Handsome Podcast Episode Summary Title: Melissa McCarthy & Ben Falcone Ask About Comedy Bits
Host/Authors: Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, Mae Martin
Release Date: November 19, 2024

I. Episode Overview

In this lively episode of Handsome, hosted by Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, and Mae Martin, the trio delves into the intricacies of developing comedy bits. Invited guests Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone bring their seasoned comedic perspectives, sharing personal experiences and challenges they've faced in crafting memorable jokes. The episode is a blend of humorous anecdotes, interactive segments, and insightful discussions on the evolution of comedic material.

II. The Quest for the Perfect Comedy Bit

A. The Duct Tape Anecdote (00:10 - 05:06)

The conversation kicks off with the hosts humorously discussing everyday objects and their unexpected uses. Mae Martin introduces the versatility of duct tape, sparking a round of creative storytelling.

• Fortune Feimster shares her love for "littering" as a comedic act, recounting an incident during a family hike:

  "I take my to-go coffee cup... and I just toss my coffee cup on the ground."
  (00:09)

  This act is portrayed not as actual littering but as a deliberate comedic bit to startle and engage observers.

• Mae Martin adds a playful twist to the discussion by suggesting unconventional uses for common items, further emphasizing the creative process behind comedy.

B. Embracing Failure and Persistence (05:18 - 15:17)

The hosts delve into the importance of persistence in comedy, sharing personal failures that eventually led to successful bits.

• Fortune Feimster reflects on attempts to go viral for silly acts, illustrating the trial-and-error nature of humor:

  "I like littering in front of people... it's just a tig bit."
  (09:02)

• Tig Notaro introduces a comedic Mad Lib game later in the segment, highlighting the spontaneity and collaborative effort required in comedy writing.

III. Interactive Comedy: The Mad Lib Challenge (15:18 - 33:02)

One of the episode's highlights is the Mad Lib segment, where the hosts engage in a humorous exercise to create a Thanksgiving-themed story.

• Mae Martin, Fortune Feimster, and Tig Notaro input random words, leading to a hilariously nonsensical narrative:

  "One of the best parts of Thanksgiving is having pie for dessert. My favorites are brisket and Secretary of State pie... It tastes so sneaky."
  (31:39)

• The activity underscores the playful and improvisational side of comedy, showcasing how unexpected combinations can generate laughter.

IV. Guest Segment: Melissa McCarthy & Ben Falcone (33:02 - 57:10)

A. Introduction and Personal Stories (33:02 - 49:43)

Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone join the hosts to discuss their own experiences with developing challenging comedy bits.

• Melissa McCarthy shares her struggle with a long joke about underappreciated women, highlighting the meticulous effort required to refine a comedic narrative:

  "It took, like, eight or nine times. But it's all about these badges and women being underappreciated and all this crazy stuff."
  (54:20)

• Fortune Feimster reveals her own journey in perfecting a bit about infants taking showers, emphasizing the importance of visual humor even in an audio format:

  "There was, like, nothing funnier to me than opening a shower curtain and seeing a wobbly baby... taking a shower."
  (39:15)

These anecdotes provide listeners with an insider's look into the resilience and creativity necessary for successful comedy.

B. Overcoming Creative Blocks (49:43 - 57:10)

The discussion shifts to overcoming creative blocks and the iterative process of joke refinement.

• Tig Notaro narrates her experience with a "tailor Dane bit," illustrating how perseverance can turn a simple idea into a well-received joke:

  "I kept adding like a sentence at a time... until it became one of my best bits."
  (49:39)

• Mae Martin touches on unintentional joke overlaps, highlighting the challenges of maintaining originality:

  "I was like, 'fuck. I could like, yeah, I fully stole it without knowing.'"
  (45:43)

These stories underscore the unpredictable nature of comedy and the continuous effort required to produce authentic and engaging material.

V. Concluding Insights and Promotions (57:10 - End)

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts and guests share final thoughts on the comedic journey and promote their respective projects.

• Tig Notaro announces her upcoming Netflix special, Crushing It, expressing excitement about her new material:

  "What a podcast."
  (57:40)

• Fortune Feimster discusses her ongoing projects, including filming Star Trek and performing at comedy bars, emphasizing her dedication to evolving her craft:

  "I'm still out in Toronto filming Star Trek and will be through February."
  (58:28)

• Mae Martin invites listeners to her performances at Largo, hinting at future collaborations and special guest appearances:

  "I really can imagine it. I really want to."
  (59:03)

The episode wraps up with a heartfelt appreciation for the listeners, encouraging them to stay tuned for future content and to continue supporting the comedic endeavors of all involved.

Notable Quotes

• Fortune Feimster (09:02):
  "Yeah, checking first is smart. So check Allstate first for a quote that could save you hundreds."

• Mae Martin (27:10):
  "This is just for May."

• Melissa McCarthy (54:50):
  "Finally, I still remember feeling like I'd done a man."

• Fortune Feimster (39:15):
  "There was, like, nothing funnier to me than opening a shower curtain and seeing a wobbly baby... taking a shower."

Conclusion

This episode of Handsome offers a deep dive into the creative processes behind comedy, enriched by the experiences of both established and emerging comedians. Through personal stories, interactive games, and genuine conversations, Tig, Fortune, Mae, Melissa, and Ben illuminate the joys and challenges of crafting humor. Listeners are left with a greater appreciation for the art of comedy and the relentless passion that drives its practitioners.