Ali Hassan is a multi-talented Canadian entertainer who has made significant contributions to comedy, radio, television, and literature.
Hassan began his stand-up journey in Montreal, eventually moving to Toronto in 2011 to further his career. He has performed at prestigious comedy festivals, including Just For Laughs in Montreal and Toronto, and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. His solo show “Muslim Interrupted” has toured extensively across Canada and internationally.
Hassan is best known as the host of CBC Radio’s popular stand-up comedy show “Laugh Out Loud,” which reaches over a million listeners on CBC Radio. He has also been the host of CBC’s “Canada Reads” and frequently guest-hosts other CBC Radio programs such as “Q” and “The Next Chapter”. Hassan’s acting career spans both television and film. In 2024, Hassan received two Canadian Screen Award nominations for his performances in “Sort Of” and “Run the Burbs”.
His comedic memoir, “Is There Bacon in Heaven?”, was published by Simon & Schuster in 2022.
Hassan remains an active presence in Canadian media, balancing his roles as a comedian, actor, author, and broadcaster.
Adrienne Fish is a prominent Canadian stand-up comedian based in Toronto, Ontario. Known for her energetic and engaging performances, she has made significant contributions to the comedy scene in Canada. Adrienne has recorded four nationally aired TV tapings and appeared on shows like “Roast Battle Canada” (Season 2) and “The Beaverton Digital”. She is also a regular on SiriusXM comedy channels.
Adrienne has received several accolades, including being named COCA Comedian of the Year in 2019, recognizing her as the top comedian for Canadian colleges and universities. Additionally, she was nominated by NOW Magazine as Toronto’s Best Female Stand-up in 2015. Beyond her live performances, Adrienne frequently participates in major comedy festivals such as the Winnipeg Comedy Festival and the Toronto Comedy Festival.
Carlos Yance is my next guest on My First Joke. Carlos is a comedian based in Scarborough. He can be found at comedy clubs and shows across the city. He is very funny and is always repping Scarborough.
Visit Carlos Yance on Instagram to keep up to date on where he’s performing next!
Today’s guest is one of my favourite comedians and a Toronto comedy legend, Dave Merheje!
Dave Merheje is a talented Canadian stand-up comedian and actor, celebrated for his engaging and relatable comedic style. Born on July 21, 1980, in Windsor, Ontario, to a Lebanese family, he has carved out a niche in the comedy scene with his unique blend of storytelling and observational humor.
Merheje gained recognition for his roles in the popular Canadian sitcom Mr. D and the Hulu series Ramy, where he portrays Ahmed. His 2019 comedy album, Good Friend Bad Grammar, won the Juno Award for Comedy Album of the Year, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in Canadian comedy.
In 2023, Merheje co-starred alongside Daisy Ridley in the film Sometimes I Think About Dying, directed by Rachel Lambert.
With a growing body of work and a loyal fan base, Dave Merheje continues to make waves in both stand-up comedy and acting, showcasing his versatility and comedic talent.
Visit Dave Merheje on Instagram to keep up to date on where he’s performing next!
Michi, also known as Seriously Michi, is a Toronto-based Latina comedian and producer. With infectious charisma and hilarious jokes, Michi has become a rising star in Toronto comedy. Michi has performed in English and Spanish in Ontario’s top comedy clubs.
Welcome to the first episode of my new podcast, My First Joke.
Today’s guest is my friend and one of the funniest people in Toronto, Kris Siddiqi.
Kris is a multi-talented Canadian entertainer based in Toronto. He is an award-winning comedian, actor, writer, and producer.
His recent credits include roles in “I Woke Up a Vampire,” “Titan,” “Molly’s Game,” “The Boys,” “Improbable Valentine,” and “Baroness Von Sketch Show”.
Kris is involved in the podcast “Dwarven Moss” as the sound editor, sound designer, and main character. This podcast won Best Leisure Podcast at the Canadian Podcast Awards.
Every great laugh starts with one brave joke. Join me on My First Joke, where comedians share the hilarious, awkward, and inspiring stories behind their first time on stage. From bombing to bringing the house down, we dig into the journeys of today’s funniest people.
Whether you’re a comedy superfan or just need a good laugh, this podcast delivers punchlines, backstage stories, and plenty of laughs along the way. Tune in and find out where the funny begins!
We discussed Harry’s musical style, which combines Latin music and New Orleans jazz, and reflected on his upbringing in New Orleans. Harry emphasized the unique appreciation for live music in his hometown compared to other places, such as Florida. He shared his journey into music, highlighting the influence of his musical household and the challenges he faced with music theory, which he eventually overcame to enhance his skills.
The conversation addressed the challenges musicians face in monetizing their art, with Harry noting that fear often holds them back from fully committing to their careers. He announced his new project, / @mypianobyear aimed at providing free online piano lessons for beginners, with plans for a 2025 launch.
In a recent conversation, legendary sprinter Ben Johnson offered a deep dive into his thoughts on the track and field industry, pulling no punches as he questioned the authenticity of the sport and the performances of its athletes. He voiced his skepticism, suggesting that much of what the public sees is more about optics than genuine competition. For Ben, the future of track and field hinges on a generational shift, with younger athletes stepping up to take the lead in what he sees as an evolving landscape.
Ben also touched on the brutal reality of being an elite sprinter, noting that the physical demands often lead to short, intense careers. Drawing from his own experiences, he painted a picture of a sport that is as unforgiving as it is exhilarating.
The conversation took a personal turn as Ben spoke about his late coach, Charlie Francis. A figure whose influence on Canadian track and field cannot be overstated, Francis’s innovative training techniques were pivotal to Ben’s success. Ben stressed his unwavering commitment to Francis’s methods, attributing much of his career achievements to the guidance he received from his coach.
Beyond the track, Ben reflected on the crucial role his mother played in his life and career. He credited her strength and support as the foundation that kept him focused, especially during the most challenging times of his life.
The discussion also delved into the concept of justice—or the lack thereof—in Ben’s career. He passionately discussed the unjust ban that has barred him from coaching and participating in the sport, likening his struggle to the biblical tale of David and Goliath. This ban, he argued, has not only affected his livelihood but also represents a broader injustice within the world of athletics.
One of the more intriguing stories Ben shared involved Andre Jackson, a mysterious figure connected to his longtime rival, Carl Lewis. Ben recounted the lengths Jackson went to avoid recognition, adding yet another layer to the complex world of track and field. The conversation also shed light on the unconventional methods some athletes use to pass drug tests, further highlighting the murky underbelly of the sport.
Despite the setbacks and controversies, Ben remains hopeful for justice and resolution. He recounted the betrayal he felt when his drink was spiked, leading to a failed drug test, and expressed his frustration at the lack of accountability from those in power. Yet, even in the face of these challenges, Ben holds on to the hope that the truth will eventually come to light.
As the conversation drew to a close, Ben offered sage advice to young athletes. He emphasized the importance of loving the sport and using it as a stepping stone to secure a scholarship for a free education in the United States. He advised against returning to Canada, pointing out the greater opportunities available in America for building a successful life and career.
Finally, Ben spoke about his legacy. He expressed a strong desire to clear his name and expose the corruption he believes is rampant within the athletics world. His message to young athletes was clear: use sports as a means to better your future, but be aware of the limitations and challenges that come with it, particularly within the Canadian system.
This candid conversation with Ben Johnson offers not just a glimpse into the mind of a legendary athlete, but also a sobering look at the realities of a sport that, for all its glory, is fraught with challenges and injustices.
Welcome back to another exciting episode of “Welcome with Karim Kanji.” This time, we had the pleasure of hosting the dynamic duo, Jemeni and Mark Strong, who will be gracing our screens with their show “Fear of Missing Olympics” (Olympic FOMO) during the CBC Paris Olympics coverage.
Our conversation kicked off with a sneak peek into their upcoming show. While the full details are still under wraps, Jemeni and Mark provided intriguing insights into what viewers can expect. They emphasized their dedication to offering a fresh and engaging perspective on Olympic coverage, blending storytelling, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and cultural elements to create an experience beyond the usual statistics.
As we delved deeper into their extensive careers in entertainment and media, Jemeni and Mark reflected on their long-standing friendship and dedication to charity work. They reminisced about their early days in underground hip-hop radio, sharing stories from Jemeni’s all-female hip-hop show, Droppin’ Dimes. Jemeni highlighted the challenges she faced in a male-dominated industry, while Mark revealed that he was the infamous caller who would hang up every week, adding a humorous twist to their shared history.
The heart of our discussion centered on “Fear of Missing Olympics.” Jemeni and Mark outlined their vision for the show, focusing on delivering a mix of Olympic coverage that showcases the human side of the athletes and the cultural richness of the host city. They are committed to highlighting diverse stories and perspectives, moving beyond the top headlines to include lesser-known but equally compelling narratives.
One particularly exciting element of their show is the inclusion of interviews with musicians and artists. Jemeni, with her deep roots in the music industry, plans to bring a unique blend of music and sports, providing viewers with a distinct perspective on the Olympics.
Our conversation wasn’t all business, though. We shared some lighthearted moments, including a funny incident from a TV show and a spirited debate about the best subway stations in Toronto. We also reminisced about Randy’s Patty and our plans to do a show about its return, with Mark hinting at having some insider information.
As we wrapped up, we discussed potential future collaborations, expressing our mutual appreciation and gratitude. This meeting was a productive exchange of ideas and experiences, setting the stage for what promises to be a groundbreaking show during the Paris Olympics.
Stay tuned for more updates on “Olympic FOMO” and don’t miss the chance to catch Jemeni and Mark Strong’s unique take on the world’s greatest sporting event.
