Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out - Episode 153: Maria Bamford Returns - "Marketable Mania"

In this engaging episode of Working It Out, Mike Birbiglia welcomes back the legendary comedian Maria Bamford to explore the intricacies of stand-up comedy, personal rituals, mental health, and the economics of the comedic world. Their conversation is both heartfelt and humorous, delving deep into Maria's creative process and personal experiences.

Reunion and Warm Welcome

Mike Birbiglia opens the episode with enthusiasm, expressing his admiration for Maria Bamford:

"I always cite you as my favorite comedian on the planet and so does Stephen Colbert. So does Judd Apatow."
[00:59]

Maria reciprocates the warmth, reminiscing about their first meeting on the podcast back in 2020 and discussing her recent tour and book, Sure, I'll Join Your Cult. Her gratitude towards fans is palpable as she shares her excitement for upcoming shows:

"I'm a huge Bamford head. We're doing 10 more cities on this tour... The Good Life 4 shows at the Beacon Theater, March 19 through 22."
[00:59]

The Financial Business of Stand-Up Comedy

One of the central themes of the episode is the financial dynamics within the stand-up comedy industry. Maria delves into how the voices of her family and friends have become integral to her act, enhancing her performances with authentic and relatable humor.

"Comedians are sometimes fighting the wind of autism. I just gotta say the words over and over again or that's what feels good to me."
[09:45]

Maria discusses her one-on-one approach to developing material, often collaborating with strangers in coffee shops during her tours. This intimate setting allows her to refine her jokes based on genuine interactions, a method that Mike finds endlessly fascinating.

Personal Rituals and Preparing for Shows

The conversation shifts to personal rituals before performances. Maria shares her strategies to combat loneliness on the road, such as limiting the number of cities she plays before returning home and meeting locals to practice her act.

"The main thing is I start to get kind of lonely. I just kind of want to go home... I practice my act for them. You know, that helps me feel kind of more connected to the area that I'm in."
[04:49]

She also mentions the use of beta blockers and attending Zoom meetings to maintain her mental well-being, highlighting the balance comedians must strike between creativity and self-care.

Friendships and Social Dynamics

Maria opens up about the challenges of maintaining friendships, especially when faced with negative feedback. She recounts experiences where friends have undermined her passion for comedy, leading her to reassess these relationships.

"I have some people that I keep trying with. And I'm like, well, stop trying, Maria. Just. That's absolutely ridiculous."
[06:55]

Mike empathizes, drawing parallels between adult and childhood social struggles, emphasizing the universal nature of these experiences.

Stand-Up Comedy Staging and Specials

A significant portion of the discussion critiques the conventional staging of stand-up specials. Maria humorously reflects on how stage setups can sometimes undermine the authenticity of comedy.

"It's almost fascist where you're like, wait a minute, everybody's cheering and looking the same direction... And I'm not saying that's not valid and great, but it's funny."
[13:03]

Mike appreciates Maria's perspective, noting how her approach of performing one-on-one aligns with the fundamental essence of stand-up as a personal art form.

Mental Health and Comedy

Maria bravely addresses mental health topics, including her battles with depression. She shares how integrating personal struggles into her comedy can elicit unexpected laughter from audiences.

"When I first talked about, like, maybe my depression, I got some laughs out of that... If you come away from this podcast with one thing, I am in no way jolly."
[17:52]

She emphasizes authenticity in sharing personal experiences, believing that vulnerability enhances relatability in her performances.

Developing New Material

The duo engages in a segment where they work out new jokes. Maria shares her latest attempts, including a humorous take on banking experiences.

"Have you ever been inside a bank recently? It's like immersive theater... I could see them outside. They left me alone with the lollipops."
[36:07]

Mike contributes by sharing his early jokes about online banking, highlighting the evolution of comedic material over time.

Childhood Memories and Personal Insights

Maria reflects on her childhood, sharing quirky memories that have influenced her comedic voice. She recounts how she once asked everyone to call her "Blueberry" and her tendency to give "animal kisses," adding a layer of nostalgia to their conversation.

"Sometimes I think of myself. I think of about five and I told everyone to call me Blueberry... I would lick their hands and arms."
[33:37]

This segment provides a glimpse into Maria's formative years, illustrating how early experiences shape a comedian's unique style.

Marketable Mania and Economic Realities

The term "Marketable Mania" encapsulates the episode's exploration of how comedians navigate the commercial aspects of their craft. Maria discusses the disparities in pay within the industry, lamenting the outdated compensation for warm-up acts compared to her own earnings.

"They were like 200 bucks. And I'm getting $350,000. Oh, I think I'll give them some cash because they're making this happen."
[32:16]

She passionately advocates for fair wages and the unionization of comedians, shedding light on the financial inequities that exist behind the scenes of stand-up performances.

Memories and Emotional Moments

Maria shares poignant moments from her life, including her mother's passing and how it has influenced her comedic material. She touches on the balance between humor and honoring personal loss, showcasing the depth of her emotional resilience.

"The death of a child can tear apart a family in a community... that is why sometimes, if only for a second, you can check out your auto rates on progressive.com."
[22:41]

Her ability to intertwine personal grief with comedy underscores the therapeutic nature of humor in processing complex emotions.

Giving Back: Downtown Women's Center of Los Angeles

Concluding the episode, Maria emphasizes the importance of philanthropy, highlighting her support for the Downtown Women's Center of Los Angeles. She shares her voluntary efforts and the organization's role in providing affordable housing and support to those in need.

"Downtown Women's center of Los Angeles. DWC... they’ve built a lot of affordable housing and I volunteered there myself."
[43:13]

Mike echoes her sentiments, pledging to contribute and encouraging listeners to support the cause, reinforcing the episode's theme of community and generosity.

Final Thoughts and Farewell

Mike wraps up the conversation by expressing deep appreciation for Maria's contributions to comedy and her willingness to share personal stories. Maria reciprocates with humor and grace, leaving listeners with a sense of camaraderie and inspiration.

"Maria, thank you for coming on. Your comedy brings me so much joy and I can't thank you enough for it."
[44:04]

Key Takeaways:

• Authenticity in Comedy: Maria Bamford emphasizes the importance of genuine experiences and emotions in crafting relatable and impactful humor.

• Financial Equity: The discussion sheds light on the economic challenges within the stand-up industry, advocating for fair compensation and union support for comedians.

• Mental Health: Open conversations about personal struggles highlight how humor can be a coping mechanism and a bridge to connect with audiences.

• Community and Philanthropy: Supporting organizations like the Downtown Women's Center of Los Angeles underscores the role of comedians in giving back and fostering community support.

Notable Quotes:

• "Comedians are sometimes fighting the wind of autism. I just gotta say the words over and over again or that's what feels good to me."
  [09:45] - Maria Bamford on her creative process.

• "You never know what's going to happen, good and bad. Life turns on a dime."
  [27:12] - Maria reflecting on life's unpredictability.

• "I'm a huge Bamford head. We’re doing 10 more cities on this tour... The Good Life 4 shows at the Beacon Theater, March 19 through 22."
  [00:59] - Maria discussing her tour.

For more insights and in-depth conversations, subscribe to Working It Out on your favorite podcast platform and join Mike Birbiglia as he continues to explore the world of comedy with extraordinary guests.