Claim OwnershipMike Birbiglia's Working It Out
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Comedian Mike Birbiglia welcomes a different comedian or creator each week and together they work out original, untested material. And, occasionally, uncomfortable topics. Join them as they work it out.
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Mike announces Working It Out Premium Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
1Comedian and SNL writer KC Shornima might be the only Working It Out guest who has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. KC and Mike get to the bottom of why she thrives in stressful situations like mountain climbing, camping on a glacier, and writing for Weekend Update. Mike asks KC some questions from her bosses, Michael Che and Colin Jost, and KC explains why she feels compelled to talk about difficult topics on stage.Please note: This episode contains discussion of sexual assault.Please consider donating to Theatre 202 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Three years ago, comedian Ryan Hamilton was hit by an airport shuttle bus. Two years ago, Ryan came on Working It Out to talk about the experience. Now, he returns to explain how he learned to talk about the traumatic event on stage and find the humor in the pain, which included buying weed with his mom during his recovery. Ryan also breaks down the daily routine of touring with Jerry Seinfeld, and shares the blunt advice he got from Chris Rock.See Ryan Hamilton's special taping at the Neptune Theatre in Seattle on October 4. Get tickets here.Please consider donating to Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
(Recorded January 2025) Mike sits down with Severance’s very own Ben Stiller and Adam Scott. The three of them dig into the behind the scenes of Severance Season 2 and discuss what it is that makes them work so well together as actor and director. Ben and Adam share audition advice for actors, as well as how their grieving processes influenced their work together. Plus, Mike and Adam nerd out about The Ben Stiller Show and Reality Bites, and Mike reveals which Severance character he almost played.Please Consider Donating To: The Center for Reproductive Rights and the UNHCR Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Fresh off a few gigs featuring on John Mulaney’s new tour, Mike and Fred sit down for his first in-studio appearance on Working it Out. They discuss Fred’s SNL audition, his best sketch writing advice, and the manners of navigating video exhibits in museums. Plus, Fred borrows Mike’s guitar to demonstrate how cultures around the world play the acoustic guitar. Please consider donating to: Letters Charity Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jo Firestone is a multi-talented writer, actor, and comedian. In her third appearance on Working It Out, Jo explains the thought process behind her experimental live comedy shows, which often involve clay, paper mache, and pie. Jo also delves into the experience of working as the head writer for After Midnight with Taylor Tomlinson and discusses being the subject of a search warrant by the Paramount lot police after a golf cart mishap. Plus, Jo and Mike break down the various text acronyms for laughter and compare their experiences taking martial arts classes.Please consider donating to The Ali Forney Center Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Kumail Nanjiani is a stand-up comedian, a movie star, and an Academy Award-nominated screenwriter. Now he’s returning to stand-up comedy after a six year break and co-starring as Abraham Lincoln in the hit Broadway show Oh, Mary!. Kumail sits down with Mike to discuss all the twists and turns of his career, including co-writing The Big Sick with his wife Emily Gordon for producer Judd Apatow. Plus, how Kumail coped with the unexpected reception of the Marvel movie Eternals, and what Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg really think of the show “Silicon Valley.”Please consider donating to World Central Kitchen Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
For this all-new Working It Out Q&A, Mike fields listener questions about how and why he cuts jokes that he loves, the impact AI might have on comedy, and how to navigate weird or bad energy from an audience. Plus, how to get motived for creative work, and how to restart stand-up comedy after a long pause. Got a question for Mike? Send a voicemail at birbigs.com/wio. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Bob Odenkirk was already a comedy legend (SNL, The Ben Stiller Show, Mr. Show with Bob and David) before he took a left turn into dramatic acting with Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. Now he’s entered yet another new phase as an unlikely action star in films like the Nobody series. Bob sits down with Mike to discuss how anger works in comedy and action films, the stress of making Better Call Saul, and the time Bob played Mike’s brother on a TV pilot.Please Consider Donating To: Food On Foot Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
With his fifth appearance, comedian Alex Edelman is the most frequent guest on Working It Out. Since his last appearance, Alex won an Emmy for his HBO stand-up special Just For Us, which Mike was a producer on. Now Alex is back on the road with a new hour of comedy, including a just-announced visit to Carnegie Hall. Alex discusses Boston sports memories, whether AI will replace comedians, and grieving the death of his creative collaborator Adam Brace. Plus, Alex’s rocky stint as a hospital clown, and his new job as a writer and actor on Greg Daniels’ highly anticipated follow up to The Office: The Paper.See Alex at Carnegie HallPlease consider donating to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Chelsea Handler has achieved massive success, from her latest Netflix special The Feeling to her worldwide tours to her Las Vegas residency. But as she discusses with Mike, and details in her new book I’ll Have What She’s Having, she wasn’t always on top of the world. Chelsea tells Mike about bombing badly at Just For Laughs, and how some advice from Jane Fonda helped her during a difficult time. Plus, the story of when Chelsea unintentionally drove a giant bag of cocaine across the country, and why she felt compelled to confront Woody Allen with a very dark joke.Please consider donating to the Carter Center Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
This week comedy duo Jane Wickline and Liva Pierce (together known as Dukes) join Mike on the podcast. The three discuss how The Graduate brought Jane and Liva together, their unlikely porn preferences, and what happened when Jane showed up to her SNL audition early. Jane and Liva work out a couple songs from their touring show and for the first time ever on Working It Out—Mike’s jokes get set to music.Please consider donating to Samir FoundationGet tickets to Dukes Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Malik Elassal is a stand-up comic, writer, actor, and one of the stars of Adults on FX. Meeting for the first time, Mike and Malik discuss Malik’s winding road to stand-up, including working as a long haul trucker. Malik talks about dealing with his conspiracy-minded cousins, his encounters with Islamophobia, and why you should never leave your comedy set list open on your phone when you’re at the airport.Please Consider Donating To: The Red Cross Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In 2012, Mike was invited his film Sleepwalk With Me at Pixar and he’s been friends with filmmaker Pete Docter ever since. Known for his directorial feats of greatness with Monsters, Inc., Up, Soul, and Inside Out, Pete Docter is now the Chief Creative Officer at Pixar. Pete walks Mike through the Pixar “draft” process for developing a story, and reveals the ups and downs of being a Pixar director. Pete shares stories of his time spent with Steve Jobs, George Lucas, and some of the original Disney animators. Plus, advice on giving (and receiving) creative notes, and the story of Pete’s Star Wars fan film he made when he was a kid.Please Consider Donating To: International Justice Mission Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Atsuko Okatsuka returns for her fourth Working It Out episode. Mike and Atsuko trace their friendship from Atsuko’s first appearance on the podcast, to opening for Mike at the Chicago Theatre, to touring with Mike across the country. Through it all Mike and Atsuko (and Atsuko’s husband and creative collaborator Ryan Harper Gray) became close friends and trusted comedy confidants. Now they discuss the delicate process of turning domestic drama into comedy, like Atsuko’s story of essentially being kidnapped by her grandmother as a child, and more recently, the time when Atsuko realized she’d never done the laundry at home, and how her husband encouraged her to make it into a bit.Please consider donating to The Trevor ProjectGet tickets to Mike's 92NY event here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
This week, Nick Kroll returns to the podcast to discuss the first season of Adults, the last season of Big Mouth and a movie that Mike cannot seem to remember the name of (I Don’t Understand You). Nick and Mike delve into the behind-the-scenes realities of Hollywood writer’s rooms, development deals, and who Nick is jealous of. Plus, the thing Nick will always regret saying to Robert DeNiro.Please consider donating to: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
At the top of this Best of WIO episode featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mike reads a new piece that he wrote for The New York Times.(Recorded October 2024) In celebration of his album, Warriors, Lin-Manuel Miranda sits down with Mike for a wide ranging talk about writing musicals, riding the subway, and taking big creative risks. Lin explains why you need so many ideas to write a musical, and he shares the important lessons he learns from writing and performing in school plays as a student. Plus, Lin recalls the origins of Hamilton and some of the more chaotic performances in the show’s run.Please consider donating to RISE Theatre Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Nikki Glaser returns to the podcast for the first time since her acclaimed performances as the host of the Golden Globes and on the Roast of Tom Brady. Nikki breaks down her approach to the Golden Globes, explains her perspective on controversial comedy topics, and explores the possibility of a “vegan hour” of comedy. Plus, Nikki’s awkward encounter with Lana Del Ray, and Mike’s new special The Good Life arrives on Netflix!Please consider donating to Rescue the Birds Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Mike welcomes back comedian Gary Simons, who, since his last appearance on the podcast, opened for Mike on his latest tour, had a few of his stand-up bits go viral, and has been performing at the Comedy Cellar. Now, Mike and Gary answer listener questions from people who have taken the leap into stand-up comedy and are looking for advice about how to continue. They discuss open mics, bombing, pre-show mantras, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
This week PDD returns to the podcast a year and a half after originally coming on. Since then, Mike and the boys have started a monthly improv show called “Please Don’t Birbiglia” at UCB. The group talks about what it’s like to improvise together, the unsparing roasts PDD did of Mike when they opened for his show "The Good Life," and the creation of PDD’s Jon Hamm pizza sketch—from Monday’s pitch in Lorne’s office to airing live on SNL. Plus, the unlikely thing that shows up in more than one PDD member’s Instagram algorithm.Please consider donating to: Housing Works Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Had an idea about why your "oil cylinder" reference didn't fly. What's an oil cylinder?
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Amazing podcast. Deep, intellectual, moving, and even kinda funny once in a while. Love both Hasan Minhaj episodes, all three Ira Glass Episodes, the Roy Wood Jr. episode (true classic), and the Tig Notaro episode, but the one I found to appreciate the most was the Chris Gethard episode. Mike always says to subscribe to his mailing list for show dates and I've tried to several times but it never works. I assume the internet thinks it's spam from Helix mattresses and deletes all the emails immediately. Also patiently awaiting the "Slow Round" conversational board game... Would love to use that to get all my friends who are into comedy to actually open up and stop doing bits... Thanks, Birbigs. Fix your dang email server.
This was a great conversation to listen to! I spent some years living in an Idaho college town, and whenever Ryan Hamilton mentions Idaho, I feel a kinship with his experience. And of course, he is hilarious!
so excited you had a DC show but it is the one week I am out of town. Bummer. not going to be able to see this show live.
get bill burr, Matt stone, trey parker on your podcast
Yes, my celebrity crush is here! True story, my six year old son once saw Stephen Colbert on TV and said "Mom, that's the guy you said you're going to marry if dad dies!" 😂 To be clear, I have no memory of saying that, but I'm not calling my son a liar.
Gaffigan can't seem to finish a sentence, his thoughts ping pong all over the place, almost incoherent. Couldn't finish it.
If the figurine was glass, it was not a Hummel. Hummels are ceramic and produced in Germany, not China.
Randall Park is very talented and I love seeing everything he's been in! He's hilarious in his appearances in the Marvel universe and I hope that his character is given more screen time in future projects!
This episode was the BEST! I've been listening to a ton of various stand-up on Pandora, and have gotten to hear a lot of Jim Gaffiigan's bits. Really fascinating to hear the depth of his thoughts on the history and evolution of stand-up as an artform.
I read Hoot with my kids this summer and then we watched the movie together. I was delighted to see Brie Larsen in it! My son said "Captain Marvel saved the owls!"
Jesus christ. you think this dude is gay? his voice is like nails on a fucking chalk board. hard no.
please note this is a re-release, not a new episode
my fave Massholes💕🔥
this podcast helps me take my mind off things
Does it feel like he rushed through this episode? of course the black female comedian gets the shortest episode.
very interesting to hear great comedians discuss their different processes and give each other feedback.
I was absolutely thrilled to learn Mike Birbiglia is doing a podcast. As a long time fan who's driven for hours to see him live, I could not be happier about having Mike and his witty friends keeping me company at work. I've listened to every episode (twice for Ira Glass) and am anxiously awaiting the next installment. Thanks for all you do, Mike, and thanks to you and your wife for your wonderful book The New One.
loving Mike Birbiglia's new podcast