Tag Archives: standup

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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.

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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

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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  

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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/

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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/⁠
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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
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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

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My First Joke with Monty Scott

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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My First Joke with Freddy Jan

Welcome to Episode #12 of My First Joke.

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

This episode centered on Freddy Jan’s journey into stand-up comedy, beginning with his early interest sparked by a classmate’s suggestion in kindergarten. Freddy recounted his first performance at an amateur night organized by Yuk Yuks, where he delivered a joke about his messy university living situation. Despite initial nerves and witnessing challenging performances from others, he connected with the audience, which boosted his confidence. Over the past five to six years, Freddy has honed his skills, particularly in delivering darker material, while navigating the complexities of audience preferences.

Freddy shared his evolving aspirations in comedy, from securing his first booked show to aiming for headlining opportunities. A notable experience was his performance in Japan, where he successfully engaged a diverse audience, highlighting the importance of connections made in Toronto. As he looks to the future, Freddy expressed excitement and uncertainty about performing in major U.S. cities. The conversation concluded with Freddy reflecting on the importance of enjoying the journey in comedy, emphasizing that the experiences along the way can be more fulfilling than the successes themselves.

Freddy Jan’s Journey to Stand-Up Comedy

Freddy Jan recounts how a casual comment from a classmate in kindergarten sparked his interest in comedy, although he didn’t pursue it seriously until later. After sending an email to Yuk Yuks, he received a last-minute opportunity to perform, despite having minimal knowledge of stand-up. His first joke about messy university living resonated with the audience, particularly a group of drunk moms.

Freddy Jan’s Stand-Up Comedy Experience

Freddy Jan recounted his experience at an amateur comedy night, highlighting the presence of both new and experienced comedians. He described how the host, recently fired from the Space Channel, bombed his performance, which contributed to the overall tough atmosphere. Freddy felt anxious as he prepared to perform but ultimately succeeded with his material, leading him to believe he had a talent for stand-up. However, he acknowledged that success in comedy can be unpredictable, as he later bombed during his second set.

Reflections on Comedy Journey

Freddy Jan shares insights about his comedy journey, noting that while his style has remained consistent, his execution has improved over the years. He emphasizes the importance of balancing dark humor with audience preferences, particularly when performing for families.

Reflections on Comedy Goals and Achievements

Freddy Jan reflected on his comedy career, noting how his goals have shifted over time, starting from wanting to perform at his first booked show to aiming for headlining opportunities. He recounted a significant moment from two years ago when he performed in Tokyo and Osaka, feeling proud of his achievements and the connections he made in Toronto. Freddy expressed that his next goal is to perform in the United States, although he acknowledges the challenges that come with it.

Visit Freddy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freddyjan17/

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This episode is sponsored by WELCOME TO TRAVEL.