Podcast Summary: Handsome – Pretty Little Episode #29

Release Date: March 7, 2025

Hosts:

• Tig Notaro
• Fortune Feimster
• Mae Martin

Overview: In Episode #29 of "Handsome," titled "Pretty Little Episode," comedians Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, and Mae Martin dive into their personal experiences with music, tackle listener questions with humor and insight, and share updates on their upcoming tours. The trio's camaraderie and unique perspectives make for an engaging and entertaining discussion that resonates with both longtime fans and new listeners.

1. Embracing the Musical Side

Tig Notaro’s Musical Journey: Tig opens the episode by discussing her recent ventures into music, highlighting the release of two songs and an upcoming album. She shares a relatable story about selecting a guitar for her tour, despite not being deeply knowledgeable about instruments.

• Quote: “I went down there, and... they showed me the 335, which, of course, is a hollow body with a pickup in the neck. And I'm like, I like the bigger one that's more yellow.” [01:23]

Fortune Feimster’s Instrumental Past: Fortune reminisces about her childhood experience with the trumpet, describing her initial enthusiasm and eventual departure from the instrument.

• Quote: “I played it, and I remember my dad was like, do you really have to do the trumpet?... I lasted two years. Never touched it again.” [03:05]

Mae Martin’s Musical Contributions: Mae briefly mentions her involvement in music, contributing to the dynamic conversation about instruments and personal growth.

• Quote: “I do play a little bit of guitar. I can play the four main chords.” [04:15]

2. Listener Question 1: Creating a New Holiday

Question from Sarah (Fayetteville, Georgia): Sarah asks, “If you could create a brand new holiday, what would you celebrate? How would you celebrate it? And what time of year would you celebrate it?”

Tig and Fortune’s Creative Ideas:

• Tig’s Take: Tig suggests a holiday inspired by lunar events, such as super moons or wolf blood moons, where people could gather and howl together.

  • Quote: “Imagine we all get that night off... and we all got together and howled.” [08:56]

• Fortune’s Dual Proposal: Fortune proposes two types of holidays:

  • Fun Holiday: A day dedicated to celebrating comedy, where people watch funny movies, attend shows, or create their own comedic sketches.
    • Quote: “A celebration that celebrates comedy... your only goal that day is to have fun and laugh.” [09:08]
  • Serious Holiday: A day to encourage voting, ensuring higher voter turnout by making voting a recognized societal priority.
    • Quote: “It should be a holiday to go vote. If they don't want to give us a whole day, it should be at least half a day holiday.” [12:14]

Discussion Highlights: The hosts explore the importance of both lighthearted and civic-minded holidays, emphasizing the positive impact each could have on society.

3. Listener Question 2: Meeting Your Idols

Question from Anna (Portland, Oregon): Anna seeks advice on how to approach meeting her idol briefly after a one-man play performance. She desires to express her admiration genuinely without coming across as a fangirl.

Tig and Fortune’s Guidance:

• Tig’s Advice: Tig recommends being thoughtful and specific about how the idol's work has impacted her, avoiding overly personal remarks that might make the interaction uncomfortable.

  • Quote: “Say something thoughtful specifically about their work... show that you really care.” [14:02]

• Fortune’s Suggestions: Fortune echoes the importance of authenticity, advising Anna to keep interactions genuine and from the heart.

  • Quote: “Just be real and yourself... 'I really love what you do.'” [19:33]

Personal Anecdotes:

• Tig’s Experience: Tig shares a story about meeting a fan who became overly demanding, highlighting the importance of respectful and meaningful interactions.

  • Quote: “There was this woman who wanted to talk and was quite aggressive about it... I had to set boundaries.” [16:49]

• Fortune’s Story: Fortune recounts her attempt to meet Dolly Parton, emphasizing her decision to keep the interaction brief to avoid discomfort.

  • Quote: “I just gave her a quick hi... I didn't want to be that person.” [20:08]

4. Upcoming Tours and Shows

Fortune Feimster’s Tour Schedule: Fortune shares her excitement about upcoming performances at the Irvine Improv, a club in Huntsville, Alabama, and her new theater tour across various cities.

• Quote: “I’m starting my big next theater tour... Savannah, Georgia, Charleston, South Carolina, Albuquerque, Phoenix, Cleveland, Columbus.” [23:20]

Tig Notaro’s Music Tour: Tig details her international tour dates, including performances in Toronto, New York, and London, where she will be showcasing her full album and engaging in meet and greets.

• Quote: “March 1 I'm in Toronto, the Danforth Music Hall. March 4 I'm in New York, and March 9, I'm in London, England.” [24:00]

Mae Martin’s Participation: Mae discusses her role in Tig’s tour, expressing both excitement and nervousness about performing in larger venues.

• Quote: “I’m looking forward to that because it’s like, you have a decent amount of time with people and you can...” [21:16]

5. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Encouraging Listener Engagement: The hosts urge listeners to continue submitting questions and to attend their upcoming shows, fostering a sense of community and anticipation for future episodes.

• Quote: “Please keep submitting these amazing questions... Keep it Pretty Handsome.” [23:19]

Final Anecdotes: Tig mentions her practice of leaving positive Yelp reviews as a way to spread kindness, while Fortune emphasizes the impact of small, positive interactions.

• Quote: “If I have like a really good, I don’t know, Thai massage... I’ll leave a positive Yelp review.” [23:02] - Fortune adds: “Strangers just opening the door for you or complimenting you... it means a lot.” [22:49]

Conclusion: "Pretty Little Episode #29" of the "Handsome" podcast showcases the hosts' multifaceted talents, blending discussions about music, thoughtful listener interactions, and personal stories. Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, and Mae Martin create a warm and engaging atmosphere, inviting listeners to connect, laugh, and reflect alongside them. Whether it’s through planning new holidays, navigating fan interactions, or sharing tour news, the episode encapsulates the essence of friendship and creativity that defines the "Handsome" podcast.

Stay Connected:

• Email: us@handsomepodmail.com
• Social Media: Follow @HandsomePod on various platforms
• Website: Headgum

Produced, recorded, and edited by Thomas Willette.