Reviews
Rate Show- Gugenheim25
- Jan. 10, 2022
A window into the creative process
I love this podcast, and not because I’m a comedy-lover (I’m not)! It feels like such a privilege and joy to be let in on the creative process with Mike and his guests. Mike establishes an easy rapport with his guests that is always engaging. I highly recommend this podcast to my friends AND my enemies. ;-)
- sarahnewview
- Jan. 6, 2022
Can you flag the reruns please?
I love the podcast, and totally understand the need for reruns when you need to take a break, but can you please identify them in some way? It’s hard to remember what I’ve already heard! Just something like “listen again” or “revisiting” would be helpful to identify what’s new and what’s not
- rosemarym417
- Jan. 3, 2022
A must listen for comedy fans
Mike Birbiglia generously lets fans in on his writing process and intimate conversations with fellow hilarious people
- Frances Victoria
- Dec. 18, 2021
Follow his evolution
Love this man’s comedy from beginning to now. Looking forward to what he brings us in the future.
- WoMoHo
- Dec. 18, 2021
- Milla.Bennett
- Dec. 17, 2021
You owe it to yourself to listen to this show.
Mike Birbiglia and his guests have conspired with witty jokes and heartwarming genuinity to make my life a little better on a regular basis. Guys, let’s get real - the pandemic has been hellacious for everyone and devastating for many. This podcast has helped me cope with a variety of hard times and woe. Listening and re-listening to several episodes multiple times. It has been a witness to process and craft. This show invites me to see points of view that differ from some I hold (and held). Thank you for this amazing gift, and for the many charities and organizations you promote and give to. What an inspiring example to set in these dark times!
- Sookie StJames
- Dec. 17, 2021
I look forward to this every week!
Mike Birbiglia is not a comedian in the sense of jokes. He is more an observer of what it is being human, telling us about it and making us laugh at him and ourselves. This podcast has him working things out with his guest, usually another comic or writer. These episodes are alternately funny, introspective and hilarious. I only wish they were longer
- joef1956
- Dec. 14, 2021
Working it all out
Mike and his guests don’t just work out the kinks in their jokes, they share honest conversations about their craft, their lives, and the human experience.
- Kbc610
- Dec. 13, 2021
- Malnich
- Dec. 5, 2021
Take your brain for a walk
I’ve always been fascinated by how comedians develop their material, but this podcast is so much more than just hearing comedians workshop new stuff. I love how willing Mike and his guests are so willing to let their “brains go for a walk” and see where things go. The slow round questions lead to fascinating stories, but they also provide great insight into the creative process, in general. Finally, I love that the format works equally well even if I’m not familiar with Mike’s guest. I’ve enjoyed the episodes with some of my favorites like David Sedaris and Tig Notaro, but I’ve truly appreciated getting exposed to new (to me) comics like Jacqueline Novak and Sam Jay. I’ve told friends. I’ve told enemies. Thanks for the wonderful distraction during the pandemic, Mike!
- hellowilbur135
- Dec. 3, 2021
Funny and sweet
I love this show. Mike asks the best questions and is always able to develop extremely interesting and insightful conversations with his guests. Mike’s style and personality from his stand up shines through. He seems to focus on the human experience, rather than just show business, like some other similar podcasts. It feels therapeutic for me and the guests. My favorite podcast right now.
- dkapitator
- Dec. 1, 2021
Always entertaining
This podcast is one of my two must-listen podcasts each week. I’ve long been a Mike Birbiglia fan, and it’s really interesting to hear how he tries out jokes/stories and they evolve over time. His guests are always interesting, too, and it’s overall hilarious. Love this!
- Mavdog11
- Nov. 28, 2021
Great podcast!
I really enjoy this podcast and its unique format. It’s one of the only podcasts I’ll listen to even if I don’t know the guest. Mike is smart, funny, and so kind, which is also a big plus.
- BlueSummer42
- Nov. 27, 2021
- :;(5368
- Nov. 23, 2021
I love you mike but please stop with the repeats
Look, I couldn’t be a bigger fan of Mike. I love the podcast, it’s wholesome and a fun look into comedians and their processes.
But Mike, my dude, your podcast only has like 50 episodes, it’s too soon to do throwbacks. I know it’s petty but it’s so annoying when I see the little “new episode” notification, queue it up next, and then after listening to the ads and intro and maybe another 2 minutes, I go “hey wait a minute” and realize I heard this when it aired a mere three months ago.
Hey, I know you and Ira are close and you think “hey his show does repeats all the time” and I will cede that point. When your show gets into double digit years, you go for those throwback shows.
- Jfishnado
- Nov. 22, 2021
insightful
so nice to get inside the heads and processes of comedians I look up to. how they’re able to keep up with it all or manage the career is such a mystery to me beyond the comedy itself. love listening!
- Maxi.W.G.
- Nov. 15, 2021
Room for improvement
For all the delightful conversation and humor in this show, I can’t help but find an obvious hole: not once have I heard, ‘Special thanks to my Birbigliare, Mike Birkowitz…’ This is a somewhat disturbing oversight, which I hope will be remedied soon.
- Major Liz
- Nov. 11, 2021
Subliminal Pizza Advertising
Took me until episode 37 to realize that this podcast talks about pizza a lot, and since listening to this podcast, I’ve been eating pizza a lot. I don’t think this is a coincidence.
Podcast worth every calorie 10/10
- megancreeden
- Nov. 8, 2021
Jimmy Carr
5 star rating. I’ve listened to every episode. Mike, I’m a huge fan, have seen you perform as has my daughter (at SUNY Purchase). Speaking as a member of your fan base “We can take it.” I don’t think you needed the disclaimer at the beginning of the Jimmy Carr podcast. If people are choosing to listen to a comedy podcast they likely have a sense of humor and a basic understanding of comedy. If they don’t they should learn. If after listening to Jimmy Carr, people think he’s mean spirited, they’re not getting it. My son (14) and I saw an extremely dark joke on Rick and Morty yesterday. We both thought it was too dark, but I stopped the show to explain to him that they get to make the joke. And just because it crossed our line, doesn’t mean that it wasn’t funny to somebody. I am not slamming “cancel culture.” I just think we need to distinguish between what’s in a comedian’s heart versus mean spirited. I laughed so hard at this episode. Love the podcast, and I will absolutely continue to listen.
- JulDecDad
- Nov. 5, 2021
A Transgender Fan
I’ve been a fan of Mike Birbiglia’s work for a long time, and I enjoy his conversations with other creative people. I am also transgender, and this week, Mike re-uploaded an episode wherein he defends Dave Chappelle against critics without really engaging with what Chappelle’s recent critics have to say, especially over his comments on trans people.
It’s possibly just a coincidence that Mike re-uploaded this episode while there’s a lot of controversy over Chappelle. However, hearing his defense of Chappelle, especially now, felt like a slap in the face. I’m sorry Mike. I really like your show, and I was deeply moved by Sarah’s stories on this episode. It still hurt.
EDIT: Not every episode can be your favorite, Mike. If they’re all the best, none of them are.
- SplitBrainSociety
- Oct. 28, 2021
Mike Birbiglia tender and funny
Birbiglia interviews comedians and untangles the comedic bits out of their thoughts.
He’s encouraging, kind, and unflinchingly honest about his quest for funny.
It’s helped me write, and take seriously all my dumb little observations.
It wonderful to listen to people who take delight in taking comedy seriously.
Cant wait to see his new special and see how his jokes evolved!
💜💗💜
- gicates
- Oct. 24, 2021
My favorite podcast
I’ve been a fan of Mike’s ever since I first saw him perform live in 2002. Had my son a year later, he’s 18 now and also a fan. Great guests, great interview questions. Lots of nerdy specifics about comedy, writing, and creating in general. Thoroughly enjoyable time and again.
- MarylandGirl22
- Oct. 19, 2021
- debbi1326
- Oct. 18, 2021