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
191. Todd Glass: The Ultimate Comic's Comic
Nov 1000:59:14Summary readyTodd Glass was one of the first comics Mike opened for. It’s easy to see how, since then, Todd has become one of the most beloved comic of his generation, revered by comics including Nikki Glaser, Judd Apatow, and Rory Scovel. Now Mike and Todd sit down for a discussion about how coming out changed Todd’s life and his comedy, Todd’s heart attack backstage at Largo, and Todd’s new live show featuring a band. Plus, jokes about peanut allergies and old-sounding names, and the story behind the viral video of Todd vs. a heckler.Please consider donating to Los Angeles Animal Services Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Summary190. J. Hope Stein: Eavesdropping on the Eavesdropper
Nov 300:58:13Summary readyThis week poet J. Hope Stein & Mike’s wife ‘Clo’ returns to the podcast. Jen reads original poetry that Mike uses as inspiration for his bits—and the two dispute whose side of the story is being told in each. Mike and Jen discuss helpful vs. unhelpful artistic feedback, the difference between Mike in real life and Mike on the podcast, and Mike has Jen participate in The Introverted Slow Round. Plus, a phone call from Pete Homes and his wife Val!Please consider donating to Children's Hospital Los AngelesSign up for text alerts from Mike for info about live shows, pre-sale codes, and more! Text BIRBGS to 917-444-7150 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Summary189. Nick Offerman: The Man Behind the Mustache
Oct 2700:57:08Summary readyMike met Nick Offerman years ago at the Sasquatch! Music Festival in Washington state, which is fitting because Nick is a man of nature, almost as well known for his woodworking as he is for his acting. After examining the Working It Out studio table, Nick tells Mike about what it was like to act as the straight man to Amy Poehler on Parks and Rec, and more recently prep for his dramatic turn in the film Sovereign. Nick also shares some wisdom from the wood shop care of his new instructional book Little Woodchucks.Please consider donating to Girls Garage Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Summary188. Caleb Hearon: Improv Saved His Life
Oct 2001:00:06Summary readyComedian Caleb Hearon just turned 30 and he’s already got an hour-long HBO special, hosts a hit podcast (So True with Caleb Hearon), and was named one of the top social media influencers of 2025 by Rolling Stone. But it hasn’t been an easy road. Caleb talks with Mike about his battles with suicidal ideation, how improv comedy saved his life, and how he drew on the passing of his estranged father for his comedy special. Plus, Caleb and Mike discuss the value seeing stand-up live vs. on TV, and come up with a plan to go off the grid and live in a cabin in the mountains together.Please consider donating to KC Tenants Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Summary187. Jenny Slate: Unafraid of Sadness
Oct 1301:10:02Summary readyThe great Jenny Slate joins Mike this week for a wide-ranging conversation about getting hypnotized after being fired from SNL, a graduation speech Jenny gave to a class of one person, and making art to feel less lonely. Plus, jokes and stories about seeing your friends naked, improv classes for the elderly, and the time Jenny’s faked case of appendicitis went too far.Please consider donating to NPR Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
SummaryQuestlove: The Art of Self-Sabotage
Oct 600:57:24Summary readyBest of WIO: Questlove(Recorded April 2025) The legendary Ahmir Thompson (aka Questlove) sits down for his first appearance on Working It Out. Mike and Questlove discuss touring with his father’s band as a kid, every DJ’s worst nightmare, and how jealousy and self-sabotage can affect even a member of a band as iconic as The Roots. Plus, what it was like accepting an Oscar after The Slap and the behind-the-scenes process of Quest’s new documentaries Sly Lives! and Ladies & Gentlemen... 50 Years of SNL Music.Please consider donating to: The Food and Finance High School Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Summary186. Sebastian Maniscalco: What Is He Even Doing Here?
Sep 2900:53:51Summary readyThis week the one and only Sebastian Maniscalco sits down with Mike for a wide ranging conversation on their parenting strengths and weaknesses, the difference in what makes them cry, and Sebastian’s early days waiting on his future co-star Robert DeNiro. Plus, Sebastian reveals if he ever acts like Sebastian offstage. Please Consider Donating To: Tag, You're It! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Summary185. Julio Torres: Off-Broadway, SNL, and Why Barbie Isn’t Pink
Sep 2200:47:04Summary readyThis week Mike sits down with Julio Torres to talk comedy writing and color theories. Based on ideas posited in Julio’s new Off-Broadway solo show, Color Theories, the two of them get to the bottom of what color Barbie the Movie, Martha Stewart, and Jeremy Strong are. They also discuss the behind-the-scenes story of Julio’s viral SNL sketch, “Papyrus” starring Ryan Gosling. Plus, two encounters Julio and Mike had at the gym that aren’t sitting right with them. Please consider donating to: GLITS Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
SummaryAnnouncing Working It Out Premium
Sep 1700:00:57Summary readyHosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Summary184. KC Shornima: Get Comfortable With This Darkness
Sep 1501:04:52Summary readyComedian and SNL writer KC Shornima might be the only Working It Out guest who has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. KC and Mike get to the bottom of why she thrives in stressful situations like mountain climbing, camping on a glacier, and writing for Weekend Update. Mike asks KC some questions from her bosses, Michael Che and Colin Jost, and KC explains why she feels compelled to talk about difficult topics on stage.Please note: This episode contains discussion of sexual assault.Please consider donating to Theatre 202
Summary