Podcast Summary: Good One: A Podcast About Jokes Episode: Tig Notaro, Joke Superlatives
Release Date: June 11, 2024
Host: Jesse David Fox
Guest: Tig Notaro

Introduction

In this episode of Good One: A Podcast About Jokes, host Jesse David Fox welcomes renowned comedian Tig Notaro for a special segment titled "Joke Superlatives." Instead of dissecting a single joke, Tig and Jesse explore a variety of Tig's jokes categorized into fun superlatives such as "the joke that bombed the most before working" and "silliest joke." This format offers listeners a comprehensive look into Tig's comedic arsenal, her creative process, and the personal experiences that shape her humor.

Joke Superlatives Overview

Jesse David Fox (01:17):
"This week's guest is Tig Notaro... we're going to try something different this time around, something we're calling a joke superlatives."

The "Joke Superlatives" segment aims to highlight Tig's diverse range of jokes, showcasing both successes and failures, and providing insights into her evolution as a comedian.

Notable Jokes Discussed

1. The First Tig Notaro Joke: Mature Infant Taking a Shower

Tig Notaro (02:32):
"I feel like probably on my Good One album there's a joke about an infant like me being mature for my age... I used to take showers as an infant."

Tig reminisces about one of her earliest jokes, portraying herself as an unusually mature infant who takes showers. She elaborates on the comedic elements, emphasizing the absurdity and observational humor that characterize her early material.

Quote:
"Nothing makes me happier than an infant taking a shower. Unless there were twins or like a group shower at like an orphanage... balancing with their fat thighs and stupid little 1-inch feet." (03:11)

2. Joke Regrets: Battling SIDS

Tig Notaro (04:25):
"Is there a joke that you regret?"

Response:
"I don't know if there's a joke I regret, but there are certainly jokes that are... I've been battling SIDS my whole life." (04:35)

Tig reflects on a sensitive joke from her Comedy Central special where she mentions her lifelong battle with SIDS. She discusses the backlash received, particularly from those who lost children, and the challenges of navigating humor around personal trauma.

Quote:
"I have to move on... nothing about a child dying is funny to me." (05:52)

3. The Joke that Bombed Before Working: Taylor Dayne Story

Tig Notaro (06:09):
"What is a joke that eventually worked but bombed the most on its journey to working?"

Response:
"My Taylor Dayne story." (06:15)

Tig recounts her initial struggle with a joke involving Taylor Dayne. After an awkward first encounter where Taylor dismissed her compliment, the joke fell flat during performances. However, nine months later, the same joke resonated with audiences after Tig had refined it, turning a failed attempt into a beloved segment.

Quote:
"I interrupted her dinner and I said, 'Excuse me, sorry to bother you but I just have to tell you, I love your voice.' And she said, 'My speaking voice?' And I said, 'Yes.'" (07:31)

4. The Funniest Joke: Mother's Hospital Survey

Tig Notaro (16:04):
"I think, I think the funniest, which is, of course, makes sense and as crazy is the survey... how my stay in the hospital went." (16:04)

One of Tig's most impactful jokes revolves around receiving a hospital survey two days after her mother's unexpected death. She humorously critiques the insensitivity of the survey timing, turning a moment of grief into sharp observational comedy.

Quote:
"After we buried her... the hospital sent my mother a questionnaire to see how her stay at the hospital went." (17:15)

5. The Joke that Changed: Taking Her Shirt Off

Tig Notaro (39:36):
"What did you feel like it achieved?"
"I wanted to show people that I'm okay, and if somebody's going through this, it's okay." (39:36)

Tig discusses her bold decision to take her shirt off during performances post-cancer surgery. This joke serves as a powerful statement on body image, healing, and vulnerability, resonating deeply with audiences and reinforcing her comedic identity.

Quote:
"I wanted to show people that I'm okay... I just wanted to not lose touch with being a comedian." (39:24)

Personal Insights and Stories

Navigating Personal Tragedy Through Humor

Tig opens up about using comedy as a coping mechanism during personal hardships, including her battle with cancer and the loss of her mother. She emphasizes the therapeutic aspect of humor, even when dealing with the most painful experiences.

Quote:
"After my surgery, it took me a week to even look down at my body. I was so upset. Then I realized my scars meant I healed." (34:04)

Professional Challenges and Growth

Tig shares anecdotes about the uncertainties of a comedy career, including the initial poor reception of her jokes and the subsequent refinement that led to success. Her story about pushing a stool on stage exemplifies her resilience and willingness to experiment with unconventional humor.

Quote:
"If you guys are laughing at this, I'll do this all night, and then I'm going to collect my money and get the hell out of town." (52:28)

Body Image and Acceptance

Tig delves into her relationship with her body post-mastectomy, highlighting the journey from fear and insecurity to acceptance and empowerment. Her decision to incorporate this vulnerability into her comedy underscores her commitment to authenticity.

Quote:
"I felt deep down... I felt a little insecure... but it was also helpful." (43:36)

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Tig Notaro reflecting on the balance between personal honesty and comedic exaggeration. She underscores the importance of staying true to oneself while entertaining audiences, a recurring theme throughout her discussions.

Jesse David Fox (68:10):
"What you wrote about my book was one of the highlights of having written a book."

Tig Notaro (69:05):
"Welcome to Good One, show about talking them jokes."

Tig's candid exploration of her jokes provides listeners with a deeper understanding of her comedic philosophy and the personal experiences that inform her humor. The "Joke Superlatives" format offers a unique lens into the successes and setbacks that define Tig Notaro's illustrious career.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Tig Notaro
  "Nothing makes me happier than an infant taking a shower..." (03:11)
  "I have to move on... nothing about a child dying is funny to me." (05:52)
  "I interrupted her dinner and I said, 'Excuse me, sorry to bother you but I just have to tell you, I love your voice.'" (07:31)
  "After my surgery, it took me a week to even look down at my body." (34:04)
  "If you guys are laughing at this, I'll do this all night..." (52:28)
  "I wanted to show people that I'm okay, and if somebody's going through this, it's okay." (39:36)

• Jesse David Fox
  "We're going to try something different this time around, something we're calling a joke superlatives." (01:17)
  "What you wrote about my book was one of the highlights of having written a book." (68:10)

This detailed summary captures the essence of Tig Notaro's appearance on Good One, highlighting her introspective and innovative approach to comedy. Through personal anecdotes and reflective humor, Tig offers listeners an intimate glimpse into the mind of one of comedy's most authentic voices.