Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out - Episode 151: Elizabeth Gilbert: Eat, Pray, Jokes

Release Date: November 18, 2024

In Episode 151 of "Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out," comedian Mike Birbiglia welcomes renowned author Elizabeth Gilbert, best known for her bestselling memoir "Eat Pray Love." The episode delves into Gilbert's journey as a writer, the impact of her work, and her unique approach to creativity and personal growth. Through engaging conversation, Birbiglia and Gilbert explore the complexities of fame, self-expression, and the therapeutic power of writing.

Introduction and Personal Anecdotes

The episode kicks off with Elizabeth Gilbert sharing a humorous and revealing story about her experience at JFK airport upon returning from Central America.

Elizabeth Gilbert [00:00]: "I was coming into the country from Central America in New York at JFK and I was traveling alone... I'm most well known for this book that I wrote called Eat Pray Love. And she goes, you're Eat Pray Love."

Gilbert reflects on the unexpected recognition she receives solely based on her famed work, highlighting how "Eat Pray Love" has become a cultural touchstone.

The Double-Edged Sword of Success

Mike Birbiglia discusses the phenomenon of being identified primarily by one major work and its implications.

Mike Birbiglia [00:58]: "Elizabeth has written one of my favorite books on writing, which is called Big Magic, which is about writing and creativity. I highly recommend it."

The conversation turns to how Gilbert's massive success with "Eat Pray Love" has shaped public perception and her own identity as a writer.

Exploring Writing and Creativity

Gilbert shares insights from her book "Big Magic," emphasizing the importance of creativity and the personal nature of the writing process.

Elizabeth Gilbert [20:12]: "I really love doing this... There's a through line that goes through all of that, which is, I really love doing this."

She discusses the balance between passion and practicality in creative endeavors, referencing wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita about being entitled to the labor but not the fruits of it.

Navigating Public Backlash and Personal Integrity

The duo delves into the challenges Gilbert faced when "Eat Pray Love" became a polarizing phenomenon.

Elizabeth Gilbert [14:38]: "It wasn't meant for you... But then I remember to my husband at the time..."

Gilbert articulates her perspective on dealing with widespread criticism and the importance of staying true to one's creative vision despite external opinions.

Letters from Love: A Therapeutic Practice

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Gilbert's Substack project, "Letters from Love," where she writes daily letters of unconditional love to herself.

Elizabeth Gilbert [38:03]: "Like, if you take antidepressants, we love you. If you don't, we love you..."

Gilbert explains the origins of this practice during a tumultuous period in her life and its enduring impact on her mental well-being.

Elizabeth Gilbert [39:08]: "I did this every day."

Birbiglia appreciates the concept, likening it to self-soothing techniques that promote emotional stability and resilience.

Balancing Personal Life and Creative Pursuits

The conversation shifts to Gilbert's personal life choices, particularly her decision to prioritize solitude to nurture her creativity.

Elizabeth Gilbert [30:18]: "It's so good... I've written three books in that time."

She discusses the fulfillment found in solitude and the challenges of maintaining meaningful relationships while deeply engaged in creative work.

Navigating Relationships and Self-Reflection

Gilbert shares profound insights into her past relationships and the journey towards self-awareness.

Elizabeth Gilbert [34:36]: "Whoever's sitting next to me in the position of partner will be blamed or praised, depending on how I'm feeling."

This segment highlights the importance of personal accountability and the transformation that comes from introspection.

The Surreal Experience of "Eat Pray Love" Adaptation

The episode touches upon Gilbert's reaction to the film adaptation of her book.

Elizabeth Gilbert [49:26]: "So surreal. So surreal."

Gilbert recounts her initial disbelief and ongoing processing of seeing her life portrayed by Julia Roberts, emphasizing the uncanny nature of such portrayals.

Closing Reflections and Support for Mental Health

As the conversation winds down, both Birbiglia and Gilbert emphasize the importance of mental health support.

Elizabeth Gilbert [59:54]: "I love the Loveland foundation... provides free psychiatric care and therapy for black girls and women."

They advocate for supporting organizations that offer essential mental health services, underscoring the episode's theme of self-care and compassion.

Notable Quotes

• Elizabeth Gilbert [10:17]: "You are entitled to the labor, but you are not entitled to the fruit of the labor."

• Elizabeth Gilbert [38:23]: "The letter's from love itself. Unconditional love itself."

• Elizabeth Gilbert [39:42]: "This doesn't really have anything to do with you. It's about me finding my own way."

Conclusion

Episode 151 offers a deep dive into Elizabeth Gilbert's creative mind and personal philosophies. Through candid storytelling and thoughtful discourse, Birbiglia and Gilbert illuminate the intersections of fame, creativity, and personal well-being. Listeners gain valuable insights into the resilience required to navigate success and the therapeutic power of self-expression.

For those inspired by this conversation, Elizabeth Gilbert's "Big Magic" and her Substack project "Letters from Love" provide further exploration into the realms of creativity and self-compassion.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements and non-content segments to focus solely on the substantive discussion between Mike Birbiglia and Elizabeth Gilbert.