Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out

Caleb Hearon, a stand-up comedian and podcaster known for his HBO special, delves into the transformative power of improv and how it saved his life during tough times. He candidly shares his struggles with suicidal thoughts and the impact of losing his estranged father on his comedy. The conversation also highlights his journey from SNL auditions to a successful career, the importance of live stand-up, and the balance between ambition and mental health. Plus, Caleb dreams of off-grid living with Mike amidst comedic insights.

Jenny Slate, a talented comedian and the voice of Marcel the Shell, shares candid insights about her creative journey. She talks about the impact of getting hypnotized after her SNL firing and how it helped with her stage fright. Jenny recounts a memorable graduation speech she delivered to just one student, highlighting the importance of connection in her work. They also dive into the emotional honesty behind creating Marcel and discuss the role of sadness in comedy, revealing how it influences her artistry and mental health.

Questlove, known for his role as the drummer of The Roots and directing music documentaries, shares his journey through creativity and self-sabotage. He discusses the challenges of accepting success, illustrating the anxiety that came with winning an Oscar post-slap. The conversation dives into the relationship artists have with mistakes and the fear of decline versus the risk of success. Questlove also recounts his unique approach to DJing and his efforts to connect with interview subjects for his documentaries, sharing insights into the artistic process.

Sebastian Maniscalco, a high-energy stand-up comedian and actor, joins for a lively chat about the ups and downs of parenting and the art of joke-writing. He shares hilarious memories from his waitstaff days serving stars like Robert De Niro. The duo explores emotional moments, revealing what makes them cry, and discusses how family trips inspire comedic material. Sebastian also reflects on his evolution as a performer and the challenges of adapting his stage persona. Plus, he dives into his charitable work with Tag You're It!

Julio Torres, a quirky writer and filmmaker known for his surreal comedy, dives into the colorful world of creativity in this conversation. He shares the inspiration behind his Off-Broadway show, Color Theories, and how his viral SNL sketch, 'Papyrus,' featuring Ryan Gosling, came to life. Julio humorously assigns colors to cultural figures like Barbie and Martha Stewart, revealing how these ideas play into his art. The duo also recounts odd gym encounters, blending comedy with personal insights on OCD and the creative process.

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KC Shornima, a talented comedian and SNL writer who once climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, shares her unique perspective on handling stress and humor in tough situations. She discusses the balance of addressing sensitive topics, like trauma, in comedy and the powerful connection between laughter and pain. Mike and KC also dive into hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from SNL, and she reflects on how childhood experiences influence her comedic storytelling. Their conversation emphasizes the value of vulnerability in both life and laughter.

Ryan Hamilton, a comedian known for his Netflix special 'Happy Face', returns to discuss his remarkable journey after being hit by an airport shuttle bus. He shares how he transformed trauma into comedy, even humorously recalling a weed-buying escapade with his mom during recovery. Ryan offers insights into life on the road, including his touring routine with Jerry Seinfeld and invaluable advice from Chris Rock. With wit and candor, he navigates the delicate balance of humor and hardship in his performances.

Ben Stiller, acclaimed for his roles in Zoolander and Night at the Museum, teams up with Adam Scott, known for Parks and Recreation and Severance. Together, they delve into the behind-the-scenes magic of Severance Season 2 and share audition tips filled with humor. The trio reflects on early acting journeys, the challenge of maintaining character during comedic performances, and the emotional weight of grief in their work. Their nostalgic banter about past projects adds a comedic touch, leaving listeners both entertained and enlightened.

Fred Armisen, renowned actor and comedian known for his work on Saturday Night Live and Portlandia, joins for a lively discussion. He shares hilarious stories from his SNL audition and offers insightful sketch writing tips. The conversation also meanders into the oddities of museum etiquette and how different cultures embrace the acoustic guitar. At one point, he even picks up Mike's guitar to illustrate musical styles worldwide. Their playful banter reveals the importance of enjoyment in creativity, making for a delightful listen.