SmartLess "Kareem Rahma"
4 snips
May 11, 2026 
Kareem Rahma, comedian, artist and media entrepreneur behind Subway Takes, chats about NYC life and the chaos of sidewalk culture. He recounts creating viral short-form interviews, the logistics of shooting subway conversations, and plans to expand his shows into live and TV-quality projects.
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From Times Video To Failed Media Startups
- Kareem left The New York Times after helping launch Times Video because he preferred making independent projects and wanted to start his own media company.
- His first media ventures (nyc.tv, Nameless Network) ultimately failed before his later success.
High Production Stunts Can Sink Independent Shows Fast
- Expensive unscripted shoots can quickly deplete creator funds: Kareem spent ~$2,000 per Keep the Meter Running episode on impromptu days like helicopter rides.
- That cost pushed him to create lower-cost formats like Subway Takes.
Real-World Recognition Beats Analytics For Early Signal
- Immediate audience recognition (bodega clerk) confirmed cultural impact faster than analytics tools did.
- Real-world feedback served as the first signal that Kareem had 'found his thing' beyond numeric validation.