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...

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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...

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Hosts: Samir Abdul, Sepehr Vakil, Mike Knight

Producer: Raphael Nash

Welcome to Season 2! Samir, Sepehr & Mike kick the season off with the super talented comedian & writer, Zaid Fouzi!

The group discusses all things Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia and the controversy surrounding the famous American comedians in the lineup, as well as the hypocritical pushback from other voices in the industry.

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

ZAID FOUZI: 👉 https://linktr.ee/zaidfouzi

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

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

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

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Hosts: Samir Abdul, Sepehr Vakil, Mike Knight

Producer: Raphael Nash

Samir, Sepehr & Mike react to the assassination of right-wing influencer, Charlie Kirk, and the socio-political implications of his death.

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

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

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

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

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Hosts: Samir Abdul, Sepehr Vakil, Mike Knight

Producer: Raphael Nash

Welcome Back! We're adding to our co-host roster – let's welcome, rising star, Samir Abdul to the PCWB squad!

Samir Abdul, originally from Darfur, Sudan, is an international comedian shaking up Chicago’s comedy scene. A survivor of the Darfur genocide, Samir blends personal stories of resilience with sharp, witty observations on American life.

In this episode, Sepehr, Mike, and Samir discuss life as an immigrant in comedy, how he almost accidentally became a child soldier, and an infamous Roast Battle between Mike and Samir.

Listen to A Professor and a Comedian Walk into a Bar wherever you get your podcasts and watch new episodes on YouTube.

Follow us on Instagram: pcwbchicago

SAMIR ABDUL: 👉 https://samirabdul.com

MIKE'S WEBSITE: 👉 https://www.mikeknightcomedy.com/

SEPEHR'S FACULTY PROFILE: 👉 https://sites.northwestern.edu/sepehrvakil/

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Hosts: Mike Knight & Sepehr Vakil

Producer: Raphael Nash