Podcast Summary: Handsome – Anjelah Johnson-Reyes Asks About Gratitude and "Mad-itude"
Episode Information:
- Title: Anjelah Johnson-Reyes Asks About Gratitude and "Mad-itude"
- Release Date: May 27, 2025
- Hosts: Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, Mae Martin
Introduction
In this heartfelt and humorous episode of "Handsome," hosts Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, and Mae Martin delve into the themes of gratitude and "mad-itude" (their unique take on what annoys them) in response to a thoughtful question posed by guest Anjelah Johnson-Reyes. The conversation weaves through personal anecdotes, reflections on recent experiences, and candid discussions about maintaining balance and relationships.
Personal Updates and Recent Projects
Mae Martin opens the discussion by sharing her excitement about filming a movie in Atlanta alongside comedic powerhouse Will Ferrell and actor Zac Efron.
Mae Martin [02:16]: "I just got here last night, so far nothing's happened till my lovely call time at 5:30 tomorrow morning."
She discusses her role as a cop, a departure from her previous character as a CIA agent in Fubar. Mae expresses her enthusiasm and slight apprehension about embodying a "sexy cop," highlighting the playful dynamics on set.
Mae Martin [05:18]: "I am playing a sexy cop right, and they were like, obviously."
Fortune Feimster shares her own experiences and aspirations, particularly her dream of being part of Will Ferrell's iconic bloopers, demonstrating the camaraderie and supportive environment among the hosts.
Mother's Day Misadventures
The conversation shifts to their recent Mother's Day celebrations, where both Tig Notaro and Mae Martin recount disappointing experiences at their favorite vegan restaurants.
Tig Notaro [07:43]: "We went to one of our favorite vegan restaurants, and it disappointed. It was such a bummer."
Despite multiple visits, Tig's experiences were marred by consistently poor service, especially on a significant day. This shared frustration leads to a heartfelt reflection on the importance of patience and understanding, even when plans go awry.
Mae Martin adds her own story involving a problematic gift card at another upscale vegan spot, exacerbating the day's challenges. Her encounter with Fortune at the restaurant added an unexpected layer to the mishap.
Mae Martin [12:38]: "I was like, please just give me the gift card. And we just like, hand her our credit card and pay for it."
Both stories highlight the unpredictability of dining out with family and the resilience required to navigate such disappointments.
Fostering Friendships and Personal Growth
The hosts delve into the significance of friendships, especially in times of personal and professional upheaval. Tig Notaro reflects on her experiences post-Hurricane Katrina, emphasizing how community support instills a profound sense of gratitude.
Tig Notaro [42:12]: "This is what people just naturally want to do is when there's a problem. They want to help and chip in."
Mae Martin echoes these sentiments, expressing gratitude for reconnecting with old friends and forming new bonds, which have been instrumental in her personal growth and emotional well-being.
Mae Martin [40:38]: "It's pretty amazing. I made new friends, reconnect with old friends. It's meant a lot to me."
Fortune Feimster adds her appreciation for music and nature, highlighting how immersing herself in these passions brings joy and balance to her life.
Fortune Feimster [45:23]: "I'm feeling grateful for music these days, like, I'm playing a lot. I'm writing a lot of tunes and listening to a lot of music and. And I'm loving it..."
Gratitude and "Mad-itude" – Addressing Anjelah's Question
Guest Anjelah Johnson-Reyes poses a dual question to the hosts: What are they grateful for in life, and what constitutes their "matitude" (their sources of frustration)?
Gratitude
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Tig Notaro shares her appreciation for achieving a better work-life balance, stepping back from demanding roles, and cherishing everyday moments at home with her family.
Tig Notaro [42:14]: "Every day I say to Stephanie, I'm like, I am so happy to be home."
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Mae Martin expresses gratitude for the unwavering support from friends, both new and old, which has been a cornerstone of her emotional stability.
Mae Martin [40:38]: "I have a lot of gratitude for that."
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Fortune Feimster highlights her renewed love for music and nature, finding solace and inspiration through creative pursuits and outdoor activities.
Fortune Feimster [45:23]: "I'm feeling grateful for music these days, like, I'm playing a lot. I'm writing a lot of tunes..."
"Mad-itude"
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Tig Notaro humorously vents about not owning a goat, framing it as a quirky source of annoyance.
Tig Notaro [32:09]: "The fact that I don't have a goat gets my goat."
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Mae Martin finds herself frustrated with recurring issues like poor service at favorite venues and the unexpected glitches of using gift cards.
Mae Martin [48:32]: "I have to rewash everything."
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Fortune Feimster shares her irritation over mundane household mishaps, such as dealing with damp laundry smells, and the broader societal impatience and stress.
Fortune Feimster [48:32]: "It's a bit like, do I re-wash everything?"
Insights and Reflections
The hosts offer profound insights into the nature of gratitude and dealing with frustrations:
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Tig Notaro reflects on the altruistic nature of people, especially during crises, and how these moments underscore the importance of community and mutual support.
Tig Notaro [42:12]: "I'm just the vessel. And like, removing yourself from it and realizing, like, this is what people just naturally want to do..."
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Mae Martin underscores the value of being present and nurturing relationships, highlighting how reconnecting with friends can rekindle a sense of self and provide emotional grounding.
Mae Martin [40:48]: "It's just so nice to have a space that's yours that you're like, this is my grounding place."
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Fortune Feimster emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of pursuing passions like music and engaging with nature, which contribute to personal happiness and resilience.
Fortune Feimster [45:23]: "I'm writing a lot of tunes and listening to a lot of music and... enjoying Griffith Park hikes."
Conclusion and Upcoming Projects
As the episode winds down, the hosts promote their respective projects:
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Mae Martin discusses her ongoing "Taking Care of Biscuits" tour, highlighting upcoming shows across various cities and the evolving nature of her material.
Mae Martin [61:10]: "It's coming... the stories have been super fun."
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Fortune Feimster shares her excitement for upcoming performances in San Francisco, Portland, and other locations, as well as her plans to expand her music repertoire.
Fortune Feimster [62:34]: "I'm playing my music album... in Portland, which I've never been to before."
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Tig Notaro talks about her documentary "Come See Me in the Good Light," its screenings at festivals, and the excitement around its acquisition by Apple for a fall premiere.
Tig Notaro [63:21]: "The documentary was purchased by Apple and it'll be premiering in the fall..."
The episode concludes with the hosts reiterating the importance of gratitude and addressing frustrations constructively, encouraging listeners to appreciate the positive aspects of their lives while navigating challenges with humor and resilience.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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Mae Martin on Playing a Cop:
"I am playing a sexy cop right, and they were like, obviously." – [05:18]
-
Tig Notaro on Mother's Day Disappointment:
"We went to one of our favorite vegan restaurants, and it disappointed. It was such a bummer." – [07:43]
-
Mae Martin on Gift Card Fiasco:
"I was like, please just give me the gift card." – [13:40]
-
Tig Notaro on Work-Life Balance:
"Every day I say to Stephanie, I'm like, I am so happy to be home." – [42:14]
-
Fortune Feimster on Gratitude for Music:
"I'm feeling grateful for music these days, like, I'm playing a lot. I'm writing a lot of tunes..." – [45:23]
-
Tig Notaro on "Matitude":
"The fact that I don't have a goat gets my goat." – [32:09]
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Fortune Feimster on Laundry Frustration:
"I have to rewash everything." – [48:32]
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Tig Notaro on Therapy:
"This is the time to just tell all your secrets." – [56:26]
This episode of "Handsome" masterfully blends humor with genuine introspection, offering listeners a relatable exploration of gratitude and the everyday annoyances that shape our lives. Through shared stories and candid conversations, Tig, Fortune, and Mae create a space of warmth and laughter, inviting audiences to reflect on their own experiences and appreciate the multitude of factors that contribute to personal happiness and growth.