Uncategorized

Tim To on Comedy in Hong Kong vs Toronto

Comedian Tim To
Comedian Tim To

Tim To on Starting Stand-Up Comedy in Hong Kong During COVID

Starting stand-up comedy is hard. Starting stand-up during a global pandemic, in empty rooms, with no audience feedback? That’s a completely different challenge.

In this episode of My First Joke, comedian Tim To shares how he began his stand-up comedy journey in Hong Kong during COVID—arguably one of the toughest environments to learn comedy. Born and raised in Canada but based in Hong Kong for over a decade, Tim’s path into comedy is anything but traditional.

Starting Stand-Up Comedy During COVID

Like many comedians, Tim’s entry into stand-up started with curiosity. With his work in the food and beverage industry slowing down during the pandemic, he decided to try something he had always thought about: getting on stage.

His first real attempt came at an open mic in Hong Kong. After watching a few performers, he realized something important—he didn’t need to wait. He signed up on the spot.

But just as he was getting started, lockdowns hit.

Instead of live audiences, Tim found himself performing stand-up comedy in empty bars, recording sets for Zoom shows. No laughter. No reactions. Just a camera.

“It was rough,” he admits. Without real-time audience feedback, one of the most critical elements of stand-up comedy was missing.

Learning Comedy Without Laughs

For most comedians, timing and delivery are shaped by audience reactions. But what happens when there are no laughs?

Tim explains that performing on Zoom didn’t provide the same energy or validation. Instead of hearing laughter, comedians were told to watch for virtual reactions—raised hands, claps, or emojis. It wasn’t the same.

This experience forced him to rely on instinct rather than feedback, a challenge that shaped his early development as a comedian.

The First Joke and Early Lessons

Tim still remembers his first joke—a COVID-era bit that played on stereotypes and cultural perceptions. At the time, it worked. Looking back, he admits it might not land the same way today.

That’s part of the process.

Stand-up comedy evolves, and so do comedians. Early material often reflects the moment, but growth comes from refining both perspective and delivery.

He also learned an early lesson about the business side of comedy. After one of his first sets, he was approached and asked to pay $1,500 for a comedy course to continue performing. That moment pushed him away from comedy—temporarily.

It wasn’t until COVID disrupted everything that he returned, this time on his own terms.

Comedy in Hong Kong vs Toronto

One of the most interesting parts of Tim’s journey is performing in different comedy scenes.

In Hong Kong, audiences tend to be more reserved. Instead of loud laughter, comics often get polite claps—an acknowledgment of a clever joke rather than an emotional reaction.

In Toronto, the energy is different. Crowds are more expressive, and there’s a clearer pathway for comedians to grow through clubs, media opportunities, and connections to larger markets like New York.

Tim notes that performing in tougher rooms in Hong Kong can actually sharpen your skills. If you can make a reserved audience laugh, you know the material is working.

Bombing and Finding Your Voice

Every comedian bombs. For Tim, one of his most memorable bombs came at a private gig he didn’t realize was for a PTA group.

His usual material didn’t match the room—and it showed.

“It was rough,” he recalls.

Moments like that force comedians to adapt. Do you pivot your material, or push through and try to win the crowd over?

Tim admits he’s still figuring that out. Like many comedians early in their careers, he’s also still developing his style—describing it as “a drunk guy who walked on stage and started talking.”

That honesty is part of what makes his journey relatable.

The Importance of Community in Comedy

Despite the challenges, one of the biggest positives Tim highlights is the comedy community—especially in Toronto.

He describes the scene as welcoming and supportive, a place where comedians help each other grow, share opportunities, and learn from one another.

That sense of community is essential in stand-up, where failure is part of the process and improvement comes from repetition.

Final Thoughts

Tim To’s story is a reminder that there’s no single path into stand-up comedy.

You don’t need perfect timing, ideal الظروف, or even an audience to get started. Sometimes, you just need to take the first step—even if it’s in an empty room.

For aspiring comedians, his journey offers a simple takeaway: start before you feel ready, learn as you go, and don’t wait for the “perfect” moment.

Because it doesn’t exist.

Follow Tim To on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/timt0

Listen to the full episode of My First Joke with Tim To for more insights on stand-up comedy, open mics, bombing, and finding your voice on stage.

You can subscribe here:

Uncategorized

How Storytelling Can Make You a Better Comedian: Insights from Michael Salvatore

What if the secret to becoming a better stand-up comedian isn’t more jokes—but better stories?

In this episode of My First Joke, I sit down with Toronto-based comedian and producer Michael Salvatore to explore how storytelling can elevate your comedy, strengthen your stage presence, and create deeper connections with audiences.

Michael shares how he got his start in comedy through Second City classes, what it was like performing his first joke, and why those early experiences can give comedians a false sense of confidence before stepping into real open mics. From there, we dive into how he discovered storytelling as a powerful complement to stand-up—and eventually built his own storytelling show.

We talk about the key differences between stand-up and storytelling, including audience expectations, performance style, and structure. Michael also breaks down what makes a great storytelling set—from being concise and intentional to using surprise, timing, and emotional arcs to keep audiences engaged.

One of the biggest takeaways: storytelling helped him move away from rigid, memorized material and become more natural and present on stage—something many comedians struggle with early in their careers.

If you’re a comedian, writer, or creative person looking to improve how you connect with an audience, this conversation offers practical insights into blending humor with authentic storytelling.

You’ll also discover why storytelling shows are gaining popularity, how they differ from traditional comedy nights, and why they might be one of the best spaces for comedians to grow.

Listen to the full episode and explore more conversations at My First Joke.

You can subscribe here:

Uncategorized

Carolina DG on Starting Stand-Up Comedy, Her First Joke, and Overcoming the Fear of Bombing

How do you actually get started in stand-up comedy—and what does your first joke look like?

In this episode of My First Joke, Karim Kanji sits down with comedian Carolina DG to explore her unconventional path into comedy, how she developed her style, and why fear of bombing isn’t the barrier most people think it is.

🎙️ Episode Overview

Carolina DG didn’t begin her career on stage. Like many aspiring comedians, she was known as “the funny one” in everyday situations—whether at work or with friends.

Her turning point came when she was pushed to try improv classes, which eventually led her into stand-up comedy. What followed wasn’t a traditional climb through comedy clubs, but a self-directed journey built on hosting, producing shows, and performing in unique spaces.

🎤 How Carolina DG Got Into Stand-Up Comedy

One of the biggest misconceptions about becoming a comedian is that there’s a clear starting point.

Carolina’s story shows the opposite.

  • She spent years being encouraged to try comedy
  • Entered through Second City training and producing
  • Built confidence by performing consistently

Her experience highlights a key insight: there is no single path to becoming a stand-up comedian.

😂 What Was Her First Joke?

Carolina’s first material came directly from her real-life work in retirement communities.

Instead of writing abstract jokes, she leaned into:

  • Observational humor
  • Personal storytelling
  • Real experiences with people

This aligns with a growing trend in comedy where authenticity often resonates more than perfectly structured punchlines.

😬 Dealing With the Fear of Bombing

Early in her journey, fear of bombing held her back. But over time, her mindset shifted:

  • She focused on being engaging, not perfect
  • Built confidence as a performer, not just a writer
  • Accepted bombing as part of the process

🔄 Finding a Unique Comedy Style

Carolina describes herself less as a traditional joke writer and more as a “vibe” performer—someone who connects with the audience through presence and personality.

Her comedy today reflects:

  • Life experiences (motherhood, aging, relationships)
  • Hosting and crowd engagement skills
  • A balance between structure and spontaneity

This reinforces an important takeaway: your comedy style evolves with your life.

💼 Building a Comedy Career Beyond the Stage

One of the most valuable insights from this episode is how Carolina has built a sustainable career using comedy skills outside traditional stand-up paths.

She has:

  • Produced live comedy shows
  • Performed corporate comedy for organizations
  • Leveraged professional networks (including LinkedIn)
  • Created income streams beyond clubs and festivals
  • “Can you make money in stand-up comedy

🎧 Why You Should Listen

This episode is ideal for:

  • Aspiring comedians starting from zero
  • Creatives balancing comedy with full-time work
  • Fans curious about how comedians develop their first jokes

Carolina DG’s journey proves that comedy isn’t just about writing jokes—it’s about building confidence, connecting with people, and creating your own opportunities.

🔗 Listen to the Episode

🎙️ My First Joke with Carolina DG
Hosted by Karim Kanji

🧠 Key Takeaway

You don’t need a perfect first joke to start stand-up comedy—you just need to start. The rest evolves through experience, failure, and finding your voice.

Follow Carolina DG on Instagram!

You can subscribe here:

podcast

Rik Emmett Interview: Triumph’s Return, Poetry, and the Art of Leaning Into It

Rik Emmett
Rik Emmett

When Rik Emmett talks about creativity, he doesn’t separate it into categories. Music, poetry, performance—they’re all part of the same pursuit: doing the work, staying curious, and continuing to grow.

In this episode of Welcome To The Music, Emmett reflects on a career that spans decades, while making it clear he’s still very much in motion.

Returning to Triumph—and to Purpose

With Triumph heading back out on tour, Emmett approaches the experience with both excitement and realism. Rather than chasing nostalgia, he sees the tour as something more immediate and personal.

Preparing for the road has meant getting back into shape, building strength, and managing the physical realities that come with time. But for Emmett, that effort is the point.

Creative work, he explains, provides structure and purpose. Whether it’s rehearsing, writing, or performing, the process itself becomes a way to stay grounded and engaged.

Instead of looking too far ahead, his philosophy is simple: focus on what’s in front of you and “lean into it.”

The Art of “Leaning Into It”

That idea—“leaning into it”—sits at the center of Emmett’s recent work as a poet. It’s about facing challenges head-on, embracing discomfort, and choosing engagement over retreat.

His latest book explores these themes through an alter ego and imagery shaped during the COVID era, blending introspection with commentary on the modern world.

There’s a tension in his perspective: an awareness of darker forces—whether cultural, political, or technological—paired with a commitment to optimism and creative expression.

For Emmett, the answer isn’t withdrawal. It’s participation.

Creativity in a Complicated World

The conversation also turns to the role of technology in music and everyday life. Emmett acknowledges its benefits—from advancements in instruments to the ability to connect and create more easily than ever.

But he’s equally candid about its downsides.

He questions what the digital age is doing to attention spans, creativity, and even human connection. While technology enhances production and performance, he sees a growing need to protect the human side of art—the humility, discipline, and emotional depth that machines can’t replicate.

As a lifelong artist, he continues to “plant his flag” in creativity, even when the world around it shifts.

Remembering the Gasworks and a Different Era of Music

Looking back, Emmett shares vivid memories of Toronto’s live music scene, particularly venues like the Gasworks. These spaces were raw, imperfect, and full of energy—places where musicians cut their teeth and built audiences.

Triumph, even in those early days, approached those stages with a bigger vision. They weren’t content to be just another bar band—they wanted to deliver something closer to a full concert experience, no matter the size of the room.

It was a mindset that helped define their rise.

At the same time, Emmett recognizes that the cultural environment that created those venues has changed. Music consumption, audience behavior, and even the idea of shared cultural moments have all shifted.

Still, rather than dwell on what’s been lost, he focuses on adapting to what exists now.

Still Moving Forward

What stands out most in this conversation is Emmett’s perspective on time. He doesn’t romanticize the past or fear the future.

Instead, he stays rooted in the present—doing the work, staying open, and continuing to create.

Whether through music, poetry, or performance, Rik Emmett is still evolving. And for him, that’s what matters most. :::

podcast

John Mostyn on Comedy, Courage, and Unusual Gigs

John Mostyn
John Mostyn

On the latest episode of “My First Joke,” I had the pleasure of sitting down with John Mostyn, a stand-up comedian whose journey from Glasgow to the Toronto comedy scene is as entertaining as his material. Our conversation was filled with laughter, candid reflections, and a few wild stories from the road.

From Glasgow to Toronto: A Comedian’s Origin Story

John’s path to comedy wasn’t a straight line. After moving to Canada in 2011 and going through a breakup, he found himself in a new city, searching for connection and battling social anxiety. “I didn’t know anyone in Toronto,” John shared. “I started going to comedy shows just to meet people and get out of my shell.” What began as a way to overcome shyness soon led him to a Second City course, and eventually, to the stage at Absolute Comedy for his first showcase.

The First Jokes and Early Lessons

Like many comedians, John’s first jokes were a mix of personal experience and observational humour. He recalled the nerves of performing to a nearly empty room and the thrill of earning his first $20 for a set. “There wasn’t a moment where I thought, ‘I want to do this full time,’” he said. “It just happened gradually as I kept going, met people, and started getting booked.”

Making Comedy a Career

John’s leap to full-time comedy came in late 2019, just before the pandemic. He spoke honestly about the financial ups and downs of the profession: “You’re not guaranteed a paycheck. Sometimes gigs get canceled last minute, and you have to hustle.” Producing shows and taking on different roles in the scene helped him build a sustainable career.

Wild Venues and Small-Town Audiences

One of the highlights of our chat was John’s stories about performing in unconventional venues—a sex club, a pirate boat on the lake, and rural towns in Saskatchewan. Each setting brought its own challenges and surprises. “You never know what you’ll walk into. Sometimes you’re performing for people in towels, sometimes you’re stuck on a boat with the audience after a tough set!”

He also reflected on the differences between city and small-town crowds. “Big city audiences are more used to stand-up and maybe a bit more liberal. Small towns just want to have fun and hear dirty jokes. You have to adapt.”

The Art of the Joke vs. The Crowd Work Craze

With the explosion of social media, crowd work clips have become a staple online. John offered advice for new comics: “Focus on your material first. Crowd work is its own skill, but you need solid jokes. Don’t get caught up in chasing viral clips at the expense of your craft.”

Shout-Outs and What’s Next

John highlighted some of Toronto’s rising comedy stars—Tracy Hamilton, Fiona O’Brien, Hisham Kelati, Chris Locke, Adam Christie, and Todd Graham—and encouraged everyone to support local talent. As for what’s next, he’s editing a new comedy album and special, and planning a trip to Vietnam (with hopes of returning with fresh material).

Final Thoughts

Our conversation was a reminder that the road to comedy is rarely straightforward. It’s about resilience, adaptability, and finding humor in the unexpected. Whether you’re a fan of stand-up or thinking about trying it yourself, John’s story is proof that sometimes, the best way to face your fears is to grab a mic and tell your first joke.

Follow John Mostyn on Instagram: @jmostyncomedy

Stay tuned for more episodes of “My First Joke,” where we dive into the stories behind the punchlines.

You can subscribe here:

podcast

Nitish Sakhuja on Comedy, Resilience, and Reinvention

In our latest conversation, I had the pleasure of sitting down with comedian Nitish Sakhuja for a deep dive into his personal and professional journey. Nitish opened up about how the pandemic became a catalyst for his health transformation, shifting his focus from the stage to self-care when live comedy was put on hold. He shared the unique challenges of performing stand-up online and how those experiences shaped his approach to comedy.

Nitish took us back to his roots, recalling his first steps into the Toronto comedy scene and the pivotal role of the city’s “weed show” venues—spaces that offered a proving ground for up-and-coming comics before legalization changed the landscape. He spoke candidly about finding his comedic voice, learning to be authentic on stage, and the years of experience it took to get there.

The conversation also explored Nitish’s bold move to Los Angeles in search of new opportunities. He discussed the hurdles of starting over in a new city, from navigating visa issues to rebuilding his network and community. Nitish highlighted the importance of mentorship and support, sharing stories about the generosity of comedy legends like Russell Peters and Kenny Robinson, and how their guidance has impacted his career.

Looking ahead, Nitish expressed his passion for stand-up and his aspirations to expand into television and film, all while staying true to his roots. He emphasized the value of resilience, adaptability, and community in creative pursuits.

For more on Nitish, follow him on Instagram @nittysak or visit nitishsakhuja.com. And as always, support live comedy wherever you are!

You can subscribe here:

Uncategorized

Ernie Vicente

Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ernie Vicente, a Toronto-based comedian whose journey from shy student to seasoned performer is as inspiring as it is hilarious. Our conversation covered everything from his first brush with comedy to the evolution of his craft, and his latest projects that blend stand-up with music.

Ernie’s path to comedy wasn’t a straight line. He started out in accounting, but a college presentation—where he turned a marketing assignment into a comedy routine—sparked something new. Encouraged by classmates who compared him to Russell Peters (whom he hadn’t even heard of at the time), Ernie realized he might be in the wrong field. After a few lackluster job interviews, he knew accounting wasn’t for him.

His first real taste of performing came at a friend’s wedding, where a spoof video he made brought down the house. That feeling of making people laugh was addictive, and soon after, Ernie was trying his luck at open mics, despite an initial rejection from a major comedy competition.

Ernie’s first years in comedy were slow—just a handful of shows each year. He recounted the nerves of his debut at Yuk Yuks, supported by friends who were as anxious as he was. His first joke? A clever play on the comic who performed before him, which got a big laugh and set the tone for his career.

Over time, Ernie’s style evolved. He experimented with one-liners to fit short sets, then returned to storytelling as he landed longer gigs. He spoke candidly about the ongoing process of finding his comedic voice and the influence of other comics—some high-energy, some more subdued—on his own delivery.

As Ernie gained confidence, he started performing more frequently, building connections in the comedy scene and even meeting Russell Peters at a sold-out Air Canada Centre show. He shared the surreal experience of being flown to Yukon for a gig, a moment that made him reflect on how far he’d come: “Someone flew me and paid for everything just for these jokes. That’s when I had that moment. This is the best job in the world.”

Looking ahead, Ernie is teaming up with Big Norm for a new project—“Pinoys to Men”—a series of comedy-music shows touring cities across Canada. The first show kicks off March 7 at a Filipino restaurant in Richmond, with more dates in Vancouver and Montreal. It’s a fresh blend of stand-up and music, showcasing the versatility and creativity that have defined Ernie’s career.

No comedian’s journey is without its awkward gigs. Ernie shared stories of performing at retirement parties where no one was paying attention, and the challenge of winning over a distracted crowd. But whether it’s a packed club or a tough room, Ernie’s resilience and love for comedy shine through.

If you missed Ernie at the Corner Comedy Club over Valentine’s Day weekend, be sure to catch him at one of his upcoming shows. For more updates, follow him on Instagram at @ernievicente.

You can subscribe here:

podcast

Nick Reynoldson

In this episode, Karim Kanji sits down with comedian Nick Reynoldson for a candid and entertaining look at Nick’s two-decade journey in stand-up comedy.

Nick shares how he stumbled into comedy through Humber’s writing and performance program, discovering his passion during a three-minute set at Yuk Yuk’s. He reflects on the thrill of immediate audience feedback and the creative freedom that drew him to stand-up.

Nick recounts his early days running a monthly show, the support he received from friends and fellow comics, and his memorable first big break performing on Kenny Robinson’s legendary Nubian show—a pivotal platform for comics of colour in Toronto. He describes the high-pressure environment of the show, where comics could be booed off stage, and discusses Kenny’s lasting impact on the Canadian comedy scene.

The conversation explores Nick’s career highlights, including TV appearances, Just For Laughs, and the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, as well as his experiences performing in the U.S. Nick and Karim discuss the current comedy boom, the rise of crowd work and audience participation, and how social media is changing the landscape. Nick shares his approach to adapting material for different cities, his favorite places to perform, and some of his toughest gigs—including a disastrous show in Cranbrook, B.C.

Nick also talks about performing virtual shows during the pandemic and gives a shoutout to up-and-coming comics Hershawn Arora, Peter Saran, and Jesse Singh. The episode wraps up with Nick sharing where fans can find him online and plans for future performances, including a possible appearance at Scarborough’s Got Jokes Open Mic!

Visit Nick online at ⁠https://www.nickreynoldson.com/⁠

You can subscribe here:

podcast

Marc Jordan: Biogrpahy and The Gasworks

marc jordan
marc jordan

Marc Jordan discussed his biography, “Rhythm of My Heart,” with Karim Kanji, highlighting the collaborative process with author Don Breithaupt and reflecting on his personal experiences, including challenges with dyslexia and substance use that shaped his artistic journey.

He shared stories from his early performances at The Gasworks, emphasizing its significance in his career and expressing concerns about the current viability of music venues. Jordan reminisced about Toronto’s vibrant music scene, particularly the role of Yonge Street in making live music accessible, while acknowledging the changes in artist support and promotion over the years.

He underscored the importance of authenticity in his songwriting, a principle recognized by his publishers, and noted that the biography serves as a way to share his life stories with his children, with the book available for purchase online and in local bookstores.


Insights on Biography and Music Industry Dynamics

In a conversation with Karim Kanji, Marc Jordan shared insights about his biography, which was written by Don Breithaupt. He recounted how revisiting his past, including his struggles with dyslexia and substance use, provided him with a new understanding of his life. Marc emphasized the importance of authenticity in art and mentioned that he offers advice to his son only when asked, acknowledging the generational differences in the music industry.

Memories of The Gasworks

In a discussion about The Gasworks, Marc Jordan recounted his early performances there, describing the fear he felt as a new musician. He noted that it was one of the first significant venues he played, which contributed to his growth as an artist. Karim Kanji and Marc also discussed the changes that have occurred at other venues.

The Evolution of Toronto’s Music Scene

Marc Jordan reflected on the historical importance of The Gasworks, noting it was a top venue where many great bands performed. He described the Yonge Street Strip as the heart of Toronto’s music scene, where clubs thrived due to their central location. Jordan shared personal memories of discovering music as a teenager, emphasizing the excitement of hearing live performances from artists like Ronnie Hawkins and David Clayton Thomas.

Insights on Biography and Music Career

Marc Jordan reflected on the writing of his biography, “Rhythm of My Heart,” emphasizing the joy of sharing his story with his family. He noted that his approach to songwriting has always been driven by personal meaning rather than commercial considerations, which his publishers recognized early on. Jordan appreciated the freedom he was given to create music authentically.

For more information on Marc Jordan’s biography.

More information on Lost Venues.

podcast

Himansu Patel

Welcome to Episode #24 of My First Joke.

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

Himansu recounted his two-decade journey in comedy, starting from promoting parties in Montreal to performing at notable venues like the Broadway Comedy Club in New York City. He discussed the evolution of his comedic style and the importance of audience connection, particularly in diverse cities like Toronto. Himansu humorously reflected on his experiences in Japan and shared a comedic anecdote from a past job, showcasing his commitment to developing his craft.

You can also subscribe here:

Tell your friends!

This episode is sponsored by WELCOME TO TRAVEL. 

Conversations with Musicians, Comedians, Creators & Curious Minds