Joking Not Joking

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COMEDY
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Comedians Mo Amer and Azhar Usman ask the big questions the modern world makes you forget. Are we living in a simulation? What is money? What is life after death? They get real when it gets uncomfortable and funny when it gets serious. Are they joking . . . or not? New episodes drop every Thursday.

8 OCT

The Hoops are Coming Off

Joking Not Joking

1 min
25 SEPT

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 BY SALT Executive Produced by Mo Amer, Azhar Usman, Noah Gersh, Jamie Schefman, Nick Panama, Kenzi Wilbur Head of Creative: Jordan Galvan Head of Production: Liz LeMay Head of Post Production: Robert Adler Producers: Imran Ali Malik & Aaron Kennedy Supervising Producers: Allie Strobel & Alice Bearn Post Production Supervisor: Aly Honoré Post Production Coordinator: Jax Raffle Edited by: Geoffrey Mutchnik and Aaron Kennedy Sound Design and Music by: Matthew Chilelli Mixed by: Aaron Kennedy Recorded by Aaron Kennedy, Zack Djurich and Mario Borgatta Guest Booking by Drive Entertainment and Hager Eldaas Additional music courtesy of Extreme Music. Joking Not Joking is a Luminary Original, and a co-production between SALT, Legally Homeless, Inc., and Numinous Company, Inc.

24 min
17 SEPT

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; 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, writer, and director Ramy Youssef joins Mo and AZ for some light AF banter. ORIGINAL AUDIO PRODUCTION, MUSIC & SOUND DESIGN BY SALT Executive Produced by Mo Amer, Azhar Usman, Noah Gersh, Jamie Schefman, Nick Panama, Kenzi Wilbur Head of Creative: Jordan Galvan Head of Production: Liz LeMay Head of Post Production: Robert Adler Producers: Imran Ali Malik & Aaron Kennedy Supervising Producers: Allie Strobel & Alice Bearn Post Production Supervisor: Aly Honoré Post Production Coordinator: Jax Raffle Edited by: Geoffrey Mutchnik and Aaron Kennedy Sound Design and Music by: Matthew Chilelli Mixed by: Aaron Kennedy Recorded by Aaron Kennedy, Zack Djurich and Mario Borgatta Guest Booking by Drive Entertainment and Hager Eldaas Additional music courtesy of Extreme Music. Joking Not Joking is a Luminary Original, and a co-production between SALT, Legally Homeless, Inc., and Numinous Company, Inc.

25 min
4 JAN

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 ear in his hospital room when he passed away. Per Ali’s prior request, he led his funeral prayer and presided over his memorial service. Among other achievements and accolades, he is also the co-founder of Zaytuna College (a private Islamic liberal arts college). He publishes regularly on contemporary issues and matters of public interest and debate, both as a private scholar and public intellectual. This episode is a rare gem, full of wisdom, insight, and timeless advice for the sincere seeker of truth. Guest: Imam Zaid Shakir More Info: Article: “The Greatest, At Rest,” by Tom Junod Link: https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/19409912/the-planning-muhammad-ali-funeral Websites: https://zaytuna.edu/academics/faculty/zaid-shakir https://www.newislamicdirections.com/new_nid/about/ ORIGINAL AUDIO PRODUCTION, MUSIC & SOUND DESIGN BY SALT Executive Produced by Mo Amer, Azhar Usman, Noah Gersh, Jamie Schefman, Nick Panama, Kenzi Wilbur Head of Creative: Jordan Galvan Head of Production: Liz LeMay Head of Post Production: Robert Adler Producers: Imran Ali Malik & Aaron Kennedy Supervising Producers: Allie Strobel & Alice Bearn Post Production Supervisor: Aly Honoré Post Production Coordinator: Jax Raffle Edited by: Geoffrey Mutchnik and Aaron Kennedy Sound Design and Music by: Matthew Chilelli Mixed by: Aaron Kennedy Recorded by Aaron Kennedy, Zack Djurich and Mario Borgatta Guest Booking by Drive Entertainment and Hager Eldaas Additional music courtesy of Extreme Music. Joking Not Joking is a Luminary Original, and a co-production between SALT, Legally Homeless, Inc., and Numinous Company, Inc.

19 min
28/12/2023

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). Guests: Ahamed Weinberg, Paul Elia ORIGINAL AUDIO PRODUCTION, MUSIC & SOUND DESIGN BY SALT Executive Produced by Mo Amer, Azhar Usman, Noah Gersh, Jamie Schefman, Nick Panama, Kenzi Wilbur Head of Creative: Jordan Galvan Head of Production: Liz LeMay Head of Post Production: Robert Adler Producers: Imran Ali Malik & Aaron Kennedy Supervising Producers: Allie Strobel & Alice Bearn Post Production Supervisor: Aly Honoré Post Production Coordinator: Jax Raffle Edited by: Geoffrey Mutchnik and Aaron Kennedy Sound Design and Music by: Matthew Chilelli Mixed by: Aaron Kennedy Recorded by Aaron Kennedy, Zack Djurich and Mario Borgatta Guest Booking by Drive Entertainment and Hager Eldaas Additional music courtesy of Extreme Music. Joking Not Joking is a Luminary Original, and a co-production between SALT, Legally Homeless, Inc., and Numinous Company, Inc.

22 min
21/12/2023

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 the water? Guests: Tobe Nwigwe, Bassam Tariq ORIGINAL AUDIO PRODUCTION, MUSIC & SOUND DESIGN BY SALT Executive Produced by Mo Amer, Azhar Usman, Noah Gersh, Jamie Schefman, Nick Panama, Kenzi Wilbur Head of Creative: Jordan Galvan Head of Production: Liz LeMay Head of Post Production: Robert Adler Producers: Imran Ali Malik & Aaron Kennedy Supervising Producers: Allie Strobel & Alice Bearn Post Production Supervisor: Aly Honoré Post Production Coordinator: Jax Raffle Edited by: Geoffrey Mutchnik and Aaron Kennedy Sound Design and Music by: Matthew Chilelli Mixed by: Aaron Kennedy Recorded by Aaron Kennedy, Zack Djurich and Mario Borgatta Guest Booking by Drive Entertainment and Hager Eldaas Additional music courtesy of Extreme Music. Joking Not Joking is a Luminary Original, and a co-production between SALT, Legally Homeless, Inc., and Numinous Company, Inc.

20 min
14/12/2023

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 Khalefa ORIGINAL AUDIO PRODUCTION, MUSIC & SOUND DESIGN BY SALT Executive Produced by Mo Amer, Azhar Usman, Noah Gersh, Jamie Schefman, Nick Panama, Kenzi Wilbur Head of Creative: Jordan Galvan Head of Production: Liz LeMay Head of Post Production: Robert Adler Producers: Imran Ali Malik & Aaron Kennedy Supervising Producers: Allie Strobel & Alice Bearn Post Production Supervisor: Aly Honoré Post Production Coordinator: Jax Raffle Edited by: Geoffrey Mutchnik and Aaron Kennedy Sound Design and Music by: Matthew Chilelli Mixed by: Aaron Kennedy Recorded by Aaron Kennedy, Zack Djurich and Mario Borgatta Guest Booking by Drive Entertainment and Hager Eldaas Additional music courtesy of Extreme Music. Joking Not Joking is a Luminary Original, and a co-production between SALT, Legally Homeless, Inc., and Numinous Company, Inc.

20 min
07/12/2023

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 PRODUCTION, MUSIC & SOUND DESIGN BY SALT Executive Produced by Mo Amer, Azhar Usman, Noah Gersh, Jamie Schefman, Nick Panama, Kenzi Wilbur Head of Creative: Jordan Galvan Head of Production: Liz LeMay Head of Post Production: Robert Adler Producers: Imran Ali Malik & Aaron Kennedy Supervising Producers: Allie Strobel & Alice Bearn Post Production Supervisor: Aly Honoré Post Production Coordinator: Jax Raffle Edited by: Geoffrey Mutchnik and Aaron Kennedy Sound Design and Music by: Matthew Chilelli Mixed by: Aaron Kennedy Recorded by Aaron Kennedy, Zack Djurich and Mario Borgatta Guest Booking by Drive Entertainment and Hager Eldaas Additional music courtesy of Extreme Music. Joking Not Joking is a Luminary Original, and a co-production between SALT, Legally Homeless, Inc., and Numinous Company, Inc.

18 min

See All (22)

TRAILER

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 SALT Executive Produced by Mo Amer, Azhar Usman, Noah Gersh, Jamie Schefman, Nick Panama, Kenzi Wilbur Head of Creative: Jordan Galvan Head of Production: Liz LeMay Head of Post Production: Robert Adler Producers: Imran Ali Malik & Aaron Kennedy Supervising Producers: Allie Strobel & Alice Bearn Post Production Supervisor: Aly Honoré Post Production Coordinator: Jax Raffle Edited by: Geoffrey Mutchnik and Aaron Kennedy Sound Design and Music by: Matthew Chilelli Mixed by: Aaron Kennedy Recorded by Aaron Kennedy, Zack Djurich and Mario Borgatta Guest Booking by Drive Entertainment and Hager Eldaas Additional music courtesy of Extreme Music. Joking Not Joking is a Luminary Original, and a co-production between SALT, Legally Homeless, Inc., and Numinous Company, Inc.

13/09/2023

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1 min

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Comedians Mo Amer and Azhar Usman ask the big questions the modern world makes you forget. Are we living in a simulation? What is money? What is life after death? They get real when it gets uncomfortable and funny when it gets serious. Are they joking . . . or not? New episodes drop every Thursday.