About this episode
Kumail Nanjiani joins the show fresh off the success of his new hit movie “The Lovebirds,” the romantic comedy in which he stars opposite Issa Rae. It’s been a remarkable decade for the actor, comedian, screenwriter and podcaster. He’s appeared on some of the most beloved cult comedy shows in recent memory, from “Portlandia” to “Inside Amy Schumer,” “Community” and “Key & Peele,” and he starred in the hit show “Silicon Valley.” He became an Oscar nominee, alongside his wife Emily V. Gordon, for “The Big Sick,” the critically acclaimed film based on their personal story. And he received an Emmy nomination for his performance on Jordan Peele’s reboot of “The Twilight Zone.” In this conversation, Nanjiani reflects on the pivotal moments in his career, what it was like starting his stand-up career right before September 11th, his advice on handling failure, and the importance of having trust with your directors. He also talks about working with Issa Rae, getting obsessive over his workout regimen, and how his relationship with social media has changed.