Judah Friedlander and I may have something unfortunate in common. We both have some stories that have awkwardly involved really needing to go the bathroom. His is much worse than mine. I am slightly ashamed how much of this interview ended up being about what I’m sure is a horrific memory for Judah.

You’ve been warned.

When Judah Friedlander takes to the stage, it is as The World Champion.

The World Champion is not only the best at karate, he’s also the best at probably everything. Unkempt and in a trucker hat you might have a hard time believing that The World Champion could run a half-mile faster than you, but let me assure you: he absolutely can. You’d be an idiot to even try to keep up.

By adopting the ever-present persona of  The World Champion, Judah Friedlander has put everything that it is to be a proud American under a microscope. And under that microscope we see just how absurd the American idea of “USA #1” can really be.

And while Friedlander plays it for laughs, the man behind The World Champion is very serious. You can firmly disassociate his personal politics from his onstage persona. He recognizes that he has a platform to reach a wider audience and Friedlander has no problem voicing very serious opinions on social media.

I got to have a quick chat with Judah as he gets ready to bring new stuff and crowd work to Just for Laughs in America… Still Number One.

KeithWith your Netflix Special “America Is The Greatest Country In the United States” and now your tour “America… Still Number One” your persona is no doubt proud of being American. Over the years and across the various presidents who’ve served, are there times where you’re actually proud of being American?

Judah: My entire act is mostly absurdist satire. I think it’s a mix of seeing how things can be horribly run in the United States, but you can still have pride as well. Even though there are all these horrendous things going on at so many levels and part of that pride is sticking up for yourself. ↓ Read the rest of this entry…

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