Roqe Ep. 462 - Seeking Unity: Kam Mahinsa, Shiva Negar

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.