Overview of SmartLess with Kareem Rahma
In this SmartLess episode, Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett chat with media creator and host Kareem Rahma about his unusual path from corporate media and failed startup attempts to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in short-form interview content. The conversation moves from NASA and aliens to content creation, New York City life, and how Rahma built a career by turning everyday conversation into compelling entertainment.
Kareem Rahma’s Background and Career Path
Rahma shares a candid origin story that frames his success as the result of persistence, experimentation, and a willingness to fail publicly.
From Minneapolis to New York
- He grew up in Minneapolis, studied journalism, and later moved to New York hoping to “get rich and famous.”
- Early on, he was drawn to entrepreneurship and tech, especially around the rise of The Social Network era enthusiasm.
Jobs and Failed Ventures
- Worked at Vice, where he learned the media business in a fast-moving, creative environment.
- Later joined The New York Times, helping launch Times Video and contributing to the company’s expansion into modern media formats.
- Tried starting his own media company and launched several projects that didn’t work out:
- NYC.TV
- Nameless Network
- He describes these as “massive failures,” but says they taught him what he was actually good at.
His Breakthrough Shows
Rahma explains that his success came when he leaned into what came naturally: hanging out, listening, and asking people interesting questions.
Keep the Meter Running
- A cab-based series where he tells drivers to take him to their favorite place.
- The unpredictability of the rides made it feel spontaneous, funny, and human.
- The show unexpectedly went viral almost immediately, validating his instincts.
- He eventually had to pause it because the production became too expensive, but it later returned in a bigger format.
Subway Takes
- A short talk-show format set on the subway where Rahma asks guests for a single “take” on a topic.
- The format is simple but effective: he agrees or disagrees strongly, then turns it into a fast, funny conversation.
- The hosts note that it feels fresh because it combines real-world interaction with a strong point of view.
- Rahma says the show is now produced daily and often shot in batches.
Themes: Conversation, Curiosity, and Authenticity
A major thread throughout the episode is the idea that Rahma’s work succeeds because he is genuinely curious and good at engaging people.
What Makes the Format Work
- He’s not performing as a polished TV personality so much as being a sharp, funny observer.
- The hosts praise his authenticity and ability to make conversation feel meaningful.
- Rahma says he’s mostly doing “the fun part” of the job and has no network notes or outside development constraints.
The Lost Art of Talking to People
- The group reflects on how many people now live inside their phones and don’t interact in real life.
- Rahma’s shows tap into a desire for real conversation and public disagreement that still feels playful.
Aliens, NASA, and Conspiracy Humor
The episode opens with a long, joking exchange about Artemis II, UFOs, and the possibility of government disclosure.
What They Talked About
- NASA’s mission is mocked as a “lap around the moon,” though everyone agrees it’s still impressive.
- Rahma jokes that aliens are real and says he had an extraterrestrial encounter as a kid.
- He also speculates, half-seriously, about government disclosure being managed carefully to avoid social disruption.
- The hosts riff on documentaries, CIA influence, and how pop culture might be used to condition the public.
Kareem’s Personal Style and Work Ethic
Rahma comes across as humble, self-aware, and still slightly surprised by his own success.
Key Takeaways About His Approach
- He started doing this style of work relatively late, around age 33.
- He sees himself less as a “creator” and more as an entertainer.
- He values being busy, curious, and constantly around new people.
- He believes his success came from finally matching his work to his actual personality.
Other Projects and Future Plans
Rahma mentions that he’s building beyond the two main shows.
Additional Creative Work
- He wrote, produced, and starred in a film called Or Something on MUBI.
- He also plays in a rock band called Tiny Gun.
- The hosts are impressed by how many creative lanes he’s operating in at once.
What’s Next
- He imagines expanding his travel-based and conversation-based formats beyond New York.
- The hosts suggest he could take his concept internationally, including to Egypt.
- He jokes about doing a live Subway Takes event and says he’d love to get Jason, Sean, and Will on together.
Notable Moments and Hot Takes
Rahma’s format invites strong opinions, and the hosts test him with a few of their own.
Hot Takes Mentioned
- Dogs should wear shoes — Rahma agrees.
- City noise from loud rickshaws should be regulated — he agrees.
- Street art and graffiti are overrated — he agrees, despite expecting backlash.
- Wedding dancing should end after dinner — Jason strongly agrees.
- Online anonymity should be eliminated — Rahma says every poster should be identifiable.
- Dessert should not be shared unless everyone ordered it — the group strongly backs this.
Main Takeaways
- Rahma built his career by leaning into what he’s naturally good at: listening, chatting, and making people comfortable.
- His content works because it feels real, local, and conversational rather than overly produced or fake.
- Failure was central to his path; he tried multiple projects before finding formats that fit.
- The episode celebrates authenticity and curiosity as creative superpowers.
- There’s a strong case that Rahma could scale his work globally while keeping the same human, observational style.