Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pete Docter: The Inside Out of Pixar's Process | 05 Oct 2026 | 00:51:26 | |
(Recorded June 2025) In 2012, Mike was invited his film Sleepwalk With Me at Pixar and he’s been friends with filmmaker Pete Docter ever since. Known for his directorial feats of greatness with Monsters, Inc., Up, Soul, and Inside Out, Pete Docter is now the Chief Creative Officer at Pixar. Pete walks Mike through the Pixar “draft” process for developing a story, and reveals the ups and downs of being a Pixar director. Pete shares stories of his time spent with Steve Jobs, George Lucas, and some of the original Disney animators. Plus, advice on giving (and receiving) creative notes, and the story of Pete’s Star Wars fan film he made when he was a kid. Please Consider Donating To: International Justice Mission Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 225. Ariel Elias: One Joke Every Day for a Year | 28 Sep 2026 | 00:46:48 | |
Comedian Ariel Elias rose to prominence after a video of her chugging a beer that an angry heckler threw at her went viral. But the real story is more interesting, notably how Ariel drew on the incident for her act. Mike and Ariel talk about how to write jokes about upsetting experiences, and Ariel shares the highs and lows of her experiment writing one joke every day for a whole year. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 224. Stavros Halkias: Stavros Ex Machina | 21 Sep 2026 | 00:57:36 | |
Comedian, podcaster, and actor Stavros Halkias is having a moment right now but he’s been doing stand-up since he was 19 years old. Stavros talks with Mike about starting out in Baltimore and hitting rock bottom healthwise just as his career was skyrocketing. Stavros discusses acting in Bugonia and this summer’s Tony, a film that reflected Mike’s own real life experience working in a Cape Cod restaurant. Plus, Mike and Stavros decide which accent is worse—Boston or Baltimore—and what Stavros means when he says he wants to go “Birbiglia mode.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 223. Emmy Blotnick: Don’t Take That Deal | 14 Sep 2026 | 00:46:58 | |
Mike is joined by comedian and writer Emmy Blotnick, whose new special “What’s Her Secret?” hit YouTube this summer. Emmy, a former writer for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, talks about getting more personal in her new special, discussing on stage her challenging relationship with her father, and her brother’s imprisonment for financial crimes. Emmy and Mike also dive deeper in Mike’s “hot people industry” jokes, as Emmy has many thoughts about Sephora. Plus, Emmy recalls a vital piece of advice Mike gave her about a bad show business deal. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| The Working It Out Creativity Supercut | 07 Sep 2026 | 00:40:10 | |
This week Mike presents a selection of some of the best bits of advice about creativity from some of his favorite episodes. Featuring: Lin-Manuel Miranda Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 222. Joe List: How to Survive a Comedy Panic Attack | 31 Aug 2026 | 00:56:11 | |
This week Mike welcomes to the podcast comedian, and fellow Massachusetts native, Joe List. Joe talks about what it’s like to be married to and raise a chid with another working comedian, Sarah Tollemache, and Joe tells a story about how he worked through a panic attack moments before doing stand-up on Conan. Mike and Joe also discuss Joe’s documentary feature that he directed about a comic who dropped out of traditional show business to run a comedy club in Key West, Florida. Plus, they work out new jokes about the military history of M&Ms, strange childhood memories, and the worst thing you could say to a child. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Michael Che: An Amateur Therapy Session | 24 Aug 2026 | 01:10:35 | |
(Recorded December 2025) Mike started this podcast so that one day Michael Che would come on. Today is that day. In this all-timer episode, Mike and Che work out tons of jokes and discuss the advice Lorne Michaels gave to Che that he’ll never forget, how Che went from designing and selling t-shirts on the street to being a stand-up comic, and what keeps him coming back to SNL. Plus, the time Che nearly did something to Colin Jost on air that he would really regret. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 221. Ron Funches: Say What You Want | 17 Aug 2026 | 00:47:53 | |
This week Ron Funches joins Mike on the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about finding your comedic voice vs. faking it, Ron’s recent autism diagnosis, and Ron’s stint on the reality show, “Traitors.” Plus, Mike and Ron work out tons of new bits about remaking famous Black movies with all-white casts, death by chocolate, and the problem with a haircut Ron got in Budapest. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Chloe Troast and Mike Answer Your Questions About Improv and Sketch | 10 Aug 2026 | 00:37:43 | |
This week, the hilarious Chloe Troast joins Mike to answer listener-submitted questions. The two discuss what to do when an improv scene goes off the rails, Chloe’s relationship to comedy after SNL, and how being around other talented people makes everyone better. Plus, Chloe shares the “truth “about the Please Don’t Destroy boys. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 220. Jo Firestone Returns: You Better Marry My 40-Year-Old Daughter | 03 Aug 2026 | 00:56:34 | |
Working It Out favorite Jo Firestone returns for a triumphant fourth appearance, this time pregnant and rocking a Phantom of the Opera Toronto production t-shirt. Jo talks with Mike about pregnancy, her “shotgun wedding” at city hall, and her new book Sex on Murder Island, the sequel to Murder on Sex Island. Plus, much talk of Lord of the Rings, including why Jo relates to Frodo and why Mike sympathizes with Gollum. Subscribe to Working It Out Premium on Apple Podcasts for a special *extended version* of this episode! Buy Jo's book Sex on Murder Island Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| John Mulaney: He's Funny and Here's Why | 27 Jul 2026 | 01:09:07 | |
(Recorded January 2026) For the 200th episode of Working It Out, Mike sits down with one of his oldest friends and one of the podcast’s first ever guests, John Mulaney. The two discuss monkeys wearing space suits, old stories from the road, and how John’s career changed after having kids. They work out new jokes about the time John asked Mike to go skydiving, getting yelled at by substitute teachers, and a story about an interaction with Frank Sinatra that—until Mike tells it on stage—John cannot find peace. Plus, John brings a literal buzzer into the interview so that he can hit it if he finds Mike guilty of a certain tendency. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 219. Michelle Buteau: From TV News to Her Own TV Series | 20 Jul 2026 | 00:50:35 | |
Michelle Buteau was a local TV news editor in New York until she tried stand-up for the first time, only days after 9/11. Since then she’s become an international touring comedian, bestselling author, and co-creator and star of her own Netflix series Survival of the Thickest. Now Michelle talks with Mike about figuring out who you are as a person, sharing embarrassing personal stories in a writers room, and why comedy is a family business. Plus, new jokes about parenting, yoga class, and Mike and Michelle discuss whether Mike should go on the Breakfast Club morning show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 218. Jane Wickline and Liva Pierce Return: Comedy Duo Therapy | 13 Jul 2026 | 00:45:22 | |
This week, SNL’s Jane Wickline and comedian Liva Pierce return to Working It Out to discuss the Off-Broadway debut of their two person musical comedy show, Dukes. Mike grills Jane and Liva on the realities of working so closely with another person, and the three of them break apart the existential dread that accompanies most of their creativity. Plus, Jane and Liva work out two new songs from their show and the three of them create a song from a bit Mike is working on. Please Consider Donating To: Survived and Punished NYC See Jane and Liva Off-Broadway in Dukes. Get tickets here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Fred Armisen: Is He Joking? | 06 Jul 2026 | 00:48:34 | |
(Recorded August 2025) Having recently toured together with John Mulaney, Mike and Fred sit down for his first in-studio appearance on Working it Out. They discuss Fred’s SNL audition, his best sketch writing advice, and the manners of navigating video exhibits in museums. Plus, Fred borrows Mike’s guitar to demonstrate how cultures around the world play the acoustic guitar. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 217. Aaron Chen: High Quality Jokes from a Low Capacity Kind of Guy | 29 Jun 2026 | 00:47:17 | |
Comedian Aaron Chen may be known internationally for his role on the hit Australian TV series Fisk, but he’s been a working stand-up since the age of 15. In fact, he might be the only Working It Out guest who learned to drive commuting to and from comedy clubs with their dad. Now he’s got a hit Netflix special, Funny Garden. This week, Aaron sits down with Mike to discuss his journey from the suburbs of Sydney to opening for Ali Wong to headlining his own shows across the world. Plus, Aaron and Mike open up about the instances early in their careers when they regrettably lashed out at audiences, and how they became more adept at navigating difficult shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Jon Rudnitsky and Mike Answer Your Questions About Failure and Jokes | 22 Jun 2026 | 00:37:17 | |
This week, the very funny Jon Rudnitsky joins Mike to answer listener submitted questions. The two of them discuss how long it was before they started earning money from comedy, the complete loss of dignity required to make it as a stand-up, and what it is that keeps them showing up every day. Plus, how Jon caused what he believes to be one of the greatest mistakes in SNL history. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 216. Wanda Sykes: Mike's Dream Guest | 15 Jun 2026 | 00:45:55 | |
Wanda Sykes is one of Mike’s original dream guests for the podcast. Now, on the heels of her new Netflix special, Legacy, Wanda talks with Mike about how they both started in DC, and why Wanda left her job at the NSA to pursue a career in stand-up comedy. Wanda tells the story of how she moved from the writers' room of The Chris Rock Show to acting in sketches, how she got tricked into auditioning for Curb Your Enthusiasm, and the weird requests she gets from Curb fans. Plus, new jokes from Mike and Wanda. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 215. Phil Lord and Chris Miller: These 2 Dorks Made Every Movie You Love | 08 Jun 2026 | 00:49:08 | |
Filmmakers Phil Lord and Chris Miller’s resume is a laundry list of hits: Project Hail Mary, The Lego Movie, 21 Jump Street, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, and more. Their success with projects that didn’t initially seem like good ideas has even spawned a verb in Hollywood, “to Lord and Miller” something. Now they sit down with Mike to discuss the positive and negative ramifications of that. They also discuss the test screening process of Project Hail Mary, and working with Nicolas Cage on their new series Spider-Noir. Plus, they reveal the five films that would be on the syllabus of Lord and Miller University. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 214. Robby Hoffman: It's a New Dawn | 01 Jun 2026 | 00:56:12 | |
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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Jenny Slate: Unafraid of Sadness | 25 May 2026 | 01:09:20 | |
(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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 213. Jack Antonoff Returns: Music’s Biggest Producer Records Mike’s Pizza Song | 18 May 2026 | 00:59:02 | |
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.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 212. Pete Holmes Returns: Selling Crepes at a Junkyard | 11 May 2026 | 00:44:29 | |
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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 211. Nish Kumar Returns: Dinosaurs Before the Meteor | 04 May 2026 | 00:54:07 | |
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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 210. Ramy Youssef Returns: He Lit Up The Pyramids | 27 Apr 2026 | 00:59:07 | |
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. Please Consider Donating To: War Child Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 209. Jorma Taccone Returns: This Episode Sucks | 20 Apr 2026 | 00:50:54 | |
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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Nikki Glaser: The Team Captain of Comedy | 13 Apr 2026 | 00:57:00 | |
(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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 208. KevOnStage: How To Make A Comedy Show About Grief | 06 Apr 2026 | 00:51:43 | |
Lin-Manuel Miranda called Mike up a few months ago to say he wanted Mike to meet comedian and author Kevin Fredericks. This week, Mike sits down with him for the first time and the two of them break open Kevin’s new solo show “Grief Sucks,” which Kevin wrote about his brother’s death. The two discuss how to make the darkest topics funny, how being a comic is mostly about failing and then doing it again anyway, and what to do when you accidentely cry on stage. Plus, some thoughts about the Oreos you eat on the way to eat Oreos. Please consider donating to Storm DeBarge's non-profit work (CashApp: $bijan1996) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 207. Chris Fleming Returns: He Is Way More Popular This Time | 30 Mar 2026 | 00:58:44 | |
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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Nathan Lane: The Safest Thing You Can Do Is Take a Risk | 23 Mar 2026 | 01:00:45 | |
(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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 206. Cazzie David: Spiritually a Boomer | 16 Mar 2026 | 00:52:50 | |
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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 205. Taylor Tomlinson: Hope No One Filmed That | 09 Mar 2026 | 00:56:55 | |
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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 204. Ali Siddiq: Telling His Own Story | 02 Mar 2026 | 00:52:11 | |
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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 203. James Acaster: He Welcomes Hecklers | 23 Feb 2026 | 00:49:12 | |
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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Bob Odenkirk: The Art of Anger in Comedy | 16 Feb 2026 | 00:52:49 | |
Best of WIO: Bob Odenkirk (Recorded July 2025) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 202. Connor Ratliff: How and Why To Do Improv | 09 Feb 2026 | 00:56:43 | |
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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 201. Heidi Gardner: Behind Your Favorite SNL Characters | 03 Feb 2026 | 00:54:33 | |
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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 200. John Mulaney: He’s Funny and Here’s Why | 26 Jan 2026 | 01:12:00 | |
For the 200th episode of Working It Out, Mike sits down with one of his oldest friends and one of the podcast’s first ever guests, John Mulaney. The two discuss monkeys wearing space suits, old stories from the road, and how John’s career changed after having kids. They work out new jokes about the time John asked Mike to go skydiving, getting yelled at by substitute teachers, and a story about an interaction with Frank Sinatra that—until Mike tells it on stage—John cannot find peace. Plus, John brings a literal buzzer into the interview so that he can hit it if he finds Mike guilty of a certain tendency. Please Consider Donating To: The Innocence Project Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 199. Jordan Jensen: You Can’t Say That (But Actually You Can) | 19 Jan 2026 | 00:53:32 | |
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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 198. Sarah Sherman Returns: If Chucky Went to Sarah Lawrence | 12 Jan 2026 | 00:52:05 | |
This week, SNL’s Sarah Sherman returns on the heels of the release of her new HBO special, “Live + In the Flesh.” Sarah and Mike discuss why Sarah goes to therapy three times a week, which SNL cast member Sarah is jealous of, and the difference between Sarah Sherman and her stage persona Sarah Squirm. Plus, the Weekend Update character that Lorne Michaels himself thought of for Sarah to play. Please Consider Donating To: Trans Lifeline Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Stephen Colbert: A Gift from the Comedy Gods | 05 Jan 2026 | 00:51:12 | |
Best of WIO: Stephen Colbert (Recorded January 2025) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Josh Johnson: Reinventing the Modern Comedy Special | 29 Dec 2025 | 00:52:32 | |
Best of WIO: Josh Johsnon Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 197. Natalie Palamides: Wisdom from a Modern Clown | 22 Dec 2025 | 00:59:01 | |
Natalie Palamides is a writer and performer best known for her avant-garde comedy shows Laid, Nate, and WEER. She’s eaten raw eggs on stage, fondled audience members (with their consent), and played both halves of a feuding couple in a way that has to be seen to be believed. Mike and Natalie discuss how Natalie’s formal training in clowning informs her creative process, and they break down the philosophical differences between birthday clowns and theater clowns. Plus, Natalie explains the times that literally wresting with audience members nearly went wrong. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 196. Michael Che: An Amateur Therapy Session | 15 Dec 2025 | 01:12:26 | |
Mike started this podcast so that one day Michael Che would come on. Today is that day. In this all-timer episode, Mike and Che work out tons of jokes and discuss the advice Lorne Michaels gave to Che that he’ll never forget, how Che went from designing and selling t-shirts on the street to being a stand-up comic, and what keeps him coming back to SNL. Plus, the time Che nearly did something to Colin Jost on air that he would really regret. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 195. Arthur Brooks: The Science of Happiness and Humor | 08 Dec 2025 | 00:45:25 | |
Arthur Brooks might be the only Working It Out guest who's crossed paths with Jerry Seinfeld, Oprah Winfrey, and the Dalai Lama. He’s a professor and bestselling author, whose books include The Happiness Files, From Strength to Strength, and Build the Life You Want, which he co-authored with Oprah. Mike sits down with Arthur, whose speciality is the science of happiness, to explore what goes on in the brains of comedians and audiences at comedy shows. They discuss creative productivity, how Arthur prepares his lectures, and the benefits of gratitude. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 194. Pete Holmes Returns: Vulnerability is Everything | 01 Dec 2025 | 01:03:29 | |
This week, Pete Holmes returns to the studio for one of Working It Out’s most joke-dense episodes ever. Mike and Pete work out jokes about strangers in hot tubs, why Jerry Seinfeld sounds like his own name, and how cool guys in movies swallow their pills without water. Plus, the comedy advice Pete wishes he knew when he was starting out. Want more of Mike and Pete? Subscribe to Working It Out’s premium feed on Apple Podcasts to listen to their bonus episode together where they work out listener-submitted material! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 193. Vir Das Returns: How to Find Your Voice, Literally | 24 Nov 2025 | 00:54:07 | |
The last time comedian Vir Das was on Working It Out, he and Mike discussed the intense reaction to a piece he performed called “Two Indias.” Now Vir returns to share how he moved on from the controversy, and all the ups and downs he’s experienced since then, including: literally losing his voice just weeks before sold out shows in Mumbai, writing a memoir, and making an independent film. Plus, Mike and Vir dive into the two different shows Vir is currently performing, and Vir explains why Mike’s name belongs in a Bollywood musical. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 192. Leanne Morgan: In The Presence of a Comedy Angel | 17 Nov 2025 | 00:42:56 | |
On the heels of her new special “Unspeakable Things,” Leanne Morgan joins the podcast this week to talk Southern beauty shop gossip, getting started in comedy selling jewelry door to door, and in what way Mike is “her Elvis.” Plus, the time Leanne may or may not have been picked up in an SUV by President George W. Bush. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 191. Todd Glass: The Ultimate Comic's Comic | 10 Nov 2025 | 00:59:14 | |
Todd Glass was one of the first comics Mike opened for. It’s easy to see how, since then, Todd has become one of the most beloved comic of his generation, revered by comics including Nikki Glaser, Judd Apatow, and Rory Scovel. Now Mike and Todd sit down for a discussion about how coming out changed Todd’s life and his comedy, Todd’s heart attack backstage at Largo, and Todd’s new live show featuring a band. Plus, jokes about peanut allergies and old-sounding names, and the story behind the viral video of Todd vs. a heckler. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 190. J. Hope Stein: Eavesdropping on the Eavesdropper | 03 Nov 2025 | 00:58:13 | |
This week poet J. Hope Stein & Mike’s wife ‘Clo’ returns to the podcast. Jen reads original poetry that Mike uses as inspiration for his bits—and the two dispute whose side of the story is being told in each. Mike and Jen discuss helpful vs. unhelpful artistic feedback, the difference between Mike in real life and Mike on the podcast, and Mike has Jen participate in The Introverted Slow Round. Plus, a phone call from Pete Homes and his wife Val! Please consider donating to Children's Hospital Los Angeles Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 189. Nick Offerman: The Man Behind the Mustache | 27 Oct 2025 | 00:57:08 | |
Mike met Nick Offerman years ago at the Sasquatch! Music Festival in Washington state, which is fitting because Nick is a man of nature, almost as well known for his woodworking as he is for his acting. After examining the Working It Out studio table, Nick tells Mike about what it was like to act as the straight man to Amy Poehler on Parks and Rec, and more recently prep for his dramatic turn in the film Sovereign. Nick also shares some wisdom from the wood shop care of his new instructional book Little Woodchucks. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||