#1334 - Fahim Anwar
NaN minutesEpisode #1334
Fahim Anwar is an actor and stand up comedian. Check out his special on Amazon called "Fahim Anwar: There's No Business Like Show Business".
Episodes with Fahim Anwar
Watch the full episode of #1334 - Fahim Anwar.
Episode Timestamps
Comedian Encounter Outside the Store
- Discussion about running into fellow comedians outside the store and the challenge of recognizing people met at meetings in different contexts
- Reflection on the sheer volume of people comedians interact with daily and the concept of Dunbar's number
- Conversations about the camaraderie among comedians outside the store and the transient nature of their schedules
The Art of Stand-up Comedy Performance
- Exploration of the nuanced practice of stand-up comedy performance and the importance of audience feedback
- Discussion on the performance nuances that can elevate or diminish a joke's impact
- Insights into the challenges of scripting comedy performances and the resistance towards preparing transcripts for TV tapings
Tim Allen's Stand-up Sacrifice
- Tim Allen warned to stop doing stand-up while on Home Improvement due to risque content.
- Saget similarly halted stand-up comedy during Full House
- Stand-up comedy crucial for performers to maintain control and revenue stream
Evolution of Comedy Specials
- Comedians like Burr, Chrysher, Segura regularly release specials every two years
- Discussion on dilution of comedy specials and changing perceptions
- Comparison between specials and albums, highlighting audience expectations
Conversations with Bernie and Ishtvan: Past Presidential Candidates
- Bernie Sanders had a conversation lasting an hour and 10 minutes.
- Discussion about a transhumanist candidate Ishtvan from 2016.
- Reflecting on various personalities who have run for president like Zoltan and Ben Gleebe.
Trump's Presidency and Impact on Political Tactics
- Analysis of Trump's impact on political norms and playbook.
- Reference to use of bully tactics and nicknames like 'Moscow Mitch' and 'Sleepy Joe Biden'.
- Observations on the adoption of Trump's tactics and the changing landscape of political communication.
Survivor and Fear Factor: A Comparison
- Survivor has been on for numerous seasons, with the speaker mentioning being a fan since the 39th season
- Reflects on winning Emmy Awards for a game show, possibly referring to Fear Factor
- Compares working on Fear Factor to News Radio, expressing a preference for the latter
Sitcom Writing and The Fredo Controversy
- Discusses the challenges of sitcom writing and successful but poorly written sitcoms
- Debates the Chris Cuomo 'Fredo' controversy and the absurdity of his reaction
- Critiques CNN's support of Chris Cuomo amidst the incident
Autograph Issues: Dealing with Autograph Collectors
- People trying to get multiple autographs to sell them
- Refusing to sign for commercial sellers
- Differentiating between genuine fans and autograph collectors
Comedy Community: Support and Unity Among Comedians
- Importance of supporting up and coming comedians
- Maintaining a sense of community
- The approach of helping others grow in comedy
Evolution of Comedy Store in the Dark Ages to 2010
- Discussion about the Dark Ages of 2007 and the evolution of the Comedy Store over the years.
- Experience of moving from Seattle to LA and the surreal feeling of performing at the Comedy Store.
- Reflection on starting comedy in Boston at Mecca and achieving the dream of performing at the Comedy Store.
Intimate Experience at The Comedy Store's Original Room
- Comparison between different rooms at the Comedy Store and the unique intimacy of the Original Room.
- Challenges and differences in performing at the Original Room versus the Main Room.
- Discussion on the importance of timing and connection with the audience in stand-up comedy.
Comedy at Modus Center in Portland
- Performed at Modus Center in Portland, a new arena with excellent acoustics
- Discussed the difference in performing at arenas versus comedy clubs
- Shared experiences of performing with fellow comedians like Ian and Kevin Hart
Rockstar Experience with Vitamin Infusions
- Shared experience of receiving intravenous vitamin infusions before shows for energy boost
- Discussed the intense concert-like atmosphere during joint performances with other comedians
- Mentioned plans for future collaborative tours and the impact on audience excitement
Jamie and Cocaine Conspiracy
- Discussion about flying over water in foggy and dark conditions without a flight plan
- Speculations about past drug use with no evidence found
- Exploring the concept of memory and information overload
Passion for Mazda Miata
- Passionate discussion about Mazda Miata cars and driving experiences
- Appreciation for engineering and design aspects of the Miata
- Differentiating between Miata and other car models
Issues with Backstage Area Parked Cars
- Promoters parking backstage causing inconvenience and interruptions
- Discussion about unwanted interference with comedians backstage before shows
- Conversation about the use of Adderall among people
Concerns and Effects of Adderall Usage
- Discussion about the prevalent use of Adderall among journalists and writers
- Effects of prolonged Adderall usage and its mental toll
- Anecdotes of individuals losing control due to Adderall addiction
Discovery of Stand-up Comedy Passion and Comedy Inspirations
- Discovered passion for stand-up comedy at the age of 17 after watching Eddie Murphy's delirious and being inspired by SNL
- Researched how comedians get on SNL and found out about standup and improv as possible paths
- Chose stand-up comedy due to the independence and direct connection with the audience compared to improv
Theater Degree vs. Stand-up Comedy Career
- Initially considered a theater degree for comedy but realized it wasn't necessary for stand-up
- Highlighted the limited career paths and practical challenges faced by improv performers
- Emphasized the unique journey and skill development process in stand-up comedy
Life Plans and Stand-Up Comedy Journey
- Strategic plan of pursuing stand-up comedy while attending college
- Initial challenges faced by the comedian with family disapproval
- Transition into comedy career with family gradually supporting
Family Support and Journey into Show Business
- Mother's excitement and participation in comedian's success
- Father's concern for stability and career choice
- Family dynamic and evolution of parental understanding
Early YouTube Journey: From 'Afghan Wedding' to 'Domino'
- Started with creating YouTube videos like 'How to attend an Afghan wedding'
- Received positive feedback and encouragement from brother to post on YouTube
- Transitioned into creating stand-up comedy sketches during YouTube's heyday
Evolution of Online Sketch Comedy: YouTube to Instagram
- Notable shift in viewer preferences from YouTube sketch to Instagram content
- Transition to Instagram for sharing idea-driven content in a more casual format
- Discussion on adapting to changing audience preferences and platforms
Raheem's Standup Show Disaster
- Raheem performs at a theater following a producer's advice to change his set
- Gets booed off stage after discussing being Afghan, possibly due to post 9-11 sentiments
- Reflects on the experience of being booed and how it impacted him and his family
The Comedy Scene and Family Relations
- Discussion about comedy clubs and experiences with Seattle club closures
- Parental support and reflections on family's reaction to Raheem's standup
- Contemplation on the unpredictability and challenges of pursuing a career in standup comedy
Boston Comedy Scene: Local Headliners and Out-of-Town Comics
- Local headliners in Boston had a system designed to make out-of-town comics bomb
- Visiting comics faced aggressive audiences and tough competition
- Some visiting comics struggled while others like Dom Irera thrived in the challenging environment
Comedy Dynamics: Collaborations and New Platforms
- Comedians like Joe Rogan and Neil Brennan collaborate to achieve great shows
- Emphasis on working with funny comics and discovering new talents
- Excitement over the emergence of new platforms like Amazon for comedy specials
Discussion on Comedy and Current Events, including Trump
- Reference to conversations about Trump and current events
- Mention of a Frado bit in stand up routine
- Story about a potential confrontation with someone
Transition to Full-Time Comedy
- The impact of engineering schooling on approach to comedy
- Discussion on finding inspiration and being industrious
- Unveiling the decision process of leaving the engineering job for stand-up comedy and acting
Fahim Anwar's Unemployment Strategy and Departure from Boeing
- Fahim Anwar faced a dilemma as he had to choose between a college gig, MTV show, and his job at Boeing.
- He chose to quit Boeing by setting up a situation for termination to become eligible for unemployment benefits from the MTV show.
- Learning from Ari, Fahim successfully navigated unemployment from acting gigs, sustaining himself for about a year.
Transition to Artistic Career and Family Reaction
- Fahim Anwar transitioned to an artistic career, highlighting the importance of planning for success and discipline.
- He discussed the reaction of his family upon leaving Boeing and how they appreciated his financial independence.
- Advice to aspiring artists, emphasizing the need for a plan, discipline, and avoiding distractions in the pursuit of artistic goals.