Mike Bridenstine is based in Los Angeles, was raised in Iowa, but it was his time in between in Chicago that helped form him and his friendships as a comedian. Bridenstine has written a book about the rise of the alt-comedy scene in Chicago in the early 2000s, which included his role in starting up a stand-up and video collective called Blerds — among them: Kumail Nanjiani, Kyle Kinane, T.J. Miller, and director Jordan Vogt-Roberts. Since going Hollywood, Bridenstine’s credits have included multiple national TV ad campaigns, Adam DeVine’s House Party and The Eric Andre Show. He has just released his second stand-up comedy album, “Hustle,” and sat down with me to talk about his career and how pivoting his podcast during the pandemic helped get him back into the game.
Hear here the opening track to his album, out now…
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This transcript has been edited and condensed only slightly for your convenience.
Last things first, congratulations on the album Hustle.
Thank you.
You went back to Chicago to record this album.
Yes.
Now, I've known you for quite some time.
This is funny. I met you at the Lincoln Lodge. In Chicago, I remember the first thing you said to me. You said, ‘You're Mike Bridenstine. This is my friend, John Mulaney.’ And then you introduce me. That was the first thing that you said to me.