My First Joke
My First Joke
Podcast Description
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!
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on the personal and comedic journeys of various comedians, highlighting themes such as the fear of performing, memorable first gigs, and the evolution of their comedic style. Episodes include stories from both emerging and established comedians, covering moments of failure and triumph, such as a comedian's first experience bombing or successfully making an audience laugh.

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!
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 — setting the tone, reading the crowd, and creating a space where every performer can shine. He also shares valuable insights on storytelling, crowd work, and adapting to live audiences.
This candid and insightful conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at comedy as both an art and a community, with practical advice for anyone stepping onto the stage — whether as a comic, host, or fan of the craft.

Disclaimer
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