Join comedian Mike Birbiglia, known for his captivating one-man shows, as he dives into the world of comedy and personal anecdotes. He shares hilarious stories about dealing with sleep disorders and navigating pet anxieties. The conversation touches on the fine balance of humor in family life and the challenges of public speaking. With playful banter and reflections on the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry, Mike's charisma shines through as he explores the art of storytelling and the joy of connections.
Mike Birbiglia emphasizes the importance of pursuing creative endeavors that align with one's true sensibilities.
Mike Birbiglia shares his appreciation for the collaboration and improvisational nature of the improv community, which has shaped his creative approach.
Dealing with hecklers during stand-up comedy shows requires reacting honestly and calmly, while being conscious of topics that may be off-limits.
Deep dives
Mike Birbiglia's Unique Approach to Comedy and Storytelling
Mike Birbiglia, a talented comedian known for his storytelling style, shares insights into his approach to comedy and how it differs from traditional stand-up. He discusses his experience with one-man shows and the evolution of his performances over the years. Birbiglia talks about auditioning for TV roles and how his shows were able to fully showcase his comedic style. He also reflects on the opportunity to host a talk show and the joy of improvising with guests.
The Impact of Sleepwalking on Mike Birbiglia's Life
Birbiglia opens up about his experience with a serious sleepwalking disorder called REM sleep behavior disorder. He shares a personal story of jumping through a window while sleepwalking, narrowly avoiding a life-threatening situation. He discusses the impact of this disorder on his life and how it has influenced his comedy and storytelling. Birbiglia emphasizes the importance of pursuing creative endeavors that align with one's true sensibilities.
The Journey from TV Sitcoms to Solo Shows
Birbiglia reflects on his foray into television sitcoms and how his experience with a CBS show, which ultimately didn't get picked up, led him to embrace the world of one-man shows. He discusses the limitations he felt in the sitcom format and how the freedom of solo performances allowed him to fully express his comedic voice. Birbiglia shares his appreciation for the collaboration and improvisational nature of the improv community, which has shaped his creative approach.
Dealing with Sleep Disorder and Medication
The podcast episode discusses the host's personal experience with a sleep disorder, specifically REM sleep behavior disorder. Despite being prescribed medication, the host continues to have sleepwalking issues. The host shares their doctor's recommendation to sleep in a sleeping bag and wear mittens to prevent sleepwalking. Although the medication has helped, the host still monitors their condition closely for any potential episodes.
Navigating Hecklers and Audience Interactions
The episode delves into the topic of dealing with hecklers during stand-up comedy shows. The host shares their experience of encountering a challenging audience member who threatened them. They reflect on the importance of reacting honestly and calmly in such situations, in line with advice from comedian Steve Martin. The host also discusses the challenges of knowing what topics are off-limits and the potential impact of joking about personal aspects of their life, such as their family or children.
Come sleepwalk with us… it’s Mike Birbiglia! We chat all-things-funny; comedians who are too serious, intentional non-laughter, and crying at the ballet recital. Don’t leave the party early (or we’ll talk about it for days) – it’s SmartLess.
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