Summary of "Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out" Episode 164: Andrew Schulz – Give Him 10 Seconds

Release Date: March 31, 2025
Host: Mike Birbiglia
Guest: Andrew Schulz
Title: Give Him 10 Seconds

1. Introduction and Guest Background

In Episode 164 of Working It Out, Mike Birbiglia welcomes comedian Andrew Schulz, renowned for his provocative roast comedy and his notable interview with Donald Trump. Despite their differing comedic styles and political perspectives, Mike and Andrew share a long-standing friendship that forms the foundation of their engaging conversation.

Notable Quote:

Mike Birbiglia: "There have been a few guests on this podcast over the years that people, probably listeners of the show, did not expect me to have even known them. And Andrew's definitely that." (01:00)

2. The Grind of New York Comedy Clubs

Andrew and Mike delve into the rigorous life of performing in New York City's comedy scene. They discuss the exhaustion of hopping between multiple clubs nightly, sharing anecdotes about their experiences and the collaborative nature among comedians.

Notable Quote:

Andrew Schulz: "Nobody understands. It's a challenge." (03:55)

3. Storytelling as a Core of Comedy

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the art of storytelling in comedy. Mike praises Andrew's ability to intertwine personal narratives with humor, highlighting how stories are fundamental to how humans process information and connect with audiences.

Notable Quote:

Mike Birbiglia: "Stories are our earliest form of digesting information." (00:00)
Andrew Schulz: "Our brains are built to remember story." (00:10)

4. Political Conversations and Ethical Considerations

The conversation takes a deeper turn as Mike and Andrew discuss the implications of hosting politically charged guests, including their experiences interviewing figures like Donald Trump and Alex Jones. They grapple with the ethics of providing platforms to controversial personalities and the backlash that can ensue.

Notable Quotes:

Andrew Schulz: "You don't have to restrict my ability to go tell that joke somewhere else." (18:54)
Mike Birbiglia: "I didn't want to do gotcha interviews, no matter who it is." (09:00)

5. Vulnerability and Personal Struggles

Andrew opens up about his fertility journey, sharing personal struggles and the emotional toll it has taken. Mike commends Andrew's vulnerability, emphasizing the importance of personal storytelling in creating relatable and impactful comedy.

Notable Quotes:

Andrew Schulz: "I think me being the problem with getting pregnant made it a lot easier to talk about." (26:42)
Mike Birbiglia: "I thought my life was boring, to be honest with you. I thought my opinions were way more interesting than my life." (26:58)

6. The Impact of the Internet and Algorithms on Comedy

They explore how the digital age has transformed the landscape for comedians, shifting power from traditional gatekeepers to audiences through platforms like YouTube and podcasts. Both agree that while the internet offers unprecedented opportunities for creators, it also presents challenges, such as algorithm-driven content creation.

Notable Quotes:

Mike Birbiglia: "The algorithm is incredibly powerful at getting something to the people that want to consume it." (39:08)
Andrew Schulz: "Nobody, no one watching your special is thinking, oh, Andrew must have talked to Mike Birbigli one night about storytelling." (43:24)

7. Advice for Emerging Creators

Mike and Andrew share invaluable advice for up-and-coming comedians and creators. They stress the importance of authentic creation over chasing algorithmic trends and encourage creators to focus on producing work that genuinely resonates with them.

Notable Quotes:

Mike Birbiglia: "Now is the best time in history." (37:48)
Andrew Schulz: "You're allowed to feel 100%." (18:46)

8. The Role of Vulnerability in Comedy

Highlighting the balance between humor and personal storytelling, they discuss how showing vulnerability can deepen an audience's connection. Andrew's special Life serves as a prime example, blending comedic elements with heartfelt narratives about his family and personal challenges.

Notable Quotes:

Andrew Schulz: "My special is called Life, and it was filmed at the Beacon." (27:58)
Mike Birbiglia: "It's very moving, and it's very vulnerable." (26:58)

9. Nonprofit Contributions and Social Causes

Towards the episode's conclusion, Mike and Andrew touch upon the importance of supporting social causes through their platform. They mention collaborating with Carlos Rodone, a Yankees player, to support fertility-related nonprofit initiatives, aligning their comedic work with meaningful contributions.

Notable Quote:

Andrew Schulz: "I want to be working with him." (44:34)

10. Conclusion and Closing Remarks

Mike wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to engage with past episodes and support the show through ratings and reviews. He emphasizes the podcast's commitment to exploring the creative processes of comedians, fostering a community where humor and personal growth intersect.

Notable Quote:

Mike Birbiglia: "Working it out is a great podcast that is primarily about comedy process and humor and jokes and joy." (45:01)

Key Takeaways

• Storytelling in Comedy: Personal narratives enhance relatability and audience connection.
• Vulnerability: Sharing personal struggles can deepen comedic impact.
• Political Ethics: Hosting controversial figures requires careful ethical consideration.
• Digital Transformation: The internet empowers creators but also imposes algorithmic pressures.
• Authenticity vs. Trends: Staying true to one's voice is crucial for long-term success.
• Support and Community: Engaging with social causes adds meaningful dimensions to comedic work.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Storytelling as Information Processing:
  Mike: "Stories are our earliest form of digesting information." (00:00)
  Andrew: "Our brains are built to remember story." (00:10)

• Ethics of Interviewing Controversial Figures:
  Mike: "I didn't want to do gotcha interviews, no matter who it is." (09:00)
  Andrew: "I have to accept that that's just part of the reality." (18:54)

• Vulnerability in Comedy:
  Andrew: "I think me being the problem with getting pregnant made it a lot easier to talk about." (26:42)
  Mike: "It's very moving, and it's very vulnerable." (26:58)

• Impact of Algorithms:
  Mike: "The algorithm is incredibly powerful at getting something to the people that want to consume it." (39:08)
  Andrew: "Nobody watching your special is thinking, oh, Andrew must have talked to Mike Birbigli one night about storytelling." (43:24)

• Advice for Creators:
  Mike: "Now is the best time in history." (37:48)
  Andrew: "You're allowed to feel 100%." (18:46)

This episode offers a rich exploration of the intersection between personal storytelling and comedic craft, underscored by meaningful discussions on ethics, vulnerability, and the evolving landscape of comedy in the digital age. Listeners gain valuable insights into the minds of two influential comedians as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of their careers.