Handsome Podcast: "Handsome's Greatest Hits!" – Detailed Summary
Release Date: December 24, 2024
Introduction
"Handsome's Greatest Hits!" serves as a celebratory compilation of some of the most memorable moments from the "Handsome" podcast, hosted by comedians Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, and Mae Martin. This special episode curated by producer Thomas Willette brings together fan-favorite clips, engaging discussions, and hilarious anecdotes, providing both new listeners and longtime fans with an entertaining overview of the podcast's best content.
1. Revisiting Classic Moments
a. The Button Factory Song from the Sarah Paulson Episode
The episode opens with a clip from the Sarah Paulson episode, where the hosts delve into the often-misunderstood mental landscape of comedians. Fortune Feimster shares her thoughts on the stereotype that comedians are inherently darker or more disturbed than others:
[01:45] Fortune Feimster: "It's just that comedians are at a microphone and can and are on a stage. So you're hearing about it, but if you go next door, your neighbor is probably dark or depressed or your mail carrier."
Mae Martin humorously contributes by inventing the tale of "Joe the Button Maker," a fictional character struggling with mundane life:
[02:24] Mae Martin: "Joe the button maker. He's drinking."
Tig Notaro adds a playful twist, creating a repetitive, nonsensical children's song about Joe:
[02:31] Tig Notaro: "Hi, my name is Joe. I have a wife and three kids and I work in a button factory..."
The trio's improvisation highlights their comedic chemistry and ability to turn simple concepts into laugh-out-loud moments.
b. The Bear Saga: From Viral Video to Poetic Resolution
One of the most enduring storylines in the "Handsome" podcast is the "bear saga," which originated from a clip in the season featuring Molly Shannon. May Martin recounts an unsettling experience involving a viral video of a bear wrestling men:
[21:12] May Martin: "He's like, Gary wrestled the bear, Caesar, the wrestling bear... It would just whack him with one paw and they'd go flying."
As the story unfolds, May becomes obsessed with the idea that watching the video has cursed her, leading her to seek help from a spiritual Italian woman who performs a "malochio" ritual to lift the curse. This interaction is both eerie and comedic, showcasing the hosts' talent for blending humor with unusual narratives.
During this segment, May shares a self-written poem inspired by the bear video, adding a poignant layer to the saga:
[23:57] May Martin:
"The neon sign promised a champion ursine
To take on any man who'd throw his hat into the ring.
You thought you'd seen everything when you first laid eyes on Caesar that kept bare.
He moved woozily across the board.
He barely fit through any doors..."
The poem, while intentionally fragmented and abstract, conveys May's anxiety and the surreal nature of the entire experience. The group's dynamic response—filled with light-hearted teasing and supportive banter—keeps the narrative engaging and amusing.
c. Jamie Lee Curtis Halloween Episode Recap
In a flashback segment from the Jamie Lee Curtis Halloween episode, Fortune shares her amusing experience of dressing as John Travolta at a school party:
[15:13] Fortune Feimster: "I dressed as John Travolta. Maybe it was first grade."
Her detailed description of the costume mismatch and the unexpected attention she received—from classmates wanting to dance with her—adds a nostalgic and humorous touch:
[16:13] Fortune Feimster: "I was really close with these twins, Susie and Allie... dressed as John Travolta."
The hosts laugh over the memory, emphasizing the absurdity and joy of childhood antics.
2. Origin of the "Pineapple Apart" Catchphrase
One of "Handsome's" most beloved catchphrases, "Pineapple Apart," originates from an episode featuring Natalie Mains. May Martin narrates her unconventional approach to a school dance where teachers used pineapples to prevent students from dancing too closely:
[43:09] May Martin: "The teachers would come around with a pineapple to put in between you so that nothing happens."
The surreal imagery of teachers distributing pineapples as a physical barrier between dancing teens becomes a recurring joke, encapsulating the podcast's unique blend of the bizarre and the hilarious.
[44:09] May Martin: "The teachers are gonna come around with a pineapple to put in between you so that nothing happens. That's not supposed to happen."
This segment highlights the hosts' creativity in transforming ordinary school experiences into extraordinary comedic stories, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared laughter among listeners.
3. Personal Stories: Coming Out Journeys
A heartfelt segment showcases Fortune Feimster and May Martin sharing their personal experiences of coming out to their families. These stories add depth and vulnerability to the podcast, illustrating the hosts' ability to balance humor with genuine emotion.
a. Fortune Feimster's Coming Out Story
Fortune recounts telling her mother about her sexuality, capturing the apprehension and eventual acceptance:
[48:16] Fortune Feimster: "I took her to a Chinese restaurant to tell her... I couldn't just say it like, I'm gay."
Her mother's initially nervous reaction, characterized by shifting her cheeks back and forth, leads to a touching resolution:
[53:07] Fortune Feimster: "And I was like, can you just keep it down?"
[56:53] Fortune Feimster: "She just kept telling me that I needed to tell him. And I was like, I don't want to tell."
The narrative concludes with her father’s acceptance, highlighting a positive and supportive family dynamic:
[52:46] Fortune Feimster: "He was like, you're my daughter. I love you."
b. May Martin's Coming Out Experience
May shares her own journey, detailing the challenges and misunderstandings she faced while coming out:
[51:03] May Martin: "I was my own wild card... I was quivering."
Her story emphasizes the universal fears and triumphs associated with coming out, resonating deeply with listeners who may have faced similar experiences.
4. Misadventures at an Alanis Morissette Concert
The episode includes a clip from a past episode where Fortune and May recount their chaotic trip to see Alanis Morissette perform in Toronto. May details being scammed by a fake Ticketmaster website, leading to last-minute scrambling to secure genuine tickets:
[59:41] May Martin: "I bought like eight tickets on Ticketmaster... turned out I've been scammed."
Despite the initial setback, their perseverance pays off as May manages to obtain four tickets, setting the stage for an unforgettable encounter with Alanis. The story reaches its peak when May is unexpectedly invited to sing a verse of "Ironic" alongside Alanis, leading to a mix of nervousness and excitement:
[65:27] Fortune Feimster: "And then it was a beautiful moment, Fortune. You guys were looking in each other's eyes."
The hosts' recounting of this experience is filled with humor and emotional candor, capturing the unpredictability and magic of live performances.
5. Bloopers and Light-Hearted Moments
Interwoven throughout the episode are snippets of the hosts engaging in playful banter, mispronunciations, and humorous misunderstandings, showcasing their natural chemistry and making listeners feel like part of the conversation. Examples include:
[42:27] Fortune Feimster: "I'm gonna say I'm a fan."
[72:05] Fortune Feimster: "Your shorts are full of foam."
These moments serve as a reminder of the spontaneous and unfiltered nature of the podcast, adding layers of relatability and charm.
Conclusion
"Handsome's Greatest Hits!" encapsulates the essence of the "Handsome" podcast by blending comedic brilliance with heartfelt storytelling. From inventive humor about button makers and wrestling bears to sincere discussions about personal identity and memorable concert experiences, the episode offers a comprehensive and engaging overview of the podcast's finest moments. Notable quotes and the hosts' dynamic interactions ensure that both new listeners and dedicated fans find something to love in this festive compilation.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
[01:45] Fortune Feimster: "Comedians are at a microphone and can and are on a stage. So you're hearing about it, but if you go next door, your neighbor is probably dark or depressed or your mail carrier."
-
[03:00] Fortune Feimster: "But what kid would love that terrible song?"
-
[23:57] May Martin: "The neon sign promised a champion ursine to take on any man who'd throw his hat into the ring..."
-
[43:09] May Martin: "The teachers are gonna come around with a pineapple to put in between you so that nothing happens. That's not supposed to happen."
-
[53:07] Fortune Feimster: "She just kept telling me that I needed to tell him. And I was like, I don't want to tell."
-
[65:27] Fortune Feimster: "And then it was a beautiful moment, Fortune. You guys were looking in each other's eyes."
Final Thoughts
"Handsome's Greatest Hits!" is a testament to the enduring appeal of the "Handsome" podcast, celebrating its unique ability to intertwine humor with genuine human experiences. Whether navigating the absurdities of fictional characters or sharing the real-life challenges of coming out, Tig, Fortune, and May create a space where laughter and authenticity coexist seamlessly.