My First Joke with Hershawn Arora

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.