Podcasts > SmartLess > Mike Birbiglia | SmartLess

Mike Birbiglia | SmartLess

By Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett

Dive into a whirlwind of comedy, vulnerability, and behind-the-scenes stories as podcast "SmartLess" welcomes stand-up comedian and storyteller Mike Birbiglia. Hosts Sean Hayes, Jason Bateman, and Will Arnett explore the depths of Birbiglia's unique career, from his perilous sleepwalking adventures to his distinctive style of merging comedy with theater. In this revealing episode, learn how Birbiglia narrowly escaped death after sleepwalking through a second-story window, an incident providing raw material that fuels his one-man shows and resonates powerfully with audiences worldwide.

As Mike shares candid tales of early career blunders, confrontations with challenging audiences, and personal growth, the speakers revel in recollections and what-ifs. Birbiglia humorously recounts an audition for "Arrested Development," brought to life with a table read alongside Bateman's Michael and Arnett's Gob Bluth. The episode also offers a lighthearted glimpse into Birbiglia's temporary stint as the host of "Jimmy Kimmel Live" and the comically unfortunate cancellation of his interview with Tom Cruise. "SmartLess" takes listeners behind the laughter, showcasing the trials and triumphs that shape an artist's journey.

Listen to the original

Mike Birbiglia | SmartLess

This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jan 15, 2024 episode of the SmartLess

Sign up for Shortform to access the whole episode summary along with additional materials like counterarguments and context.

Mike Birbiglia | SmartLess

1-Page Summary

Mike Birbiglia's sleepwalking disorder and story of jumping through a hotel window

Comedian Mike Birbiglia suffers from REM sleep behavior disorder, a condition where he acts out his dreams, leading to dangerous episodes of sleepwalking. Even with medication, Birbiglia's episodes persisted, resulting in a doctor's recommendation to sleep confined in a sleeping bag with mittens. The most notable incident was when he jumped through a second-story hotel window in Walla Walla, Washington, during a dream about a missile attack, mistakingly believing he was saving his "platoon" from danger. Birbiglia barely survived, narrowly avoiding a fatal injury from the glass shards that cut close to his femoral artery.

Mike's comedy style of storytelling and one-man shows

Mike Birbiglia stands out in the comedy industry with his storytelling prowess, seamlessly blending stand-up and theater in his one-man shows. Initially gaining traction on storytelling platforms like This American Life and The Moth, Birbiglia transitioned to create shows such as "Sleepwalk with Me." Presented by Nathan Lane and earning admiration from industry peers like Sean Hayes and Will Arnett, Birbiglia carefully revises his shows to perfect the narrative, ensuring his autobiographical stories resonate deeply with audiences.

Stories of Mike dealing with hostile audience members and hecklers

Across his career, Mike Birbiglia has faced his share of challenging audience members. Recalling an early incident, he mistakenly accused a loud casino audience member's companion of being a sex worker, resulting in a life-threatening confrontation. Birbiglia mentions he now takes a more honest and direct approach to dealing with disruptive audience members, reflecting personal growth and a matured response strategy to heckling.

Mike's experience auditioning for the role of Buster on Arrested Development

Discussing his earlier career, Mike Birbiglia recounted his audition for the role of Buster on the television show Arrested Development. While no specific details of his original audition process were revealed, Birbiglia joined Jason Bateman and Will Arnett in a podcast segment, reading a scene as Buster alongside the actors reprising their roles as Michael and Gob Bluth. The read-through offered audiences a view into what Birbiglia's portrayal of Buster might have looked like.

Mike's experience hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live and his humorous interview with Tom Cruise being canceled

When Jimmy Kimmel contracted COVID, Mike Birbiglia, who was scheduled to be a guest on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," found himself taking over as the show's host. As he prepared for this unexpected turn of events, Birbiglia was informed that he would be interviewing Tom Cruise. However, the excitement was fleeting; in a comedic twist of fate, another text from Kimmel informed Birbiglia that Cruise had canceled his appearance, leaving him without the anticipated high-profile interview.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder where individuals physically act out vivid and often intense dreams during the REM (rapid eye movement) stage of sleep. Unlike typical REM sleep, where the body is typically paralyzed, those with RBD can move, speak, or even engage in complex behaviors while asleep. This can lead to potentially dangerous situations, as the individual may unknowingly put themselves or others at risk during these episodes. RBD is often associated with neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease and can be managed through medication and safety measures to prevent injuries during sleepwalking episodes.
  • Nathan Lane is an accomplished American actor known for his work on stage and screen, receiving multiple prestigious awards for his performances. He has a successful career in theater, with notable roles in various Broadway productions, showcasing his talent in both comedic and dramatic performances. Lane's contributions to the entertainment industry have earned him recognition and accolades, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and acclaimed actor.
  • The Moth is a nonprofit organization that focuses on the art of storytelling through live events and podcasts. Founded in 1997 in New York City, The Moth hosts theme-based storytelling events featuring a mix of everyday individuals and well-known personalities. They have expanded to various cities in the US and internationally, aiming to capture the essence of personal narratives in a captivating and unscripted manner. The Moth's initiatives include a podcast, a radio show, and the publication of books centered around true stories shared by diverse storytellers.
  • Buster is a character on the TV show "Arrested Development." He is a member of the Bluth family, known for his quirky and often childlike behavior. The character is portrayed as somewhat naive and dependent on his family members. Mike Birbiglia auditioned for the role of Buster on the show at some point in his career.
  • Jimmy Kimmel Live! is an American late-night talk show hosted by Jimmy Kimmel on ABC. It features celebrity interviews, comedy sketches, and musical performances. The show has been on air since 2003 and is known for its satirical take on current events and popular culture. It is filmed at the Hollywood Masonic Temple in Hollywood, California.

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
Mike Birbiglia | SmartLess

Mike Birbiglia's sleepwalking disorder and story of jumping through a hotel window

Diagnosis of REM sleep behavior disorder that causes him to act out dreams

Comedian Mike Birbiglia has publicly shared his struggles with a serious condition known as REM sleep behavior disorder, which leads individuals to physically act out their dreams. Despite being prescribed medication, Birbiglia continued to face challenges managing his sleepwalking episodes. To prevent himself from risky physical activity during sleep, his doctor recommended an unconventional solution: sleeping tightly zipped up in a sleeping bag while wearing mittens so that he couldn't open it.

Story of jumping through second-floor hotel window thinking he was saving others from a missile

One of the most dramatic incidents that Birbiglia recounts is a dream in which he believed he was saving others from an imminent missile attack. He dreamt that the missile was targeted towards his room and, out of a sense of duty to protect his "platoon," made the split-second decision to jump through a window. This was not merely a dream sequence but happened in reality at a La Quinta Inn in Walla Walla, Washington. Birbiglia, who was on the second floor, broke through the closed window and continued running until he was jolted to awareness on the lawn in his underwear, bleeding but inexplicably reli ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

Mike Birbiglia's sleepwalking disorder and story of jumping through a hotel window

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder where individuals physically act out their dreams due to a lack of muscle paralysis during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. This can lead to movements ranging from simple gestures to complex activities like walking or even violent behaviors. RBD is different from typical dreaming as it involves the physical enactment of dream content, often resulting in potential harm to oneself or others. It is commonly associated with neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease and can be managed through medication and safety precautions.
  • La Quinta Inn is a chain of limited-service hotels primarily located in the United States. They offer affordable accommodations with basic amenities for travelers. The incident involving Mike Birbiglia jumping through a window occurred at a La Quinta Inn in Walla Walla, Washington.
  • Walla Walla, Washington, is a city in the southeastern region of the state, known for its historical significance dating back to encounters with indigenous peoples and the establishment of a fur trading outpost in t ...

Counterarguments

...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
Mike Birbiglia | SmartLess

Mike's comedy style of storytelling and one-man shows

Mike Birbiglia has carved a unique niche in the comedy world, blending stand-up, storytelling, and theater into captivating one-man shows.

Started telling stories on shows like This American Life and The Moth

Mike’s storytelling journey began in college where he majored in screenwriting and playwriting, while also performing stand-up comedy in Washington, D.C. This multidisciplinary approach led him to contribute stories to well-known programs such as This American Life and The Moth, platforms that share true stories told in front of a live audience.

Created solo shows like Sleepwalk With Me that blend stand-up comedy and storytelling

Birbiglia's ability to merge different mediums birthed "Sleepwalk with Me," a solo show that became a milestone in his career. Presented by Nathan Lane in 2008, it showcased his capacity to intertwine humor with autobiographical narratives. Sean Hayes and Arnett both express their admiration for Birbiglia’s one-man Broadway shows, illustrating the respect his unique style commands in the industry.

Discusses ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

Mike's comedy style of storytelling and one-man shows

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Mike Birbiglia is a comedian known for blending stand-up comedy with storytelling in his one-man shows. He gained recognition for his solo show "Sleepwalk with Me," which showcased his ability to mix humor with personal narratives. Birbiglia has contributed stories to popular programs like This American Life and The Moth, platforms that feature true stories shared in front of live audiences. He is respected in the industry for his unique style that combines comedy and storytelling in a compelling way.
  • Performing a one-man show every night presents challenges like maintaining energy and focus throughout the entire performance. The comedian must engage the audience without the support of other performers on stage. Memorizing long monologues and executing precise timing are crucial for a successful solo performance. The emotional and physical toll of reliving personal stories repeatedly can also be demanding on the performer.
  • Mike Birbiglia's comedy style stands out due to its fusion of stand-up, storytelling, and theater, creating a unique blend that sets him apart in the comedy world. This combination allows him to deliver humor through personal narratives in a theatrical manner, distinguishing hi ...

Counterarguments

  • While Mike Birbiglia's blend of stand-up, storytelling, and theater is unique, some might argue that it is not entirely original as other comedians and performers have also mixed these elements in various forms.
  • Birbiglia's start in storytelling on shows like This American Life and The Moth is commendable, but it could be pointed out that many other comedians and storytellers have similarly used these platforms to launch or enhance their careers.
  • The creation of solo shows like "Sleepwalk With Me" is a significant achievement, yet there may be a perspective that such shows, while popular, might not appeal to all comedy enthusiasts who prefer traditional stand-up or the ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
Mike Birbiglia | SmartLess

Stories of Mike dealing with hostile audience members and hecklers

Mike Birbiglia shares tales of his encounters with difficult audience members throughout his career, from his early days of stand-up to his more recent experiences.

Early story of incorrectly accusing audience member's wife of being a prostitute

Birbiglia reminisces about a situation early in his career, about 20 years ago, when he was performing in a casino. He describes two men sitting in the front row who seemed like they could be organized criminals. They were accompanied by two women and were conversing loudly during Birbiglia's set. When he asked them to stop talking, they persisted. Out of inexperience and in an attempt to silence them, Birbiglia made a brash comment, suggesting that the men take their prostitutes elsewhere. This led to a hostile response, with one of the men threatening Birbiglia's life. Ironically, Birbiglia later learned that the women with the men were indeed sex workers, as they approached Birbiglia and his brother after the show, inquiring if they were interest ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

Stories of Mike dealing with hostile audience members and hecklers

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Mike Birbiglia is a well-known American comedian, actor, and filmmaker known for his storytelling style of comedy. He gained popularity for his one-man shows and stand-up specials that often delve into personal experiences and introspective humor. Birbiglia's work is characterized by its authenticity and vulnerability, often touching on themes of relationships, parenthood, and everyday life. His storytelling abilities and unique approach to comedy have earned him a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim in the comedy world.
  • The text discusses two separate instances involving Mike Birbiglia and difficult audience members: one from his early career and one reflecting his current approach. The first anecdote recounts an incident from about 20 years ago when Birbiglia mistakenly made a comment about prostitutes to audience members. The second part mentions Birbiglia's evolved approach to handling disruptive audience members in recent times, showing his growth and maturity in dealing with hecklers.
  • The text introduces two men without providing clear background information or context about them, leading to confusion. One of the men later threatens Mike Birbiglia after a misunderstanding during his performance. The lack of initial identification or background details about these characters can make it challenging to follow the story smoothly. This sudden introduction without sufficient context can leave readers wondering about the si ...

Counterarguments

...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
Mike Birbiglia | SmartLess

Mike's experience auditioning for the role of Buster on Arrested Development

Mike Birbiglia shares his experience auditioning for the quirky character Buster on the critically acclaimed show Arrested Development.

Reads scene with Jason and Will playing the Bluth brothers

During a recent podcast, Birbiglia got a chance to read a scene from Arrested Development, stepping into the role he once auditioned for. In a moment of improvised performance, Jason Bateman returned to his character as Michael, while Will Arnett resurrected Gob. With Birbiglia taking on the role of Buster, the three of them recreated the dynamic of the Bl ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

Mike's experience auditioning for the role of Buster on Arrested Development

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Mike Birbiglia is a well-known comedian, actor, writer, and director in the entertainment industry. He is recognized for his stand-up comedy specials, one-man shows, and appearances in TV shows and films. Birbiglia is known for his storytelling style and often incorporates personal experiences into his work. He has a dedicated fan base and has built a successful career in comedy and entertainment.
  • The Bluth siblings' dynamic in "Arrested Development" is crucial to the show's humor and storytelling. Their dysfunctional relationships, filled with rivalry, misunderstandings, and absurdity, drive much of the comedy and plot develo ...

Counterarguments

...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
Mike Birbiglia | SmartLess

Mike's experience hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live and his humorous interview with Tom Cruise being canceled

In an unexpected turn of events, comedian Mike Birbiglia found himself transitioning from guest to host on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" when Jimmy Kimmel suddenly contracted COVID.

Was scheduled to only be a guest on the show

Mike Birbiglia was originally set to fly out and appear as a mere guest on "Jimmy Kimmel Live." However, plans rapidly changed when Birbiglia received a surprising text from Kimmel.

Ended up as host when Jimmy Kimmel got COVID

The initial text indicated that Kimmel might have COVID, which was promptly followed by a text confirming Kimmel's illness and stating that Birbiglia would be stepping in as the host for the occasion.

Had been scheduled to interview Tom Cruise but Cruise ca ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

Mike's experience hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live and his humorous interview with Tom Cruise being canceled

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Mike Birbiglia is a well-known comedian, actor, and filmmaker known for his stand-up comedy specials and one-man shows. He has appeared on various talk shows and podcasts, showcasing his wit and humor. Jimmy Kimmel is a popular late-night talk show host, known for his show "Jimmy Kimmel Live," where he interviews celebrities and discusses current events. Birbiglia and Kimmel have a professional relationship, which led to Birbiglia filling in as a guest host on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" when Kimmel fell ill.
  • The timeline leading up to Mike Birbiglia hosting "Jimmy Kimmel Live" was as follows: Initially scheduled as a guest, B ...

Counterarguments

...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free

Create Summaries for anything on the web

Download the Shortform Chrome extension for your browser

Shortform Extension CTA