Podcast Summary: "Handsome" Episode - "Jillian Bell Asks About Songs in Space"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Handsome
• Hosts: Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, Mae Martin
• Guest: Jillian Bell
• Release Date: May 6, 2025
• Episode Theme: Exploring the concept of choosing a song to play in the final moments aboard a spaceship before an inevitable explosion.

1. Warm-Up and Personal Banter

The episode kicks off with the hosts engaging in their characteristic light-hearted banter, setting a relaxed and humorous tone for the discussion.

• Mae Martin ([02:05]): "Your dear friend Fortune Meme. And Biggie. Sorry, I just woke him up for that."

• Tig Notaro ([02:22]): "He can fall asleep in seconds. He'll be asleep again in two minutes. Don't worry."

This early segment showcases their camaraderie and playful interactions, establishing a comfortable listening environment.

2. Personal Anecdotes and Lifestyle Talks

The hosts delve into personal topics such as sleep challenges and relaxation techniques, sharing relatable experiences and tips.

• Mae Martin ([03:38]): "Yeah. I mean, I was listening to Horrific True Crime podcast right up till I got. Yeah, so that was part of it."

• Fortune Feimster ([03:20]): "And then hold three seconds. So it's like. This..."

They discuss various methods to combat insomnia, including deep breathing exercises and the use of relaxation gadgets, highlighting their openness and honesty.

3. Travel Tales and Security Measures

Transitioning to travel stories, the hosts recount past adventures and mishaps, particularly focusing on Fortune's experience in Paris.

• Fortune Feimster ([10:16]): "I was cycling in Paris... And this guy picked me up and put my bike in the back of his car."

• Tig Notaro ([10:21]): "My only guess is that they. I played sports my whole life..."

Mae shares her experience hiking to Griffith Park Observatory, emphasizing moments of serenity and personal reflection.

4. Comedy, Past Experiences, and Future Plans

The conversation shifts to comedic anecdotes and the hosts' aspirations, including ideas like taking tap dancing classes together.

• May Martin ([22:24]): "Say the word."

• Fortune Feimster ([23:18]): "Guys, I already have a dance instructor ready to teach us here in LA."

Their enthusiasm for new ventures and shared activities underscores the supportive dynamic among the hosts.

5. Introducing the Guest: Jillian Bell

The hosts warmly introduce Jillian Bell, detailing their longstanding friendship and collaborative hopes.

• Tig Notaro ([39:38]): "Our question asker today is a comedian, director and writer. She's starred in so many things like Brittany Runs a Marathon, Rough Night, 22 Jump Street..."

• Fortune Feimster ([42:28]): "Well, listen, no matter how big or small the project, go ahead and throw me in there too, okay?"

This segment highlights their mutual respect and excitement about Jillian's contributions to the episode.

6. Main Discussion: Songs in Space

Jillian Bell poses the central question of the episode: If aboard a spaceship that's about to explode in three to four minutes, what song would each host choose to play as a final comfort?

Host Responses:

• Mae Martin ([43:00]): "You're in space on a spaceship, and you've been told that the spaceship is going to explode. The only thing they can do to comfort you is blast... whatever song you want to go out with a bang on."

• Fortune Feimster ([49:16]): "Mine's 'Kermit the Frog' singing. Yeah, I might want to hear Kermit as I go out."

• Tig Notaro ([51:04]): "I was thinking I was going dramatic for a second, like a Whitney Houston, 'I Will Always Love You'."

The hosts exchange humorous suggestions and reflections on their musical choices, blending sincere sentiments with comedic elements.

• Fortune Feimster ([52:02]): "Mine's epic, too, I think."

• Tig Notaro ([56:04]): "And this is my answer. Nice."

Their discussion incorporates nostalgic references and playful banter, making the topic both heartfelt and entertaining.

7. Closing Remarks and Future Plans

As the episode nears its end, the hosts share updates on their personal projects and upcoming events, maintaining the friendly and engaging atmosphere.

• Fortune Feimster ([58:50]): "I want to just mention right out of the gate here that I have a gig... with Emily Saliers from the Indigo Girls."

• May Martin ([60:41]): "I am very excited because I'm doing three more big music shows where I'm playing my entire album with a band..."

They also briefly touch upon their producer and wrap up with affectionate exchanges, leaving listeners with a sense of warmth and anticipation for future episodes.

• Fortune Feimster ([63:35]): "Extraordinarians."

Notable Quotes:

• Mae Martin ([03:38]): "I was listening to Horrific True Crime podcast right up till I got. Yeah, so that was part of it."

• Tig Notaro ([06:07]): "Lesbians. We need y'all to continue buying beauty products now."

• Fortune Feimster ([10:21]): "I was cycling in Paris... And this guy picked me up and put my bike in the back of his car."

• Fortune Feimster ([42:43]): "Hello, it's Jillian Bell."

• Tig Notaro ([51:04]): "I was thinking I was going dramatic for a second, like a Whitney Houston, 'I Will Always Love You'."

Conclusion: This episode of "Handsome" masterfully blends personal stories, humor, and thoughtful discussions, all while addressing Jillian Bell's intriguing question about songs in space. The hosts' chemistry and genuine interactions provide an engaging experience for both new listeners and longtime fans.