Episode 13 - Nour Hajjar

Nour Hajjar is a food scientist turned stand-up comedian who has a unique presence in Lebanese social media.

Nour begins by telling us about switching from food science to stand up (0:46), the Lebanese comedy scene representing our brand oriented culture and the upcoming demographic in Middle Eastern comedy (7:09).

We then talk about how Lebanese society and politics provide Nour with great material (12:05), explaining Lebanon to foreign friends (14:36), Lebanese comics in the 90s not being delusional (16:51), Nour using standup to say what’s on everybody’s mind (17:59),  continuity being the basis behind corruption in Lebanese politics (25:25), and whether Nour should stick to sociopolitical content or comment on societal norms (28:28). We then discuss Lebanese citizens abroad always being attached to their country (30:49), peoples reactions to him mocking Lebanese political parties during his shows (32:25), using his Instagram memes to raise awareness (36:57), negative side of many Lebanese citizens fleeing the country (38:31), future of stand-up comedy in Lebanon (42:50), Nour’s parents reaction when he became a comic (45:20), his outlook for the future (47:42), and his upcoming podcast (49:03).