Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out: Episode 178 with Alex Edelman Release Date: July 21, 2025

In the 178th episode of Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out, host Mike Birbiglia welcomes comedian and writer Alex Edelman for his fifth appearance on the show. Together, they delve into a rich conversation covering Alex's multifaceted career, personal experiences, artistic aspirations, and reflections on life. This episode offers an intimate look into the creative minds of two accomplished comedians as they navigate the complexities of their professions and personal lives.

Revisiting "Just for Us" and Alex's Creative Journey

[00:00 – 02:20]

The episode kicks off with Mike and Alex discussing Alex's Emmy Award-winning solo show, "Just for Us," which has now been featured on HBO Max. Alex shares surprising feedback, including unexpected messages from airline passengers reacting to his turbulence-related jokes.

Alex Edelman (00:17): "It's on airplanes now."

Mike highlights Alex's versatility, mentioning his involvement in the upcoming The Office reboot, titled The Paper, and his latest touring show, "What Are You Gonna Do?"

Alex Edelman (02:27): "Stand up is like standup gets discreet moments in my life where it's like the break from everything else."

Balancing Multiple Projects and Prioritizing Stand-Up

[02:20 – 05:21]

Alex opens up about managing various creative endeavors, from writing movies to performing stand-up comedy. He emphasizes the importance of dedicating specific times to each project to maintain balance.

Alex Edelman (02:41): "I'll always be a stand-up comic and I like to get to comedy clubs or theaters a couple of hours early because the deadline of a show that you have to do means that I'm definitely putting in time on it."

Personal Loss: Remembering Adam Brace

[05:21 – 09:49]

The conversation takes a poignant turn as Alex discusses the passing of his close friend and collaborator, Adam Brace. He reflects on how Adam's death has impacted his creative process and personal life, illustrating the deep intertwining of friendship and artistry.

Alex Edelman (07:15): "Some days it's like the only thing I want to talk about, which is weird also, some days I think I'm like past it and then something will happen and I'll just like not be able to get anything done."

Artistic Aspirations and Growth

[09:49 – 14:29]

Alex articulates his desire to push the boundaries of his comedy, aiming for more ambitious and aesthetically rich projects. He aspires to explore different mediums, such as musicals and television shows, to evolve his artistic expression.

Alex Edelman (10:01): "I'd like to be more ambitious aesthetically in my comedy... I'd really love to make stuff that's like... that's a little more like you or like, Kits and Esque."

Nostalgia and Reflections on Boston Sports

[14:29 – 18:53]

The duo reminisces about their shared history as Boston sports fans, discussing memorable players like Mike Greenwell and Wade Boggs. They also touch upon the prevalence of doctor parents among comedians, leading to humorous exchanges about family backgrounds.

Alex Edelman (14:15): "Bo Burnham is like a peerless genius to me."

Embarrassing Moments and Personal Anecdotes

[18:53 – 32:18]

Alex shares personal stories, including a bullying experience during his teenage years and his stint as a hospital clown. These anecdotes highlight his resilience and ability to find humor in challenging situations.

Alex Edelman (16:04): "He would push me at work... I can never forgive."

Alex Edelman (38:55): "I was a clown at a hospital. It was my first comedy job."

Exploring Comedy: Joke Development and Themes

[32:18 – 48:38]

The conversation shifts to the mechanics of comedy, with both Mike and Alex exchanging jokes and discussing the intricacies of crafting humor. They explore themes like AI in stand-up, service dog fraud, and the absurdity of horse-mounted police officers, showcasing their creative processes and comedic timing.

Alex Edelman (46:11): "I've been doing this bit about service dog fraudery has got to be addressed now."

Alex Edelman (48:29): "They don't belong in your epic summer plans? Getting burned by your old wireless bill."

Personal Insights and Future Directions

[48:38 – End]

As the episode wraps up, Alex contemplates his personal growth and the continuous journey of self-discovery. Mike encourages him to pursue his artistic ambitions without self-imposed limitations, fostering a supportive environment for Alex's future projects.

Alex Edelman (56:50): "Love working jokes out with you. And yeah, excited to see your office show in the fall."

Mike Birbiglia (57:09): "It's a home run. Thanks, everybody."

Conclusion

This episode of Working It Out offers a deep dive into Alex Edelman's life, exploring his professional achievements, personal challenges, and creative aspirations. Through their engaging dialogue, Mike Birbiglia and Alex Edelman provide listeners with valuable insights into the world of comedy, the importance of balancing multiple projects, and the impact of personal experiences on artistic expression.

Note: Advertisements, introductions, and outros have been omitted to focus on the core content of the episode.