Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out

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.

Discover a new ad-free subscription model that offers fans uninterrupted listening for just $4.99 a month. The host expresses heartfelt gratitude for the community’s support, emphasizing the connection between the creator and the audience. It's a fresh approach to enjoying content, while also helping to sustain the show!

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.

Jo Firestone, a multi-talented writer, actor, and comedian, returns for an engaging chat. She shares her innovative approach to live comedy that includes clay and pie, and recounts an amusing mishap that put her in a spotlight with security. The duo playfully debates text acronyms for laughter, while also discussing the quirks of dating and societal standards. Jo reflects on collaboration in comedy and the nuances of creativity, all within an entertaining framework of personal stories and laughter.

Kumail Nanjiani, a stand-up comedian and actor known for 'The Big Sick' and 'Silicon Valley,' shares insights into his return to stand-up after a six-year hiatus. He discusses the emotional journey tied to the Marvel film 'Eternals' and the dynamics of collaborative writing with his wife. Kumail opens up about his Broadway experience in 'Oh, Mary!' and the complex balance of vulnerability in relationships and comedic performance. The conversation also touches on the importance of accessing mental health care and the evolution of comedic identity over time.

Dive into the fascinating world of comedy with a blend of creativity and community! Discover how artificial intelligence might reshape humor and hear personal stories about overcoming creative blocks. Learn the art of resetting audience energy during performances that go awry. Plus, gain insights on reigniting your passion for stand-up after a break and the importance of shared experiences in connecting with your audience. Perfect for aspiring comedians and fans alike!