Episode Overview
Main Theme:
In this special announcement episode of "Mike Birbiglia’s Working It Out," comedian and host Mike Birbiglia introduces a new premium subscription option for the podcast. The episode is a direct appeal to longtime listeners who have expressed frustration with advertisements, and an invitation to support the show while gaining ad-free listening and possible bonus content.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Listener Feedback on Advertisements
- Mike acknowledges that many listeners have “complained for so long about having to listen to the ads, the wretched ads.”
[00:00] - The new subscription model directly responds to this listener feedback, aiming to enhance the listening experience.
2. Introduction of Working It Out Premium
- Launch of an exclusive ad-free podcast subscription, available only through Apple Podcasts.
- Priced at $4.99 per month.
- Subscription process is described as simple: “It’s all through your Apple account. You can do it in the Apple podcast app with one or two clicks.”
[00:28]
3. Perks for Subscribers
- Ad-free episodes: “You get ad free episodes. No ads ever.”
[00:40] - Support for the podcast: Mike highlights the behind-the-scenes costs, including “producers and sound mixers and all that.”
[00:56] - Bonus content: Hints at potential extras: “Sometimes maybe even bonus content. Stay tuned…”
[01:07]
4. Building Community
- Mike proposes a fun moniker for subscribers: “I think we should call our subscribers secret public subscribers. We’re building a little secret public community.”
[00:46] - Expresses gratitude for all listeners while encouraging support for ongoing podcast sustainability.
Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments
-
On listener frustration:
“People have complained for so long about having to listen to the ads, the wretched ads.”
– Mike Birbiglia [00:03] -
On ease of subscribing:
“You can do it in the Apple podcast app with one or two clicks.”
– Mike Birbiglia [00:33] -
On naming the community:
“I think we should call our subscribers secret public subscribers. We’re building a little secret public community.”
– Mike Birbiglia [00:46] -
On podcast costs:
“There’s costs with the podcast. We have producers and sound mixers and all that.”
– Mike Birbiglia [00:56] -
Call to action for support:
“If you love the show, please consider supporting us.”
– Mike Birbiglia [01:02]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:03 – Addressing complaints about ads
- 00:28 – Explaining subscription process and price
- 00:40 – Ad-free episodes benefit
- 00:46 – “Secret public subscribers” community mention
- 00:56 – Discussion of podcast production costs
- 01:02 – Call to support the show
- 01:07 – Teasing possible bonus content
Tone and Style
Mike’s conversational, self-deprecating style comes through as he jokes about the “wretched ads” and offers genuine gratitude to listeners. He maintains a warm and inclusive tone, inviting fans into a community while being transparent about the practical need for financial support.
Summary
This brief, direct episode updates listeners about the new ad-free “Working It Out Premium” subscription, responding to their feedback, inviting them into an inside-joke community, and making a heartfelt appeal to support the podcast’s ongoing production and creativity.