Kelly Zemnickis: Balloons, Back-Wit, + Bad Ideas

This week, we’re joined by comedian Kelly Zemnickis, fresh off the release of her new Comedy Dynamics album Lady Comic and her documentary short Making Connections, about telling jokes during a pandemic. Kelly is a sharp storyteller with a deceptively polite delivery, the kind where the joke sneaks up on you and then ruins balloons forever.We talk about punch-ups as a supportive art form, finding your comedic voice without forcing authenticity, and what it’s like navigating comedy scenes between Toronto, Montreal, and New York. Plus: why balloons are a logistical nightmare, an emotional liability, and possibly damned to hell. Kelly also shares her favorite advice for doing scary new things, and why writing things down might save your life (or at least your set).Bio:aKelly Zemnickis is a Toronto-based comedian and podcaster who has tattoos and likes to bake banana bread. She has been featured on CBC Radio's LOL and has graced stages from Kamloops to New York City. She made her Stratford Festival debut in 2024 as part of their Funny Forum Friday series, and has opened for such headliners as Brian Kiley and Michael Harrison. Kelly is also an acclaimed documentary filmmaker and her sophomore comedy album Lady Comic (Comedy Dynamics) is available now wherever you get your quality comedy!Find Kelly on YouTube and follow her on Instagram and Threads @TheLatvianFoodie.