688 - Writing Jokes with Mike Birbiglia

22 snips

May 27, 2025

Mike Birbiglia, a celebrated writer, director, and comedian known for his engaging storytelling, joins the hosts to explore the art of joke writing. They humorously dissect true news stories, from urban coyotes to bone marrow donation dilemmas. Mike shares insights on developing his Netflix special, The Good Life, and the balance of humor and vulnerability in comedy. The discussion also highlights the importance of personal anecdotes in building audience connection, showcasing how everyday life provides rich comedic material.

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ANECDOTE

Hard Nipples Childhood Story

Mike Birbiglia shares a childhood story about his hypochondria and his dad's calm reaction to worrying about hard nipples.
He relocated the setting to the living room for comedic effect in his special.

INSIGHT

Comedy's Humiliation Builds Humility

Comedy humiliates you repeatedly, fostering humility essential to creative growth.
This cycle shifts humiliation from pain to a natural step in perfecting work.

ANECDOTE

Mastering Story Transitions Live

Mike Birbiglia and John August discuss how small gestures and repeated words help transition between comedic stories.
Director Seth Barish guides refining these transitions to maintain audience engagement.

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The good life

John Esmonde

This play, adapted by Jeremy Sams from the original sitcom by John Esmonde and Bob Larbey, follows Tom and Barbara Good as they transform their suburban home in Surbiton into a model of self-sufficiency. They grow their own food, keep livestock, make their own clothes, and generate electricity from manure. The play reunites the beloved characters, including Geraldine the goat, and explores issues of sustainability and community, blending old and new comedic elements.

Eat, Pray, Love

Elizabeth Gilbert

In 'Eat, Pray, Love', Elizabeth Gilbert chronicles her journey as she leaves behind her outwardly successful but inwardly unfulfilling life in the United States. The book is divided into three parts, each set in a different country: Italy, where she seeks pleasure and indulges in the local culture; India, where she delves into spiritual practices and meditation; and Bali, Indonesia, where she aims to find a balance between worldly enjoyment and divine transcendence. The memoir is a personal and introspective account of Gilbert's struggles, growth, and self-discovery during her travels.

Don't Think Twice

Mike Birbiglia

Don't Think Twice is a comedy-drama film that explores the dynamics within an improv comedy group in New York City. When one of the members unexpectedly lands a role on a popular television show, the group's camaraderie and individual aspirations are put to the test. The film delves into themes of jealousy, ambition, and the challenges of maintaining friendships in a competitive environment. As each member grapples with their own career struggles and personal insecurities, they are forced to confront the changing landscape of their lives and the uncertain future of their collective dreams. The narrative captures the bittersweet reality of pursuing artistic endeavors and the complexities of human relationships. Through humor and poignant moments, the film examines the delicate balance between personal success and the bonds that tie a group together.

My Girlfriend's Boyfriend

Mike Birbiglia

Sleepwalk with me

Mike Birbiglia

In 'Sleepwalk with Me and Other Painfully True Stories', Mike Birbiglia shares a series of autobiographical tales that blend humor with vulnerability. The book delves into his experiences with REM behavior disorder, which led to dangerous sleepwalking incidents, and his journey as a stand-up comedian navigating relationships and career challenges. It was a finalist for the 2011 Thurber Prize for American Humor and became a New York Times bestseller.