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.

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 career. He reflects on starting late in the game, finding his voice, and performing alongside longtime friend and fellow comic Dave Merheje.

Karim praises comedians as real-life superheroes, and Monty doesn’t disagree—especially after quitting his day job to go all-in on comedy. He talks about the early struggles of amateur night at Yuk Yuk’s, his evolution as a performer, and the importance of embracing silence on stage.

This episode also shines a light on under-recognized Canadian comedic talent, with shoutouts to Nick Reynoldson and others grinding it out north of the border.

🎤 Topics Covered:

• Growing up near Scarborough and its creative influence

• The origins and future of 60 Seconds from Scarborough

• Performing in unusual venues

• Early stand-up experiences and bombing with style

• Finding comedic voice and pacing

• Life after quitting the 9-to-5

• Shoutouts to Canada’s underrated comedy scene

📌 Mentioned in the Episode:

• Dave Merheje

• Yuk Yuk’s Amateur Night

• Nick Reynoldson

🗓️ Don’t miss this candid, funny, and insightful conversation about finding your path and your punchlines.

Follow Monty Scott on his website: https://www.montyscott.com/

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 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 ComedyFreddy 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 ExperienceFreddy 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 JourneyFreddy 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 AchievementsFreddy 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/

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 Reads

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.

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

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.

Follow Mark on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/markdebonis

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

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/.

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"1. 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.

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/