The Town with Matthew Belloni The New Path to Stand-Up Fame and Fortune With Mike Birbiglia
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May 27, 2025 
Stand-up comedian Mike Birbiglia, known for his Netflix special 'The Good Life' and podcast 'Working It Out', dives into the evolving world of comedy. He discusses how the landscape has shifted over the last decade, emphasizing the vital role of podcasts and social media in building a fanbase. Mike explores Netflix's transformative impact on stand-up and questions if traditional media still holds sway. He also touches on the importance of long-form storytelling and the current Oscar buzz surrounding films from the Cannes Film Festival.
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Mid-2000s Comedy Tour Boom
- Live touring comedy shifted in the mid-2000s with theater shows selling out independently of TV or social media.
- Mike Birbiglia opened for top comedians on a popular live Comedy Central tour that sold out 2000-seat theaters.
Failed Sitcom Saved Career
- Mike Birbiglia’s CBS sitcom pilot in 2008 was heavily altered and lost his authentic voice.
- Secretly hoping it wouldn’t get picked up, he feels it was the best thing for his career when it wasn’t.
Podcast Authenticity Boosts Connection
- Podcasts offer comedians a more authentic connection with audiences than traditional sitcoms or TV specials.
- The podcast format is less filtered and more spontaneous, creating closer comedic engagement.