Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out

Lin-Manuel Miranda, the brilliant creator of "Hamilton" and "In the Heights," shares his creative journey and insights on writing musicals. He emphasizes the importance of having numerous ideas and draws valuable lessons from his school play experiences. Lin reflects on the chaos and magic of performing in big productions, recounting the origins of "Hamilton" and discussing his new album, "Warriors." The conversation also touches on the vibrant life of New York and the significance of diversity and mentorship in theater.

Hannah Gadsby, an acclaimed Australian comedian known for her groundbreaking Netflix specials, joins Mike for a lively chat. They dive into her new solo show 'Woof!' and share an uncomfortable encounter with Anna Kendrick. Gadsby discusses the struggle of balancing contradictory ideas in creativity and the importance of sensory experiences. They also humorously ponder the infamous question if that dingo really ate a baby, reflecting on the intersection of comedy and personal identity throughout their journey.

Dive into a lively Q&A where Mike tackles listener queries about creativity and the nuances of stand-up. He recalls his most nightmarish performances and reflects on his Emmy experience. Explore the synergy between stand-up and improv, and how both can enhance creativity. Delve into the importance of persistence in the face of creative exhaustion, plus the role of real-life experiences in artistic growth. It's an insightful journey through the ups and downs of the comedy world.

Jack Antonoff, an 11-time Grammy winner and celebrated rock star, returns for a lively chat with Mike. They dive into Jack's amazing performances with Taylor Swift and his collaborations with Sabrina Carpenter. The duo discusses the importance of authenticity in live shows and how cynicism has no place in music. Jack shares fond memories from a Taylor concert that highlight the emotional connections formed during performances. Plus, they unveil a fresh theme song, blending humor and creativity in the process!

Matteo Lane, a comedian known for his sharp humor and pop culture insights, shares his hilarious takes on modern pop stars and reveals fascinating family secrets, including a grandfather with a double life. He reflects on hitting a wall in his comedy career and the journey of self-discovery intertwined with personal anecdotes. The conversation shifts to a memorable encounter with Pope Francis, exploring the intersection of comedy and faith while critiquing cultural norms. Matteo also discusses the importance of authenticity in comedy and his charitable endeavors.

Jon Laster, a comedian known for his personal touch in comedy, makes a return visit to connect with longtime friend Mike. They dive into Jon's app, Blapp, which champions black-owned businesses. The conversation shifts to Jon's candid reflections on his challenges with alcoholism and the importance of habits in personal growth. They also humorously discuss nightclubs, societal inequalities, and the solitude of a comedian's journey while highlighting moments of human kindness in tough situations.

Zach Braff, filmmaker and actor known for Garden State and Ted Lasso, joins Mike to explore the creative journey of filmmaking and personal storytelling. They share amusing anecdotes, including a drunken escape from a Rush concert. Zach reflects on the challenges of directing legends like Morgan Freeman and the weight of personal experiences shaping authentic narratives. The duo contemplates turning love and heartbreak stories into performance art, highlighting the delicate balance of creativity, feedback, and the joy of genuine artistic expression.

Aisling Bea, a beloved UK comedian known for her sharp wit and engaging storytelling, joins Mike for a lively chat. They dive into finding your tribe and the comic mishaps of dating apps. Aisling shares hilarious childhood memories from Catholic school, along with awkward insights into sex education. They explore the intricacies of cultural storytelling in comedy and the funny side of pregnancy. Plus, they emphasize the importance of supporting local charities, blending humor with heartfelt community connections.

Hannah Berner, a comedian and podcaster known for her 'Han on the Street' videos, shares her fascinating transition from a college tennis champ to a stand-up star. She introduces Mike to the term 'zaddy,' sparking a lively discussion about dating older partners. The conversation dives deep into the emotional ups and downs of performance and familial expectations while blending humor with personal stories. Hannah also reflects on the dynamics of male-female friendships and the importance of humor in navigating relationships, all while promoting pet adoption.

This week, Stephen Merchant, co-creator of iconic shows like 'The Office' and 'Extras,' joins the conversation. He shares actionable advice for emerging creatives and dives into the behind-the-scenes politics of his successful collaborations with Ricky Gervais. Stephen hilariously recounts a moment from a Hollywood party where he walked through a glass door and teases a stand-up bit about interviewing a pornstar. The discussion also touches on the complexities of comedy casting in the UK versus the US.