Podcast Summary: The Moth Episode Featuring Mike Birbiglia – "Sleepwalk With Me"

Introduction

In this episode of The Moth, listeners are treated to an engaging conversation with acclaimed comedian and filmmaker Mike Birbiglia. Hosted by Kathryn Burns, The Moth’s Artistic Director, the episode delves into Mike’s journey from storytelling on stage to creating his feature film, Sleepwalk With Me. The episode not only explores the creative process behind the film but also features Mike’s poignant and humorous firsthand account of his struggle with REM Behavior Disorder, a condition that significantly impacted his life and work.

Interview with Mike Birbiglia ([01:12] – [04:27])

Kathryn Burns Introduces Mike Birbiglia

Kathryn Burns begins the episode by welcoming listeners and setting the scene at IFC Cinemas in New York City, where Mike is present for the screening of his first feature film, Sleepwalk With Me. She highlights the extensive schedule Mike has, including numerous Q&A sessions across various cities, underscoring the film's broad appeal and Mike's active engagement with his audience.

Evolution of Mike’s Storytelling Journey

Mike Birbiglia shares the fascinating evolution of his story, which began in comedy clubs, transitioned to The Moth stage, and eventually became a widely broadcast segment on This American Life. He recalls the challenges of telling his story for the first time at The Moth under Kathryn’s direction, especially while being ill:

“I was sick the first time I told it, my wife and I had been sick in bed for like a month. And I was like, Katherine, I don't know if we're gonna be able to do this.” ([02:12])

Mike attributes much of his storytelling success to The Moth’s supportive environment, which encourages storytellers to share deeply personal and sometimes uncomfortable experiences. He emphasizes the unique dynamic between storyteller and audience, likening the act of storytelling to giving a gift:

“I feel like those are the best Moth stories. I love going to The Moth because when I see someone who's telling me a story and they're not quite comfortable telling that story, it feels really special.” ([03:32])

The Role of The Moth in Storytelling

Kathryn praises The Moth for its ability to provoke and encourage storytellers to open up, highlighting how this platform has been instrumental in shaping Mike’s narrative style and bringing his stories to a broader audience. This collaboration ultimately led to the creation of Sleepwalk With Me, marking a significant milestone as the first film produced by This American Life based on one of their stories.

Mike Birbiglia’s Moth Story: "Sleepwalk With Me" ([04:27] – [18:13])

Introduction to the Story

Transitioning from the interview, Kathryn introduces Mike’s Moth story, setting the stage for his personal and transformative experience with sleepwalking. The story is titled "Sleepwalk With Me" and provides an in-depth look into Mike's struggles with REM Behavior Disorder.

The Onset of REM Behavior Disorder

Mike recounts the beginning of his sleepwalking episodes, marked by vivid and disruptive dreams:

“About seven years ago, I started walking in my sleep, and I would have these recurring dreams that there was a hovering insect like jackal in our bedroom.” ([04:34])

He describes his initial attempts to manage the condition, relying on denial and everyday routines rather than seeking medical help:

“I thought, maybe I should see a doctor. And then I thought, maybe I'll eat dinner, because that seems more convenient.” ([12:00])

A Pivotal Night and Emergency Consequences

The narrative reaches a critical point during a performance in Walla Walla, Washington, where Mike experiences a severe sleepwalking episode that leads to physical injury:

“I was on the second floor of La Quinta in Waiah Waa, Washington, and I jumped through a window like the Hulk... I landed on the front lawn of the hotel... in my underwear, bleeding.” ([10:15])

Mike humorously yet vividly describes the aftermath, including interactions with indifferent hotel staff and his attempt to explain the bizarre situation:

“I'm the Hulk. I'm the Hulk. And the doctor, God bless him, worked on me until about 5:30 in the morning. And he put 30 stitches in my arms and in my legs.” ([15:45])

Diagnosis and Coping Mechanisms

This incident serves as a turning point for Mike, leading him to finally seek professional help. He details his diagnosis with REM Behavior Disorder and the subsequent lifestyle changes he adopted to manage the condition:

“Now when I go to bed at night, I take a very strong pill and I sleep in a sleeping bag up to my neck and I wear mittens so I can't open the sleeping bag.” ([17:20])

Reflection on Denial and Personal Growth

In a reflective close to his story, Mike underscores the role of denial in his life and career, acknowledging that while it helped him remain on stage as a comedian, it almost cost him his well-being:

“If it weren't for denial, I wouldn't be a comedian... But sometimes denial can kill you.” ([18:00])

Conclusion and Wrap-Up

Kathryn Burns concludes the episode by thanking Mike for his insightful and entertaining contributions. She encourages listeners to watch Sleepwalk With Me in theaters nationwide and expresses enthusiasm for future stories to be shared on The Moth platform.

“Mike is a comedian and everyone please go see his movie, Sleepwalk With Me that opens in theaters around the country this week.” ([18:13])

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• Mike Birbiglia ([02:12]): “You'll get the adrenaline from the crowd and...”
• Mike Birbiglia ([03:32]): “I feel like those are the best Moth stories. I love going to The Moth because when I see someone who's telling me a story and they're not quite comfortable telling that story, it feels really special.”
• Mike Birbiglia ([04:34]): “About seven years ago, I started walking in my sleep, and I would have these recurring dreams that there was a hovering insect like jackal in our bedroom.”
• Mike Birbiglia ([10:15]): “I jumped through a window like the Hulk... I landed on the front lawn of the hotel... in my underwear, bleeding.”
• Mike Birbiglia ([15:45]): “I'm the Hulk. I'm the Hulk. And the doctor, God bless him, worked on me until about 5:30 in the morning. And he put 30 stitches in my arms and in my legs.”
• Mike Birbiglia ([17:20]): “Now when I go to bed at night, I take a very strong pill and I sleep in a sleeping bag up to my neck and I wear mittens so I can't open the sleeping bag.”
• Mike Birbiglia ([18:00]): “If it weren't for denial, I wouldn't be a comedian... But sometimes denial can kill you.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Moth masterfully intertwines Mike Birbiglia's personal struggles with sleepwalking and his professional storytelling journey, offering listeners a raw and humorous look into the life of a comedian facing a serious sleep disorder. Through his candid narrative, Mike illustrates the profound impact of The Moth on his ability to share his story, ultimately leading to the creation of his acclaimed film, Sleepwalk With Me.