Join stand-up comedian and radio personality, Shereen Kassam for in-depth conversations with creatives from across TV, film, music, radio, comedy, literature, and beyond to learn real life strategies to help you on your creative journey. Subscribe today! 

Listen on&nbsp;Apple Podcasts,&nbsp;Soundcloud,&nbsp;Stitcher&nbsp;and&nbsp;Google Play 

Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed):&nbsp;https://funnybrowngirl.libsyn.com/rss 

Announcements If you’re looking for a community of supportive creatives who are all working to take our passion project to the next level, subscribe for my newsletter: http://funnybrowngirl.com/subscribe&nbsp; &nbsp; 

Social Media Info 

Connect on Instagram: FunnyBrownGirl –&nbsp;@funnybrowngirl 
#CreativeBreakthrough

Introducing Creative Breakthrough with Shereen Kassam

Hear how Maz Jobrani went from being a PhD student to an internationally known stand-up comedian. Maz discusses the importance of following your dreams, practicing your craft, and making opportunities for yourself. Maz Jobrani has been seen on CBS’s SUPERIOR DONUTS and is a founding member of THE AXIS OF EVIL COMEDY TOUR. &nbsp; &nbsp; Maz Jobrani stared in the CBS sitcom SUPERIOR DONUTS, opposite Jermaine Fowler and Judd Hirsh.&nbsp; You can check out his first original standup special “IMMIGRANT” on Netflix and 3 other solo specials on Showtime.&nbsp; In 2016 he performed at the White House and is a founding member of The Axis of Evil Comedy Tour, which aired on Comedy Central.&nbsp; He’s given two Ted Talks, authored a best-selling book I’M NOT A TERRORIST BUT I’VE PLAYED ONE ON TV, and is the executive producer of EVERYTHING MUST CHANGE, a documentary about his sister’s battle with breast cancer. &nbsp; Maz has also started in the award-winning comedy, JIMMY VESTVOOD: AMERICAN HERO.&nbsp; He’s also co-stared in Disney’s The Descendants, Sydney Pollack’s THE INTERPRETER, and Ice Cube’s FRIDAY AFTER NEXT.&nbsp; He’s also been a guest star on GREY’s ANATOMY, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, TRUE BLOOD, and SHAMELESS.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Key Questions answered by Maz Jobrani: &nbsp;  How Maz built a global brand for himself How to ideate thoughts and jokes Best advice Maz has received Maz’s definition of success How has Maz’s religion and ethnicity challenged his career and how has he navigated those obstacles  &nbsp; &nbsp; Maz Jobrani discusses: &nbsp;  How to balance multiple creative paths and a family Developing your voice (not the sound of your voice, but your point of view) The value of taking courses focused on your passion Women and Comedy Importance of practicing your craft  &nbsp; &nbsp; Maz Jobrani’s Memorable Quotes:  “You live once. Do what you want to do. Don’t listen to your parents.” “Keep doing your thing and…people will catch up to it.” “Create your own opportunities” “If you want to go for it, go for it. If you have a dream, go for it, don’t sit on your ass and wait. It will be too late.”  &nbsp; Listen on&nbsp;Apple Podcasts,&nbsp;Soundcloud,&nbsp;Stitcher, Spotify&nbsp;and&nbsp;Google Play &nbsp; Links mentioned on this episode   First Ted Talk  Second Ted Talk Maz’s commencement address at UC Berkeley The Marvelous Mrs. MaiselThe Comedy Bible by Judy Carter   The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand Book: I’m Not a Terrorist, But I’ve Played One on TV Netflix Special: Immigrant  &nbsp; Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed):&nbsp;https://funnybrowngirl.libsyn.com/rss &nbsp; Announcements If you’re looking for a community of supportive creatives to elevate your journey to the next level, join me here:&nbsp;http://funnybrowngirl.com/subscribe Social Media Info Maz Jobrani Website: MazJobrani.com Connect on Instagram: Maz Jobrani –&nbsp;@MazJobrani FunnyBrownGirl –&nbsp;@funnybrowngirl &nbsp; Connect on Twitter: Maz Jobrani –&nbsp;@MazJobrani FunnyBrownGirl –&nbsp;@funnybrowngirl &nbsp; #CreativeBreakthrough &nbsp; Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means we may garner a small commission at no cost to you if you choose to make a purchase. Read our full Affiliate Disclosure Statement for more information. &nbsp;

Episode 04: Comedian Maz Jobrani – Follow Your Dreams

It cost Shereen thousands of dollars in medical bills to realize she didn’t have a mysterious disease that kept sending her to the emergency room; it was the stress of her job that was wreaking havoc on her body.&nbsp;&nbsp;In this episode, Shereen will share with you how she transformed her life and her career by setting boundaries, working smarter (not harder), and believing in herself. This episode will focus on the necessary tools needed to create a better mental and physical state for oneself.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Now go flex your creative muscle and keep winning! &nbsp; Listen on&nbsp;Apple Podcasts,&nbsp;Soundcloud,&nbsp;Stitcher, Spotify,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Google Play &nbsp; Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed):&nbsp;https://funnybrowngirl.libsyn.com/rss Announcements If you’re looking for a community of supportive creatives to elevate your journey to the next level, join me here:&nbsp;http://funnybrowngirl.com/subscribe Social Media Info Connect on Instagram:&nbsp;&nbsp; FunnyBrownGirl –&nbsp;@funnybrowngirl Connect on Twitter: FunnyBrownGirl –&nbsp;@funnybrowngirl &nbsp;  #CreativeBreakthroughPodcast

Episode 09: The Secrets to Work Life Balance

Welcome back to another episode of the Creative Breakthrough! Happy New Year! I love the start of a new year.&nbsp; It’s a time to restart, reenergize, and redo!&nbsp; And I love setting new goals! But before we begin, couple of announcements… My website got spammed! Somehow someone subscribed over 1,000 new emails to my website.&nbsp; At first, I thought, wow, I’m popular but then I realized they were all the fake yahoo and Hotmail email addresses.&nbsp; That said, I wiped my entire email list clean. So, if you were subscribed (or thought you were), please subscribe again so that you can keep getting my Weekly Three emails!&nbsp; Just go to funnybrowngirl.com/subscribe Friendly reminder that next week I’m speaking to New York Times Best-seller Jasmine Darznick, the author of the New York Times best-seller The Good Daughter, a memoir of my mother’s hidden life and Song of a Captive Bird Both are captivating and fast reads.&nbsp; I urge you to read one of them prior to our conversation next week.&nbsp; And last announcement – Canada! We are top 200 podcasts, but I need your help with reviews! Could you all please leave me an iTunes review?&nbsp; I go over the directions at the end of today’s episode in the closing segment! Ok, now let’s get started! January 1st is one of my favorite time of the year because I get to take inventory of how the previous year went and set new goals for the current year. One of the first things I like to do is reflect on the previous year.&nbsp; I created a worksheet on what my thought process looks like.&nbsp; If you are interested, please visit funnybrowngirl.com/goals to download this worksheet! When I’m reflecting on the prior year, I like to think about it in four buckets.&nbsp; What was the best parts of 2018?&nbsp; What did I achieve?&nbsp; What did I learn?&nbsp; And what do I need to let go of to start 2019 fresh? I then like to map out my 2019 journey. A few years ago, I started a spreadsheet with all my dreams and action steps to turn them into goals.&nbsp; My spreadsheet has 3 columns. First column – goals – everything and anything I want to do in my life.&nbsp; For example, A few goals I have written down include be a correspondent on the Daily Show, write for SNL, tell a story on the mainstage at The Moth, do a Ted Talk, perform in Carnegie Hall.&nbsp; And the list goes on. The second column is labeled – skills I need.&nbsp; For each goal, I list out the skills I need to get there.&nbsp; For example, for The Moth, I need to improve my story telling skills and understand what it takes to be a captivating story teller.&nbsp; The third column is labeled – Action.&nbsp; What can I start doing today to get me closer to my dream?&nbsp; I can start attending story telling meetings in my city.&nbsp; I can start listening to the podcast more regularly.&nbsp; I can read a book or take a course on story telling. Remember, a goal without a plan is just a dream.&nbsp; Thus, I take my dream and lay out an actionable plan to achieve it.&nbsp; Now every year this list changes.&nbsp; I don’t delete from it.&nbsp; I just keep adding.&nbsp; It’s fun to see how my dreams change every year.&nbsp; Now that I have this list, I go through it and highlight (in column A) what are my top goals for 2019.&nbsp; I usually pick 5 to 10.&nbsp; More than that and it’s hard to prioritize.&nbsp; You also may feel overwhelmed.&nbsp;&nbsp; I then review these 5 to 10 goals – and create a list of about 10 things I can do immediately (pulling from Column C).&nbsp; Not today, but in the next 30 days, what can I start working on?&nbsp; I write these down on a separate piece of paper.&nbsp; I then make a list of 5-10 goals that I am interested in, but that I need time to accomplish (from column A).&nbsp; This could be my dream to be the lead star in a Blockbuster film.&nbsp; I know that my acting skills are not where they need to be to land such a role.&nbsp; This year I will continue...

Episode 15: Goal Setting to Win

Chaunte&nbsp;Wayans is a comedian, writer and actress who proudly represents the new generation of Wayans’ legacy making its mark in Hollywood. &nbsp;In this episode of CREATIVE BREAKTHROUGH, Chaunte opens up about her ordeal with alcohol, as well as other trials and tribulations she has faced in life.&nbsp; Chaunte also shares advice on the importance of knowing yourself, especially during the creative journey, finding your voice, and overcoming pain through humor.&nbsp; &nbsp; Chaunte&nbsp;Wayans was last seen in the film 50 Shades of Black, with other film and television credits including Hollywood Misconceptions, Dance Flick, TLC's Trading Spaces, Bounce TV's&nbsp;Off The Chain and Nicktoon'sanimated series, The Boo Crew. &nbsp; As a comedian, she has toured nationally wowing audience with her unique brand of comedy featuring for comedic veterans such as Katt Williams, Russell Peters, and her uncles Marlon, Shawn and Damon Wayans. Her comedic talent led her to become a featured cast member on MTV’s hit sketch comedy series Nick Cannon Presents: Wild N’ Out.&nbsp;Chaunte&nbsp;can also be seen on Katt Williams comedy special Kattpacalypse.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Chaunte has showcased&nbsp;as a writer as part of CBS’ Diversity Showcase 2017.&nbsp; Recently she has featured on 50 Cents "50 Central" on Bet.&nbsp; Currently you can see her featuring&nbsp;on TruTV's "Laff Tracks."&nbsp; &nbsp; Key Questions answered by Chaunte Wayans:  When Chaunte found her voice How Chaunte address the haters The #1 criteria when performing stand-up comedy How Chaunte addressed her issues with alcohol How Chaunte overcame pain in her life The obstacles Chaunte faces on her creative journey and how she deals with them What is Chaunte Wayans goal in her creative journey Advice Chaunte has for other creatives on their journey  &nbsp; Chaunte Wayans Discusses:  Knowing how to pitch yourself When Chaunte’s creative journey began How Chaunte Wayans got started in stand-up comedy Importance of being open and genuine through your art Stepping out of the shadow of her uncles – Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, and Damon Wayons The importance of knowing yourself How to create your own opportunities in the creative space  &nbsp; &nbsp; Listen on&nbsp;Apple Podcasts,&nbsp;Soundcloud,&nbsp;Stitcher, Spotify,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Google Play &nbsp; Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed):&nbsp;https://funnybrowngirl.libsyn.com/rss Announcements If you’re looking for a community of supportive creatives to elevate your journey to the next level, join me here:&nbsp;http://funnybrowngirl.com/subscribe THANDOS Social Media Info Connect on Instagram:&nbsp;&nbsp; Chaunte Wayans - @cwayans FunnyBrownGirl –&nbsp;@funnybrowngirl Connect on Facebook:&nbsp;&nbsp; Chaunte Wayans: https://www.facebook.com/cwayans FunnyBrownGirl –&nbsp;https://www.facebook.com/FunnyBrownGirl/ Connect on Twitter: Shereen Kassam: twitter.com/funnybrowngirl Connect on YouTube: Shereen Kassam: https://www.youtube.com/c/FunnyBrownGirl Connect via Email Shereen Kassam –&nbsp;info@funnybrowngirl.com &nbsp;  #CreativeBreakthroughPodcast &nbsp;

Episode 25 Chaunte Wayans: How to Turn Pain into Laughter

Highlights:  It’s our one year anniversary! Thank you everyone for listening! Past guest are killing it!  Episode 8: Rizwan Manji was nominated for an Emmy for his role in Schitt’s Creek. He’s also staring in the hit NBC show Perfect Harmony! Episode 21: Sarah Thawer appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last week, where she was on the drums for Tegan and Sara! Episode 25: Chaunte Wayans is on tour with Tiffany Haddish as part of Netflix’s They Ready tour. Check out her tour schedule and go watch a live show!   October is officially our month to shine! What is one thing you can do this month to shine?  &nbsp; This week’s guest: &nbsp; Who is Shereen Ladha? Shereen Ladha is a professional dancer, choreographer, artist, instructor, and social influencer based in Toronto, Canada. She is the director of the popular YouTube channel 'dancewithSL' that now has over 100,000 subscribers and 20 million views, and features dance covers and tutorials to the latest Bollywood hits. - Google Canada/YouTube's&nbsp;Next 15 Canadian Stars&nbsp;on the rise - FLARE&nbsp;Top 100 Canadian women with cool jobs - CBC&nbsp;Canada’s top female artists -&nbsp;Strategy Magazine’s 2019 New Establishment Innovator award winner Shereen has also been profiled by BuzzFeed, the Globe and Mail, Huffington Post, CTV, CBC, Breakfast Television, and Strategy Magazine for her work. DancewithSL is also the creative force behind several YouTube viral videos including viral sensation&nbsp;'Maafi' -&nbsp;the Bollywood cover of Justin Bieber's 'Sorry,' and the hit touring stage shows'Roots: A Journey Through India'&nbsp;and&nbsp;'Rihla: From Roots to Dreams.' More here:&nbsp;www.shereenladha.com/about &nbsp; &nbsp; Key Questions answered by Shereen Ladha:  When did Shereen’s creative journey begin? How Shereen has balanced two careers – Corporate Life and Dancing How Shereen combines her creativity and her corporate career When Shereen will leave her full-time job and pursue her passion full-time How Shereen has grown her Dance Company How Shereen frames her creative brand to set herself up for success in Corporate America How Shereen has amassed 100,000 YouTube subscribers Why it’s important to bring your “whole-self” to work What is the formula to getting YouTube views and subscribers? Why Shereen doesn’t pursue dancing or YouTube full-time What would Shereen do if YouTube went away?  &nbsp; &nbsp; Shereen Ladha Discusses:  Why one’s creative passion is their biggest selling point in interviews Why Shereen completed an MBA program How does an MBA help you if you’re a creative How Shereen prioritizes her passion projects How Shereen manages her brand in the office Why Shereen started a YouTube channel How Shereen created a niche for herself on YouTube What does it take to build a brand What Shereen is building her brand to do in the future Where Shereen’s motivation comes from Why Shereen stopped using an alias on social media Finding your unique proposition to the world Advice Shereen has for other creatives What is Shereen’s creative goal  &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Key Takeaways from Shereen Ladha: &nbsp;  Create for yourself, not for others It is possible to balance two careers. And yes, your side-hustle is a career! Be open with your corporate job about your creative side. It’s a positive for the company and you should be valued for it Bring your whole self to work, don’t hide who you are Understand your unique proposition to the world and build on it Build your brand outside of social media Do your research and know your niche Continue to assess your position in the market and change your strategy as needed Take care of yourself Keep learning  &nbsp; &nbsp; Listen on&nbsp;Apple Podcasts,&nbsp;Soundcloud,&nbsp;Stitcher&nbsp;and&nbsp;Google Play &nbsp; &nbsp; Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed):&nbsp;https://funnybrowngirl.libsyn.com/rss Announcements If you’re looking for a community of supportive...

Episode 37: How YouTube star Shereen Ladha Choreographs her Career Balancing Dance and Corporate

Host of the new podcast - Creative Breakthrough.  Join stand-up comedian and radio personality, Shereen Kassam for in-depth conversations with creatives from across TV, film, music, radio, comedy, literature and beyond to learn real life strategies to help you on your creative journey.  Subscribe today!

Creative Breakthrough

Popular tracks