McSweeney’s List (13 August 2025)
Sitting with a bestie on her condo terrace, smoking a sunset joint, we chatted among the flowers. We were grateful to have the whole space to ourselves, no one crashing our vibe, no one grilling on the sleek new barbeque, and not a cloud in the sky. Inside, our chilled rose and guava kombucha awaited us as we contemplated dinner options, and generally basked. The subject turned to summer plans left on the horizon, and my bestie mentioned visiting her family. “I'm the least successful one,” she said with a sad smile, and I snapped out of my sunbaked reverie.
What does that even mean? Are they living out her dreams? Well, no, she told me. But they're further along in their careers. Now, my friend is less than a year into her new grown-up corporate career path, and she's doing great; but I also know that a job title was never something she listed as important to her. We often talk about careers as a path to money, and money is only as useful and fun as what you choose to do with it. Only recently back from living in Europe with her husband, my friend serves me pink tea from the Palais de Versailles while smiling, and I don't understand what she feels she's missing.
When we talk about success, our minds jump to money, and when we talk about money, we’re usually talking about how we crave freedom. It's all about the freedom to choose our lives, our lifestyles, the way we move through our days. I mean, what, do you want money because you get a hard on for your bank balance? Let's not be crazy.
Years ago, I had a travelling bestie. She didn't come from privilege, she just knew she wanted to see as much of the world as possible (and some spots over and over again), and take pictures of it all. So, she did what she knew how to do: she worked her ass off. She worked as a McDonald's manager, slaving away in the most unglamorous of conditions. She managed beaver tail stands. She developed film. Then, she took time off. She would go where she wanted, staying at hostels, travelling light, impressively unafraid of all the daunting possibilities. Then she would return, get back to work, begin to pay down her travel debt, start counting pennies, and making plans for her next excursion. At no time was she unsuccessful. Certainly there were cocktail parties somewhere where introducing herself as a McDonald's worker might've been frowned upon. Spoiler: those were never her type of party. And regardless, at a point she had seen more of the world than these well-paid, officially titled people had. So, who was more successful? Well, as I'm trying to illustrate, that really depends on perspective. Today she's a flight attendant living happily with her travelling, shutterbug boyfriend. She travels the world, taking pics, and getting paid for it. I dare a CEO to have more job satisfaction.
Talking to another dear friend the other day, I explained that all my happy visualizations have love in them. I imagine getting good news, and telling My Love. I can see the parties, and celebrations with My Love by my side (that's double the celebrations, right, ‘cuz now I'm celebrating his goodies too). And at the end of those parties, I picture My Love and I sighing and smiling, glad the revelry is done, glad we're both still here. We’ll kick off our shoes, I'll try to get the makeup off, and we'll eat leftovers, watch cartoons, and hold each other. Hey, did you hear what So-and-So said? No, but did you see when Such-and-Such dropped a chip down her shirt and What's-His-Name asked if she was gonna eat it? And so forth, until we fall asleep smiling. Even the mundanities (which I try to include in my visualizations for the sake of realism) are partnered, with dreams of does this smell spoiled to you? and the inevitable missed-alarm-late-start where we remember to take the time to kiss anyway, because that's the actual crux of the matter.
To my friend, that's all a living nightmare. He has never pictured anyone by his side in the daydreams of his future, and would prefer if his future partner didn't know where he lived (or at least, didn't have a key). He loathes the idea of someone at home with him after the party, and would prefer if every last person left in an orderly fashion. Even in a relationship, I would vote him most likely to attend a red carpet event solo. His dreams are filled with different benchmarks, and that's how he gauges his success, because success is deeply personal.
We all know people who have dutifully checked off the Standard Issue Success Checklist ™️. They got the right education, the right jobs, the right friends, house, spouse, and car. They go on the right number of vacations to the previously approved locations, and say all the right things at dinner parties. And they are happy…sometimes. Sometimes they realize it was never their checklist, crumple it up, and start fresh. Sometimes they realize those milestones were fine, but they've outgrown them, or, more specifically, through achieving the things they wanted, they became new people, and now they have new ideas of success! Funny, isn't it?!
While success is defined as “the accomplishment of an aim or purpose”, we seem to continually forget that it's a success, not a permanent state of being. It's as if we think Having now attained a success, the rest of everything shall forever be a success. It's a horizon you chase, a sunset you cherish but cannot hold.
Doing a compassion meditation after midnight, sharing the grow light with my houseplants as if I might also photosynthesize, I was feeling pretty successful. The reasons why I shouldn't feel that way are numerous, but only if that's what you're looking for. If you're looking for the flaws, that's what you’ll find. Believe it or not, I'm pro checklist. First, ascertain what you want on it; not what They™️ want, or what you think you should want. And remember: staying off your drug of choice for today is a success. Cutting off that toxic person is a success, as is avoiding that tempting new toxic connection. Not giving in to your own worst self is a success. Not all successes are glamorous; in fact, some of the most impactful, are the least photogenic.
Then, start checking shit off. As you go, decide some of this shit isn't even your goal anymore, and get it off the list. Add more things. Continue as long as life lets you.
This is an adventure of the mostly choose-your-own variety. The ending is certain, the variables are many, and the potential experiences are endless. Who's to say what your unique combination of circumstances, stamina, and spirit can transmute into a life of consistent successes?!
The day after our sunset chat, I was still thinking about it. I texted her that one of the foundations of our friendship had always been our embrace of growth and change. That it's so hard to recognize the flowers we've grown on the way, and that her garden is beautiful.
How’s your garden, Dear Reader? Because from where I stand, it looks like a success story in progress, even if you're currently on a detour. Don't forget to admire your own flowers, and shine your light so we can all bask in it.
A Whole Vibe
The perennials have been planted, the seeds have been sown, the rocks have been piled up. All that's left is to water our metaphorical musical garden, and it's best done in good company! Come raise a glass at Barfly for an evening of energetic trad music with Jardin de Cairns. Expect magical arrangements, and an authentic atmosphere!
WHAT: Single Launch - Jardin de Cairns with Brenna Logan
WHERE: Barfly, 4062 St. Laurent Blvd., Montreal, H2W 1Y8
WHEN: Thursday, August 14,
METRO: St. Laurent (Green)
TICKETS: TicketLeap
Award Winning
A Broke Theatre, fresh off their 2024 META Innovation Award win, cordially invites you to experience the premiere of "In Memoriam," their latest psychological horror-thriller. Written by Michael Tall and directed by Aidan Cottreau, this deeply atmospheric production delves into grief, family trauma, and Jewish burial traditions as two estranged brothers confront a terrifying presence in their childhood home.
Featuring compelling performances by META-winner Simon Pelletier and Sam Beaton, "In Memoriam" blends stark emotional realism with theatrical illusion, expressive in-the-round staging, and live Chopin piano nocturnes.
Suggested dress code: dress for a funeral.
WHAT: In Memoriam
WHERE: White Wall Studio, 4532 Laval Ave., Montreal, H2T 2C4
WHEN: Friday, August 15 @ 7 PM - Sunday, August 24 @ 7 PM
METRO: Mont Royal (Orange)
TICKETS: BPT
The World's Smallest Comedy Festival is in full swing! Check out the feature I wrote about it here, and check out the shows still on deck below.
It's shows on shows through Monday; all events are at Hurley’s Pub, 1225 Crescent St., Montreal, H3G 2B1
Pussy Patrol And Friends 2: A Night of Musical Comedy
Wednesday, August 13 @ 8 PM
The mic’s hot, the beats are tight, and the jokes? Straight fire.
Lil Enis and Special K—better known as Pussy Patrol, the self-proclaimed two best rappers on earth—are back at World’s Smallest Comedy Fest to throw down another unforgettable night of rhythm and ridiculousness. This isn’t just musical comedy. It’s a hype-fueled celebration of absurdity, swagger, and lyrical genius.
Joined by a posse of musical mischief-makers, Pussy Patrol And Friends 2 blends live performance with sharp comedy to create a high-energy show where punchlines drop like basslines. From parody rap to genre-bending bops, you’ll laugh, vibe, and maybe even catch yourself dancing.
Come for the flow, stay for the chaos—and witness the second coming of a comedic hip-hop cult classic.
Heartstrings: A Storytelling Show
Wednesday, August 13 @ 10 PM
Real stories. Real emotions. Really funny.
Heartstrings is where comedy meets vulnerability an intimate night of storytelling from Montreal’s most compelling voices. These aren’t just jokes; they’re true tales, deeply personal, wildly relatable, and always entertaining. From awkward firsts to life-altering twists, every story is laced with honesty, heartache, and laughter.
Curated with care by the World’s Smallest team, this show celebrates the human experience in all its messy glory. Whether you cry, cringe, or cackle… your heartstrings will be tugged.
Five Killers Comedy Show
Thursday, August 14 @ 8 PM
Zero fluff. Pure fire.
This is the punchiest show of the fest. No gimmicks, no themes, just five of Montreal’s fiercest stand-up assassins delivering hard-hitting comedy at maximum velocity.
Heidi Foss. Walter Lyng. Vance Michel. Troy Stark. Zak Kik. Locked. Loaded. Ready to wreck your funny bone.
World’s Smallest Blackout
Friday, August 15 @ 8 PM
Black talent. Big laughs. All heart.
Hosted by the powerhouse Vance Michel, World’s Smallest Blackout is a celebration of Black excellence in comedy. This premium showcase brings together some of the sharpest, boldest, and funniest voices from across the city’s Black comedy scene for a night of unfiltered joy, brilliant perspectives, and nonstop laughs.
Expect clever takes, raw stories, and electric performances all wrapped in a vibrant, unapologetic energy that only Vance and crew can deliver. It’s not just a show, it’s a vibe. Come experience comedy that’s rooted, relevant, and roaringly funny.
That’s Fucked! A Toxic Comedy Show
Friday, August 15 @ 10 PM
Because sometimes the only valid reaction is WTF?!
That’s Fucked! is the World’s Smallest Comedy Fest’s tribute to the bizarre, the unhinged, and the beautifully broken parts of our brains. Think dark humor, jaw-dropping stories, and bits so outrageous you'll laugh, flinch, and question everything all in one breath.
Hand-picked by the World’s Smallest tastemakers, these comics don't just cross the line they cartwheel over it with flair. It’s cathartic. It’s chaotic. It’s comedy at its most daring.
If you love your laughs with a side of existential dread and spicy absurdity… welcome home.
An Evening with Joey Elias
Saturday, August 16 @ 8 PM
A legend hits the World’s Smallest stage.
If you know comedy in Montreal, you know Joey Elias. A pillar of Canada’s stand-up scene, Joey’s razor-sharp wit, magnetic stage presence, and decades of experience have earned him headliner status not just locally—but nationally. From raucous clubs to polished theaters, he’s done it all… and now he’s bringing that same star power to World’s Smallest Comedy Fest 3.
Expect punchlines that land with precision, storytelling that pulls you in, and a masterclass in how it’s done. Don’t miss your chance to catch one of the greats in the intimate setting where comedy shines brightest.
Crochet Comedy Club
Craft. Chill. Cackle.
Hosted by the effortlessly charming Shosho, Crochet Comedy Club is the snuggliest show at World’s Smallest Comedy Fest 3. Imagine this: you’re lounging on the back terrasse at Hurley’s Irish Pub, yarn in hand, hooks at the ready—while some of Montreal’s funniest comedians spin tales and crack jokes that’ll have you in stitches, literally.
This unique experience blends cozy crafting with top-tier comedy. Whether you’re a crochet wizard or just dabbling for fun, you’ll be part of a chill, supportive atmosphere where laughter and creativity loop together beautifully.
Yarn provided. Vibes guaranteed.
Laughs on the Terrasse – Femme Edition
Sunday, August 17 @ 7 PM
A warm summer night. A breezy terrasse. Pure feminine fire.
Hosted by the magnetic Abby Stonehouse, Laughs on the Terrasse – Femme Edition is an open-air celebration of woman-powered wit. Set against the laid-back charm of Hurley’s Irish Pub’s back terrasse, this show brings together some of Montreal’s funniest femmes for an evening of killer sets, authentic voices, and irresistible vibes.
Whether it’s sharp one-liners, heartfelt stories, or beautifully absurd banter, every comic brings their own fierce perspective to the mic. It’s cozy, it’s electric, and it’s what the fest is all about: community, comedy, and connection.
Dr. Lemco’s Creative Club
Draw. Bond. Repeat.
Hosted by the endlessly entertaining Tyler Lemco, Dr. Lemco’s Creative Club is part comedy show, part art class, and all-out good vibes. This interactive experience invites you to tap into your creativity while Tyler, alongside guest instructors and best friends Walter J. Lyng and Chris Venditto, leads you through imaginative artistic exercises, heartfelt banter, and hilarious commentary that turns doodles into deep conversations.
This edition's theme? Best Buds: make something for a friend, reminisce on shared memories, and let the art spark some laugh-out-loud questions and surprisingly sweet stories.
Whether you're a seasoned sketcher or just here for the giggles, all supplies are provided: markers, colored pencils, crayons, paint sticks, and art paper. No painting, just playful expression. It's not about being perfect, it's about making a mess, making a friend, and maybe walking away with a masterpiece or a memory.
No experience required. Just enthusiasm.
World's Smallest Comedy Showcase (Part Deux)
Catch another edition of the flagship show that started it all!
For seven laugh-packed years, this showcase has been the heart of the World’s Smallest brand where out-of-town headliners share the stage with first-time jokers, experimental risk-takers, and local legends. Whether it’s your first comedy show or your fiftieth, hosts Vance and Zak guarantee it’ll be a night you won’t forget. Their electric energy, quick banter, and love for the scene make each show feel like a homecoming... or the beginning of something magical.
This is small room comedy at its absolute best: intimate, unpredictable, and wildly fun.
The Dirtiest Show (Part Two)
The festival closes out with another dose of funny shit you can't say at the office.
This one’s not for the faint of heart but if you like your jokes unfiltered, your punchlines provocative, and your comedy served extra bold, you’re in for a treat. The Dirtiest Show is World’s Smallest’s after-dark playground, curated with precision and mischief by the same crew who’ve been keeping things wild and wonderful for years.
Yes, it’s edgy. Yes, it’s filthy. But these laugh-hungry savages know exactly how to push the line without crossing it. A masterclass in controlled chaos, this late-night favorite guarantees gasps, giggles, and just enough wrongness to make it oh-so-right.
McSweeney’s List drops every Wednesday with the best events, workshops, and more, each week in Montreal!
