Handsome Podcast Episode Summary: "Monica Barbaro Asks About Talking to Animals"

Release Date: June 17, 2025
Host/Authors: Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, Mae Martin

1. Opening Discussions on Personal Grooming

The episode begins with a light-hearted conversation about personal grooming and haircuts. Mae Martin shares her humorous struggles with cutting her own hair, leading to an amusing exchange about stimming behaviors and personal habits.

• Mae Martin [02:03]: "I've been cutting my own hair, though, a lot, and it's got into a weird shape..."
• Fortune Feimster [02:57]: "Is stimming just an autism thing, or is it, like, anxiety or..."

The hosts laugh over Mae's unconventional haircut techniques, highlighting their camaraderie and ability to find humor in everyday mishaps.

2. Addressing Personal Challenges: Fortune Feimster’s Mother’s Cancer Diagnosis

The tone shifts as Fortune Feimster opens up about her mother's recent diagnosis with a rare and aggressive bile duct cancer. She details the emotional turmoil and the challenges faced by her family during this difficult time.

• Fortune Feimster [18:35]: "My mom got diagnosed, like, a month ago with bile duct cancer..."
• Mae Martin [24:12]: "She was saying she didn't want to talk about it for the first month..."

Fortune discusses the importance of having a support system, describing how friends, family, and even strangers have rallied around her mother. The conversation delves deep into the emotional impact of cancer diagnoses, emphasizing the need for community and emotional support.

• Tig Notaro [30:07]: "People just instinctually want to help, I think."
• Fortune Feimster [28:06]: "She's gonna fight it. Yeah. Do everything we can and she'll fight it."

The hosts reflect on their own experiences with illness and the significance of being there for loved ones, showcasing the podcast's blend of humor and heartfelt moments.

3. Coping Mechanisms and Support Systems

Following the discussion on cancer, the hosts explore various coping mechanisms and the importance of mental health support. They share personal strategies for handling overwhelming situations and maintaining emotional well-being.

• Mae Martin [40:19]: "Focusing on the happy things and what are, what are the good things in my life..."
• Fortune Feimster [41:32]: "I've had some really meaningful conversations with a lot of people lately."

They emphasize the value of therapy, meaningful conversations, and reconnecting with friends as ways to navigate through tough times. The dialogue highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of leaning on others during crises.

4. Engaging with the Question: Talking to Animals

Transitioning from personal stories, the hosts address the episode's main question posed by Monica Barbaro: "If you woke up and discovered you had the ability to talk to animals, what would you do?" They offer whimsical and thoughtful responses, blending humor with genuine curiosity.

• Mae Martin [47:45]: "I want to talk to the dolphins, the whales and the orca and ask them what's up."
• Fortune Feimster [49:50]: "I just want to know how much he loves me."

The discussion ranges from playful imaginings of communicating with marine life to heartfelt desires to understand and comfort their own pets. Mae expresses skepticism about AI translating animal languages, while Fortune contemplates deeper emotional connections with her dog.

• Mae Martin [53:09]: "They'd have a word with me."
• Tig Notaro [52:07]: "What's their theory?"

Their interactions reflect a balance between light-heartedness and sincere reflection, engaging listeners with relatable fantasies and genuine emotions.

5. Balancing Humor and Heartfelt Moments

Throughout the episode, the hosts adeptly balance humor with serious topics. After discussing personal challenges, they return to playful banter, including anecdotes about their pets and humorous takes on everyday situations.

• Fortune Feimster [54:38]: "I've been thinking about pigs, babe."
• Tig Notaro [55:17]: "Do I look like Tom Cruise?"

This dynamic interplay ensures that the podcast remains engaging, catering to listeners seeking both laughter and meaningful conversations.

6. Conclusion and Community Support

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reiterate their support for Fortune Feimster and her mother, emphasizing the strength of their community. They encourage listeners to share the podcast and stay connected, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support.

• Mae Martin [63:07]: "What a podcast."
• Tig Notaro [63:34]: "Shall we keep it handsome?"

The episode concludes on an uplifting note, reinforcing the themes of friendship, resilience, and the importance of embracing both joyous and challenging moments together.

Notable Quotes:

• Mae Martin [02:03]: "I've been cutting my own hair, though, a lot, and it's got into a weird shape..."
• Fortune Feimster [18:35]: "My mom got diagnosed, like, a month ago with bile duct cancer..."
• Tig Notaro [30:07]: "People just instinctually want to help, I think."
• Mae Martin [47:45]: "I want to talk to the dolphins, the whales and the orca and ask them what's up."
• Fortune Feimster [49:50]: "I just want to know how much he loves me."

This episode of "Handsome" masterfully navigates the spectrum of human emotions, from humorous mishaps to the profound challenges of dealing with serious illness. Through their candid conversations and supportive interactions, Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, and Mae Martin create a relatable and comforting space for listeners.