Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade: Interview with Mike Birbiglia
Release Date: June 4, 2025

In this engaging episode of "Fly on the Wall," hosts Dana Carvey and David Spade welcome acclaimed comedian and storyteller Mike Birbiglia. The conversation offers an in-depth look into Mike's comedic journey, creative processes, and his experiences within the entertainment industry, particularly his connections with "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) alumni.

1. Introducing Mike Birbiglia and His Work

Dana Carvey opens the discussion by highlighting Mike's latest Netflix special, "The Good Life," commending his storytelling prowess and ability to blend serious themes with humor.

• Dana Carvey ([01:56]):
  "He's one of the great storytellers we have out there and he'll deep dive into his methodology about having a theme where he can go kind of serious and funny."

2. Early Career and Experiences with SNL

Mike shares anecdotes from his early days in comedy, including participation in contests at Georgetown and ASU. Dana and David reminisce about their initial interactions with Mike and his performances.

• Mike Birbiglia ([03:02]):
  "Yeah, explains a one man show. What's the difference between a stand up set? Went to Georgetown, did a comedy contest early on I did at ASU also. So we had that."

3. Friendship and Collaboration with Bob Odenkirk

The conversation delves into Mike's friendship with Bob Odenkirk, sharing stories of their time in the industry and mutual support among comedians.

• Dana Carvey ([04:48]):
  "He's awesome. He said the single word non sequitur. But since you're smiling and you know, the single, maybe funniest thing that's ever been said on the podcast."

• Mike Birbiglia ([05:27]):
  "He came to the filming of The Good Life because he's in town doing Glengarry Glen Ross. And he's just like a deeply supportive person of, I think, comedians."

4. Transitioning from Stand-Up to Filmmaking

Mike discusses his evolution from traditional stand-up comedy to creating one-man shows and writing/directing films, highlighting how his background in film studies influenced his comedic approach.

• Mike Birbiglia ([21:03]):
  "And over the years I just got kind of hooked on this idea of like, if you can have the jokes work and the story work and then the larger show work, then, like, it's kind of a magical thing."

5. Experiences in Comedy Clubs and Learning Crowd Dynamics

The trio shares experiences performing at iconic venues like the Comedy Cellar, navigating interactions with seasoned comedians, and refining their material through tough crowds.

• Mike Birbiglia ([32:01]):
  "I opened for Hedberg a bunch of times. I remember I opened for Jake Johansson, who was a brilliant."

6. Creative Process and Writing Methodologies

Mike elaborates on his method for developing material, utilizing bulletin boards to organize storylines and character development. He credits the "Script Notes" podcast as a significant influence on his screenwriting approach.

• Mike Birbiglia ([53:37]):
  "I do two bulletin boards. I go. I go. The story cards, the scene cards, and then the other one is the characters."

7. Personal Stories Shaping Comedy

Mike shares a deeply personal story about his sleepwalking incident, which not only impacted his life but also inspired his film "Sleepwalk with Me."

• Mike Birbiglia ([37:15]):
  "I sleepwalked through a second story window [...] I was running in my underwear, bleeding."

8. Professional Growth and Future Projects

The conversation shifts to Mike's professional milestones and future endeavors, including writing his third movie and collaborating with other notable comedians like John Mulaney and Nick Kroll.

• Mike Birbiglia ([53:00]):
  "I'm writing my next movie. My first movie was Sleepwalk With Me. My second movie's called Don't Think Twice. And I'm writing a third movie, which is like an ensemble comedy that takes place at a wedding about a bunch of old friends."

9. Balancing Personal Life and Career

Mike discusses maintaining a balance between his professional commitments and personal life, mentioning his family in Brooklyn and how his daughter is beginning to appreciate his work.

• Mike Birbiglia ([58:02]):
  "I live in Brooklyn with my wife and daughter. She just turned 10. We had like a birthday sleepover this weekend."

10. Closing Thoughts and Final Remarks

As the episode concludes, Dana and David express their appreciation for Mike's contributions to comedy and storytelling. Mike shares final thoughts on his excitement for future projects and ongoing collaborations within the comedy community.

• Mike Birbiglia ([59:20]):
  "I just love the podcast and I am honored to come on now."

Conclusion

This episode of "Fly on the Wall" offers a comprehensive exploration of Mike Birbiglia's multifaceted career, blending personal anecdotes with professional insights. Dana Carvey and David Spade create a welcoming atmosphere, allowing Mike to delve into his experiences and creative processes. The discussion not only highlights Mike's achievements but also provides valuable perspectives for aspiring comedians and storytellers. Whether you're a fan of Mike Birbiglia or new to his work, this episode is both informative and entertaining, capturing the essence of what makes him a standout figure in the comedy world.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Dana Carvey ([01:56]):
  "He's one of the great storytellers we have out there and he'll deep dive into his methodology about having a theme where he can go kind of serious and funny."

• Mike Birbiglia ([21:03]):
  "And over the years I just got kind of hooked on this idea of like, if you can have the jokes work and the story work and then the larger show work, then, like, it's kind of a magical thing."

• Mike Birbiglia ([37:15]):
  "I sleepwalked through a second story window [...] I was running in my underwear, bleeding."

• Mike Birbiglia ([53:37]):
  "I do two bulletin boards. I go. I go. The story cards, the scene cards, and then the other one is the characters."

• Mike Birbiglia ([59:20]):
  "I just love the podcast and I am honored to come on now."

This structured and detailed summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, providing a clear and engaging overview for both existing fans and new listeners. By highlighting key discussions and including pertinent quotes with timestamps, the summary ensures that readers can grasp the full scope of the conversation without having listened to the episode.