Podcast Summary: Handsome – Pretty Little Episode #33
Release Date: April 4, 2025
Host/Authors: Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, Mae Martin (Produced by Headgum)
1. Welcome and Episode Introduction
The episode kicks off with Tig Notaro and Mae Martin warmly welcoming listeners to the "Pretty Little Episode." Despite brief interruptions by promotional content, the hosts immediately dive into their typical candid and humorous dialogue.
2. Authenticity and People-Pleasing
May Martin and Tig Notaro engage in a heartfelt conversation about living authentically versus hiding aspects of oneself. May introduces a favorite quote:
May Martin (02:04): "Happiness is when what you say, what you think and what you do are in alignment."
Tig shares her perspective on authenticity:
Tig Notaro (01:04): "Nice to be where I am, you know, just doing normal things as a normal person, living a normal life."
This segment delves into the challenges of being genuine in a world that often pressures individuals to conform or appease others.
3. Setting Boundaries and Personal Stories
The discussion naturally transitions to the topic of setting personal boundaries and the struggle against people-pleasing tendencies.
May Martin expresses her discomfort with extreme self-care practices that advocate cutting people out completely:
May Martin (02:15): "I reject... the new kind of self-care... I don't like that."
Tig Notaro recounts a memorable encounter during a yard sale, illustrating her approach to maintaining boundaries:
Tig Notaro (03:17): "Scram Clown. He was gone."
This anecdote underscores the importance of asserting oneself to preserve personal well-being.
4. Music Preferences and Parenting
A significant portion of the episode delves into Tig and May's musical tastes, both personal and incorporated into their parenting. They discuss the influence of music on their children, Max and Finn, and how it serves as a bonding tool.
May Martin shares her eclectic music list:
May Martin (09:31): "I listened to Half Moon Run, Elliot Smith, the Beatles, and recently getting back into Bob Dylan."
Tig Notaro contrasts her past preferences with her children’s current tastes:
Tig Notaro (12:02): "I'm listening to Eminem and Good Charlotte and Blink 182 and Kendrick Lamar and All American Rejects."
They humorously debate the classification of bands like Blink-182 and Good Charlotte as "pop punk" rather than true punk, emphasizing generational shifts in music perception.
Notable Quote:
Tig Notaro (16:43): "Blink 182 and bands like that are not punk for sure. And they're not pop. Yeah, yeah, Pop punk."
5. Listener Question: CDs on Repeat
A listener named KJ asks about the CDs the hosts are currently putting on repeat. This leads to an engaging exchange about their favorite albums and artists.
May Martin responds with her current favorites:
May Martin (09:29): "Half Moon Run, Elliot Smith, the Beatles, and Bob Dylan."
Tig Notaro adds her preferences:
Tig Notaro (16:48): "Eminem and Good Charlotte and Blink 182 and Kendrick Lamar and All American Rejects."
This segment highlights the diverse musical landscapes the hosts navigate both personally and through their children’s interests.
6. Listener Question: Pillow Preferences
Another listener, Erin, inquires about the number, size, and firmness of pillows the hosts use. Tig and May playfully attempt to guess each other's pillow setups before revealing their own.
May Martin accurately predicts Tig’s pillow arrangement:
May Martin (19:44): "I have an orthopedic pillow for my neck and a long body pillow that I sometimes hug when I go on my side."
Tig Notaro explains her own setup:
Tig Notaro (20:03): "I have my orthopedic pillow and then just a long pillow in case I need to go over."
Erin shares her detailed pillow strategy:
Erin (19:07): "I sleep with four pillows. Two under my head, one on the side to cuddle, and one between my legs to support my knees and hips."
The hosts humorously critique excessive decorative pillow use, emphasizing practicality over aesthetics.
7. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Events
As the episode draws to a close, Tig and May share information about upcoming live streams and performances, teasing surprises and encouraging listeners to stay tuned for future content. They express excitement about their personal and professional projects, fostering a sense of community and anticipation among their audience.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- May Martin (02:04): "Happiness is when what you say, what you think and what you do are in alignment."
- Tig Notaro (03:17): "Scram Clown. He was gone."
- Tig Notaro (16:43): "Blink 182 and bands like that are not punk for sure. And they're not pop. Yeah, yeah, Pop punk."
- Erin (19:07): "I sleep with four pillows. Two under my head, one on the side to cuddle, and one between my legs to support my knees and hips."
Conclusion
Pretty Little Episode #33 of "Handsome" offers a blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and relatable discussions on authenticity, boundaries, and the universal language of music. Tig Notaro and May Martin's candid dialogue provides listeners with both laughter and insights, making it a compelling episode for fans and newcomers alike.