Podcast Summary: Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out – "BEST OF WIO: Seth Meyers and SNL’s 50th"

Release Date: December 9, 2024

In this standout episode of Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out, comedian Mike Birbiglia engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Seth Meyers, celebrating both Meyers' illustrious career and the upcoming 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live (SNL). The episode delves into Seth's experiences on SNL, his transition to late-night television, his new comedy special, and offers a candid look into the dynamics of collaborative joke writing.

1. SNL’s 50th Anniversary and Succession Plans

The conversation kicks off with a discussion about SNL's upcoming 50th anniversary. Mike and Seth speculate humorously about who might take over prominent roles within the show.

• Mike Birbiglia [00:00]: "So SNL's 50th anniversary is next year. So are you gonna take over for Lorne or is it Tina and then you?"

• Seth Meyers [00:09]: "I really don't. I think this is a false narrative that Lauren is going anywhere."

They explore the longevity of cast members like Kenan Thompson and ponder the future leadership of SNL, highlighting Kenan's remarkable 20-year tenure and discussing his ability to stay fresh and relevant over two decades.

• Seth Meyers [23:39]: "I think it's Keenan. That's my way of saying, I think it's Keenan."

2. Seth Meyers' New Comedy Special and Performances

Seth shares exciting news about his latest comedy special, "Dad Man Walking," now available on Max, formerly HBO. He discusses the process of returning to stand-up comedy after years in late-night television.

• Seth Meyers [00:37]: "Dad just came out and you can watch on Max. Also, by the way, he and John Oliver... they do a monthly residency at the Beacon in New York City."

Seth also talks about his upcoming tour, "Please Stop the Ride," and additional shows at prestigious venues like the Kravis Center in Palm Beach and the Pickering Casino Resort in Ontario.

3. Experiences on SNL and Team Dynamics

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Seth's tenure at SNL, including his evolution from a struggling cast member to Head Writer. Seth reflects on the internal group dynamics and the challenges of maintaining authenticity within a high-pressure environment.

• Seth Meyers [05:02]: "I was a struggling cast member for five years. I felt more on the outside than, oh, my gosh, maybe anybody."

He shares anecdotes about interactions with fellow cast members like Will Ferrell and Tim Robinson, illustrating the meritocratic nature of the show and the importance of collaboration.

• Seth Meyers [09:52]: "I always quote you as saying this when I talk about SNL... It's always been this way. There's great sketches, there's terrible sketches, there's decent sketches."

4. Transition to Late Night and Tenure on Late Night

Seth discusses his shift from SNL to hosting his own late-night show, highlighting the challenges and rewards of solo hosting.

• Mike Birbiglia [11:25]: "I found out. I didn't even realize I was on Late Night, which, by the way, congrats. 10 years."

He humorously recounts his first appearance on Late Night and reflects on sustaining a decade-long presence in the competitive landscape of late-night television.

5. Personal Anecdotes and Meeting Celebrities

The episode features light-hearted stories, including Seth's unexpected encounter with Bradley Cooper and humorous reflections on meeting celebrities versus regular interactions.

• Mike Birbiglia [20:24]: "So the woman kind of... She's a real head turner, that Bradley."

Seth shares a nostalgic memory of an awkward eighth-grade science class experience, injecting humor into relatable school-time embarrassments.

6. Joke Writing and Collaborative Creativity

A central theme revolves around the art of joke writing and collaboration. Seth emphasizes the importance of building upon others' ideas rather than merely replicating them.

• Seth Meyers [47:26]: "Never pitch a lateral move."

He elaborates on the necessity of improving ideas by at least 50% before presenting them to collaborators, ensuring that contributions are meaningful and enhance the creative process.

7. Favorite and Least Favorite Traits

Mike and Seth explore personal traits, discussing loyalty and occasional short-temperedness. Seth candidly admits moments where his frustration has surfaced, sharing how these traits play out in his personal life.

• Mike Birbiglia [34:09]: "What are people's favorite and least favorite thing about you?"

• Seth Meyers [34:21]: "I think I'm very... I think I would like to think I get points for loyalty."

8. Bits and New Material Development

The duo brainstorm and share potential comedy bits, showcasing their collaborative spirit and creative synergy. They discuss refining jokes and the iterative process of developing comedic material.

• Seth Meyers [43:47]: "What bits do you have that are kind of half baked or new or..."

9. Supporting Nonprofits: Sanctuary for Families

In a heartfelt segment, Seth highlights his support for Sanctuary for Families, a nonprofit organization focused on assisting women victims of gender-based violence. He shares his personal connection through his wife and lauds the organization's impactful work.

• Seth Meyers [51:43]: "Sanctuary for Families is an incredible organization that my wife works for..."

Mike commits to contributing and encouraging listeners to support the cause, reinforcing the episode's message of community and support.

10. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with warm acknowledgments, including congratulations to Seth and his team for Late Night's 10-year milestone. Mike encourages listeners to engage with both his and Seth’s projects, solidifying the collaborative and supportive ethos of the podcast.

• Mike Birbiglia [52:07]: "Seth Meyers, the legend. It's an honor to have you on the show."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Seth Meyers [00:37]: "Dad just came out and you can watch on Max."

• Seth Meyers [05:02]: "I was a struggling cast member for five years."

• Seth Meyers [09:52]: "It's always been this way. There's great sketches, there's terrible sketches, there's decent sketches."

• Seth Meyers [47:26]: "Never pitch a lateral move."

• Seth Meyers [51:43]: "Sanctuary for Families is an incredible organization that my wife works for..."

Conclusions and Insights

This episode offers a rich tapestry of insights into Seth Meyers' career trajectory, his creative processes, and the intricate workings of a legendary show like SNL. Listeners gain an intimate look at the balance between personal authenticity and professional demands in the world of comedy. Additionally, the episode underscores the importance of supportive communities and collaborative creativity in sustaining a long and successful career in entertainment.

For those who haven't listened, this episode serves as both an entertaining and enlightening exploration of Seth Meyers' contributions to comedy and the enduring legacy of SNL as it approaches its 50th milestone.

Connect with Mike Birbiglia and Seth Meyers:

• Mike Birbiglia's Website: Burbigs.com
• Seth Meyers on Instagram: @sethmeyers
• Seth Meyers' Podcast: Family Trips with Seth

Note: For full context and additional insights, listeners are encouraged to watch the full interview available on the podcast’s YouTube channel and subscribe for more engaging conversations.