Joking Not Joking
Comedians Mo Amer and Azhar Usman explore big questions about life, money, and the universe, blending humor with deep philosophical inquiry. Each episode tackles topics like simulation theory and the afterlife, balancing comedy with serious reflection. New episodes are released every Thursday.
Episodes
The Hoops are Coming Off
Quintessa Swindell and Realness
[Encore episode] Actor Quintessa Swindwell (Trinkets, Prime Target [forthcoming], and Black Adam) and the hosts get into one of the core questions of The Lexicon: What *is* realness? Can we find objective truth in the modern world? How do we remain authentic to ourselves, while steering clear of counterfeit truth claims? The trio goes deep, buckle up.ORIGINAL AUDIO PRODUCTION, MUSIC & SOUND DESIGN
Ramy Youssef Has a Goal Age?
[This encore episode releases in honor of an epic year for Ramy Youssef (starring in the Oscar-nominated film Poor Things, guest-directing an episode of Emmy-nominated series The Bear, releasing his film Ramy Youssef: More Feelings, speaking out on behalf of people suffering in the Middle East and more)]Do most people live in a state of ‘death denial’? Should we all aspire to live to a healthy 102
Was Muhammad Ali an American Muslim Saint? ft. Imam Zaid Shakir
Born Ricky D. Mitchell in Berkeley, CA in 1956, Imam Zaid Shakir converted to Islam in 1977 while serving in the United States Air Force. He studied the religion of Islam extensively, and today is popularly regarded as “America’s Imam,” and one of the most prominent Muslim preachers alive. Imam Zaid was Muhammad Ali’s spiritual leader, guide, and dear friend, and was whispering prayers into his ea
You Went to Clown School? ft. Ahamed Weinberg and Paul Elia
Comedians Ahamed Weinberg and Paul Elia are back with Mo & AZ to discuss Clown School: how it’s affected Ahamed’s standup routine, and how it shaped his rise as a comedian in Los Angeles. Clown is fast emerging as a fourth genre of comedy (after standup, sketch, and improv). Also: a message for Bill Cosby (Spoiler: the disgraced legend may owe Mo a significant payment for alleged joke theft).Guest
So You Grew Up in Alief? ft. Tobe Nwigwe & Bassam Tariq
Mo and AZ are joined by Grammy-nominated rapper, singer, and actor Tobe Nwigwe and filmmaker, producer, and screenwriter Bassam Tariq to discuss Alief: what it was like growing up in a suburb of Houston, and its lasting impact on who they are today. Alief (aka “SWAT” - Southwest Alief Texas) also gave the world Beyoncé, Lizzo, and a bunch of other artists and entertainers. Is there something in th
Where We Headed, Player? ft. Paul Elia
Mo’s hit Netflix show “MO” is making waves globally, and people are talking. Fellow comedian Paul Elia (Conan, Ramy, Lowkey Comedy) joins Mo and AZ to further discuss their backstories, and the process of the Come Up. Palestine-based standup phenom Adi Khalefa delivers a dispatch from the Arab streets. Guests: Paul Elia, Adi KhalefaORIGINAL AUDIO PRODUCTION, MUSIC & SOUND DESIGN BY SALTExecut
What's Your Origin Story?
“Making it” in show biz is different for everyone. Mo shares the story behind his rise in the entertainment industry: from doing standup in high school to becoming a nationally, then internationally, touring comedian and award-winning actor/creator. AZ shares a bit about his own winding path–from lawyer to startup founder to comic–and the duo reminisce about their proverbial Come Up.ORIGINAL AUDIO
Do You Believe Conspiracy Theories, Bro?
Aristotle said: “It is the mark of an educated mind to entertain a thought without accepting it.” Mo and AZ discuss some known, and many lesser-known, conspiracies. But let’s be clear: AZ doesn’t believe in conspiracy theories; he believes in conspiracy facts. (For example, it turns out Aristotle never said that fake quote above. Seriously, Google it.)ORIGINAL AUDIO PRODUCTION, MUSIC & SOUND DESIG
Is Fiat Money the Greatest Scam of All Time? ft. Amir K & Furqan Rydhan
OOPSIE DOOPSIE! Seems like the U.S. Military might have accidentally, kinda, sorta maybe, allegedly misplaced trillions of dollars?! Comedian Amir K joins Mo and AZ, as they call up serial tech entrepreneur and Silicon Valley insider Furqan Rydhan (www.f.inc) to get the inside scoop on money: What does it really buy us (besides, like, nice cars and cool stuff)?Guests: Amir K, Furqan RydhanMore Inf
What is the Global Monoculture?
Mo and AZ discuss what’s happening to culture, as technology and interconnectedness continue to shrink the world. Also, we get a throwback to September 2001, when AZ felt the need to check Oprah as to whether America is a ‘melting pot’ or a ‘salad bowl’—on live TV. Finally, “Ozzie Patel” is concerned about his depressed dog and calls up psychic reader Donna.ORIGINAL AUDIO PRODUCTION, MUSIC & SOUND
Bonus: Mo and Azhar's Excellent Advice
Relationship concerns? They got you. Time travel? Absolutely worth discussing. Aliens? Get ready for the hottest takes. Taped recently at a secret location in Houston, TX, this episode features Mo and AZ delivering incredible answers to the questions you didn't even know you had. [Originally recorded and published in September, 2023]Joking Not Joking is a Luminary Original, and a co-productio
Where Did Everything Come From? ft. Amir Sulaiman and Brother Ali
Does anything mean anything? If so, how do we know? And if all we have are words to define other words, what is the origin of language itself? Poet Amir Sulaiman and rapper Brother Ali are back with Mo and AZ to discuss the origins of the universe, language evolution, and, well, everything. Guests: Amir Sulaiman, Brother AliORIGINAL AUDIO PRODUCTION, MUSIC & SOUND DESIGN BY SALTExecutive Prod
Are We Recording? ft. Amir K & Brother Ali
ENERGY VACUUM! AZ calls up a man whom The New Yorker described as “perhaps the most influential Islamic scholar in the Western world,” but forgets to mention that the call is being recorded. <click> Can Mo ever forgive the blunder? Comedian Amir K joins the guys as they catch up with their dear friend and collaborator, indie rap pioneer and host of The Travelers Podcast, Brother Ali. Gu
Is Porn Addiction a Public Health Crisis?
Mo, AZ, the Professor, and Guruji discuss the pornification of the modern world—its impact on society, mental health, and how it affects dating, marriage, and relationships today. The genie’s out of the bottle, and in everyone’s pocket. More Info:Book: Pornified: How Pornography Is Damaging Our Lives, Our Relationships, and Our Families by Pamela Paul (Henry Holt & Company: 2005)https://en.m.
O Canada! Wannabe America? ft. Dave Merheje
Mo and AZ razz Lebanese-Canadian standup comedian, actor, and dear friend Dave Merheje (Ramy, Sometimes I Think About Dying) on not only being from Canada, but wanting to move back. Their roast of Canada takes a very important, very relevant pit stop on their journey towards Realness.Guest: Dave MerhejeORIGINAL AUDIO PRODUCTION, MUSIC & SOUND DESIGN BY SALTExecutive Produced by Mo Amer, Azhar Usma
Are We Living in a Simulation? ft. Amir Sulaiman
Elon Musk supposedly believes in Nick Bostrom’s “Simulation Hypothesis,” the notion that we are living in a hyper-realistic computer simulation. Are we? Mo and AZ consult with 3x Grammy-nominated poet and Marvel screenwriter Amir Sulaiman about whether we’re currently, at this moment, right now, living in a simulation, or if it’s just a mindf*ck of a situation. Enjoy “The Simulation Song” and plan
What Is Realness Anyway? ft. Quintessa Swindell
Actor Quintessa Swindwell (Black Adam, Trinkets) and the hosts get into one of the core questions of The Lexicon: What *is* realness? Can we find objective truth in the modern world? How do we remain authentic to ourselves, while steering clear of counterfeit truth claims?Guest: Quintessa Swindell ORIGINAL AUDIO PRODUCTION, MUSIC & SOUND DESIGN BY SALTExecutive Produced by Mo Amer, Azhar Usma
Believe in Ghosts? ft. Ahamed Weinberg and Paul Elia
Mo, AZ, and comedian Ahamed Weinberg discuss the demonic forces they’ve encountered in childhood basements, AirBnBs, and at Coachella!? Comedian homie Paul Elia also chimes in. Oh, and Bollywood agent “Ozzie Patel” calls up the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre International with some questions re: devil worship.Guests: Ahamed Weinberg, Paul EliaORIGINAL AUDIO PRODUCTION, MUSIC & SOUND DESIGN
So You Wanna Live Forever? ft. Ramy Youssef
Do most people live in a state of ‘death denial’? Should we all aspire to live to a healthy 102; or shoot for a more modest, albeit blessed, 63 years? Are therapy, astrology, and deep breathing the keys to a longer, happier life? Actor, comedian, and writer Ramy Youssef joins Mo and AZ for some light AF banter.Guest: Ramy YoussefORIGINAL AUDIO PRODUCTION, MUSIC & SOUND DESIGN BY SALTExecutive Prod
Wait, So Aliens Are Real?!
Meet “The Professor” (the defacto guide through the Joking Not Joking universe), who introduces The Realness Lexicon (a shorthand meta-language co-created by the hosts). Mo and AZ discuss the central importance of “keeping it real,” the purported existence of aliens, the moon landing, proper drying techniques after relieving oneself, and the inherent superiority of the iPhone. More Info:Article:
Who is Mo? Who is Azhar?
Join comedians Mo Amer and Azhar Usman on a journey—towards uncovering the sometimes funny, sometimes terrifying Big Answers to life’s Big Questions (Are we living in a simulation? What is money? Where did the world come from?)—all while remaining really real with yourself and your friends.ORIGINAL AUDIO PRODUCTION, MUSIC & SOUND DESIGN BY SALTExecutive Produced by Mo Amer, Azhar Usman, Noah Gersh
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