I’m your nerd host, Chris Hardwick
Photo: www.zacxwolf.com
Nerdist is a place where we nerds come together and share the nerdery that we find. It's also my home to various elements of the Nerdist Empire. You might recognize me from TV. You don't realize that's where you know me from, but it is. You think you went to college with me or I look like your cousin's friend, but that is not the case. At one time or another you stumbled upon me on your moving picture box in such cerebral gems as MTV's "Singled Out" and Noam Chomsky's "Shipmates." and so much more...


I can’t wait to hear this, Mike’s work ethic is legendary, thanks for the interview Chris!
<a href="Link text“>~Rhaco
Some how I have ended up two weeks behind with your show!? I can’t wait to hear this episode. I wish I could have submitted a question since mike seems like the kind of guy that would do this. Do either of you name your bits for your own entertainment? I recently started doing stand up and I think I take unwarranted pleasure in naming my bits in completely inappropriate ways, when the audience will likely never know the title.
Thank you thank you thank you!
This episode shows up on the iTunes store, but is not appearing in my feed subscription in iTunes. Anyone else?
Nevermind, it’s working now.
Thanks for another fine and thoughtful episode. And condolences to all those who knew Greg Giraldo, who was looking a bit worn-down on the most recent tv appearances, but whose mind and wit were still obviously sharp…I imagine many here have certainly heard Marc Maron’s moving encomium for Giraldo by now. I was always happy to see his work, and was shocked and saddened to hear of his death (and, indeed, the coverage was often too typically shallow).
And, indeed, Hawaii is a special place, where whoever you are, you can find sizable parts of the population who find some reason to discriminate against you. They don’t call it the Aloha State for nothing (as the film noted, Aloha means “goodbye” as well as several other things).
Words cannot explain how excited I am that Birbigs is on your podcast this week. You guys are at the top of my list of favorite comedians! I’m going to his book signing in NYC tonight — this is the perfect way to get ready.
love mike birbiggleboo. great episode!!
Happy Birthday to me!
Amazing podcast, Chris! I’ve fallen in love with every episode thus far.
Too bad about Matt not being there, though. He was sorely missed.
Chris you had asked Mike if This American Life had helped and I like to point out that yes it has. I was aware of him but not a fan until I heard his story about sleepwalking on TAL. This was great episode.
Great episode. The section about Greg Giraldo was excellent, as was everything else.
Great episode as usual! Loved seeing Mike in Chicago last time he was there. Still waiting to see you in Chicago Chris.
I never actually thought about it until you guys brought up the fact that yes, Bob and Tom did corner a audience with the numerous small market radio stations. I remember hearing Mike a long time ago on Bob and Tom, but honestly never really looked into him any further until I ran across him on Comedy Central. Its weird, but basically my mind was telling me that “oh, he’s on Bob and Tom, great…..” Then when I saw him on Comedy Central my brain was firing “Oh! He’s on Comedy Central!” Its really strange how that happens. Almost like seeing someone with the cool kids so they’re now cool!
As usual, keep up the good work; when will new merch be available?; and when are you guys coming to Chicago!!!!!?
I was at the ft. lauderdale show was there on the 23 rd , it was so fun with the hindu aussi american old guy and the red neck groups great show can’t wait for the next.
“I almost failed high school chemistry” -Mike
“You don’t need it” -Chris
“Whhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa????” -Me
Don’t hate on the chems.
Chris, I’m not trying to be an ass or anything, but I’m kind of baffled by how often you express incredulity when someone says something negative to you. You realize that swathes of your act are pretty insulting to large groups of people, right? I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with that (I find it pretty hilarious myself) but you can hardly be surprised when those people respond with anger.
Let’s be clear, I’m a fan of yours and I love the podcast. But rednecks and republicans are people too.
Wow! Based on the comments I see above, this must be a wild podcast–I hope one day I get to listen to all these beauties that we cannot attend in person.
It would be great enough to listen to Chris and Jonah (too bad no Matt, but if one is lucky enough to still have a job, you gotta show up for it); to have Mike Birbiglia as well is nothing short of an embarrassment of riches!
Gee, Grover, I’m just not sure poking fun at people in a comedy act (I shit on myself equally) is the same as telling someone their very recently dead friend sucked. You might want that through a bit more…
Absolutely inspiring. I am certain that listening to this episode (as well as a decent number of past episodes) has made me a better comedian. Thanks, nerdists.
Birbig’s sleepy-voiced delivery reminds me of Joel Hodgson.
Outstanding interview with the comedy scientist. I learned a lot about the process. Thanks.
Also: I like Entourage, I guess because I don’t know any Hollywood assholes. But I’m sure Chris watched when Janet was on. Right? eh?
So love Mike B. (I type B. cause I think Birbigliocious is wrongish.) Also so adore this podcast. Literally, OCD check to listen for the new cast every week. Re: pleasures while driving: as a chick, oh yes, I used to live in LA and traffic gets…dull. I ‘m not a stripper or a weird horn bucket, or anything, but it was a great way to kill time on the 110.
Umm…I did not realize that my name was going to be published. My SuperBad. Can I amend? (Can’t find a place on the site to do that. Signed- RR
This man’s last name sounds like what comes out of mutant ooze when it bubbles.
Yay! I am so glad I’ve discovered this via the AV club interview w/ Mike. I’ll be going through the archives now. Thanks Chris!
This was great to listen to and for the life of me I don’t know how I got here but I’m glad I did and I’m glad I listened to the whole thing.
Mike is probably my favorite comedian for two reasons. One is that he tells a great story. I sat in the front row right in the middle when I saw him in Milwaukee last year and it was almost spellbinding. This is partially because he kept making direct eye contact with me and partially because he sang his “guitar guy” song directly to my girlfriend, which was both amazing for me and embarrassing for her. We’re going to see him again in a couple weeks and I can’t wait to hear some of his new stuff.
Why can I not listen to this?!?!
Yesterday it said “file not found”. Today it just keeps buffering forever & never plays.
I’m having the same issue. I can’t get this particular episode to start playing.