The Moth Podcast Summary: Moth Bonus Podcast featuring Mike Birbiglia
Podcast Title: The Moth
Episode: Moth Bonus Podcast: Mike Birbiglia
Host/Author: The Moth
Release Date: December 1, 2013
Introduction
In this special bonus episode of The Moth Podcast, Kathryn Burns, the Artistic Director of The Moth, celebrates comedian Mike Birbiglia on the occasion of his DVD release, My Girlfriend's Boyfriend. Burns provides a heartfelt introduction, highlighting the longstanding relationship between Mike and The Moth, noting that the story shared in this episode is foundational to Mike’s journey with the organization.
Notable Quote:
"Today we're celebrating our friend Mike Birbiglia, whose DVD comes out this week. It's called My Girlfriend's Boyfriend, and here's some fun history."
— Kathryn Burns [02:24]
Mike Birbiglia's Story: A Comedy of Awkward Moments
Mike Birbiglia takes the stage under the theme "Raise the Roof," delivering a narrative that intertwines his experiences as a comedian with a humorous yet poignant account of performing at a charity golf tournament. His storytelling captures the essence of live comedy—balancing the desire to entertain with the vulnerability of exposing one's true self.
Key Points and Discussions:
-
Self-Reflection as a Comedian
- Mike delves into the existential aspects of being a comedian, questioning his role and effectiveness in "raising the roof" during performances.
Notable Quote:
"The whole reason that I'm a comedian is actually that. I'm sorry. So awkward that I actually have a habit of making awkward situations even more awkward."
— Mike Birbiglia [02:24] -
The Charity Golf Tournament Experience
- Mike recounts his decision to perform at a charity golf event in New Jersey, bringing along his brother Joe, whose presence adds another layer of comedic tension.
- He humorously describes his lack of preparation, leading to uncomfortable interactions and unexpected challenges during the event.
Notable Quote:
"I want the odds are amazing. Thank you very much."
— Mike Birbiglia [15:31] -
Interactions with the Audience and Speakers
- The narrative includes Mike's discomfort when realizing he is the expected celebrity at the tournament, contrasting with the inspirational speeches of an 11-year-old leukemia survivor and Phil Simms, a respected Super Bowl champion.
Notable Quote:
"With stand up comedy, if people don't like it, they're essentially saying, we don't like you. Your personality."
— Mike Birbiglia [15:31] -
The Struggle with Performance Anxiety
- Mike explores the internal conflict between his desire to succeed and the fear of failing, likening his experience to a musician unaware of their lack of skill.
Notable Quote:
"What if I'm the Kenny G of comedy? Like, what if I think I sound like this? And I sound like this because, you know, when Kenny plays that song, he thinks he's doing great. He's like, oh, yeah, that was great. And then his friends are like, that song sucked."
— Mike Birbiglia [15:31] -
The Climax: On Stage and Leaving Early
- Faced with an unresponsive audience and the emotional weight of the event, Mike decides to cut his performance short, leading to an abrupt departure that underscores his insecurities as a performer.
Notable Quote:
"I threw in the towel and I said thank you and apologize at the same time, which I had never done. I was like, thank you, sorry."
— Mike Birbiglia [15:31] -
Humorous Aftermath
- The aftermath includes Mike's humorous recounting of scrubbing dirt off his pants with an iron in the locker room, highlighting his unique ability to find comedy in even the most embarrassing situations.
Notable Quote:
"I took off my pants and I'm ironing them on a bench in the locker room because I can't find an ironing board in my underwear, which is a dead giveaway that those are my only pants."
— Mike Birbiglia [15:31]
Conclusion
Kathryn Burns closes the episode by honoring Mike Birbiglia’s contributions to comedy and storytelling, mentioning his upcoming Thank God for Jokes tour slated for the following year. The episode serves as both a celebration of Mike’s achievements and an insightful glimpse into the challenges comedians face in live performances.
Notable Quote:
"Mike Birbiglia is an award-winning comedian, author and filmmaker. You can catch Mike touring across the country early next year and his Thank God for Jokes tour."
— Kathryn Burns [15:31]
Final Remarks
This bonus episode of The Moth Podcast offers a compelling blend of humor and vulnerability, showcasing Mike Birbiglia's talent for transforming personal experiences into relatable and entertaining stories. His narrative not only entertains but also provides a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in the art of stand-up comedy.
Closing Note: For more stories and live events, visit themoth.org.
Production Credits:
- Podcast Producer: Paul Ruest at Argo Studios, New York
- Presentation: The Moth Podcast and the Radio Hour presented by PRX, the Public Radio Exchange