Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out

Heidi Gardner, comedian and actor best known for eight seasons on Saturday Night Live and her Groundlings roots. She talks about creating Weekend Update characters from small observations. She recalls SNL stress, sketch cuts, tailgate antics with big-name hosts, and her Kansas City pride. She also shares improv lessons and quirky personal rituals.

John Mulaney, stand-up comedian and SNL writer, chats about touring, theatre life, and how parenthood reshaped his career. They riff on recurring obsessions like monkeys and murder, share road and skydiving stories, and unpack a baffling Frank Sinatra moment. John even brings a buzzer to call out polite platitudes.

This week features Jordan Jensen, a fearless stand-up comedian and actress known for her Netflix special 'Take Me With You.' She shares how caring for a paralyzed friend inspired her to pursue stand-up comedy. Jordan also delves into the contrasts between her no-filter on-stage persona and her more vulnerable side. Enjoy wild tales, like an audience confrontation and almost biting Laura Dern on set. Plus, she reveals how to engage male audiences with feminine topics, making the taboo hilariously relatable.

In this lively discussion, comedian Sarah Sherman, known for her surreal humor and HBO special, reveals her intense therapy routine, tied to her SNL experiences and writing anxieties. She shares insights on creating her wild animal characters and contrasts her stage persona with the demands of sketch comedy. The conversation also touches on collaboration within SNL, her jealousy of fellow writers, and a memorable encounter with John Waters. Expect a hilarious blend of personal anecdotes and creative process revelations!

Stephen Colbert, the iconic comedian and late-night host, shares insights from his illustrious career, tracing his comedic roots back to Chicago improv. He discusses the wisdom imparted by legends like David Letterman and Mike Nichols, the balance between being a decisive leader and a vulnerable performer, and the thrill of unexpected improv. Colbert reflects on the emotional power of beauty, his experiences meeting the Pope, and the evolving role of politics in comedy, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in his craft.

Josh Johnson, a talented comedian and writer known for his work on The Daily Show and viral stand-up specials, dives deep into his unique creative process. He discusses building a YouTube-first comedy model and the art of crafting one-take, free-flowing sets. Johnson reflects on the challenges of perfectionism and shares insightful advice from Trevor Noah about keeping performances fun. The conversation highlights the evolution of comedy in the internet age and reveals Johnson's ambitions for a lasting creative legacy.

Natalie Palamides, a trailblazer in avant-garde physical comedy and creator of standout shows like Laid and Nate, shares insights into her unique craft. She explores the stark contrast between birthday and theatrical clowns, highlighting the essence of vulnerability in comedy. Natalie reflects on her personal fears and the challenges of performing risky crowd work, including some wild wrestling tales. With a mix of humor and thoughtful critique, she dives into the physicality of her performances and the imaginative use of props that bring her characters to life.

Michael Che, a stand-up comedian and co-anchor of Weekend Update on Saturday Night Live, dives deep into his journey from street t-shirt sales to the iconic SNL stage. Che shares unforgettable advice from Lorne Michaels about trusting his instincts and discusses the challenges of crafting jokes for live audiences. He reveals a funny incident involving Colin Jost and reflects on the exhausting yet rewarding nature of SNL. Che also offers insight into his early life, anxiety in comedy, and the importance of stage time for aspiring comics.

Arthur Brooks, a behavioral scientist and bestselling author known for his work on happiness, joins the conversation. They delve into the neuroscience behind comedy and laughter, emphasizing that most laughter is social, not just humorous. Arthur shares insights on the importance of gratitude practices, how comedians test their material, and the impact of aging on humor. He also discusses strategies for optimizing creativity, including effective morning routines and the significance of leaving work unfinished for momentum. Their exploration unveils the intricate relationship between joy, productivity, and emotional well-being.

In this engaging episode, comedian and podcaster Pete Holmes returns to team up with Mike Birbiglia. They hilariously dissect a hot tub encounter with a joke-craving stranger and riff on how iconic comics fit their own names. The duo reflects on the intriguing trope of cool movie characters swallowing pills dry, connecting vulnerability to performance. They also tackle topics like competition and identity, share an awkward Toronto massage story, and lighten AI anxiety with a dose of humor. A rich comedic exchange filled with insights and laughter!