Comedian Mal Hall is stepping into the spotlight in his debut comedy special, What Are We Doing Today?! With sharp observations and relatable stories, Mal dives into the wild ride of raising kids in a world where Gen Z is judging your every move. From choosing the right words to parent with to surviving Costco on a Saturday, Mal finds comedy in the everyday madness. The special is produced by comedian Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, who Mal has been touring with for years.
We had the opportunity to chat with Mal ahead of the release of What Are We Doing Today?! about preparing to record the special, his favorite comedy spots in San Diego and his comedy heroes. Anjelah also joined in to discuss working with Mal and their most cherished tour memories.
When did you know you wanted to become a comedian?
Mal: “The dream of becoming a comedian actually started way back in middle school, but I didn't truly realize it or start actively pursuing it until I was in my early twenties and I haven't looked back!”
You’re a born and raised San Diego guy. Where are your favorite places to perform/see stand-up in San Diego?
Mal: “San Diego has so many awesome spots for live comedy—it's a low key great little comedy scene! The Comedy Store La Jolla, Mic Drop Comedy Club, and American Comedy Company are all awesome options. BUT, I'm totally biased. The absolute best show in San Diego has to be Laugh at Lou Lou’s Jungle Room inside the Lafayette Hotel. That's the venue where I was lucky enough to shoot my special!”
Who are your comedy heroes and why?
Mal: “My two GOATs? Without a doubt, it’s Dave Chappelle and Jerry Seinfeld. Dave is just a master of every single element of the craft. Honestly, if he were a create-a-player in Madden, he'd have 99s for every attribute! And Jerry, he’s a master wordsmith and an elite observer of the mundane. Those two are definitely my top comedy heroes.”
How long did it take you to prepare for this special?
Mal: “The lead-up to filming ‘What Are We Doing Today?!’ was a pretty intense process. It took about a year and a half of constant writing and touring to get the material to a place where I felt comfortable enough to film it. It was a lot of work, but definitely worth it!”
How has your comedy changed since becoming a dad?
Mal: “My core comedy style hasn't changed, but the subject matter definitely has.
I’ve always written about the current chapter of life I'm living through, and honestly, becoming a dad has been an endless source of new material! I’ve also been able to create and hire three of the best writers in the business along the way (my kids) which has been huge!”
Anjelah - You have been working with Mal for many years. What does it mean to you to executive produce this special and share his comedy with the masses?
AJR: “There’s a reason why I’ve been working with Mal for years. He’s unbelievably talented and a good dude. I love seeing good things happen to good people so I’m honored to be able to come alongside Mal and champion this project.”
How long have y’all been working together?
AJR: “Well I’ve been married for 14 years and I’ve been touring with Mal longer than I’ve been married so…more than that. ”
Mal: “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to tour with Anjelah Johnson-Reyes for the better part of my professional career—so, about 15 years! In the early days, it was in a part-time capacity, but for the last five years especially, I’ve been her main support act. That decade-plus of working together kind of blends into one awesome memory.”
Do y’all have a favorite joke from this special?
Mal: “I genuinely love all the jokes on the special, but the three that really stand out for me are 'Systems and Protocols,' 'Chumming,' and 'Who Are “They”?' They all, as the kids say, hit!”
AJR: “It's hard to pick one bit as a favorite because they are all so strong and funny but I do have a favorite call back. It’s when the dad asks the kid at the park “can we go home please?” And the kid responds, ‘No… period.’ That call back is so smart. I love it.”
Do you have any favorite tour/performance memories?
Mal: “The experiences that stand out aren't always the performances themselves, but the shared moments. Getting to enjoy a few days in Tokyo eating, laughing, and literally walking into traffic (on accident) will always be special, and performing in Guam and Saipan was super unique. But my all time favorite memory with Anjelah? It was definitely the shared 'bomb' we had at a show in Las Vegas. That night went from absolute devastation on stage to an amazing, unforgettable night in Sin City!”
AJR: “My favorite memories with Mal have to be our entire Australia and New Zealand tour. We had an epic time. From visiting speakeasies in Melbourne, to a drag dinner in Sydney, and experiencing the magical Piha Beach in New Zealand. Incredible.”
Where can people catch y'all on tour?
Mal: “You can find all of my headlining shows posted on my website at malhall.com/tour. You can also still catch me performing with Anjelah on her “Family Reunion Tour!”
AJR: “www.anjelah.com babyyyyyyy!”
Last but certainly not least, would you rather fight one 800 pound gorilla or 800 one pound gorillas?
Mal: “Gun to my head, I'd rather fight 800 one-pound gorillas because I feel like I'd at least stand a chance! My only shot fighting one 800-pound gorilla is hoping that I could literally kill it with kindness... which, I don't think is actually a thing.”
AJR: “Easy. 800 one pound gorillas. I’d leaf blow them into oblivion.”
Don't miss the premiere of What Are We Doing Today?! on October 21st at 7 PM CST!
Mal and Anjelah will be in the live chat, so come say hi!