podcast

Still Talking

welcome podcast

I’ve been podcasting for over a decade now — maybe closer to sixteen years. Honestly, I stopped keeping track. Hundreds of conversations, countless stories, and a medium that’s changed more times than I can count. And yet, I’m still here. Still podcasting.

Lately, I’ve been asking myself: why?

With so many new platforms — TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, you name it — why do I still choose to sit down, hit record, and talk into a mic?

The Flight That Started It All

Let’s go back about sixteen years. I was flying home from my first trip to East Africa. Somewhere over the Atlantic, I was reading a book about digital marketing when it hit me: I needed to start building my personal brand.

At that time, podcasting was still this mysterious, niche thing. I didn’t know what it was or how to do it — I just knew I wanted to try. Twitter was my social tool of choice, back when it was a genuine place to connect with people. In fact, I had just met a group of amazing folks on Twitter before that East Africa trip, including some in Nairobi, where I gave a talk about building online communities.

When I got home, I put out a tweet:

“Hey, I want to start a podcast. Anyone know how?”

That single tweet led me to a small podcast network called PRN – the Perpetual Radio Network. Soon after, I launched my very first show: SMS: The Social Media Show.

Back then, I’d drive from Scarborough to a basement studio in Mississauga. A producer would be waiting; all I had to do was show up with a guest or a topic. We talked about social media, marketing, community — all the new stuff happening online.

That’s how it all began.

Welcome with Karim Kanji

Fast forward a few years, and I saw another tweet — this time from some friends starting an online radio station. I raised my virtual hand again and said, “Hey, I want in.” That’s how Welcome with Karim Kanji was born.

At first, it was just me talking to friends. But then it grew — politicians, business leaders, Olympians, musicians, and everyday people with interesting stories. It became a space for curiosity.

Later, I launched Welcome to the Music with my good friend Greg Tilson in 2019. We wanted to talk to artists and share our love for live music. Then came the pandemic, and suddenly we were recording from our basements, bedrooms, and home offices. That show ran until late 2024, when Greg and I decided to take on something new: a project called Lost Venues, celebrating Toronto’s rich (and disappearing) live music history.

Finding New Stories

Around the same time, I started My First Joke — a podcast where I talk with local comedians about their beginnings in stand-up. It started right as I was starting my own journey in comedy, which made those conversations even more meaningful.

With all those projects going, Welcome with Karim Kanji took a bit of a back seat. Life got busy — work, podcasts, stand-up. But even as I focused on other things, I never stopped thinking about why I love this medium so much.

Why I Still Podcast

Recently, I was listening to Marc Maron’s WTF podcast as he reflected on his thousand-plus episodes. He was wrapping things up, and I thought, “Well, maybe it’s time I start again.”

So here we are.

I don’t have any guests lined up yet. I don’t have a content calendar. What I do have is curiosity — and a desire to keep showing up. I’m going to record something every week. Sometimes it’ll just be me. Sometimes I’ll bring you stories from Welcome to the Music, My First Joke, or Lost Venues. Maybe I’ll introduce you to a comedian or replay a favourite conversation.

I’m not chasing downloads or stats. I’m just here to talk — to figure things out, to connect, to keep the conversation going.

If you’ve been listening since 2010, or if you’re new here, I’d love to know what keeps you coming back. You can message me on Instagram @karimkanji, email me at karim@karimkanji.com, or leave a rating wherever you listen.

I’m recording this on Sunday, October 19th, 2025 — a few hours before finding out if the Blue Jays are still in the ALCS or if this magical 2025 season has come to an end. Maybe that’s something to talk about next week.

Until then, thanks for listening. Thanks for reading.
And thanks for still being here.

Subscribe, share, and join me as Welcome with Karim Kanji returns for a new chapter!

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Allie Pearse

Welcome to Episode #19 of My First Joke.

Welcome to My First Joke with host Karim Kanji. Today’s guest is comedian, Allie Pearse!

In this episode Allie detailed her comedic journey, which reignited after a breakup, leading her to pursue stand-up seriously. She recounted her first successful joke and its viral impact, emphasizing the importance of creativity and personal voice in comedy.

Allie also discussed her debut album, “Trophy Wife,” and her ongoing efforts to develop new material while navigating the challenges of the comedy scene.

Check out Allie Pearse on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/allie_pearse/?hl=en

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This episode is sponsored by WELCOME TO TRAVEL. 

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I’m Back

After a short hiatus, Welcome with Karim Kanji is back! 🎙️

In this comeback episode, Karim reflects on his 10+ years of podcasting, the many projects he’s launched along the way — from Welcome to the Music to My First Joke — and what’s next for the Welcome feed. He shares updates on his passion projects, including the upcoming Lost Venues series and his new adventures in stand-up comedy.

Expect candid conversations, spontaneous solo episodes, and chats with fascinating guests — from musicians and comics to friends, creators, and people shaping the news. No scripts, no edits — just honest talk, curiosity, and connection.

Subscribe, share, and join Karim as Welcome with Karim Kanji returns for a new chapter!

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My First Joke with Zul Gulamhusein

Welcome to Episode #18 of My First Joke.

Welcome to My First Joke with host Karim Kanji. Today’s guest is comedian, Zul Gulamhusein. 

Welcome to the show, Zul Gulamhusein!

This episode centered around Zul Gulamhusein’s journey into stand-up comedy.

Zul shared his passion for comedy, driven by a desire to bring joy and reflect on his upbringing. He contrasted the preparation for stand-up performances with emceeing events, highlighting the unique challenges of engaging an audience without additional support.

Zul recounted his early experiences in comedy, including a memorable first performance that left him exhilarated. He emphasized the importance of audience feedback in refining his material and discussed the subjective nature of comedy, noting the need for research to tailor performances to different audiences.

Check out Zul on Instagram here: ⁠  / theminorinconveniencesguy  

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This episode is sponsored by WELCOME TO TRAVEL. 

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My First Joke with Husein Panju

Welcome to Episode #17 of My First Joke.

Welcome to My First Joke with host Karim Kanji. Today’s guest is comedian, Husein Panju.

Today’s guest is Husein Panju!

Host Karim Kanji and Husein discuss Husein’s journey from a legal career to stand-up comedy, highlighting his lifelong passion for humour and the skills he developed through competitive debating and public speaking.

Husein shared insights into his early experiences in comedy, including the challenges he faced and the importance of personal storytelling in crafting jokes. He recounted receiving positive feedback from peers, which affirmed his comedic style and encouraged his growth over the past year and a half.

The conversation also touched on the intersection of comedy and podcasting, with both Husein and Karim emphasizing the significance of being present and responsive in conversations, as well as the benefits of podcasting for enhancing comedic abilities.

Check Husein on his website: ⁠https://www.highcomedicvalue.com/

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This episode is sponsored by WELCOME TO TRAVEL. 

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My First Joke with Bong Gun Kim

Welcome to Episode #16 of My First Joke.

Welcome to My First Joke with host Karim Kanji. Today’s guest is comedian, Bong Gun Kim.

Today’s episode features my conversation with comedian, BONG GUN KIM and his journey into stand-up comedy, highlighting his transition from a traditional career path in Korea to pursuing his passion in Canada.
KIM shared his experiences with language barriers in comedy, noting that performing in English allows him greater freedom in his comedic expression. He reflected on his first open mic performance at Humber College, where he found success with a brief joke, and emphasized the importance of collaboration and authenticity in the comedy industry.
KIM also delved into the complexities of organizing a comedy tour, discussing the financial challenges and the significance of social media in attracting audiences. He stressed the need for comedians to develop a unique identity and tour concept while balancing artistic goals with financial stability. The conversation touched on the influence of various comedians on KIM’s style and his desire to address sensitive topics in his work.
Catch up with BONG GUN KIM on his website: ⁠https://bonggunkim.com/⁠
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My First Joke with Rasha Elfeky

Rasha's fanny pack joke!
Rasha’s fanny pack joke!

Welcome to Episode #15 of My First Joke.

Welcome to My First Joke with host Karim Kanji. Today’s guest is comedian, Rasha Elfeky. 

The discussion centered on Rasha’s journey into stand-up comedy, beginning with her unexpected entry into the field three and a half years ago at an open mic in San Francisco. Initially skeptical of the performances, Rasha was encouraged by a friend to take the stage, where she delivered a joke that resonated with the audience, igniting her passion for comedy.
Rasha elaborated on her development as a comedian, highlighting her comfort with crowd work and her approach to refining her skills through online tutorials. She expressed admiration for various comedians, particularly Nitesh, for their authenticity and ability to tackle challenging topics. Rasha emphasized the importance of finding one’s unique voice in comedy and the necessity of supporting fellow comedians rather than succumbing to jealousy.
Her recent opportunity to open for Zainab Johnson marked a significant moment in her career, showcasing her determination and passion for the craft.
Mentorship has played a crucial role in Rasha’s growth, particularly her relationship with Chinedu Unaka, who has provided valuable industry insights despite the geographical distance. Rasha recounted how his guidance helped her secure a performance opportunity, reinforcing her belief in the importance of earned success.
Follow Rasha on Instagram at THATGIRLRASHA
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My First Joke with Keith Bender

Keith Bender
Keith Bender

Welcome to Episode #14 of My First Joke.

Welcome to My First Joke with host Karim Kanji. Today’s guest is comedian, Keith Bender.

The final episode of Season One centered around Keith Bender’s journey in comedy and his experiences as a performer. Keith reflected on his early influences, including his upbringing as the class clown and the encouragement he received from a co-worker to pursue comedy. He shared the challenges he faced in tough venues, emphasizing the importance of delivery and confidence in eliciting laughter.

In this episode, Keith recounted a specific joke that resonated with audiences, highlighting the difference between written material and live performance. He also discussed his preparation for shows, particularly on cruise ships, where he tests and refines his material with diverse audiences.

Host Karim Kanji describes a troubling encounter at Wal-Mart where an Asian man yelled at a Muslim woman, prompting him to reflect on the irony of two individuals from different backgrounds confronting each other about their place in society.

Keith Bender recounted a significant experience in his comedy career where he was upgraded from emcee to feature performer for a two-man show with D.L. Hughley. He emphasized the importance of learning from performances and contests, highlighting how recording himself helped him identify areas for improvement. Bender also expressed a desire to perform in larger venues and on television.

Visit Keith Bender online: Keith Bender

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My First Joke with Monty Scott

Welcome to Episode #13 of My First Joke.

Welcome to My First Joke with host Karim Kanji. Today’s guest is comedian, Monty Scott. 

There’s something special about the communities that shape us—especially when you grow up in a place like Scarborough. In a recent episode of my podcast, I had the pleasure of catching up with stand-up comedian Monty Scott, whose comedy journey has taken him from the heart of East Toronto to stages across the country, and sometimes, into the most unexpected venues imaginable.

Although Monty now lives in East York, his love for Scarborough runs deep. We both share a history of navigating the sprawl of the east end, commuting through it, growing through it, and in Monty’s case—finding inspiration for comedy in it. His show, 60 Seconds from Scarborough, is a tribute to the spirit of that area. While it hasn’t been running recently, fans (myself included) are hoping to see its return.

Starting Late, But Starting Strong

Monty didn’t jump into comedy straight out of high school. In fact, he started later in life, but with a clear sense of purpose. “I always had this inclination to entertain,” he said. “Even before I knew how to write a joke.” His first time on stage at Yuk Yuk’s was far from a home run—more like a swinging bunt. He was overwhelmed, forgot most of his material, and struggled to finish. But that didn’t matter. What stuck with him was the thrill of just doing it. He knew he’d be back.

Monty credits part of his early development to watching comics like our mutual friend Dave Merheje. “Dave would perform anywhere. He was fearless,” Monty said. That fearlessness rubbed off. From karate studios to dungeon-like rooms in Montreal, Monty embraced the strange and unusual places that gave him a mic and a shot. I shared my own story of watching Dave do a killer set in a barbershop—proof that comedy can (and does) thrive in the most unconventional spaces.

Finding His Voice, One Set at a Time

Within a few months of performing, Monty says he began to feel more at home on stage. Like many comics, he had to learn to slow down and get comfortable with silence. “At first, I rushed through everything,” he admitted. “I was afraid of pauses. But silence is powerful—it lets the jokes breathe.” That shift in pacing helped him evolve, and it’s one of the reasons his style today feels so conversational and natural.

We also talked about what it feels like to “make it” in comedy. For Monty, that moment came when he left his day job to pursue stand-up full-time after three years. “It wasn’t about fame or big money. It was just the freedom to do what I love every day,” he said.

Giving Flowers to Fellow Comics

One of the most striking things about Monty is how quick he is to praise others. He spoke about the wealth of talent in Canada that often flies under the radar, naming comics like Nick Reynoldson as examples of people who deserve way more recognition than they get. “There’s so much funny happening here that people don’t even know about,” Monty said. He’s right—and part of this podcast’s mission is to shine a light on those voices.

Final Thoughts

Talking to Monty was more than just catching up—it was a reminder of why I love comedy and the people who make it. They’re not just performers. They’re storytellers, risk-takers, and in Monty’s case, humble students of their craft who never forget where they came from.

If you haven’t listened to the episode yet, it’s worth a play. Whether you’re into comedy, Scarborough lore, or just good conversation about chasing what you love, this one’s for you.

Visit Monty Scott online: Monty Scott

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This episode is sponsored by WELCOME TO TRAVEL.