Podcast Summary: Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out – Episode 162: "Pete Holmes Returns: Comedy That’s Clean, Dirty, or PG-13"

In Episode 162 of Mike Birbiglia's "Working It Out," titled "Pete Holmes Returns: Comedy That’s Clean, Dirty, or PG-13," Mike Birbiglia welcomes comedian Pete Holmes back to the show. The episode delves deep into the nuances of comedy styles, particularly focusing on clean, dirty, and PG-13 humor. Through engaging banter, thoughtful discussions, and collaborative joke development, Mike and Pete explore the intricacies of crafting comedic material that resonates with diverse audiences.

1. Introduction and Warm-Up Banter (00:00 – 04:00)

The episode kicks off with Mike Birbiglia and Pete Holmes engaging in their signature playful roasting. Mike humorously critiques Pete’s appearance:

• Mike Birbiglia (00:00): "I want to roast you all the time, but you look good. And I'm sorry I said you were going to die before me."
• Pete Holmes (00:07): "I appreciate it. I love seeing you."

This light-hearted exchange sets a friendly tone, highlighting their close friendship and mutual respect.

2. Pete Holmes' Current Projects and Tour (04:00 – 06:00)

Pete shares updates about his recent activities and upcoming tour:

• Pete Holmes (00:28): "This is a spur of the moment idea I had the other day because I'm about to do my final shows at The Beacon Theater, March 16 through 22, after touring the show and developing the show the Good Life over the course of two years."

He explains how their collaboration came about, emphasizing the spontaneous and organic nature of their joke-working session.

3. Exploring Clean, Dirty, and PG-13 Comedy (06:00 – 19:00)

The core of the episode revolves around defining and discussing different comedy styles:

• Mike Birbiglia (03:21): "Disagree. It's over. We're back to, like, birthday clowns. Just straight up entertain me. Make a balloon giraffe. I just need it. Look, need it."

Pete and Mike debate the resurgence and relevance of puns in modern comedy, with Pete expressing skepticism:

• Pete Holmes (03:37): "I disagree."
• Mike Birbiglia (04:30): "And I go, oh, that's good."

They reference other comedians known for their clean styles, such as Jim Gaffigan and Jerry Seinfeld, discussing the boundaries of what constitutes clean versus dirty humor.

4. Influence of Religious Background on Comedy (15:00 – 17:50)

The conversation shifts to how their Christian upbringing in 1980s Massachusetts influences their comedic perspectives:

• Pete Holmes (05:25): "How would you define it? Because I think in terms of the listenership, I would say, like, half the people know, and probably maybe half people don't. Don't think about it."
• Mike Birbiglia (13:31): "I deeply resent the idea that God likes you more if you don't swear."

They explore the tension between personal authenticity and audience expectations, pondering whether being clean compromises the depth and honesty of their comedy.

5. Developing and Refining Jokes Together (19:00 – 33:00)

Mike and Pete engage in a collaborative joke development session, sharing and critiquing each other's bits:

• Mike Birbiglia (33:20): "I'm gonna try and just remember it instead of reading it to you, but I'm doing this joke. I think this opening line is very, very funny."
• Pete Holmes (34:46): "What do you think they're doing with it? Making crafts."

They work through premises about recycling and personal habits, offering constructive feedback to enhance the comedic impact while maintaining the desired style (clean or dirty).

6. Personal Anecdotes and Comedic Inspirations (27:00 – 39:00)

Sharing personal stories, Pete reflects on his childhood confessions and relationship with religion, providing material that bridges humor with introspection:

• Pete Holmes (15:45): "I did a few times where it's just you and the priest and it's just you in two chairs."
• Mike Birbiglia (27:04): "You mean more magical, more."

These anecdotes serve as a foundation for crafting jokes that are both relatable and thought-provoking, illustrating how personal experiences shape comedic narratives.

7. The Business of Comedy and Audience Engagement (39:00 – 41:34)

Mike discusses the business side of comedy, emphasizing the importance of ticket sales and audience reach:

• Mike Birbiglia (20:19): "The other argument is Chappelle Burr, Louis, Shane Gillis, you know, I'm just talking about big, big comedians."

They also touch upon the significance of having supportive friends and collaborators in the creative process.

8. Concluding Remarks and Future Collaborations (41:34 – End)

As the episode wraps up, Mike and Pete reflect on their collaborative process and tease future projects:

• Pete Holmes (41:39): "Cause it's not done."
• Mike Birbiglia (41:42): "We're working it out."

They invite listeners to attend Pete’s upcoming shows and encourage engagement through various platforms, reinforcing the community aspect of their podcast.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Mike Birbiglia (00:00): "I want to roast you all the time, but you look good."
• Pete Holmes (05:25): "If you wanted your touring business to be two or three or four times bigger, I would put the word clean in the title of your hour that you're touring with."
• Mike Birbiglia (14:45): "Holiness is wholeness. It's including everything, all the feelings, weird rage, embarrassment, shame."
• Pete Holmes (18:39): "It was the first day off I've had in a while. Day off, meaning like a day where I can actually, like, focus and work because I've been solo parenting."
• Mike Birbiglia (27:38): "If you have some of the great comedians of the last 30, 40 years, they all curse. They all curse for sure."
• Pete Holmes (37:14): "Like, I was a kid, my grandmother gave me rosary beads."

Key Takeaways:

1. Defining Comedy Styles: Mike and Pete dissect what differentiates clean, dirty, and PG-13 comedy, considering personal beliefs and audience expectations.

2. Authenticity vs. Audience Reach: The balance between staying true to one's comedic voice and adapting to broaden audience appeal is a central theme.

3. Collaborative Creativity: The episode underscores the value of collaboration in refining and developing humor, showcasing how constructive feedback enhances comedic material.

4. Personal Influences: Drawing from personal experiences, especially their religious backgrounds, adds depth and relatability to their humor.

5. Business of Comedy: Understanding market dynamics and audience preferences plays a crucial role in a comedian's success and reach.

This episode of "Working It Out" offers a comprehensive exploration of comedic styles, enriched by the insightful and humorous dynamic between Mike Birbiglia and Pete Holmes. Whether you're a fan of clean jokes or appreciate the edgier side of humor, this episode provides valuable perspectives on crafting comedy that is both meaningful and entertaining.