Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out 169. Ira Glass Returns: Ira Tries Stand-Up Comedy (For Real)
20 snips
May 5, 2025 
Ira Glass, the esteemed host and producer of This American Life, returns to share his comedic journey. He reflects on an old stand-up set, seeking Mike's insight on crafting jokes anew. Together, they discuss the art of storytelling in comedy and the balance between humor and vulnerability, particularly around health issues. They also dive into relatable anecdotes about aging audiences and the quirks of hiking. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship and supporting local radio, all while exploring what authentic laughter truly means.
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Start Stand-up With Natural Stories
- Start stand-up with stories you tell naturally at parties to find material.
- Treat stand-up like a lively party where a good story captures attention.
Cut Audience Woes; Use Joke Tags
- Avoid relying on audience reactions like 'woo' which waste time.
- Use punchline expansions called tags to build layered humor from a joke.
Leverage Absurd Associations in Jokes
- Use absurd free associations to develop humor and deepen a story.
- Reveal personal ignorance humorously to engage the audience through vulnerability.