The Good Night Podcast

For the final episode (for now), Amer Rez returns to Jarry Park with longtime friend and original podcast collaborator Gabriel Omassi , before comedian Alex Leonard joins them later in the conversation. Recorded in the same park where an early version of the podcast first took shape, the episode has a loose, full-circle feel as Amarez and Gabriel catch up on everything that has changed since Gabriel moved to the UK. Gabriel talks about unexpectedly finding purpose as a college teacher, helping struggling students reach the finish line, and learning how much freedom and creativity can exist inside a job he never originally planned to pursue. The conversation moves through AI in education, ChatGPT, creative work, health, weight loss, married life, emotional eating, homemade Indian food, water parks, British culture, and Gabriel’s complicated relationship with stand-up comedy. They also reflect on the early years of Montreal comedy, the excitement of performing when nothing mattered, and what happens when a creative obsession slowly becomes a career. With Alex Leonard joining the chaos later on, the episode becomes the kind of unpredictable, funny, and honest conversation that only happens between people who have known each other for years. It is part reunion, part comedy discussion, and part argument about everything from teaching and technology to food, relationships, and whether adulthood is actually making anyone wiser. A fittingly unfiltered way to close out the podcast. (For now!)

Welcome back to another episode of the Good Night Podcast! This week, Amer Rez sits down with Montreal comedy veteran Pantelis, who also happens to be the very first guest ever to appear on the podcast. Pantelis reflects on losing over 100 pounds through discipline, intermittent fasting, and completely changing his relationship with food. He talks about the mental side of weight loss, why consistency beats shortcuts, and how changing your body can change the way the world responds to you. The conversation shifts into Montreal’s comedy scene, where Pantelis shares why he believes the French circuit is one of the most exciting places to perform, how it differs from English comedy, and why he encouraged Amer to start doing stand-up in French. They also discuss the importance of finding your own voice, staying patient, and building a career one set at a time. Pantelis looks back on one of the biggest moments of his career, performing at the Bell Centre alongside Mike Ward, and explains how he prepared himself to enjoy every second of the experience instead of letting the pressure take over. The two also dive into everything from Park Ex culture and growing up in Montreal to producing content, learning new skills, the psychology of stand-up, and why failure is often the thing that pushes people toward success. Whether you’re a comedy fan, a creator, or someone trying to build something meaningful, this episode is packed with honest conversations, practical advice, and plenty of laughs.

Welcome back to The Good Night Podcast! This week, Amer Rez sits down with stand-up comedian, music producer, and longtime friend of the show, CJ Monias, the producer behind the podcast’s iconic intro beat. CJ talks about leaving his home community of Chisasibi in Northern Quebec to chase comedy and music in Montreal, sharing what life was really like growing up in a remote Cree community where television and MuchMusic offered a glimpse into the outside world. The conversation explores Indigenous culture, why humour plays such an important role in everyday life, and how teasing the people you love is often the ultimate sign of affection. The two also dive into CJ’s journey from producing hip-hop beats as a teenager to finding his voice on stage as a stand-up comic. He reflects on the teachers and mentors who encouraged him to pursue comedy, the challenges of building a creative career, and how music and stand-up have always gone hand in hand. Things take a hilarious turn as Amer and CJ compare their wildly different approaches to breakups, relationships, and moving on from an ex. From deleting every trace of a past relationship to getting a tattoo simply to troll an ex, the stories only get crazier from there. They also talk about Montreal’s comedy scene, roast battles, writing jokes, performing for different audiences, and CJ’s future ambitions, including taking on the French comedy scene and developing a horror film. Whether you’re into comedy, music production, Indigenous culture, or just love hearing honest conversations packed with laughs, this episode is full of funny stories, unique perspectives, and behind-the-scenes insight into life as a working comedian. If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. New episodes of The Good Night Podcast drop every week. #Comedy #Podcast #CJMonias #StandUpComedy #MontrealComedy

Rola Z joins Amer Rez for a thoughtful and hilarious conversation about growing up between cultures, finding freedom through comedy, and building a life on your own terms. Born in Lebanon, raised in Greece, and now based in Washington, D.C., Rola shares stories from a life spent crossing borders and challenging expectations. They discuss Arab culture, identity, rebellion, family traditions, stand-up comedy, politics, relationships, aging, body image, and why some of the funniest jokes come from life’s most difficult moments. The conversation also dives into Rola’s journey into comedy after her life was turned upside down, how she created her own comedy shows, why she believes laughter can heal communities, and what it means to be a “third culture” person who never quite fits into one place. Whether you’re interested in comedy, culture, or simply hearing two comedians explore life with honesty and humour, this episode is packed with laughs, thoughtful discussions and unforgettable stories.

In this episode of The Good Night Podcast Amer Rez sits down with bilingual comedian Olivier Foy for a fascinating conversation about the differences between French and English stand-up comedy in Montreal. Olivier shares his experience performing in both languages, explaining how translating jokes has made him a stronger writer by forcing him to move away from wordplay and focus on universal ideas. Together, they explore why Quebec audiences connect differently with comedians, the importance of building a likable stage persona, and how French comedy has evolved from theatrical characters into modern stand-up. The conversation also dives into the realities of bombing in a second language, adapting dark comedy for different audiences, and the unique challenges of finding your voice as a bilingual performer. Amer reflects on his own journey performing in French, while Olivier offers insight into Quebec's comedy culture, the École nationale de l'humour, and the lessons he learned from studying comedy professionally. Along the way, they discuss comedy legends like Mike Ward, Sugar Sammy, Louis C.K., and Joey Elias, debate whether comedy can truly be taught, and share honest stories about writing jokes, handling rejection, balancing authenticity with performance, body image, loneliness, and the never-ending pursuit of becoming a better comedian. Whether you're a stand-up comic, a fan of Montreal's comedy scene, or simply curious about how language shapes humour, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the craft of comedy from two performers navigating both sides of the linguistic divide. Follow The Good Night Podcast for more conversations with comedians, creators, and interesting people from Montreal and beyond.

In this episode of The Good Night Podcast, Amer Rez sits down with Montreal comedy legend Joey Elias for a hilarious conversation about stand-up, the city that shaped him, and more than three decades of life on the road. Joey looks back on his journey from getting into comedy in 1992 after losing a pool hall bet to becoming one of Canada’s most recognizable stand-up comedians. With over a dozen appearances at the Just For Laughs Festival, multiple national television specials, years hosting The Comedy Show with Joey Elias on CJAD 800, and performing for Canadian Armed Forces members in Afghanistan, Rwanda, Haiti, and beyond, Joey has built a career filled with unforgettable stories. The conversation covers the evolution of Montreal’s comedy scene, life on tour, the highs and lows of performing, entertaining troops overseas, radio, television, and why Montreal continues to be one of the greatest comedy cities in the world. Joey also shares plenty of behind-the-scenes road stories, lessons learned over decades in stand-up, and his unique perspective on the changing comedy landscape. Whether you’ve followed Joey’s career for years or are discovering him for the first time, this episode is packed with laughs, incredible stories, and a celebration of one of Montreal’s most beloved comedians. Follow The Good Night Podcast for more conversations with comedians, creators, and interesting people from Montreal and beyond.

Tales from the Trap House with Vance Michel | The Good Night Podcast #227 In this episode of The Good Night Podcast, Amer Rez sits down with comedian Vance Michel for a hilarious and unpredictable conversation recorded on a rooftop in Montreal. Vance shares wild stories from his life, including chaotic memories, strange characters, and the kind of ridiculous situations that sound almost too crazy to be real. The conversation moves through comedy, Montreal life, growing up, survival stories, and the funny side of moments that probably were not funny at the time. With plenty of laughs, sharp observations, and Vance’s natural storytelling style, this episode captures the energy of two comedians trading stories and finding humour in the madness. If you enjoy comedy podcasts, wild life stories, Montreal comedians, and conversations that go completely off the rails in the best way, this episode is for you. Follow The Good Night Podcast for more conversations with comedians, creators, and interesting people from Montreal and beyond.

In this episode of The Good Night Podcast, Amer Rez sits down with Montreal comedian Erik Intrevado at Cafe Eevee for a funny, honest conversation about comedy, dating, driving, and figuring life out a little later than expected. Erik talks about getting his driver's license at 43, how Communauto changed his dating life, and why a four-hour trip to the Granby Zoo somehow became a real date. The conversation also gets into summer seasonal depression, modern dating rules, opening car doors, deleting photos of your exes, and why going to the movies might be one of the worst first date ideas. The episode also dives into Erik's first three years in stand-up comedy, including the grind of doing hundreds of sets, finding his voice on stage, and producing his MTL LOL shows at Burgundy Lion and Peel Pub. Erik opens up about the stress of booking comics, performing for small crowds, and trying to move past safe self-deprecating material into darker, more honest comedy. Whether you're into Montreal comedy, awkward dating stories, late-life milestones, or the reality of building a stand-up career from the ground up, this episode has plenty of laughs, honesty, and weirdly useful life advice. Follow The Good Night Podcast for more conversations with comedians, creators, and interesting people from Montreal and beyond.

Here’s a cleaner, more professional version with the correct names: In this episode of The Good Night Podcast, hosts Gabriel Omassi and Amer Rez sit down with comedian Saanya Nanda for a thought-provoking conversation recorded on a rooftop in Montreal. Saanya shares her journey from growing up in India to building a successful career in tech in San Francisco before making the leap into stand-up comedy in Canada. The discussion explores the challenges of pursuing creative passions, the realities of starting over in a new industry, and the personal experiences that shaped her perspective. The conversation also dives into mental health, with Saanya presenting unconventional views on depression, psychology, and personal responsibility, sparking a lively debate about the relationship between philosophy, happiness, and modern society. The trio further examines the growing influence of artificial intelligence on creative work, discussing whether human vulnerability, originality, and lived experience can be replicated by machines. Throughout the episode, they explore broader themes of personal freedom, societal expectations, cultural identity, and the evolving nature of comedy in an increasingly technological world. Combining humour, debate, and personal storytelling, this episode offers an engaging discussion on some of today’s most controversial and fascinating topics.

In this episode of The Good Night Podcast, we sit down with Will Del Vecchio to talk about one of the biggest weekends in Montreal - Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend. From growing up around cars to becoming a professional race car driver, Will shares what it’s really like behind the wheel, the dedication required to compete at a high level, and the reality of life in motorsport. We also dive into the unique atmosphere that takes over Montreal every year during Grand Prix week, including the parties, celebrities, packed streets, and the incredible energy that brings racing fans from around the world to the city. Along the way, we discuss the business side of racing, how drivers work their way through the ranks, the pressure of competition, memorable moments from the track, and some funny stories from life around the racing world. Whether you’re a lifelong Formula 1 fan or someone who just enjoys the excitement that Grand Prix weekend brings to Montreal, this conversation offers a great look into a world that most people only see from the outside. Will Del Vecchio joins us for a fun and insightful conversation about racing, Montreal, and what it takes to chase speed for a living. Follow The Good Night Podcast for more conversations with comedians and interesting people from Montreal and beyond.

Amer Rez is back with filmmaker and comedian Miguel McKenna for a hilariously unfiltered, free-flowing conversation recorded live right outside the M Hotel. They bypass the usual podcast pleasantries and dive straight into a chaotic blend of deep-cut cinema and everyday absurdities. Whether they are breaking down the physical mechanics of swimming and the realities of dealing with uneven leg lengths, or debating the logistics of balancing dinner timelines with dating in your thirties, the chemistry is fast, loose, and completely authentic. For the film buffs, Miguel delivers his definitive, non-negotiable list of 10/10 cinematic masterpieces—trading thoughts on everything from *The Elephant Man* and *Zodiac* to the atomic-age terror of the 1951 classic *The Day the Earth Stood Still*. The conversation spins wildly from high-brow movie analysis into the surreal, touching on UFO disclosures, corporate conspiracy theories hidden inside *Monsters, Inc.*, and a gold-tier workplace story involving a legendary Lebanese coworker who claims to be a national karaoke champion for his rendition of Prince’s *Purple Rain*. It’s a hilarious, fast-paced hour of sharp commentary and great storytelling that feels exactly like catching up with your funniest friends.

Lebanese comedian John Achkar joins Amer Rez on The Good Night Podcast for a funny, honest, and laid-back conversation about comedy, culture, Montreal, identity, touring, and what it is like performing for Arab audiences around the world. John Achkar is a Lebanese stand-up comedian, actor, and creator known for his sharp storytelling, relatable humour, and comedy about Arab culture, relationships, family, work, identity, and the everyday chaos of life. His stand-up has connected with audiences internationally, especially across the Arab diaspora, because his comedy feels honest, personal, and painfully accurate in the best way. In this episode, John talks with Amer Rez about his love for Montreal, the Lebanese community in Canada, performing in different cities, and how audiences react to comedy in different parts of the world. The conversation mixes hilarious cultural observations with more personal reflections on being Lebanese, travelling as a comedian, and finding humour in the awkward, stressful, and ridiculous moments of life. This episode is perfect for fans of John Achkar, Lebanese comedy, Arab stand-up, Montreal comedy, Middle Eastern podcasts, and anyone who enjoys real conversations with comedians about culture, identity, and the comedy scene. Whether you already follow John from his stand-up, viral clips, and live shows, or you are discovering him for the first time, this episode gives you a fun and personal look at one of the most exciting Lebanese comedians performing today. Hosted by Amer Rez, The Good Night Podcast brings together comedians, creatives, performers, and interesting voices for relaxed, funny, and genuine conversations. This episode dives into Montreal, comedy, Lebanese culture, touring life, audience reactions, and the small cultural details that make life so funny.

Gabriel is back on the pod with a hot episode! He was in China for two weeks and is this episode is all about his travels to a far away and strange land!

Sweet and introspective episode with Nazeer Khan. He’s a funny comedian and comedy show producer in Montreal. They talk about dating, producing and the daily struggles of being a hardcore and dedicated comedian in Montreal!

In this episode, we sit down with chef and restaurateur Steve D’Alete, the driving force behind Café Mondello, to explore what it really takes to build and run a successful restaurant. From the realities of kitchen life to the business side of hospitality, Steve shares honest insights into the passion, pressure, and persistence behind the industry. We dive into his journey into the culinary world, the story behind Café Mondello, and what separates a good restaurant from a great one. Steve also breaks down menu creation, customer experience, and the challenges of staying relevant in a competitive food scene. Whether you’re a foodie, aspiring chef, or interested in entrepreneurship, this episode gives you a real look at restaurant culture, chef mindset, and what it takes to succeed in hospitality today. Cafe Mondello - 7536 Rue St-Hubert, Montréal, QC H2R 2N6

We got the hilarious and nuts George Assily. He’s got some great Lebanon stories! He reconciled with his father and ate a lot of meat! Great ep!

Hash the One is a legend in Montreal. TikTok superstar! Wrestling legend. Comedian! Wow he does it all! He also has a cat! Great ep with two Montreal comedy stars! Enjoy!!

We got cafe Eevee owner Alessandro on the pod. He makes the best Italian pastries in montreal! Check them out! Great pod!

We got one of the kings of Montreal comedy! Vance Michel. He’s got tales from the past from the old school Montreal comedy days. And lots of fun jokes in between!

Great ep! Alex is back and he’s funnier than ever. Pull up a seat and chill out because big daddy Alex and uncle Amer are about to entertain the paints off ya!