Podcast Summary: Handsome – "Pretty Little" Episode #27

Release Date: February 21, 2025
Hosts: Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, Mae Martin
Podcast: Handsome by Headgum

1. Opening Banter: Personal Quirks and Germaphobia (00:50 – 04:15)

The episode kicks off with the hosts engaging in lighthearted conversation about their personal habits and anxieties. Mae Martin shares her experience of sleeping with a hoodie up to stay warm in a hotel room, prompting Tig Notaro to relate by discussing her own tendencies to cover up in unfamiliar or uncomfortable environments.

Notable Quote:
May Martin (00:20): “I slept with a full hoodie on, snuggly in my pants. And a full hoodie. Very weird.”

The discussion naturally transitions into a conversation about germophobia. While Mae expresses specific pet-related aversions, Tig expands on her broader concerns about cleanliness and how the pandemic influenced her perspective on germs and safety protocols.

Notable Quote:
Tig Notaro (02:21): “I think that's the problem with germaphobes, is the imagination. That that is what. I'm way too visual.”

2. Listener Question: Lessons Learned the Hard Way (08:50 – 17:32)

Question from Joey (08:50):
“What lesson have you had to learn the hard way? I'm a parent of two little kids that seem to have to learn all of the lessons the hard way. And I'm wondering, what did you have to learn the hard way?”

The hosts delve into personal reflections on challenging life lessons, particularly in relationships and personal growth.

• Tig Notaro discusses the importance of understanding what it takes to maintain healthy relationships, acknowledging her past shortcomings and the continuous journey of self-improvement.

  Notable Quote:
  Tig Notaro (10:18): “I immediately go to my previous relationships and how clueless I was as far as like, what it really takes to maintain a relationship.”

• May Martin shares her struggles with emotional availability and setting boundaries, highlighting the repetitive nature of learning these lessons.

  Notable Quote:
  May Martin (12:45): “I'm the exact same. Like, I think I thought that I had cr. Like, like, oh, I'm really attracted now to emotional availability and someone who just is, you know...”

• Fortune Feimster humorously interjects an advertisement segment, maintaining the podcast's signature blend of humor and sponsored content.

Tig also touches on financial responsibility, reflecting on her past negligence and the ongoing effort to manage finances more diligently.

Notable Quote:
Tig Notaro (16:47): “And as time has gone on, I've. I've been more like, I have to do this. I.”

3. Listener Question: Comedy Material Swap (17:32 – 21:22)

Question from Taylor (17:32):
“Would you rather, for the rest of your career, have to perform another comedian's material or have another comedian have to perform your material? Bonus question: Who would be the comedian?”

The hosts engage in a playful debate over the hypothetical scenario of swapping comedic material.

• Tig Notaro admits that performing another comedian's material would feel inauthentic, expressing admiration for Maria Bamford’s versatile voice work.

  Notable Quote:
  Tig Notaro (18:35): “I would love to see Maria Bamford do my material.”

• May Martin contemplates impersonating beloved characters from "Saturday Night Live," like Molly Shannon's Mary Katherine Gallagher, acknowledging the challenge but also the fun it would entail.

  Notable Quote:
  May Martin (19:42): “It'd be super fun to do, like, some Molly Shannon characters or what.”

The conversation highlights their respect for fellow comedians and the difficulties inherent in adopting someone else's comedic style or material.

4. Closing Remarks and Calls to Action (21:22 – 23:04)

As the episode wraps up, the hosts encourage listeners to submit their own questions and engage with their content through various platforms.

Notable Quote:
Tig Notaro (21:52): “Really good. Yeah, please keep it coming.”

They also share personal updates and promotional plugs, inviting fans to check out Tig’s new material and Mae’s upcoming music tour shows.

Conclusion

In "Pretty Little" Episode #27 of Handsome, Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, and Mae Martin offer a blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and heartfelt reflections. From discussing the nuances of personal habits and germophobia to exploring the challenges of learning life’s tough lessons and the imaginary world of comedic material swaps, the hosts provide an engaging and relatable conversation. Notable quotes punctuate their discussions, offering listeners memorable insights and laughs. This episode is a testament to the hosts' chemistry and their ability to tackle diverse topics with both sincerity and wit.

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