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!
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