SmartAF Chicago

In this episode of PCWB, we talk with award-winning comedian and actor Rami Abushhab about comedy, acting, storytelling, and the experiences that have shaped his career. We discuss his journey from stand-up to television and film, performing comedy that blends personal stories with political commentary, and the lessons he’s learned both on and off the stage.

Tap the link in bio to also listen on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you pod. #PCWBpodcast

RAMI ABUSHHAB: 👉 https://canvasrebel.com/meet-rami-abushhab/

SAMIR ABDUL: 👉 https://www.samirabdul.com

MIKE KNIGHT: 👉 https://www.mikeknightcomedy.com/

SEPEHR VAKIL: 👉 https://sites.northwestern.edu/sepehrvakil/

In this episode of PCWB, we talk with award-winning filmmaker and actor Dan Perlman about comedy, directing, storytelling, and the lessons he’s learned throughout his career. We discuss his journey in film and comedy, what he’s learned along the way, and some of the stories and experiences that have helped shape both his work and his life.

Tap the link in bio to also listen on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you pod. #PCWBpodcast

DAN PERLMAN: 👉 https://www.danperlmancomedy.com/

SAMIR ABDUL: 👉 https://www.samirabdul.com

MIKE KNIGHT: 👉 https://www.mikeknightcomedy.com/

SEPEHR VAKIL: 👉 https://sites.northwestern.edu/sepehrvakil/

In this episode of PCWB, we talk with Northwestern Professor Uri Wilensky, recent recipient of the Yidan Prize. We discuss his intellectual journey, the evolution of learning sciences, agent-based modeling and computational thinking, and how computers can help us better understand complex societal problems.

Tap the link in bio to also listen on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you pod.

#PCWBpodcast

SAMIR ABDUL:👉 https://www.samirabdul.com

MIKE KNIGHT: 👉 https://www.mikeknightcomedy.com/

SEPEHR VAKIL:👉 https://sites.northwestern.edu/sepehrvakil/

In this episode of PCWB, we talk with Northwestern students Jackson Heller and Mateo Garcia-Bryce about Northwestern’s comedy scene, The Prattic, and Fringe Fest 2026. We also explore the longer legacy and history of comedy at Northwestern University, and how student-run spaces continue to shape creativity, performance, and community on campus in challenging times.

Tap the link in bio to also listen on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you pod. #PCWBpodcast

SAMIR ABDUL:👉 https://www.samirabdul.com

MIKE KNIGHT: 👉 https://www.mikeknightcomedy.com/

SEPEHR VAKIL:👉 https://sites.northwestern.edu/sepehrvakil/

--------------------------------

Hosts: Samir Abdul, Sepehr Vakil, Mike Knight

On this episode of PCWB, the crew sits down with Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Jonasi for a candid and hilarious conversation about his journey from performing in Africa to navigating the comedy scene in America. Learnmore opens up about the recent Lion King controversy, cultural differences in comedy, and what it really takes to build a voice across continents. From early stages in Zimbabwe to finding his footing in the U.S., this episode blends sharp perspective with plenty of laughs.

Tap the link in bio to also listen on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you pod. #PCWBpodcast

SAMIR ABDUL: 👉 https://www.samirabdul.com

MIKE KNIGHT: 👉 https://www.mikeknightcomedy.com/

SEPEHR VAKIL: 👉 https://sites.northwestern.edu/sepehrvakil/

--------------------------------

Hosts: Samir Abdul, Sepehr Vakil, Mike Knight Producer: Raphael Nash

On this episode of PCWB, co-host Samir Abdul sits down with Haitian comedian TJ for a funny, honest conversation about immigrant life, finding your voice in standup, and why Chicago feels like a “real city” in a way LA doesn’t. TJ breaks down how he learned English through comedy, why the best jokes hit the “human hardware,” and how social media (and AI) can help comedians get seen...

#PCWBpodcast

SAMIR ABDUL: 👉 https://www.samirabdul.com

MIKE KNIGHT: 👉 https://www.mikeknightcomedy.com/

SEPEHR VAKIL: 👉 https://sites.northwestern.edu/sepehr...

Hosts: Samir Abdul, Sepehr Vakil, Mike Knight Producer: Raphael Nash

The Destined Legend, Leon Rogers joins the podcast to talk all things comedy, growing up in Chicago, the next generation and some of the most hilarious stories from a Chicago Legend!

Tap the link in bio to also listen on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you pod. #PCWBpodcast

SAMIR ABDUL: 👉 https://www.samirabdul.com

MIKE KNIGHT: 👉 https://www.mikeknightcomedy.com/

SEPEHR VAKIL: 👉 https://sites.northwestern.edu/sepehr...

Hosts: Samir Abdul, Sepehr Vakil, Mike Knight Producer: Raphael Nash

Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss joins the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on ICE raids, housing pressures, and his vision for Evanston’s future—plus candid takes on what’s next for the city and its residents. Tap the link in bio to also listen on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you pod. #PCWBpodcast

SAMIR ABDUL: 👉 https://www.samirabdul.com

MIKE KNIGHT: 👉 https://www.mikeknightcomedy.com/

SEPEHR VAKIL: 👉 https://sites.northwestern.edu/sepehr...

Hosts: Samir Abdul, Sepehr Vakil, Mike Knight Producer: Raphael Nash

The crew sits with immigration attorney Mark Atkinson, esq. to discuss the ongoing crisis in Sudan, and the legality of ICE's occupation in Chicago.

Tap the link in bio to also listen on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you pod. #PCWBpodcast

SAMIR ABDUL: 👉 https://www.samirabdul.com

MIKE KNIGHT: 👉 https://www.mikeknightcomedy.com/

SEPEHR VAKIL: 👉 https://sites.northwestern.edu/sepehr...

--------------------------------

Hosts: Samir Abdul, Sepehr Vakil, Mike Knight

Producer: Raphael Nash

Taped on-campus at UCLA, the crew sits with the esteemed professor of Gender Studies, African-American Studies, and Information Studies, Safia Noble, PhD!

The group discusses the connections between algorithms, oppressive systems, and the potential for AI's bubble to burst. As well as navigating stand up comedy in academia.

Thank you for supporting our channel, Please share this video on your social media to spread awareness. We appreciate the support!

Tap the link in bio to listen now on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you pod. #PCWBpodcast

SAFIA NOBLE: 👉 https://www.safiaunoble.com

SAMIR ABDUL: 👉 https://www.samirabdul.com

MIKE KNIGHT: 👉 https://www.mikeknightcomedy.com

SEPEHR VAKIL: 👉 https://sites.northwestern.edu/sepehr...

--------------------------------

Hosts: Samir Abdul, Sepehr Vakil, Mike Knight

Producer: Raphael Nash