, and enduring history of alcohol across the Islamic world. This wide-ranging conversation looks at: The religious prohibition of alcohol and its interpretations Iran’s ancient wine culture Alcohol in Persian poetry, art, and mysticism Drinking at royal courts and repeated attempts at prohibition Alcohol before and after the 1979 Revolution Smuggling, homemade wine, and modern contradictions Whether the Islamic world’s relationship with alcohol is still evolving A conversation about pleasure and prohibition. Faith and culture. Public rules and private lives. This episode of Roqe is supported by Stellar Law and iWelcome.

In Episode 401, Jian welcomes automotive content creator Vahid Amirimoghaddam into the Roqe Studio. Vahid is the force behind the Instagram page “Cars I Have Driven,” with more than 400,000 followers watching the cars he gets behind the wheel of. Jian speaks with him about his rise on social media, what drives his fascination with cars, how Iranians express identity and status through vehicles, and how car culture is evolving — from luxury flexing to EV adoption. This episode also features: • An update on Roqe Live 6, set for Feb. 19, 2026 at RHCPA in Toronto This edition of Roqe is brought to you with the support of Stellar Law (@stellarlaw.ca on Instagram). Follow @roqemedia and @JianGhomeshi on Instagram and subscribe for new episodes.

On Episode 400 of Roqe, Jian reunites members of the original team - Groovy Shaya, Captain Reza and Smart Pegah - for a special roundtable reflecting on the five and a half years since the show launched in April 2020. The conversation explores how Roqe evolved from a pandemic-era experiment into a global program streamed over 45 million times; how Toronto has become the epicentre of a rapidly growing Iranian diaspora; and how events such as the Mahsa Amini uprising, mass executions in Iran, worsening economic and environmental crises and the Iran-Israel conflict have reshaped the tone and urgency of diaspora media. The team also discusses the rise of Iranian digital creators, shifting audience expectations and standout moments from 400 episodes of Roqe. Plus: Jian speaks about the upcoming Roqe Live 6. Meezoon basheen.

Episode 399 of Roqe features the return of Dr. Kayvan Mirhadi – “Dr. Kay” – the Chief of Internal Medicine at Clifton Springs Hospital in New York and one of the most trusted medical voices for Iranians around the world. He first gained widespread recognition during COVID-19 and again during the Mahsa Amini protests, when his clear guidance and steady presence became a lifeline for millions. In this special feature, Jian Ghomeshi puts 12 (although it ends up being more like 8!) of the most common and most sensitive audience questions to him – from Plan B to herpes panic, from anal sex myths to antibiotics, stress, fasting diets, Vitamin D, and more. A candid, informative, surprisingly funny conversation that cuts through fear, misinformation, stigma, and confusion. Also in this episode: A reveal of the first lineup for Roqe Live 6, happening February 19, 2026 at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. Tickets go on sale next Wednesday, Dec 10th at 9am ET, with early-bird pricing for the first 24 hours. This edition of Roqe is created with support from Quasar Homes. Follow for more interviews, essays, and conversations from across the Iranian diaspora. Instagram: @roqemedia @JianGhomeshi Meezoon basheen.

On this week's edition, Jian offers a clear and comprehensive primer on the environmental crisis now affecting Iran - a polycrisis that touches the country's air, water, energy grid, and public health. Jian outlines recent AQI levels in major cities, groundwater depletion, the shrinkage of rivers and wetlands, dust storms, land subsidence, and the impact of Iran's inefficient energy sector on daily life. Two experts then join in the Roqe Studio: • Roozbeh Eskandari - Environmental researcher focused on water systems, wetlands, and Iran's deepening water bankruptcy. • Farid Safari - Engineer and energy analyst examining the country's fragile power grid, gas shortages, and outdated energy infrastructure. An informative and accessible conversation for listeners around the world. This episode is created with the support of Quasar Homes.

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