Podcast Summary: Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
Episode 155: David Sedaris Returns: A Creative’s Dream and a Fact Checker’s Nightmare
Release Date: December 30, 2024

In Episode 155 of Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out, comedian and writer David Sedaris returns as a guest, engaging in a deep and humorous conversation about the intricacies of the creative process, the challenges of autobiographical writing, and the relentless pursuit of authenticity in comedy. Hosted by Mike Birbiglia, the episode delves into Sedaris's experiences, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at his approach to storytelling and the impact of fact-checking on creative expression.

1. Early Career and Breakout Success

Meeting Fellow Creators and Early Challenges

David Sedaris recounts the early days of his career, highlighting the period when he worked as an elf at Macy's, a role that later inspired his famous essay, "Santaland Diaries." Sedaris explains how balancing his job with his writing ambitions required dedication and perseverance.

David Sedaris [03:19]: "No, I was an elf in 1990 and 1991."

He discusses the anticipation leading up to his breakout success when "Santaland Diaries" was featured on NPR's This American Life in 1992, transforming him from a retail worker to a celebrated literary figure.

2. Creative Process and Writing Philosophy

Consistency and Belief in Success

Sedaris emphasizes the importance of consistent work and maintaining faith in eventual success, contrasting his approach with those who confuse writing with publishing.

David Sedaris [03:41]: "I never confused writing and publishing. I just worked every day... somebody will come a knockin'."

Overcoming Creative Roadblocks

The conversation explores strategies for overcoming writer's block, such as retracing steps to identify dead ends and the willingness to discard large portions of work that don't resonate.

David Sedaris [04:05]: "Sometimes you just go back two pages and then take a different path."

3. Fact-Checking and Authenticity in Autobiographical Writing

Navigating Fact-Checks in Humor

Sedaris discusses the stringent fact-checking process at publications like The New Yorker, revealing the tension between comedic embellishment and factual accuracy. He shares anecdotes where factual inconsistencies led to changes in his essays.

David Sedaris [17:58]: "The fact checker would say, how do we know how big your penis was when you were 12? Google it."

Balancing Truth and Humor

The episode delves into the delicate balance between maintaining truthfulness and crafting humorous narratives, highlighting Sedaris's approach to "true enough" storytelling.

David Sedaris [17:48]: "True enough for you."

4. Personal Anecdotes and Stories

Vatican City Experience

Sedaris narrates his experience visiting Vatican City, sharing humorous observations about Pope Francis's speech and the interactions with fellow comedians like Chris Rock and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

David Sedaris [07:03]: "I thought there'd be a group of maybe eight people, and we'd sit around and rap with the Pope."

Nudist Colony Visit

He reflects on a visit to a nudist colony organized by his editor, discussing the challenges of writing honestly about uncomfortable experiences.

David Sedaris [30:16]: "I didn't do things to write about them. I just... that's why I'm so glad when something happens."

5. Relationships with Fellow Comedians

Impact on Peers and Influence

Mike Birbiglia shares how David Sedaris's work influenced his own comedic journey, including introductions to literature that shaped his perspective on humor and authenticity.

Mike Birbiglia [13:21]: "Bert Kreischer is a huge fan of yours. He said, 'Your book introduced me to having a gay friend.'"

6. Charity and Giving Back

Innovative Approaches to Philanthropy

Sedaris expresses his frustration with traditional charitable donations, advocating for more meaningful and deliberate giving practices. He shares his method of personalizing donations to ensure they have a genuine impact.

David Sedaris [46:02]: "I think long and hard about who I give it to."

Mike Birbiglia discusses his own approach to supporting nonprofits by directly contributing and sharing effective methods for listeners to engage in charitable acts.

7. Reflections on Past Work and Growth

Evolving as a Writer

Sedaris reflects on his earlier works, expressing critical views on some of his past writings while acknowledging their impact on readers. He emphasizes growth through not trying too hard and trusting his audience.

David Sedaris [36:13]: "I think you get better at not trying too hard... trusting the audience."

Handling Public Perception

He candidly discusses the repercussions of his writing on personal relationships, including regret over unintended consequences, and the importance of portraying others respectfully in his narratives.

David Sedaris [39:06]: "I regret hurting anybody... I changed her name, and she was hurt by it."

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with Sedaris and Birbiglia sharing light-hearted moments and affirming their mutual respect and admiration. Sedaris's insights offer valuable lessons on creativity, resilience, and the nuanced art of storytelling.

David Sedaris [45:14]: "But they don't come back and ask you for money."

Mike Birbiglia wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to engage with David Sedaris's work and to explore past episodes of Working It Out for more enriching conversations with other notable creatives.

Notable Quotes:

• David Sedaris [04:05]: "Sometimes you just go back two pages and then take a different path."
• David Sedaris [17:48]: "True enough for you."
• David Sedaris [36:13]: "I think you get better at not trying too hard... trusting the audience."

Key Takeaways:

• Persistence Pays Off: Sedaris's journey underscores the value of consistent effort and unwavering belief in one's craft.
• Balancing Truth and Creativity: Navigating fact-checking processes while maintaining comedic authenticity is a delicate art in autobiographical writing.
• Selective Philanthropy: Thoughtful and personalized charitable actions can lead to more meaningful contributions compared to traditional donation methods.
• Growth Through Reflection: Continual evolution as a writer involves critically assessing past work and embracing more genuine storytelling techniques.

This episode offers a rich exploration of the complexities faced by autobiographical comedians and writers, providing listeners with both laughter and profound insights into the creative process.