Podcast Summary: Good One: A Podcast About Jokes Episode: Mike Birbiglia’s “No Breath Holding” Sign
Release Date: May 14, 2024
Host: Jesse David Fox
Guest: Mike Birbiglia

1. Introduction

In this episode of Good One: A Podcast About Jokes, host Jesse David Fox welcomes comedian Mike Birbiglia to discuss his joke titled “No Breath Holding” from his latest special. Jesse highlights Mike’s previous appearances on the podcast, his acclaimed Good One TV special on Peacock, and his profile in New York Magazine. The focus of the episode is to delve deep into the creation, development, and impact of Mike’s poignant joke about a man who died while holding his breath at the YMCA pool.

2. The Joke: “No Breath Holding” Sign [00:09 – 06:02]

Mike Birbiglia introduces his joke, narrating an incident where he notices a sign at the YMCA pool that reads, “No Breath Holding.” He recounts practicing breath-holding techniques inspired by yoga instructors and middle school bullies, humorously stating, “I got better and better at it” (01:39). While swimming underwater, Mike surfaces and learns that the sign was a cautionary measure because two individuals had previously died while competing to hold their breath longer. The joke culminates in Mike theatrically attempting to instill a moment of silence for the deceased, blending humor with solemnity.

Notable Quote:

“No breath holding? She said, oh, there were these two guys last summer taking turns holding their breath, like as a competition. And then one of them died.” (01:54)

3. Development of the Joke: Origin and Evolution [06:07 – 10:29]

Jesse probes Mike to share the non-joke story behind the “No Breath Holding” sign. Mike explains that the joke originated from a real-life observation at the YMCA pool while taking swimming lessons from an instructor named Vanessa. Initially, Mike found the concept amusing, leading him to craft jokes around it.

During a performance at the Cherry Lane Theater, Mike’s delivery of the joke elicited an unexpected and intense laughter from the audience. Reflecting on this, Mike reveals, “I just went like, what?” (08:06), highlighting his surprise at the joke’s reception. Emulating Steve Martin’s comedic persona, Mike began scolding the overly amused audience, which only amplified their laughter. This interaction inspired Mike and his director, Seth Barash, to build the climax of his show around this unique dynamic, leading to extended versions of the joke that lasted up to 25 minutes.

Notable Quote:

“I thought, that’s so odd. I go, Vanessa, what does that mean? No breath holding? She said, oh, there were these two guys last summer taking turns holding their breath, like as a competition. And then one of them died.” (01:54)

4. The Challenges of Delivery: Audience Reactions and Calibrations [10:29 – 20:08]

Mike discusses the complexities of delivering the joke, emphasizing the importance of balancing humor with respect. He recounts moments when audiences either laughed excessively or didn’t react as expected. For instance, at a performance in Los Angeles, Mike struggled to elicit a moment of silence, prompting him to adjust his delivery to ensure the joke’s effectiveness. Conversely, in some instances, audiences failed to laugh at all, challenging Mike to maintain the joke’s integrity.

To address these challenges, Mike shared that during rehearsals, he would practice different line readings to achieve the desired reaction without overacting. This iterative process was crucial in refining the joke to resonate appropriately with diverse audiences.

Notable Quote:

“There were nights where I would do man who died holding his breath in the Cherry Lane Theater that were unlike any experience I've ever had in a live setting... it was euphoric.” (20:13)

5. Building the Show: Integrating the Joke into the Narrative [10:40 – 14:00]

Jesse and Mike explore how the “No Breath Holding” joke serves as the climax of the Broadway show from which the special is derived. Mike elaborates on Seth Barash’s suggestion to center the show around the audience’s reactions to the joke, despite initial reservations. Over time, Mike became convinced that this approach added depth, prompting reflections on what audiences find funny and the contexts in which laughter occurs.

Mike explains that the show evolved to examine the interplay between laughter and tragedy, specifically how comedians navigate sensitive topics like death. The joke became a vehicle to explore broader themes of mortality and personal health challenges, aligning with Mike’s ongoing preoccupation with death, influenced by his experiences during the pandemic and personal health diagnoses.

Notable Quote:

“It ended up earning out, like, in this huge, huge way. And it hangs a lantern on this idea of, like, what are we laughing at? Why are we laughing at?” (12:14)

6. Comedy and Personal Stories: Discussing Death and Vulnerability [14:00 – 23:12]

Mike delves into his thematic focus on death, explaining that the pandemic intensified his contemplation of mortality. He posits that comedy can serve as a means to confront and laugh at the very things people are least likely to laugh about. This approach allows for deeper emotional resonance and connection with the audience.

Jesse observes that Mike’s ability to intertwine personal narratives with humor provides a purposeful structure to his performances. Mike agrees, noting that while comedians often have personal obsessions they incorporate into their work, he strives to ensure these elements contribute meaningfully to the overarching narrative. He emphasizes the importance of refining personal stories to make them universally relatable and laughable.

Notable Quote:

“It's funny because when Seth Barish and I... he was like, you should build the whole show towards that. And so then that's how it came to be.” (08:59)

7. Documentary Insights: Behind the Scenes of Making the Special [23:12 – 39:12]

The conversation shifts to the Good One Documentary, which captures the creative process behind Mike’s show. Mike shares his apprehensions about relinquishing control over how his material is presented on film. Initially resistant, he eventually embraced the collaborative process, acknowledging that the documentary effectively portrays his journey of developing and refining his comedic narrative.

Mike reflects on the authenticity captured in the documentary, highlighting moments where his personal vulnerabilities are on display. This raw portrayal contrasts with the polished performance audiences typically see, providing a more comprehensive understanding of his comedic craft and personal growth.

Notable Quote:

“It's by far the closest thing I have to a document of in time. Of, like, actually what it's like to spend time with me when I'm figuring out these things as a person.” (39:12)

8. Influence and Legacy: Birbiglia’s Impact on Comedic Storytelling [39:12 – 52:29]

Jesse and Mike discuss the broader impact of Mike’s work on the comedy landscape. Jesse commends Mike for creating a vocabulary for one-person shows that intertwine personal storytelling with humor, making such performances more accessible to other comedians. Mike expresses humility regarding his influence but acknowledges the importance of inspiring others through his work.

Mike also touches on the international reach of his shows, noting that his performances are published and performed globally, sometimes in different languages. This global adaptation underscores the universal themes in his comedy, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers.

Notable Quote:

“I actually love the idea that someday someone will do one of my shows better than I did. It like, somewhere, you know, Portugal, you know, Spain, whatever.” (51:16)

9. Final Segments: Joke Exchanges and Anecdotes [52:29 – 60:41]

In the concluding segment, Jesse and Mike engage in light-hearted exchanges typical of the podcast’s “Last Round.” Mike shares his favorite joke joke about penguins, explaining how children naturally create humor around wordplay. He also expresses admiration for fellow comedians like John Mulaney and Tig Notaro, highlighting their unique comedic voices.

Mike recounts a memorable experience opening for George Lopez, where he received invaluable advice: “Don’t make fun of Oprah until you make fun of yourself” (58:11). This guidance underscores the importance of self-awareness and humility in comedy.

Additionally, Mike shares a personal anecdote about bombing at a dental convention, illustrating that even seasoned comedians face challenging performances. He emphasizes the significance of a strong dismount in maintaining audience respect, regardless of prior anticipation.

Notable Quotes:

“Don’t make fun of Oprah until you make fun of yourself.” (58:11)
“If you live in Brooklyn and you eat Domino's pizza, you’re going to hell.” (60:01)

10. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Jesse and Mike reflecting on the emotional depth and authenticity captured in the documentary. Mike acknowledges the surprising yet inevitable nature of the special’s ending, praising the filmmakers for their ability to deliver a satisfying and unexpected conclusion. Jesse compliments Mike as one of the most influential comedians of the last decade, both directly and indirectly, a sentiment Mike humbly considers with gratitude.

Notable Quote:

“I was choked up when I watched it. And it’s me, which is absurd, but I feel like people might have that.” (49:50)

Key Takeaways

• Integration of Personal Experiences: Mike Birbiglia excels at weaving personal stories, particularly those involving tragedy and vulnerability, into his comedic narrative, creating a profound connection with his audience.

• Dynamic Audience Interaction: The “No Breath Holding” joke serves as a pivotal moment in Mike’s show, showcasing his ability to manipulate audience reactions to enhance the comedic and emotional impact.

• Influence on Comedy: Mike’s approach to one-person shows has paved the way for more personal and narrative-driven performances in the comedy industry, inspiring a new generation of comedians.

• Authenticity in Storytelling: The documentary underscores the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in comedy, illustrating the challenges and rewards of sharing deeply personal experiences on stage.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• [01:54] Mike Birbiglia: “No breath holding? She said, oh, there were these two guys last summer taking turns holding their breath, like as a competition. And then one of them died.”

• [08:59] Mike Birbiglia: “There were nights where I would do man who died holding his breath in the Cherry Lane Theater that were unlike any experience I've ever had in a live setting... it was euphoric.”

• [12:14] Mike Birbiglia: “It hangs a lantern on this idea of, like, what are we laughing at? Why are we laughing at?”

• [39:12] Mike Birbiglia: “It's by far the closest thing I have to a document of in time. Of, like, actually what it's like to spend time with me when I'm figuring out these things as a person.”

• [58:11] Mike Birbiglia: “Don’t make fun of Oprah until you make fun of yourself.”

• [60:01] Mike Birbiglia: “If you live in Brooklyn and you eat Domino's pizza, you’re going to hell.”

This episode of Good One offers an insightful exploration into Mike Birbiglia’s comedic process, illustrating how personal adversity and thoughtful storytelling culminate in impactful humor. Through candid discussions and poignant anecdotes, listeners gain a deeper appreciation of the nuanced interplay between comedy and personal narrative.