Good Hang with Amy Poehler Zarna Garg
12 snips
Aug 26, 2025 Zarna Garg, a stand-up comedian and author of 'This American Woman,' shares her inspiring journey from law to laughter, sparked by her daughter's encouragement. She humorously navigates family dynamics and the challenges of cultural expectations in love and parenting. Zoya Garg, her daughter and a Stanford computer science student, adds her insights into their collaborative creativity. The duo reflects on adult friendships and the importance of loyalty, all while maintaining a lighthearted vibe that captures the bond between them.
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Daughter Triggered A Career Change
- Zoya nudged her mother Zarna into stand-up by gifting notes that highlighted her warmth and humor.
- Zarna's first open-mic to a tiny audience launched her comedy career and changed her life trajectory.
Bootleg American TV Shaped Her Ambitions
- Zarna grew up in affluent Mumbai with heavy exposure to American TV via bootleg copies and comic books.
- That early access seeded her curiosity and desire for a different life path than traditional marriage norms.
Runaway, Homeless, Then Reconciled
- After her mother died and her father demanded marriage, Zarna left home and lived rough, taken in by people her mother had helped.
- She eventually returned, welcomed back with a Coke and pizza, marking a painful reconciliation.
