In 2023, I had the opportunity to speak with John “Gibby” Gibbons. As the Blue Jays play for the 2025 World Series against the LA Dodgers, I thought I would share this episode with all of you.
We talked about:
Two WS rings with Braves and 1986 Mets
Getting umps to throw John out
World Baseball Classic (Ohtani and Trout)
One of John’s good friends, JP Ricciardi – disliked in Toronto among the fan base. Why does JP get a bad rap?
Pete Walker, pitching coach with the Jays, played for John
Welcome to My First Joke with host Karim Kanji. Today’s guest is comedian, Hershawn Arora!
In this latest episode comedian Hershawn Arora joins Karim for a deep and entertaining dive into the world of stand-up comedy — from the grind of open mics to the spotlight moments that define a comic’s career.
Hershawn shares his journey through the comedy scene, tracing his path from early gigs to one of his biggest achievements so far: recording for Just for Laughs Originals in 2023. Along the way, he reflects on the support systems that have helped him grow — especially the encouragement and camaraderie of fellow comedians who keep each other motivated through the highs and lows.
The conversation explores the art of hosting, a role Hershawn describes as both a privilege and a responsibility. Hosting isn’t just about telling jokes — it’s about setting the tone, reading the room, and creating an atmosphere where performers can thrive. Hershawn offers Karim (and any aspiring host) some valuable advice: focus on making others shine, keep the energy positive, and always adapt to the audience in front of you.
Listeners also get a peek into Hershawn’s evolving comedy style, which blends personal storytelling with sharp crowd work. His reflections reveal how great comedy comes from authenticity — from connecting lived experiences to the laughter that unites a room.
If you’ve ever wondered what goes into making a comedy show tick — or what it takes to turn laughs into a career — this episode is a masterclass in both craft and community.
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!
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.
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 Musicto 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
