Reviews

I stumbled across this show after finishing binging both Smartless & Fly On The Wall…so, much like I have a type with fair-skinned, redheaded women (uttered with respect for the women of color I’ve dated, too…mind you!), I also have a type where it comes to podcasts. Not just comedy, either…I want honesty & I find it mildly hilarious that in these extraordinarily bizarre & troubled times, the truth is more likely to come from comedians…like Mike & his crew & his brood. This show also serves as a reminder to me that we are nothing without eachother…so, please be good to one another. And listen to “Working It Out.”

Oh gosh, I love this show. It doesn’t matter if Mike is talking with a comedian I am familiar with or one I am hearing for the first time, the conversations are always funny and enlightening. Episode 138 with Tig Notaro had me laughing and crying. Perfection

What a sweet, funny, insightful conversation! Thank you to both of you for being so open and frank about your lives as parents, spouses, and comics. We’re all lucky to have you!

This show makes me laugh so much that other drivers must wonder what’s happening over in my car that’s so hilarious. I would gladly tell them it’s the Working It Out podcast with Mike Birbiglia, but since no one rolls their windows down this is the only way I can tell them. The new episode with Tig Navarro made me laugh so hard! She also had some inspiring things to say about her marriage and parenting. Turns out we’re all making mistakes! You should listen and laugh too.

Parents Say the Darndest Things. Hit me up for where to send my 20%. Love the show Mike, thanks for all the laughs and thoughts.

Hi Mike, I’ve watched all your standup a few times, and I’ve been listening to the podcast a lot recently as well, as my job requires I do a lot of driving. This show is truly so thoughtful, and uplifting both as someone who would love to try to standup at some point (I live too rurally right now for it to be a good option) and for just general mental health encouragement, as you’re not afraid to talk about difficult topics, especially in a way that makes the topic not even feel that difficult. Your conversations with Beth Stelling, Neal Brennan, Bert Kreishcher, John Green, Iliza Shleshinger, Atsuko, Aubrey Plaza and John August really stand out in that category. I’d also like to really thank you for being a good source for new comedian recommendations. As someone who is trans, partially disabled, and sometimes pretty sensitive, it can be hard to just go out on a limb and trust a new comedian. You never know when you’ll be jumpscared by something that may haunt you for weeks when you’re in one of those demographics, and sometimes you just can’t google everything, and I like being able to branch out into demographics that don’t immediately seem “safe” for a person like me. The point being, I know that if they’ve been on your show, they’re probably someone that is not only safe, but that I will also enjoy. It also gives me a snapshot into what to expect from their special so any things that may feel like jumpscares can be prefaced and worked out. I really appreciate your attention to character, and to working it out. I’d also love to hear more about what Jen is doing!

First, Mike B is awesome! I’ve listened to every special. I am so happy I found this podcast. I love the format and am inspired in many ways. Side note, I also have a sleep disorder and could totally relate to Mike’s journey. Thanks for always sharing from the heart and making me laugh. 🤎

I’m especially fond of the Judd Apatow episodes, if I had to play favorites.

The discussion of comedy and creation is fascinating. I’ve discovered so many comedians and writers through this podcast. But what I love the most is Mike’s ability to bring his guests into a space to talk so intimately about all sorts of topics, finding the humor in even the darkest topics, and his quick laughter and genuine expressions of delight at a good joke or a good story. This podcast has felt like a companion for years now, since I started listening during the pandemic.

Just listened to the July 21st episode. I absolutely love the honesty and passion you both have for your family, life and each other!

Maddie Wiener’s chat will forever be the best episode!!

Pete Holmes episodes are great. Please get Maron on the show.

I’ve listened to and enjoyed this podcast since the beginning. But I have yet to write a review. It was finally time to do it. Pete Holmes and Mike Birbiglia had my face hurting from constant laughter on the most recent episode.

I love the feel of this podcast, like we have dropped in on a conversation between two very funny people. It never fails to entertain and to give some insight to how the very funny people I admire hone their craft.

I’m a new comic in NYC and this show has really helped me understand how comics think. My favorite piece of advice is from the Pete Holmes episode to “tell your secrets”, and I use that to filter all my new material now.

Just caught up with all the episodes. Now have to wait for new ones. Favorite one…hmmm? Gonna start over again. I’ll get back to you. But, thank you for the “working it out” technology. Using that phrase regularly now with family and friends in every day situations that just aren’t fully cooked.

Mike, I’ve been a fan of yours since the early 2000’s when I used to hear you on the Bob and Tom show. I started listening WIO about a month ago, on a long road trip. I decided to start at the beginning and am thru episode 90 now. I decided to stop and write a review now, because my favorite was #90 with Marc Forster…like Marc, I am a Swiss American, my mom is German and my dad Swiss. I totally related to Marc when he said his parents did not say “I love you”!!! It’s a really long story why I live in Salt Lake City, but lost it a few episodes ago with Chris Redd when you said “Mormonism in the only religion you can disprove with a paper trail”😂😂😂

Love the podcast. No notes.

I love love love this podcast. Mike is thoughtful in his content and seems genuinely interested in people. His guests seem glad to be there and have a lot to share with the audience.

Best podcast! Great conversations❤️

I’m a regular listener to comedy writers’ podcasts, and this one is wonderful. The conversations are thoughtful and funny. And honest. Highly recommend!

I am at the pool. I am laughing out loud at this episode with Bill Hader. No one around but me, just laughing uncontrollably… Bill’s laugh only makes me laugh harder. Thanks Mike and crew. I found a great new podcast to make my day for 60 minutes. It will help me become a Buddha.

I always look forward to listening to new episodes of the show, and sometimes even listen to old ones again. I am so entertained by & tickled with the easy-sounding conversations “working it out.” I love being introduced to new-to-me comedians, hearing references (both current and long ago history) to shows and Dayton, Ohio, which is my hometown. Wherever the conversation rambles, I feel uplifted in the end. Thank you, Birbiglias!

I’ve always been a fan of Mike Birbiglia, but this show is really interesting in the way he pulls apart the process of writing and explores the way comedian’s inner lives impact their comedy. I was a little burned out on podcasts lately, but this one has brought me back and has been on almost daily.