Pax Assadi on SHOCKING NZ Racism: "After 9/11, I Pretended to be TONGAN!"
Episode Description
Pax Assadi is one of the most recognizable voices in New Zealand comedy. If you are not familiar with Pax. Get ready- you’re about to meet an awesome human.
He’s a very brief bio: he’s a stand-up comedian, writer, actor and TV host.
He created and starred in a TV show loosely based on his life called “Raised by Refugees.” (which you can stream on Neon)
He’s been on pretty much every TV show a comedian can go on: 7 Days, The Project, and Have You Been Paying Attention?
He’s doing two crowd work shows as part of the 2025 NZ comedy festival. On Thursday 22 and Friday 23rd of May at the Q Theatre in Auckland.
This conversation is a small part of the Pax Asadi story.
+ His experiences as a child of refugee immigrant parents in New Zealand.
+ How one viral stand-up moment changed his career.
+ The piece of advice from Ursula Carlson has shaped his career.
+ Why has he never had a drop of alcohol.
+ His reflections on being fired from his breakfast radio show after 6 months and much much more.
Pax and I have met once. Very briefly. Years ago. So this was the first time we really connected, and I loved it. And I hope you do too.
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Chapters
00:00 Who is Pax Asadi? 12:00 The Impact of Family and Upbringing 20:08 Reflections on Refugee Experience 39:08 Parenting Reflections 53:39 Understanding the Job 01:01:05 Marriage and Growth 01:05:55 Talent vs. Hard Work 01:11:25 The Early Struggles of Stand-Up Comedy 01:16:30 The Turning Point in a Comedy Career 01:24:33 The Journey to Financial Stability 01:30:17 Vulnerability and Friendships 01:34:20 Mental Health and Spiritual Practices 01:37:44 Legacy and Self-Reflection
Brief Summary
Pax Assadi discusses his comedic journey, family background, and the importance of resilience and vulnerability in his life and career.
Key points
- Career Reflections. The guest reflects on his career trajectory and the ups and downs of his journey in comedy.
- Raised by Refugees. The guest discusses his TV show and how it reflects his upbringing, blending fact and fiction.
- Refugee Journey to New Zealand. A personal account of the creator's family's journey as refugees to New Zealand.
- The Hustle of Refugee Families. Exploring the drive of refugee families to succeed despite challenges.
- Parenting Generations. Exploring the differences in parenting styles across generations and the struggles of vulnerability.
- Cultural Expectations. Discussing cultural expectations around relationships and how they affect family dynamics.
Ask about Dom Harvey
Episode highlights
- Career ReflectionsThe guest reflects on his career trajectory and the ups and downs of his journey in comedy.“Isn't it funny how everything works out for a reason?”2:22May 17, 2025
- Raised by RefugeesThe guest discusses his TV show and how it reflects his upbringing, blending fact and fiction.“It's loosely based on my life, but there is a lot of stuff in there that unfolds exactly the way it unfolded in real life.”15:03May 17, 2025
- Refugee Journey to New ZealandA personal account of the creator's family's journey as refugees to New Zealand.“My parents came to New Zealand as refugees with $27.”21:32May 17, 2025
- The Hustle of Refugee FamiliesExploring the drive of refugee families to succeed despite challenges.“There is a deep desire to not be seen as a burden...”27:44May 17, 2025
- Parenting GenerationsExploring the differences in parenting styles across generations and the struggles of vulnerability.“That generation kind of all struggled with being vulnerable.”36:32May 17, 2025
- Cultural ExpectationsDiscussing cultural expectations around relationships and how they affect family dynamics.“To her that means I'm also dealing drugs and I'm in a gang.”41:03May 17, 2025
- Stand-Up for the All BlacksAn awkward yet memorable stand-up routine for the All Blacks.“It was really bizarre, but they laughed.”54:51May 17, 2025
- Early Marriage ReflectionsHe candidly admits to being a bad husband for the first five years.“I was objectively a bad husband for the first 5 years.”58:48May 17, 2025
