Interview: Mike Mitchell Returns to Talk ‘The Napa Boys’ and Much More

For me, there aren’t many funnier people in comedy or podcasts than Mike Mitchell. Whether it’s on Doughboys or any number of guest spots, he’s one of the most purely enjoyable guys in the podcasting game. On the small screen, you’ve likely enjoyed him on Love or Twisted Metal, as his acting profile has increased over the years. This doesn’t even take into account The Birthday Boys comedy group he was a major part of. Plus, as an added bonus for me, he also happens to be one of the nicest guys out there, which has led to a friendship forming over the years, dating back to a quote of mine appearing in a commercial for The Tomorrow War, which he co-stars in. You’ve heard him wish Myles and I congratulations on the 200th episode of the Podcast (here, and he’ll eventually be a guest on the show proper), as well as chat with me for over an hour about The Tomorrow War (here, though it was plenty about Doughboys as well). Now, he’s back to talk about The Napa Boys, one of the zanier comedies in recent memory.

Back during our first conversation (here), I sung his praises like so:

Mike Mitchell is many things. He’s an actor, a podcaster, and a writer. He’s also both one of the funniest as well as nicest guys in the business. If you’ve heard any of his comedy/food podcast Doughboys that he does with Nick Wiger, that much is clear. From his performing and writing in The Birthday Boys comedy team, all the way to now with his scene-stealing turn in The Tomorrow War, Mitchell is always entertaining to see in action. You may have seen him on the Netflix series Love, or in the indie movie Other People, but wherever you see or hear him, he’s bound to entertain.

In my review of the film (here), I said the following about his supporting turn:

…the supporting highlight here is Mike Mitchell, who does a lot with what could have been a one-joke role. He’s the most purely likable presence in the movie, so he’s essential to keeping you hooked, especially as things get even sillier and more out there as the plot progresses.

Below, you can see my latest chat with Mitchell. This is about as casual a conversation as it gets, so if you’re a fan of listening in on two people just shooting the shit, you’re going to be delighted. There’s some light razzing, which comes with the territory of going toe to toe with a comedian, though we definitely discuss the specific appeal of The Napa Boys as well (plus a bit about his recent leading role in Fear of Flying). It’s a back and forth that goes to a whole bunch of silly places, but then again, would you want anything less from us? If you’re at all a fan of what he’s done over the years, you’ll enjoy this movie, as well as his thoughts on it. Plus, Mitch is just an incredibly sweet man, one I’m thrilled considers me at least a vague friend. So, that’s more a bonus just for me, but hey, consider it a perk of the job. The Napa Boys is hitting theaters this weekend and those cool enough to be in on the joke will get a real kick out of this flick, so don’t you dare miss it…

Here now is my interview with The Napa Boys co-star Mike Mitchell. Enjoy:

The Napa Boys is in theaters this weekend!