Jesse David Fox | The History of Comedy Since Seinfeld | Mike Birbiglia’s Working It Out Podcast
Jesse David Fox is one of the definitive voices in comedy history and analysis. He’s written for Vulture and New York Magazine and now he sits down with Mike to discuss his new book Comedy Book, which covers among other things the comedy boom of the past 20 or so years. Mike and Jesse break down what it’s like to write *about* comedy, and why Mike trusted Jesse to document his creative process in the Peacock documentary Good One, based on Jesse’s podcast. Plus, Mike holds Jesse’s feet to the fire on a controversial piece Jesse wrote about John Mulaney.
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https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mike-birbiglias-working-it-out/id1515419751
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Find Jesse David Fox:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessedavidfox/?hl=en
Twitter (X): https://x.com/JesseDavidFox?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
Hosted and Produced by Mike Birbiglia
Producers: Peter Salomone, Joseph Birbiglia, Mabel Lewis
Associate Producer: Gary Simons
Consulting Producer: Seth Barrish
Video Consultant: Graham Willoughby
Special Thanks: Marissa Hurwitz, Josh Upfal, David Raphael, Nina Cwik, J. Hope Stein, Oona
Music: Jack Antonoff and Bleachers
@cliftonboyd9629
October 12, 2024 at 5:14 pm
Love the You Made it Weird namecheck—it’s rare that people publicly acknowledge Pete as one of the OG comedy podcasters!
@quinnparker6111
October 12, 2024 at 5:14 pm
What does he mean we don't need George Carlin anymore? His voice is more relevant than ever. I'm curious what Jon Stewart thinks about this guy's opinions. Does Jesse really understand the role of standup comedy in our society?
@SneakyDragonPodcast
October 12, 2024 at 5:14 pm
One of the best episodes.
@raymbanger
October 12, 2024 at 5:14 pm
Hard to tell whether Jesse is a sociopath or just a narcissist. When confronted about Mulaney, he certainly doesn't apologize. Typical for the sociopath they don't feel like the rules apply to them. But then he goes on to say that he thinks it's a really well written piece. Which isn't the point. This guy definitely belongs in Hollywood.
@thetracydawsonshow
October 12, 2024 at 5:14 pm
OMG YES re Chappelle – look over here, don't look over here. Very astute. This is why it feels bad to watch him. It's in authentic.
@thetracydawsonshow
October 12, 2024 at 5:14 pm
Thank you – Maria Bamford is a national treasure, one of the best to ever do it. We are blessed that she exists!
@Danger-xc6no
October 12, 2024 at 5:14 pm
I'm incredibly interested in Mike's take on this guy. I'd never heard of Jesse before today and looked him up after this interview. It's rare to see someone accept the totality of someone's being when they have a past indiscretion like that. Very cool to be a fly on the wall here
@ZachHall
October 12, 2024 at 5:14 pm
listened to this kinda of casually yesterday and had to come back to it again today. love this analytical/intellectual discussion of the art form and i'm really excited for jesse's book.
the discussion around jesse's piece on john mulaney was realllllly fascinating. and as a non-comedian, i find myself "siding"/agreeing with jesse more than i do with mike. i get that comedians are used to being protected from critical review during the "process", but should they be? especially when those shows are newsworthy, like mulaney's? i don't know. would love to hear that discussed more (not this situation specifically, but more the idea of a review while working it out).
@NZDLo
October 12, 2024 at 5:14 pm
I listen to both your podcasts, and have always thought your voices sounded very similar! Nice to see you on one podcast together. 🙂
@jay-rene992
October 12, 2024 at 5:14 pm
woahhh I never knew what this guy looked like but the face is perfect for the voice lol
@DavidTroyAhoy
October 12, 2024 at 5:14 pm
29:10 "Some people in the comedy community… find it to be… one of the more craven journalistic choices in comedy writing in the last twenty years." What a bold statement by Mike. I was impressed how Jesse handled such a pointed remark and more impressed that Mike brought it up directly to him. This was one of my favourite episodes.
@chaselepard
October 12, 2024 at 5:14 pm
Jesse's book is incredible and opened my eyes to a lot of things. I love how much he cares about comedy.
@cyndymetcalf
October 12, 2024 at 5:14 pm
I had this in my ears while trying to do the Monday NYT games. Not recommended. Put down the phone and focused on this smart convo. 😊
@JeremyForTheWin
October 12, 2024 at 5:14 pm
I could honestly have listened to another hour of this conversation (birbigs on Good One is always great).
Also just watching it with the sound off to watch the contrasts in body language and defensive postures between the two of them is fascinating on its own.
@tennisCharlzz
October 12, 2024 at 5:14 pm
It's so rare to hear about an intellectual approach to comedy, and I really, really, really love it. There's a lot of one up-manship to be funnier and funnier. I'm an analytical person by nature, so in a few minutes, I realize what a special interview this really is. And I commend Mike for engaging him on that level. Georgetown education, amirite?
@matguy1000
October 12, 2024 at 5:14 pm
stop talking sometimes