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Post Reports

How to launch a second act in life, with comedian Zarna Garg

Post Reports

The Washington Post

Daily News, Politics, News

4.45.1K Ratings

🗓️ 29 November 2025

⏱️ 30 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

From starting a tomato sauce company to launching matchmaking services, Zarna Garg’s entrepreneurial spirit has always been on display. But when daughter Zoya Garg dragged her to an open-mic event and introduced her mother to the world of stand-up comedy, the older Garg seemed skeptical.

Fast-forward six years later. Now, Zarna Garg has streaming comedy specials, a best-selling book and millions of followers on social media. 

Host Elahe Izadi spoke with Zarna and Zoya at The Washington Post’s Global Women’s Summit. Before a live audience, the three explore Zarna’s journey to finding comedy, the changing face of the industry on social media, and how it’s never too late to launch a second act in life. 

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Transcript

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0:00.0

America is changing. And so is the world.

0:04.4

But what's happening in America isn't just the cause of global upheaval.

0:08.6

It's also a symptom of disruption that's happening everywhere.

0:12.4

I'm Asma Khalid in Washington, D.C.

0:14.6

I'm Tristan Redman in London, and this is the global story.

0:18.8

Every weekday will bring you a story from this intersection, where the world and America meet.

0:24.4

Listen on BBC.com or wherever you get your podcasts.

0:30.7

Hi there, it's Ella Hey.

0:32.8

Today I wanted to bring you something a little different for our weekend episode.

0:38.5

Last week, I interviewed a comedian you've probably heard a lot about lately, Zarnah Garg.

0:45.1

She's got streaming specials, a best-selling book, and millions of followers on social media.

0:51.3

And she only started doing this six years ago.

1:01.5

I sat down with Zarna and her daughter turned business partner Zoya Garg at the Washington Post Global Women's Summit.

1:03.7

We spoke before a live audience.

1:06.1

It was a really funny conversation, but we also hit some serious notes.

1:13.5

We talked about how they built her business, Zarnas decision to perform at the Riyadh Comedy Festival and the controversy around it,

1:19.6

and also I get Zarnas advice for anyone who wants to begin a second act in life. Okay, I hope you enjoy the show.

1:31.3

I'm thrilled today to be joined by Zarnah Garg and Zoya Garg.

1:35.2

Zana, Zoya, thank you so much for being here today.

1:42.6

Thank you.

1:43.4

Thank you so much for having us. Namaste, Washington Post. Namaste. Thank you so much for having us.

1:51.5

Yes, and thank you for participating in the Washington Post Global Women's Summit. I want to first ask this question for you, Zarner. As the video showed, you know, you came to the U.S.

...

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