PCWB - A Professor & a Comedian Walk Into a Bar

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 in film and comedy, what he’s learned along the way, and some of the stories and experiences that have helped shape both his work and his life. Tap the link in bio to also listen on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you pod. #PCWBpodcast DAN PERLMAN: 👉 https://www.danperlmancomedy.com/ [https://www.danperlmancomedy.com/] SAMIR ABDUL: 👉 https://www.samirabdul.com [https://www.samirabdul.com] MIKE KNIGHT: 👉 https://www.mikeknightcomedy.com/ [https://www.mikeknightcomedy.com/] SEPEHR VAKIL: 👉 https://sites.northwestern.edu/sepehrvakil/ [https://sites.northwestern.edu/sepehrvakil/]

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 modeling and computational thinking, and how computers can help us better understand complex societal problems. Tap the link in bio to also listen on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you pod. #PCWBpodcast SAMIR ABDUL:👉 https://www.samirabdul.com [https://www.samirabdul.com] MIKE KNIGHT: 👉 https://www.mikeknightcomedy.com/ [https://www.mikeknightcomedy.com/] SEPEHR VAKIL:👉 https://sites.northwestern.edu/sepehrvakil/ [https://sites.northwestern.edu/sepehrvakil/]

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 legacy and history of comedy at Northwestern University, and how student-run spaces continue to shape creativity, performance, and community on campus in challenging times. Tap the link in bio to also listen on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you pod. #PCWBpodcast SAMIR ABDUL:👉 https://www.samirabdul.com [https://www.samirabdul.com] MIKE KNIGHT: 👉 https://www.mikeknightcomedy.com/ [https://www.mikeknightcomedy.com/] SEPEHR VAKIL:👉 https://sites.northwestern.edu/sepehrvakil/ [https://sites.northwestern.edu/sepehrvakil/] -------------------------------- Hosts: Samir Abdul, Sepehr Vakil, Mike Knight

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 scene in America. Learnmore opens up about the recent Lion King controversy, cultural differences in comedy, and what it really takes to build a voice across continents. From early stages in Zimbabwe to finding his footing in the U.S., this episode blends sharp perspective with plenty of laughs. Tap the link in bio to also listen on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you pod. #PCWBpodcast SAMIR ABDUL: 👉 https://www.samirabdul.com [https://www.samirabdul.com] MIKE KNIGHT: 👉 https://www.mikeknightcomedy.com/ [https://www.mikeknightcomedy.com/] SEPEHR VAKIL: 👉 https://sites.northwestern.edu/sepehrvakil/ [https://sites.northwestern.edu/sepehrvakil/] -------------------------------- Hosts: Samir Abdul, Sepehr Vakil, Mike Knight Producer: Raphael Nash

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 “real city” in a way LA doesn’t. TJ breaks down how he learned English through comedy, why the best jokes hit the “human hardware,” and how social media (and AI) can help comedians get seen... #PCWBpodcast SAMIR ABDUL: 👉 https://www.samirabdul.com [https://www.samirabdul.com] MIKE KNIGHT: 👉 https://www.mikeknightcomedy.com/ [https://www.mikeknightcomedy.com/] SEPEHR VAKIL: 👉 https://sites.northwestern.edu/sepehr [https://sites.northwestern.edu/sepehr]... Hosts: Samir Abdul, Sepehr Vakil, Mike Knight Producer: Raphael Nash