Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out

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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.

Mike Birbiglia


    • May 26, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 54m AVG DURATION
    • 263 EPISODES

    4.8 from 3,568 ratings Listeners of Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out that love the show mention: mike birbiglia, john mulaney, see mike, everything mike, ymca, oona, look behind the curtain, joke writing, ira glass, bo burnham, process behind, fan of mike, new material, sarah cooper, glass episode, round questions, mike and his guests, comedy club, process of writing, comedic process.


    Ivy Insights

    The Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out podcast is an absolute gem for comedy fans and anyone interested in the creative process. From the first episode I listened to, I was hooked on Birbiglia's concept of bringing on fellow comedians, discussing their careers, and dissecting the bits they are working on. It's a refreshing and enjoyable format that offers valuable insights into the world of comedy.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is Birbiglia himself as the host. He is a skilled conversationalist who knows how to let his guests shine. Unlike some other podcasters, he actually stops talking long enough to give his guests a chance to speak. His thoughtful questions and comments show that he cares about his guests and has taken the time to watch/read their work. This genuine interest and consideration make for engaging interviews and create a welcoming atmosphere for his guests.

    The variety of guests on the Working It Out podcast is another highlight. From John Mulaney and Nick Kroll to Judd Apatow, Birbiglia brings in top-notch comedians who provide unique perspectives on the industry. Each guest adds something different to the conversation, making each episode exciting and fresh.

    While it's difficult to find any major flaws with this podcast, one potential downside could be that it may not appeal to everyone. If you're not a fan of comedy or don't have an interest in behind-the-scenes discussions, then this podcast may not be for you. However, even if you're not typically drawn to comedy podcasts, I would still recommend giving it a try as Working It Out offers more than just laughs—it also provides insight into creativity and storytelling.

    In conclusion, The Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out podcast is a must-listen for fans of comedy and those interested in how creative ideas are developed. With Birbiglia's skillful hosting, diverse range of guests, and engaging format, this podcast offers an enjoyable and insightful experience. Whether you're a longtime fan of Birbiglia or just discovering his work, Working It Out is a treasure trove of valuable conversations and laughter.



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    Latest episodes from Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out

    171. Nikki Glaser Returns: The Team Captain of Comedy (Plus: Mike's New Special!)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 57:22


    Nikki Glaser returns to the podcast for the first time since her acclaimed performances as the host of the Golden Globes and on the Roast of Tom Brady. Nikki breaks down her approach to the Golden Globes, explains her perspective on controversial comedy topics, and explores the possibility of a “vegan hour” of comedy. Plus, Nikki's awkward encounter with Lana Del Ray, and Mike's new special The Good Life arrives on Netflix!Please consider donating to Rescue the Birds

    Advice for New-ish Comedians (with Gary Simons and Listener Questions)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 43:22


    Mike welcomes back comedian Gary Simons, who, since his last appearance on the podcast, opened for Mike on his latest tour, had a few of his stand-up bits go viral, and has been performing at the Comedy Cellar. Now, Mike and Gary answer listener questions from people who have taken the leap into stand-up comedy and are looking for advice about how to continue. They discuss open mics, bombing, pre-show mantras, and more.

    170. Please Don't Destroy Returns: The Journey of an SNL Sketch from Pitch to Air

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 50:15


    This week PDD returns to the podcast a year and a half after originally coming on. Since then, Mike and the boys have started a monthly improv show called “Please Don't Birbiglia” at UCB. The group talks about what it's like to improvise together, the unsparing roasts PDD did of Mike when they opened for his show "The Good Life," and the creation of PDD's Jon Hamm pizza sketch—from Monday's pitch in Lorne's office to airing live on SNL. Plus, the unlikely thing that shows up in more than one PDD member's Instagram algorithm.Please consider donating to: Housing Works

    169. Ira Glass Returns: Ira Tries Stand-Up Comedy (For Real)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 57:12


    Ira Glass has appeared on the Working It Out podcast three times before, and usually it's Mike asking Ira for advice, whether it's about podcasting or storytelling. But now the tables have turned: Ira recently listened to a stand-up set he performed years ago, he has the itch to try it again, so he's come to Mike for comedy advice. On this episode, Mike and Ira listen to Ira's old stand-up set in real time, break down what worked and what didn't, and brainstorm ideas for Ira's next set.Please consider donating to your local public radio or television station.

    168. Zarna Garg Returns: One Follower at a Time, a Million Times

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 52:48


    Zarna Garg first appeared on the Working It Out podcast in 2022 and since then her popularity has continued to rise. Zarna explains to Mike how she has built her comedy career like a business, and why performing for an audience of one or two is no different for her than performing for an audience of thousands. Mike and Zarna discuss free speech in Zarna's native India, and what it's like for her to raise her kids in America. Plus: why no one in Zarna's family has been allowed to read her memoir This American Woman.Please consider donating to Unicorn Island

    167. Jessica Kirson: She's the Man

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 60:07


    After decades of being a beloved comedian's comedian Jessica Kirson has broken out in the last few years with viral crowd work videos and a brilliant new special on Hulu called “I'm The Man.” Mike and Jessica dig deep into the nuts and bolts and emotional work of being a stand-up comic, including overcoming stage fright and dealing with hecklers. Jessica breaks down the difference between her on stage and off stage personas, and recalls her childhood which was spent listening in, with her stepbrother Zach Braff, on her therapist mother's sessions. Plus, Mike has an awkward experience in a steam room and Jessica tells the story of when she put a heckler up against a wall.Please consider donating to The Children's Heart Foundation

    166. Questlove: The Art of Self-Sabotage

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 58:14


    This week 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 documentary Sly Lives!Please consider donating to: The Food and Finance High School

    165: Rachel Feinstein Returns: Everything She Says Could Be a Bit

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 53:52


    Rachel Feinstein recently appeared as a surprise guest on one of Mike's shows at the Beacon Theatre, where Mike observed after the show that everything Rachel said in the green room could be a bit. Now, on the heels of her Netflix special Big Guy, and in her third appearance on Working It Out, Rachel spills all the details about living with other comedians, the time she moved in with a Bengali family she met on a bus, and all the red flags she ignored in her previous relationships. Plus, Mike shares an unflattering movie offer he received and Rachel defends her pre-schooler's permanent record.Please consider donating to Friends of Firefighters

    164. Andrew Schulz: Give Him 10 Seconds

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 45:52


    This week Andrew Schulz comes on the podcast and Mike and Andrew break apart why the two of them are unlikely work friends. They discuss Andrew having Donald Trump on his podcast, Andrew's new deeply personal Netflix special, “Life,” and the politics of free speech in comedy. Plus, Andrew reveals the guest he regrets having on his podcast, “Flagrant.”Please consider donating to The Carlos Rodon Foundation

    163. Josh Johnson: Reinventing the Modern Comedy Special

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 52:00


    Comedian Josh Johnson is a writer and correspondent for The Daily Show and his stand-up sets have millions of views on YouTube. Josh talks with Mike about cultivating a fan base via the YouTube videos, why he thinks chasing success in the comedy industry is sometimes antithetical to the art form, and shares the advice he got from Trevor Noah. Plus, Josh helps Mike work out a new story about animals living in Mike's walls.Please consider donating to Feeding America

    BEST OF WIO: Mike Reads a New Piece of Writing, Plus Elizabeth Gilbert Re-Air

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 61:30


    At the top of this Best of WIO episode featuring Elizabeth Gilbert, Mike reads a new piece that he wrote for Elizabeth's Letters From Love Substack.(Recorded November 2024) Author 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

    Q&A: Mike Answers Voicemails About Comedy Advice and Crying Babies at Shows

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 34:19


    For this all-new Working It Out Q&A, Mike fields listener questions about people fainting at his shows, how to write comedy about topics that are painful to you, and balancing a day job and creative life when starting out. If your question didn't get answered on this week's Q&A, stay tuned for another one soon where Mike answers the rest! Got a new question? Email workingitoutpod@gmail.com with a VoiceMemo asking your question.

    162. Pete Holmes Returns: Comedy That's Clean, Dirty, or PG-13

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2025 43:12


    Pete Holmes returns to help Mike punch up some last minute jokes before the premiere of Mike's show The Good Life at the Beacon Theatre in New York. What follows is a heated debate about puns, an attempt to define and dissect the nature of “clean” comedy, and, yes, a nuts and bolts joke writing session. Plus, Pete psychoanalyzes the state of Massachusetts, and Mike recalls the time he opened for Tracy Morgan.Please consider donating to Homeboy Industries

    161. Nathan Lane Returns: The Safest Thing You Can Do Is Take a Risk

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 67:47


    This week, the great Nathan Lane returns to Working it Out. Nathan recounts moments from his legendary career — discussing what it was like to work with Mike Nichols, Elaine May, and Robin Williams. He shares what he likes most in a director, who he's jealous of, and what he remembers of twenty-something year old Mike. Plus, an incredible story about working with Joaquin Phoenix on the film Beau is Afraid. Nathan's new highly-anticipated series, Mid-Century Modern, drops March 28 on Hulu.Please consider donating to: Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids

    BEST OF WIO: Tig Notaro

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2025 47:33


    Tig Notaro: Clown Cars and Lesbian Party Buses(Recorded July 2024) Mike welcomes back old friend and Working It Out hall of famer Tig Notaro. They discuss the inevitability of finding your own comedic voice, how Tig had to come out as gay to her own children, and the time her brother fell into her stepfather's grave. All that, plus tales from Tig's lesbian party bus with Sarah Paulson and Allison Janney.Please Consider Donating To: World Resources Institute

    160. Rory Scovel Returns: How To Do 600 Minutes of Improvised Standup

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2025 49:56


    This week Rory Scovel returns to the podcast with his review of how doing a year of completely improvised stand-up went. Mike and Rory dive into the creative process and their own fears on stage, why Rory is jealous of other comedians, and why someone being married to a comedian is hard because every day that comedian  has a “presentation at work.” Plus, the two comics work out new jokes about brain bleeds and how to figure out where your daughter goes to school. Please Consider Donating To: World Central Kitchen

    159. Hasan Minhaj Returns: Off with His Head, On with His Jokes

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2025 50:37


    Working It Out fan favorite Hasan Minhaj returns for a third episode. Mike and Hasan discuss the enduring memories of childhood crushes, an obsession with who was the fastest in elementary school, and why comedy and politics move in cycles. Plus, Hasan keeps Google Image searching Mike, and Mike invites himself along on a hangout with Hasan's high school friend group The Hit Squad.Please consider donating to UNICEF

    158. Ben Stiller and Adam Scott: Working it Innie and Outie

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2025 53:30


    This week Mike sits down with Severance's very own Ben Stiller and Adam Scott. The three of them dig into the behind the scenes of Severance Season 2 and discuss what it is that makes them work so well together as actor and director.  Ben and Adam share audition advice for actors, as well as how their grieving processes influenced their work together. Plus, Mike and Adam nerd out about The Ben Stiller Show and Reality Bites, and Mike reveals which Severance character he almost played.Please Consider Donating To: The Center for Reproductive Rights and the UNHCR 

    157. Matt Rogers: Las Culturistas Meets Las Birbiglia-istas

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2025 55:41


    Matt Rogers is a beloved comedian, writer, actor, and co-host of cult hit podcast “Las Culturistas.” Matt sits down with Mike for a chat about the ups and downs of show business, the inside of writing for a hit TV series, and what it was like when Matt and his podcast co-host Bowen Yang were both invited to audition for SNL. Matt also discusses why having fun is the most important ingredient for creativity. Plus, advice via Jessica Chastain and why Mike somewhat regularly has to throw muffins in the garbage.Please consider donating to Story Pirates ChangemakersPlease consider supporting the California Fire Foundation and Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation

    156. Stephen Colbert Returns: A Gift from the Comedy Gods

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2025 48:10


    This week the legendary Stephen Colbert returns to the podcast. Mike and Stephen discuss the behind-the-scenes of Stephen's Late Night job as well as his Chicago improv days. Stephen talks wisdom passed down to him by David Letterman, Del Close, and Mike Nichols, and shares what makes him cry most easily. Plus, Stephen's thoughts on meeting George Lucas and the Pope.Please consider donating to: World Central Kitchen or Radio Lollipop

    BEST OF WIO: Rachel Feinstein

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2025 56:03


    Rachel Feinstein Returns: She's on Fire(Recorded June 2024) Working It Out hall-of-famer Rachel Feinstein returns to the podcast on the heels of her hit Netflix special Big Guy. Rachel explains why her firefighter husband loves being roasted in her special and why he pronounces the word “cash” like “quiche.” Rachel shares an absurd road story featuring Kevin Hart and Keith Robinson and discusses why you should never ask a comic how *they* felt about their show. Plus, new material about God getting sober, normalizing spa days, and Rachel attempting to cuddle with a boyfriend at the scariest hotel she's ever stayed at.Please consider donating to Friends of Firefighters and The Billy Moon Foundation

    155. David Sedaris Returns: A Creative's Dream and a Fact Checker's Nightmare

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2024 50:47


    This week Mike has all-timer David Sedaris back on the podcast. Sedaris, of course, wrote Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day, and Holidays on Ice, among other classics. The two discuss where the truth lies in autobiographical non-fiction, fact-checking comedy at The New Yorker, and how to navigate storytelling when it's all too personal. Plus, David plays F**k, Marry, Kill, with his own published works and Mike can't accept the answer. Please consider giving money to a stranger in need.

    Pete Holmes and Mike Make the Definitive Christmas Movie List

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2024 44:33


    In this special episode of Working It Out, Mike's old friend and frequent guest Pete Holmes sits down for a holly jolly discussion about classic and new classic Christmas movies. Mike and Pete sing the praises of Elf, examine the dark underbelly of A Christmas Story, and take the Gremlins to task over their many nonsensical rules. Plus, Pete breaks down his own performance in the new film The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.Please consider donating to Homebody Industries

    154. Fortune Feimster: Don't Borrow Trouble

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2024 45:04


    Hot off her new Netflix special Crushing It, Fortune Feimster sits down with Mike for a candid chat about telling personal stories on stage, dealing with audience complaints, and Fortune's coming out journey. Fortune also explains her dynamic with her Handsome podcast co-hosts Tig Notaro and Mae Martin, and she and Mike discuss why fancy doorbells and ice crushing machines are symbols of wealth.Please consider donating to Girls Inc.

    BEST OF WIO: Seth Meyers and SNL's 50th

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2024 51:13


    (Recorded March 2024) Mike sits down with the legendary comedian and writer Seth Meyers for a conversation that reveals who is secretly the funniest of the funniest at SNL behind-the-scenes and who was the most popular Strike Force Five host. Then, Mike and Seth work out new material about serial killers, the D.A.R.E. program, and dropping acid in Amsterdam. Plus: who will take over for Lorne Michaels after he leaves SNL?Please consider donating to Sanctuary For Families

    153. Maria Bamford Returns: Marketable Mania

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2024 43:01


    Mike 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

    152. Gary Gulman Returns: Mommy, Look!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2024 53:41


    Working 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 

    151. Elizabeth Gilbert: Eat, Pray, Jokes

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2024 58:45


    Author 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

    WIO Q&A: 4th NYC Show Added and Mike Answers All of Your Questions About The Good Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2024 26:46


    In 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

    150. Michael Ian Black: How to Do Comedy with Your 10 Best Friends

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2024 48:24


     In 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.

    149. Bridget Everett: The Star of HBO's Somebody Somewhere on Risking It All

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2024 49:07


    Bridget 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.

    148. Lin-Manuel Miranda: Everything is Basically the School Play

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2024 55:40


    In 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.

    147. Hannah Gadsby Returns: Shake the Tree

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2024 58:05


    Hannah 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

    Mike Answers Your Questions About Creativity and Discusses The Emmys

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2024 41:04


    This 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. 

    146. Jack Antonoff Returns: Working Out the New Theme Song

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2024 53:44


    11-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

    145. Matteo Lane: Working Towards the Masterpiece

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2024 59:15


    This week Matteo Lane joins Mike for an episode that has something for everyone. From Matteo's hilariously scorching takes on modern pop stars to tales of secret families to insight about what Matteo did when he hit a wall in his comedy career. Plus, Mike and Matteo work out jokes about Mike meeting the Pope in Rome and Matteo gets serious about his Liza Minelli impression.Please consider donating to Howard Brown Health

    144. Jon Laster Returns: The Throughline Is Habits

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2024 47:23


    Comedian Jon Laster returns for his third appearance on Working It Out. Longtime friends from the Comedy Cellar, Mike and Jon catch up on Jon's app Blapp, which highlights black-owned businesses, Jon's more personal comedy material about his struggles with alcoholism, and why Jon calls his company “Thanks Mom.” Plus, Mike and Jon ponder how it is that Mike, despite working in nightclubs, has never even seen cocaine.Please consider donating to the United Negro College Fund

    143. Zach Braff: Making A Movie is Like Throwing A Wedding

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2024 44:27


    This week filmmaker and actor Zach Braff joins Mike to talk everything from Garden State to Ted Lasso to what it's like to direct Morgan Freeman. Zach discusses the story of his ex once following him through Europe and Mike  and Zach discuss the possibility that a story like that could be the starting point for a one person show. Plus, the time Zach got too drunk and excused himself from a Rush concert to take New Jersey Transit home.Please consider donating to: Midnight Mission

    BEST OF WIO: Please Don't Destroy

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2024 55:11


    Please Don't Destroy: SNL's Three Sad Virgins(Recorded February 2024) Mike welcomes Ben Marshall, John Higgins, and Martin Herlihy, aka Please Don't Destroy, known for their wildly popular shorts on SNL. Mike is determined to get Martin to talk more than he did on Pete Holmes's podcast. The group shares what they like and dislike about each other, and break down what it's like to be both sketch writers and filmmakers on SNL. Plus, what it's like to work with Bad Bunny in a Shrek costume.Please Consider Donating To: Meals on Wheels

    142. Aisling Bea Returns: We Like You Here

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2024 49:46


    Beloved UK comedian Aisling Bea returns to Working It Out. Mike and Aisling discuss how to find your people, Catholic school health class, and dating app fails. Plus, new jokes about what Mike's dad was doing while his family went to church and the most obvious and best thing about pregnancy sex.Please consider donating to City HarvestClick here to purchase signed print of “The Old Man & the Pool” joke cards to raise money for the YMCA New York.

    141. Hannah Berner: Zaddy Issues

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2024 55:19


    Mike welcomes fellow comedian and podcaster (Giggly Sqaud, Berner Phone) Hannah Berner to the pod. Known for her “Han on the Street” videos, Hannah discusses her journey from college tennis champ to stand-up sensation. Hannah also teaches Mike the meaning of the term “zaddy.” Plus, an athlete at heart, Hannah comes to the notebook section ready to work, bringing a bunch of new bits and stories to work out.Please consider donating to the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation

    140. Stephen Merchant: 6 Foot 7 and Co-Created The Office

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2024 64:34


    This week living legend and giant human Stephen Merchant joins Mike for an all-time great episode of Working It Out. Stephen and Mike talk about actionable advice for creatives starting out, the behind-the-scenes politics of co-creating “The Office" and “Extras” with Ricky Gervais, and how Stephen could turn his story about interviewing a pornstar into stand-up. Plus, the time Stephen walked through a glass door at Sarah Silverman's Hollywood party.Please consider donating to St. Peter's Hospice

    BEST OF WIO: Gary Gulman

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2024 57:07


    Gary Gulman Returns: Work Friends or Friend Friends?(Recorded September 2023) Mike and Gary Gulman have been friends for a long time, but what kind of friends? Real friends or just work friends? Gary returns to the podcast and he and Mike evaluate the true level of their friendship. Plus they discuss vulnerability in comedy, unhappiness vs. depression, and the advice that Gary got from Larry David.Please consider donating to Give Well

    139. Cat Cohen: How to Make Your Doctor Laugh

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2024 44:40


    Mike welcomes the multi-talented Cat Cohen to the podcast to discuss making doctors laugh, lessons learned from the Ashley Madison documentary, and the medical ordeal that Cat went through last summer. She and Mike break down the best ways to work out a long story in small increments and how to ease an audience to heavy subject matter. Plus, jokes and stories about 1980s parachute pants, and falling down drunk on a candle.Please consider donating to The Loveland Foundation

    138. Tig Notaro Returns: Clown Cars and Lesbian Party Buses

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2024 49:32


    Mike welcomes back old friend and Working It Out hall of famer Tig Notaro. They discuss the inevitability of finding your own comedic voice, how Tig had to come out as gay to her own children, and the time her brother fell into her stepfather's grave. All that, plus tales from Tig's lesbian party bus with Sarah Paulson and Allison Janney.Please Consider Donating To: World Resources Institute

    137. Neal Brennan Returns: How to be 3% Funnier

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2024 46:32


    This week Neal Brennan returns to Working It Out in celebration of his new Netflix special, “Crazy Good.” Neal and Mike go deep on what to do when friendship isn't reciprocated, what all comics have in common with Seinfeld, and the irrelevance of the question “Is Kevin Hart humble?” All that, plus the listener email Mike received in response to his joke about joining a cult.Please consider donating to Amazon Watch

    BEST OF WIO: Hasan Minhaj

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2024 68:16


    Hasan Minhaj Returns: Good Boy Syndrome(Recorded August 2023) Hasan Minhaj was one of the first guests on Working It Out back in 2020 and it remains one of the most popular episodes because of Hasan's natural inclination to work out bits. Off-air Mike and Hasan often trade notes and ideas and today it spills into the podcast. Hasan compares comedy craft to Steph Curry's approach to basketball, explains what it's like to interview Barack Obama, and confesses to the guilty pleasure of watching couples argue in public.Please consider donating to Vituity Cares

    The History of Comedy Since Seinfeld with Jesse David Fox

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2024 54:06


    Jesse David Fox is one of the definitive voices in comedy history and analysis. He's written for Vulture and New York Magazine and now he sits down with Mike to discuss his new book Comedy Book, which covers among other things the comedy boom of the past 20 or so years. Mike and Jesse break down what it's like to write *about* comedy, and why Mike trusted Jesse to document his creative process in the Peacock documentary Good One, based on Jesse's podcast. Plus, Mike holds Jesse's feet to the fire on a controversial piece Jesse wrote about John Mulaney.Please consider donating to the National Network of Abortion Funds

    136. Sal Vulcano: A Bonafide Lunatic

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2024 52:22


    In celebration of his new special “Terrified,” the Impractical Jokers star Sal Vulcano joins Mike for what starts as a normal interview and then turns into a podcast full of stories stranger than the last: Sal's prank on an overbearing TV executive, how Sal ended up with *multiple* photorealistic tattoos of Jaden Smith, Sal's never-ending eBay dispute, and how Sal put his foot in his mouth irrevocably with Rachel McAdams. All that, plus a few more stories that have Mike ending the podcast with the statement: “You shouldn't even be allowed to be here.”Please consider donating to: Doctors Without Borders

    135. Janine Harouni: But She's Funny

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2024 53:23


    Comedian Janine Harouni and Mike have a lot in common. They both survived severe car accidents, they have similar relationships with their parents, and they both value the quality of being vulnerable on stage. Mike and Janine discuss the process of turning a traumatic experience into a comedic story, and how Janine's recovery from her car accident helped her better connect with her parents and inspired her to start doing comedy. Plus, jokes and stories about what it's like being married to another comedian, Janine's experience working at a mob-run restaurant, and why her dad wears serial killer gloves.Please consider donating to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

    134. Pete Holmes Returns: Working It Weird

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2024 55:53


    From the studio of Pete's podcast, You Made It Weird, Pete and Mike record an all new episode of Working It Out. Pete brings new and improved roasts of Mike while retroactively responding to Mike's roasts of Pete from their previous episode. Plus the two comics have one of the most pure Working It Out sessions of all time as they create jokes in real time about their complex relationships with their dads. Through the jokes and the burns Mike and Pete ultimately attempt to answer life's big questions: Does God exist? Does Mike get residuals from tumbleweeds in Westerns? Does John Mulaney live in Los Angeles? Plus candid conversations about jealousy, cheating on tests in 9th grade, and Mike getting bullied while writing an article for the school paper about the aviation club.Please consider donating to Homeboy Industries

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