Host Vivek Mahbubani had the honor of opening for Jimmy O. Yang on all 5 shows in Hong Kong at the Hong Kong Coliseum, in front of 7000 people each show. Vivek shares the full story of the surreal experience. Get tickets for Backstage Comedy shows: https://thebackstagehk.com/ Subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hohopod Leave us a review: (please!) https://www.ratethispodcast.com/hohohkpod Follow Mohammed on Instagram: https://...
Jul 02, 2025•50 min•Ep. 225
Comedian Drew Fralick is a rare breed. He is a comedian, but he is also a full-time pastor and a licensed mental health counselor. He performs stand-up comedy in English and Mandarin. Host Mohammed Magdi catches up with Drew over a shisha session, and they cover everything, from the tales of living in downtown Detroit to creating what's possibly the only comedy club that's part of a church in America. Get tickets for Backstage Comedy shows: https://thebackstagehk.com/ Subscribe to o...
Jun 23, 2025•56 min•Ep. 224
Singaporean comedian Jacky Ng just proposed to his girlfriend at Hong Kong Disneyland! Host Vivek Mahbubani chats with Jacky about all the creative and clever ways people rent out their public housing units, the Singapore comedy scene, the "shock" of performing in more politically correct markets, and all the secrets to a perfect marriage proposal at Hong Kong Disneyland. Get tickets for Backstage Comedy shows: https://thebackstagehk.com/ Subscribe to our Patreon: https:/...
Jun 15, 2025•48 min•Ep. 223
Indian comedian Daniel Fernandes' profile is on the rise, as well as the threats of violence, arrest, and nasty comments on his online videos. We catch up with Daniel Fernandes while he's in Hong Kong to chat about his recent video about Kashmir, the importance of "do nothing days," and why he is not concerned at all about negative backlash. Get tickets for Backstage Comedy shows: https://thebackstagehk.com/ Subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hohopod...
Jun 08, 2025•52 min•Ep. 222
Karys Plaxe is a long time HK resident, and recently wrapped up her time as Black Sheep Restaurant Group's head pastry chef. Karys’ career before HK ranged from working in MICHELIN-starred pastry programs to overseeing top-level international bakeries where she honed her creative finesse. Apart from being the driving force behind Hong Kong's most famous cake shop, Butter, Karys has also spent the last few years cultivating her passion for yoga. She now hosts all-levels yoga classes, and is takin...
Jun 01, 2025•55 min•Ep. 221
Paul Taylor is an English comedian. He moved to Paris in 2009 and started doing stand-up comedy in 2013. Taylor is known in France for his TV series on Canal+, What the F*ck France, What's Up France?, and Stereotrip, but he got his onstage debut with his show #Franglais. Host Mohammed Magdi and Paul met in Shanghai in 2017 when Paul toured his show #franglais across Asia. In 2025, Paul is touring the world with his new show, "100% in English." We catch up with Paul ahead of his Hong Kong show, a...
May 25, 2025•56 min•Ep. 220
On our episode #199 , dated 11 December 2024, we chatted about our wish wishlist for live shows to see in Hong Kong. Cut to May 2025, and we are sitting together watching one of the shows that was on top of that list, and it did not disappoint. Get tickets for Backstage Comedy shows: https://thebackstagehk.com/ Subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hohopod Leave us a review: (please!) https://www.ratethispodcast.com/hohohkpod Follow Mohammed on Instagram: ...
May 18, 2025•51 min•Ep. 219
We are back in the studio after more than a month being apart! Vivek Mahbubani is back from his Australia and New Zealand Tour, loaded with stories, rants and coffee! Get tickets for Backstage Comedy shows: https://thebackstagehk.com/ Subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hohopod Leave us a review: (please!) https://www.ratethispodcast.com/hohohkpod Follow Mohammed on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theothermohammed Follow Vivek on Instagram: ...
May 11, 2025•53 min•Ep. 218
Eshan Arif is a legend in Hong Kong’s bar scene. After a decade in the beer business, he now runs one of Soho’s coolest spots—Dead Poets. He’s also the city’s unofficial quiz king, known for hosting some of the silliest and sneakiest pub quizzes around. We sit down with Eshan to talk bar culture, what makes Dead Poets tick, and why being a quizmaster should never be taken too seriously. Check out Dead Poets on Insagram: https://www.instagram.com/deadpoetshk/ Check Out Craftissimo's 12th year Ann...
Apr 22, 2025•58 min•Ep. 218
With four massive sold-out Coldplay concerts, and the Rugby 7s weekend, the new Hong Kong Kai Tai Stadium has finally opened its doors! And there is no one better at giving a full review of the events, the stadium and all the fun trivia, than our guest, comedian Garron Chiu. Garron worked on multiple ad campaigns for those events as part of his job, and he saw 2 Coldplay concerts in the same week! Jiaoying Summers write-up on SCMP: https://shorturl.at/hFEdc Get tickets for Backstage Comedy shows...
Apr 15, 2025•55 min•Ep. 216
We are back after a quick one-week break as Vivek heads to Australia and NZ for a tour, but we catch up right before he leaves. Big news: Vivek is technically single, and he is taking the opportunity to do the most useless "optimization" tasks. Bakehouse long lines are kind of disappearing? And Christian Action opens Hong Kong's first ethnic minorities museum, Diversity Hub. Check out Diversity Hub: https://www.instagram.com/diversityhubhk/ Get tickets for Backstage Comedy shows: https://linktr....
Apr 06, 2025•48 min
Malaysian comedian Rizal Van Geyzel's show "Arrested" tells an incredible story of what happens when a perfect mix of self-absorbed "influencer" foolishness, government inefficiency, and social media frenzy ultimately leads to his arrest and him losing his comedy club. Rizal tells us the full story. Catch Rizal's show "Arrested" at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/rizal-van-geyzel-2/ Get tickets for Backstage Comedy shows: https://linktr...
Mar 23, 2025•49 min
Apologies for the late upload! You might understand why when you listen to this episode. Host Mohammed Magdi witnesses a horrific incident in his neighborhood. He shares the details of his experience as we try to process it. Warning: This episode has many references to self-harm and some graphic details. Dim Sum Daily coverage: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/26-year-old-woman-found-dead-after-fall-in-sheung-wan/ Get tickets for Backstage Comedy shows: https://linktr.ee/backstagecomedy Subscribe to o...
Mar 20, 2025•56 min
It's not a new phenomenon for local residents of a place with high tourist traffic to be annoyed by the inconvenience tourists cause sometimes; it's normal. What is new is tourists in Hong Kong not really caring much for Hong Kong's world-famous skyline or its beautiful nature and instead going to some random coffee shops and posing for photos for long photo sessions, all doing the same poses, just because it was mentioned on an app. Get tickets for Backstage Comedy shows: https://linktr.ee/back...
Mar 09, 2025•47 min
Ramadan is here, and we chat all about Ramadan in Hong Kong. Host Mohammed Magdi explains why he believes observing Ramadan is a good practice, while the other host, Vivek Mahbubani, tries really hard to find "cheat codes." Get tickets for Backstage Comedy shows: https://linktr.ee/backstagecomedy Subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hohopod Leave us a review: (please!) https://www.ratethispodcast.com/hohohkpod Follow Mohammed on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theothermohammed/...
Mar 03, 2025•47 min
It's not uncommon for Hong Kongers to cross the border to the mainland to buy some "high copy" luxury items. While fake markets have been around China for a long time, host Mohammed Magdi remembers a time where a huge fake market was located in the middle of Shanghai, selling everything from questionable Beats by Dr. Dre to a flashlight that's also a taser. Check out "Broken" on Netflix Get tickets for Backstage Comedy shows: https://linktr.ee/backstagecomedy Subscribe to our Patreon: https://ww...
Feb 23, 2025•53 min
This episode is not for the faint-hearted! Mohammed Magdi heads to the Philippines for a quick "holiday and a show" with Annie Louey, and boy, oh boy, do they have a rough time. Annie recounts the benefits of a power spew and how Dr. Showbiz always comes to the rescue. And of course, Vivek Mahbubani smugly reminds us all why he doesn't like to leave his house, ever. Check out the "Cross Border Comedy" documentary from February 20 on YouTube, ABC International, Now TV (Hong Kong), and ABC iView (...
Feb 17, 2025•54 min
Another week, another adventure, and another tale from some of the unusual gigs that we do. This week, host Mohammed Magdi shares the details of a gig he did recently, doing standup for an opera show produced by the Hong Kong Grand Opera, and if that sounds random, that's because it is, but "Standup Opera" is a thing, and you can go see the next one on March 6! Get tickets for Backstage Comedy shows: https://linktr.ee/backstagecomedy Subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hohopod Leav...
Feb 09, 2025•50 min
On our first episode of the Year of The Snake, Vivek gambles with his luck and cleans his house on CNY, and on the topic of gambling, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Mark Six lottery winner gets over 193 million HKD. How does this thing even work? This episode is not sponsored by Dyson or the Hong Kong Jockey Club! Get tickets for Backstage Comedy shows: https://linktr.ee/backstagecomedy Subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hohopod Leave us a review: (please!) https://www.ratethispodcast....
Feb 05, 2025•55 min
Happy Year of the Snake, everyone! As things slow down in Hong Kong and people take the time to spend quality time with their families and loved ones, we chat about a range of topics, including our recent gig hosting The Aftermath's 6th birthday party, Mohammed's dog's recent "panic disorder" diagnosis, and we do a full predictions chart of what kind of Chinese New Year we are going to have. Get tickets for Backstage Comedy shows: https://linktr.ee/backstagecomedy Subscribe to our Patreon: https...
Jan 29, 2025•50 min
Some people just don't learn from their mistakes/are hopelessly optimistic that maybe some things may change. Maybe it's being given false hope after a fluke; maybe it's our strong desire to see someone succeed? Either way, we tried Vission Bakery's $50 egg tart in a cookie, and we have notes. Get tickets for Backstage Comedy shows: https://linktr.ee/backstagecomedy Subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hohopod Leave us a review: (please!) https://www.ratethispodcast.com/hohohkpod Fo...
Jan 21, 2025•49 min
On this episode we try to find fun things to do in HK when it's "cold", the pros and cons of hiking up to the Peak. Mohammed reviews Tai Ping Shan's newest "Kool" hangout spot review, and we welcome our new patrons! Get tickets for Backstage Comedy shows: https://linktr.ee/backstagecomedy Subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hohopod Leave us a review: (please!) https://www.ratethispodcast.com/hohohkpod Follow Mohammed on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theothermohammed/ Follow ...
Jan 15, 2025•53 min
2025 is here, and with it come new adventures, stories, and reviews from our hosts. Mohammed Magdi sees Hong Kong's New Year's Fireworks show "properly" for the first time, and Vivek Mahbubani hosts a fancy gig at the Four Seasons. Also on this episode, a non-spoiler review of Netflix's new documentary "Don't Die" and Backstage Comedy's "New Material" comedy show. Get tickets for Backstage Comedy shows: https://linktr.ee/backstagecomedy Subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hohopod L...
Jan 06, 2025•50 min
We made it to the end of 2024! We have so much to be grateful for. On this episode, we share our most memorable moments of the year, but before that, Vivek shares his experience getting a haircut at Image Hair Salon. We chat about the new "DCC fees" applied on HK credit cardscards andVivek is not ok but, he's fine. Get tickets for Backstage Comedy shows: https://linktr.ee/backstagecomedy Subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hohopod Leave us a review: (please!) https://www.ratethispo...
Dec 30, 2024•52 min
This episode is the first episode to be recorded in our new video studio. The full video podcast will be available soon on Youtube. There is no doubt that a lot of goods and services can be very expensive in Hong Kong, especially on HK Island. This week, Mohammed Magdi shares one of his most kept secrets, the best place to get a haircut (for men) in Hong Kong without breaking the bank. Vivek Mahbubani one-ups him by admitting that his mom has been cutting his hair for years! Get tickets for Back...
Dec 23, 2024•54 min
We celebrate our 200th episode with a live podcast in front of a live audience at one of our favorite venues, The Aftermath. We have a lot of fun answering questions, playing games, riffing, and feeding off the energy of the room. Thank you to everyone who got us this far. We are very grateful. Special thanks to our Patreon subscribers. We wouldn't be here without your support and encouragement. Get tickets for Backstage Comedy shows: https://linktr.ee/backstagecomedy Subscribe to our Patreon: h...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr 6 min
As the brand new Kai Tak Stadium is about to open, we share our wishlist for live shows to see in 2025 in Hong Kong, as well as our favorite live shows we have seen over the years, and the guys realize it took Mohammed Magdi a whole year to process the trauma of his 2024 New Year's Eve gig. Get tickets for Backstage Comedy shows: https://linktr.ee/backstagecomedy Subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hohopod Leave us a review: (please!) https://www.ratethispodcast.com/hohohkpod Follo...
Dec 11, 2024•53 min
We are already in December and Hong Kong is starting to feel like Christmas already (since early November). We chat about Landmark's confusing "Christmas Ribbons" decorations and the Netflix documentary "Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy." This Christmas, buy experiences, not things! Is the HK single-use plastic ban actually enforced? We're all about the environment, baby! Get tickets to our 200th Ep. Live Episode on Dec 5: https://t.ly/dvmNR Get tickets for Backstage Comedy shows: https://linktr...
Dec 02, 2024•53 min
Saicho is a cold sparkling tea that offers a perfect alternative for non-drinkers to enjoy with a nice meal or a special occasion. A unique product started by two PhD food scientists, it's now available at many of the 5-star hotel High Tea settings in Hong Kong, as well as the UK, Japan, and Singapore, and the list is growing. We chat with Saicho's Head of Asia Distribution about the story of Saicho, his beginning in corporate banking recruitment, and a 50K dare that turned him into an ultramara...
Nov 25, 2024•56 min
This week on Ho Ho Hong Kong, we got so much to unpack: from Mike Tyson's lesson in humility to what makes a joke go viral. We delve into many topics, including attention economy, wild things that happen at VIP parties, and regrets we are trying to avoid later in life. Get tickets to our 200th Ep. Live Episode on Dec 5: https://t.ly/dvmNR Get tickets for Backstage Comedy shows: https://linktr.ee/backstagecomedy Subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hohopod Leave us a review: (please!...
Nov 18, 2024•55 min
