Podcast Summary: Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out – Episode 179: Bob Odenkirk: The Art of Anger in Comedy

Release Date: July 28, 2025

In Episode 179 of Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out, comedian and actor Bob Odenkirk joins host Mike Birbiglia and comedian David Cross to delve deep into the intricate relationship between anger and comedy. The conversation spans Bob's multifaceted career, the challenges of acting versus writing comedy, personal anecdotes, and insights into the creative process.

1. Exploring Anger in Comedy

[00:00 – 12:17]

The episode opens with Mike Birbiglia positing a connection between anger and comedy, a theme Bob Odenkirk wholeheartedly agrees with:

• Mike Birbiglia [00:00]: "I think there's a correlation between anger and comedy, certainly."

• Bob Odenkirk [00:19]: "I see it as a value. But also, Mike, I walk around, I'm like, I'm having a good day. I'm having a good day. What the, what the mother you just got, you know, whatever."

Bob elaborates on how comedy often channels everyday frustrations into humor, effectively "corralling" anger into something relatable and funny.

2. Bob Odenkirk’s Career Journey

[00:36 – 03:08]

Mike Birbiglia lauds Bob's illustrious career, highlighting his creation of Mr. Show, writing stints on Saturday Night Live (SNL), and collaborations with comedy legends like Chris Farley. Bob’s transition into dramatic roles, notably in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, showcases his versatility. He also mentions his recent Tony-nominated performance in Glengarry Glen Ross, an upcoming sequel Nobody 2, and his acclaimed book "Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama."

• Mike Birbiglia [00:36]: "He also has this amazing book called Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama. That's four words. Comedy, comedy, comedy, Drama I think is one of the best books about comedy and the process of becoming a comedy writer performer and that I've read."

3. The Challenges of Acting in Dramatic Roles

[03:08 – 12:17]

Transitioning from comedy to acting in dramatic series like Better Call Saul brought significant stress for Bob. He discusses the immense pressure of performing scripted material without formal training:

• Bob Odenkirk [03:51]: "I was like, what? What am I doing? What did I think I could."

Bob emphasizes the necessity of mastering acting skills on the job, balancing writing quality with authentic performance.

4. The Balance Between Writing and Performance in Comedy

[12:17 – 25:08]

The conversation shifts to the dynamics of sketch comedy, particularly referencing the iconic "Living in a Van Down by the River" sketch from Mr. Show. Bob breaks down the importance of both writing and performance, suggesting that in sketch comedy, performance often takes precedence:

• Bob Odenkirk [06:13]: "It is the north star of sketch comedy. It is a perfect comedy sketch."

He further discusses the collaborative nature of creating memorable sketches and the fine line between vulnerability and maintaining a heroic presence in performance.

5. Personal Anecdotes and Life Experiences

[25:08 – 47:28]

(Note: The segment from [25:08] to [26:20] contains an advertisement for Quint and is skipped.)

Post-advertisement, Bob shares personal stories that have influenced his work. He recounts experiences like a home invasion involving his family and the subsequent emotional impact it had on him, which later influenced the themes of violence and vulnerability in his films.

• Bob Odenkirk [36:33]: "He was a pro. He was there to take things."

These experiences underpin the authenticity and emotional depth he brings to his roles, blending personal pain with professional craft.

6. Navigating Fame and Authenticity

[47:28 – 50:02]

Bob reflects on moments when he felt inauthentic, particularly during celebrity interactions such as red carpet events. He emphasizes the importance of being honest and maintaining a sense of self amidst the pressures of fame.

• Bob Odenkirk [47:52]: "I thought he'd be a writer. And I understood that PR was part of that at some point."

He advocates for genuine interactions, reminding himself and others that behind the celebrity persona lies the real individual.

7. Creative Process and Collaboration

[50:02 – 35:56]

Bob offers valuable insights into the creative process, stressing the importance of collaboration and selecting the right stories to tell:

• Bob Odenkirk [15:12]: "The first job you have as a director is picking the right story."

He discusses his experiences directing films like "Melvin Goes to Dinner" and "Based on a Play," highlighting the delicate balance between personal vision and collaborative input.

8. Advice for Creative Individuals

[35:56 – 44:36]

The trio explores strategies for creatives to refine their work, such as workshop readings and maintaining confidence amidst self-doubt:

• Bob Odenkirk [33:47]: "You need that weird drive and certainty. Or maybe just the joy of doing it is so great that it gets you through."

Bob also touches on the pitfalls of both over-collaboration and excessive individual control, advocating for a balanced approach to creative projects.

9. Supporting Meaningful Causes

[50:02 – 50:37]

As the episode concludes, Bob highlights his support for Food on Foot, a Los Angeles-based organization that assists unhoused individuals in finding work and housing.

• Bob Odenkirk [50:10]: "Food on Foot is an amazing organization in LA that I help out and they really have a program that helps people who are unhoused find work and housing."

Mike Birbiglia commits to contributing to Food on Foot, encouraging listeners to support the cause.

10. Conclusion and Final Remarks

[50:37 – End]

The episode wraps up with heartfelt thanks to Bob Odenkirk, a recap of the key discussions, and encouragement for listeners to engage with the podcast and support its initiatives. The final moments emphasize the ongoing journey of "working it out" in both personal and professional realms.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Mike Birbiglia [00:06]: "I think there's a correlation between anger and comedy, certainly."

• Bob Odenkirk [04:05]: "The pressure was just through the roof, you know? And I knew the writing was great, but also, it was challenging writing."

• Bob Odenkirk [10:08]: "But no one could beat Chris. I mean, there's no one who could do it better than Chris."

• Bob Odenkirk [23:10]: "I have a great desire to talk as much as possible about failure."

• Bob Odenkirk [35:27]: "Maybe you could say it's taken a little while. I do think, you know, I had a strange misplaced confidence when I was very young doing it."

• Bob Odenkirk [41:34]: "What's potentially good about a movie with such expression is you get to express. You get to unlock it."

Key Takeaways:

• Anger as a Creative Tool: Anger can be harnessed in comedy to create relatable and humorous content.

• Versatility in Career: Transitioning between comedy and dramatic acting presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth.

• Balancing Collaboration and Vision: Successful creative projects require a delicate balance between personal vision and collaborative input.

• Authenticity Amidst Fame: Maintaining authenticity is crucial for creatives navigating the complexities of fame and public perception.

• Supporting Community Causes: Engaging with and supporting meaningful community initiatives enriches personal fulfillment and societal impact.

Final Note: Bob Odenkirk’s candid discussion offers invaluable insights into the intertwining of personal emotions with professional artistry, emphasizing the continuous process of "working it out" in both life and comedy.