Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out

214. Robby Hoffman: It's a New Dawn 01.06.2026 56λ

This week Mike and Robby Hoffman sit down for their first in-depth conversation like, as Robby puts it, two cats cautiously getting to know each other. Mike and Robby work out new jokes about vending machines and AI, share advice about marriage, and Robby begs Mike’s fans to stop sending him emails. Plus, Robby tells the stories of how she got cast in Hacks, and how her outspokenness at a writers guild meeting drew the attention of John Mulaney, who went on to direct Robby’s Netflix special Wake Up.

Jenny Slate: Unafraid of Sadness 25.05.2026 1ώ 9λ

(Recorded October 2025) The great Jenny Slate joins Mike this week for a wide-ranging conversation about getting hypnotized after being fired from SNL, a graduation speech Jenny gave to a class of one person, and making art to feel less lonely. Plus, jokes and stories about seeing your friends naked, improv classes for the elderly, and the time Jenny’s faked case of appendicitis went too far.

213. Jack Antonoff Returns: Music’s Biggest Producer Records Mike’s Pizza Song 18.05.2026 59λ

Ahead of the release of his new album “Everyone For Ten Minutes,” Jack returns to Working It Out. Mike and Jack break open why Jack has never listened to Mike’s podcast, what Jack wanted to say about marriage and loneliness on his new album, and what Bill Burr, Frank Langella, Jon Bernthal, Andy Milonakis, and the Indigo Girls have in common. Plus, Mike and Jack play guitar as they work out a new comedy song, “Remember Pizza.”

212. Pete Holmes Returns: Selling Crepes at a Junkyard 11.05.2026 44λ

This week, Pete joins the pod to talk about his new special “Silly Silly Fun Boy,” work out more jokes, and of course roast Mike a lot more. The two discuss the concept of comedy justice, the benefits of a YouTube special, and why there’s no music for rich people. Plus, against all odds, Pete manages to slip in a piece of shameless self-promotion so shameful he asks Mike to cut it out afterwards.

211. Nish Kumar Returns: Dinosaurs Before the Meteor 04.05.2026 54λ

British comedian Nish Kumar returns to the podcast to discuss the humbling nature of stand-up comedy, lessons learned from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and more. Nish explains the concept of his new tour, “Angry Humour From a Really Nice Guy,” and how he finds the comedy within his pessimistic views about humanity. Plus, Mike and Nish discuss different kinds of heckling, and why Nish’s voice caused an audience member’s Apple watch to call an ambulance.

210. Ramy Youssef Returns: He Lit Up The Pyramids 27.04.2026 59λ

In the wake of the release of his new special “Ramy Youssef: In Love,” Mike welcomes Ramy Youssef back for his third appearance on the podcast. The two discuss why Ramy cannot reveal the price of his wedding nor the price he would pay to hear his dog talk for a day, what it’s like to write from the blank page, and what major celebrity might have stolen Ramy’s look. Plus, Mike has a few questions for Ramy about Martin Scorsese’s email address.

209. Jorma Taccone Returns: This Episode Sucks 20.04.2026 50λ

Since The Lonely Island’s Jorma Taccone was last on the podcast, he survived a nearly 20 foot fall from a ladder. Now Jorma tells the full ladder story and explains how the near death experience changed his life. Plus, Jorma talks about directing his new movie, Over Your Dead Body, starring Jason Segel and Samara Weaving, and how he explained to his wife that he was making a comedy about someone trying to kill their wife. Mike and Jorma discuss whether being nice has helped or hurt their careers, and Jorma explains why if he says something “sucks,” it means he really likes it.

Nikki Glaser: The Team Captain of Comedy 13.04.2026 57λ

(Recorded May 2025) Nikki Glaser returns to the podcast for the first time since her acclaimed performances as the host of the Golden Globes and on the Roast of Tom Brady. Nikki breaks down her approach to the Golden Globes, explains her perspective on controversial comedy topics, and explores the possibility of a “vegan hour” of comedy. Plus, Nikki’s awkward encounter with Lana Del Ray.

208. KevOnStage: How To Make A Comedy Show About Grief 06.04.2026 51λ

207. Chris Fleming Returns: He Is Way More Popular This Time 30.03.2026 58λ

The last time comedian Chris Fleming was on Working it Out, the episode was titled “He Should Be Way More Popular.” In the 2 years since then Mike’s wish has come true. Chris and Mike chat about the pros and cons of having a higher profile in comedy, including the protective steps needed to avoid legal action from Adam Driver over a bit. Mike also takes the chance to respond to the shots Chris takes at Mike in his new HBO special Live at the Palace, and Chris talks about getting glared at by Ryan Gosling. Plus, Mike and Chris work out lots of new jokes about drum circle friend groups, hotel smells, and dog DNA tests.

Nathan Lane: The Safest Thing You Can Do Is Take a Risk 23.03.2026 1ώ

(Recorded February 2025) Nathan Lane sits down with Mike and recounts moments from his legendary career — discussing what it was like to work with Mike Nichols, Elaine May, and Robin Williams. He shares what he likes most in a director, who he’s jealous of, and what he remembers of twenty-something year old Mike. Plus, an incredible story about working with Joaquin Phoenix on the film Beau is Afraid. Please consider donating to Broadway Cares

206. Cazzie David: Spiritually a Boomer 16.03.2026 52λ

Mike welcomes author, actor, and filmmaker Cazzie David to the podcast and right away, Mike challenges the notoriously misanthropic Cazzie to list five things she loves. It takes a while. Then, Cazzie breaks down her new book of essays, Delusions, which she says her mom found “disturbing,” and Cazzie talks about co-directing the indie film I Love You Forever. Plus, Cazzie’s close call with a rabid bobcat, and why Mike wants his journals burned after he dies.

205. Taylor Tomlinson: Hope No One Filmed That 09.03.2026 56λ

Working It Out all-timer Taylor Tomlinson returns to the podcast this week on the heels of the release of her new Netflix special, “Prodigal Daughter.” Mike and Taylor talk through what they do when they get stuck on a bit, what they’d do if they found out they were dating their cousin, and how being a stand-up is sometimes just telling 300 people a secret you weren’t ready to share. Plus, lots of new jokes about sex dreams, lovebombing, and baby names.

204. Ali Siddiq: Telling His Own Story 02.03.2026 52λ

Ali Siddiq is one of the most prolific storytellers in comedy. Although they work in a similar format, Ali and Mike’s paths have never crossed until now. Now they sit down to discuss the nuances of comedic storytelling, including how to make specific topics relatable to audiences, and Ali explains how he made his own path in comedy after serving six years in prison on drug charges. Plus, Ali and Mike, both parents of swimmers, share war stories from swim meets.

203. James Acaster: He Welcomes Hecklers 23.02.2026 49λ

Beloved British comedian James Acaster and Mike have never met but they have a lot in common, including brushes with death early in their lives that influenced their comedy. James and Mike discuss James’s experience with hecklers, which is the subject of James’s new special Hecklers Welcome. Plus, James talks about having Robert De Niro on his podcast Off Menu, and he shares the best pre-show ritual that Mike has ever heard.

Bob Odenkirk: The Art of Anger in Comedy 16.02.2026 52λ

Best of WIO: Bob Odenkirk (Recorded July 2025) Bob Odenkirk was already a comedy legend (SNL, The Ben Stiller Show, Mr. Show with Bob and David) before he took a left turn into dramatic acting with Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. Now he’s entered yet another new phase as an unlikely action star in films like the Nobody series. Bob sits down with Mike to discuss how anger works in comedy and action films, the stress of making Better Call Saul, and the time Bob played Mike’s brother on a TV pilot.

202. Connor Ratliff: How and Why To Do Improv 09.02.2026 56λ

Connor Ratliff is a beloved cult comedy figure known for his award-winning podcast Dead Eyes and his long-running live show/YouTube series The George Lucas Talk Show. He also played an improv student in Mike’s film Don’t Think Twice, which is a bit of a winking joke because Connor is one of the most experienced and revered improvisers on the scene. Mike and Connor go deep on improv comedy process, Connor shares some of his most devastating audition stories, and the two take a phone call from their mutual friend Chris Gethard.

201. Heidi Gardner: Behind Your Favorite SNL Characters 03.02.2026 54λ

Heidi Gardner went from being a hairdresser in LA to joining the Groundlings to 8 seasons on SNL, where she created characters like “Dianne, The Mom Who's Only Read About New York on Facebook” and “A Woman Who Insists She's Not Mad.” Heidi talks with Mike about her SNL experience, which included hosting a tailgate party in her dressing room for Travis Kelce, and she shares the lessons she learned about creating comedic characters from her days in the Groundlings. Plus, Heidi’s love for her native Kansas City, and an update on Mike and Jen’s rat problem.

200. John Mulaney: He’s Funny and Here’s Why 26.01.2026 1ώ 12λ

199. Jordan Jensen: You Can’t Say That (But Actually You Can) 19.01.2026 53λ

This week Mike sits down with comedian Jordan Jensen. A master of turning taboo topics into comedy- as seen in her Netflix special Take Me With You- Jordan explains how her fearless, no filter stage persona coexists with her emotional, more vulnerable side. Plus, the story of how caring for her paralyzed friend led her to stand-up, why Jordan almost bit Laura Dern on the set of Bradley Cooper’s film Is This Thing On?, and the time someone from the audience tried to fight her.