Al Jazeera Podcasts.

Today, Palestinian-American comedian Mo Amir on the Art of Comedy.

I was encouraged to change my name and go to L.A. and don't tell him you're Palestinian.

That was a big thing. I was like, I could never do that. I would lose myself.

However, after 9-11, I was Italian for a solid two months.

How does he keep us laughing in the face of dark times?

I'm Malika Bilalal and this is the take.

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Mo Amur is a stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer whose stand-up special Wild World is now streaming on Netflix.

I spoke with him on Thursday about his latest work and how his own life story provides much of the inspiration for his creativity.

Mo, it is really good to have you on the take. Welcome.

I want to start where you begin in your latest comedy special on Netflix Wild World

with a line that I can't fully say on this podcast, but in essence, it is F. DJ Khalid. For our audience,

who doesn't know, DJ Khalid is a producer and a musician. Like you, he's a pretty

prominent Palestinian-American. And this sets a no-hold barred tone to kick things off.

Why? Why there?

You know, over the last three years of making my series

and to see what the genocide is happening in Gaza

and what's all that's transpired over these last three years

...