#175 - Dina Hashem - Stavvy's World | Wave AI Podcast Notes

Stavvy’s World Episode #175 ft. Dina Hashem

Release Date: April 6, 2026
Host: Stavros Halkias
Guest: Dina Hashem

Episode Overview

This week, comedian Dina Hashem joins Stavros in the studio for a characteristically loose and sincere hang, where the duo reflect on the odd paths their comedy careers have taken, artistic anxieties and burnout, peculiar childhood environments, and the ever-shifting terrain of relationships—punctuated, of course, by riffs, dark humor, and listener call-ins seeking advice on everything from career frustration to relationship crises.

1. Comedy Career Real Talk & Burnout

(00:52 – 08:58)

Key Points:

Dina and Stav reminisce about the days of open mic comedy, describing the tight-knit but ultimately transient social worlds of up-and-coming comedians.
They discuss the strange fate of their peers—some achieving success, many abandoning the pursuit for "normal" life, and the odd sadness that persists even with achievement.
Both reflect on artistic anxiety and the emptiness of endless professional striving.

Notable Quotes:

"Whatever we achieve in the room. We're the biggest loser of whatever room we're in."
— Stavros (02:56)
"I think Jordan Peters is right. I think I just need to start a family. I’m so sick of pursuing ambitions. It just gives me anxiety."
— Dina (03:21)
"Every time I succeed, I’m more depressed than ever. It’s never enough."
— Stavros (03:33)

Memorable Moment:

Stav and Dina fantasize about escaping standup for blue-collar routines. Dina confesses interest in becoming a "blue-collar drummer," leading to affectionate roasting and a tangent about cover bands and busking.

"I take it back. It would actually be my dream to be in a Prince casino cover band right now." — Dina (05:03)

2. Dina's Jazz Drumming Journey and Relationship Status

(05:35 – 11:26)

Key Points:

Dina shares her current passion: drumming outdoors, busking in Grand Army Plaza with her jazz musician boyfriend.
The conversation exposes her past—unusual long-distance relationships, her jazz musician boyfriend ("a true jazz musician"), and her accidental journey into drums.
She describes how her boyfriend introduced her to jazz, but she originally played the drums for fun, stemming from a childhood addiction to rhythm games.

Notable Quotes:

"We play under the arches in Grand Army Plaza for nobody... He’s a true—he’s a jazz musician." — Dina (05:25)
"What you do for fun...I started on a snare drum!" — Dina (06:12)
"Why do you think you could just do what he's done? He's dedicated his life." — Stavros (11:01)

3. Childhood & Family Backstory: Growing Up Muslim, DDR, and Dysfunction

(12:00 – 23:51)

Key Points:

Dina discusses growing up in Central Jersey with a love for DDR (Dance Dance Revolution), arcades, and being an anime/Japanese culture fan.
She reveals a difficult home life: raised by her mother and a mostly-silent stepdad ("20 years, that’s fucking insane. Only words: ‘Hey Mo.’") and being relegated to living room privacy behind a room divider.
Both comics exchange stories about crowded, chaotic immigrant households, the small sanctuaries of childhood, and the impact this has on their personalities.

Notable Quotes:

"It was just you and moms in Central Jersey?" — Stavros
"He and I, we got into a scuffle when I was 6 years old and never spoke again...20 years." — Dina (16:15, 18:03)
"What you think family is, is essentially just Craigslist roommate."
— Stavros (19:06)

Memorable Moment:

Dina cheerfully shares how her childhood space was the bathroom—"my favorite place because it was the only place I could lock the door." (17:18)

4. Relationships, Love, and the Fear of Commitment

(24:36 – 30:36)

Key Points:

The duo dig into the complicated push-and-pull of romance, weddings, and adulthood.
Dina expresses ambivalence about marriage—fearing the word "husband" feels "so old," and preferring "boyfriend" as long as it's feasible.
Both muse on their ages—bits about facing 40, how much the concept of self-worth is tied to professional ambitions, and the evolving significance of love.

Notable Quotes:

"I just don't like the word husband though. It feels so...like I'm old now." — Dina (28:50)
"You're way closer to 40 in a major way. 36, you're still...mid-30s. 37, it's like, you're about to be 40." — Stavros (30:06)

5. Reshaping Priorities: Family vs. Work

(30:36 – 34:29)

Key Points:

An earnest exchange about the realization that pouring life entirely into career is ultimately stunting; the importance of making time for family.
They criticize American cultural values that equate worth with productivity or profession—even in "cool" professions like comedy.
Both reflect on the guilt and stress social media injects into the process of enjoying life and pursuing art.

Notable Quotes:

"Comedy's not important. It's just our...It should just become, I guess—when you put your whole being into something like comedy as your whole identity, then you get to almost 40, and you're like, well, that's lame and pathetic." — Stavros (32:30)
"My enjoyment of life is getting in the way of my career. That seems backwards." — Dina (33:55)

Memorable Moment:

On the futility of art in times of global disaster:

"My big problem these days is: how do I...I don't know how to make that funny. I feel so bad about everything in the world and I feel like a failure as a comedian because I can't make it funny." — Dina (34:06)

6. Drumming Origin Story & Rhythm Game Obsession

(36:01 – 47:50)

Key Points:

Returning to rhythm and drums: Dina details how playing a Japanese arcade drum game in LA led her to practice real drums, motivated by her anxiety and loneliness as a writer in LA.
She describes her social world among "arcade freaks" and being the only woman at the drum machine, recounting awkward fan interactions.
Discussion of the similarities between rhythm games and real drumming; how "Round One Arcade" and Konami’s drum machine became a therapeutic escape.

Notable Quotes:

"If you get good at it...I swear I spent like a thousand dollars on this machine. But as a result I could play the drums." — Dina (42:15)
"You...were just channeling, just depressed Jersey teen. Something in your bones wanted you to get into an arcade." — Stavros (42:46)

Memorable Moment:

A teenage boy awkwardly tries to hit on Dina at the arcade:

"I really like your nails...Has a man ever said that to you before?" (43:24)

7. Listener Calls: Advice & Problem-Solving

(49:24 – 95:37)

A. Burnout in a PhD Program

(49:24 – 59:24)

A Harvard PhD student asks for motivation advice, feeling unmoored and guilty about his lack of progress.
Stav and Dina question the veracity of the call but ultimately advise: "Just do it. Shut the fuck up."
They reflect on coasting through the end of college, how burnout is universal, and that sometimes you must simply finish what you started.

Notable Quote:

"People who graduate with a PhD are losers most of the time. They've wasted their lives." — Stavros (51:19)

B. Cutting Off a Toxic Friend

(60:26 – 70:23)

Caller asks how to gracefully end a friendship with someone who is mean, outs her in front of others, and has a history of burning bridges.
Dina reflects on her own similar situation; Stav suggests that, for one's own growth, you might lay out the specific ways the person has hurt you, but ultimately, you don't owe them closure—just prioritize your health and walk away.
The discussion centers on the psychological roots of people-pleasing and why it can be so hard to cut off manipulative friends.

Notable Quotes:

"At the root of this problem is you being a people pleaser, attracting the type of people...you might cut this girl out of your life, other people will come back. That's how human psychology works." — Stavros (68:45)

C. New Partner Has a Hairy Ass

(72:00 – 78:36)

Advice sought on whether and how to broach the topic of a hookup’s hairy backside.
Both hosts agree: He has no business policing her grooming preferences unless they are in a committed relationship and it's discussed openly.
Dina celebrates late-20s confidence:

"I'm jealous of her that she's late 20s and already has gotten over the shame of a hairy ass. It took me til like 34."
— Dina (75:54)
Stavros: "It’s part of the whole package… just accept it or move on. You don’t have a leg to stand on."

D. "My Fiancée Thinks About Her Ex Every Day"

(79:34 – 88:41)

A distressed caller finds out his fiancée thinks about her ex "every day" and asks if he is overreacting.
Universal consensus—run, don’t walk, away. This relationship is broken, and his trust has been fundamentally violated.
Dina: "The sooner you end this the better. I have nightmares about finding that out."
Stavros: "Do not get married to this woman. My spidey senses are going crazy."

E. Chiming In: "What if You Were Never a Virgin?"

(90:03 – 95:37)

Caller humblebrags about having sex at 16, suggesting nothing would have changed his "personality is just trying to get pussy" phase.
Hosts eviscerate the call for its lack of insight, highlight the existential difference between social pressure and genuine sexual confidence, and riff on teen male anxieties.

Notable Quotes:

"All due respect, man, you have no fucking idea what it's like 16 to 20 if you don't get pussy." — Stavros (92:48)
"Dudes, it's all in your head that you're a loser. I do think it would be endearing to the right person..." — Stavros (94:46)

8. Plugs & Wrap-up

(48:16; 95:38-end)

Dina Plugs:

Her Grand Army Plaza music project with her boyfriend: @moosh_kill
Asks listeners to follow her on PunchUp (platform for comedy special).
Comedy special (soon to be on PunchUp in edited form), tour dates.

Episode Highlights & Timestamps

Comedy career malaise and what comes after artistic success (02:31, 08:58)
Drumming, DDR, arcades, and navigating shame/growth (11:26, 47:50)
Dina’s unconventional upbringing and the long-term effects (16:08, 23:51)
New perspectives on love, family, and what really matters (34:29, 34:36)
Advice: PhDs, toxic friendships, intimacy & boundaries, and relationship red flags
- Burnt-out PhD (49:24)
- Toxic friend (60:26)
- Hairy ass conundrum (72:00)
- Fiancée obsessed with an ex (79:34)
- Virginity call (90:03)

Best Quotes:

"Whatever we achieve in the room...we're the biggest loser of whatever room we're in."
"If I could transfer all my comedy credits into a drumming career, I would."
"My enjoyment of life is getting in the way of my career. That seems backwards."
"It was like, what you think family is, is essentially just Craigslist roommate."

Tone & Language

As always, Stavvy’s World delivers a blend of heartfelt honesty, dark and quick-witted banter, and unfiltered advice—dishing out both sincere guidance and comic roasts in equal measure. Dina brings a self-deprecating, thoughtful presence, and the episode’s tone oscillates naturally between playful and raw.

Summary by section for easy navigation:

| Section | Start Timestamp |
|--------------------------------------------|-----------------| | Comedy Burnout, Open Mic Reflection | 00:52 | | Drumming Origins & Outdoor Playing | 05:35 | | Childhood, Family, Arcade Backstory | 12:00 | | Relationship, Love, Age Reflections | 24:36 | | Priorities: Family vs. Work | 30:36 | | Rhythm Games, Depression & Escape | 36:01 | | Call-in Advice Segment | 49:24 | | Closing, Plugs, and Sign Off | 95:38 |

This episode is a must-listen for fans of standup, real talk about artistic life, and anyone wrestling with what it means to find your place—on stage, in love, or just at the arcade.

Stavvy’s World Episode #175 ft. Dina Hashem

Release Date: April 6, 2026
Host: Stavros Halkias
Guest: Dina Hashem

Episode Overview

1. Comedy Career Real Talk & Burnout

(00:52 – 08:58)

Key Points:

Dina and Stav reminisce about the days of open mic comedy, describing the tight-knit but ultimately transient social worlds of up-and-coming comedians.
They discuss the strange fate of their peers—some achieving success, many abandoning the pursuit for "normal" life, and the odd sadness that persists even with achievement.
Both reflect on artistic anxiety and the emptiness of endless professional striving.

Notable Quotes:

"Whatever we achieve in the room. We're the biggest loser of whatever room we're in."
— Stavros (02:56)
"I think Jordan Peters is right. I think I just need to start a family. I’m so sick of pursuing ambitions. It just gives me anxiety."
— Dina (03:21)
"Every time I succeed, I’m more depressed than ever. It’s never enough."
— Stavros (03:33)

Memorable Moment:

Stav and Dina fantasize about escaping standup for blue-collar routines. Dina confesses interest in becoming a "blue-collar drummer," leading to affectionate roasting and a tangent about cover bands and busking.

"I take it back. It would actually be my dream to be in a Prince casino cover band right now." — Dina (05:03)

2. Dina's Jazz Drumming Journey and Relationship Status

(05:35 – 11:26)

Key Points:

Dina shares her current passion: drumming outdoors, busking in Grand Army Plaza with her jazz musician boyfriend.
The conversation exposes her past—unusual long-distance relationships, her jazz musician boyfriend ("a true jazz musician"), and her accidental journey into drums.
She describes how her boyfriend introduced her to jazz, but she originally played the drums for fun, stemming from a childhood addiction to rhythm games.

Notable Quotes:

"We play under the arches in Grand Army Plaza for nobody... He’s a true—he’s a jazz musician." — Dina (05:25)
"What you do for fun...I started on a snare drum!" — Dina (06:12)
"Why do you think you could just do what he's done? He's dedicated his life." — Stavros (11:01)

3. Childhood & Family Backstory: Growing Up Muslim, DDR, and Dysfunction

(12:00 – 23:51)

Key Points:

Dina discusses growing up in Central Jersey with a love for DDR (Dance Dance Revolution), arcades, and being an anime/Japanese culture fan.
She reveals a difficult home life: raised by her mother and a mostly-silent stepdad ("20 years, that’s fucking insane. Only words: ‘Hey Mo.’") and being relegated to living room privacy behind a room divider.
Both comics exchange stories about crowded, chaotic immigrant households, the small sanctuaries of childhood, and the impact this has on their personalities.

Notable Quotes:

"It was just you and moms in Central Jersey?" — Stavros
"He and I, we got into a scuffle when I was 6 years old and never spoke again...20 years." — Dina (16:15, 18:03)
"What you think family is, is essentially just Craigslist roommate."
— Stavros (19:06)

Memorable Moment:

Dina cheerfully shares how her childhood space was the bathroom—"my favorite place because it was the only place I could lock the door." (17:18)

4. Relationships, Love, and the Fear of Commitment

(24:36 – 30:36)

Key Points:

The duo dig into the complicated push-and-pull of romance, weddings, and adulthood.
Dina expresses ambivalence about marriage—fearing the word "husband" feels "so old," and preferring "boyfriend" as long as it's feasible.
Both muse on their ages—bits about facing 40, how much the concept of self-worth is tied to professional ambitions, and the evolving significance of love.

Notable Quotes:

"I just don't like the word husband though. It feels so...like I'm old now." — Dina (28:50)
"You're way closer to 40 in a major way. 36, you're still...mid-30s. 37, it's like, you're about to be 40." — Stavros (30:06)

5. Reshaping Priorities: Family vs. Work

(30:36 – 34:29)

Key Points:

An earnest exchange about the realization that pouring life entirely into career is ultimately stunting; the importance of making time for family.
They criticize American cultural values that equate worth with productivity or profession—even in "cool" professions like comedy.
Both reflect on the guilt and stress social media injects into the process of enjoying life and pursuing art.

Notable Quotes:

"Comedy's not important. It's just our...It should just become, I guess—when you put your whole being into something like comedy as your whole identity, then you get to almost 40, and you're like, well, that's lame and pathetic." — Stavros (32:30)
"My enjoyment of life is getting in the way of my career. That seems backwards." — Dina (33:55)

Memorable Moment:

On the futility of art in times of global disaster:

"My big problem these days is: how do I...I don't know how to make that funny. I feel so bad about everything in the world and I feel like a failure as a comedian because I can't make it funny." — Dina (34:06)

6. Drumming Origin Story & Rhythm Game Obsession

(36:01 – 47:50)

Key Points:

Returning to rhythm and drums: Dina details how playing a Japanese arcade drum game in LA led her to practice real drums, motivated by her anxiety and loneliness as a writer in LA.
She describes her social world among "arcade freaks" and being the only woman at the drum machine, recounting awkward fan interactions.
Discussion of the similarities between rhythm games and real drumming; how "Round One Arcade" and Konami’s drum machine became a therapeutic escape.

Notable Quotes:

"If you get good at it...I swear I spent like a thousand dollars on this machine. But as a result I could play the drums." — Dina (42:15)
"You...were just channeling, just depressed Jersey teen. Something in your bones wanted you to get into an arcade." — Stavros (42:46)

Memorable Moment:

A teenage boy awkwardly tries to hit on Dina at the arcade:

"I really like your nails...Has a man ever said that to you before?" (43:24)

7. Listener Calls: Advice & Problem-Solving

(49:24 – 95:37)

A. Burnout in a PhD Program

(49:24 – 59:24)

A Harvard PhD student asks for motivation advice, feeling unmoored and guilty about his lack of progress.
Stav and Dina question the veracity of the call but ultimately advise: "Just do it. Shut the fuck up."
They reflect on coasting through the end of college, how burnout is universal, and that sometimes you must simply finish what you started.

Notable Quote:

"People who graduate with a PhD are losers most of the time. They've wasted their lives." — Stavros (51:19)

B. Cutting Off a Toxic Friend

(60:26 – 70:23)

Caller asks how to gracefully end a friendship with someone who is mean, outs her in front of others, and has a history of burning bridges.
Dina reflects on her own similar situation; Stav suggests that, for one's own growth, you might lay out the specific ways the person has hurt you, but ultimately, you don't owe them closure—just prioritize your health and walk away.
The discussion centers on the psychological roots of people-pleasing and why it can be so hard to cut off manipulative friends.

Notable Quotes:

"At the root of this problem is you being a people pleaser, attracting the type of people...you might cut this girl out of your life, other people will come back. That's how human psychology works." — Stavros (68:45)

C. New Partner Has a Hairy Ass

(72:00 – 78:36)

Advice sought on whether and how to broach the topic of a hookup’s hairy backside.
Both hosts agree: He has no business policing her grooming preferences unless they are in a committed relationship and it's discussed openly.
Dina celebrates late-20s confidence:

"I'm jealous of her that she's late 20s and already has gotten over the shame of a hairy ass. It took me til like 34."
— Dina (75:54)
Stavros: "It’s part of the whole package… just accept it or move on. You don’t have a leg to stand on."

D. "My Fiancée Thinks About Her Ex Every Day"

(79:34 – 88:41)

A distressed caller finds out his fiancée thinks about her ex "every day" and asks if he is overreacting.
Universal consensus—run, don’t walk, away. This relationship is broken, and his trust has been fundamentally violated.
Dina: "The sooner you end this the better. I have nightmares about finding that out."
Stavros: "Do not get married to this woman. My spidey senses are going crazy."

E. Chiming In: "What if You Were Never a Virgin?"

(90:03 – 95:37)

Caller humblebrags about having sex at 16, suggesting nothing would have changed his "personality is just trying to get pussy" phase.
Hosts eviscerate the call for its lack of insight, highlight the existential difference between social pressure and genuine sexual confidence, and riff on teen male anxieties.

Notable Quotes:

"All due respect, man, you have no fucking idea what it's like 16 to 20 if you don't get pussy." — Stavros (92:48)
"Dudes, it's all in your head that you're a loser. I do think it would be endearing to the right person..." — Stavros (94:46)

8. Plugs & Wrap-up

(48:16; 95:38-end)

Dina Plugs:

Her Grand Army Plaza music project with her boyfriend: @moosh_kill
Asks listeners to follow her on PunchUp (platform for comedy special).
Comedy special (soon to be on PunchUp in edited form), tour dates.

Episode Highlights & Timestamps

Comedy career malaise and what comes after artistic success (02:31, 08:58)
Drumming, DDR, arcades, and navigating shame/growth (11:26, 47:50)
Dina’s unconventional upbringing and the long-term effects (16:08, 23:51)
New perspectives on love, family, and what really matters (34:29, 34:36)
Advice: PhDs, toxic friendships, intimacy & boundaries, and relationship red flags
- Burnt-out PhD (49:24)
- Toxic friend (60:26)
- Hairy ass conundrum (72:00)
- Fiancée obsessed with an ex (79:34)
- Virginity call (90:03)

Best Quotes:

"Whatever we achieve in the room...we're the biggest loser of whatever room we're in."
"If I could transfer all my comedy credits into a drumming career, I would."
"My enjoyment of life is getting in the way of my career. That seems backwards."
"It was like, what you think family is, is essentially just Craigslist roommate."

Tone & Language

Summary by section for easy navigation:

This episode is a must-listen for fans of standup, real talk about artistic life, and anyone wrestling with what it means to find your place—on stage, in love, or just at the arcade.