PCWB - A Professor & a Comedian Walk Into a Bar
Sepehr Vakil, Mike Knight & Samir Abdul
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About This Podcast
A Professor and a Comedian Walk Into a Bar, PCWB, is a podcast co-hosted by Chicago comedians and comedy producers Mike Knight & Samir Abdul, and Sepehr Vakil, an Associate Professor in the School of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University.
PCWB is co-produced by a phenomenal group of undergraduate students from Northwestern University, and produced by filmmaker and DePaul Professor Raphael Nash. PCWB is a highly original project born out of a desire to merge the worlds of academia and comedy, and have honest, informed, and engaging conversations about the complex cultural, political, and scientific issues that impact all of our lives.
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Recent Episodes
S2E12 Talking Comedy, Directing, and Life with Award-Winning Filmmaker Dan Perlman
In this episode of PCWB, we talk with award-winning filmmaker and actor Dan Perlman about comedy, directing, storytelling, and the lessons he’s learned throughout his career. We discuss his journey…
S2E11 Talking AI, Seymour Papert, and Learning Sciences with Northwestern Professor Uri Wilensky
In this episode of PCWB, we talk with Northwestern Professor Uri Wilensky, recent recipient of the Yidan Prize. We discuss his intellectual journey, the evolution of learning sciences, agent-based…
S2E10 Northwestern University’s Comedy Scene, The Prattic Fringe Fest 2026, with Jackson Heller and Mateo Garcia-Bryce
In this episode of PCWB, we talk with Northwestern students Jackson Heller and Mateo Garcia-Bryce about Northwestern’s comedy scene, The Prattic, and Fringe Fest 2026. We also explore the longer…
S2E9 Zimbabwean Comedian Learnmore Jonasi on Lion King controversy, coming to America & comedy worldwide!
On this episode of PCWB, the crew sits down with Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Jonasi for a candid and hilarious conversation about his journey from performing in Africa to navigating the comedy…
S2E8 Haitian Born Comedian TJ talks Immigrant stories, Comedy craft & Chicago energy
On this episode of PCWB, co-host Samir Abdul sits down with Haitian comedian TJ for a funny, honest conversation about immigrant life, finding your voice in standup, and why Chicago feels like a…
S2E7 WGCI Host and Comedian - Leon Rogers takes over on the most hilarious episode yet...
The Destined Legend, Leon Rogers joins the podcast to talk all things comedy, growing up in Chicago, the next generation and some of the most hilarious stories from a Chicago Legend! Tap the link in…
S2E4 Mayor of Evanston - Daniel Biss talks Standing up to ICE and plans for the future
Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss joins the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on ICE raids, housing pressures, and his vision for Evanston’s future—plus candid takes on what’s next for the city and…
S2E3 The Sudan crisis & ICE in Chicago with immigration attorney, Mark Atkinson
The crew sits with immigration attorney Mark Atkinson, esq. to discuss the ongoing crisis in Sudan, and the legality of ICE's occupation in Chicago. Tap the link in bio to also listen on Spotify,…
S2E2 Talking the Future of AI, Higher Education, and Comedy with Safiya Noble, PhD
Taped on-campus at UCLA, the crew sits with the esteemed professor of Gender Studies, African-American Studies, and Information Studies, Safia Noble, PhD! The group discusses the connections between…
S2E1 Saudi Arabia & Comedic Hypocrisy feat. Zaid Fouzi
Welcome to Season 2! Samir, Sepehr & Mike kick the season off with the super talented comedian & writer, Zaid Fouzi! The group discusses all things Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia and…
S2 PCWB Emergency Pod - The Death of Charlie Kirk
Samir, Sepehr & Mike react to the assassination of right-wing influencer, Charlie Kirk, and the socio-political implications of his death.Thank you for supporting our channel, Please share this…
S1E12 PCWB EP 12: Introducing Samir Abdul!
Welcome Back! We're adding to our co-host roster – let's welcome, rising star, Samir Abdul to the PCWB squad!Samir Abdul, originally from Darfur, Sudan, is an international comedian shaking up…
S1E11 PCWB EP11: Live Taping with Zainab Johnson & kihana maraya ross
Recorded in front of a live audience at Northwestern University, Sepehr and Mike welcome renowned stand-up, actress and podcaster, Zainab Johnson, and esteemed professor of African American Studies,…
S1E10 PCWB Emergency Pod: 100 days of Trump & Northwestern Drama
Sepehr & Mike have an impromptu convo to catch up on the recent grant terminations by the Trump administration, and how they are affecting their work, Northwestern, and academia at-large.Listen…
S1E9 PCWB EP9: Journalism, Segregation, and Inflation with Natalie Y. Moore
This week on PCWB, we’re diving into the state of journalism today and if artificial intelligence has a place, segregation versus self-selection, and everyone's current fave hot topic, the cost of…
S1E8 PCWB EP8: Women in STEM with Professor Elizabeth Tipton
It's Women's History month, and Sepehr & Mike talk with statistician Elizabeth Tipton on why finding your people and building community is a necessity when working in STEM as a woman. Plus, they…
S1E7 PCWB EP7: Racism and its systemic symptoms w/Saida Grundy and Clark Jones
In Episode 7: Is America still appealing to immigrants? Is Trump undoing history? What does black conservatism look like these days? Mike and Sepehr chat with Professor Saida Grundy and comedian…
S1E6 PCWB EP6: PCWB talks prisons, policies and politics with Professor Julissa Muniz and comedians Kathryn Gongaware and Kyrie Da Comic
In our 6th episode Mike and Sepehr chat with Professor Julissa Muniz and comedians Kathryn Gongaware and Kyrie Da Comic about prison, policies and politics. Tune in! This episode was recorded before…
S1E5 PCWB EP5: Chat with Professor Alex Hanna and Comedian David Donnick on AI and it’s role in education
In Episode 5: How is AI effecting education? What are Trump’s contributions to the border crisis? How different is Institutionalism vs Gentrification? In our 5th episode Mike and Sepehr chat with…
S1E4 PCWB EP4: Post Election Thoughts with Professor Juan Carrillo and Comedian Anthony Fuentes
In Episode 4: What were people really hoping to see from each candidate? How were hispanic men feeling before, during and after the election? In our 4th episode Mike and Sepehr chat with Professor…
Frequently Asked Questions
PCWB - A Professor & a Comedian Walk Into a Bar has published 23 episodes since September 2024, covering topics in Comedy, Comedy Interviews.
PCWB - A Professor & a Comedian Walk Into a Bar is currently highly active with new episodes monthly. Average episode length is 1h 3m.
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