The Daily Show: Ears Edition Behind the Show | Al Madrigal on What Makes a Great Field Piece
Feb 10, 2025
Al Madrigal, former Daily Show correspondent and a comedic force, joins editor Mark Paone for a lively discussion filled with industry insights. They dive into what makes a field piece exceptional, sharing anecdotes from chaotic Cinco de Mayo celebrations to the absurdity of chicken boxing in Louisiana. Madrigal reflects on balancing family life with his comedy career and discusses the impact of banning ethnic studies. Their conversation navigates the challenges of cultural identity, representation, and the hilarity found in serious social issues.
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Landing the Gig
- Al Madrigal got his Daily Show job through networking with Adam Lowitt after years of guest sets.
- His initial audition piece focused on Texas Congresswoman Debbie Riddle's controversial proposal for a second-class citizen worker program.
Cross-Country Commute
- Madrigal commuted between Los Angeles and New York for 2.5 years due to family commitments.
- He reflects on the challenges of balancing work and family life and how he should've prioritized being present in morning meetings.
Maximize Presence
- Be the first one in and the last one out, especially in the early stages of your career.
- Madrigal regrets not being more present in morning meetings and prioritizing his work at the Daily Show.