26 May 2025
1h 26m

Working It Out With Mike Birbiglia: Comedy & Creativity, Podcasting & The Pope

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The Rich Roll Podcast

In this episode of the Rich Roll Podcast, Rich interviews comedian Mike Birbiglia, focusing on the art of storytelling and its importance in connecting with audiences. They discuss Birbiglia's creative process, his Netflix special "The Good Life," and how his personal experiences, including his relationship with his parents and daughter, influence his work. Birbiglia shares insights on joke writing, the value of vulnerability, and the importance of community in the creative process, while also recounting anecdotes about his career, including his early success, encounters with mentors like Ira Glass, and a memorable meeting with the Pope. The conversation explores themes of empathy, forgiveness, and finding humor in life's challenges, highlighting the power of storytelling to create meaningful connections.

Outlines

Part 1: Sleep, Storytelling, and Birbiglia's Special

Part 2: Empathy, Childhood, and Parenting

Part 3: Ethics, Connection, and Storytelling Evolution

Part 4: Mentorship, Structure, and Feedback

Part 5: Influence, Georgetown, and Early Success

Part 6: Career Paths, Directing, and Relationships

Part 7: Pope, Sleepwalking, and Parental Grace

Part 8: Advice, Inspiration, and Unique Voice

Part 9: Closing and Gratitude

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