Tag Archives: standup

podcast

Thea Rainford

Welcome to Episode #23 of My First Joke.

Welcome to My First Joke with host Karim Kanji. Today’s guest is comedian, Thea Rainford.

In this episode, Karim Kanji sits down with comedian Thea Rainford to explore her journey into stand-up and the stories behind her earliest jokes—a perfect fit for Karim’s upcoming season centered on comedians’ “first jokes.”

Thea opens up about discovering comedy during a difficult breakup in the pandemic, when she began writing material about her ex and her beloved cat. She reflects on her first-ever showcase at Tallboys, where she delivered a hilariously sharp roast of her ex, and shares the emotional moment her father proudly declared her a “real comedian.”

Throughout the conversation, Thea discusses the ongoing process of shaping her comedic voice—through workshops, disciplined writing, and continuous stage time.

With humor, honesty, and shared excitement, this episode highlights Follow Thea on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/thea_rain3/

You can also subscribe here:

Tell your friends!

This episode is sponsored by WELCOME TO TRAVEL. 

podcast

Clif Knight

Clif-Knight
Clif Knight

Welcome to Episode #22 of My First Joke.

Welcome to My First Joke with host Karim Kanji. Today’s guest is comedian, Clif Knight.  

Clif began by sharing his journey into stand-up comedy, detailing how he discovered the open mic scene in Toronto after moving from Mississauga. He described his initial performance as challenging, emphasizing the significance of preparation, which prompted him to create a personalized joke book for refining his material.

Over time, Clif’s comedic style has transitioned from straightforward jokes to more intricate storytelling and comparisons. He expressed enthusiasm for his upcoming tour and his goal of producing a comedy album, highlighting his commitment to continuous improvement in the dynamic world of stand-up comedy.

You can also subscribe here:

Tell your friends!

This episode is sponsored by WELCOME TO TRAVEL. 

podcast

Keesha Brownie

Welcome to Episode #21 of My First Joke.

Welcome to My First Joke with host Karim Kanji. Today’s guest is comedian, Keesha Brownie!

Comedian Keesha Brownie joins host Karim Kanji for a lively and insightful conversation about her journey into stand-up comedy. Keesha shares how she transitioned from dreams of singing and acting to discovering her passion for comedy, the importance of confidence on stage, and the lessons learned from performing in both clubs and theaters across Canada and beyond. She opens up about finding her comedic voice, blending storytelling with impressions and musical parodies, and the ongoing challenge of self-critique as an artist.

Listeners will enjoy behind-the-scenes stories from Keesha’s early days, her thoughts on the evolving comedy scene, and practical wisdom for anyone considering a creative path—at any age. The episode wraps with Keesha’s signature humor and encouragement, plus details on where to find her online and catch her next show.

Tune in for laughs, inspiration, and a candid look at what it takes to make it in comedy, Toronto-style.

You can also subscribe here:

Tell your friends!

This episode is sponsored by WELCOME TO TRAVEL. 

podcast

Hershawn Arora

Welcome to Episode #20 of My First Joke.

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.

You can also subscribe here:

Tell your friends!

This episode is sponsored by WELCOME TO TRAVEL. 

podcast

Allie Pearse

Welcome to Episode #19 of My First Joke.

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.

Check out Allie Pearse on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/allie_pearse/?hl=en

You can also subscribe here:

Tell your friends!

This episode is sponsored by WELCOME TO TRAVEL. 

Uncategorized

My First Joke with Zul Gulamhusein

Welcome to Episode #18 of My First Joke.

Welcome to My First Joke with host Karim Kanji. Today’s guest is comedian, Zul Gulamhusein. 

Welcome to the show, Zul Gulamhusein!

This episode centered around Zul Gulamhusein’s journey into stand-up comedy.

Zul shared his passion for comedy, driven by a desire to bring joy and reflect on his upbringing. He contrasted the preparation for stand-up performances with emceeing events, highlighting the unique challenges of engaging an audience without additional support.

Zul recounted his early experiences in comedy, including a memorable first performance that left him exhilarated. He emphasized the importance of audience feedback in refining his material and discussed the subjective nature of comedy, noting the need for research to tailor performances to different audiences.

Check out Zul on Instagram here: ⁠  / theminorinconveniencesguy  

You can also subscribe here:

Tell your friends!

This episode is sponsored by WELCOME TO TRAVEL. 

podcast

My First Joke with Husein Panju

Welcome to Episode #17 of My First Joke.

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.

Check Husein on his website: ⁠https://www.highcomedicvalue.com/

You can also subscribe here:

Tell your friends!

This episode is sponsored by WELCOME TO TRAVEL. 

podcast

My First Joke with Bong Gun Kim

Welcome to Episode #16 of My First Joke.

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.
Catch up with BONG GUN KIM on his website: ⁠https://bonggunkim.com/⁠
You can also subscribe here:

Tell your friends!

This episode is sponsored by WELCOME TO TRAVEL. 

podcast

My First Joke with Rasha Elfeky

Rasha's fanny pack joke!
Rasha’s fanny pack joke!

Welcome to Episode #15 of My First Joke.

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.
Follow Rasha on Instagram at THATGIRLRASHA
You can also subscribe here:

Tell your friends!

This episode is sponsored by WELCOME TO TRAVEL. 

podcast

My First Joke with Keith Bender

Keith Bender
Keith Bender

Welcome to Episode #14 of My First Joke.

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.

Visit Keith Bender online: Keith Bender

You can also subscribe here:

Tell your friends!

This episode is sponsored by WELCOME TO TRAVEL.