Wrong Turns with Jameela Jamil Episode: Dan Ahdoot and Tien Tran
Release Date: June 19, 2025

Introduction to Guests

In this episode of Wrong Turns, host Jameela Jamil welcomes two comedic talents, Dan Ahdoot and Tien Tran, to share their most mortifying and embarrassing stories. As the foundation of the show revolves around reveling in each other's misfortunes without seeking moral lessons, listeners are treated to raw and unfiltered anecdotes from these seasoned comedians.

Navigating Luck and Disaster

The conversation kicks off with Jameela probing whether Dan and Tien consider themselves lucky or unlucky. Both guests express a knack for avoiding disasters, yet when mishaps occur, they tend to escalate dramatically.

• Jameela Jamil [02:28]: "Do you feel like you're an unlucky person? Is disaster drawn to you?"

• Dan Ahdoot [02:41]: "I think I'm pretty good at avoiding disaster. So when it does happen to me, it's catastrophic."

• Tien Tran [02:48]: "I think I'm pretty good at avoiding disaster, too."

Micro Humiliations: Small Embarrassments Gone Awry

Jameela asks the guests to share examples of micro humiliations, setting the stage for their stories.

Tien Tran's Sushi Shenanigans

Tien recounts his early days working at a sushi restaurant in Chicago, humorously mispronouncing "Chicago" and covertly indulging in the food meant for customers.

• Tien Tran [03:21]: "When I first moved to Chicago, one of my very first jobs was at a sushi restaurant. And we used to cater the library on the top floor, and I would just stuff food into my face before serving it."

• Jameela Jamil [03:30]: "Ride people's leftovers."

Tien’s strategic approach to snacking on sushi without getting caught showcases his playful side, even in less-than-glamorous situations.

Dan Ahdoot's Comedy Show Catastrophe

Dan shares a particularly disastrous experience from a comedy show he performed to support Experience Camps, a charity for children who have lost a parent or sibling. His attempt to connect on a meaningful night turned into a cringe-worthy event.

The Setup

Dan was eager to perform at the charity event, hoping to honor his late brother and contribute positively. However, things took a turn when a heartfelt video featuring a grieving child set an unexpectedly somber tone.

• Dan Ahdoot [17:14]: "I was about to go on stage after a video of a little girl sharing her grief. I panicked and made the mistake of doing an impression of her."

The Fallout

His attempt to lighten the mood with an impression led to uncomfortable silence, leaving the audience unresponsive and more somber.

• Dan Ahdoot [21:44]: "I made the mistake of doing an impression of the little girl, and the crowd just went silent. I panicked and tried to justify it by saying, 'I have a dead brother,' making it even more awkward."

Despite his intentions, the night ended with no further dates and a lingering sense of embarrassment.

• Dan Ahdoot [23:06]: "We didn't go on another date. That was it. That was the end."

Tien Tran's Funeral Fiasco

Tien narrates his experience of being asked to play the violin at his grandfather's funeral, despite not having practiced the instrument in a decade.

The Preparation

Faced with the obligation to please his family, Tien finds himself unprepared for the task at hand.

• Tien Tran [26:10]: "My dad asked me to play violin for the service, but I hadn't played in like 10 years."

At the Funeral

During the service, Tien and his prodigious cousin share the stage, leading to an unforgettable and embarrassing performance.

• Tien Tran [30:39]: "I played Amazing Grace over and over for 20 minutes, and my sisters were like, 'You suck.'"

• Jameela Jamil [32:03]: "200 people were watching, and your grandfather is a pillar of the community. There's a lot of expectation on you."

Tien’s recounting is filled with self-deprecation and humor, highlighting the intense pressure and subsequent public humiliation.

Listener's Wrong Turn: The Gorilla Crush

Jameela introduces a listener-submitted story that underscores the show's theme of embracing awkward and embarrassing moments.

• Listener Story [36:07]: A woman shares how, during a playful debate about which Monkey they’d want to hook up with, a colleague confidently states her preference for a silverback gorilla, leaving her mortified.

• Jameela Jamil [37:29]: "Poor woman never lived it down."

This story perfectly encapsulates the essence of Wrong Turns, where unexpected and cringe-worthy moments make life’s journey all the more relatable.

Conclusion and Farewells

As the episode wraps up, Jameela expresses deep appreciation for Dan and Tien's candidness and humor in sharing their embarrassing tales. The guests provide their contact information and promote their respective projects:

• Tien Tran:

  • Instagram: @hanktina (a reclaimed version of his name due to past mispronunciations)
  • Podcast: Dracula

• Dan Ahdoot:

  • Instagram: @andupdan
  • Podcast: Green Eggs and Dan
  • Book: Undercooked (comedic food essays)

Jameela hints at future episodes featuring guests like Adam Pally and Malik Ellis, promising more entertaining stories of wrong turns.

Notable Quotes

• Dan Ahdoot [03:02]: "You're very wealthy."

• Jameela Jamil [08:10]: "Do you ever ask strangers for some of their food?"

• Dan Ahdoot [18:22]: "I feel like if someone sees you on stage killing, it's not you getting to know me."

• Jameela Jamil [21:26]: "Oh my God."

• Dan Ahdoot [35:11]: "I have to get my plane."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Wrong Turns brilliantly showcases the unpredictable and often hilarious missteps in the lives of comedians Dan Ahdoot and Tien Tran. Through their stories, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the humor found in life's less-than-perfect moments, reinforcing the podcast's premise that everyone faces disasters and embarrassing turns.

Connect with the Guests:

• Tien Tran:

  • Instagram: @hanktina
  • Podcast: Dracula

• Dan Ahdoot:

  • Instagram: @andupdan
  • Podcast: Green Eggs and Dan
  • Book: Undercooked

Wrong Turns was created and produced by Jameela Jamil and Stewart Bailey. Special thanks to launch producer Eve Bishop, editor Shannon Joy Rodgers, and consulting producer Colin Anderson. Share your own Wrong Turns by emailing a voice memo to PersonalDisasterStories@gmail.com.