From red carpet interviews to TikTok virality and the re-release of his podcast Hyperfixating with Asante, the creator knows a thing or two about the magic of getting people talking. He speaks to Wonderland about what happens after that.
Asante Madrigal is a conversationalist. From studying journalism to finding his footing on TikTok’s intricate web, he’s slowly but surely developed his own tone of voice online, becoming a fixture on red carpets internationally, interviewing some of your favourite stars. Now, as he readies himself for the re-release of his podcast, Hyperfixating with Asante, a hub for all-things pop culture, he tells Wonderland about his journey here. Read the interview.
You studied journalism with the goal of becoming a traditional broadcast news anchor, but by the time you graduated, TikTok had become the new newsroom for entertainment. What was it like navigating that shift, and when did you realise creator-led media was your future?
When TikTok came out, I was one of the first creators to cover TikTokers like they were A-list celebrities! I had so much fun learning and growing with some of the biggest creators today like Charli D’amelio, Addison Rae, and more! It felt fun, in the moment, and you really got to see these creators rise to fame and break into Hollywood all from being creators! I remember working a job and there was a moment where, a couple of months in, I was making more money than my minimum wage job, and I quit to fully pursue being a creator in college! I thought it would just be a college job, but by the time I was graduating, I truly saw the potential!
From the Oscars and Grammys to international press tours and premieres, you’ve become one of the go-to hosts for Hollywood’s biggest moments. Has there been one event where you stopped and thought, “I can’t believe this is my job”?
Every time I am on a carpet, I am always so grateful and have that feeling! Some that immediately come to mind are the Oscars, Grammys, The Boys Prime Video Press Tour, and Paris Olympics! I remember for the Paris Olympics, not only did I get to travel internationally for the first time, I got to interview Snoop Dogg! He is someone that I have listened to my entire life all the way from “California Girls” to him representing the US for the Olympics! My favourite thing about this is I really get to humanise the stars and stardom and see all the behind-the-scenes, which makes me have such an appreciation for entertainment, movies, productions, and more!
You’ve interviewed everyone from rising stars to Hollywood icons. Which conversation has stayed with you the most, and what made it so memorable?
For the Youtube Brand Cast in NYC this year, I got to thank Dwayne Wade for his allyship to the LGBTQ+ community, especially as one of the best basketball players! This was a full-circle moment for me because I grew up playing basketball as a kid my whole life and was even on a travel basketball team, and I was in the closet! Thanking him for his allyship and him speaking up and protecting the LGBTQ community just meant a lot because he has such a big platform, especially in sports, that this can really help push culture forward!
Who’s been the funniest person you’ve interviewed? Was there anyone who completely caught you off guard once the cameras started rolling?
The funniest person I have interviewed and got connected with is Tryiq Withers! He is just so funny and bubbly, and I felt like I was talking to a friend! It just felt like a conversation as opposed to an actual interview! He has so much charisma, and I can’t wait to follow him and see what he does next! Looking forward to our next red carpet interview!
Your interviews feel conversational rather than scripted, even in the fast-paced chaos of a red carpet. What’s your approach to making celebrities feel comfortable enough to let their guard down?
I think showing that you know them you have studied their work, come in with great energy, and genuinely come in as yourself, that usually makes celebs feel comfortable enough to let their guard down!
As a Black, Mexican, and LGBTQ+ creator, you’ve helped bring a fresh perspective to entertainment coverage. How has your identity influenced the way you tell stories and connect with audiences?
I think for me I try my best to highlight stories I would want to see when I was younger that involve my identity whether it’s a black celebrity, an LGBTQ director or Mexican writer! I think just existing in the space, with my perspective, commentery, and being visible in the space is enough for me and I hope it inspires people!
Is there one dream interview still on your bucket list? Who is it, and what’s the first question you’d ask them?
I really want to interview Addison Rae, Timothee Chalamet and Doechii! I mean they all hold a special place in my heart! Addison Rae is someone I literally saw rise to fame and become this pop star that is so inspiring! Timothee Chalamet has this confidence and aura that makes me want to go hard for the things I want in my career. Doechii is the manifesting queen and reminds me to be introspective and myself throughout the process! They all have shaped me and I’d love to ask them questions about their journey.
You’ve covered some of the biggest moments in entertainment, but what’s next?
I am so open to learning more about production, directing, casting and everything that is a part of cinema and shows! I am currently developing my own show and short form series! I just want to be creative, inspired and continue to help humanize stardom!
This fall, you’re launching your newly reimagined podcast, Hyperfixating with Asante. What inspired the rebrand, and how does the new show reflect where you are creatively right now?
I am really in a space where I want to be the one to have creative control over everything from the timing, scheduling, concepts, questions and building a team to help make this happen! Learning what I want to do, how I want it to look, and helping people bring this vision to life!
Photography by Roberto Hannibal
