Podcast Summary: "Handsome" Episode – Bon Iver Asks About Unexpected Places
Host/Author: Headgum
Release Date: April 8, 2025

1. Introduction and Early Banter (00:51 - 04:00)

The episode kicks off with the charming trio—Tig Notaro, Mae Martin, and Fortune Feimster—engaging in their signature playful banter. Fortune shares a humorous predicament about temporarily losing her voice after a weekend of traveling and being bombarded with pollen in Alabama. This unexpected voice loss leads to light-hearted ribbing from Tig and Mae.

Notable Quote:

• Fortune Feimster [01:21]: "I am."
• Mae Martin [01:22]: "Yeah, it's not the depth. It's like. It almost sounds like you're choked by emotion."

2. Mae's Unexpected Encounter with Marshmallow (04:00 - 09:00)

Mae Martin recounts an amusing and heartwarming story about an unexpected visit from a disheveled white dog named Marshmallow. While excited to show a friend her new sauna, Mae is surprised by the arrival of concerned Good Samaritans searching for the dog's owner. The situation evolves into an emotional scene as the dog's owner expresses distress over losing Marshmallow, only to be reassured by Mae.

Notable Quote:

• Mae Martin [05:15]: "I have a sauna out back and I was really excited to show her. So I'm like, I got a surprise. And so we go to my back door... it's like this immersive theater experience with this upset family and this dog."

3. Light-Hearted Complaints and Banter (09:00 - 29:00)

The hosts delve into playful grievances, primarily focusing on Fortune's disappointment over not receiving birthday cake. Tig explains his love for king cake, a Mardi Gras staple, while Mae humorously suggests incorporating surprise elements into more foods. The conversation naturally flows into discussions about personal preferences and quirks, such as stems from loss of voice and the awkwardness of birthday traditions.

Notable Quotes:

• Fortune Feimster [07:58]: "Don't you bite into it and things are in it?"
• Mae Martin [08:43]: "How come we don't hide more stuff in food like that? That's such a fun element to any meal."

4. Whiskey-Induced Grievances (29:00 - 60:00)

Fortune introduces a humorous subplot where she starts drinking whiskey to soothe her throat, leading to a series of comedic exchanges about airing grievances while tipsy. The trio collectively share light-hearted frustrations with each other, blending humor with genuine camaraderie. This segment is peppered with witty remarks and playful teasing, showcasing their strong rapport.

Notable Quote:

• Fortune Feimster [07:32]: "Some people say that whiskey is like. Of all the liquors, it makes you angry. So are you gonna get pissed at us?"

5. Celebrity Stories and Personal Anecdotes (60:00 - 55:00)

The conversation shifts towards their surreal experiences with celebrities. Tig shares a memorable encounter at the Vatican involving Conan O'Brien and Robert Downey Jr., highlighting the unexpectedness of such interactions. Mae adds her own tale about meeting Natalie Maines from The Chicks, emphasizing the randomness of celebrity meetings in Los Angeles.

Notable Quotes:

• Tig Notaro [35:21]: "I show up, and I get shuffled immediately into basically a broom closet... And then Robert Downey Jr. comes up to me and he's giving me all these nice compliments..."
• Fortune Feimster [42:10]: "Like, you just. You never know who you're gonna meet and where."

6. Justin Vernon's Question and Host Responses (55:00 - 60:00)

The highlight of the episode arrives when Justin Vernon of Bon Iver joins as the question asker. He poses a thought-provoking question:

"Have you ever been in a place that was so unexpected that you couldn't believe it and you can't believe it still? When you look back and how did it change you? What happened? And why was it so unexpected?"

Each host shares their unique experiences:

• Mae Martin recounts a surreal night in Nepal, combining cultural exploration with personal health mishaps and an encounter with a rat under a full moon.

  Notable Quote:

  • Mae Martin [46:51]: "I was squatting over this hole and I can see the full moon above the thing... And as I'm squatting there, just like the cramping... this giant rat the size of a dog comes up to the door of the."

• Tig Notaro narrates an unexpected audition at the Vatican, leading to an impromptu tea session with Robert Downey Jr. and a brush with celebrity culture.

  Notable Quote:

  • Tig Notaro [35:55]: "I show up, and I get shuffled immediately into basically a broom closet... Then Robert, Susan, and I were drinking tea in the broom closet."

• Fortune Feimster shares her imaginative encounter singing karaoke with The Chicks, blending nostalgia with live performance anxiety.

  Notable Quote:

  • Fortune Feimster [42:39]: "I sang at stage with them, which was very surreal. I sang in the Nashville Bridgestone Arena."

Justin Vernon also shares his own surprising experience auditioning for the Coen Brothers, providing a relatable narrative about stepping out of one's comfort zone and the importance of trusting one's instincts.

Notable Quote:

• Justin Vernon [55:14]: "That was the most dun, dun, dun moment in my life... It was okay that they were laughing at me because I was so bad."

7. Conclusion and Upcoming Events (60:00 - End)

As the episode wraps up, the hosts promote their upcoming shows and events, encouraging listeners to engage with their content and join their community. They maintain the episode's light-hearted tone, ending with laughter and friendly goodbyes.

Notable Quote:

• Tig Notaro [62:04]: "What a podcast. Until next time, keep it handsome."
• Mae Martin [64:21]: "What a podcast. That was a Headgum podcast."

Key Takeaways

• Unexpected Experiences: The episode centers around personal stories of unexpected places and how these moments shaped the hosts.
• Camaraderie and Humor: The dynamic between Tig, Mae, and Fortune is filled with humor, teasing, and genuine friendship.
• Celebrity Encounters: Sharing surreal interactions with celebrities adds a unique and engaging layer to the conversation.
• Justin Vernon's Influence: His question serves as a catalyst for deep and entertaining storytelling, enriching the episode's content.

This episode of "Handsome" beautifully blends humor with heartfelt storytelling, offering listeners a glimpse into the hosts' lives and the unexpected adventures they've embarked upon. Whether it's Fortune's temporary voice loss, Mae's canine encounter, or Tig's brush with Hollywood, each story underscores the podcast's essence—celebrating the ridiculous and the profound in everyday moments.