Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out 184. KC Shornima: Get Comfortable With This Darkness
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Sep 15, 2025 KC Shornima, a talented comedian and SNL writer who once climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, shares her unique perspective on handling stress and humor in tough situations. She discusses the balance of addressing sensitive topics, like trauma, in comedy and the powerful connection between laughter and pain. Mike and KC also dive into hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from SNL, and she reflects on how childhood experiences influence her comedic storytelling. Their conversation emphasizes the value of vulnerability in both life and laughter.
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Glacier Camping And Loving Controlled Stress
- KC describes camping on an Alaskan glacier with whiteouts and digging out tents hourly.
- She says the physical stress and isolation are appealing and calming to her.
Write Lots, Then Let The Show Choose
- KC outlines her Weekend Update writing routine: submit many jokes daily and tighten before airtime.
- She emphasizes quantity first and collaborative selection later with hosts.
Deconstructing The Unsayable Enables TV Comedy
- KC observes Update works because it deconstructs why a joke is unsayable and then says it.
- Playing to audience expectations about Jost and Che unlocks darker humor on TV.
