Nikki Glaser: The Team Captain of Comedy
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Nikki Glaser: The Team Captain of Comedy” inside PodZeus.
In this re-air of a standout episode from Mike Birbiglia's 'Working It Out,' comedian Nikki Glaser opens up about her evolving artistry, fame, and the complex emotional landscape behind her dark, boundary-pushing comedy. The conversation dives deep into her new special, 'Good Girl,' exploring taboo topics like porn addiction, pedophilia, and the psychological weight of being a woman in a hyper-sexualized world. Glaser reveals how her material—often rooted in personal vulnerability and societal critique—aims to create a space where audiences can confront uncomfortable truths with both laughter and empathy. She reflects on her journey from being an 'A-minus' student and outsider to becoming the 'team captain of comedy,' yet still grappling with imposter syndrome and self-doubt. The episode also touches on her advocacy for animal rights, her veganism, and the ethical contradictions in modern consumption, drawing parallels between the exploitation of animals and the porn industry. Birbiglia and Glaser engage in a masterclass on joke construction, storytelling, and the courage it takes to be vulnerable on stage. The conversation culminates in a heartfelt exchange about legacy, connection, and the quiet joy of being seen—both as a performer and as a person.
Dark comedy can be a tool for empathy, not just shock—when rooted in truth and vulnerability, it invites audiences to confront uncomfortable truths with compassion.
Imposter syndrome persists even at the peak of success; fame doesn’t erase self-doubt, but it does amplify the fear of being exposed as 'not good enough.'
The most powerful comedy often comes from personal pain and lived experience, especially when it challenges societal taboos around trauma, sexuality, and identity.
Authentic storytelling requires a clear structure: a beginning, an end, and at least two punchlines in between—trust the process and let the story evolve.
Ethical contradictions in life (like enjoying fried chicken while opposing animal cruelty) are not failures—they’re opportunities to reflect on how we navigate complex moral landscapes.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Captain of Comedy: Nikki Glaser's Rise and Self-Doubt
“I don't believe a word of it. Okay, perfect. It won't ever enter into me and I cannot process it and I'll never believe it, ever. But thank you and I want to believe it.”
The Dark Heart of 'Good Girl': Porn, Trauma, and Empathy
“Life is a gangbang. Yes. And it's so satisfying of a punchline. It's just a woman juggling a lot of things at once. The more you can juggle, the more impressive of a woman you are.”
The Ethics of Exploitation: Porn, Meat, and Animal Rights
“If animals could talk, we wouldn't eat them. That's a good point. And that's why people are like, why do you care so much about animals and not about people? And I'm like, people at least— I hate human suffering. But at least people can understand what's happening to them.”
The Power of the Uncomfortable: Talking About Trauma on Stage
“And if you haven't, like I think you're scared of the answer. And then that like gets them for like—so they can't be mad anymore because they know that's true. Like if you— Right.”
The Performance of Belonging: Imposter Syndrome and the Popular Kids
Glaser recounts childhood memories of being invited to the 'popular kids' house, only to feel like an outsider who had 'snuck in.' She shares a vivid story of being at the Comedy Cellar with Chris Rock, where she felt invisible and unwelcome despite being a guest. These stories reveal a lifelong struggle with belonging, even as she achieves fame and recognition.
“Life is a gangbang. Yes. And it's so satisfying of a punchline. It's just a woman juggling a lot of things at once. The more you can juggle, the more impressive of a woman you are.”
“And if you haven't, like I think you're scared of the answer. And then that like gets them for like—so they can't be mad anymore because they know that's true. Like if you— Right.”
“If animals could talk, we wouldn't eat them. That's a good point. And that's why people are like, why do you care so much about animals and not about people? And I'm like, people at least— I hate human suffering. But at least people can understand what's happening to them.”
Host
Guest
Nikki Glaser
person
Mike Birbiglia
person
Golden Globes
other
Good Girl
other
Rescue the Birds
organization
Beacon Theater
other
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
other
Comedy Cellar
other
Lana Del Rey
person
Chris Rock
person
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Nikki Glaser: The Team Captain of Comedy” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime