What Was Your Worst Bomb?

The question everyone always asks

This is a question comedians are asked very often. I run a show called Stand Ups Sit Down (last Monday at Laugh Factory Chicago in 2026) where the audience can ask comedians questions and every week, we get this one. But what people don't know is how important a bomb is for a comedian's growth. The takeaway from any bomb is what you learn.

I have a few that come to mind. One was a bar show in L.A in 2018 which I still have saved on my phone to keep me humble. That was a notoriously hard room but I learned how to adjust to crowds who don't have time for prepared jokes. I learned the importance of riffing and talking to the crowd instead of at them. Every comedians needs them.

The other one was in 2017 when I did my first college campus show. I had no idea how sensitive they were and even though I was warned, I didn't think my self deprecating jokes about being Middle Eastern and 9/11 (Hack I know!) would fail so epically. I now know how to work around the sensitive issues that comes with college crowds. Although college campuses are not as sensitive as they used to be, I hear.

If you have any questions for me, message me directly or come ask them at my show at Laugh Factory this Monday and next. I can give you free tickets if you message me as well! #bombing #comedy #standup