Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
195 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago -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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Episodes
129. J. Hope Stein Returns: Earth Day Poetry from Clo
April 22, 2024 04:10 - 40 minutes - 37.4 MBMike welcomes back the poet J. Hope Stein, aka Jenny, aka Clo, aka Mike’s wife of fifteen years. A frequent collaborator on Mike’s comedy specials and movies, Jenny describes her favorite type of creative feedback and why she’s most impressed by poetry that crosses over to audiences who don’t always understand poetry. The couple shares candid and embrassing stories from the early days of their romance including two stories that might make it into Mike’s new live show. Plus, Jen reads two new...
The Wisdom of Chicago Improv with Liz Allen
April 15, 2024 04:10 - 43 minutes - 40.1 MBChicago improv performer and teacher Liz Allen taught a workshop for Mike’s college improv group almost 25 years ago. Since then, Mike and Liz have found numerous ways to reunite and collaborate, most notably on Mike’s film Don’t Think Twice. Now Mike sits down for an in-depth chat with one of his favorite improvisers about the unique roots of Chicago improv, Liz’s (in)famous teacher Del Close, and the one-in-a-million coincidence that connected Liz and Gillian Jacobs. Please consider donat...
128. Alex Edelman Returns: He Did His Best
April 08, 2024 04:05 - 49 minutes - 44.9 MBOn the heels of the release of his new special “Just For Us” on Max, Alex Edelman returns to the podcast for the fourth and best time yet. Mike and Alex break apart the story of the time Alex’s bank lost all his money, how a protestor recently disrupted his show, and what it feels like to be releasing his special after the death of his beloved director, Adam Brace. Plus, Alex’s recent and very strange run-in with Bill Gates. Please consider donating to: Sefaria
127. Esther Povitsky: What Is Your Comedy Attachment Style?
April 01, 2024 04:10 - 48 minutes - 44.8 MBMike sits down with comedian, actor, and writer Esther Povitsky to discuss her special Hot For My Name. Mike has a lot of questions about the time Esther crashed her fiancée's bachelor party in Vegas. Plus, Esther figures out Mike’s attachment style, and they discuss the differences between the LA and New York comedy scenes. All this, and jokes about adults dressed as babies, watching OnlyFans with your partner, and being outed as a comedian on the subway. Please consider donating to Rheuma...
126. Seth Meyers: SNL, Late Night, and a Ton of New Jokes
March 25, 2024 08:00 - 51 minutes - 46.8 MBMike sits down with the legendary comedian and writer Seth Meyers for a conversation that reveals who is secretly the funniest of the funniest at SNL behind-the-scenes and who was the most popular Strike Force Five host. Then, Mike and Seth work out new material about serial killers, the D.A.R.E. program, and dropping acid in Amsterdam. Plus: who will take over for Lorne Michaels after he leaves SNL? Please consider donating to Sanctuary For Families
125. Ilana Glazer: Life Lessons from the Broad City Star
March 18, 2024 04:10 - 53 minutes - 48.8 MBMike became an instant super-fan of Ilana Glazer in 2014 when her hit series Broad City premiered on Comedy Central. This week on the podcast Mike and Ilana go deep on the origins of Broad City, Mike’s cameo on the show, honest takes on parenting, the development of Ilana’s new hour of stand-up comedy, and how *Broad City* Ilana is different from *real life* Ilana. Plus, jokes and stories about weed-induced anxiety and saying hello to strangers. Please consider donating to Out of the Closet
Mike Answers Your Questions About Comedy
March 11, 2024 04:05 - 38 minutes - 34.8 MBThis week Mike responds to listener questions. How many of your stories are true? Who is your dream guest? What is your greatest piece of comedy advice? All these and more.
124. Chris Distefano: Crowd Work With The Mob
March 04, 2024 05:10 - 1 hour - 56.3 MBThis week Mike welcomes Comedy Cellar friend and comedy star Chris Distefano. Chris’s shares important lessons in failure: how a bad set got him booked on Letterman, and the advice his wife gave him about not listening to studio executives. Mike and Chris also dissect Chris’s famous 9/11 story, and why Chris’ “worst gig” story involves an actual knife at his throat. Please consider donation to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation
123. Please Don't Destroy: SNL’s Three Sad Virgins
February 26, 2024 05:05 - 1 hour - 56.3 MBMike 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 Wh...
BEST OF WIO: Jim Gaffigan
February 19, 2024 05:10 - 52 minutes - 48.3 MBJim Gaffigan: Dark Comedy From the Cleanest Comedian (Recorded July 2023) Mike met Jim Gaffigan in 1997 when he cold-called Jim’s New York City landline. Jim appeared as a guest on Working It Out in 2021 and now, between touring with Jerry Seinfeld, releasing his 10th comedy special “Dark Pale,” and raising money for the Georgetown Scholars Program, Jim sits down with Mike in-studio for his second Working It Out chat. The old friends go deeper as they work out material and discuss how Jim a...
122. Roy Wood Jr: Perfect Jokes From an Imperfect Messenger
February 12, 2024 05:10 - 1 hour - 55.9 MBRoy Wood Jr makes a triumphant return to the podcast and he and Mike pick up right where they left off. The two old friends discuss the evolution of unconnected jokes into a more cohesive whole hour of stand-up. They discuss why Mike, Neal Brennan, and Chris Rock are all pressuring Roy to go even deeper with his new material about his dad. Mike and Roy break down the best bits from Roy’s new special Imperfect Messenger, and Roy shares two all-timer stories in the slow round. Plus, Roy gets c...
121. Maddie Wiener: How to Find the Humor in a Panic Attack
February 05, 2024 05:10 - 53 minutes - 48.9 MBMaddie Wiener started performing stand-up at age 16. Now, at age 25, she headlines clubs, is a fixture at the Comedy Cellar, and she was recently a special guest on Mike’s shows at The Wilbur in Boston. Now Maddie and Mike sit down for a chat about the relationship between anxiety and comedy, and Mike helps Maddie develop a story about a panic attack. Plus, the wisdom Maddie learned from Nikki Glaser, and why “Hey, can we talk?” is the scariest text you can get. Please consider donating to...
120. Ronny Chieng Returns: Classic American Show Business
January 29, 2024 05:51 - 52 minutes - 47.6 MBRonny Chieng, one of the earliest and most popular Working It Out guests, makes a triumphant return. Ronny and Mike discuss the significance of Ronny’s chic onstage wardrobe, the similarities between practicing law and performing comedy, and whether or not it was Ronny who planted the Hasan Minhaj New Yorker story after all. Plus, why Ronny absolutely refuses to reveal his actual birthday. Please consider donating to APIAVote
BEST OF WIO: Ray Romano
January 22, 2024 05:10 - 51 minutes - 47.1 MBRay Romano: Sometimes the Setup is the Punchline (Recorded May 2023) Ray Romano has an iconic sitcom and a celebrated stand-up career under his belt, so what drives him to keep challenging himself artistically? Mike and Ray, who often follow each other at the Comedy Cellar, ponder the complicated answer to that question. Plus, discussion of comedy craft, joke-writing technique, and the two separate times Ray was held up at gunpoint. Please consider donating to Harvest Home
119. Rosebud Baker Returns: Pregnant with Jokes and People
January 15, 2024 05:10 - 47 minutes - 43.6 MBRosebud Baker’s first appearance on Working It Out was in 2021. Since then she’s become a writer on SNL, written for That Damn Michael Che, and become a parent. Now Rosebud returns to talk with Mike about how being a parent affects comedy, and they dispel certain attitudes about filming a comedy special while pregnant. Plus, the art of pitching ideas for different types of sketch shows, and why Rosebud’s daughter has to call her grandfather “Mr. Baker.” Please consider donation to the ASPCA
118. John Early: A Man With Needs
January 08, 2024 05:05 - 53 minutes - 48.6 MBJohn Early, recently nominated for an Emmy and a Critics Choice Award, sits down with Mike for the first time since the two of them appeared as brothers in Taylor Swift’s, “Anti-Hero” music video. The two discuss avant-garde comedy, Brittany Spears impressions, and what it means to express earnest despair in John’s new Max special, “Now More Than Ever.” Plus, the time John ran away after coming out to his best friend. Please consider donating to: National Nurses United
The Very Best Working It Out Moments of 2023
January 01, 2024 05:10 - 1 hour - 70.3 MBWe’ve created an episode for all of you making long car trips or taking long jogs or stretching out on your long beloved couch. It’s our best moments of 2023 episode! It includes Ray Romano’s take on marriage, a joke from Ramy Youssef’s funniest uncle, Rachel Feinstein’s pitch perfect impression of her husband, and deep confessional moments about Mike’s friendships with Tom Papa and Gary Gulman. Plus, Ira Glass’s diagnosis to not just work out Mike’s jokes but to work out Mike’s life.
Listen Now: The Sarah Silverman Podcast
December 27, 2023 05:10 - 41 minutes - 37.9 MBWorking It Out will be back on January 1. This week, we’re sharing an episode of The Sarah Silverman Podcast, from our friends at Lemonada Media. Sarah hates men’s cologne and wants you to STOP. IT. Plus, she offers advice on setting ground rules for a threesome, reacts to a child who’s obsessed with her hooky-ass song, “Night Bra,” and recounts a special moment on stage with her sister, Laura. To hear more of Sarah’s show, head to https://lemonada.lnk.to/sarahsilverman
117. Beth Stelling Returns: Two Skeletons Telling Jokes
December 18, 2023 05:10 - 46 minutes - 42.5 MBMike welcomes back to the podcast comedian Beth Stelling, whose Netflix special If You Didn’t Want Me Then is on seemingly everyone’s best of year lists, including Mike’s. Mike and Beth discuss touring together, Beth’s desire to be authentic on stage, and Beth’s dad feeding raccoons out of a trough. Plus, they explore the parallels between stand-up comedy and Beth’s new venture: professional field hockey. Please consider donating to Abortion Access Front
116. Jimmy Carr Returns: The World Ordered A Comedian
December 11, 2023 05:10 - 49 minutes - 44.9 MBJimmy Carr is one of the most successful comedians in the entire world. On the heels of playing Carnegie Hall and heading out to hundreds of concert dates across many continents, Jimmy Carr returns for another episode of Working it Out. Jimmy and Mike discuss the benefits and pitfalls of dark humor, what Jimmy discovered from several public cancellations, and why sometimes the goal is simply to get better than you were last year. Plus, what ever happened to ordering just a slice of pizza? P...
The Old Man and the Pool: Spoilers Only
December 04, 2023 05:10 - 43 minutes - 39.9 MBMike welcomes back three-peat guest Joe Birbiglia to celebrate the premiere of Mike’s new Netflix comedy special The Old Man and the Pool. Mike and Joe discuss the four year development of the show, share memories about the Worcester, Massachusetts YMCA pool, and share the funniest jokes that didn’t make it into the special. *Should* they have made it into the special? Joe thinks so. You be the judge. Plus, Mike answers listeners’ questions about the special. Please consider donating to Rho...
115. Pete Holmes Returns (Again): The Funniest and Longest Episode Yet
November 27, 2023 05:05 - 1 hour - 69.6 MBMike’s new special, “The Old Man & The Pool” is finally on Netflix and he brings on an all-timer to celebrate. Pete Holmes returns for a third Working it Out, and he and Mike roast each other as hard as only old friends can. Mike and Pete discuss Pete’s new Netflix special “I Am Not For Everyone,” the problem with Micheal Jackson’s nickname “Wacko Jacko,” and what secrets Pete has in store for his next hour of comedy. Plus, Pete literally won’t stop doing impressions: Bill Burr, Jerry Seinfe...
114. Jo Firestone Returns: Fact Check This Episode
November 20, 2023 05:05 - 50 minutes - 46 MBJo Firestone joins Mike for her second appearance on Working it Out. In addition to just being named the head writer of the newest late night show on network TV, Jo just published a comedic murder mystery called “Murder on Sex Island” and proclaims she is *nothing* like the book’s protagonist even though the similarities are striking. Jo also explains why there’s so much dust in her purse, and posits that the scariest part of haunted houses aren’t actually the jump scares, but rather the pro...
113. Todd Barry: The Inventor of Crowd Work
November 06, 2023 05:05 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MBOn the heels of the release of his new special “Domestic Shorthair,” Todd Barry sits down with Mike this week for a conversation about his 35 years in comedy. The two talk about whether or not Todd invented crowd work, if Bill Burr was right when he said Mike was “doing” Todd when Mike was first starting out, and why Todd can never do another prom show. Plus, Todd reveals the problem he has with Mike’s cat, Mr. Moustache. Please consider donating to Doctors Without Borders
112. Ramy Youssef Returns: You Already Love Him
October 23, 2023 04:10 - 1 hour - 57.2 MBRamy Youssef was one of the first and most popular guests on Working It Out back in 2020, and now he’s back with updates to some of the same very material he worked out the first time around. Mike and Ramy discuss which Death Cab For Cutie songs make Ramy cry, unfriendly encounters in Jacksonville, the perils of public restroom keys, and Ramy’s not-so-secret “secret marriage.” All that and why Ramy wants Mike’s next special to be called “The Arab Dad.” Please consider donating to Karam Foun...
111. Gary Simons: A New Comedian Asks Mike 10 Key Questions About Starting Out in Comedy
October 16, 2023 04:05 - 46 minutes - 43 MB25 years ago, Mike won Georgetown University‘s funniest person on campus contest. This week's guest Gary Simons won it three years ago. Now, Gary has been opening for Mike’s new tour and has a lot of questions: How do I get an agent? How do I go from doing 5 minutes to doing an hour? Any relationship advice for comedians in love? Plus, Pete Holmes calls in and offers his own advice. Please Consider Donating To: Connecticut Foodshare
110. Greg Warren: Comedy Lessons From a Salesman
October 09, 2023 04:10 - 47 minutes - 43.6 MBComedian Greg Warren is one of Mike’s oldest friends in comedy. Greg and Mike often work out jokes on the phone but today they bring their collaborative friendship to the podcast for an hour-long discussion on setups, punchlines, and what makes a good partner to work out jokes with. All that plus Greg discusses his new special “The Salesman” directed by Nate Bargatze and Greg recalls the story of when he introduced Mike to his new wife Jenny and somehow got written out of the story. Please ...
109. Gary Gulman Returns: Work Friends or Friend Friends?
September 25, 2023 04:10 - 57 minutes - 52.5 MBMike and Gary Gulman have been friends for a long time, but what kind of friends? Real friends or just work friends? Gary returns to the podcast and he and Mike evaluate the true level of their friendship. Plus they discuss vulnerability in comedy, unhappiness vs. depression, and the advice that Gary got from Larry David. Please consider donating to Give Well
108. Nimesh Patel: Comedy is Cancer Plus Time
September 18, 2023 04:10 - 47 minutes - 43.3 MBComedian Nimesh Patel joins Mike this week for a joke-filled conversation about how to find your comedic voice, how to turn your saddest stories into standup, and whether or not Buddhism and comedy can peacefully co-exist. Plus, Nimesh goes deep on the infamous time he was yanked off stage at Columbia University for making what he didn’t think was a very controversial joke. Please consider donating to South Asian Americans for Change
107. Hasan Minhaj Returns: Good Boy Syndrome
September 04, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 63.1 MBHasan Minhaj was one of the first guests on Working It Out back in 2020 and it remains one of the most popular episodes because of Hasan’s natural inclination to work out bits. Off-air Mike and Hasan often trade notes and ideas and today it spills into the podcast. Hasan compares comedy craft to Steph Curry’s approach to basketball, explains what it’s like to interview Barack Obama, and confesses to the guilty pleasure of watching couples argue in public. Plus, is Hasan going to host The Dai...
106. Joe Birbiglia Returns: You Think I Give a Care About Christmas Parmesan?
August 28, 2023 12:35 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MBJoe “Joey Bag O’ Donuts” Birbiglia returns to the podcast. Last time, Mike and Joe broke down what it’s like to work together as brothers. Now, in honor of Mike’s upcoming Christmas shows in Boston, they share their favorite Christmas and Boston memories—from the time Joe broke the news about Santa to Mike to their time as busboys in high school when Joe came up with the idea for The Busboy Olympics™. Plus, America’s Guest breaks the news to Mike that they’re going skiing in March while Mike...
105. Kate Berlant: The Comedy Special That Almost Didn’t Come Out
August 14, 2023 04:10 - 52 minutes - 47.6 MBMike lost his mind laughing at Kate Berlant’s new comedy special “Cinnamon in the Wind.” So he dropped her a line and asked her to discuss it on the podcast. Mike and Kate discuss working with director Bo Burnham, the looseness of the special, and how the special almost didn’t come out. They discuss Kate’s solo show “Kate” which was an off-Broadway sensation and is now heading to London at the exact same time that Mike brings “The Old Man & The Pool." They talk about Kate’s comedy special w...
104. Jim Gaffigan: Dark Comedy from the Cleanest Comedian
July 31, 2023 04:05 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBMike met Jim Gaffigan in 1997 when he cold-called Jim’s New York City landline. Jim appeared as a guest on Working It Out in 2021 and now, between touring with Jerry Seinfeld, releasing his 10th comedy special “Dark Pale,” and raising money for the Georgetown Scholars Program, Jim sits down with Mike in-studio for his second Working It Out chat. The old friends go deeper as they work out material and discuss how Jim actually *doesn’t* like hot pockets, what item of clothing comedians should ...
103. Liz Kingsman: The London Comedy Exchange Program
July 17, 2023 04:05 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MBBritish comedy sensation Liz Kingsman has brought her acclaimed show ‘One Woman Show’ from London’s West End to New York City, just as Mike is preparing to bring ‘The Old Man and the Pool’ to the West End. Mike and Liz discuss parody vs. earnestness in comedy, why cotton candy is sometimes called fairy floss, and how Liz manages to be funny despite her perfect Australian childhood. Please consider donating to the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust: https://www.wwt.org.uk/
Introducing : Funny Cuz It’s True
July 06, 2023 12:48 - 43 minutes - 40 MBEach week on Funny Cuz It’s True, Elyse Meyers sits down with her favorite creators, friends and comedians to find the stories that have stuck with them and changed their lives in small ways. Mike Birbiglia’s stories about his life are the epitome of “funny ‘cuz they’re true.” He joins Elyse to talk about his new Broadway show “The Old Man and The Pool,” and how he makes a show about death and mortality funny. Mike gets into his creative process around joke writing, like how he got undernea...
102. Tom Papa: Conflict Resolution with an Old Friend
July 03, 2023 04:10 - 56 minutes - 51.8 MBMike welcomes comedian, author, and podcast host Tom Papa. The two old friends get candid about a bump in their relationship and how they reconciled. They also share advice about the best ways to tell stories about real people in your life, and when profanity is and isn’t necessary. Plus, jokes and stories about Colin Quinn, loud Italians, and writing comedy books. Please consider donating to City Green
101. Elyse Myers: Telling Stories Literally Anywhere
June 19, 2023 04:10 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MBElyse Myers has exploded into long form storytelling from a short form platform: TikTok. She tells funny and personal stories to millions of people on TikTok and Instagram and on her podcast “Funny Cuz it’s True” but doesn’t really tell stories on stage. That’s Mike’s focus today. He tries to convince Elyse to make a guest appearance on one of his new material shows and it seems like she *might* take him on it. Plus, discussions about balancing work and family, the time young Elyse used a pe...
100. Ira Glass Part 3: The Best Advice
June 05, 2023 04:10 - 1 hour - 73.6 MBIra Glass was the first guest on Working It Out back in June 2020, and now he’s back for the 100th episode. The two friends and collaborators discuss Ira’s most famous pieces of advice for creatives, and Ira attempts to “work out” Mike’s life. Plus, a final version of Mike’s “cancer story,” which he has been working on, with Ira’s feedback, since episode 1. Please consider donating to Oxfam International
6 Tips For Bringing Your Solo Show to Broadway (and the West End!)
May 29, 2023 04:10 - 44 minutes - 40.6 MBMike’s creative collaborator and director Seth Barrish returns for a special episode of Working It Out announcing the UK premiere of “The Old Man and the Pool” at the Wyndham’s Theatre in London as well as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August. Mike and Seth share their excitement about bringing the show across the pond, and Mike expands on his New York Times piece “6 Tips For Bringing Your Solo Show to Broadway,” using it as a jumping off point for a discussion about creativity, writing, ...
99. Craig Mazin: The Definitive "The Last of Us" Interview, Sort Of
May 15, 2023 04:10 - 49 minutes - 44.9 MBWhen Mike became obsessed with the series “The Last of Us” on HBO he had questions. And he went straight to the source. This week Mike welcomes the writer/producer/director Craig Mazin, who co-created the" The Last of Us," starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. Spoiler alert. If you haven’t seen "The Last of Us," be warned, there are spoilers in this discussion. There’s also a lot of advice and insight about screenwriting and storytelling. Craig is a screenwriting sage— in addition to co-cr...
98. Ray Romano: Sometimes the Setup is the Punchline
May 01, 2023 04:10 - 51 minutes - 47.2 MBRay Romano has an iconic sitcom and a celebrated stand-up career under his belt, so what drives him to keep challenging himself artistically? Mike and Ray, who often follow each other at the Comedy Cellar, ponder the complicated answer to that question. Plus, discussion of comedy craft, joke-writing technique, and the two separate times Ray was held up at gunpoint. Please consider donating to Harvest Home
97. Bert Kreischer: Inside A Storytelling Machine
April 24, 2023 04:10 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBMike and Bert Kresicher have known each other a little bit for a long time. Now they sit down for an in-depth chat about how to develop a story for standup, why Florida is so strange, and why Bert decided to change the course of his comedy career. Plus, they discuss their shared love for legendary comedic storyteller David Sedaris. Please consider donating to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
96. Alex Edelman Part 3: The Broadway Debut
April 10, 2023 04:10 - 53 minutes - 49.1 MBComedian Alex Edelman returns to the podcast for a victorious third visit, as his award-winning solo show Just For Us heads to Broadway. Mike and Alex defend the merits of kids jokes as well as vaudeville-style wordplay. Plus, a heated debate about the Boston accent which stems from a simple question: How do pronounce the word “room”? Please consider donating to The Jimmy Fund
95. Nick Kroll: Old Friends
March 27, 2023 04:10 - 47 minutes - 43.7 MBNick Kroll and Mike met in college and started doing improv and sketch comedy together. Since then, Nick has become a comedy superstar, from his Comedy Central series Kroll Show, to Oh, Hello, to the animated series Big Mouth and Human Resources, to roles in films like Don’t Worry Darling and the Hulu series History of the World Part II. Now the old friends sit down for a candid conversation about Nick’s new projects, memories from their college improv days, and how comedy benefits from sill...
94. Jorma Taccone: The Lonely Island’s Comedy Revolution
March 13, 2023 05:00 - 48 minutes - 44.6 MBMike and Jorma Taccone are old friends and former next door neighbors. Jorma also just so happens to be an acclaimed screenwriter, director, actor, and member of the legendary comedy team “The Lonely Island” with Andy Samberg and Akiva Schaffer. The Lonely Island made the Saturday Night Live classic digital shorts D*ck in a Box, Natalie Portman’s rap, Laser Cats, and literally a hundred others. One time Jorma even made Mike wear a wig to play a TMZ-type reporter in his film “Popstar." Jorma ...
93. Rachel Feinstein: Don't Call Your Wife "Big Guy"
February 27, 2023 05:10 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBComedian Rachel Feinstein is a comic’s comic— the type of original comic who cracks up other comics. In this episode it definitely works. Rachel breaks Mike as she tells stories about her almost-too-supportive parents to her almost-too-unsupportive firefighter husband. Plus, jokes about marrying up vs. marrying down, pushy in-laws, and what to do when your husband’s romantic gifts are mostly from Costco. Please consider donating to Friends of Firefighters
92. Vir Das: Getting Cancelled Except For Real
February 13, 2023 05:10 - 51 minutes - 46.8 MBIn an age when many comedians talk about being cancelled, Vir Das was actually very nearly cancelled in a real way. When his YouTube monologue "Two Indias" went viral, a criminal complaint was filed against him in his home country of India. Vir talks to Mike about that experience and how he was able to turn the pain from the experience into the comedy in his recent Netflix special. They also discuss Vir’s journey from Bollywood star to international stand-up sensation, and why it’s important...
91. Ryan Hamilton: Utah, Idaho, and the Clean Trick
January 30, 2023 05:10 - 59 minutes - 54.7 MBMany people worry about getting hit by a bus. Last year, comedian Ryan Hamilton did get hit by a bus. Ryan talks to Mike about the shocking experience, his long recovery, and Ryan’s process of talking about the accident on stage. The Idaho native and BYU alum also talks about doing stand-up in Idaho and Utah, and how to be a "clean” comic without the audience even realizing it. In anticipation of Mike’s own trip to Salt Lake City, Mike also recalls a story of when people in Utah thought he w...
90. Marc Forster: A Man Called Marc
January 16, 2023 05:10 - 51 minutes - 46.9 MBFor Mike, filmmaker Marc Forster is a rare example of making a new friend as an adult. Mike and Marc met on the new film A Man Called Otto starring Tom Hanks, in which Mike plays the antagonist. Since then, they’ve become good friends. Now Marc sits down with Mike to discuss his journey from Germany to Switzerland to NYU film school. Marc explains how he built a filmography so varied that it includes the zombie apocalypse blockbuster World War Z as well as the Winnie the Pooh story Christoph...
89. Chris Redd: How to Express Your Mind on Stage
January 02, 2023 05:10 - 52 minutes - 48.2 MBMike and Chris Redd first met when they appeared in the movie Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping. Since then they’ve become friends in the world of stand-up comedy. Today they break down how to express ADHD, depression, and anxiety through comedy and how Chris arrived at the material for his new HBO special “Why Am I Like This?” Chris and Mike also discuss the relationship between hip-hop and comedy, the mechanics of crowd work, and why there’s a playlist for everything. Please consider don...