IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson Call These Times What They Are: Janky with Hasan Minhaj
25 snips
Apr 8, 2026 
Hasan Minhaj, two-time Peabody-winning comedian and creator of Patriot Act, reflects on growing up Indian American Muslim and his rise in comedy. He shares stories about bombing, touring in unusual spaces, and how sports and a pivotal teacher shaped his voice. He also talks parenting, cultural storytelling, and why magicians earn his admiration.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Dad Chatting With David Letterman
- Hasan Minhaj brought his parents backstage at the Andrews Air Force Base show and his father casually struck up a long conversation with David Letterman about Nixon and Watergate.
- The scene highlighted immigrant parents' ease in unfamiliar spaces and Hasan's delight at seeing them interact with comedy legends.
Reset Quickly After A Bad Set
- Do treat each performance like a new possession: let a bad earlier show go and read the room for the next set.
- Hasan says top comedians 'bomb graciously' by resetting focus on the current audience and adjusting material immediately.
Teacher Turned Detention Into Destiny
- Hasan credits his high-school computer teacher Ms. Takeuchi for discovering his gift and steering him into impromptu public speaking competitions.
- She moved him from detention into competitions where his humor won judges over and set him on a comedy path.