Matt Friend and Family Writer and Author Gary Janetti on how people dress like slobs on planes, Gary's Seinfeld-esque observational humor, Gary's hilarious Instagram posts about family vacations, how Matt and Gary met in the "Family Guy" writers' room, how the show has evolved, the character development of Stewie Griffin, making Stewie's character more multidimensional by incorporating aspects of his own personality, how Stewie's "gay" traits were an evolution of the character that added depth and humor, the challenges and processes involved in writing cutaway gags and episodes, the tricky balance between pushing comedic boundaries and maintaining sensitivity, and much more.

Follow Matt on IG: @themattfriend

Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: https://bit.ly/FriendInHighPlaces

Watch Friends in High Places on YouTube: https://bit.ly/FriendinHighPlacesYouTube

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Follow Matt on IG: @themattfriend

Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: https://bit.ly/FriendInHighPlaces

Watch Friends in High Places on YouTube: https://bit.ly/FriendinHighPlacesYouTube

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Friend and Dane Cook on Dane’s early use of MySpace and how it compares to modern platforms like TikTok, the challenges and differences of breaking into the comedy scene back in the 2000s vs. now, Cook's perspective on how being self-made through social media made him both successful and a target for criticism, Dane on hosting Saturday Night Live and working with legendary cast members, his friendships with comedy legends like Bob Saget and Jerry Lewis, Dane’s reflections on how negative interactions with peers shaped his positive outlook, advice Matt received from people like Hank Azaria and encouragement from John Stamos, and Dane on navigating life and comedy without alcohol or drugs.

Follow Matt on IG: @themattfriend

Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: https://bit.ly/FriendInHighPlaces

Watch Friends in High Places on YouTube: https://bit.ly/FriendinHighPlacesYouTube

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Friend and Governor Wes Moore on what it’s like to follow Oprah on the speech stage, handling the Baltimore Key Bridge collapse, communication with Vice President Kamala Harris during the crisis, the rationale behind Wes Moore’s decision to pardon 175,000 people with certain plant related convictions, the age gap between him and many top leaders in government, the need for fresh, common-sense leadership, defining patriotism, Moore’s military service and how it shapes his understanding of true patriotism, and which governors are best at a party! 

Follow Matt on IG: @themattfriend

Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: https://bit.ly/FriendInHighPlaces

Watch Friends in High Places on YouTube: https://bit.ly/FriendinHighPlacesYouTube

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s rapid fire impressions and laughs as Matt Friend and brilliant comedian Jay Pharoah delve into the nuances of voice, mannerisms, and personality that bring their celebrity characters to life. Jay opens up about his time on "Saturday Night Live," sharing stories about the competitive atmosphere, the creative process, and the challenges he faced as one of the youngest cast members. Both comedians reflect on the challenges of being typecast as "just impressionists." They explore their desires to showcase their broader talents in stand-up comedy, acting, and hosting, discussing how they leverage their signature skills to open new doors in their careers.

Follow Matt on IG: @themattfriend

Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: https://bit.ly/FriendInHighPlaces

Watch Friends in High Places on YouTube: https://bit.ly/FriendinHighPlacesYouTube

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Follow Matt on IG: @themattfriend

Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: https://bit.ly/FriendInHighPlaces

Watch Friends in High Places on YouTube: https://bit.ly/FriendinHighPlacesYouTube

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Comedian Matt Friend welcomes the massively popular British comedian Jack Whitehall to Friend in High Places. The two dive into Jack's journey in comedy, from his early days experimenting with different personas on stage to becoming one of Britain's biggest stand-up stars. They explore the nuances between British and American audiences, with Jack offering Matt advice for handling UK crowds for Matt's upcoming London performance. Jack opens up about his relationship with his supermodel girlfriend Roxy. They also delve into celebrity encounters, including Jack's friendships with Harry Styles and Emma Watson, his near-miss audition for Harry Potter, and losing out roles to Robert Pattinson, and more that don’t want to miss.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Friend and the brilliant actress, comedian, and creator Delaney Rowe (@delaneyrowe) on their mutual rises on social media during the pandemic, Delaney’s “Indie Girl” character, the "insufferable female lead in a movie" trope, Delaney’s creative process, feeling older in your twenties as creators get younger and younger, the wild ride of getting praise from famous people, Matt and Delaney try to figure out if they were flirting, Delaney’s private chef story, and Delaney’s future career plans. 

Follow Matt on IG: @themattfriend

Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: https://bit.ly/FriendInHighPlaces

Watch Friends in High Places on YouTube: https://bit.ly/FriendinHighPlacesYouTube

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Friend and Howie Mandel on Howie's iconic career as a legendary host, his germaphobia, Johnny Carson’s influence, Howie praises Matt's impression of Trump and Johnny Carson, Howie praises Matt’s performance at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, Howie’s first disastrous gig opening for Diana Ross, how Howie knows if someone’s got talent within five seconds, the way Howie’s crowd work style was helped by his ADHD and impulsive behavior, how Howie thought Deal or No Deal was going to fail, and Howie’s career advice to Matt.  

Follow Matt on IG: @themattfriend

Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: https://bit.ly/FriendInHighPlaces

Watch Friends in High Places on YouTube: https://bit.ly/FriendinHighPlacesYouTube

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Friend and iconic journalist Don Lemon on Don's transition from CNN to his new show, increased freedom in the streaming space, self-censoring in traditional media, Tucker Carlson and the difference of the on-camera persona and the actual person, performative behavior in conservative media, the importance of truth in journalism, the changes in media representation, the First Word Game, the strange pride in being insulted by Trump, what happens if Trump loses, Don’s advice to Matt on handling interviews, emphasizing the importance of silence, and Matt’s plan for the future.

Follow Matt on IG: @themattfriend

Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: https://bit.ly/FriendInHighPlaces

Watch Friends in High Places on YouTube: https://bit.ly/FriendinHighPlacesYouTube

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices