Even though the Writers Guild of America is on strike, it’s difficult for comedian/writer Michael Showalter (a proud union member, thank you) to stop thinking about work. This week JDub released his hilarious comedy debut, Sandwiches & Cats, which mixes his trademark observational humor with a heavy helping of sarcasm and a few absolutely bizarre songs. On Sandwiches & Cats, which was recorded over four shows in Brooklyn, Showalter wonders why Starbucks only sold one DVD for a while and why it’s a big deal for men to wash their hands after they go to the bathroom. He also plays the role of the frustrated caller in a skit where he’s plunged into the depths of voice prompt hell.

Showalter made a name for himself as a member of The State (the outrageous sketch comedy group who had a brief run on MTV from 1993-1995) and as one-third of Stella (He also had a brief stint on The Daily Show and has been involved in various film projects). Showalter says releasing an album has proved to be a much different experience compared to his TV and movie projects. “I am very happy that it’s out now and we’ll just have to see,” explains the Boerum Hill resident. “It’s not quite the same thing as when it’s a movie or TV show because it’s not nearly as tense. With a movie or TV show, if it doesn’t succeed in the first week, it dies. So I’m pretty relaxed about the album.”

So is this album a career highlight? “Any of the projects that actually come to fruition are high moments for me,” he deadpans. “It’s cool to do all sorts of different things and stay busy.”

Showalter is currently on the road with his equally talented Stella homie Michael Ian Black, and he proudly reports they’ve just landed a pilot deal with Comedy Central. The State is about to reunite after a ten-year hiatus and Showalter also plans to direct a teenage zombie movie film. Despite his workload, Showalter somehow manages to teach two screenwriting classes at NYU Graduate Film School. If only he had the time to work on his hilarious (but dormant) College Humor web show, The Michael Showalter Showalter, which featured brilliant skits with Andy Samberg, David Cross and Zach Galifianakis.

“My mother told me that it’s hard to get an elephant pregnant, so in order to get one pregnant, the male elephants has to have sex with lots of them,” says the professor. “That’s kind of my work model. You have to stay busy because you never know which things is actually going to happen.”

A clip from The Michael Showalter Showalter