Welcome with Karim Kanji karim kanji

Welcome back to another exciting episode of "Welcome with Karim Kanji." This time, we had the pleasure of hosting the dynamic duo, Jemeni and Mark Strong, who will be gracing our screens with their show "Fear of Missing Olympics" (Olympic FOMO) during the CBC Paris Olympics coverage.



Our conversation kicked off with a sneak peek into their upcoming show. While the full details are still under wraps, Jemeni and Mark provided intriguing insights into what viewers can expect. They emphasized their dedication to offering a fresh and engaging perspective on Olympic coverage, blending storytelling, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and cultural elements to create an experience beyond the usual statistics.



As we delved deeper into their extensive careers in entertainment and media, Jemeni and Mark reflected on their long-standing friendship and dedication to charity work. They reminisced about their early days in underground hip-hop radio, sharing stories from Jemeni's all-female hip-hop show, Droppin' Dimes. Jemeni highlighted the challenges she faced in a male-dominated industry, while Mark revealed that he was the infamous caller who would hang up every week, adding a humorous twist to their shared history.



The heart of our discussion centered on "Fear of Missing Olympics." Jemeni and Mark outlined their vision for the show, focusing on delivering a mix of Olympic coverage that showcases the human side of the athletes and the cultural richness of the host city. They are committed to highlighting diverse stories and perspectives, moving beyond the top headlines to include lesser-known but equally compelling narratives.



One particularly exciting element of their show is the inclusion of interviews with musicians and artists. Jemeni, with her deep roots in the music industry, plans to bring a unique blend of music and sports, providing viewers with a distinct perspective on the Olympics.



Our conversation wasn't all business, though. We shared some lighthearted moments, including a funny incident from a TV show and a spirited debate about the best subway stations in Toronto. We also reminisced about Randy's Patty and our plans to do a show about its return, with Mark hinting at having some insider information.



As we wrapped up, we discussed potential future collaborations, expressing our mutual appreciation and gratitude. This meeting was a productive exchange of ideas and experiences, setting the stage for what promises to be a groundbreaking show during the Paris Olympics.



Stay tuned for more updates on "Olympic FOMO," and don't miss the chance to catch Jemeni and Mark Strong's unique take on the world's greatest sporting event.

**Welcome to the Music: Gene Champagne**



Join Karim Kanji as he sits down with Gene Champagne, a renowned musician known for his work with the Killjoys, Teenage Head, and his solo projects.



Gene shares insights into his illustrious music career and his latest EP, reminiscing about iconic lost music venues and their impact on his journey. He delves into his creative process, revealing his love for early 70s power pop and rock and roll, and the hands-on approach he took for his solo record—playing every instrument, and handling the recording, production, and engineering himself.



Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at Gene’s transition from band member to solo artist, and his methodical yet passionate approach to music creation. He describes his recording process in detail, from initial earworms to the assembly line production that brings his songs to life.



The episode also features a heartfelt discussion about overcoming illness. Gene and Karim share personal stories of resilience, the struggle for normalcy, and the joy of returning to simple pleasures like driving and walking. Their conversation is a testament to the human spirit's enduring drive to move forward and pursue passions despite challenges.



Tune in to "Welcome to the Music" for an episode filled with inspiration, nostalgia, and a deep love for music.



Visit Gene online at: https://linktr.ee/genechampagne_official

Welcome to the show, the most respected golf writer today, Bob Harig!

Karim Kanji and Bob Harig discussed Harig's new book, Drive: The Lasting Legacy of Tiger Woods.

The discussion delved into Tiger's physical challenges and mental strength, his journey from amateur to professional, and his career highlights and legacy.

The episode also highlighted the lasting impact of Tiger Woods on golf and society. Despite the complicated nature of his legacy, the participants emphasized the importance of not compromising and setting daily goals to stay on track, drawing inspiration from Tiger's drive and resilience.

Find more information about Drive: The Lasting Legacy of Tiger Woods and Bob Harig here: https://www.amazon.ca/Drive-Lasting-Legacy-Tiger-Woods/dp/1250288754

Welcome to the show, Canadian boxing icon, Donovan Boucher!

Karim Kanji and Donovan Boucher engaged in a personal conversation, sharing details about their current activities and reminiscing about their past experiences, including Donovan's involvement in boxing and personal anecdotes from his life.

Donovan discussed his boxing journeys, including his shared experiences with Sean O'Sullivan and including his transition into the professional boxing world. The conversation culminated in the detailed retelling of the intense build-up to their pivotal fight at Varsity Arena, where Boucher emerged victorious in the second round, solidifying his position in the boxing world.

Boucher also shared details about his boxing career, his children's academic successes, and his transition into stunt work and the movie industry. The conversation touched on the current state of boxing, with a focus on the highly anticipated fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul. They shared their diverse opinions on whether such fights are beneficial for the sport and speculated on the potential outcomes of the match.

The conversation also delved into the financial hardships faced by fighters, drawing attention to the role of promoters like Don King and the tendency of some fighters to squander their earnings. They shared anecdotes about fighters who have suffered financial losses due to mismanagement and betrayal. The conversation underscored the significance of financial literacy for fighters and the need to be discerning about entrusting their finances to others. Additionally, they expressed hope for a more transparent and fair financial landscape for fighters in the future.

Finally, Donovan Boucher and Karim Kanji had an engaging conversation about Donovan's experiences in the world of boxing and refereeing.

In the latest episode of "Welcome with Karim Kanji," we shine the spotlight on Patrick Hakeem, a comedian whose roots span the globe, enriching his comedic lens with layers of multicultural experience. Born in Montreal, Patrick's half-Syrian, half-Ecuadorian heritage, combined with growing up in an all-Italian neighborhood, imbues his comedy with a rich tapestry of cultural influences.

The conversation ventured into Patrick's recent stand-up special and album recording, shedding light on the intricacies and challenges encountered amidst a pandemic-laden world. Amidst the laughs, Patrick revealed insights into the Sirius XM realm, offering a glimpse into the lesser-known territory of radio royalties for comedians.

With a shared disinterest in political satire, Patrick and I navigate the terrain of comedy with a focus on personal connection. Their exchange underscored the vital role of relatability in crafting humor, delving into Patrick's journey from reluctance to embrace stand-up amidst distractions.

Anecdotes flowed as Patrick and I recounted encounters with audience dynamics, from the absurdity of a self-proclaimed minority to the disruptive presence of hecklers. Patrick also lamented the dwindling platform for Canadian comedians, reflecting on Much Music's transition and the saturation of comedy specials in the streaming era.

Throughout the episode, a deeper narrative emerged, painting a portrait of resilience amidst a changing comedic landscape. Patrick Hakeem's journey serves as a testament to the power of cultural fusion in comedy, bridging divides with laughter and shared experiences.

Tune in to "Welcome with Karim Kanji" for a captivating exploration of comedy, culture, and the ever-evolving world of entertainment.

Welcome to the podcast....Mary Ormsby!

Mary and I discuss Mary's upcoming book, "World's Fastest Man*," which focuses on Ben Johnson's life and career including the process of researching and uncovering new perspectives on events from the past. We also delved into the 1988 Seoul Olympics, discussing our individual experiences during the event and the cultural significance of the Ben Johnson and Carl Lewis rivalry.

Mary recounted her journey to writing Ben Johnson's book, detailing her initial resistance due to her lack of experience and discomfort with the subject matter. She explained how she eventually agreed after retiring from her job at the Star and receiving encouragement from Ben, despite feeling uncomfortable with the idea of being the one to tell his story. Mary also reflected on her belief in the miscarriage of justice surrounding Ben's story, expressing her determination to do her best to understand and tell his story.

This episode also explored the complex dynamics between Ben Johnson and his coach, Charlie Francis, shedding light on Francis's coaching techniques and the introduction of performance-enhancing drugs into Johnson's training regimen. We also examined the prevalent culture of drug use in the 1980s athletic community and Johnson's decision to use steroids despite the ethical implications.

The discussion provided insight into the blurred lines between fair competition and rule-breaking, as well as the impact of these factors on Johnson's mindset and career trajectory.

For more information on Mary Ormsby's book please visit: https://sutherlandhousebooks.com/product/worlds-fastest-man/