Handsome – "Lizzy Caplan Asks About First Impressions"

December 9, 2025 | Headgum Podcast
Hosts: Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, Mae Martin
Special Guest: Lizzy Caplan (Question Asker)

Episode Overview

In this lively episode of Handsome, comedians Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, and Mae Martin respond to a two-part question from actor Lizzy Caplan: "What’s the worst first impression you’ve ever made? And what's the most incorrect first impression you’ve gotten of someone else?" The trio weaves genuine self-reflection and hilarious storytelling, from personal tales of awkward introductions and misjudgments to celebrity encounters—most notably, Fortune meeting Tom Cruise. The episode also includes amusing anecdotes from red carpet events, discussions on royal connections, and plenty of their trademark banter.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Chemistry and Cozy Vibes (03:01–04:39)

• The hosts comment on their strong in-person chemistry and comfort. The setting is cozy, and the energy is "electric."
  • Fortune (04:11): “I'm cold as ice.”
  • Tig (04:13): “Put it in your cooter and warm it up.”
• They reminisce about quirky neighbors and the warmth of recording together.

Fortune Meets Tom Cruise (09:10–19:43, 22:44–24:18)

• Governor Awards Story:
  Fortune recounts her night at the Governor Awards, where she meets Tom Cruise—a personal idol and her wife’s favorite actor.
  • Fortune (09:48): “I met Tom Cruise.”
  • She describes elbowing through the crowd and showing Tom a photo where she looks uncannily like him.
  • Fortune (15:12): “So if you ever need a lesbian sibling in any of your action films…”
  • Tom laughs and is welcoming; Fortune secures a photo for her wife, humorously referred to as catching "the two loves of her life" together.
  • Tig (17:07) imagines Tom submitting a question to the podcast, "jumping off of a plane."
• They marvel at Tom’s presence, charisma, and “movie star” status:
  • Fortune (18:13): “He is just one of the last movie stars...when he cries, I cry.”
  • They discuss Tom’s lack of an Oscar and his legendary dedication to acting—knowing not just his lines but everyone’s on set.

Zootopia 2 Premiere & Celebrity Sightings (24:43–29:39)

• The hosts share their experiences at the Zootopia 2 premiere:
  • Mae meets Macaulay Culkin and confesses it was a "die a little bit happier" moment (25:56).
  • Tig describes missing her own scene because she was taking her son to the bathroom—a classic "comic timing" mishap (27:02).
  • They muse about their animated roles and the unpredictability of voice acting.
  • Mae meets Ariel’s (Jodi Benson's) voice and is touched by her warmth and authenticity with fans (30:57).

On Making and Receiving First Impressions (39:07–59:00)

Lizzy Caplan’s Two-Part Question (39:07–39:27)

“What is the worst first impression you’ve ever made? And what is the most incorrect first impression that you've gotten of somebody else?” — Lizzy Caplan [39:07]

Hosts’ Candid Reflections

• Fortune:
  • Shares about being judged as "dismissive and arrogant" in a therapy group—an example of people projecting their insecurities (40:32).
  • Remembers being seen as a “troublemaker” by parents in her youth, when, in reality, her rebelliousness was limited to surface habits (smoking, attitude) [41:19–42:47].
• Mae:
  • Talks about being misunderstood as pretentious for enjoying classic literature and music as a teen (48:44–49:10).
  • Shares a royal family anecdote – her uncle married Princess Margaret’s daughter, leading to an awkward royal wedding moment where she botched greetings and protocol as a child (52:21–53:40):

    “Prince Charles comes up to me and goes, ‘What a lovely handbag.’ And I went, ‘It’s Venetian’.” — Mae Martin [53:00]

• Tig:
  • Describes her time living in Spain, becoming quiet and introverted, leading to people in LA perceiving her as “lame” and friendless when she moved back (44:03–45:21):

    “People thought I was such a dork and had no personality.” — Tig Notaro [45:05]

  • Details her determined—if awkward—effort to befriend someone she sensed should be her "best friend," only succeeding after months and a roommate arrangement (45:22–47:54).

Broader Takeaways

• They reflect on how our internal narratives, isolation, or shyness can be misinterpreted as arrogance or aloofness.
• The importance of extending grace—many "bad" first impressions arise from personal insecurity, circumstance, or simply having an "off" day.

“Nepo Baby” and Royalty Anecdotes (49:11–54:56)

• Mae’s surprising connections to British royalty elicit much playful teasing:
  • Fortune: “Would you still do this podcast if you were [in line for the throne]?” [50:45]
• Mae is accused of having “Nepo baby energy” for her lifestyle quirks, leading to more gentle ribbing (54:44).

Tom Cruise Cake & Full Circle Moments (59:09–61:22)

• As the episode winds down, Tig jokes about wanting to receive Tom Cruise’s famous holiday coconut cake—a running celebrity gag:

  “I want it from him, but it also is delicious and I will just eat it.” — Tig Notaro [60:56] “Classic T.C.…taking care of [everyone].” — Fortune Feimster [61:50]

Lizzy Caplan’s Answer (62:08–62:32)

“I feel like my first impressions are always...very bad. People think that I think I’m, like, too cool for school. And bad first impressions of other people, you know, that I miscalculate every time.” — Lizzy Caplan [62:08]

• Lizzy admits she often fears giving off a “too cool” vibe, and is also frequently wrong about others.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the chemistry of the hosts:
  “Every time we’re in person...their chemistry’s electric.” — Fortune [03:48]
• On Tom Cruise’s movie star power:
  “He is just one of the last movie stars...when he cries, I cry.” — Fortune [18:13]
• On bad first impressions:
  “People thought I was such a dork and had no personality.” — Tig [45:05]
• On accidental royal faux pas:
  “Prince Charles comes up to me and goes, ‘What a lovely handbag.’ And I went, ‘It’s Venetian’.” — Mae [53:00]
• On perception vs. reality:
  “That’s the thing. We’re creating everything.” — Fortune [58:38]
• On celebrity gifting culture:
  "All I want is...the Tom Cruise cake." — Tig [59:41]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Hosts Open & In-Person Banter: 03:01–05:52
• Fortune’s Tom Cruise Encounter: 09:10–19:43, 22:44–24:18
• Zootopia 2 Premiere Stories: 24:43–29:39
• Lizzy Caplan Sends in Her Question: 39:07
• Hosts’ Reflections on First Impressions: 40:32–59:00
• Mae’s Royal Wedding Story: 49:11–54:56
• Tom Cruise Cake, “Full Circle” Moment: 59:09–61:22
• Lizzy Caplan’s Answer: 62:08–62:32

Tone & Atmosphere

The episode is buoyant, candid, and peppered with affectionate teasing. The hosts bring their usual blend of warmth, humility, and sharp wit, freely acknowledging their own foibles and inviting listeners to celebrate the messiness of human connection.

Final Thoughts

Listeners are treated to a suite of showbiz tales, starstruck moments, and reflections on vulnerability and misjudgment—all in Handsome’s irresistibly warm, funny style. Whether you can relate to bad first impressions, aspire to movie-star run-ins, or just want to laugh about awkward childhood faux pas at royal weddings, this episode sparkles with humor and honesty.

For more, follow @HandsomePod and check out the hosts' upcoming tour dates at their respective websites!