Tag Archives: comedy

podcast

My First Joke with Rebecca Reeds

Rebecca Reeds and Karim Kanji
Rebecca Reeds and Karim Kanji

Welcome to Episode #11 of My First Joke.

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.

Follow Rebecca Reeds online: https://linktr.ee/rebeccareeds

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This episode is sponsored by WELCOME TO TRAVEL. 

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My First Joke with Kevin Christopher

My First Joke Image
My First Joke Image

Welcome to Episode #10 of My First Joke.

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.

Follow Kevin online at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ogkevinchris⁠

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My First Joke with Mark DeBonis

My First Joke Image
My First Joke Image

Welcome to Episode #9 of My First Joke.

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.

DeBonis can be followed on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markdebonis

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My First Joke with Sandra Battaglini

Welcome to episode #8 of My First Joke.

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.

Battaglini can be followed on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sandrabattaglini

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My First Joke with Garrett Jamieson

Garrett Jamieson
Garrett Jamieson

Welcome to episode #7 of My First Joke.

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.

You can follow Garrett on Instagram ⁠@GJPartyHugs⁠. Garrett’s website is ⁠https://www.garrettjamieson.com/⁠.

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My First Joke with Ali Hassan

karim kanji with ali hassan
karim kanji with ali hassan

Welcome to episode #6 of My First Joke.

Ali Hassan is a multi-talented Canadian entertainer who has made significant contributions to comedy, radio, television, and literature.

Hassan began his stand-up journey in Montreal, eventually moving to Toronto in 2011 to further his career. He has performed at prestigious comedy festivals, including Just For Laughs in Montreal and Toronto, and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. His solo show “Muslim Interrupted” has toured extensively across Canada and internationally.


Hassan is best known as the host of CBC Radio’s popular stand-up comedy show “Laugh Out Loud,” which reaches over a million listeners on CBC Radio. He has also been the host of CBC’s “Canada Reads” and frequently guest-hosts other CBC Radio programs such as “Q” and “The Next Chapter”. Hassan’s acting career spans both television and film. In 2024, Hassan received two Canadian Screen Award nominations for his performances in “Sort Of” and “Run the Burbs”⁠.

His comedic memoir, “Is There Bacon in Heaven?”, was published by Simon & Schuster in 2022.

Hassan remains an active presence in Canadian media, balancing his roles as a comedian, actor, author, and broadcaster.

Check out his website! https://standupali.com/

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My First Joke with Adrienne Fish

Adrienne Fish
Adrienne Fish

Welcome to episode #5 of My First Joke.

Adrienne Fish is a prominent Canadian stand-up comedian based in Toronto, Ontario. Known for her energetic and engaging performances, she has made significant contributions to the comedy scene in Canada. Adrienne has recorded four nationally aired TV tapings and appeared on shows like “Roast Battle Canada” (Season 2) and “The Beaverton Digital”. She is also a regular on SiriusXM comedy channels.

Adrienne has received several accolades, including being named COCA Comedian of the Year in 2019, recognizing her as the top comedian for Canadian colleges and universities. Additionally, she was nominated by NOW Magazine as Toronto’s Best Female Stand-up in 2015. Beyond her live performances, Adrienne frequently participates in major comedy festivals such as the Winnipeg Comedy Festival and the Toronto Comedy Festival.

Check out her website! https://www.adriennefish.com/

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My First Joke with Carlos Yance

Carlos Yance
Carlos Yance

Welcome to episode #4 of My First Joke.

Carlos Yance is my next guest on My First Joke. Carlos is a comedian based in Scarborough. He can be found at comedy clubs and shows across the city. He is very funny and is always repping Scarborough.

Visit Carlos Yance on Instagram to keep up to date on where he’s performing next!

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My First Joke with Dave Merheje

Dave Merheje with Karim Kanji

Welcome to episode #3 of My First Joke.

Today’s guest is one of my favourite comedians and a Toronto comedy legend, Dave Merheje!

Dave Merheje is a talented Canadian stand-up comedian and actor, celebrated for his engaging and relatable comedic style. Born on July 21, 1980, in Windsor, Ontario, to a Lebanese family, he has carved out a niche in the comedy scene with his unique blend of storytelling and observational humor.

Merheje gained recognition for his roles in the popular Canadian sitcom Mr. D and the Hulu series Ramy, where he portrays Ahmed. His 2019 comedy album, Good Friend Bad Grammar, won the Juno Award for Comedy Album of the Year, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in Canadian comedy.

In 2023, Merheje co-starred alongside Daisy Ridley in the film Sometimes I Think About Dying, directed by Rachel Lambert.

With a growing body of work and a loyal fan base, Dave Merheje continues to make waves in both stand-up comedy and acting, showcasing his versatility and comedic talent.

Visit Dave Merheje on Instagram to keep up to date on where he’s performing next!

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