About this episode

Michelle Buteau discusses her journey from TV news editor to comedian and TV series star with Mike Birbiglia.

Michelle Buteau was a local TV news editor in New York until she tried stand-up for the first time, only days after 9/11. Since then she’s become an international touring comedian, bestselling author, and co-creator and star of her own Netflix series Survival of the Thickest. Now Michelle talks with Mike about figuring out who you are as a person, sharing embarrassing personal stories in a writers room, and why comedy is a family business. Plus, new jokes about parenting, yoga class, and Mike and Michelle discuss whether Mike should go on the Breakfast Club morning show.

More episodes of Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out

• 218. Jane Wickline and Liva Pierce Return: Comedy Duo Therapy · July 13, 2026 · 45 min
• Fred Armisen: Is He Joking? · July 6, 2026 · 49 min
• 217. Aaron Chen: High Quality Jokes from a Low Capacity Kind of Guy · June 29, 2026 · 47 min
• Jon Rudnitsky and Mike Answer Your Questions About Failure and Jokes · June 22, 2026 · 37 min
• 216. Wanda Sykes: Mike's Dream Guest · June 15, 2026 · 46 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out podcast page.