You're always on duty because you're in a constant state of observation. That's one of the challenges of being a comedian. I think one of the other challenges is that, whether we like it or not, it's a profession that requires failure. It doesn't just encourage failure. It requires it because it's all trial and error. You need to know what doesn't work to know what works.
Mike BirbigliaI've been selfish over the years, and other people who have made it have too, but I can only speak for myself.
Mike BirbigliaI shouldn't say bad things about the illiterate, though..I should write it. That way they won't find out.
Mike BirbigliaI drank the Kool-Aid of being a network star. Once it didn't happen, I realized it wasn't the best version of my comedy.
Mike Birbiglia