Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out cover image

Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out

162. Pete Holmes Returns: Comedy That’s Clean, Dirty, or PG-13

Mar 3, 2025
Pete Holmes, a comedian and podcaster renowned for "You Made It Weird," joins Mike for a lively discussion. They punch up jokes before Mike's show, diving deep into the nuances of clean versus edgy comedy. A playful debate on puns unfolds, alongside reflections on the legacy of influential comics. Pete hilariously psychoanalyzes Massachusetts while Mike shares memories of opening for Tracy Morgan. Their candid banter blends personal anecdotes with cultural critiques, making for a delightful exploration of humor's many forms.
43:12

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The discussion highlights the contrasting reactions to clean and dirty comedy, emphasizing their relevance across different audience settings and cultural backgrounds.
  • The importance of collaboration in joke writing is underscored, as sharing ideas with peers can refine humor and enhance overall performance quality.

Deep dives

The Importance of Clean vs. Not Clean Comedy

The discussion centers around the contrast between clean and not clean comedy, reflecting on their significance in the comedy landscape. The speakers share their personal experiences and how their backgrounds influence their views on humor, often stemming from a shared Massachusetts upbringing. They highlight how different audiences may react to clean comedy, with some preferring it for family-friendly settings or professional environments. This leads to a broader commentary on the evolving nature of comedy and how comedians can navigate these distinctions in their acts.

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