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.
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.
Welcome to My First Joke with host Karim Kanji. Today’s guest is comedian, Freddy Jan.
This episode centered on Freddy Jan’s journey into stand-up comedy, beginning with his early interest sparked by a classmate’s suggestion in kindergarten. Freddy recounted his first performance at an amateur night organized by Yuk Yuks, where he delivered a joke about his messy university living situation. Despite initial nerves and witnessing challenging performances from others, he connected with the audience, which boosted his confidence. Over the past five to six years, Freddy has honed his skills, particularly in delivering darker material, while navigating the complexities of audience preferences.
Freddy shared his evolving aspirations in comedy, from securing his first booked show to aiming for headlining opportunities. A notable experience was his performance in Japan, where he successfully engaged a diverse audience, highlighting the importance of connections made in Toronto. As he looks to the future, Freddy expressed excitement and uncertainty about performing in major U.S. cities. The conversation concluded with Freddy reflecting on the importance of enjoying the journey in comedy, emphasizing that the experiences along the way can be more fulfilling than the successes themselves.
Freddy Jan’s Journey to Stand-Up Comedy
Freddy Jan recounts how a casual comment from a classmate in kindergarten sparked his interest in comedy, although he didn’t pursue it seriously until later. After sending an email to Yuk Yuks, he received a last-minute opportunity to perform, despite having minimal knowledge of stand-up. His first joke about messy university living resonated with the audience, particularly a group of drunk moms.
Freddy Jan’s Stand-Up Comedy Experience
Freddy Jan recounted his experience at an amateur comedy night, highlighting the presence of both new and experienced comedians. He described how the host, recently fired from the Space Channel, bombed his performance, which contributed to the overall tough atmosphere. Freddy felt anxious as he prepared to perform but ultimately succeeded with his material, leading him to believe he had a talent for stand-up. However, he acknowledged that success in comedy can be unpredictable, as he later bombed during his second set.
Reflections on Comedy Journey
Freddy Jan shares insights about his comedy journey, noting that while his style has remained consistent, his execution has improved over the years. He emphasizes the importance of balancing dark humor with audience preferences, particularly when performing for families.
Reflections on Comedy Goals and Achievements
Freddy Jan reflected on his comedy career, noting how his goals have shifted over time, starting from wanting to perform at his first booked show to aiming for headlining opportunities. He recounted a significant moment from two years ago when he performed in Tokyo and Osaka, feeling proud of his achievements and the connections he made in Toronto. Freddy expressed that his next goal is to perform in the United States, although he acknowledges the challenges that come with it.
Welcome to My First Joke with host Karim Kanji. Today’s guest is comedian, Rebecca Reeds.
Rebecca reflected on her journey in stand-up comedy, detailing her initial struggles and the evolution of her comedic style over 13 to 14 years. She shared memorable experiences, including opening for Fortune Feimster and meeting Arnold Schwarzenegger, which highlighted significant milestones in her career. The discussion also touched on the importance of confidence in performances, with both Karim and Rebecca agreeing that a strong opening line is crucial for engaging the audience. They concluded by discussing Rebecca’s online presence and her various podcast projects, with Karim encouraging listeners to subscribe and engage with their content.
Rebecca’s Journey into Stand-Up Comedy
Rebecca recounted her beginnings in stand-up comedy, initially participating in an improv troupe at Carleton University. After realizing she needed a creative outlet, she took a job at Absolute Comedy in Ottawa, which allowed her to learn from experienced comedians. Her first performance in Montreal was challenging yet exhilarating, leading her to recognize her passion for comedy.
Early Stage Jokes and Performance Tips
Rebecca recounted her first experience on stage, highlighting the pressure she felt and the advice from a friend to focus on her opening line. She mentioned her first joke about ribbed condoms, which she found amusing yet never performed again.
Reflections on Comedy Journey with Rebecca
In a conversation between Karim Kanji and Rebecca, they reflect on her 13 to 14 years in comedy, highlighting her evolution from uncertainty to confidence on stage. Rebecca notes that her style has become more authentic and aggressive, focusing on what she wants to express rather than what the audience expects. She also mentions the shifting nature of personal goals in her career.
Encounter with Arnold Schwarzenegger
Rebecca recounts a memorable encounter with Arnold Schwarzenegger backstage, expressing her awe at meeting someone she admires. She was initially nervous and focused on her performance, unaware of who Fortune was referring to when she mentioned Arnold before the show. After performing, Arnold recognized Rebecca and praised her humor, leading to a photo opportunity that she considers a highlight.
My First Joke with Rebecca Reeds
Rebecca expressed her thrill about landing a significant gig, noting that she initially thought she had missed the chance due to her busy schedule. Karim asked how these opportunities come about, to which Rebecca explained that producers often scout talent online. Despite not submitting a video, she was still approached for the role, highlighting the unpredictability of such opportunities.
Welcome to My First Joke with host Karim Kanji. Today’s guest is comedian, Kevin Christopher.
The discussion centered on comedian Kevin Christopher’s journey into stand-up comedy, highlighting his initial experiences and the evolution of his comedic style. Kevin shared that his interest in comedy was sparked by a class project that led him to storytelling, influenced by figures like Eddie Murphy. His first performance occurred at a black comedy show, where he faced a challenging audience but received positive feedback, marking the beginning of his career.
The dialogue also explored the concept of success in comedy, with Kevin identifying milestones such as headlining a comedy club and being part of a club roster. Both he and Karim Kanji reflected on the changing landscape of comedy, particularly with the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, which have shifted perceptions of success. They praised fellow comedians for their fresh material and discussed the varying approaches to content creation, contrasting the styles of comedians like Josh Johnson and Jerry Seinfeld. Kevin noted the challenges of consistently producing new material while maintaining audience engagement.
Additionally, the conversation touched on the role of humor in holding power accountable, with Kevin advocating for a focus on “punching up” rather than “punching down.” They discussed the need for originality in comedy, especially regarding topics that have been overused.
Mark DeBonis is a Canadian comedian known for his stand-up performances and contributions to the comedy scene. He has achieved significant recognition in his career, including winning The Great Canadian Laugh Off and a Canadian Comedy Award.
DeBonis has performed at major events like Just For Laughs and appeared on platforms such as CBC and the Comedy Network.
In addition to live performances, Mark DeBonis released a comedy album titled Minutiae in 2020, further cementing his reputation as a talented writer and performer.
Sandra Battaglini is a Toronto-based stand-up comic who has been performing since around 2001. She began her comedy journey after taking improv classes at Second City, where she and some classmates decided to try stand-up. Her first performance was at the Laugh Resort club in Toronto, followed by a more successful set at Yuk Yuks.
Battaglini’s comedy style evolved from storytelling to incorporating more structured jokes, often drawing from personal experiences and family stories, particularly about her father. She also studied clown in 2002-2003, which influenced her performance style.
She has expressed views on the challenges Canadian comedians face in the industry, particularly regarding access to the American market, and has been involved in lobbying for comedy for about ten years.
Garrett Jamieson is a Canadian comedian, writer, and actor known for his dark, absurdist style and storytelling.
Jamieson’s comedy has been featured on SiriusXM, CBC Comedy, MTV Canada, and Comedy Network. He has toured across Canada and has performed at clubs and theaters, including NXNE and JFL 42.
