The Road with Ali Sultan

I reflect about doing comedy in Norway and all the eventful stuff that happened.

This week, I recap my trip to Toronto. I talk about meeting cool Yemenis, nightmare college gigs, and fear of flying. 

On this episode I reflect on my one year of living in NYC. I talk about the challenges and difficulties as well as some wins. I also chat with comedian Ahmed Khalaf about how funny our culture is with body shaming. 

I share the story of how my neighbors and I took in a friendly stray cat, then sit down with my hilarious friend Ahmed Khalaf to trade war stories about our worst stand-up bombs — including the unforgettable night we got booed together at the University of Minnesota.

I talk about dealing with the worst heckler I’ve ever had—someone who decided to yell out something transphobic in literally the last two minutes of my set. I got to experience something totally unexpected: the Black Circus. It was joyful, wild, and unforgettable—including a performer who somehow turned her head 360 degrees. Yes, really.I also share some thoughts on immigration, how long drives keep my creativity alive, what I love most about stand-up, and the layered reality of building a fanbase. Plus, why I love the DC comedy scene.

In this episode, we go behind the scenes of SubwayTakes. I share a funny ADHD moment and reflect on why holding onto a dream is essential. We talk about the struggle of taking social media breaks in a world that demands constant updates, and the lingering feeling of never quite feeling accomplished.

In this episode, I reflect on my terrible haircut and the importance of friendships and why isolating yourself can be harmful, even when it feels easier. I share a wild encounter where I was challenged to a fight by a man in the middle of shooting up heroin. I also talk about feeling reenergized and inspired by fellow comedians, and how a recent trip home brought me a deep sense of joy. 

In this episode, I share a funny story about getting hit by a kid with no car insurance, and the bittersweet attempt to save a little sparrow that didn’t make it. I talk about rethinking my relationship with eating meat and thoughts on friends Nicole and John. I dive into how social media chips away at real happiness, why San Diego might be America’s most underrated city, living within my means, and how a great staff makes a comedy club truly shine. 

In this episode, I share memories of bonding with my uncle over childhood soccer games and reflect on the challenge of not resenting people who voted for the current administration. I open up about my growing frustration with greedy billionaires, my struggles with an addictive personality—especially online gambling—and how listening to Buena Vista Social Club reawakened a sense of wonder from my youth. I also talk candidly about living with hypochondria, briefly thinking I needed surgery, and wrap up with an update on my dad’s grave.

I open up about my journey with EMDR therapy and how it's helped me process deep feelings around my father—especially guilt and sadness. It’s been a powerful tool in my healing. I also share a joyful update about my recent performance in Cincinnati at the beautiful Commonwealth Sanctuary—such a warm, special experience.