Hold On with Eugene Mirman

Maybe you couldn't make it to Portland for the 2017 Bridgetown Comedy Festival, but now, with the help of modern technology, you can have a virtual simulation of being in the audience for a live episode of Hold On with Eugene Mirman from that very festival. Marvel at Guy Branum's sassy story of unsuccessful sexcapades, be star struck by Karen Kilgariff's celebrity encounter, bask in the inglorious origin of Kyle Kinane's comedy career, and weep with joy as Eugene Mirman asks all the questions he can about these funny stories - all from the comfort of wherever you are when you tune in! In each episode of the Audible Comedy series Hold On, host Eugene Mirman (Bob's Burgers) pauses the funny stories of comedians and performers to get the skinny behind the story. Featured and future guests include: Jim Gaffigan, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Lisa Lampanelli, Mike Birbiglia, Reggie Watts, Kumail Nanjiani, Maria Bamford, Hasan Minhaj, Chris Gethard, Gad Elmaleh, Joe Mande, Cameron Esposito, and more! Enjoy new episodes weekly on Audible.

At the tenth and final Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival, a motley crew of daring storytellers boldly ventured onstage to have their stories cross-examined by the festival's very namesake. Michael Showalter reminisces about experiences touring with Eugene, Caroline Rhea remembers not being remembered by a comedy legend, and Ira Glass shares an unaired This American Life story. Titular, eponymous, and always curious: Eugene Mirman was present at his own festival to question these stories!   In each episode of the Audible Comedy series Hold On, host Eugene Mirman (Bob's Burgers) pauses the funny stories of comedians and performers to get the skinny behind the story. Featured and future guests include: Jim Gaffigan, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Lisa Lampanelli, Mike Birbiglia, Reggie Watts, Kumail Nanjiani, Maria Bamford, David Cross, John Mulaney, and more! Hear more episodes on Audible! 

Neil deGrasse Tyson is the most famous astrophysicist to ever tell a story to Eugene Mirman on a show called Hold On. He's also probably the most famous astrophysicist ever to tell a story to any Eugene for any reason, but it's the story he told THIS Eugene that you'll want to hear. In it, a pre-fame Neil weighs a potential graduate school job. If you were given as many guesses as there are stars in the universe, you probably couldn't guess what that job was!   In each episode of the Audible Comedy series Hold On, host Eugene Mirman (Bob's Burgers) pauses the funny stories of comedians and performers to get the skinny behind the story. Featured and future guests include: Jim Gaffigan, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Lisa Lampanelli, Mike Birbiglia, Reggie Watts, Kumail Nanjiani, Maria Bamford, David Cross, John Mulaney, and more! Hear more episodes on Audible!

Host Eugene Mirman sits down with comedian and writer Sara Benincasa to discuss all of the details behind the story she told at a RISK! show in New York. Her featured story deals with one of the funniest conversations anyone could have at a funeral. Learn more about the unusual Benincasa family trade and discover which glam rocker's family actually owns a funeral home, all in this hilarious, question-filled episode of Hold On.   In each episode of the Audible Comedy series Hold On, host Eugene Mirman (Bob's Burgers, The Flight of the Conchords) pauses the funny stories of comedians and performers to get the skinny behind the story. Featured and future guests include: Jim Gaffigan, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Lisa Lampanelli, Mike Birbiglia, Reggie Watts, Kumail Nanjiani, Maria Bamford, Hasan Minhaj, John Mulaney, and more! Enjoy new episodes on Audible. Visit audible.com/HoldOn

Mike Lawrence is an excellent comedic competitor on shows like @Midnight and Roast Battle, but his adversaries on those shows might set their sights on his pre-comedy pursuits for japes and jabs if only they knew...in high school he was big into slam poetry. Thankfully, Eugene Mirman is a friendly fellow who's curiosity trumps any temptation to mock. Mike shared his story of coming up through the slam poetry open mic scene in Florida in a story for RISK! And in this episode of Hold On, curious host Eugene shared his questions about Mike's coming-of-age tale to find out how the former poet came to be a comic.   In each episode of the Audible Comedy series Hold On, host Eugene Mirman (Bob's Burgers, The Flight of the Conchords) pauses the funny stories of comedians and performers to get the skinny behind the story. Featured and future guests include: Jim Gaffigan, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Lisa Lampanelli, Mike Birbiglia, Reggie Watts, Kumail Nanjiani, Maria Bamford, Hasan Minhaj, John Mulaney, and more! Enjoy new episodes on Audible.

You might think it's in the job description for political comedians like John Fugelsang to take powerful politicians down a peg or two, but during the 2012 election, John learned it's not always the best idea to ask the tough questions. Host Eugene Mirman finds out how the struggling new father made his mark on the Romney-Obama presidential race and what it did to his career, as the two dig into John's story on this politically-charged episode of Hold On with Eugene Mirman.   In each episode of the Audible Comedy series Hold On, host Eugene Mirman (Bob's Burgers, The Flight of the Conchords) pauses the funny stories of comedians and performers to get the skinny behind the story. Featured and future guests include: Jim Gaffigan, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Lisa Lampanelli, Mike Birbiglia, Reggie Watts, Kumail Nanjiani, Maria Bamford, Hasan Minhaj, Moshe Kasher, John Mulaney, and more! Enjoy new episodes weekly on Audible.

Janeane Garofalo (Wet Hot American Summer, Ratatouille) joined Eugene Mirman onstage in San Francisco for a live edition of Hold On, and now you get to hear her story and the questions it raised! Janeane recounts how rambling became a hobby and how her impromptu excursions have helped her reflect on what she wants in life.   In each episode of the Audible Comedy series Hold On, host Eugene Mirman (Bob's Burgers, The Flight of the Conchords) pauses the funny stories of comedians and performers to get the skinny behind the story. Featured and future guests include: Jim Gaffigan, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Lisa Lampanelli, Mike Birbiglia, Reggie Watts, Kumail Nanjiani, Maria Bamford, Hasan Minhaj, John Mulaney, and more! Enjoy new episodes weekly on Audible.

Jean Grae is a rapper, actress, and comedian who is probably the only living person that can boast that she's guested on tracks with Immortal Technique, Talib Kweli, Wale, and Lil B, and has shared the stage with John Hodgman. Her eclectic career has taken her to many strange places, which means she has some stellar stories like the one about a crazy ride home that she shares in this live episode of Hold On at NYC PodFest. Eugene Mirman shared the stage with Jean and went along for the ride - with a few pit stops for pointed questions along the way.   In each episode of the Audible series Hold On, host Eugene Mirman (Bob's Burgers) pauses the funny stories of comedians and performers to get the skinny behind the story. Featured guests include: Jim Gaffigan, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Lisa Lampanelli, Mike Birbiglia, Reggie Watts, Kumail Nanjiani, Maria Bamford, Hasan Minhaj, David Cross, Kristen Schaal, and more! Enjoy many more episodes on Audible Channels.

Alice Wetterlund (People of Earth, Silicon Valley, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates) thinks it's important to do the right thing. Sometimes that means looking out for the disadvantaged - even if they walk on four legs and hiss. Eugene Mirman is a curious cat, so he invited Alice to SF Sketchfest 2017 to spin a yarn about empathy, gratitude, and feral kittens. Now you can hear her story, his questions, and the adulation of the crowd in this special live episode of Hold On!   In each episode of the Audible Comedy series Hold On, host Eugene Mirman (Bob's Burgers) pauses the funny stories of comedians and performers to get the skinny behind the story. Featured and future guests include: Jim Gaffigan, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Lisa Lampanelli, Mike Birbiglia, Reggie Watts, Kumail Nanjiani, Maria Bamford, Hasan Minhaj, John Mulaney, and more! Enjoy new episodes on Audible.

Moving back in with your parents is rarely a sign that your life is going in the right direction. On this episode of Hold On, host Eugene Mirman sits down with comedian Matt Braunger to hear a funny, but cautionary tale about a pivotal time in Matt's life. Hear why he was forced to live with his folks and what it meant for his relationship with them and his stand-up comedy career.   In each episode of the Audible Comedy series Hold On, host Eugene Mirman (Bob's Burgers, The Flight of the Conchords) pauses the funny stories of comedians and performers to get the skinny behind the story. Featured and future guests include: Jim Gaffigan, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Lisa Lampanelli, Mike Birbiglia, Reggie Watts, Kumail Nanjiani, Maria Bamford, Hasan Minhaj, John Mulaney, and more! Enjoy new episodes weekly on Audible.

Jonathan Katz is a comedian's comedian who has earned the right to reminisce about life on the road -- but none shall be spared the inquisitive storytelling musings of Eugene Mirman! Not even the esteemed comic and former cartoon psychiatrist can tell his story at the Boston Comedy Festival without invoking the devastatingly keen observations and lacerating questions called forth in every hilarious episode of Hold On with Eugene Mirman. Behold, this live recording of Jonathan's numerous amusing tales from a lifetime of performing and the omitted details Eugene pulls from them!   In each episode of the Audible Comedy series Hold On, host Eugene Mirman (Bob's Burgers) pauses the funny stories of comedians and performers to get the skinny behind the story. Featured and future guests include: Jim Gaffigan, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Lisa Lampanelli, Mike Birbiglia, Reggie Watts, Kumail Nanjiani, Maria Bamford, Hasan Minhaj, Chris Gethard, Cameron Esposito, and more! Enjoy new episodes weekly on Audible.

Mara Wilson's book has a question for a title: Where Am I Now? Eugene Mirman has some questions for Mara, particularly in regards to her story about doing community theater in Texas. So, he invited her to the Boston Comedy Festival to share her story of drama on and offstage, and to answer his questions about said drama for a special live recording of Hold On with Eugene Mirman: the only comedic storytelling audio show with all of the questions from Eugene Mirman you love!   In each episode of the Audible Comedy series Hold On, host Eugene Mirman (Bob's Burgers) pauses the funny stories of comedians and performers to get the skinny behind the story. Featured and future guests include: Jim Gaffigan, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Lisa Lampanelli, Mike Birbiglia, Reggie Watts, Kumail Nanjiani, Maria Bamford, Hasan Minhaj, John Mulaney, and more! Enjoy new episodes weekly on Audible.

Elna Baker helped hundreds of babies get adopted at her old job. No, not human babies. Elna was a fake nurse at a fake adoption center in FAO Schwartz, where she helped place realistic baby dolls in the homes of wealthy Manhattanites. Hear how she got attached to a little bundle of plastic joy in her story she told for RISK! in New York City. Host Eugene Mirman digs into the details of Elna's unusual job in this episode of Hold On.   In each episode of the Audible Comedy series Hold On, host Eugene Mirman (Bob's Burgers) pauses the funny stories of comedians and performers to get the skinny behind the story. Featured and future guests include: Jim Gaffigan, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Lisa Lampanelli, Mike Birbiglia, Reggie Watts, Kumail Nanjiani, Maria Bamford, Hasan Minhaj, John Mulaney, and more! Enjoy new episodes weekly on Audible.

Comedian Kurt Braunohler (IFC's Bunk, Audible's Wedlock) once found enlightenment in the oddest of places: an Apple store bathroom. There, the seeds of inspiration were planted in his mind and he decided to take an unconventional break from his (then) long-term relationship. Eugene Mirman sat Kurt down to hear how that unusual plant went and to ask a few burning questions.   In each episode of the Audible Comedy series Hold On, host Eugene Mirman (Bob's Burgers) pauses the funny stories of comedians and performers to get the skinny behind the story. Featured and future guests include: Jim Gaffigan, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Lisa Lampanelli, Andy Kindler, Mike Birbiglia, Reggie Watts, Kumail Nanjiani, Maria Bamford, Hasan Minhaj, Chris Gethard, Cameron Esposito, Wyatt Cenac, and more! Enjoy new episodes weekly on Audible.

Storytelling can bring together people from many different cultures and, at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal, it brought together Eugene Mirman and Gad Elmaleh for a special live recording of Hold On. Montreal was a fitting place to hear the tale of Gad's transition from the French tradition of live comedy to a more casual North American stand-up style. It's also fitting that Eugene was on hand to casually interject with thoughtful and funny questions.   In each episode of the Audible Comedy series Hold On, host Eugene Mirman (Bob's Burgers, The Flight of the Conchords) pauses the funny stories of comedians and performers to get the skinny behind the story. Featured and future guests include: Jim Gaffigan, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Lisa Lampanelli, Mike Birbiglia, Reggie Watts, Kumail Nanjiani, Maria Bamford, Hasan Minhaj, Moshe Kasher, John Mulaney, and more! Enjoy new episodes weekly on Audible!

They say that cats have nine lives. Well, comedian Chris Fairbanks was lucky enough to share several of those lives with a stray he took in. Chris told a few memorable anecdotes about his feline friend for The Narrators in Denver. On this episode of Hold On, Eugene Mirman breaks out the catnip to learn more about the indelible origin story of Chris' fiery furball companion.  In each episode of the Audible Comedy series Hold On, host Eugene Mirman (Bob's Burgers, The Flight of the Conchords) pauses the funny stories of comedians and performers to get the skinny behind the story. Featured and future guests include: Jim Gaffigan, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Lisa Lampanelli, Mike Birbiglia, Reggie Watts, Kumail Nanjiani, Maria Bamford, Hasan Minhaj, Moshe Kasher, John Mulaney, and more! Enjoy new episodes weekly on Audible!

Normally, when Eugene Mirman wants to pause a story to dig for some background information, he tends to do it in a recording studio. On rare occasions, he ventures outside, goes up to Canada, and does his detail-digging live onstage as part of the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal. This is one of those rare occasions and the details he's digging for are provided by hilarious stand-up Cameron Esposito (Take My Wife on Seeso), whose story of self-discovery turns out to be both inspiring and funny. Dig it?!   In each episode of the Audible Comedy series Hold On, host Eugene Mirman (Bob's Burgers) pauses the funny stories of comedians and performers to get the skinny behind the story. Featured and future guests include: Jim Gaffigan, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Lisa Lampanelli, Mike Birbiglia, Reggie Watts, Kumail Nanjiani, Maria Bamford, Hasan Minhaj, John Mulaney, and more! Enjoy new episodes weekly!

In 2016, intrepid comedian Eugene Mirman had the audacity to put Montreal's Just For Laughs Festival on hold so he could bring comedians onstage to tell funny stories and answer funny questions. One such comedian was the prolific stand-up comic, writer, and ironic re-tweeter, Joe Mande (Parks and Recreation, The Good Place, Kroll Show), whose story of gaming Twitter gets scrutinized on this live episode of Hold On with Eugene Mirman. In each episode of the Audible Comedy series Hold On, host Eugene Mirman (Bob's Burgers) pauses the funny stories of comedians and performers to get the skinny behind the story. Featured and future guests include: Jim Gaffigan, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Ira Glass, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Kyle Kinane, Jonah Ray, Kumail Nanjiani, Maria Bamford, Hasan Minhaj, Karen Kilgariff, Gad Elmaleh, Caroline Rhea, Rhea Butcher, and more! Enjoy new episodes weekly on Audible.

On this episode, comedian Steve Agee (The Sarah Silverman Show) opens up to Eugene Mirman about his first experience with the party drug ecstasy. Once the story gets going, the questions start flying. Learn about the good times and the bad times that can result from taking recreational drugs as Steve explains the how and why of his hilarious true tale that he originally shared at a Don't Tell My Mother show in Los Angeles.

If you tell a performer to "hold that thought" while they're telling a funny story, you might get kicked out of the show you're attending. Not so if you're Eugene Mirman holding up Mary Lynn Rajskub's hilarious live story. He didn't get kicked out of the Just for Laughs Montreal presentation of Hold On with Eugene Mirman - in fact, he was allowed to ask as many questions as he wanted about Mary Lynn's unintentional brush with the oldest profession.   In each episode of the Audible Comedy series Hold On, host Eugene Mirman (Bob's Burgers) pauses the funny stories of comedians and performers to get the skinny behind the story. Featured and future guests include: Jim Gaffigan, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Ira Glass, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Kyle Kinane, Jonah Ray, Kumail Nanjiani, Maria Bamford, Hasan Minhaj, Karen Kilgariff, Gad Elmaleh, Caroline Rhea, Rhea Butcher, and more! Enjoy new episodes weekly!