Jonathan Samen Hot Buttons, Cool Conversations Discussion Series

One of the few Orthodox Jewish female comedians in North America, Carmiya has found a way to create a comedy career without ever performing on Shabbat, which feels like a major accomplishment. She has worked as a teacher, social worker, and errand avoider, all while being a mom. Her comedy is clean, but her house isn’t.

Erik is an Israeli-Jewish comedian and the founder/producer of Comedy for Peace. Born and raised in Israel, he moved to New York a few years ago. Since then, he has been performing all around the world, appearing Carolines on Broadway, The Laugh Factory in L.A., and among other major venues. He has opened for major headliners including Maz Jobrani, regularly tours Europe, and has performed in Israel and Tokyo. Erik has appeared on NBC, participated in comedy festivals and has more than 2 million views on Tik-Tok. His comedy is surprising, clever, high-energy, and deals with being a forty-ish recent immigrant, a newlywed, being Jewish, and speaking English-Falafel 24/7.

Gibran is a Muslim-American comedian born in North Carolina and raised in Virginia in a Pakistani household. He is the only comedian to be a finalist for both Stand-Up NBC and NBC Late Night. Gibran has been featured on MTV, TV Land, Popcorn Flix, PBS, CUNY TV, VOA, Elite Daily, and Cosmopolitan and performed his stand-up television debut on Gotham Comedy Live for AXS TV. He is a staple among college campuses and travels throughout the year.

Tehran is one of the hottest rising comedians on the scene. With a diverse and sometimes contrasting background, he is Black, Persian, Muslim and Jewish, has both street smarts and formal education. As seen on Comedy Central, HBO and Fox, Tehran brings a fresh, unique perspective to comedy and humor. When he is not touring in the US or around the world, he performs regularly at the Laugh Factory in L.A.