Podcast Summary: Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out – Episode 172: Nick Kroll Returns: Neil Digression Tyson
Podcast Information:
- Title: Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
- Host: Mike Birbiglia
- Guest: Nick Kroll
- Episode: 172. Nick Kroll Returns: Neil Digression Tyson
- Release Date: June 9, 2025
- Description: Comedian Mike Birbiglia welcomes a different comedian or creator each week and together they work out original, untested material and occasionally delve into uncomfortable topics.
1. Introduction and Reunion with Nick Kroll [00:00 – 02:20]
Mike Birbiglia opens the episode by welcoming returning guest Nick Kroll, highlighting their long-standing friendship and Kroll's latest projects, including his new film "I Don't Understand You", the final season (Season 8) of Big Mouth, and his new FX show Adult. Mike shares excitement about their upcoming joint shows supporting John Mulaney's new comedy hour.
Notable Quote:
Mike Birbiglia (00:37): "Nick and I have been friends for a long time. As a matter of fact, this summer we're doing five shows together."
2. Discussing Current Projects: Big Mouth and Adult [02:20 – 07:04]
The conversation shifts to Nick Kroll's involvement in Big Mouth. They discuss the challenges of pilot episodes, with Nick acknowledging that while he loves the pilot, subsequent episodes, particularly "Bayside Stabber", stand out as exceptionally funny. They delve into the authenticity of the show's cast interactions, emphasizing how genuine friendships enhance the comedic effect.
Notable Quotes:
Nick Kroll (04:22): "I think, like, my early 20s... felt like the pilot. There's some sort of hot button stuff in the pilot that really felt very different."
Mike Birbiglia (05:11): "It's so dying laughing."
3. The Art of the Writers' Room and Personal Stories [07:04 – 13:42]
Nick Kroll shares insights into the collaborative environment of a writers' room, particularly for Big Mouth. He touches on the importance of trust, the use of NDAs to protect personal stories, and the dynamics of sharing awkward or deeply personal anecdotes. Mike relates this to his own experiences, highlighting the delicate balance of integrating personal material into comedic content.
Notable Quotes:
Nick Kroll (12:10): "Early on and throughout, there were things that... like, a dear friend of mine from growing up... he fucked his pillows."
Mike Birbiglia (13:27): "Nick Kroll... undeating our conversations to awkward, personal stories."
4. Balancing Personal Life with Professional Projects [13:42 – 21:45]
The dialogue moves to Nick Kroll's personal life, particularly his relationship with his partner, Andrew Rannells, and their collaborative ventures. They discuss Kroll's new film "I Don't Understand You", portraying a couple's tumultuous vacation in Italy that spirals into farcical chaos. Mike expresses admiration for how Nick juggles multiple projects while maintaining personal relationships.
Notable Quotes:
Nick Kroll (20:38): "I and Andrew Rannells, we're a couple, 10 years together... we start fucking killing people."
Mike Birbiglia (21:44): "Did you audition for that movie or were you asked to be in the movie?"
5. The Creative Process: Writing vs. Riffing [21:45 – 38:28]
Mike and Nick delve into their distinct creative processes. Mike typically drafts jokes meticulously, refining them over time, whereas Nick prefers a more spontaneous approach, improvising on stage and later refining the material. This section highlights the diversity in comedic creation and how each method shapes their performances.
Notable Quotes:
Nick Kroll (36:59): "I'm playing a bit of the heel... it's a heel to you alone."
Mike Birbiglia (43:36): "You have an idea and you go on stage at Largo and you just riff on it and it crushes."
6. Slow Round: Favorite and Least Favorite Things [25:52 – 36:35]
In the "Slow Round" segment, Mike asks Nick about people's favorite and least favorite things about him. Nick humorously equates himself to a politician, acknowledging the duality of being approachable yet somewhat insincere. They share anecdotes about their friendship, mutual support, and humorous exchanges.
Notable Quotes:
Nick Kroll (26:05): "People think I am a politician, which is both a skill and a fraud."
Mike Birbiglia (30:01): "Sexy talent."
7. Promotional Segment: I Don't Understand You Movie [19:14 – 23:27]
Nick Kroll promotes his new film "I Don't Understand You", co-starring Andrew Rannells. The movie is described as a comedic thriller set in Italy, where a couple's anniversary trip devolves into chaos and farce. They discuss the film's plot, production experiences, and the challenges faced during filming.
Notable Quotes:
Nick Kroll (20:33): "It's me and Andrew Rannells. We go on a couple's vacation to Italy... we start fucking killing people."
Mike Birbiglia (21:45): "Oh, wow."
8. Charity and Philanthropy: Comedy vs. Cancer [49:53 – 51:59]
The episode concludes with a segment on philanthropy, highlighting the podcast’s involvement with Memorial Sloan Kettering and the "Comedy vs. Cancer" benefit. Mike and Nick discuss the importance of supporting cancer research and share their experiences interacting with survivors and medical professionals.
Notable Quotes:
Nick Kroll (50:15): "Memorial Sloan Kettering is one of the foremost cancer hospitals and research centers in the world."
Mike Birbiglia (50:17): "It's really cool talking to the doctors every year and having people who survived."
Conclusion and Closing Remarks [52:00 – End]
Mike wraps up the episode by reiterating support for Nick Kroll’s projects and encouraging listeners to engage with the podcast’s content across various platforms. He also mentions special thanks to the production team, family members, and listeners for their ongoing support.
Notable Quote:
Mike Birbiglia (51:43): "I love you. I love your projects. I love everything you do. I can't wait to see what you do next."
Key Takeaways:
- Friendship and Collaboration: The deep-rooted friendship between Mike Birbiglia and Nick Kroll enhances their collaborative creative process.
- Creative Processes: Contrasting approaches to comedy and writing highlight the diversity in comedic development.
- Authenticity in Storytelling: Genuine interactions and personal anecdotes contribute to the success of shows like Big Mouth.
- Philanthropy: The podcast emphasizes the importance of supporting cancer research through events like "Comedy vs. Cancer."
- Project Highlights: Nick Kroll's new film "I Don't Understand You" and his ongoing work with Big Mouth and Adult are prominently featured.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Mike Birbiglia (00:37): "Nick and I have been friends for a long time. As a matter of fact, this summer we're doing five shows together."
- Nick Kroll (05:35): "I'm furious. I snuck up on you at how revealed. I feel."
- Mike Birbiglia (07:04): "Nick Kroll... inadvertently introducing awkward, personal stories."
- Nick Kroll (20:38): "I and Andrew Rannells, we're a couple, 10 years together... we start fucking killing people."
- Nick Kroll (25:52): "The slow round is slow me down. Is this where you talk about slow horses? Because I haven't watched it."
- Nick Kroll (50:15): "Memorial Sloan Kettering is one of the foremost cancer hospitals and research centers in the world."
Additional Resources:
- Watch Nick Kroll in I Don't Understand You: [Link to Movie]
- Stream Big Mouth Season 8 on Netflix: [Netflix Link]
- Watch Adult on FX: [FX Link]
- Follow Nick Kroll on Instagram: @nickkroll
- Subscribe to the Podcast's YouTube Channel: [YouTube Link]
Support and Credits:
- Producers: Mike Birbiglia, Peter Salomon, Joseph Birbiglia, Mabel Lewis
- Associate Producer: Gary Simons
- Sound Mix: Kate Balinsky
- Special Thanks: Jack Antonoff, Bleachers, J. Hope Stein (wife), and daughter Oona
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End of Summary