Welcome to Episode #13 of My First Joke.
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.
Visit Monty Scott online: Monty Scott
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This episode is sponsored by WELCOME TO TRAVEL.
