Australia became a second home for Urzila Carlson after she left South Africa for NZ

Urzila Carlson is a hugely successful comedian in Australia and NZ where she now lives, and has also built a significant following overseas. Suraj and Urzila talk about growing up in apartheid South Africa and how it shaped Urzila's world view, how to instil an understanding of privilege in second gen migrants (i.e. her kids), and importantly, how Vegemite outshines all international impostors. A warning that this episode contains strong language.

Comedian Urzila Carlson migrated from South Africa to New Zealand, but Australia is her 'favourite cousin'. Credit: supplied

Urzila Carlson migrated from South Africa to New Zealand in her thirties, leaving behind a journalism career. A few years later she braved the blistering heat of an Australian summer to launch her comedy career in Adelaide.

I just fell in love with Australia, I guess, the way you would, like, if you have a favorite cousin, and you get to spend holidays with that favorite cousin. And every year you go, I'm going to see that cousin, and that kind of keeps you going.

Urzila Carlson

However there are some aspects of Australian culture that still don't sit right with her...

People don't go visit each other at home! In South Africa, every get together is at someone's home. Very rarely would we meet at a restaurant or a coffee shop. You'd go, why the f*** wouldn't they have us in their house? I know people who have been friends for years and have never been in each other's homes.

Urzila Carlson

My First Year in Australia is hosted by comedian Suraj Kolarkar and produced by Danny Giles. Hear the stories of people who have found their feet in Australia, as they share their first impressions and the highs and lows of life in a new country.

Follow My First Year in Australia in the SBS Audio App, Spotify, Apple podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.