Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out

Andrew Schulz, a comedian known for his provocative style and recent Netflix special 'Life,' joins Mike for a lively discussion. They explore the unlikely friendship between comedians, Schulz's experience interviewing Donald Trump, and the challenges of free speech in today's comedy landscape. Schulz shares his biggest regret involving a podcast guest and sheds light on the vibrant New York City comedy scene. Their banter highlights the balance of personal narrative and political commentary in the art of storytelling.

Josh Johnson, a comedian and writer for The Daily Show, shares his insights on building a fan base through YouTube and the paradox of success in comedy. He reflects on advice from Trevor Noah and the importance of personal authenticity in crafting jokes. Their humorous discussion includes quirky stories about animal noises in Mike's walls and a funny elevator encounter involving an unexpected drug offer. Josh emphasizes community connections and the transformative power of humor, all while championing philanthropy with Feeding America.

At the top of this Best of WIO episode featuring Elizabeth Gilbert, Mike reads a new piece that he wrote for Elizabeth's Letters From Love Substack.(Recorded November 2024) Author Elizabeth Gilbert wrote one of Mike’s favorite books about creativity, Big Magic. She also wrote a book that, to her surprise, become a cultural phenomenon: Eat, Pray, Love. Mike and Liz discuss the unexpected impact of Eat, Pray, Love, and what it was like for Liz to watch Julia Roberts portray her on the big screen. Liz gets candid about the ups and downs of a creative life, including the reasoning behind the cancellation of a novel she wrote that took place in Russia. Plus, some bawdy jokes and stories care of Liz’s uncles and grandfather, and the surprising reason why Liz was stopped at airport security. Please consider donating to The Loveland Foundation

For this all-new Working It Out Q&A, Mike fields listener questions about people fainting at his shows, how to write comedy about topics that are painful to you, and balancing a day job and creative life when starting out. If your question didn’t get answered on this week’s Q&A, stay tuned for another one soon where Mike answers the rest! Got a new question? Email workingitoutpod@gmail.com with a VoiceMemo asking your question.

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.

Nathan Lane, an acclaimed actor celebrated for his comedic brilliance, joins the conversation to share captivating stories from his illustrious career. He opens up about his collaborations with legends like Mike Nichols and Robin Williams, and reflects on the dynamics of friendship in comedy. Nathan discusses his emotional journey with his character in the upcoming Hulu series 'Mid-Century Modern', emphasizing the importance of taking risks in life and performance. The episode is a heartfelt blend of nostalgia, humor, and camaraderie.

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.

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.

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.

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.