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PODCAST

My First Joke

Every great laugh starts with one brave joke. Join host Karim Kanji on *My First Joke*, where comedians share the hilarious, awkward, and inspiring stories behind their first time on stage. From bombing to bringing the house down, we dig into the journeys of today’s funniest people. Whether you’re a comedy superfan or just need a good laugh, this podcast delivers punchlines, backstage stories, and plenty of laughs along the way. Tune in and find out where the funny begins!

comedy comedy interviews

All Episodes

00:14:34

Himansu Patel

My First Joke ·

2025/12/14

Our final guest this season is comedia Himansu Patel. Himansu recounted his two-decade journey in comedy, starting from promoting parties in Montreal to performing at notable venues like the Broadway Comedy Club in New York City. He discussed the evolution of his comedic style and the importance of audience connection, particularly in diverse cities like Toronto. Himansu humorously reflected on his experiences in Japan and shared a comedic anecdote from a past job, showcasing his commitment to

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00:11:33

Thea Rainford

My First Joke ·

2025/11/22

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

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00:13:29

Clif Knight

My First Joke ·

2025/11/17

Comedian Clif Knight is this week's guest on My First Joke.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

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00:16:23

Keesha Brownie

My First Joke ·

2025/11/09

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

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00:16:05

My First Joke with Hershawn Arora

My First Joke ·

2025/10/29

In this episode, host Karim Kanji sits down with comedian Hershawn Arora for an in-depth conversation about the craft and community of stand-up comedy. Hershawn opens up about his journey from his early days on stage to achieving a career milestone — recording for Just for Laughs Originals in 2023.The two dive into what it really takes to build a career in comedy, from the importance of peer support to the art of hosting a successful show. Hershawn breaks down the unique role of a comedy host —

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00:19:20

My First Joke with Allie Pearse

My First Joke ·

2025/10/18

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.

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00:22:02

My First Joke with Zul Gulamhusein

My First Joke ·

2025/10/11

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

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00:16:46

My First Joke with Husein Panju

My First Joke ·

2025/10/02

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

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00:25:38

My First Joke with Bong Gun Kim

My First Joke ·

2025/09/25

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

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00:25:17

My First Joke with Rasha Elfeky

My First Joke ·

2025/09/14

Welcome to Season Two of My First Joke.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,

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00:22:50

My First Joke with Keith Bender

My First Joke ·

2025/06/09

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

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00:29:02

My First Joke with Monty Scott

My First Joke ·

2025/05/26

In this episode, Karim Kanji sits down with stand-up comedian Monty Scott to explore his journey through the world of comedy—starting with their shared roots in Scarborough. Though Monty now lives in East York, his heart still beats in Scarborough, where his creative sensibilities were shaped and where his show 60 Seconds from Scarborough was born (and may yet return).From gritty open mics to oddball venues like karate dojos and Montreal basements, Monty shares the wild ride of building a comedy

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00:14:52

My First Joke with Freddy Jan

My First Joke ·

2025/05/18

The discussion 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

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00:19:02

My First Joke with Rebecca Reeds

My First Joke ·

2025/05/04

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

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00:22:41

My First Joke with Kevin Christopher

My First Joke ·

2025/04/21

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

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00:19:15

My First Joke with Mark DeBonis

My First Joke ·

2025/04/13

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

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00:17:49

My First Joke with Sandra Battaglini

My First Joke ·

2025/03/30

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

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00:20:48

My First Joke with Garrett Jamieson

My First Joke ·

2025/03/24

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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00:27:30

My First Joke with Ali Hassan

My First Joke ·

2025/03/17

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

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00:10:56

My First Joke with Adrienne Fish

My First Joke ·

2025/03/10

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

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25 results

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