EP29: Nido Ajami

In this episode, I sit down with the one and only Alex Stein—comedian, provocateur, and master of the unexpected. Known for his viral stunts, fearless satire, and unapologetic takes, Alex shares the wild ride that led him to where he is today.We dive into:🔥 His rise from reality TV to political satire😂 The art of trolling and pushing boundaries in comedy🎭 The backlash, the fans, and the moments that even he didn’t see coming💭 His take on the current state of comedy, media, and free speechGet ready for an episode that’s as unpredictable as Alex himself—raw, hilarious, and totally uncensored.

My very first guest, Shahyan, is back for round two! A year has passed since his debut on the podcast, and we’re catching up on everything that’s happened since. From personal growth to unexpected twists. Join us for a reflective, funny, and unfiltered look at his past year.

Nido, CEO and Co-founder of Fancrowd Inc., joins me to talk about the future of ComedyTech. Based in Dallas, Fancrowd is on a mission to create a platform that rewards people for their sense of humor—whether they're creating, spotting, or sharing funny moments. Tune in as we dive into the innovative ways they're combining comedy and technology, and how they're empowering everyday people to get recognized for their comedic contributions.

Mike Eaton is back! My good friend and hilarious standup comic returns for another round of laughs, unfiltered stories, and comedy insights. We dive into his latest adventures in standup, a new food podcast (I Could Eat Podcast), and solve all of life's problems.

In this episode, I sat down with Garvey Marcus, a rising star in the Dallas comedy scene. Known for his sharp wit and relatable humor, Garvey brings his unique perspective on everyday life, pushing boundaries while keeping audiences laughing along the way. We dive into his journey as a comedian, what it’s like navigating the Dallas comedy scene, and the moments that have shaped his career so far.

Dr. Wright, graduated with honors from Texas A&M University with a degree in Biomedical Science and History in 2010 before attending Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center where he received his Doctor of Medicine degree in 2014. Dr. Wright completed his residency at BSW Hospital in Temple, Texas followed by a joint replacement fellowship at the Tahoe Arthroplasty Fellowship in Reno, Nevada. He is board certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.

In this episode, I welcome back the hilarious Lawrence Rosales, a returning guest who never fails to bring the laughs. Lawrence joins me to talk about his brand new stand-up comedy special, diving deep into the creative process behind it and the personal experiences that inspire his comedy. From his personal life to the struggles and triumphs of the stand-up scene, we cover it all. Join us for an insightful and funny conversation where Lawrence reflects on his journey, shares behind-the-scenes stories, and offers a glimpse into the life of a comedian navigating the ups and downs of fame and family.https://youtu.be/FqjMTDvzzmQ?si=s4hdPURx_hfi4Tpr

In this interview, I sat down with Texas Slim, a Texas native who’s reshaping the future of both food systems and decentralized finance through his Beef Initiative. Raised in the heart of ranching country, Slim’s life has been shaped by the values of hard work, independence, and a deep connection to the land. Today, he’s using those same principles to advocate for a more sustainable, local food economy. Through the Beef Initiative, Slim is promoting a direct connection between ranchers and consumers, using Bitcoin and blockchain technology to create transparency and fairness in the beef industry. Our conversation explored his journey from ranch life to Bitcoin advocacy and how he’s combining traditional agriculture with cutting-edge technology to empower both farmers and consumers in the modern world. http://IAmTexasSlimFoundation.orghttps://beefinitiative.com/pages/i-am-texas-slim-foundation

Lucy Yeghiazaryan is an American Armenian vocalist who has become a leading voice in American straight-ahead jazz by bringing the real richness of her heritage together with her love for the ultimate American artform. She is a recipient of grants from the Doris Duke Foundation, Chamber Music America and the New York Foundation for the Arts. She has shared the stage with Harold Mabern, Houston Person, Grant Stewart, Terell Stafford, Bernadette Peters, Arto Tuncboyaijian and many more. She regularly works with the Emmet Cohen trio and can be found performing in and outside of The United States with regular appearances at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Birdland, Mezzrow, Symphony Space and more. She was a top ten finalist in the 2015 Thelonious Monk Competition and holds a degree in World History

Jonathan Kite may be best known for his starring role as the hilarious and lovable Ukrainian cook “Oleg” in CBS’ long-running, award-winning comedy series 2 BROKE GIRLS opposite Kat Dennings and Beth Behrs. He can currently be seen opposite Jamie Foxx in the Netflix comedy series DAD STOP EMBARRASSING ME and the Netflix feature THE CURSE OF BRIDGE HOLLOW. As a stand-up comedian, Kite has performed nationwide and internationally to sold-out audiences. He is an expert impressionist, boasting over 250 celebrity and character impressions that include Donald Trump, Vince Vaughn, Tom Hanks, Seth Rogen, Liam Neeson, Christian Bale, Jeff Bridges, Robert Downey Jr., and John Lithgow, to name a few as well as every accent that you can name.