Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out Nikki Glaser: The Team Captain of Comedy
37 snips
Apr 13, 2026 
Nikki Glaser, sharp stand-up comic and awards show host, returns to unpack hosting the Golden Globes and her Hulu special. She discusses using dark, challenging material to provoke and connect. Stories include an awkward Lana Del Rey moment, debates on porn and veganism, hosting tips, and a quirky idea for a vegan hour of comedy.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Take Audiences Into Dark Places Then Release Them
- Dark or taboo subjects can be powerful when you guide the audience through a sad place and land somewhere cathartic, not just offensive.
- Mike and Nikki both aim to say things people can't easily say themselves, using stage distance to explore uncomfortable truths.
Lana Del Rey Told Nikki She Was Too Dirty
- Nikki was told at a party by a woman (later revealed as Lana Del Rey) that she liked Nikki but wished she "wasn't so dirty," which Nikki took as useful creative feedback.
- The encounter made Nikki consider broadening material to reach viewers who are turned off by explicit jokes.
Open Strong And Calm Your Nerves
- Start any hosting or public-speaking gig with an immediate, tight joke to grab the room (Nikki used one-liners like "Welcome to the Golden Globes, Ozempic's biggest night").
- Use a short performance meditation or breath control (hold four seconds, exhale slowly) to calm nerves and protect your voice before going onstage.