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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. 382 - Mullahs: New Darlings of the West? - Kaveh Shahrooz, Forouq Canaani

    Roqe Ep. 382 - Mullahs: New Darlings of the West? - Kaveh Shahrooz, Forouq Canaani
    Jul 24 2025
    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.
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    53 mins
  • Roqe Ep. 381 - "The First Iranian OnlyFans Girl" - Rana Zandi

    Roqe Ep. 381 - "The First Iranian OnlyFans Girl" - Rana Zandi
    Jul 17 2025
    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.
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Roqe Ep.380 - How Dictators Stay in Power - Dr. Fathali Moghaddam

    Roqe Ep.380 - How Dictators Stay in Power - Dr. Fathali Moghaddam
    Jul 11 2025
    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.
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    1 hr and 6 mins
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