Handsome Podcast — Pretty Little Episode #57

Date: September 19, 2025
Hosts: Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster
Guest: Stephanie Allynne
Absent Host: Mae Martin
Description: The "pretty little episode" dives into late-in-life coming out, wild travel stories, and the joys of downtime between gigs. Listener questions prompt honest advice, heartwarming anecdotes, and the kind of banter that makes Handsome beloved.

Episode Overview

This week, Tig and Fortune (minus Mae, but with a surprise drop-in from Stephanie Allynne) field heartfelt and hilarious listener questions. They tackle what it’s like to come out as queer later in life, share their wildest travel stories, and reminisce about the comfort—or insanity—of traveling, comedy beginnings, and finding community. Expect emotional honesty, classic self-deprecating wit, and wholesome friendship moments.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Catching Up: Life Off the Road

• Fortune's Rest:
  • Fortune describes a rare week off—cooking for herself, relaxing with her dog Biggie, and finding joy in simple things.
    "There's honestly nothing better." (02:20, Fortune)
  • Discussion about Biggie's obsession (or lack thereof) with The Real Housewives.
• Tig’s Family TV Evolution:
  • Tig shares how her kids have graduated from “Friends” to “Family Guy”—with equal parts pride and concern.
    • "Even though 'Friends' isn't quite appropriate for their age, 'Family Guy' is really not appropriate for their age." (03:31, Tig)
  • The hosts reflect on how TV tastes mature and serve as family bonding time.
• Being Off the Road:
  • Tig and Fortune discuss the importance of taking extended breaks from touring:
    • "It feels good to take a break so you get excited to go back." (06:41, Tig)
    • "I didn’t realize how much I needed to just be kind of normal." (06:34, Fortune)

2. Listener Question #1 — Coming Out Later in Life

[07:30 – 14:44]

Caller: Joe from London

Joe shares that at 35, she's just realized she might be queer (thanks in part to Mae's show "Feel Good") and is "dabbling in the dating pool with ladies." She asks for advice on navigating late-in-life coming out.

Key Points from the Conversation:

• Media Recommendations:
  • Tig suggests Am I OK?, the movie she co-directed, centered on a 30-something coming out story, as a resource.
• Advice on Women’s Relationships:
  • "I find it to be delightful. I love being a lesbian." (09:19, Fortune)
  • Fortune (and Tig) riff on differences between dating men and women, particularly around communication and emotional depth:
    • "You're going to maybe beat a dead horse a bit more with a topic or an emotion or a fight..." (10:37, Fortune)
    • Tig: "Based on your two dates." (10:39)
    • Fortune: "Based on my two dates and my friends telling me these things..." (10:40)
• Navigating the Scene:
  • Tig suggests exploring queer spaces and bringing a trusted friend for support.
    • "Submerging yourself...finding a friend that can come along with you...will help build your confidence..." (11:20, Tig)
  • The importance of letting things "unfold naturally" and not rushing identity or relationship expectations.
    • "I wouldn't rush it...Lord knows, I'm still figuring [things] out. Not that I think I'm gonna run off with a gentleman firefighter with a mustache." (12:16, Tig)
• Building Community:
  • Both tout the importance of having gay or supportive straight friends willing to explore new spaces together.
    • "Your straight friend or ally who's willing to check things out with you...is a doorway to meet those gay friends." (14:12, Tig)
• Affirmation and Humor:
  • Fortune: "Good luck, Joe. Joe, have fun being a lesbian. It's gonna be the greatest time of your life." (14:38/14:44)

3. Listener Question #2 — Wildest Travel Moments

[15:03 – 23:00]

Caller: Sarah from “Pencil Turkey”

Sarah asks: What’s your wildest “this could never happen at home” travel story?

Hosts’ Stories:

• Tig Notaro: Comedian on the Road (15:40 – 19:44)

  • Shares a story from her early stand-up days: low on gas and money, she picks up two ragged English hitchhikers in Washington State. They pool resources (thanks to their cash and construction worker generosity), fuel up together, part ways, and later the men see Tig performing on TV in their hotel room.
  • Quote:
    • "I was like, well, I'm gonna run out of gas, so I should just go ahead and choose my murderers rather than let them choose me." (16:44, Tig)
    • "And guess who was on Comedy Central's Premium Blend that night." (19:27, Tig)

• Fortune Feimster: Hostel Adventure (19:44 – 22:36)

  • After college, while in Spain at a language school, Fortune finds unexpected hospitality from Europeans eager to host an American. She couchesurfs across the continent, often staying with near-strangers.
  • Quote:
    • "I just don't think that would have ever happened in the States." (20:55, Fortune)
    • "I was completely broke and it got me out of some jams for sure." (22:21, Fortune)

• Shared Reflection:

  • Both hosts joke about “toying with murder”—willingly stepping into risky situations for the adventure and kindness of strangers.

4. Sarah’s Own Story: Skating Nuns in Italy

[23:00 – 23:40]

• Sarah describes studying abroad in Italy, living in dorms attached to a convent, and glimpsing nuns "literally roller skating" on the roof while she sips espresso and smokes.

  • Quote:
    • "Nuns really do have fun. And it was just an out of this world experience." (23:25, Sarah)

• Quick shout-out to Mae’s victory on Taskmaster, Series 15.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Fortune, on dating as a lesbian:
  "I love just, like, the companionship of a woman because it's softer." (10:50)
• Tig, on comedy touring:
  "I take a gig here and there, that makes sense with my schedule... probably less once every month or three. It's felt really good to take that time." (06:55–07:10)
• On dangerous travel experiences:
  "No American is like, 'Yes stranger, come stay with me.'" (21:36, Fortune)
• Sarah, on convent life:
  "...sometimes be sisters skating. Literally nuns on roller skates. I'm not making this up. It was the coolest, coolest thing." (23:23)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:49–06:41: Hosts’ life updates, rest, TV talk, and downtime
• 07:30–14:44: Joe’s question on coming out, detailed discussion, and advice
• 15:03–23:00: Sarah’s travel question, hosts’ stories about wild travel moments
• 23:00–23:40: Sarah’s story about nuns and final wrap-up

Tone & Style

• The mood is warm, self-deprecating, honest, with a healthy dose of absurdity and affection.
• Even when encouraging vulnerability, the hosts keep it light and affirming.
• Plenty of off-the-cuff jokes and witty interjections keep the pace lively.

Final Notes

This episode is a comforting blend of practical advice, funny and relatable storytelling, and feel-good queer community vibes. Whether you’re exploring your own sexuality or just in it for the travel antics and camaraderie, the Handsome crew makes you feel right at home—even when you’re on the weirdest road trip of your life.