Tag Archives: comedy

Patrick Hakeem

Patrick Hakeem
Patrick Hakeem

In the latest episode of “Welcome with Karim Kanji,” we shine the spotlight on Patrick Hakeem, a comedian whose roots span the globe, enriching his comedic lens with layers of multicultural experience. Born in Montreal, Patrick’s half-Syrian, half-Ecuadorian heritage, combined with growing up in an all-Italian neighborhood, imbues his comedy with a rich tapestry of cultural influences.

The conversation ventured into Patrick’s recent stand-up special and album recording, shedding light on the intricacies and challenges encountered amidst a pandemic-laden world. Amidst the laughs, Patrick revealed insights into the Sirius XM realm, offering a glimpse into the lesser-known territory of radio royalties for comedians.

With a shared disinterest in political satire, Patrick and I navigate the terrain of comedy with a focus on personal connection. Their exchange underscored the vital role of relatability in crafting humor, delving into Patrick’s journey from reluctance to embrace stand-up amidst distractions.

Anecdotes flowed as Patrick and I recounted encounters with audience dynamics, from the absurdity of a self-proclaimed minority to the disruptive presence of hecklers. Patrick also lamented the dwindling platform for Canadian comedians, reflecting on Much Music’s transition and the saturation of comedy specials in the streaming era.

Throughout the episode, a deeper narrative emerged, painting a portrait of resilience amidst a changing comedic landscape. Patrick Hakeem’s journey serves as a testament to the power of cultural fusion in comedy, bridging divides with laughter and shared experiences.

Tune in to “Welcome with Karim Kanji” for a captivating exploration of comedy, culture, and the ever-evolving world of entertainment.

Check Patrick Hakeem out on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/patrickhakeembro/

This is Episode #292 of the Welcome! podcast.

Kris Siddiqi

Welcome to the podcast, Kris Siddiqi!

We talked about the Canadian comedy scene, Siddiqi’s experiences in television, and his personal life. We also discussed the death of the Just for Laughs Festival and the need for more exposure for local comedians across Canada.

We also talked about Siddiqi’s roles in Law & Order and the presence of Canadian actors in the show. Kris and I also discussed his experiences hosting galas at the Winnipeg Comedy Festival and the challenges of raising children in the entertainment industry.

The conversation also touched on the shifting terrain of comedy, with Kris and I raising questions about the impact of the democratization of comedy content and the absence of traditional gatekeepers. We explored the challenges of navigating the vast quantity of comedy specials on platforms like Netflix and the need for comedians to carve out their unique voices in this new comedic landscape.

The meeting ended with Kris sharing details about his recent projects in television, such as the Netflix show, I Woke Up A Vampire, and Apple TV’s The Changeling.

Visit Kris on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thesiddiqs/?hl=en

This is Episode #290 of the Welcome! podcast.

Ali Hassan: Is There Bacon in Heaven? A Memoir

karim kanji with ali hassan
karim kanji with ali hassan

Ali Hassan is a stand-up comedian, actor, and professional chef. He is the host of CBC’s Canada Reads as well as Laugh Out Loud. He is also a frequent guest host of q, CBC’s premier national arts and entertainment show. His comedy has been performed at the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal and Toronto’s JFL42. He is a Canadian Comedy Awards nominee, and his solo show, Muslim, Interrupted, was performed at the world’s largest comedy festival, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He has appeared in three award-winning films, BreakawayFrench Immersion, and as the memorable Lebanese Uncle Stevie in the hockey hit Goon, in addition to other film and TV roles, most recently CBC’s Run the Burbs. He lives in Toronto, Ontario, with his family. Follow him on Twitter @StandUpAli and find him at StandUpAli.com.

This is Episode #273 of the Welcome! podcast.

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Ali Hassan: Is There Bacon In Heaven

ali hassan and karim kanji
ali hassan and karim kanji

Ali Hassan joins Karim Kanji for his third appearance on Welcome with Karim Kanji.

In this episode we talk about:

  • Doctor VS Comedian
  • His upcoming book, Is There Bacon In Heaven
  • Favourite tunes from the ’90s
  • His upcoming movie, Stealing Vows
  • CBC comedy series, Run The ‘Burbs
  • …and so much more!

This is Episode #263 of the Welcome! podcast.


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Kris Siddiqi and Nigel Downer

Kris and Nigel are two of the nicest and funniest people I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with on this podcast.

Bit Playas is a comedy series on CBC Gem/Amazon Prime created by Kris Siddiqi and Nigel Downer – two friends/actors that met while working at The Second City Toronto. Season One deals with Race, Nerd Culture, Dating, Marijuana and navigating the Canadian Entertainment scene as actors of color. The show originally came out December 2019 and was just released this past summer on Amazon Prime in the US and the UK.

Here is the trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfzO9obrGwo&ab_channel=CBCComedy

This is Episode #243 of the Welcome! podcast.

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Ali Hassan

Ali Hassan is a comedian who has delighted audiences around the world with quick wit and charm. And if you’re a fan of Canadian public radio you can also hear Ali on popular CBC Radio shows such as Laugh Out Loud, q, Canada Reads, As It Happens, Here and Now and many others.

Please welcome to the show, Ali Hassan.

This is Episode #210 of the Welcome! podcast.

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Moe Ismail

My next guest is a stand-up comedian who has been touring across Canada and the U.S. for the past decade. His comedic style has often been described as energetic, diverse, and honest. He has been featured on the JFL42 Festival, NXNE Festival, and SiriusXM. His material draws from his experiences as an Egyptian immigrant growing up in Canada, various life struggles, and finding humor in the hardest of times.

Please welcome to the show, Moe Ismail.

This is Episode #208 of the Welcome! podcast.

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Dave Merheje

** I sat down with Dave Merheje a week before he won the 2019 JUNO for best comedy album. **

In 2011 my next guest was named Best Male Stand Up In Toronto. That same year CBC Radio’s Laugh Out Loud called him one of Canada’s next breakout stars.

My next guest has performed in Melbourne, New York city, L.A., Sydney, Toronto, and almost anywhere else you can find a comedy club, strip club or barbershop.

He’s also starred on CBC’s Mr. D. and will soon be starring in Hulu’s Ramy.

His latest comedy album, Good Friend, Bad Grammar, has been nominated for a JUNO Award this year.

Please welcome to the show, Dave Merheje.

This is Episode #165 of the Welcome! podcast.

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