Handsome Podcast – Episode: Charlotte Ritchie Asks About Opening Up a Shop Release Date: May 13, 2025
Hosts: Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, Mae Martin
Guest: Charlotte Ritchie

Introduction to the Episode

In this lively episode of Handsome, comedian trio Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, and Mae Martin dive into an engaging conversation sparked by a thoughtful question from Charlotte Ritchie: “If you could run, own, create a shop, what would it be? What would you sell? What would you make and where would it be?” The hosts explore their entrepreneurial dreams, blending humor with heartfelt insights.

Treading Through Challenges ([02:00] – [05:00])

The episode kicks off with the hosts discussing their swimming routines and the hypothetical scenario of treading water if their lives depended on it.

• Fortune Feimster shares her dedication:
  “Today was like a 40-minute one. And I've been doing anywhere from 30 to an hour.” ([02:33])

• Mae Martin contemplates her endurance:
  “I have an hour. I wonder if I've trained myself to just do an hour…” ([02:54])

This segment sets a playful yet competitive tone as they gauge each other's stamina and survival strategies.

Biggie and the Care Bears Connection ([03:35] – [04:53])

The conversation takes a whimsical turn when they introduce Biggie, Fortune's dog, who humorously "coughs up love."

• Fortune jokes:
  “He coughs up love. Yes.” ([03:52])

• Tig ties it to childhood nostalgia:
  “What if the Care Bears, instead of shooting the stuff out of their tummies, they coughed it up?” ([04:08])

The trio uses this playful banter to reminisce about simpler times and the beloved Care Bears, adding a layer of warmth and humor.

Mae Martin's Lobbying Experience ([05:00] – [09:33])

Mae shares her first-time experience lobbying in Washington, D.C., advocating for the arts.

• Mae explains her mission:
  “I was lobbying for the arts, and it was really interesting having to go into, you know, Congress and the White House…” ([05:41])

• She recounts a memorable moment involving Alex Borstein:
  “She said my favorite part was me. Just easing into it.” ([07:12])

This heartfelt segment highlights Mae's passion for the arts and the challenges of political advocacy.

Canadian Elections and Personal Updates ([09:36] – [16:14])

The hosts briefly touch upon the Canadian election results, expressing relief that Mark Carney won over a "creepy Trumpy guy."

• Tig shares his sentiments:
  “I'm buzzing because we had the Canadian election results. Thank the Lord.” ([09:33])

They also discuss their individual projects and upcoming events, maintaining a balance between personal anecdotes and group dynamics.

Introducing Baby Talk and Future Projects ([16:14] – [31:59])

A playful segment ensues where the hosts engage in "baby talk," introducing their imagined babies, adding light-hearted fun to the episode.

• May encourages listener participation:
  “Send in your baby voices and we'll be like, why are we getting these creepy messages?” ([31:59])

This segment fosters a sense of community and showcases the hosts' improvisational skills.

Charlotte Ritchie's Shop Question ([32:11] – [56:05])

The core of the episode revolves around the question from Charlotte Ritchie about opening a shop. Each host presents their unique vision:

Tig Notaro’s Puppet Shop ([38:02] – [54:22])

• Concept: A magical puppet store featuring personalized puppets.

• Features:

  • Mirror Room: “You have to stare at yourself until you see your shadow self…” ([38:33])
  • Puppet Theater: Hosting puppet shows within the shop.

• Business Model:
  “If each puppet costs five thousand dollars, I would throw away…” ([48:00])

Tig infuses her love for puppetry with a whimsical approach, combining craftsmanship with personal interaction.

Mae Martin’s Vegan Country Store ([42:39] – [56:05])

• Concept: A fully vegan country store offering organic produce and unique treats.

• Features:

  • Local Art Display: Incorporating community-driven art.
  • Stage Area: For poetry, open mic, and musical performances.

• Ambiance:
  “I like a place that's light and airy, like an old cottage.” ([43:57])

Mae envisions a community hub that not only serves vegan products but also fosters cultural and social interactions.

Fortune Feimster’s Biscuits and Cocktail Bar ([45:33] – [56:05])

• Concept: A dual-purpose establishment transitioning from a morning coffee shop to an evening cocktail bar.

• Features:

  • Morning: Fresh muffins and quality espresso.
  • Evening: Craft cocktails and aperitivos with a rooftop ambiance.

• Business Appeal:
  “At night, it's just like little aperitivos with olives or snack mixes.” ([47:36])

Fortune combines her love for coffee and social atmospheres with a sophisticated twist for nighttime patrons.

Business Strategy and Humor ([56:05] – [58:25])

The hosts humorously debate the profitability and logistical aspects of their envisioned shops.

• Tig humorously underestimates her profits:
  “I charge like five grand a puppet and I only sell one per month.” ([48:22])

• Fortune discusses realistic sales:
  “Their harmonies are Chef’s Kiss.” ([14:14]) (Note: This may be a misplacement; context suggests other financial discussions.)

• Mae highlights the importance of balancing passion with profitability:
  “You gotta make money. You can't just have a passion.” ([56:27])

This blend of humor and practicality underscores the challenges of turning creative dreams into viable businesses.

Conclusion and Upcoming Events ([58:25] – [60:20])

The episode wraps up with the hosts sharing their upcoming projects and encouraging listeners to support their endeavors.

• Tig promotes her tour dates:
  “Check out maymartinmusic.com I’m in San Francisco and Portland and Vancouver in June.” ([58:07])

• Mae shares her appearances at the Ojai Playwrights Conference and Tribeca Film Festival:
  “I’ll be at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 7th with the documentary 'Come See Me in the Good Light.'” ([59:13])

Notable Quotes

• Mae Martin on Lobbying:
  “It's one of those moments where you go, you should do things to scare yourself.” ([08:10])

• Tig Notaro on Puppet Shop Pricing:
  “If each puppet costs five thousand dollars, I would throw away.” ([48:00])

• Fortune Feimster on Her Shop Concept:
  “I like a place that’s light and airy, like an old cottage.” ([43:57])

Final Thoughts

This episode of Handsome beautifully blends humor, personal stories, and creative brainstorming as the hosts explore the idea of opening their own shops. From magical puppet stores to vegan country shops and dynamic cocktail bars, Tig, Fortune, and Mae offer listeners a glimpse into their entrepreneurial dreams, all while maintaining their signature comedic flair and genuine camaraderie.

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