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Delightful!
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!
For Fans, For Writers, For Everyone!
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!
What like would be like if your friends were funny.
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.
Accidental find but I’m here to stay!
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!!
Entertaining & engaging
Love this podcast. Mike B is so smart, funny & always interesting. Super enjoyable
Great fun!
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!
The podcast I needed
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!
Love it!
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.
Increases happiness 125%
You may find yourself laughing out loud, and people may see you and give you weird looks. Give them a wave.
An Absolute Joy
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.
Merch Please
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!
A delightful pod
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.
Really funny. Kind of.
No, it’s hilarious and I love Mike’s humor and demeanor. Just what I need. Standout episodes are: Conan and Bill Hader!
Craving Satisfied
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!
Worked Out
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 🎙🎚 🎛 🔊 👏🏻)
Bill Hader episode
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!
Exceptionally Normal
Mike has the ability to make you feel like you’re part of the joke, like you’re in on it. His comedy is full of vulnerability and kindness, and somehow is confidently self-deprecating. His ability to connect with other artists and comedians is uncanny, and I truly feel like I’m hanging out with these incredibly talented, famous, yet completely normal people. He highlights the normal and the exceptional simultaneously. Thank you for providing the soundtrack to my tedious errands and chores.
It’s Just
So Good.
Tell Your Enemies
I love this podcast so much I cracked open my Apple Podcast app to say I love this podcast. I love it so much I may someday even tell my enemies about it. Maybe you’re one of them and I already checked that box! Yes, Jessica you can still go f yourself tho. Seriously, these are great interviews with some of my favorite people. If you’re a writer, storyteller or joke-teller in any way this show is priceless because while you’re laughing your a** off, you’re learning some very smart things about what makes some of the best jokes and stories work. Thank you, Mike and your family, for putting this podcast together during quarantine. Please keep it going!
Saved the Evening with the In-laws
Been a long time fan of Mike, LOVED Thank God for Jokes. That special in itself is a master class in storytelling! However, what brings me to write my first review ever is that this podcast saved me from a dreary evening with the in-laws. I was getting tired of the same old complaint loop, so I started asking mom all the questions that Mike asks his guests. Her face lit up and she came alive again sharing bits and pieces about her life that she hadn’t thought of in ages. The evening took a 180 and became enjoyable for all of us. Thanks, Mike!
I laugh
I subscribed to this podcast expecting it to make me laugh. I do laugh when I listen to it. 5/5 stars
Keep doing this, please!
Mike is a true mensch, a generous and giving host. I love listening to him run bits with people and them with him. It’s vulnerable in a rare way for comedians to be this exposed. I love it. Bring Ira Glass back for a 3rd time. I learned so much about storytelling and editing from him.
Yes Mike!!
Definitely one of top fav comedy podcasts! I love! Awesome guests and love to see the behind the scenes of working jokes and life out :)
Great Conversations
It’s great to hear Mike in conversation with other funny people. It doesn’t feel pressured or fake, just insightful and an easy listen.