Wild Card with Rachel Martin Kumail Nanjiani
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Dec 18, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Kumail Nanjiani, the talented Pakistani-American comedian and star of The Big Sick, shares his journey of embracing vulnerability and fear. He recounts his childhood struggles after moving from Karachi to Iowa and contrasts his upbringing with American individuality. Kumail dives into his creative partnership with his wife Emily and the emotional power of food, wishing everyone could experience his grandmother's biryani. Plus, he reflects on finding authenticity in his stand-up and the joy of learning from both success and failure.
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Scared To Leave Home For College
- At 18, Kumail left Karachi for college and initially sobbed and wanted to return home.
- Two weeks later he adapted and the move eventually set a path to comedy and meeting his wife.
A Single 'Huh' Changed A Career Path
- A throwaway 'huh' in biology class led Kumail's teacher to bully him and prompted him to drop the subject.
- That small moment changed his trajectory away from medicine and toward life in the U.S.
Treat Writing As Daily Practice
- Try treating writing like a daily practice rather than waiting for inspiration.
- Kumail credits Emily's ritual of showing up every day for consistent creative results.