Comedian Urzila Carlson regrets nothing

Urzila Carlson grew up in South Africa. Her father threatened the family with a gun when she was 6, and he walked out on the family soon afterwards.

Urzila's mum, who she describes as a 'warrior woman', raised Urzila and her sister.

When she was in primary school, one of Urzila's teachers taught her a big lesson about regret, which has stayed with her for life.

Urzila moved to New Zealand in 2006 to begin working in advertising.

One day a group of her co-workers persuaded her to perform at a local open mic night.

Within a year she had become a professional comedian in Australia and New Zealand.

Further information

Watch Urzila's latest comedy special

Watch Urzila's TV sketch show on ABC TV

This episode of Conversations was produced by Nicola Harrison and the Executive Producer was Pam O'Brien.

It explores South Africa, comedy, family, domestic violence, alcoholism, Afrikaans, racism, violence, home invasion, stand up comedy, confidence, body image, migration, New Zealand, Australia, memoir, siblings.