Gary Gulman Returns | Work Friends or Friend Friends? | Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out Podcast

Mike and Gary Gulman have been friends for a long time, but what kind of friends? Real friends or just work friends? Gary returns to the podcast and he and Mike evaluate the true level of their friendship. Plus they discuss vulnerability in comedy, unhappiness vs. depression, and the advice that Gary got from Larry David.
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Find Mike:
Website: birbigs.com/
Instagram: / birbigs
Facebook: / birbigfans
Tik Tok: / mikebirbiglia
Find Gary:
Instagram: / garygulman
Facebook: / garygulman
Website: garygulman.com
Hosted and Produced by Mike Birbiglia
Producers: Peter Salomone and Joseph Birbiglia
Associate Producer: Mabel Lewis
Consulting Producer: Seth Barrish
Assistant Producer: Gary Simons
Video Consultant: Graham Willoughby
Special Thanks: Marissa Hurwitz, Josh Upfal, David Raphael, Nina Cwik, J. Hope Stein, Oona
Music: Jack Antonoff and Bleachers

[@solohour]

Gary Gulman is an absolute wordsmith, and frankly a national treasure.

[@Adam-hi9dh]

I can not figure out if your grammar is awful, ironically here.

[@dkarahtee5340]

I'm not as familiar with Gulman, and I apologize for that right now, because this guy came along for me at just the right time. His insight into depression, friendship, etc was something I needed right now. I feel like I have homework. In a good way. Which we all know is the absolute best feeling in the world. Love you Mike. Thanks for doing this, as always.

[@dkarahtee5340]

My tag would be, "the focalpoint of Christmas, was as besmirched by Santa as I was."

[@kaelynshelleman9553]

His special the great depresh is wonderful. New to him as well and definitely needed!

[@gingerhitzke9185]

His comedy is so good!

[@JoAnneHNYC]

You will thoroughly enjoy your research into Gary Gulman. Start with his Conan appearance of the State abbreviations. It’s a perfect sculpture of comedy and wit. Make sure you watch his interviews also, because he’s a lovely and interesting person.

[@Adam-hi9dh]

I accept your apology

[@andrewvalenski921]

Delightful. I wrote to the Gull in 2012 and asked him to come to Richmond, VA. He responded, thanked us for offering our “beer-stained futon,” and sent us a copy of his CD, No Can Defend. He is a legend

[@MarcMcMillin]

I feel there is a lot to simple compassionate presence. Silent listening without judgement has been very powerful to me.

[@lotsalaughs8829]

I remember when Gary when he was on “Last Comic Standing”-he was our family’s favorite, including our teen kid. We also saw him on tour with some of the other comics several years ago. I am glad to see Gary is getting a lot of airtime & plan to read his book. An intelligent comic, one of my favorites.

[@iamthebum]

Gary is one of my all-time favorites. I'm glad he's been feeling better and his HBO special was spectacular.

[@andrewferguson8641]

same he's awesome

[@Ray1969.]

“Dottie can you check the minutes?” “And listen to what Dottie said, this is so Dottie.” “Don’t you mean the minute?”

[@ccwoodlands1565]

This is excellent. Seeing two craftsmen speak openly about their careers.

[@LogoSmith87]

These guys are rockstars:) would love to see Maria Bamford on the show, she is an all time favorite.

[@TheMattsterling]

The GUL Man strikes AGAIN! Misfits is taking over the world and I love it. Birbigs even pulled out the Narwhal sweatshirt. Classy!

[@b0tterman]

I'm a big fan of Gulman's (you too Mike), but as a fellow sufferer (bi-polar) I can't thank Gary enough for speaking about this and weaving it so artfully in his act. Cathartic.

[@JerryKrull-Comedian]

Mike - I loved this episode! Gary is one of the smartest, funniest comedians out there. There is a special connection with comedians like yourself and Gary where you unveil so much of yourself in your comedy that connects with the audience - and we root for you whenever we see you live or on-screen. I'm adding Gary's book to my 'must read' list. (Yes I have your books too Mike!) Here's two book recommendation for you - Tim Conway's "What's So Funny?" the first time I remember laughing out loud while reading a book. Also Bob Newhart's "I Shouldn't Even Be Doing This!" - the second time I laughed out loud reading a book alone.

[@dianalombardi5932]

Both of these men are top notch comedians, but their impact on me is a little different. Both make me laugh, including the unexpected laugh, and both make me think, but Mike Birbiglia can also make me cry. This podcast was a real winner.

[@newgreyhair]

I've been on a Gary Gulman kick, so this was lovely. I really appreciate the discussion around depression after having just rewatched The Great Depresh

[@sovannpen]

Two of my favorites, I'm so glad they are friend friends! Loved this conversation!

[@b0tterman]

As someone who's battled bi-polar disorder since my early 20s, I really appreciate what Gullman has done for me and others. Plus he's brilliant.

[@Trenchant468]

Gulman is a gift. Intelligent discussion about depression and loneliness is a gift. And I stopped it and wrote out a song lyric because it’s a creatively inspiring conversation. I hit subscribe like a game contestant hitting the buzzer, and without being asked.

[@301hogan301]

I love honest talk about pain like this. It is so pure and clear and comforting …. and funny too.

[@chrisfloyd8465]

Gary! You are funnier than Seinfeld , with out question.

[@abbyweinberg]

Even though nobody will probably ever see this comment, I have to say how beautiful this conversation was between these men. It’s actually a very big deal to see two smart, successful men sit down and talk about their feelings and their relationship… Just wish I could’ve been there with you! ❤

[@lizziegreeneyes]

I am sooooo thankful this came into my feed - I am such a massive fan of your Mr. Birbigs & I've always enjoyed but recently re"found" Gary Gulman and his two specials along with this video and the interview with Judd Aptow, Maria Bamford and Patton Oswalt. Just had to take a quick minute to thank you both for taking the time to sit down again and chat - mental health is so important and shining a light on it - just thank you!!!

[@white.lodge.dale.cooper]

Woke up to find this vid waiting for me. What a great way to start a Monday. I love these guys.

[@cierrablue]

My two favorite comedians. This episode was special in so many ways. Usually, I listen on Spotify but this, this episode needed a view.

[@qazzaqstan]

Listened to this while driving but wanted to go to KZbin to comment: There is something especially wonderful about hearing comedians talk and particularly also joke about their experiences with depression. It not only makes me feel seen and less alone, it gives hope that at some point I'll be able to look back at some of the more absurd thoughts and reactions I've had and view them as something other than just terrifying.

[@lisak7380]

This conversation was very thought-provoking and profound. It made me tear up a bit because I could relate so much.

[@robbieseahagmangano897]

Gary I totally agree on the Pepitone!

[@kathleenmorris999]

Gary Gulman is amazing . I just feel like he would be a great friend. So interesting. This was a wonderful conversation to listen to.

[@magourn]

Love Gary Gulman! currently reading misfit.

[@ryanwieckowski3402]

Gary’s my guy, and mike is absolutely amazing, I remember watching his pandemic daily live uploads..just fantastic.

[@emeraldraiin]

This is the best birthday gift! 🧡

[@LogoSmith87]

Happy belated birthday

[@jacoblouisfilm2019]

Idk if it’s the color grade or just the glow of Gary ✨

[@adammckinley2629]

Seeing him in a few months, can't wait. One of the most underrated.

[@mikesharpsongs]

Toblerone bit could also lean into the absurdity of anyone claiming a landscape as intellectual property: "Did you MAKE the ALPS, Switzerland?!"

[@teynaranjas788]

Right. Reminded me of when Disney tried to copyright the name of the huge Mexican holiday, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). What chutzpah!

[@lisavidal768]

Woah first time watching your podcast and this has to be the Best lighting design ive ever seen in podcasting. I love this attention to detail. Really helps set the mood

[@lisamarielindenschmidt649]

Absolutely brilliant conversation - vulnerable, honest, funny... Love the transparency of these two. Thank you to you both. xo

[@htngo9]

Great ep and I love Gary Gulman! The Switzerland comment (Toblerone) made me laugh

[@M-Cherian]

Love these two - and Gulman's book "Misfit" is fantastic.

[@lucasorion]

Wish i could sit in on a joke collaboration session. For the "it was a different time" + "I'd love to, but my wife..." bit, I gravitated towards something with the Native Americans feeding the starving Pilgrims that first winter: "Well, we did harvest a bumper crop of maize recently, and apparently we're much better hunters than you, but my wife is just a stickler about keeping a well stocked reserve of frozen food, soooo..."

[@KurtI2525]

I woke up the house at that Toberlerone joke. 😂😂😂😂😂

[@robertfranken7543]

So useful to hear the bit about post-show praise. I'm guilty of almost all the bad things - note taken.

[@twilde3754]

Thoroughly enjoyed this. Especially the end (not because it was almost over!) but the back and forth with joke collab...nice!

[@cameronweaver8211]

Zero drink Mike loves biographies and has serious opinions about wildlife. Great album!

[@Janestjohns]

I’m so happy Gary wrote this book as it’s great to see him out on the tour promoting it and hearing his stories. I’ve always loved him!

[@ccwoodlands1565]

Imposter syndrome is something we all struggle with.

[@halcyon_index]

This had a profound impact on me

[@1225408]

Gary, you are wonderful !

[@michaeldunn8351]

These are my two guys. Fantastic.

[@Grace-rc7ux]

Love you Gary!!!!

[@Jasmine-qj5gm]

Gary is the nicest guy in comedy. Loved this convo between 2 thoughtful guys

[@ccwoodlands1565]

Depression and unhappiness was best explained by Woody Allen as the horrible and the miserable. Horrible being those in tragic situations and miserable is everyone else.

[@AlanGordieJr]

Yes, enjoyed this back and forth between friends during a drive, and wanted to leave a comment to say that I’m definitely looking forward to your future collaborations as alluded to in the outro here 👏 ❤

[@BellyLaugher]

I LOVED being able to witness this conversation...so many pithy moments (humorous, & serious; touching, vulnerable-human-disclosures, collaborative & such a warm spirit of camaraderie) I love when you all demonstrate, in real life/real time, how creative writing process works➡how we can deepen & expand & generate new art➡it just happened right in front of me!! It's invigorating. Also, so much new2me info & ideas that my mind will be pondering/thoughts➡I know thoughts abt things from this podcast will pop-up as I meander thru my day, & info here I 'll go look up b/c I want to learn more abt them (ie sparked curiosity)Thanks very much Gary & Mike ❣

[@gheller2261]

When he did Comedians In Cars I wondered why he never had Gary Gulman on. I think it's because he knows that Gulman blows him away as a comic.

[@jessrussovlogs]

These two!! 💜💜

[@TonyJ93]

Great video, you two are wonderful

[@TheHouseOfD]

What a touching podcast.

[@littlemissmaybe480]

Gary! My go-to Karaoke song is The Rose! I also have a long running joke about Toblerone.😂

[@andrewrhoton4550]

Love y’all

[@joeb4047]

This was an amazing Educational and heart touching video. So helpful and I will be buying Gary‘s book ASAP. Thank you.

[@miller8037]

I could tell Gary was a mensch when I first saw him on Last Comic Standing. Met him at JFL Montreal right after that.

[@DickHandy]

Wild I actually discovered both of these comics thru Pandora comedy playlists as a kid and stuck w them both since then 🔥👑🔥👑🔥

[@ukcliffjones]

Love him

[@user-oe9le7lp8o]

I think depression may feel different to different people. For me, it was an inability to feel any emotion except anxiety or all- out fear. No anger. No sorrow. No pleasure in anything, including food. Just... nothing. The irony is that that void weighs immeasurably more than any emotion I've ever felt. Thankfully, it's been over a decade since I was there. So anybody who might be reading this who feels there is no hope, there are answers out there. I didn't see a way out and then, thank God, my blessed general practitioner figured out the right medication for me. There are also forms of psychotherapy that go well beyond talk therapy that also can help you break free, such as Lifespan Integration and somatic therapy.

[@BellyLaugher]

What # episode is Gary's 1st visit w/you? I used both YT search & your channel's page, but don't see it. Thx.

[@amattson6578]

Gary wouldve been great on Curb

[@Max88188]

This is the mose sensitive podcast ever

[@gheller2261]

No, Gary. Seinfeld isn't better than you. He is the poster boy of right place, right time.

[@pearlskid8425]

They are both funny but Gary is a wittier and more intelligent and a better writer than Seinfeld. Such great Seinfeld jokes on his new MAX special.

[@derekgoins6547]

Depression only affects selfish people

[@d3one3]

The word cliche is such a cliche word

[@DunmoresMovieMania]

14:05 -- Jerry Seinfeld is in NO WAY "better" than you, Gary. Jerry Seinfeld is lower than the worst open mic comedian on a first night you've ever seen.