Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out cover image

Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out

Latest episodes

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Feb 10, 2025 • 50min

160. Rory Scovel Returns: How To Do 600 Minutes of Improvised Standup

Rory Scovel, a comedian and actor celebrated for his improvisational style, returns to share insights from his year-long journey of improvised stand-up. He reveals the emotional challenges of performing without a script and discusses his jealousy of fellow comedians' successes. Rory and Mike delve into how family dynamics complicate a comedian's life, balancing humor with vulnerability. They also explore crafting new jokes around complex topics, blending personal experiences with laughter, emphasizing creativity and adaptability in comedy.
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14 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 51min

159. Hasan Minhaj Returns: Off with His Head, On with His Jokes

Hasan Minhaj, a comedian and actor celebrated for his Netflix specials and work on 'The Daily Show,' makes a third appearance. He and Mike delve into hilarious memories of childhood crushes and athletic rivalries from school. They explore how comedy mirrors political cycles and the craft of joke escalation. Hasan shares anecdotes about his creative process, humor in crowd work, and unexpected incidents, all while keeping the laughs coming. Their camaraderie shines through as they reminisce about the past and discuss the nuances of storytelling in comedy.
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12 snips
Jan 27, 2025 • 54min

158. Ben Stiller and Adam Scott: Working it Innie and Outie

Ben Stiller, a dynamic actor and director known for iconic films like 'Zoolander,' teams up with Adam Scott, famed for his roles in 'Parks and Recreation' and 'Severance.' They delve into the creative synergy that fuels their work on 'Severance,' sharing audition tips and how personal experiences have shaped their artistic choices. The trio reminisces about their early careers, discussing the balance of fame and identity, and the importance of genuine connections. Expect laughs as they unpack the art of directing and the power of empathy in performance.
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Jan 20, 2025 • 56min

157. Matt Rogers: Las Culturistas Meets Las Birbiglia-istas

Join a lively exploration of the struggle and joy within show business, as Matt Rogers shares his insights from writing for a hit TV series and auditioning for SNL. The significance of fun in the creative process shines through, paired with heartfelt reflections on friendships and industry challenges. A humorous debate on pop icons like Taylor Swift versus Michael Jackson adds a cultural twist. Plus, the hilarity of late-night cravings and the emotional depth of vulnerability and personal narratives brings a delightful mix of humor and introspection.
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14 snips
Jan 13, 2025 • 48min

156. Stephen Colbert Returns: A Gift from the Comedy Gods

Stephen Colbert, renowned comedian and host, shares his comedic journey and invaluable lessons from legends like David Letterman and Mike Nichols. He reflects on the nuances of live performance versus television, emphasizing the importance of genuine dialogue and emotional connections with audiences. Colbert also candidly reveals what makes him cry and recounts memorable encounters with figures like George Lucas and the Pope. With humor and warmth, he highlights the beauty of improvisation and the significance of supporting charitable causes.
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Jan 6, 2025 • 56min

BEST OF WIO: Rachel Feinstein

Rachel Feinstein, a vibrant comedian known for her Netflix special 'Big Guy,' returns to share her unique comedic insights. She hilariously reveals why her firefighter husband embraces her roast jokes and his quirky pronunciation of 'cash.' The conversation takes a wild turn as she recounts a chaotic road story involving Kevin Hart. Rachel also delves into new material about God getting sober and her funny experiences cuddling with a boyfriend at a spooky hotel. Plus, she advocates for supporting firefighters and their families.
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4 snips
Dec 30, 2024 • 51min

155. David Sedaris Returns: A Creative’s Dream and a Fact Checker’s Nightmare

David Sedaris, acclaimed author and humorist known for his witty autobiographical essays, returns for a lively chat. He and Mike delve into the blurry lines of truth in storytelling and the challenges of fact-checking humor at places like The New Yorker. David shares entertaining anecdotes, including an amusing encounter with Pope Francis. The duo also engages in a hilariously tricky game of F**k, Marry, Kill with Sedaris’ own works, while casually exploring the nuances of authenticity in creative writing and their thoughts on charitable giving.
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Dec 23, 2024 • 45min

Pete Holmes and Mike Make the Definitive Christmas Movie List

Joining Mike is Pete Holmes, a comedian and actor renowned for his podcast "You Made It Weird" and his role in "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." They dive into the world of Christmas movies, celebrating favorites like 'Elf' while critiquing 'Gremlins' for its confusing plot. Their playful debate even settles whether 'Die Hard' qualifies as a holiday film, and they analyze 'Love Actually,' discussing its mixed reviews. Personal anecdotes from their holiday experiences add a charming touch to this festive banter.
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Dec 16, 2024 • 45min

154. Fortune Feimster: Don't Borrow Trouble

Fortune Feimster, a talented comedian and writer known for her Netflix special 'Crushing It,' joins for a lively discussion. She shares her journey of authenticity and how personal stories shape her comedy. Topics include dealing with audience feedback and her experiences coming out. Fortune humorously reflects on a honeymoon in the Maldives and delves into the complexities of relationships, wealth perception, and femininity in comedy. The conversation blends laughter with insights while emphasizing the importance of empowerment.
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Dec 9, 2024 • 51min

BEST OF WIO: Seth Meyers and SNL’s 50th

Seth Meyers, a renowned comedian and writer famous for his work on SNL and hosting "Late Night with Seth Meyers," joins Mike for a lively discussion. They reveal behind-the-scenes secrets of SNL, including who the funniest cast members are and speculate on Lorne Michaels' successor. The conversation takes a darkly humorous turn with topics like serial killers and D.A.R.E, while also exploring the pressures of transitioning roles in comedy. Personal anecdotes, celebrity encounters, and the dynamics of friendship add charm to their engaging dialogue.

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