After more than a decade behind the mic, I’ve been thinking about why I still do this — why I keep podcasting after all these years, through so many changes in the media world. In this solo episode, I look back at my journey: from recording my very first show in a basement studio in Mississauga to hosting Welcome with Karim Kanji, Welcome to the Music, My First Joke, and Lost Venues.

It all started 16 years ago on a flight home from East Africa, when I decided I needed to start building my own brand. I didn’t know anything about podcasting back then — just that I wanted to tell stories and connect with people. A tweet for help led to my first show, and from there I’ve had the chance to talk with politicians, athletes, musicians, comedians, and so many others who inspire me.

Now, after hundreds of conversations, I realize I’m still podcasting for the same reasons I started: curiosity, connection, and the stories that remind us we’re all learning as we go. I’m not chasing downloads or subscribers — I’m here to share something real each week, whether it’s one of my own stories or a conversation that moved me.

Find all my podcasts at KarimKanji.com