Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out

Comedian Rory Scovel discusses the power of telling the truth and being vulnerable on stage, comparing comedy to abstract painting. He shares insights from a week of fully improvised stand-up shows, resulting in a new perspective on his career. Plus, a hilarious 'Working It Out' segment that goes off the rails.

Poet J. Hope Stein returns to discuss her creative process with husband Mike Birbiglia, sharing embarrassing stories from their romance. They explore poetry's crossover appeal, her new Earth Day poems, and the audiobook release of 'Little Astronaut.'

Chicago improv performer and teacher Liz Allen joins Mike for a chat about the roots of improv in Chicago, the influence of Del Close, and the connection between Liz and Gillian Jacobs. They explore the transformative power of improv, the dynamics of improv comedy, and the practical applications of improv beyond entertainment.

Stand-up comedian and writer Alex Edelman returns for the fourth time, sharing stories about his bank losing all his money, a protestor disrupting his show, and encountering Bill Gates. They discuss releasing his special after his director's death and explore themes of empathy, racism, and online interactions. The podcast also dives into the art of roasting in comedy culture, personal quirks, and humorous anecdotes, all while promoting sponsorships and reflecting on success and purpose in life.

Esther Povitsky and Mike discuss her crashing a bachelor party, attachment styles, LA vs. NY comedy scenes, adults dressed as babies, OnlyFans, and being outed as a comedian on the subway.

Mike Birbiglia chats with Seth Meyers about behind-the-scenes SNL funniness, Drop Acid in Amsterdam jokes, and the future of SNL post-Lorne Michaels. They also discuss British crime shows, polite serial killers, and drug-related jokes in a hilariously engaging conversation.

Ilana Glazer and Mike dive into the origins of Broad City, their honest takes on parenting, Ilana's new stand-up comedy hour, and the differences between her on-screen and real-life personas. They share stories about weed-induced anxiety, chatting with strangers, and the comedic exploration of social interactions and relationships.

Mike Birbiglia answers listener questions about comedy, including the truth in stories, dream guests, and comedy advice. He also explores the impact of comedy legends, connecting with unfamiliar audiences, structuring comedy routines, personal transformations, and embracing diverse feedback in creative processes. The podcast delves into the intersection of creativity and mental health in comedy.

Comedian Chris Distefano shares lessons in failure, including a bad set leading to a Letterman booking. They dissect his famous 9/11 story and talk about his worst gig involving a knife. The episode also explores family, authenticity in comedy, and navigating parenthood.

Mike welcomes Ben Marshall, John Higgins, and Martin Herlihy, aka Please Don’t Destroy, known for their wildly popular shorts on SNL. Mike is determined to get Martin to talk more than he did on Pete Holmes’s podcast. The group shares what they like and dislike about each other, and break down what it’s like to be both sketch writers and filmmakers on SNL. Plus, what it’s like to work with Bad Bunny in a Shrek costume and get roasted by Taylor Swift.Please Consider Donating To: Meals on Wheels Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.