AJT: And what have been the best reactions when you’ve done an impression in front of that person?
MF: I think Goldblum was the best one, when he brought me on stage. That was an unusual experience to say the least. But doing these at award shows was such a rare opportunity. Austin Butler was a particularly big moment, he won last year at the Golden Globes for Elvis, and it was a crazy moment because he was being ushered in by his team but then he stopped and recognised me and said, [goes into Austin Butler impression], “Hey I love your videos, let’s do a little video together right now.” [goes out of impression] That was a surreal moment.

AJT: Social media has played a huge part in your career, did you go onto social media as a consequence of the pandemic? Was it an outlet you had planned before that?
MF: It was weird timing. Like I said, I was in college and it was an amazing moment where this new app, TikTok, came about, and the way the algorithm was structurally designed for people to get discovered. As opposed to you following people, it’d show you people. I was at this point, 21 or 22, starting out, wanting to create opportunities, and then this discoverability tool enters right at that exact moment. Then it’s the pandemic and everybody is at home on their phone doing nothing. I was very lucky to have been creating videos every day, non-stop writing. I had a mini late-night talk show I created during the pandemic, I did like 60 episodes with my friend from college, I did a topical monologue and desk bits. So I was very productive during that time. It’d be interesting to see where I’d be in this moment without social media, it accelerated and changed everything.

AJT: Especially for comedians, social media has made such an impact in terms of being able to share their work and gaining visibility. Whereas before, the only real way of showcasing yourself was through physical sets or, if you’re lucky, TV specials, now you can share sets to millions of viewers around the world.
MF: Absolutely, it really has. It’s a weird thing to think about. Before, to have a profile like this, you’d have to have a Late Night set, but now I’m creating stuff from my phone.

AJT: Let’s talk about your new podcast, Friend in High Places, can you tell me what we can expect from that?
MF: I’m very excited. I’m working with Bill Maher on it, and obviously he’s a huge name and a big inspiration. It’s going to be all the elements of the things I grew up loving. There are so many podcasts out there, but I think what’s going to separate this is it’s going to feel a little more elevated. It’ll have a traditional talk show feel and we’re going to get into topical, political and pop culture subjects. I’m excited for people to see this other side of me beyond the 30 second clip. They’ll see longer form conversations and how I actually think. I’m thrilled for people to listen.

AJT: This is your Johnny Carson moment.
MF: A lot less of a budget – but yes! [both laugh]

24 hours with the uber-model. Eating suspect chinese food and gobbing in the street.

Malthe Lund Madsen’s day off

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