Handsome Podcast Episode Summary

Title: Jon Hamm Asks About Impactful Books
Hosts: Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, Mae Martin
Release Date: December 3, 2024

1. Introduction and Holiday Announcements

The episode kicks off with Mae Martin announcing an exciting holiday treat for listeners: a live-streamed "Holly Bobs" extravaganza scheduled for Saturday, December 21st. Mae emphasizes the opportunity for fans worldwide to join the event, which includes a replay available for an entire week. At [01:15], Mae enthuses:

"We're putting on a Holly Bobs live streaming extravaganza and you can watch live from anywhere in the world."

Fortune Feimster follows up by promoting her newly released Netflix special, "Crushing It," urging listeners to watch it immediately to support her work. Tig Notaro adds her enthusiasm, encouraging fans to watch the special while it remains fresh.

2. Hosts' Projects and Personal Updates

The trio shares updates about their current projects and personal endeavors:

• Fortune Feimster proudly discusses her Netflix special, detailing the inspiration behind her distinctive pink suit, which symbolizes the podcast’s celebration of diverse definitions of "handsome." At [04:25], Fortune states:

  "Our pod celebrates all kinds of handsome, forging your own path of what handsome looks like."

• Tig Notaro talks about her ongoing shows in Toronto at Comedy Bar and her role in filming "Star Trek." She humorously muses about potentially wearing a pink suit in her next special, prompting laughter from the group.

• Mae Martin shares her excitement about performing at Largo on December 4th with Stephanie Allen and hints at upcoming shows with Brett Goldstein, keeping the audience informed about her active schedule.

3. Lighthearted Conversations and Comedy Bits

The hosts engage in amusing discussions about mountain goats and bears, blending humor with personal anecdotes:

• Tig Notaro reveals her fascination with mountain goats, prompting a playful exploration of their incredible agility. At [12:43], Tig shares:

  "I was watching mountain goats on YouTube, and I just couldn’t stop. They jump from vertical wall to vertical wall perfectly."

• Mae Martin and Fortune Feimster join in the fun, debating the differences between regular goats and mountain goats, and even delving into quirky topics like swingers and flamingos as symbols within their comedic dialogue.

These segments showcase the hosts' camaraderie and their ability to weave humor seamlessly into their conversations.

4. Jon Hamm's Question: Impactful Books

The highlight of the episode arrives when Jon Hamm poses a thought-provoking question to the hosts:

"What was the first book that ever truly affected you?" [30:36]

a. Tig Notaro’s Response

Tig reminisces about her childhood favorite, "Amelia Bedelia," highlighting the character's literal interpretations and how it influenced her comedic style. At [35:22], Tig shares:

"Amelia Bedelia takes things literally... I just thought she was the funniest character."

She further reflects on darker literary influences from her adolescence, mentioning "A Prayer for Owen Meany" as a profound impact, though this is later revealed to be Jon Hamm's input rather than her own.

b. Mae Martin’s Response

Mae delves into her diverse reading history, mentioning several books that shaped her perspective:

• "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark": Mae recalls the spine-chilling tales that captivated her as a child. At [35:22], she describes:

  "Every story was like two pages... Taylor Po was a big part of my experience."

• "The NeverEnding Story" and "My Side of the Mountain": These books fueled her imagination and desire for adventure, despite not being a nature enthusiast.

• "The Comic Toolbox": An early guide to comedy that provided Mae with exercises to explore her creative side. She reflects:

  "It was like taking tension in your life and exploring it through comedy."

Mae emphasizes how these books offered comfort and inspired her to find her unique voice in comedy.

c. Fortune Feimster’s Response

Fortune speaks passionately about "Charms for the Easy Life" by Kay Gibbons, a book that resonated deeply with her personal experiences and understanding of feminism. At [45:25], she explains:

"It was the first time I read a book that I could really see myself in... it was about a grandmother, a mother, and a daughter."

Fortune highlights how the book mirrored her own life in a matriarchal family, empowering her to embrace her strength and identity. She also touches upon the influence of biographies, acknowledging her admiration for real-life stories that shape one’s outlook.

5. Reflections on Reading and Personal Growth

Post their individual responses, the hosts engage in a meaningful discussion about the role of reading in personal and professional development:

• Tig Notaro mentions how rereading old comedy clips leads her to cringe, recognizing the evolution of her comedic style influenced by early literary inspirations.

• Mae Martin shares a nostalgic moment about reading "The Comic Toolbox" during a tense family trip, finding solace and direction in creating comedy from life’s challenges.

• Fortune Feimster connects her reading habits to her familial influences, expressing a desire to read more and acknowledging the importance of books in maintaining mental acuity as they age.

The conversation underscores the profound impact that books have had on their lives, shaping their careers in comedy and acting while fostering personal growth and resilience.

6. Conclusion and Upcoming Events

As the episode nears its end, the hosts reiterate their promotion of Fortune's Netflix special, encouraging listeners to watch and engage with their work. They also remind fans about the upcoming live-streamed holiday spectacular on December 21st and promote their newly released merchandise available at handsomepod.com.

Fortune closes with a heartfelt endorsement:

"Watch it now because soon it won't hold up."

Mae and Tig echo this sentiment, urging listeners to support their projects and stay connected through social media channels. The episode wraps up with warm farewells and enthusiastic endorsements of each other’s work, reinforcing the tight-knit community of the "Handsome" podcast.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Mae Martin [01:15]:

  "We're putting on a Holly Bobs live streaming extravaganza and you can watch live from anywhere in the world."

• Fortune Feimster [04:25]:

  "Our pod celebrates all kinds of handsome, forging your own path of what handsome looks like."

• Tig Notaro [12:43]:

  "I was watching mountain goats on YouTube, and I just couldn’t stop. They jump from vertical wall to vertical wall perfectly."

• Tig Notaro [35:22]:

  "Amelia Bedelia takes things literally... I just thought she was the funniest character."

• Fortune Feimster [45:25]:

  "It was the first time I read a book that I could really see myself in... it was about a grandmother, a mother, and a daughter."

• Fortune Feimster [06:04]:

  "We celebrate all kinds of handsome... forging your own path of what handsome looks like."

Final Thoughts

This episode of the "Handsome" podcast masterfully blends personal updates, humor, and profound discussions about the books that have shaped each host's life. By featuring a thoughtful question from Jon Hamm, the hosts delve into their literary influences, offering listeners insightful perspectives on how impactful books can mold one's creative and personal journey. The episode not only entertains but also inspires, highlighting the enduring significance of reading in fostering growth and resilience.