Podcast
Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
Hosted by Mike Birbiglia · EN
Comedian Mike Birbiglia welcomes a different comedian or creator each week and together they work out original, untested material. And, occasionally, uncomfortable topics. Join them as they work it out.
104episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
153. Maria Bamford Returns: Marketable Mania
Dec 2, 202400:43:01Summary readyMike welcomes back one of most referenced guests in Working It Out history, the legendary Maria Bamford. Mike and Maria discuss the importance of true confession in stand-up comedy, the financials of being a comedian, and why Maria works out new material one on one with strangers on coffee shops. Plus, Maria’s impression of Esther Perel, and why five-year-old Maria wanted to be called "Blueberry.”Please Consider Donating To: Downtown Women's Center Los Angeles
Summary152. Gary Gulman Returns: Mommy, Look!
Nov 25, 202400:53:41Summary readyWorking It Out Hall of Famer Gary Gulman returns to discuss his upcoming Off-Broadway show Grandiloquent. Mike and Gary break down, first of all, what “grandiloquent” means, and how the new show that looks back on Gary’s early life and looks ahead at the prospect of Gary becoming a father. Mike and Gary also check in on their friendship progress, moving from work friends to friend friends. Plus, jokes about soccer game injuries and the pitfalls of lecturing your spouse on pop culture.Please consider donating to Hellen Keller International
Summary151. Elizabeth Gilbert: Eat, Pray, Jokes
Nov 18, 202400:58:45Summary readyAuthor Elizabeth Gilbert wrote one of Mike’s favorite books about creativity, Big Magic. She also wrote a book that, to her surprise, become a cultural phenomenon: Eat, Pray, Love. Mike and Liz discuss the unexpected impact of Eat, Pray, Love, and what it was like for Liz to watch Julia Roberts portray her on the big screen. Liz gets candid about the ups and downs of a creative life, including the reasoning behind the cancellation of a novel she wrote that took place in Russia. Plus, some bawdy jokes and stories care of Liz’s uncles and grandfather, and the surprising reason why Liz was stopped at airport security. Please consider donating to The Loveland Foundation
SummaryWIO Q&A: 4th NYC Show Added and Mike Answers All of Your Questions About The Good Life
Nov 11, 202400:26:46Summary readyIn this Working It Out Q&A Mike breaks down the development of the New York City finale of his show The Good Life. He explains the evolution from Please Stop The Ride to The Good Life. Plus, he answers your questions about embarrassment, fear, jealousy, and inspiration.Get tickets to The Good Life at the Beacon Theatre
Summary150. Michael Ian Black: How to Do Comedy with Your 10 Best Friends
Nov 4, 202400:48:24Summary readyIn the 90s, Michael Ian Black’s college sketch group The State got a show on MTV, spawned another iconic group, Stella, and led to the classic movie Wet Hot American Summer. Now Michael sits down with Mike to talk about how all 11 members of The State have remained friends through the ups and downs of show business. Michael shares his advice on how to keep a comedy group together as well as a marriage, as he and his wife just celebrated 26 years. Plus, jokes and stories about truth or dare, the pros and cons of leaving New York City, and behind the scenes of Michael’s love scene with Bradley Cooper.Please consider donating to the Mark Twain Library.
Summary149. Bridget Everett: The Star of HBO’s Somebody Somewhere on Risking It All
Oct 28, 202400:49:07Summary readyBridget Everett, star of the hit HBO series “Somebody Somewhere,” joins Mike on the podcast this week to discuss creative risks and processing grief and loss through their work. Plus, that time Bridget and Patti LuPone performed together at Carnegie Hall. Also, Bridget describes the most outrageous audience reactions she has received in response to performing her songs like “Titties” and “What I Gotta Do to Get That Dick.”Please consider donating to True Colors Flint Hills.
Summary148. Lin-Manuel Miranda: Everything is Basically the School Play
Oct 21, 202400:55:40Summary readyIn celebration of his new album, Warriors, Lin-Manuel Miranda sits down with Mike for a wide ranging talk about writing musicals, riding the subway, and taking big creative risks. Lin explains why you need so many ideas to write a musical, and he shares the important lessons he learns from writing and performing in school plays as a student. Plus, Lin recalls the origins of Hamilton and some of the more chaotic performances in the show’s run.Please consider donating to RISE Theatre.Get tickets for Mike’s shows at the Beacon Theatre in New York here.
Summary147. Hannah Gadsby Returns: Shake the Tree
Oct 14, 202400:58:05Summary readyHannah Gadsby joins Mike in the studio for the first time. The two talk Hannah’s new solo show “Woof!”, a painful celebrity encounter with Anna Kendrick, and how to keep track of multiple contradictory ideas in the creative process. Plus, a robust Working it Out session solves the mystery of if that dingo ate a baby. Please consider donating to: The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
SummaryMike Answers Your Questions About Creativity and Discusses The Emmys
Oct 7, 202400:41:04Summary readyThis week Mike answers listener questions. Does improv help your stand-up? What was your most nightmarish stand-up set? How do you convince yourself to keep going when it’s not going well? Plus, Mike reads a piece he wrote about his complicated but ultimately rewarding experience at the Emmys.
Summary146. Jack Antonoff Returns: Working Out the New Theme Song
Sep 30, 202400:53:44Summary ready11-time Grammy winner, celebrated rock star, and noted Working It Out theme song composer Jack Antonoff returns to the podcast. Mike and Jack discuss Jack’s performing with Taylor Swift and collaborating with Sabrina Carpenter, why cynicism can’t exist in a live performance, and the joys of Tim Robinson’s sketch show “I Think You Should Leave.” Plus, Mike reads excerpts from his wedding speech/roast of Jack, and a musical working it out session in which a new theme for the show is born.Please consider donating to The Ally Coalition
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