Ira Glass | The Best Advice For Creatives | Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out 

I’m realizing I have never seen Ira’s face 😂😂 Very handsome!

You asked, so, yes I am a 100th listener. Heard them all! Loved them all. I think the John Mulaney episode was great, but they were all great. And great to learn of other comics and performers that I had not heard of yet. Thanks for keeping me company every week through the last few crazy years. :)

I first listened to Taylor Thomlinson Returns and I've been hooked ever since. Couldn't believe I didn't know about this Podcast sooner. I've listened to 40+ episodes. I dedicate this episode to all my enemies!

Sometime during these 100 episodes I started doing standup comedy and the behind the curtain-ness of this podcast helped me to see that comics can be (and the best are) king, empathetic, story tellers. All this helped me be brave enough to try!

"This whole conversation is making me very nervous so far" - Ira Glass. Pretty perfectly describes my life

I have to agree with Birbiglia when he says each episode is his favorite. I've felt that way after each one I listened to. In my mind, I could always visualize the discussion but it's even better to actually see it in real video.

Watching Ira rearrange a bit is such a powerful and informative thing to watch for a creative.

Talk about a Master Class, for free, of two interviewers/raconteurs on their art and craft. Fantastic.

Incredible to watch a conversation between two of my storytelling heroes. I have listened to Working it Out since episode 1, where Mike workshopped the same story with Ira. So fun to see all the developments and hear all the wisdom. Some of my other favorite episodes include Rachel Bloom, Judd Apatow, and of course Atsuko Okatsuka.

when i was 11-13 i was absolutely obsessed with this american life, Mike was on a few and completely peaked my interest in comedy his album “my secret public journal” was my first comedy album and has definitely lived with me forever

Thank you for such wonderful conversations… The sound of Ira Glass drinking the Friendship potion is my favorite moment of WIO so far. 💕 Ira is on a league of its own. To my enemies I will say: 39. Most heartwarming laughter Nish Kumar 75. Most fearless observations Zarna Garg 101. Most touching sincerity Elyse Myers 16. Funniest deadpan Maria Bamford I would love to hear a conversation between you and James Acaster.

The first episode for me was with Natasha Lyonne (24?) And then I went back and started from the first one. I may have missed one, but I don't think so. Natasha is still my favorite. 100! Way to go Birbigs!

Mike, I've been a fan for many, many years as has my family. Recently, I saw you in Mesa, AZ with my son, Alex, and it was fantastic! It got me listening to your podcast and I've listened to every one of them since. All 100 episodes. Bill Hader was my favorite because of his laughter and how much he enjoys having fun. I'm planning on doing stand up at an open mic in Mesa and you and Working it Out are the reason I think I can do it! Thanks so much! Keep being you!

Oona's friendship potion worked surprisingly well 😂💜 loved this episode

Thank you! I hoped that this episode would be uploaded on YT. I know what I'm watching tonight.

I’ve listened to every episode of this pod, & it just keeps getting better. Thanks for inspiring us to keep working it out, Birbigs!

I'm a completist - started listening at the very beginning and it's required listening every week. I even listen to the replays most of the time. Favorite episodes are impossible to choose, but highlights have definitely been those with crossover fandom - John Green, Frank Oz, Nathan Lane, all the Ira Glass episodes, and Gethard were all highlights. I dedicate this episode to my enemies (you know who you are).

Also good to see there's a new episode out, thanks for making them.

Thanks SO MUCH for the video version of the podcast! I could watch you workshop the story with Ira and his notebook for hours. One thought on his point around 1:02:50 about the conversation with your parents: I'd want to know which parent you believed more either at the time or are you now able to identify, in retrospect (post dissociation), if one statement had more weight than the other at the time. My guess is you were holding both - both were equally potentially true - and that point perhaps calls back to your description of your parents earlier in the episode, that your dad is very dry and your mom's a good storyteller, two qualities that define you/your work.

And now we have video! Amazing! Can't wait to hear (and see) what Ira has to say. When you do your shows in London it would be fantastic if you could get Stewart Lee on this show, one of my other all-time favourite comedians.

It’s been so cool to watch you Work It Out for the last hundred episodes! Proud to be a day one listener and a completist. Loved the first and the new chat with Seth Barrish. This one goes out to all my enemies: you know who you are BUT you don’t know about this podcast. Maybe if you did we wouldn’t be enemies. Food for thought.

Anything for you Mike, watched, liked and subscribed

I’m so glad you’ve come to youtube! Thank you and thanks to everyone who asked for it❤

This interview is so chill, so low energy it is at zero Kelvin, yet vastly more interesting and compelling then any other interve.... podcast.

I’ve listened to all 100 episodes and loved each one. Thank you, Mike!

this is awesome! it's also awesome to see collaborators on this high-level working stuff out. The respect and trust are evident!

Thanks so much for the video footage. Awesome! If I win the lotto I’m coming to UK to see The Old Man & The Pool. The best live show I’ve ever seen. I wish I could see it over and over. You’re amazing! 👏

it was really fascinating watching them go through a story and work out bits in it, great idea for the show

This is a masterclass in storytelling. Thank you.

Mike- this is just such a lovely conversation to hear. Years ago (2011? 2012?) a friend had an extra ticket for a screening of Sleepwalk With Me in NYC followed by a Q&A with you and Ira. Somewhere in my computer I have really bad photos of the two of you leading that discussion. I only started listening to your podcast a couple months ago- it's incredible to see what you've been up to since SWM- and now I've seen all your specials and I'm telling everyone who will listen that they have to check you out. It's not just that you're hilarious, it's that you seem like an incredible collaborator. It's inspiring to see how you provide feedback and handle criticism. The world could learn a lot from you! I've been a fan of Ira for a very long time, TAL has been a part of my life on and off for nearly 20 years. I love that the two of you are so close. So glad also to see you looking so well- keep on swimming!

Pause for Inspiration - your 100th Episode I have found myself rewinding episodes of "Working it Out" to re-listen, often pausing to fully digest your words. Your craftsmanship shines through in every story you share. The way you edit, reshape, add beats, and infuse levity is truly remarkable. Your ability to navigate the pacing creates a captivating experience for your listeners. My aspiration is to connect with one person, establish a meaningful bond over the topic of mental health, and hope that person, in turn, connects with others. I have authored two books that delve into the struggles and realities of living with bipolar disorder within a fictionalized family. While I’ve been fortunate to speak with students and medical professionals about the stigma surrounding mental health, I am keenly aware that there is much more work to be done. Your 100th episode reinforced the power of storytelling in encouraging individuals to share their own experiences, their moments of darkness, doubt, and enlightenment, with others who walk similar paths. For example, your discussion of sleepwalking reminds me of Liddy in my books. During her manic episodes, she embarks on dangerous nighttime escapades, listening to voices urging her to keep running, to hang money in trees for the homeless, and to run baseball bases backward to uncover her next clue. When we have the opportunity to discuss mental-health storytelling, I would like to emphasize two key points: the critical importance of early diagnosis and the possibility of finding support. Society often gravitates towards vague, sugar-coated advice that downplays the severity of mental illness, while media headlines reduce mental health issues to mere celebrity gossip or rehab stories. There is a deeper narrative waiting to be explored. I would love to engage in a conversation with you about initiating a public dialogue on mental health that instills hope and encourages more individuals to open-up, share their authentic stories, and foster stronger communities. (As Much as I Care to Remember & As Much as I Care to Forget - eb howell)

Jumping on the call to action a bit late but just listened to the 100th episode today. I have been a Mike Birbiglia fan since i first heard him on (you guessed it) TAL so so many years ago. Discovered his podcast and have been listening for the past 3 or so months. I am not a completest but have been introduced to so many new comedians through this podcast! In terms of my favorite episodes, any time he has Gaffigan on I love it, I also enjoyed the episodes with Akatsuko and Rosebud Baker. Two new artists whose interviews were a delight were Zarna Garg and Vir Das. I loved their refreshing global perspectives on comedy!!

this podcast single-handedly kept my faith in standup/the creative process during the pandemic lockdowns. Listen to it religiously

Hard to believe it, but I’ve listened to all 100 of these episodes! It’s honestly the first podcast I’ve ever started at the same time the pod started…it was an amazing comfort during the peak of the pandemic, especially, but it continues to be my favorite. For me, the quintessential episode is Tig Notaro. I love the opportunity to “take my brain for a walk,” but it’s also been so fun watching you develop your show and new friendships with folks like Atsuko. This one goes out to all my enemies (they know who they are)! Looking forward to the next 100.

Love love love your podcast! Now I’m loving your vids! Bravo Mike Birbiglia!

I'm a 100 episode completist. Of the couple hundred podcasts I listen to, this is in the top third and a treat.

This is the first episode I've ever heard of Working It Out! Something about your conversation was just... peaceful. Thank you for this, it meant more to me than I even thought it would. Good stuff!

This podcast got me through a tough job search. Hearing how comics go onstage and fail gave me courage to keep going. And I kept on listening for the fun of it! Congrats on your 100th, Mike! See you in Philly!

I've loved all the episodes of this podcast I've been able to listen to. Not 100 but a lot. I've always loved the real time conversation, and actual real time working it out between talented performers. It's incredible to hear the give and take and hear things come into shape. This is whole new level of showing your vulnerability and how work gets crafted in collaboration. It's really amazing to see behind the curtain this way. Glass' suggestions were fantastic. And - it looks great on video! So congrats all the way around.

I’m a completist, but I also slept through parts of them (I fall asleep to podcasts). Love what you’re doing, Mike.

One of my favorite pairs, in a video together (finally)!!! 🎉 Thanks for making this, Mike❤

This is so cool. Glad you took it NEXT LEVEL.

Congrats on 100 Mike! I'm nearly a WIO completionist - at the very beginning, I used to decide whether or not to listen based on the guest. But the more I listened, the more I realized what Ira said here is right: that the podcast isn't an interview about the guest and what they have accomplished or are working on, it's a conversation which highlights your relationship with them. And I'll never miss an opportunity to listen to something that lovely.

Congrats, Mike! I am not a completist even though I have listened to several "Best of WIO" episodes. Having listened to some of the older episodes really highlights for me the way you have improved the show over time (which you perfectly explained in this episode). This was one of the best episodes I've listened to. I hope you'll have Tami Sagher on!

I saw Ira at the DC premier of Sleepwalk with Me. I was seeing the second showing at the Landmark Cinema and he was walking out of the first showing. Funny to put the voice to a real person. I am going to keep listening on the podcast but cool to see these go up on RU-vid and looking forward to seeing you in my shorts feed hopefully soon!

Ira plays with the friendship potion the whole time.

I had no idea what Ira Glass looks like! So handsome, erudite. As for the show, I’ve heard about 75% and my favorite was Aubrey Plaza for the sheer off-the-wall factor. Taylor Tomlinson is a close second. Love the show!

Is this the nicest comment section on the internet? So far, yes! What a lovely bunch of fans you have, Mike. I was also at the zoom Pizza Parties - wow. I can’t explain how emotional it was to laugh with strangers again after months of social isolation. What a magical thing you created at a time when we all really, really needed it. Thank you. I dedicate this comment to all my enemies. 💝

two of my absolute favorite people in the podcast world!

I’m finally caught up to episode 100! I’m a 100-episode podcast listener and just now coming to your RU-vid channel to tell you this! Top Five episodes is sooooo hard, but here is my top 17: 1. Nick Kroll 2. Iliza Schlesinger 3. Hannah Gatsby 4. Pete Holmes 5. Judd Apatow 6. Taylor Tomlinson 7. Bowen Yang 8. Atsuko Okatsuka 9. Natasha Lyonne 10. Hassan Minhaj (haven’t heard his latest appearance) 11. Sarah Sherman 12. Chris Gethard 13. Melissa Villasenor 14. Ray Romano 15. Jimmy Fallon 16. Nikki Glaser 17. Ben Stiller But also they’re all (all 100) amazing. Every time I listen I am convinced that listening to you and every person you’ve had on will eventually train me into a standup comedian for my next career. I love hearing your stories of victory and defeat and dissecting the story and joke structure is just what I need after a long week of less creative work!

I’ve listened to 99. Love them!

Hooray for video!

Been a avid listener of anything Mike Birbiglia ever since I heard your piece on sleep walking with the original This American Life episode. I laughed so hard then and still can't pass a La Quinta Inn without saying "You can't make me speak Spanish." I have loved the working it out podcast and this is just icing on the cake to see you in motion as well. I and my now grown kids have both enjoyed your work and now also your wife's poetry with your introduction. I loved your Old Man in the Pool that we bought tickets to in Cleveland. Keep being a fabulous creative artist. :)

been listening since the first IG lives. Always top of my list. Please continue

Wow! Looks really good! Congrats!

Two of my favorite people!!

Hey Mike! I'm a completist too! My fav was the Natasha Lyonne episode! Thanks for keeping me sane during the pandemic and that you kept going 'til this day!

Thanks for the video! I will definitely watch, keep doing it!

Congratulations! I really enjoy the podcast and am looking forward seeing more videos. Love the name plates.

I'm a completer, been listening from the 1st Ira episode!! Other tops: David Sedaris, Bill Hader and John Mulaney. Love to hear you tweaking your stories/humor. Ira always has great takes and suggestions. 'Course now he's had 3 shots at this so.... ;) His responses are instructive to anyone who is asked to give feedback on writing of any kind. Not critical, but suggestive, such a gift to the writer and a rare skill. You do that too. So respect you both.

Also, thanks for being one of my favorite comedians. I was in a real rough place a few years ago and your podcast really helped get me through it.

Epic duo

Ok, so I'm a weekly listener and I love the podcast. It is so fascinating how different it is to SEE it rather than just hearing the conversation. Honestly I'm finding myself distracted (Ira's hands, his beard, Mike's squint and bracelet). None of the visual parts matter, of course, but if I had to choose I'd probably opt for the audio only version. But this is still way cool. Love the show, please don't stop.

yay! congrats on 100!

This is a great conversation on the creative process. Thanks, guys.

Seen and listened to everything you’ve done, including all episodes of the podcast and The Old Ones. Can’t exclude any episodes to call just one my favorite, but really enjoyed the Jack Antonoff one. If for no other reason than two of my favorite people having a conversation about death is a no brainer.

I’ve listened to all the episodes and I’m always happy to tell my friends and of course, dedicate this to all my enemies. ❤

So good!

Congratulations on 100 episodes. I started from the beginning, after the Old Ones. ... I'm not sure how to segue into this, but I took a comedy writing class a couple of years ago and one of the notes I was given was, "it's very funny. Your style reminds me of Mike Birbiglia, but he's not really a comedian." I took that as a huge compliment to me, and I hope you're just shaking your head.

I have listened to all 100, twice on some. Loved seeing the show at Berkeley rep after hearing you working it out. Favorite part has been learning about new comics and becoming fans of theirs including zarna garg, atsuko, Sara Milligan.

I've heard all 100, and loved them all. (Take that, Ira Glass. Who's really the best friend?) But yeah, Ira Glass is my favorite anywhere I hear him. I'm a playwright, and listening to you break down your process and then seeing your shows fully honed (I've seen them all too) is inspiring. Looking forward to the next 100. And then next show that arises from them!

YES-- you are both great-- and yes, that Sarah Bareilles song, She Used to Be Mine, is the first one I thought of when you asked which song makes you cry. Best advice from Ira: Don't wait...don't wait for a great idea, don't wait until you have the right equipment, don't wait until you really know what you're doing...just do it...write it, film it, sing it.(OK he didn't say sing.) Do it and get better as you do it. Thank you.

Birbigs rules!! Thanks for years & years of laughs, dude.

Amazing episode.

Love both Mike and Ira, WIO and TAL. I would listen to a series of these guys talking

I’ve been listening since Ep 1 came out & I’m a completist! So grateful for this pod. I’m a huge comedy nerd & accidentally stumbled into comedy writing professionally in the time since this podcast started. Needless to say: this helps. Thanks for joining me whilst I clean and fret over how to be productively silly. My fave episode is either Mulaney or John Green. You three have shaped my storytelling sensibility and ethos more than nearly anyone else. I re-listen to them all the time when I need a little comfort 💖 thank you, Mike + team!

Great episode, I like the studio and your setup. I wish you the best in London and Edinburgh. Your discussions with creatives and ADHD is helpful. When I here how it might take someone 5 years to work through an idea. I can relate. Your podcast with Brett Goldstein was fun to hear you on the otherside of the conversation. Continued success, Mike

I heard about the RU-vid version on the podcast. This was great! I subscribed.

Because you asked. Plus I love you and Ira both.

This is a profound one, thank you! I also particularly liked hearing you and Jen, and the episodes with Jimmy Fallon, Jack Antonoff, Hannah Einbinder, and John Green (which made me read The Anthropocene Reviewed, which was great). Thanks for all that you do. P.S. Where do I get Friendship Potion?

I first remember hearing your podcast during lockdown. It was my introduction to comedian Jon Laster. A very emotional conversation about his then recent encounter with the police. It has to have been around the time of George Floyd demonstrations in Chicago. Please play that conversation again.

Such a cool lens to the creative process at its roots. You guys have great rapport even thouygh you come from different places and deliver such ditinct work products. Very cool!

Leopoldstadt. Finally somebody said it.

What a great episode. Thank you both for the honest portrayal of how you talk to each other and work together. I first heard Mike on This American life many moons ago and I am eternally grateful to Ira for that ❤ Also I feel compelled to ask: is Mike wearing friendship bracelet he got at The Eras tour ? And I also have been listening since episode 1 and find the show constantly inspiring and feel good 😊

I just listened to your podcast with elyse meters. It was magic. I want to hear the two of you share stories and dissect the delivery and ponder the philosophy for hours.

The video quality is amazing as the podcast. Truthfully I prefer watching podcasts (though I listen to yours in spite of it not being a video because I adore you and your guests!) The name plates did catch my eye and wondered if that was on purpose? Anyhow, hope you do MORE videos.

Not quite a completist. Have especially loved the Hannah Gadsby (I am a apectrum gazelle) episode, your easy chats with Pete Holmes, and of course Clo + Mo. Thanks for everything. Your friend in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Diana

Oh squeal, I love this!

Good stuff! It's the Superfriends of Comedy reunited! And... I also vote for Tami Sahger as a guest soon.

I'm new to Mike's podcast because of the RU-vid algorithm but Mike needs to rename this podcast "therapy for Mike."

Crack! Helping people become friends since forever.

On the point about Howard stern, I fully expected Ira to say that Howard has evolved from this shock jock to being a profoundly good interviewer over the years, which is my understanding of how that went. Ira had a completely different and more interesting way of looking at the progression of all that. That being said, I do think that Ira would appreciate the content that Howard is putting out now. I think he is one of the best interviewers in the country and I’d put Ira in that category as well.

I’m a completist. If only all my enemies could also listen to all 100 eps

Mike, I love you. And I am here to suggest you invest in a coaster, so that it doesn't make a sound when you set down your cup.

I've listened to every episode once, wish I could remember my first one! But my favorite was the one with Stephen Colbert; it was magical! Now I'm waiting on Taylor Swift to come on!

37:35 Kids today go wild for those Rilke references.

I had no clue you had a podcast and I am so happy I found this. Also, is Oona's Friendship Potion now out of stock?!

Ira looking good at 64, the beard slays.

Completist. Beautiful lighting

This comment is dedicated specifically to my enemies. I’ve listened to - I think - all of the episodes, and I think my favourite episodes are the ones with Taylor Tomlinson and John Mulaney. There aren’t really bad episodes-I love hearing about different peoples writing processes.