Listener Reviews

I recommend this podcast to my friends and my enemies.

One of the best pods for creatives! Really makes me think about how I can be a better storyteller.

Mike is a gracious host to a wider variety of folks than I might have thought. (I promise, Mike, that wasn’t a slight!) Even the way he does his sponsors’ ads is entertaining-his is the only podcast where I don’t skip them. Love this podcast!

Just found this podcast a few weeks ago and started with the excellent Bill Hader interview and am working through the library. As a wannabe writer who is a huge fan of comedy, I love hearing about the process and approach Mike and the folks he interviews take as they “work it out.” It’s a refreshingly different take on the comedy-interview podcast genre.

Almost sorry I am all caught up!!

I love Mike Birbiglia’s podcast. It’s light hearted, interesting and funny. David Sedaris and Bill Hader are two of my favorite episodes.

Hi Mike, long time fan and listener, so obviously my review will be biased but I figure why not stroke your ego for a few minutes. I’m a naturally stubborn person, but regardless of this positive trait I will studiously listen to every episode regardless of the guest. I figure, if Mike likes this person, then they’re basically family and I’ll listen to them. With that being said, you’ve opened my eyes to many comedians I didn’t know existed or previously had negative leanings towards. This is my opinion is the best thing that could happen to myself. We all need to hear the thoughts and opinions of others, even if we think they’re not worth the time (not saying anyone you interviewed falls into that category but clearly I’m going that way) and it’s been a great refresher. Not only have I started listening to more comedians than I have ever done before, I’m now more open to others perspectives which many would consider a sign of growth. Anyways, to make things short, pizza is great and I love your podcast. The world needs more Mike’s and your a perfect example of that. Take care, Jon.

I knew about this podcast since it was launched, but for one reason or another didn’t start listening until fairly recently - and it’s WONDERFUL. I love hearing stories from Mike’s guests, and the working it out portion is *gold*. I enjoy listening to people with sharp minds share their thoughts, and Mike has a gift for bringing out those thoughts in others *and* making me feel like I’m right there in the room with them.The good thing about waiting so long to listen is that I now have a nice binge-listen cache to get through, and don’t have to wait for the next episode.

The perfect comedy podcast. I love getting a peek into their process, and I find his slow round questions to be great conversation starters. I asked my wife if she has a smell she remembers from childhood, and she said…the YMCA pool!! She didn’t understand why I got so excited at her response. Mike is so endearing and I love that he is so ready and willing to take feedback from others- good or bad. He’s incredibly smart and insightful, and so quick witted when working out a bit with his guests. I just can’t get enough of this one!

I’m a fan of Mike’s storytelling/stand-up work, and this podcast definitely gives insight to his process “behind the scenes,” but I’ve been regularly surprised at how much insight Mike and his guests provide into writing and creativity in general. I’ve found weekly inspiration in these episodes, and I encourage anyone who is a fan of comedy and/or interested in writing to give it a listen!

Imagine if all your best friends were also your favorite comedians and they all sat around chit chatting and being hilarious and you got to sit around with them and piss yourself laughing while learning more about them as people. This is like that.

I stumbled upon Mike's podcast after finding out Bill Hader was interviewed--and I've listened to three more episodes in 24 hours. He asks different questions of his guests, questions that allow me to understand the comedians more. I love comedy and I love hearing him and his guest work through jokes. Fascinating; I've become a quick fan!!

Love this podcast. Mike B is so smart, funny & always interesting. Super enjoyable

Love this podcast! It’s a peek inside the minds of comedic greats and their creative processes combined with thoughtful discussion, lots of banter & plenty of heart. I look forward to every episode!

I love this podcast. Always been a fan of MB but it’s been so interesting to get inside his process a bit. As a writer struggling through edits on a third draft for my first novel, I particularly found encouragement from Mike’s conversation with Frank Oz. They talked about what a mess the thing looks like when you’re inside it - how it seems impossible that it will ever be finished and good enough. And Mike talked about his editor on Sleepwalk with Me saying, “Well, we’re not going to turn it in until it’s done.” The relief I felt just hearing that! And also Frank’s explanation of how when he cuts his films 20-30 minutes too long people think they’re a mess, but once it’s whittled down a bit they love it. That’s exactly what I’m doing now on my book, so I just about cried listening to this episode. It is so encouraging to see inside the process, so you don’t feel like everything you write has to immediately, naturally, be good and ready. I’m very grateful to have this to listen to! Thanks Mike!

I’ve seen all Mike’s Netflix shows, a live show in Orlando and one of his pandemic specials. He’s GREAT in all of them and the podcast is an extension of that. His personality shines through and yea, my favorite guest is Ira Glass (saw him in person, too.) He gives a nice platform for other comedians, too - some I wouldn’t have otherwise heard of. This isn’t my favorite way to “see” him, but it’s making the best out of a lousy situation. And his support of club and restaurant workers during the pandemic has been great and speaks to his kind spirit.

You may find yourself laughing out loud, and people may see you and give you weird looks. Give them a wave.

I’ve always loved Mike’s standup, but I never expected to be so downright delighted by this podcast. It’s a joy to listen to people who genuinely are interested in each other and whose main goal is to both make their jokes better but also make the other person laugh. Hearing the laughing is the best part for me. The podcast is full of compassion and kindness - and so, so many laughs - and it’s something I’ve recommended to everyone I can, because I truly believe it will make the day of anyone who listens.

I’ve been a fan of Birbigs since watching My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend for the first time years ago! This podcast is a comedy lover’s dream, it’s jokes, hilarious stories and banter, with the realness and vulnerability that makes Mike so special present throughout it all. Only way to improve the show would be to have some merch! I’d wear a Working it Out hat or all the time!

Great guests, engaging stories, and a charming, funny host. What more could you want in a podcast?! Been a long time fan of Birbigs and I’m so delighted to listen to him working out his new special, makes me even more excited to see it when it’s ready. If you haven’t yet, give it a listen—I think you’ll dig it.

No, it’s hilarious and I love Mike’s humor and demeanor. Just what I need. Standout episodes are: Conan and Bill Hader!

The first time I ever saw Mike Birbiglia was on his Netflix special “Thank God for Jokes!” My husband and I then looked for anything and everything he had ever done bc his humor hit that sweet spot of simple hilarity/biting sarcasm/incisive observation/compassionate storytelling in an immensely satisfying way. We were hooked. This podcast has been my falling asleep soundtrack during the pandemic, when everything was too nuts to even try falling asleep with my thoughts. It has all of the things I love about Birbigs, plus smart interviews with amazing and funny guests. We also watched his Zoom comedy shows at the Nowhere Comedy Club and found comfort and community in that unique setting. Mike—come visit Lawrence, KS someday for a show. It’s the bluest oasis in our red home state and we’d love to see you live!

Excellent show, enjoying all the episodes, fun to hear Mike and his guest's thoughts around the construction of “bits”, would love more of that and would love to hear Mike interview people outside of comedy and explore what “working it out” looks like for other luminaries in other fields. (Could be improved by shouting Kate's name even louder at the end 🎙🎚 🎛 🔊 👏🏻)

First of all, I think Mike is so funny and I truly enjoy all of his episodes. The Bill Hader episode however is simply the best! I laughed sooooo much! I’ve listened to Hader on other podcasts but this is his best interview. The two of them are so funny together. Hader has the most infectious laugh! Love, love this podcast!! 5+ stars!