Podcast Summary: "Handsome" Episode #52 – "Pretty Little Episode"
Release Date: August 15, 2025
Hosts: Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, Mae Martin
Produced by: Headgum
1. Introduction
In Episode #52 of "Handsome," aptly titled "Pretty Little Episode," hosts Tig Notaro and Fortune Feimster dive into personal stories and engaging conversations, interspersed with the signature humor and camaraderie that fans have come to love. Mae Martin makes brief appearances, primarily delivering sponsor messages, which are omitted from this summary per the episode guidelines.
2. Fitness and Health Discussion
The episode opens with a lighthearted conversation about fitness routines and the challenges of maintaining physical health in one's 50s. Both Tig and Fortune share their personal experiences, highlighting the importance of strength training and the adjustments they've made to their workout regimens.
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Tig Notaro discusses her recent endeavors to incorporate weight lifting into her routine. At [02:08], she shares, "This summer I got a trainer... Now that I'm taking things down a notch with my schedule, I'm getting kind of excited about it."
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Fortune Feimster echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the necessity of weight training for women over 40. At [03:38], she mentions, "For women over 40, lifting weights is most imperative."
The hosts humorously discuss their progress and setbacks, with Tig recounting her first experience lifting a 10-pound weight:
- Tig Notaro: "It was a 10-pound weight that I had to, like, lift up on my side. And I was like, oh, boy... she was like, oh, okay, we can go down." [02:38]
Fortune shares her journey with home fitness equipment and the ongoing struggle to maintain consistency:
- Fortune Feimster: "I try to do it like once or twice a week. I should be doing it like every other day." [04:03]
The conversation transitions into a humorous exchange about their evolving physiques and the societal perceptions of fitness:
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Tig Notaro: "I'm somebody that is not, I'm not terribly into a really cut look... it's not like I'm gonna be some shredded beast anytime soon." [05:27]
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Fortune Feimster: "For me, I have to start working on my belly. That's what I gotta target next." [05:10]
3. Listener Q&A
a. Joining Any Band
Listener Tracy from Edmonton, Alberta, poses the question: "If you could join any band, present or past, what band would that be?" [08:33]
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Tig Notaro expresses her admiration for the Indigo Girls, sharing personal anecdotes about performing with them:
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"I've performed with her on stage twice. One time in my Netflix special... And she was like, you're not gonna ruin it." [11:46]
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She humorously recounts a past experience driving the Southern rock band 38 Special in Mississippi, highlighting her awkward yet memorable encounters: "I was lost in the backwoods of Mississippi with 38 Special in the car... It was a fun little moment in my life." [10:49]
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Fortune Feimster considers joining the Chicks (formerly known as the Dixie Chicks), appreciating their music and teamwork:
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"The Chicks is easier to join because they're already a multiple person band and adding another person." [15:27]
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She adds a playful comment about stage performances: "We would have like a sexy photo shoot together. Like short, short, short, short." [16:20]
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Tracy's response to joining the Mamas and the Papas reflects her appreciation for their harmonious vocals and the intriguing era they represented, despite their tumultuous personal lives: "Their vocals, their harmonies. Their music was so beautiful... Maybe not the best band to join." [17:10]
b. Favorite Words
Listener Cara from North Carolina asks: "Do you have a favorite word? And I don't mean a word that you use frequently. I mean just a word that you love. The sound of it, or what it means." [19:11]
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Tig Notaro declares her favorite word as "telepathy," reflecting on its presence in popular culture and personal significance:
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"Telepathy. Oh, I love saying that word." [19:31]
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She references Gregory Abbott's song "Shake You Down," illustrating her connection to the word: "There's a song in the '80s... 'I'm glad you picked up on my telepathy now, baby.'" [20:03]
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Fortune Feimster offers a more eclectic selection, favoring the word "cooter," which she explains has multiple meanings, including a type of turtle:
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"Cooter is my favorite word. Cooter also stands for a turtle." [20:51]
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She further delights in the Spanish word "mariposa" (butterfly): "Mariposa, there's dose words for you." [21:16]
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Cara adds her own favorite word, "Sesquippedalian," which means a person who uses really long words, prompting playful reactions from the hosts:
- "Sesquippedalian... a person who uses really long words." [21:37]
4. Upcoming Events and Announcements
As the episode progresses, Tig and Fortune share their upcoming tour dates and performances, offering fans insights into where they can catch their shows:
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Tig Notaro lists her appearances at venues such as the West Hampton Beach Performing Arts Center in New York and the Comedy Bar in Toronto: "I'm gonna be at the West Hampton Beach Performing Arts center... Check tignotaro.com." [22:20]
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Fortune Feimster announces her schedule at the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival in Spokane, Washington, and other cities including San Antonio, Houston, Norfolk, Richmond, Washington D.C., Portland, Maine, Boston, and Burlington, Vermont: "I'm going to be at the Great outdoors Comedy Festival August 23rd in Spokane, Washington." [23:23]
5. Closing Remarks
The episode concludes with a reaffirmation of their supportive community and a reminder to fans to stay connected via social media and email for updates. Tig and Fortune share a final chuckle over their playful banter, encapsulating the warm and humorous tone of "Handsome."
Notable Quotes:
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Tig Notaro: "I'm sliding in there in the last moment because... Anytime's a great time to start." [07:39]
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Fortune Feimster: "Telepathy made me think of that. My favorite word. We all know cannot be denied the power of this word." [20:22]
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Tig Notaro: "I hope Alanis isn't listening." [15:19]
Conclusion
"Pretty Little Episode" of "Handsome" offers listeners a blend of personal anecdotes, humorous exchanges, and thoughtful discussions on fitness, music, and language. Tig Notaro and Fortune Feimster showcase their genuine friendship and individual personalities, making this episode both entertaining and relatable. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, this episode provides a delightful snapshot of the hosts' lives and their infectious camaraderie.