logo
episode-header-image
May 2025
38m 12s

Mike Birbiglia doesn't think every setup...

NPR
About this episode
When Mike Birbiglia tells a story, he tries to make it relatable to everyone in the audience – whether it's tapping into his childhood anxiety, relating his clumsy attempts at self improvement or sharing his earnest fears about his aging parents. Mike's new Netflix special is The Good Life. He shares with Rachel how he learns valuable lessons from writing jokes, and explains how found some peace.

To listen sponsor-free and support the show, sign up for Wild Card+ at plus.npr.org/wildcard

To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy
Up next
Yesterday
Lena Waithe (Encore)
At 41, Lena Waithe already has an impressive legacy, with dozens of writing, acting and production credits. She was the first Black woman to win an Emmy for comedy writing (for "Master of None"). And she’s also the creator of "The Chi," which recently wrapped its seventh season. ... Show More
28m 33s
Feb 26
'Weird Al' Yankovic (Encore)
When Weird Al’s debut single, “My Bologna,” came out, there wasn’t really a model for how a parody artist could have any longevity in their career. Yet Al's figured out how to stay popular for over four decades. Ahead of his “Bigger and Weirder” tour, he talked with Rachel about ... Show More
34m 54s
Feb 19
Dan Harris
In an ever-growing world of mindfulness teachers and wellness influencers, Dan Harris has remained grounded with modest goals. One of those goals is baked into the name of his best-selling book and podcast, “10% Happier.” Dan talks to Rachel about his unconventional path from “se ... Show More
50m 47s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2025
Nick Offerman's Principled Hypocrisy
In the new movie Sovereign, actor Nick Offerman plays an extremist who doesn’t believe in the legitimacy of the Federal government. In real life, Nick comes from a small-town political family. His father is the mayor of Minooka, Illinois, and his uncle is on the village board. In ... Show More
48m 45s
Sep 2022
Ep279 - Nick Offerman | Good Clean Fun
<p>Actor Nick Offerman visits Google to discuss his book "Good Clean Fun: MIsadventures in Sawdust at Offerman Woodshop."</p> <p>Nestled among the glitz and glitter of Hollywood is a testament to American elbow grease and a hard day's work: Offerman Woodshop. Captained by woodwor ... Show More
1h 2m
Jul 2024
Joe Manganiello
<p>Joe Manganiello (True Blood, Deal or No Deal Island) is a renowned heartthrob— but did you know he’s also a certified, almost-skipped-two-grades, dungeons&amp;dragons master, nerd? Joe regales us with stories of his almost unbelievable tween years juggling his academic gifts w ... Show More
1h 11m
Jan 2025
Hank Azaria’s Advice for Overcoming Codependency
<p>Hank Azaria is used to putting on other personalities. You probably know him best from his work as a voice actor on “The Simpsons,” where he plays Moe the bartender, Professor Frink, Chief Wiggum and Snake Jailbird, among many others. His list of credits in stage plays, movies ... Show More
39m 10s
Aug 2024
Medium Jonathan Mark / Part 1
We have a two part episode coming at you. Eric is joined by Jonathan Mark who is one of the world's most sought after mediums. He initially pursued a career as a police officer and now uses his abilities not only for celebrity and personal readings, but to work with Law Enforceme ... Show More
32m 24s
Oct 2024
Richard Powers: Pulitzer Prize-Winning Stanford Professor | How I Write
Richard is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Overstory, one of the most praised novels of the decade. His writing absolutely explodes with life. But perhaps Richard’s most impressive skill is his character development. And we’re not talking about the stodgy character arc y ... Show More
1h 24m
Feb 2024
7. Peter Capaldi
Kirsty Young talks to the actor Peter Capaldi about what he’s learned from his life so far. Celebrated for iconic TV roles as Doctor Who and as Malcolm Tucker in The Thick Of It, Capaldi’s 40-year career also includes an Oscar in 1995 for work behind the camera. He reflects on hi ... Show More
54m 5s