Comedy Tours, Inspector Mwala & Existential Crises - Adan Abdi | Coffee Pump (E102)

Konnichiwa Fam, On E102, I sit down with Adan Abdi. What started as writing funny stories in university turned into a career in stand-up comedy, taking him from small Nairobi open mics to stages across Africa and Europe We talk about: • Growing up in Nakuru and studying civil engineering • How Adan accidentally found stand-up comedy • Breaking the news to his parents that comedy was becoming a career • Landing major commercial campaigns and building a personal brand • The business side of stand-up comedy and international touring • US visas and performing overseas • Matcha vs coffee • Comedy, cancel culture and offensive jokes • Palestine, Holocaust jokes and where comedians draw the line • ADHD, autism, neurodivergence and mental health • Existential crises, purpose and defining success • Religion, self-care and managing stress • Failed jokes, crowd work and learning from bad performances We also get into Formula 1, TikTok, Substack, cheap dopamine hits, chasing greatness, and whether success actually brings peace of mind. And much, much more. Hope you enjoy the episode. Best, Team Coffee Pump Join Our Membership and get access to videos early: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkZKGnWZWb-S9wJdz9IGDTw/join Find Adan Abdi: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adan_comedian - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adan_comedian - Stand Up Collective: https://standupcollective.co.ke/artist/Adan%20Abdi Find our host Sajid Vayani: - Linktree: https://linktr.ee/sajvayani Coffee Pump Spotify, Apple and Socials: - Linktree: https://linktr.ee/sajvayani Disclaimer: The content of The Coffee Pump Podcast is intended for entertainment and informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Coffee Pump Podcast, its affiliates, or any associated entities. Nothing discussed in this podcast should be construed as professional advice in any field, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or business matters. Any statements made about businesses, products, or individuals are based on personal experiences and opinions and are not meant to be taken as fact or a definitive review. The Coffee Pump Podcast does not assume any liability for the accuracy, completeness, or consequences of using the information discussed. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions, conduct their own research, and seek professional guidance where appropriate. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that The Coffee Pump Podcast is not responsible for any actions or decisions made based on the content provided. 0:00 - Intro 1:58 - Subscribe To The Channel 2:24 - Cameras Africa (New Coffee Pump Podcast Sponsors ) 4:35 - Ricky's F1 Update 11:06 - Adan's Biography & Media Deck 12:59 - Coffee Pump Podcast Social Media Growth 15:20 - Adan's Upbringing , School & Campus Days 18:30 - Adans's Comedy Debut & Inspiration 23:39 - Adan Breaking Career Pivot News To His Parents 27:13 - Adan's First Time Performing Comedy On Stage 28:08 - Filming Naivas Commercial 31:09 - Mind Your Language Comedy Show , Success Definition & Positive Thinking 39:35 - Adan's Comedy Tour Experience & USA Visas 42:54 - Matcha Tea VS Coffee 44:12 - Adan's Holocaust & Palestine Jokes 48:17 - Autism , ADHD , Neural Divergence & Sub stack 53:29 - Existential Crisis , Chasing Success , Cheap Dopamine Hits 1:01:48 - Sense Of Calmness 1:03:17 - Adan's Future Life Goals , Religion , Self Care & Stress Management 1:07:59 - Journey To Securing International Comedy Gigs 1:17:30 - Adan's Favorite Comics Over The Years 1:19:29 - Adan's Crowd Work & Jokes Book 1:24:09 - Black Nod Experiences & Testing Out Adan's Jokes 1:28:22 - Getting OTC Drugs In The States VS Kenya 1:29:42 - Adan's Way Of Curating International Sets 1:33:33 - Adan's Flopped Jokes 1:35:22 - Drug Abuse In The Stand Up Comedy Scene 1:39:53 - Saj's Encounter With A Transgender In South Africa 1:41:17 - Adan's Encounter With A Transgender In Nairobi 1:45:25 - Adan's Upcoming Comedy Shows & Meeting Kisiangani 1:48:16 - Adan's Radio Shows & Appreciation Note 1:51:02 - Stage Poetry ,Spoken Word VS Stand Up Comedy 1:54:24 - Outro