Mike Answers Your Questions About Comedy

FromMike Birbiglia's Working It Out

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Mike Answers Your Questions About Comedy

FromMike Birbiglia's Working It Out

ratings:

Length:

38 minutes

Released:

Mar 11, 2024

Format:

Podcast episode

Description

This week Mike responds to listener questions. How many of your stories are true? Who is your dream guest? What is your greatest piece of comedy advice? All these and more.

Released:

Mar 11, 2024

Format:

Podcast episode

Titles in the series (100)

Comedian Mike Birbiglia welcomes a different comedian or creator each week and together they work out original, untested material. And, occasionally, uncomfortable topics. Join them as they work it out.

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3. Jon Laster: Lessons from Black Lives Matter. Also, Honey Buns.: Mike discusses Black Lives Matter and turning tragedy into comedy with Jon Laster. Please consider contributing to the following organizations: NAACP Legal Defense Fund United Negro College Fund by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
59 min listen
5. Hannah Gadsby: Solo Shows and Spectrum Gazelles with a Master of the Craft: Mike discusses Hannah's award winning Netflix special “Nanette,” her new special “Douglas” and together they dig deep into the solo show process and how her new show may end up including a “spectrum gazelle.” Sponsored by Samuel Adams Please consider supporting: https://www.safehorizon.org/ by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
52 min listen
26. All Jokes Considered: The Staff Picks The Best Of 2020: A comedy extravaganza featuring Sarah Cooper, Hasan Minhaj, Tig Notaro, Jimmy Kimmel, Maria Bamford, John Mulaney, Ira Glass, Jon Laster, David Sedaris, Pete Holmes, Jon Favreau & Tommy Vietor, Jacqueline Novak, Bowen Yang, & Natasha Lyonne. The perfect episode to share with friends or enemies who haven’t dipped their toes in the Working It Out waters. We are highlighting 6 food banks and Mike is donating 100% of the New Years Eve 6:30 virtual show proceeds to them. https://linktr.ee/WorkingItOutPod by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
55 min listen
15. Jimmy Kimmel: This Week He Hosts The Emmys, But First....He Works It Out.: Last year Jimmy Kimmel cooked Mike meatballs and then Mike dropped them on Jimmy’s front lawn. This interview goes better than that! Join Mike and Jimmy for a candid chat about schoolyard fights, right wing hit jobs, pre-existing conditions, and people who claim to not like pizza. Also, Jimmy has listened to all the episodes AND HAS NOTES. It’s a good one. Enjoy. Please consider donating to: St. Joseph Center https://stjosephctr.org/ Children's Hospital Los Angeles https://www.chla.org/ by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
67 min listen
A Letter From a Comedian To College Students Everywhere: This episode is a little different from the others. If you like it please share it with your college age friend or family member. Also, it’s worth visiting https://votesaveamerica.com/ by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
5 min listen
8. Hasan Minhaj: Sometimes Living Through History... Sucks: Mike and Hasan are friends who love talking about current events and comedy craft. In this episode, Hasan teases possible themes and stories for his next special, which shares some commonality with Mike’s special Thank God For Jokes. They talk about everything from macaroni and cheese to marriage and children to the time Hasan came to Mike’s apartment for a script reading and his takeaway was that Mike’s wife Jen is a better person than Mike. This conversation goes from macro to micro to personal to global. Thank God for jokes and thank God for Hasan Minhaj. Please consider donating to: NRDC: https://www.nrdc.org/ Campaign Zero: https://www.joincampaignzero.org/ by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
62 min listen
Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out: Trailer: Comedian Mike Birbiglia welcomes a different comedian or creator each week and together they work out original, untested material. And, occasionally, uncomfortable topics. Join them as they work it out. by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
2 min listen
10. Roy Wood Jr: From Birmingham to The Daily Show to Broadway?: Mike and Roy teamed up to raise money for comedy club waitstaffs with “Tip Your Waitstaff.” Now they work on jokes about gin vomit, stealing fancy jeans, and why being a Daily Show correspondent could put you in more hot water than having a criminal record. The episode touches on regret, redemption, and lands in an unexpected place when Mike asks Roy if he’d consider letting Mike produce his one person show. Don’t miss this one. Please consider donating to: https://www.iseemeinc.com by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
55 min listen
2. John Mulaney: Shooting Hoops with the Michael Jordan of Comedy: Mike discusses the Chicago Bulls with the Michael Jordan of stand-up comedy, John Mulaney. Please consider contributing to the following organizations: NAACP Legal Defense Fund Parole Preparation Project Innocence Project by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
43 min listen
1. Ira Glass: A Podcast Legend Teaches Mike How to Make a Podcast: Mike works out the concept for this very podcast during this very episode of this very podcast with podcast legend Ira Glass. Please consider contributing to the following organizations: NAACP Legal Defense Fund Doctors Without Borders Oxfam America by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
47 min listen
13. Ronny Chieng: Asian Comedian Destroys America…and Mike Birbiglia!: Ronny Chieng is most well known for his roles in Crazy Rich Asians and on The Daily Show, but he is also one of the finest stand-up comedians today. Ronny joins Mike to collaborate on entirely new jokes about Mike’s secret superhero identity “Mildew Man,” why presidents need to leave conspiracy theories to the pros, and some eye opening observations from Ronny about the current international perception of America. Please consider donating to: Welcome to Chinatown https://www.welcometochinatown.com/ by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
47 min listen
19. Beth Stelling: Dreaming About Sex With Your Dad: This week Mike welcomes Beth Stelling- the fearless star of the new HBO Max special, Girl Daddy. Beth and Mike discuss their joke nerd instincts and goal to turn pain into comedy. They trade jokes about sex in a rocket ship, middle school burns, flying weenies, and, yes, even dreams about sex with your dad. Please consider donating to: YWCA Dayton, Ohio https://www.ywcadayton.org/how-to-help/donate/ by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
49 min listen
11. Judd Apatow: The Cinema Mogul Tries to Ruin Mike’s Podcast: Judd and Mike are real life friends who share their real life candid observations in this loose and hilarious hour of workshopping jokes. Judd’s childhood friend peed on him as he watched Saturday Night Live and Mike puts the dental in transcendental meditation because he grinds his teeth. Together they reminisce about 7th grade Washington trips, fears from being a teenager, and fears about having a teenager as Judd helps Mike sculpt his own “This is 40.” Things get tense when Judd declares that he is more attractive than “The Rock.” Please consider donating to 826LA https://826la.org/ David Lynch Foundation https://www.davidlynchfoundation.org/ by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
51 min listen
12. Sam Jay: America’s Next Big Comedy Star: Sam Jay is a comedian and writer for SNL who may be on the verge of superstardom. Her new special “3 in the Morning” is filled with jokes and stories that are funny and fearless and dare the audience not to laugh. In this episode Sam teases new ideas she’s kicking around for her next hour. The conversation ranges from Sam’s cousin eating pie on the toilet to growing up black in America when you’re not given “the stuff.” Please consider donating to: Black Trans Lives Matter Youth Fund https://gf.me/u/yjmr4p by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
34 min listen
9. Melissa Villaseñor: Mike Writes Jokes with the SNL Star in Real Time!: Mike teams up with SNL star Melissa Villaseñor to work out jokes about feminist bookstores, moms talking to themselves, and guitar teachers who are frankly just showing off. This is a true comedy jam session and there are jokes written in real time! Don’t miss it. Please consider donating to: Rock The Vote https://www.rockthevote.org/ by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
44 min listen
6. David Sedaris: Mike Trades Funny Stories With His Comedy Hero: Mike talks with his literary hero David Sedaris about clocking 90 thousand steps, dressing like a clown, and walking through Times Square after midnight in the pandemic. Please consider contributing to: Feeding America https://www.feedingamerica.org/ by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
50 min listen
17. Pete Holmes: What Podcast Would Jesus Listen To?: Mike and Pete are old comedy friends, which is why Pete does a pitch perfect impersonation of Mike, and Mike feels comfortable asking Pete for advice about Jesus. If you’ve ever listened to Pete’s legendary podcast “You Made It Weird,” you know that these two crack each other up. It’s a fun ride with tons of new jokes. Don’t miss it. Please consider donating to water.org by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
52 min listen
18. Jon Favreau & Tommy Vietor: Pod Save Birbiglia: Mike chats with two of the co-hosts of “Pod Save America” about voting, working in the White House, getting high at Water Country, and “unf—ing the supreme court with small-d democracy.” What happens when a comedian talks candidly with President Obama’s speechwriter and one of the members of his national security team? Find out. It’s a good one. And vote! Please consider donating to: Vote Save America: https://votesaveamerica.com/donate/ by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
59 min listen
20. Jacqueline Novak: 50 Ways To Get Eaten By the Garage Door: Jacqueline and Mike have toured together for years and Mike recently produced Jacqueline’s Off-Broadway hit “Get On Your Knees.” On this episode they get nerdy on joke structure: setups, punchlines, tags and secants. They also dig into memories of Jacqueline’s childhood friend getting eaten by a garage door and what “blinking man” means at a crosswalk. Find out why Mike concludes the episode by saying “You must be the first repeat guest!” A must listen. Please consider donating to: Loveland Therapy Fund https://thelovelandfoundation.org/loveland-therapy-fund/ by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
59 min listen
21. Bowen Yang: How Do You Write a Sketch For SNL?: Bowen Yang joins Mike this week for an episode that is as hilarious as it is honest. Listen as Bowen and Mike discuss everything from gay conversion therapy and googling yourself to high school theatre fails and psychedelic shrooms. Bowen and Mike work out standup bits and potential sketches you may be seeing on SNL soon. Plus, find out the one must-have item you’ve been missing your whole life when using a porto-potty. Please consider donating to: Clinton Hill Fort Greene Mutual Aid https://sites.google.com/view/chfgma-org/home by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
59 min listen
4. Matt Berninger, Carin Besser, & J. Hope Stein: The Poetry of Mike’s favorite band “The National”: Mike celebrates the publication of "The New One, Painfully True Stories from a Reluctant Dad” with his co-writer and co-wife J. Hope Stein. They are joined by Matt Berninger, the lead singer of Mike’s favorite band "The National” as well as Matt’s co-writer and co-wife Carin Besser. This creative double date goes deep as the two married couples open up about creative marriages, actual marriages, and how writing poetry can feel like knitting. Please consider supporting: 7-Inches For Planned Parenthood by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
50 min listen
7. Sarah Cooper: America’s Funniest Lip-Syncer-In-Chief— In Her Own Words: Mike gets to know comedian/writer Sarah Cooper, whose Trump lip sync videos are a viral phenomenon beloved by millions. They crack open the pain of being rejected in middle school, the joy of huffing Irish spring soap, and why Sarah and Mike are both New York forever. Please consider contributing to myFace: https://www.myface.org/ by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
47 min listen
27. Rachel Bloom: The Inception of the “Please Stop The Ride” Musical: The award-winning co-creator and star of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Rachel Bloom joins Mike as the two of them crack into a format never explored in this podcast—the musical! Mike leaves his prepared material behind and pitches a concept for a musical. In turn Rachel pitches Mike her first comedy special—an idea she has never discussed publicly. They also discuss Rachel’s hilarious new book and Rachel delivers some of the best slow round answers of all time. https://feedingamerica.org by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
50 min listen
16. Maria Bamford: Your Comedy Vaccine: Maria Bamford has been one of Mike’s favorite comedians for a long time. Maria discusses the time she cold-called a Catholic priest even though she’s not Catholic, stories about Air BnBs, why Domino’s might be more helpful than a suicide hotline, unorthodox covid vaccines, and the recipe for grilled cheese. Don’t miss this one. Please consider donating to: Los Angeles Downtown Women's Center https://downtownwomenscenter.org/ by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
53 min listen
25. Ira Glass: The Highly Anticipated Return: Since Ira Glass was Working It Out’s inaugural guest in June 2020, listeners have frequently requested his return. This week the podcast has its first return guest and its first *second draft*. We also learn what it takes to get a story on “This American Life” and whether Mike’s new story about learning he had cancer at age 19 has what it takes. Ira gives genius notes and spares no feelings. Story nerds, gather round. It’s a must listen. Please consider donating to: https://elpasoansfightinghunger.org/ by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
51 min listen
22. Abbi Jacobson: The Broad City Makeout Party: Mike is joined by the co-creator and co-star of the comedy classic “Broad City.” They discuss the show’s origins, why we should all hope to “fail flamboyantly,” and why you might quit your job after getting an email from Amy Poehler. Along the way they work out material about why Mike hates magic and Abbi’s crippling fear of running into her ex-girlfriend underwater. On one episode of Broad City Mike and Abbi made out literally. Today on “Working It Out” they make out…with jokes. Please consider donating to: Girls Write Now https://www.girlswritenow.org/ by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
55 min listen
35. Fred Armisen: The Secret Comedy Rules of Portlandia and SNL: Mike and Fred have a candid chat about the secret rules of Portlandia and the comedy writing lessons of SNL. Fred describes how they arrived at the title for “Portlandia” and Mike describes how he arrived at his brand new solo show title that he debuts in this episode. All that and Fred shares his Mike Birbiglia impression, his Ira Glass impression, and explains why a parody of This American Life doesn’t quite work on SNL. https://www.sweetrelief.org/ by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
49 min listen
23. Ramy Youssef: Kicked in the Golden Globes: Mike welcomes award-winning comedian Ramy Youssef. The two friends discuss the unexpectedly controversial elements of his hit series “Ramy.” They also work on jokes about bad wedding speeches, getting kicked in the balls, and the time Ramy told people in Jacksonville that he was Muslim to which a woman replied, “We don’t do that here.” Well, the good news is: we do this here. Enjoy. Please consider donating to: Muslim Anti-Racism Collaborative https://www.muslimarc.org/ by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
51 min listen
40. Aisling Bea: The Right Amount of a Bit Much by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
57 min listen
30. Nikki Glaser: The Taylor Swift of Comedy: Prolific, raw, and hilarious comic Nikki Glaser shares childhood memories of her mom in the Slow Round that she’s not yet willing to tell on stage but is willing to say on a podcast. Nikki and Mike both admit that their level of honesty with even their own diaries doesn’t hit 100%. Nikki declares herself the Taylor Swift of comedy and Mike declares himself the Springsteen. This episode is raw and honest and funny. https://www.strayrescue.org/ by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
61 min listen

More Episodes from Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out

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132. Judd Apatow Returns: Hold On To That Authenticity: This week the legendary Judd Apatow returns to Working It Out for his fourth and best appearance yet. Judd tells behind-the-scenes stories from Bridesmaids and Funny People, as well as the most helpful filmmaking advice he’s gotten from other greats along the way. Judd and Mike also break apart the story of Judd’s first ayahuasca trip—and what that experience might have to do with both his parents’ divorce and his first sexual experience. Plus, jokes about how Judd somehow gained weight on Ozempic. Please consider donating to: https://826national.org/ by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
62 min listen
131. Chris Fleming: He Should Be Way More Popular: In Chris Fleming’s recent Peacock stand-up special Hell, he calls out some audience members who are married and shouts, “This show is not for people who have wives. You have a wife?! Go see Mike Birbiglia!” Fleming is fearless about dragging the names of other comedians into his bits: from Bo Burham to Nikki Glaser to Bert Kreischer and more. Chris is a Massachusetts theater kid turned comedian and it manifests in stand-up comedy that is simultaneously avant-garde but also crowd pleasing. Mike and Chris sit down for a truly productive session of working out new material and they break down why Massachusetts is so darn repressed. Plus, they do no-holds-barred impressions of each other in what is one of the most unhinged episodes of Working it Out of all time. by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
57 min listen
130. Rory Scovel: Dare to Be Funny: Mike welcomes Rory Scovel, whose special made Mike laugh so hard he spit water all over himself. Rory talks about how telling the truth and being vulnerable on stage led him to his best bits, how his taking up abstract painting is similar to comedy, and how a week of fully improvised stand-up shows gave Rory a new perspective on his career. Plus, the best and most off-the-rails “Working It Out” section the podcast has had yet. by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
55 min listen
129. J. Hope Stein Returns: Earth Day Poetry from Clo: Mike welcomes back the poet J. Hope Stein, aka Jenny, aka Clo, aka Mike’s wife of fifteen years. A frequent collaborator on Mike’s comedy specials and movies, Jenny describes her favorite type of creative feedback and why she’s most impressed by poetry that crosses over to audiences who don’t always understand poetry. The couple shares candid and embrassing stories from the early days of their romance including two stories that might make it into Mike’s new live show. Plus, Jen reads two new poems in celebration of Earth Day and announces the audiobook of her poetry collection “Little Astronaut.” by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
41 min listen
The Wisdom of Chicago Improv with Liz Allen: Chicago improv performer and teacher Liz Allen taught a workshop for Mike’s college improv group almost 25 years ago. Since then, Mike and Liz have found numerous ways to reunite and collaborate, most notably on Mike’s film Don’t Think Twice. Now Mike sits down for an in-depth chat with one of his favorite improvisers about the unique roots of Chicago improv, Liz’s (in)famous teacher Del Close, and the one-in-a-million coincidence that connected Liz and Gillian Jacobs. by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
44 min listen
128. Alex Edelman Returns: He Did His Best: On the heels of the release of his new special “Just For Us” on Max, Alex Edelman returns to the podcast for the fourth and best time yet. Mike and Alex break apart the story of the time Alex’s bank lost all his money, how a protestor recently disrupted his show, and what it feels like to be releasing his special after the death of his beloved director, Adam Brace. Plus, Alex’s recent and very strange run-in with Bill Gates. Please consider donating to: https://www.sefaria.org/texts by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
49 min listen
127. Esther Povitsky: What Is Your Comedy Attachment Style?: Mike sits down with comedian, actor, and writer Esther Povitsky to discuss her special Hot For My Name. Mike has a lot of questions about the time Esther crashed her fiancée's bachelor party in Vegas. Plus, Esther figures out Mike’s attachment style, and they discuss the differences between the LA and New York comedy scenes. All this, and jokes about adults dressed as babies, watching OnlyFans with your partner, and being outed as a comedian on the subway. by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
49 min listen
126. Seth Meyers: SNL, Late Night, and a Ton of New Jokes: Mike sits down with the legendary comedian and writer Seth Meyers for a conversation that reveals who is secretly the funniest of the funniest at SNL behind-the-scenes and who was the most popular Strike Force Five host. Then, Mike and Seth work out new material about serial killers, the D.A.R.E. program, and dropping acid in Amsterdam. Plus: who will take over for Lorne Michaels after he leaves SNL? by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
51 min listen
125. Ilana Glazer: Life Lessons from the Broad City Star: Mike became an instant super-fan of Ilana Glazer in 2014 when her hit series Broad City premiered on Comedy Central. This week on the podcast Mike and Ilana go deep on the origins of Broad City, Mike’s cameo on the show, honest takes on parenting, the development of Ilana’s new hour of stand-up comedy, and how *Broad City* Ilana is different from *real life* Ilana. Plus, jokes and stories about weed-induced anxiety and saying hello to strangers. by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
53 min listen
124. Chris Distefano: Crowd Work With The Mob: This week Mike welcomes Comedy Cellar friend and comedy star Chris Distefano. Chris’s shares important lessons in failure: how a bad set got him booked on Letterman, and the advice his wife gave him about not listening to studio executives. Mike and Chris also dissect Chris’s famous 9/11 story, and why Chris’ “worst gig” story involves an actual knife at his throat. by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
61 min listen
123. Please Don't Destroy: SNL’s Three Sad Virgins: Mike welcomes Ben Marshall, John Higgins, and Martin Herlihy, aka Please Don’t Destroy, known for their wildly popular shorts on SNL. Mike is determined to get Martin to talk more than he did on Pete Holmes’s podcast. The group shares what they like and dislike about each other, and break down what it’s like to be both sketch writers and filmmakers on SNL. Plus, what it’s like to work with Bad Bunny in a Shrek costume and get roasted by Taylor Swift. Please Consider Donating To: https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/ by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
62 min listen
122. Roy Wood Jr: Perfect Jokes From an Imperfect Messenger: Roy Wood Jr makes a triumphant return to the podcast and he and Mike pick up right where they left off. The two old friends discuss the evolution of unconnected jokes into a more cohesive whole hour of stand-up. They discuss why Mike, Neal Brennan, and Chris Rock are all pressuring Roy to go even deeper with his new material about his dad. Mike and Roy break down the best bits from Roy’s new special Imperfect Messenger, and Roy shares two all-timer stories in the slow round. Plus, Roy gets candid on exactly why he may or may not be hosting The Daily Show. by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
61 min listen
121. Maddie Wiener: How to Find the Humor in a Panic Attack: Maddie Wiener started performing stand-up at age 16. Now, at age 25, she headlines clubs, is a fixture at the Comedy Cellar, and she was recently a special guest on Mike’s shows at The Wilbur in Boston. Now Maddie and Mike sit down for a chat about the relationship between anxiety and comedy, and Mike helps Maddie develop a story about a panic attack. Plus, the wisdom Maddie learned from Nikki Glaser, and why “Hey, can we talk?” is the scariest text you can get. by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
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120. Ronny Chieng Returns: Classic American Show Business: Ronny Chieng, one of the earliest and most popular Working It Out guests, makes a triumphant return. Ronny and Mike discuss the significance of Ronny’s chic onstage wardrobe, the similarities between practicing law and performing comedy, and whether or not it was Ronny who planted the Hasan Minhaj New Yorker story after all. Plus, why Ronny absolutely refuses to reveal his actual birthday. Please consider donating to APIAVote by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
52 min listen
119. Rosebud Baker Returns: Pregnant with Jokes and People: Rosebud Baker’s first appearance on Working It Out was in 2021. Since then she’s become a writer on SNL, written for That Damn Michael Che, and become a parent. Now Rosebud returns to talk with Mike about how being a parent affects comedy, and they dispel certain attitudes about filming a comedy special while pregnant. Plus, the art of pitching ideas for different types of sketch shows, and why Rosebud’s daughter has to call her grandfather “Mr. Baker.” by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
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118. John Early: A Man With Needs: John Early, recently nominated for an Emmy and a Critics Choice Award, sits down with Mike for the first time since the two of them appeared as brothers in Taylor Swift’s, “Anti-Hero” music video. The two discuss avant-garde comedy, Brittany Spears impressions, and what it means to express earnest despair in John’s new Max special, “Now More Than Ever.” Plus, the time John ran away after coming out to his best friend. Please consider donating to: https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/pac by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
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The Very Best Working It Out Moments of 2023: We’ve created an episode for all of you making long car trips or taking long jogs or stretching out on your long beloved couch. It’s our best moments of 2023 episode! It includes Ray Romano’s take on marriage, a joke from Ramy Youssef’s funniest uncle, Rachel Feinstein’s pitch perfect impression of her husband, and deep confessional moments about Mike’s friendships with Tom Papa and Gary Gulman. Plus, Ira Glass’s diagnosis to not just work out Mike’s jokes but to work out Mike’s life. by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
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117. Beth Stelling Returns: Two Skeletons Telling Jokes: Mike welcomes back to the podcast comedian Beth Stelling, whose Netflix special If You Didn’t Want Me Then is on seemingly everyone’s best of year lists, including Mike’s. Mike and Beth discuss touring together, Beth’s desire to be authentic on stage, and Beth’s dad feeding raccoons out of a trough. Plus, they explore the parallels between stand-up comedy and Beth’s new venture: professional field hockey. by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
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116. Jimmy Carr Returns: The World Ordered A Comedian: Jimmy Carr is one of the most successful comedians in the entire world. On the heels of playing Carnegie Hall and heading out to hundreds of concert dates across many continents, Jimmy Carr returns for another episode of Working it Out. Jimmy and Mike discuss the benefits and pitfalls of dark humor, what Jimmy discovered from several public cancellations, and why sometimes the goal is simply to get better than you were last year. Plus, what ever happened to ordering just a slice of pizza? Please consider donating to: feedingamerica.org by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
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The Old Man and the Pool: Spoilers Only: Mike welcomes back three-peat guest Joe Birbiglia to celebrate the premiere of Mike’s new Netflix comedy special The Old Man and the Pool. Mike and Joe discuss the four year development of the show, share memories about the Worcester, Massachusetts YMCA pool, and share the funniest jokes that didn’t make it into the special. *Should* they have made it into the special? Joe thinks so. You be the judge. Plus, Mike answers listeners’ questions about the special. by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
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115. Pete Holmes Returns (Again): The Funniest and Longest Episode Yet: Mike’s new special, “The Old Man & The Pool” is finally on Netflix and he brings on an all-timer to celebrate. Pete Holmes returns for a third Working it Out, and he and Mike roast each other as hard as only old friends can. Mike and Pete discuss Pete’s new Netflix special “I Am Not For Everyone,” the problem with Micheal Jackson’s nickname “Wacko Jacko,” and what secrets Pete has in store for his next hour of comedy. Plus, Pete literally won’t stop doing impressions: Bill Burr, Jerry Seinfeld, John Mulaney, and of course, Mike. Please consider donating to: homeboyindustries.org by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
76 min listen
114. Jo Firestone Returns: Fact Check This Episode: Jo Firestone joins Mike for her second appearance on Working it Out. In addition to just being named the head writer of the newest late night show on network TV, Jo just published a comedic murder mystery called “Murder on Sex Island” and proclaims she is *nothing* like the book’s protagonist even though the similarities are striking. Jo also explains why there’s so much dust in her purse, and posits that the scariest part of haunted houses aren’t actually the jump scares, but rather the promise of nudity. Please Consider Donating To: www.unicef.org by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
50 min listen
113. Todd Barry: The Inventor of Crowd Work: On the heels of the release of his new special “Domestic Shorthair,” Todd Barry sits down with Mike this week for a conversation about his 35 years in comedy. The two talk about whether or not Todd invented crowdwork, if Bill Burr was right when he said Mike was “doing” Todd when Mike was first starting out, and why Todd can never do another prom show. Plus, Todd reveals the problem he has with Mike’s cat, Mr. Moustache. Please consider donating to www.doctorswithoutborders.org by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
45 min listen
112. Ramy Youssef Returns: You Already Love Him: Ramy Youssef was one of the first and most popular guests on Working It Out back in 2020, and now he’s back with updates to some of the same very material he worked out the first time around. Mike and Ramy discuss which Death Cab For Cutie songs make Ramy cry, unfriendly encounters in Jacksonville, the perils of public restroom keys, and Ramy’s not-so-secret “secret marriage.” All that and why Ramy wants Mike’s next special to be called “The Arab Dad.” by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
62 min listen
111. Gary Simons: A New Comedian Asks Mike 10 Key Questions About Starting Out in Comedy: 25 years ago, Mike won Georgetown University‘s funniest person on campus contest. This week's guest Gary Simons won it three years ago. Now, Gary has been opening for Mike’s new tour and has a lot of questions: How do I get an agent? How do I go from doing 5 minutes to doing an hour? Any relationship advice for comedians in love? Plus, Pete Holmes calls in and offers his own advice. Please Consider Donating To: https://ctfoodshare.org/ by Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
47 min listen

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Mike Answers Your Questions About Comedy

Mike Answers Your Questions About Comedy

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Titles in the series (100)

More Episodes from Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out