Podcast Summary: Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out – Episode 170: "Please Don't Destroy Returns: The Journey of an SNL Sketch from Pitch to Air"
In Episode 170 of Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out, released on May 12, 2025, comedian Mike Birbiglia welcomes the talented sketch trio Please Don't Destroy—comprising Ben Marshall, John Higgins, and Martin Hurley. The episode delves deep into the creative journey of developing a sketch for Saturday Night Live (SNL), offering listeners an in-depth look at the collaborative process from initial pitch to airing on national television.
Introduction to Please Don't Destroy
Mike Birbiglia begins the episode by introducing his guest, Please Don't Destroy, recognizing their impressive body of work on SNL and their origins from Saran Live. He highlights the group's transition from being mutual fans to collaborators, emphasizing their shared comedic sensibilities.
Mike Birbiglia [00:23]: "Ben Marshall, John Higgins, and Martin Hurley. You may know their sketches from Saran Live. They are fantastic."
Mike recounts how, about a year and a half prior, the group decided to embark on something new together—launching a monthly improv show at Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) in New York City, humorously named "Please Don't Birbiglia."
Mike Birbiglia [00:30]: "Which is a thing you often say to people. And then nobody follows up. And then we're like, why don't we do something that requires no preparation? Let's do an improv show."
Launching the Improv Show: Please Don't Birbiglia
The trio discusses the spontaneity and playful nature of their improv performances, highlighting the absence of preparation as a key factor in their collaboration's success. They share anecdotes about how last-minute announcements and unplanned scenarios lead to both hilarious and unexpectedly brilliant moments on stage.
John Higgins [04:23]: "It is uncool in the same way I... I don't even push back on you saying it's lame."
Ben Marshall adds to the conversation, reflecting on the often-undervalued art of improv within the comedy community but defends its intrinsic fun and creativity.
Ben Marshall [04:19]: "I just couldn't imagine giving a fuck about people thinking it's lame because it's actually fucking fun."
Evolution of Their Collaborative Relationship
As the episode progresses, Mike observes the evolution of his relationship with Please Don't Destroy, noting a shift from initial introductions to a dynamic of playful mutual teasing, indicative of a healthy and growing friendship.
Mike Birbiglia [03:16]: "The Please Don't Birbiglia improv show is the biggest success of the working it out process in the history of the podcast."
The group reminisces about their first interactions, the mutual admiration that set the foundation for their creative partnership, and the organic way they decided to work together through improv.
Crafting the SNL Sketch: "Jon Hamm Pizza"
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to dissecting the creation of their iconic SNL sketch featuring Jon Hamm. Mike guides the conversation through the intricate steps of pitching ideas, the rigorous writing process, and the eventual live performance.
Mike Birbiglia [11:49]: "Because it's working it out when you guys write a sketch like that. ... where's the inception of a sketch like that? And, like, where does it go?"
Martin Hurley recalls the initial brainstorming session, where the concept of ordering pizza evolved into a multifaceted sketch intertwined with elements of a detective narrative.
Martin Hurley [17:37]: "We were like, 'There's a girl who's gone missing, and it's a meeting at the police station... we're gonna lock in and order some pizzas and work through the night.'"
Ben Marshall elaborates on the adaptability required in sketch writing, especially when tailoring content to fit the host's persona and preferences.
Ben Marshall [15:08]: "And Ham was like, 'I like the pizza thing.' So that's when we started to go like, okay, we'll write that."
The team discusses the challenges faced during the write-through sessions, particularly the balancing act of integrating humor without overshadowing the sketch's central premise.
Mike Birbiglia [16:20]: "It's uncool in the same way I... I don't even push back on you saying it's lame."
Insights into the SNL Writing Process
Please Don't Destroy provides valuable insights into the SNL writing ecosystem, from Monday pitch meetings to the intense deadlines leading up to live performances. They share firsthand experiences of navigating feedback, refining jokes, and the emotional rollercoaster of presenting sketches to the SNL team.
John Higgins [22:00]: "It's a very informal thing, the Monday pitch meeting. It's mostly just to make the host feel, like, comfortable."
The group emphasizes the importance of perseverance and flexibility in the creative process, especially when initial ideas undergo significant changes based on feedback.
Ben Marshall [17:07]: "And a lot of it was just being like, 'Oh, this is like a character sketch for John that was really him, take the lead in.'"
Advice for Aspiring Comedians
Towards the latter part of the episode, Mike solicits advice from his guests for those embarking on a comedy career. The trio advocates for live performances and continual practice, underscoring the value of live interactions and real-time feedback in honing comedic skills.
Ben Marshall [44:29]: "Comedy for sure."
Martin Hurley adds a cautionary perspective on the pitfalls of immediate online exposure, advising newcomers to focus on their craft before seeking internet fame.
Martin Hurley [44:43]: "Like before you start putting stuff out."
Mike complements this advice with his own insights on viewing a comedy career as a long-term journey, emphasizing continuous improvement and resilience.
Mike Birbiglia [45:06]: "It's going to be a while. And just keep... the word 'numi n u m m I' which means continuous improvement."
Future Endeavors and Collaborations
The conversation shifts to future projects, with Mike expressing enthusiasm about a potential movie collaboration with Please Don't Destroy. The group teases the possibilities without divulging specifics, highlighting the organic and evolving nature of their creative partnership.
Mike Birbiglia [46:12]: "I think the four of us are going to work on a movie together."
Supporting Causes: Housing Works
Concluding the episode, the trio discusses their commitment to philanthropy. They endorse Housing Works, an organization fighting homelessness, sharing personal anecdotes about their involvement and the impact of the charity.
Ben Marshall [49:40]: "Housing Works is great because we're not at the level where it's like we're working with a thing or the face of a charity yet."
Closing Remarks
Mike wraps up the episode by expressing gratitude towards his guests, celebrating the friendship and collaborative spirit that defines Please Don't Destroy. He encourages listeners to check out their work on SNL and their upcoming tour, reinforcing the theme of continuous creative exploration.
Mike Birbiglia [51:06]: "Thank you guys for doing the podcast and... and doing these improv shows. And I can't wait to see your tour this summer."
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Mike Birbiglia [00:30]: "And we call it Please Don't Birbiglia. And it's so fun."
- Ben Marshall [04:19]: "It's actually fucking fun."
- John Higgins [22:00]: "It's mostly just to make the host feel comfortable."
- Martin Hurley [44:43]: "Like before you start putting stuff out."
- Mike Birbiglia [45:06]: "Continuous improvement."
- Ben Marshall [49:40]: "Housing Works is great because..."
Conclusion
Episode 170 offers a compelling exploration of the collaborative dynamics between Mike Birbiglia and Please Don't Destroy. Through candid conversations, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and shared insights, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate process of sketch creation and the enduring bonds formed through comedy. Whether you're a fan of SNL, aspiring comedian, or simply enjoy insightful discussions on creative endeavors, this episode provides valuable takeaways and entertaining dialogue.