Reviews

If the term "existential musings wrapped in a cozy blanket of wit" could ever find a home, it would undoubtedly be on Mike Birbiglia's podcast, *Working It Out*. Imagine a therapy session where the therapist is hilariously self-aware, the patient is a celebrated comedian, and the only prescription is more laughter. Birbiglia, with his signature blend of charm and neurosis, navigates the treacherous waters of joke-writing and life itself, making every episode a delightful exercise in vulnerability and creativity. What makes *Working It Out* a gem is Birbiglia's unparalleled ability to turn the seemingly mundane into gold. It's as if he takes the grocery list of life's anxieties—career doubts, relationships, the inevitability of our own mortality—and finds a way to cross off each item with a punchline. His guests, a who's who of comedic talent, don't just riff; they philosophize, revealing their own fears and foibles in a way that feels like a group therapy session you didn't know you needed. But don’t worry—this isn’t the kind of therapy where you leave crying. Rather, you depart each episode with a grin, a head full of new jokes, and a peculiar sense of comfort that maybe, just maybe, we're all working it out together. The podcast’s title might suggest an intense workout regimen, but don’t be fooled. The only thing you'll be flexing here is your brain as it tries to keep up with the deft wordplay and intricate storytelling. And perhaps, your abs—because you’ll be laughing so hard. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to peer into the mind of a comedian as they craft their material, *Working It Out* offers a rare, unvarnished glimpse, all while maintaining a sense of levity that keeps you coming back for more. In sum, *Working It Out* is a testament to the idea that laughter is, indeed, the best medicine—especially when administered by the genial, ever-relatable Mike Birbiglia. Tune in for the jokes, stay for the camaraderie, and leave with a slightly sunnier outlook on this strange journey called life.

I always laugh when I listen to these podcasts! Mike somehow has a great rapport with every guest. It’s also nice that there’s some good writing advice and general how to be a creative person advice. This is my favorite podcast by far. I’ve told all my friends and enemies as instructed.

I’ve gotten so much great advice from this podcast. It’s helped me take feedback better, it’s helped me collaborate more confidently, it’s improved my writing, it’s given me so many ideas, and it inspires me. It’s also a really good, warm, homey podcast for when life is stressful and I could use a calm moment. My favorite podcast. Thank you!

Love this podcast and his conversation is always illuminating but I have a lot of unanswered medical questions.

I love this podcast so much that I do not want to write a good review for it because I like that it feels like it’s for me. But Mike said it helps and I want to help so I guess I will. This podcast is everything to me!

Mike is always entertaining and hearing his interactions with other comedians, his guests, is like getting a peek behind the scenes. Lovely, uplifting podcast and a refreshing change if , like me, you’re overloaded with true crime stories. Can’t even imagine how any podcast could be better 💕

Mike Birbiglia is a great source of medical advice

Wow - what a great show! It’s the focus on the work of creativity that drew me in — I loved hearing Mike and Stephen Merchant talk about the evolution of TV comedy, structuring a story, connecting with the audience; free, open, and funny. This show is a relief. Thanks to Mike and the production team and the guests.

I can’t get enough of this podcast. Listening to all the archives!

I only started listening about a week ago, working through back episodes with artists I admire, and I truly think the amount of laughter it’s adding to my day is good for my mental health. On top of the laughs I’m drawn to the open, generous and thoughtful conversations. I’ve even started a notes page to write down the thoughts shared that really hit me. Like the reviewer before me I also recommend the Tig Notaro and Bill Hader episodes and have to add Roy Wood Jr. to a best of list.

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.