Listener Reviews

I was already a fan of Mike Birbiglia, and I’m just happy that this pandemic brought us this podcast if nothing else! I think this podcast has a unique voice because there is a depth, reverence, insight, and I might say tenderness that Birbiglia brings that is just not there in many comedy-related podcasts.I find myself thinking about/referencing many of the interviews long after listening.

I was thinking you could add a segment where you read jokes sent in by open mic and amateur comedian or people at home who have a funny joke, premise or observation. I just started to comedy in LA, a little later then most at age 34 and I thought my friends were going to be hard on me but a few have admitted to me that they have always wanted to do stand up. So when I write a joke that I think they would like I will send it to them and we “work it out” via text. Just a thought love the show It’s one of the few podcast that make me feel seen if that makes sense.

If writing is the doing of thinking, Mike and his guests show the complete lifecycle of a joke from infancy to “working it out” on stage. My favorite part of the show is not the sneak preview of what’s to come on a stage near you, but what goes into making something truly spectacular in the process.

Birbigs is one of my favorite comedians. His stand-up and his shows are brilliantly funny and connect with audiences on so many levels. From the start of this podcast I’ve appreciated getting an inside look at the process and joy that comedians and artists at the top of their game use to bring joy to the rest of us. The show is both an intimate conversation between friends and a serious dive into the craft. I’ve never failed to be captivated by a show and some of the guests that I didn’t know we’ll have turned out to be my favorites. Thanks Mike for sharing this with us, I hope that you can keep this going even as you venture back into the world of comedy on the road.

I took an interest in Mike Birbiglia because he looks a lot like my dad. Funny enough, he has an amazing stand up special about reluctant fatherhood that I was able to share with my own old man and even gifted the book to him on Father’s Day so we could read it together.Since watching The New One over and over, along with all of Mike’s other specials and movies I was able to find, I’ve become quite the fan of his comedy. Naturally I fell in love with this podcast, I’ve had some great laughs and have listened to hours upon hours of the back episodes. It’s relaxing, enlightening and I appreciate the way Mike always finds a route to relating with his guests. He has amazing taste in people he brings on the show— I definitely loved the Gary Gulman episode.I’d give 10 stars if I could! Mike, if you’re reading this, thank you for all the joy you’ve brought to my life. I’m a huge admirer and fan of yours and look forward each week to hearing more from you!

Love this podcast. It's heartwarming and real, but most of all, Mike Birbiglia really hits my funny bone.

I listen to everything Birbiglia says and find myself hanging on his every last word. Unfortunately I only just learned about advertising. My helix mattress is on my way to my apartment that I can no longer afford due to how many Bombas socks and Spindrifts I’ve been drinking ($2.75 a can at the local organic, free choice, ‘support the arts’ coffee shop).

This is one of my favorite podcasts. It’s insightful, laugh-out-loud funny, tender, and profound. Each episode lifts my mood and improves my day. I savor them and wish there were more!!

Always enjoy Mike Birbiglia’s comedy, and this podcast is no exception. He’s a good interviewer, has a tender side that peeks out often, and his guests are varied and interesting. 11/10 recommend.

Always a big fan of Mike- saw him live in Madison a few years ago and have tickets to an upcoming show this fall. Podcast is thought-provoking and funny. I have a new found respect for how much thought and work comedians put in to perfect their craft. Listening to them talk about the process of writing comedy is fascinating and the back and forth between Mike and guests is always entertaining.

I know this isn’t my job, but maybe with your daughter’s doctor lists ~ you could connect something about free associating and how we go through years of psycho analysis to be as free thinking and matter of fact as our kids~ meh idk, i like your stuff

So good.

It worked its way into my top-five-list…

This show always delivers. Mike's interview style and the guests he has on are dedicated to "working it out", in real time just for us and it is fascinating and hilarious.

If you’re smart and care about comedy, or just like to laugh, this is where you should be. This is a guy who studies comedy and it’s history, who is endlessly curious about what makes people laugh, and who has no ego despite being an expert humorist and storyteller. Every second makes you feel better, even when it hits hard. Savor this.

When I say I listen to each episode at least twice, I’m not exaggerating. I laugh, occasionally cry, and I mentally bookmark the words of wisdom. I’m a 22yo college student who needs all the help she can get, so thanks, Mike!

Even tho I work in a different art form, the discussion of process on this pod satiates my craving to create. There is a gentle hilarity to birbigs that allows his guests to open up!

Throughly enjoy your conversations, your easy report with your guests, and the I overall feel of your show … it’s great and I’m telling all my friends to listen!! Keep up the great work ☺️

I love comedy, Mike Birbiglia, and overhearing back-of-the-club conversations between comics—this pod has all of that. Huge fan!

This podcast is intriguing, funny, serious, entertaining, and thought-provoking … insights into the making of jokes, through a warm conversation between well-known friends. Highly recommend!

Thank you for a wonderful listening experience.

I enjoy every episode of this podcast. Last week’s episode with Malcolm Gladwell was everything. ❤️. I listened while on my run (NOT JOG) and it was perfect. Thank you!

So glad I can listen and listen to you, your thoughts, your comedy and now you hangin' with friends. I fully infected my adult daugther with you...now we share you too.

Easily the best part of my day and gratefully the best part of my community. Mike asks interesting questions prompting in depth conversation