Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out

Chris Fleming, a comedian known for offbeat physical comedy and his HBO special Live at the Palace, returns to talk about his rise in popularity. They explore the perks and pitfalls of higher profile life. Short, playful riffs cover celebrity glare stories, protecting bits (including an Adam Driver musical snafu), and new jokes about drum circles, hotel smells, and dog DNA tests.

Nathan Lane, acclaimed stage and screen actor with multiple Tony and Emmy wins, shares career anecdotes and memories of working with Mike Nichols, Elaine May, Robin Williams, and Joaquin Phoenix. He talks about choosing his stage name, creative friction on The Birdcage, collaborating with directors, and why Elaine May advised that the safest thing is to take a risk.

Cazzie David, author, actor, and filmmaker known for Delusions and I Love You Forever, shares quirky personal tales and creative anxieties. She struggles to list five loves, recounts a rabid bobcat close call, and talks about directing, press nerves, online reactions to her essays, and privacy around journals. Conversations mix satire, family reactions, and rom-com-gone-wrong filmmaking.

Taylor Tomlinson, stand-up comedian and writer known for her Netflix specials, chats about turning notebook lines into jokes and testing risky material live. She discusses confessing toxic relationship patterns, navigating audience reactions, religion’s impact on her comedy, and planning a cleaner observational hour. Expect new jokes about sex dreams, lovebombing, and baby names.

Ali Siddiq, a stand-up comic and storyteller who turned prison time into a driving voice for his work, joins to talk craft. He discusses how to make personal stories relatable, building an independent path with DIY specials on YouTube, and the hustle of creating stages and community in Houston. They also trade parenting swim-meet war stories.

James Acaster, British stand-up known for inventive storytelling and the HBO special Hecklers Welcome. He talks about crafting a show that invites hecklers, redesigning delivery with drum interludes, confronting mortality after a near-fatal crash, and his detailed pre-show ritual. He also shares stories about booking Robert De Niro on Off Menu and navigating audience expectations.

Bob Odenkirk, actor/writer/comedian known for Mr. Show and Breaking Bad/Better Call Saul, reflects on career choices and craft. He talks about anger as fuel for comedy, the pressure of making Better Call Saul, mixing vulnerability with heroism in action films, and lessons from directing and collaboration. Short, candid stories and surprising behind-the-scenes moments punctuate the conversation.

Connor Ratliff, comedian and improviser behind Dead Eyes and The George Lucas Talk Show, shares stories from auditions and his journey into improv. He explores core improv tools like listening, clarity, and turning mistakes into gold. They discuss why people start improv, how it builds confidence, and memorable onstage moments.

Heidi Gardner, comedian and actor best known for eight seasons on Saturday Night Live and her Groundlings roots. She talks about creating Weekend Update characters from small observations. She recalls SNL stress, sketch cuts, tailgate antics with big-name hosts, and her Kansas City pride. She also shares improv lessons and quirky personal rituals.

John Mulaney, stand-up comedian and SNL writer, chats about touring, theatre life, and how parenthood reshaped his career. They riff on recurring obsessions like monkeys and murder, share road and skydiving stories, and unpack a baffling Frank Sinatra moment. John even brings a buzzer to call out polite platitudes.