Podcast Summary: Handsome – Pretty Little Episode #48

Episode Details:

• Title: Pretty Little Episode #48
• Release Date: July 18, 2025
• Hosts: Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, Mae Martin
• Produced by: Thomas Ouelette

I. Fortune Feimster’s Shingles Vaccine Experience

The episode kicks off with Fortune Feimster sharing her harrowing experience with the shingles vaccine. She candidly discusses the severe side effects she encountered, emphasizing the intensity of her reaction.

• Fortune Feimster [01:05]: "I couldn’t get out of bed. I couldn’t move my body."

• Tig Notaro [02:01]: "As unpleasant as that was, I've heard getting shingles is a nightmare, so…"

Fortune details how after receiving the second dose of the vaccine, she was incapacitated with fever, a debilitating headache, and full-body aches. She reflects on her apprehension about being anti-vax, clarifying her proactive approach to vaccination despite the adverse effects she experienced.

• Fortune Feimster [02:24]: "I felt like somebody had beaten me with a bat."

She also shares a poignant memory of missing a celebratory dinner with friends due to her condition, highlighting the tough choices she had to make during her recovery.

II. Hosts’ Personal and Professional Updates

Following Fortune's story, the hosts transition into sharing their latest personal and professional endeavors.

• Tig Notaro [05:06]: "I’m done with shooting in Atlanta. Flew to Vegas right after for a show."

Tig discusses her busy schedule over June and outlines her plans to lighten her workload in July and August, including a trip to Iceland for Pride Weekend and a show alongside her friend Andrea.

• Fortune Feimster [05:23]: "I know. How was your… Are you finished shooting in Atlanta?"

The conversation underscores their commitment to balancing work with downtime, allowing them to recharge and prepare for upcoming projects.

III. Listener Question: Early Adopters We’re Proud Of

The hosts receive a listener question from Jessica in South Carolina, inquiring about any early adopters the hosts are proud to have supported.

• Jessica [07:07]: "I’d like to know if there’s anything that you were an early adopter of that you love to tell people about."

Tig Notaro shares her early support for Brandy Carlisle, mentioning seeing her perform in a small LA venue before her breakout moment on "Grey's Anatomy."

• Tig Notaro [07:13]: "I saw her in LA in, like, a tiny, tiny venue."

Fortune Feimster reminisces about her early involvement with the Indigo Girls and Edie Burkel, highlighting her role in discovering and supporting emerging talent through projects like the Andrea Gibson documentary.

• Fortune Feimster [08:43]: "I was hired to be the host and judge for a Netflix show that got scrapped in the pandemic."

She elaborates on how she helped comedian Atsuko gain prominence, underscoring her knack for recognizing talent early on.

• Fortune Feimster [09:15]: "I directed her first special, which was crazy because… she did end up getting her own special."

Jessica [10:44]: "I have been a Tig Notaro fan forever… a day one handsome listener."

Jessica expresses her appreciation for the hosts, acknowledging their influence and support in her life.

IV. Listener Question: Forced Tattoo Choice

Grace from Minnesota poses a playful yet insightful question regarding what tattoo the hosts would choose if compelled to get one immediately.

• Grace [13:23]: "If you had to go right now and get a tattoo for some reason you’re being forced to do it, what would you get and why?"

Fortune Feimster humorously suggests getting a hot dog and bun on the end of her nose, though this idea is met with playful skepticism from Tig.

• Fortune Feimster [13:28]: "I’d get a hot dog and a hot dog bun on the end of my nose."

She shares a personal anecdote about a childhood incident resulting in a permanent dot tattoo from a ballpoint pen injury.

• Fortune Feimster [14:36]: "If I ever am missing and the police ask if I had any tattoos, I did have a dot on the inside."

Tig Notaro reveals her preference for subtle, meaningful tattoos like numbers or sentimental symbols, ideally placed on inconspicuous areas like her pinky toe.

• Tig Notaro [20:20]: "Maybe my favorite number is 18… something small and something that you can’t really see."

Mae Martin and Fortune Feimster discuss personal tattoo stories, blending humor with heartfelt memories, such as Fortune’s consideration of tattooing her vice principal’s face and her friendship with the now-deceased Leopard Larry.

• Fortune Feimster [16:53]: "He had his entire body tattooed like a leopard."

A touching tribute is made to Leopard Larry, who was a close friend and a notable figure in the tattoo world.

• Fortune Feimster [19:43]: "Rest in peace, Leopard Larry."

Grace’s own answer includes a tattoo symbolizing her true love, her cat Sunny, illustrating the personal significance behind her choice.

• Grace [19:52]: "Some image of my sweet, sweet feline friend."

V. Upcoming Shows and Final Thoughts

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts share information about their upcoming shows and events, encouraging listeners to attend and support their work.

• Tig Notaro [22:40]: "I’m just in Edmonton July 20 with Mateo Lane… in Montreal on the 26th."

• Fortune Feimster [22:53]: "I will be at the West Hampton Beach Performing Arts Center on August 17th, Provincetown, Massachusetts on August 23rd."

They highlight their websites and social media handles for listeners to stay updated on their schedules and new material.

• Fortune Feimster [22:53]: "Go to tignotaro.com for all my show information."

The episode concludes with a reminder to keep things "pretty," encapsulating the episode's lighthearted and supportive atmosphere.

• Fortune Feimster [22:53]: "Until next time, keep it. Keep it pretty."

Notable Quotes:

• Fortune Feimster [01:05]: "I couldn’t get out of bed. I couldn’t move my body."

• Tig Notaro [07:13]: "I saw her in LA in, like, a tiny, tiny venue."

• Fortune Feimster [19:43]: "Rest in peace, Leopard Larry."

• Fortune Feimster [22:53]: "Until next time, keep it. Keep it pretty."

Conclusion:

In "Pretty Little Episode #48," the hosts of Handsome blend humor with heartfelt storytelling, offering listeners an engaging glimpse into their personal lives and professional journeys. From discussing the trials of vaccination side effects to reminiscing about early adoption of emerging talents and contemplating whimsical tattoo choices, Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, and Mae Martin create a rich, relatable narrative that resonates with both long-time fans and new listeners alike.