Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Do we return to “normal” - or not yet?
For many Iranians in the diaspora, the last months have been defined by trauma, executions, war, fear for loved ones, and a conscious decision to pause celebrations and aspects of ordinary life out of solidarity with those suffering inside Iran. But how long can people remain entirely inside grief before it begins to hollow them out too?
On Episode 438 of Roqe - Iran Rises, Jian Ghomeshi moderates a thoughtful and timely panel discussion about grief, resilience, burnout, activism, guilt, creativity, and whether rebuilding parts of ordinary life is not a retreat from solidarity - but part of how we survive.
Joining Jian:
Kamyar Mahinsa - influencer and law enforcement expert - Vancouver
Dr. Sepehr Vakil - scholar and author - Chicago
Dr. Laleh Tangsiri - human rights advocate - Bournemouth, UK
Seena Ghaznavi - podcaster and comedian - Los Angeles
The episode opens with Jian’s essay, “What Exactly Are You Defending?” - a direct response to those who continue to romanticize or defend the Islamic Republic while Iran remains one of the execution capitals of the world. The essay follows the execution of 29-year-old Erfan Shakourzadeh in Karaj and confronts the moral contradictions surrounding support for the regime.
Hosted by Jian Ghomeshi.
This episode is supported by:
@Quasarhomes
Avoca Chocolates
#Iran #IranRises #Roqe #JianGhomeshi #WomanLifeFreedom #MahsaAmini #IranianDiaspora
Do we return to “normal” - or not yet?
For many Iranians in the diaspora, the last months have been defined by trauma, executions, war, fear for loved ones, and a conscious decision to pause celebrations and aspects of ordinary life out of solidarity with those suffering inside Iran. But how long can people remain entirely inside grief before it begins to hollow them out too?
On Episode 438 of Roqe - Iran Rises, Jian Ghomeshi moderates a thoughtful and timely panel discussion about grief, resilience, burnout, activism, guilt, creativity, and whether rebuilding parts of ordinary life is not a retreat from solidarity - but part of how we survive.
Joining Jian:
Kamyar Mahinsa - influencer and law enforcement expert - Vancouver
Dr. Sepehr Vakil - scholar and author - Chicago
Dr. Laleh Tangsiri - human rights advocate - Bournemouth, UK
Seena Ghaznavi - podcaster and comedian - Los Angeles
The episode opens with Jian’s essay, “What Exactly Are You Defending?” - a direct response to those who continue to romanticize or defend the Islamic Republic while Iran remains one of the execution capitals of the world. The essay follows the execution of 29-year-old Erfan Shakourzadeh in Karaj and confronts the moral contradictions surrounding support for the regime.
Hosted by Jian Ghomeshi.
This episode is supported by:
@Quasarhomes
Avoca Chocolates
#Iran #IranRises #Roqe #JianGhomeshi #WomanLifeFreedom #MahsaAmini #IranianDiaspora
