Handsome Podcast: “Pretty Little Episode #67” (Released November 28, 2025)

Hosts: Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster
Guest Host Absent: Mae Martin

Episode Overview

In this lively and lighthearted episode of the Handsome podcast, Tig Notaro and Fortune Feimster (with Mae Martin away) field listener questions about family interviews, cherished memories, and lasting moments in observational comedy. Between banter about apple pie, vegan cupcakes, and the merits of private chefs, the hosts provide funny, honest, and sometimes poignant reflections on connecting with loved ones and the quirks of stand-up comedy. Throughout, their trademark candor and camaraderie shine.

Key Topics & Discussion Points

1. Opening Banter: Post-Thanksgiving Treats & Sweets

• [01:15] Fortune claims to have apple pie in front of her, joking it’s because of Thanksgiving.
  • Tig quickly points out they’re pre-recording (“No, it wasn't. Fortune, we are pre-recording this.” [01:36])
  • Fortune reveals she brought some pie from a set and reflects on food being “too sweet.”
  • Tig discusses preferences for cake and frosting, launching a tangent about vegan cupcakes and good food in St. Louis.

Notable Quotes:

• “I never thought I’d be that person that was like, it’s too sweet.” – Fortune ([02:16])
• “I like the actual cake part and then just a little bit of frosting.” – Tig ([02:31])

2. Food Philosophies & The Private Chef Debate

• The hosts riff on changing palates and vegan options.

• Tig and Fortune discuss whether hiring a private chef is more cost-effective (or healthier) than just ordering delivery daily.

  • [06:02] “Is that better or less expensive than actually just ordering every meal to your house?” – Tig
  • Fortune notes food out is often "fattier, greasier...because they want it to taste good." ([06:10])

• Tig shares an anecdote about mistaking a snack for vegan, only to find it contained “milk solids.”

  • “Milk, like, already, milk is going to send me running. But milk solids, no thanks. It'll give you a solid.” – Tig ([06:45])
  • Fortune turns it into a "doogie joke," keeping the banter playful.

3. Listener Questions Segment

A. Interviewing Parents & Family History

• [08:39] Melissa from Medford, OR, calls in: She is going with her mom to Fortune’s show and wants tips on “a good question you’ve never asked your mom.”

• Tig passionately recommends interviewing and recording family members:

  • “I cannot encourage you enough to do this...to interview and record your mother...it’s such a really really fun exercise...” – Tig ([09:34])
  • She offers to share her comprehensive list of questions, emphasizes its meaning for understanding loved ones.
  • Fortune recounts interviewing her grandmother in high school about the Great Depression, one of the few family videos they have ([11:00]).

• The conversation turns poignant as Fortune reflects on her mother’s memory following chemotherapy, stressing the value of capturing memories before they fade.

Notable Quotes:

• “It really puts pieces together in your life and gives you this understanding of these people that you kind of just took for granted...” – Tig ([09:48])

• “My mom is such a good...has such a good memory. And, you know, the chemo unfortunately really messes with people's memories...” – Fortune ([11:38])

• “Interview your grandparents, your siblings, whoever. Whoever you're close to, interested in, care about. Do it now.” – Tig ([16:31])

• When asked which questions they’d ask their own mothers:

  • Fortune: The origin of her name “Fortune” and her birth story ([13:47])
  • Tig: The real story of her parents’ marriage and family history influences ([15:16])

B. Observational Comedy Jokes That Stick With You

• [16:50] Evangeline from Oklahoma asks: “Is there an observational comedy bit that stuck with you so now you always think of it?”

  • Tig brings up bits about shark attacks at the shore (“That’s where all the people are!” – [17:52]) and Bill Hicks' joke about people on drugs thinking they can fly only when they're on a rooftop ([18:02]).
  • Fortune mentions Tig’s old “No moleste” hotel sign bit and relates it to seeing such signs ([19:11]).

• The hosts discuss the prevalence of observational comedy, noting their own comedic styles, and reflect on classics like Jerry Seinfeld’s “what’s the deal with airplane food?” ([17:19]).

Notable Quotes:

• “He is so funny. He is so perfectly silly and funny and I just find him to be a delight of a standup.” – Tig, about Tom Papa ([19:48])

C. Meta-Observation: Tig Notaro’s Own ‘Laugh Sigh’ Bit

• [21:37] A listener calls back to Tig’s old joke about people sighing after laughing, now something she always hears.
• The hosts warmly wish her well during her tough times, encouraging use of the podcast as comic relief.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Fortune on food: “I'm pretty good about eating whatever someone puts in front of me, especially cupcakes. You don't have to ask me twice about that, sister.” ([04:37])
• On interviewing family: “A lot of those memories are going to be with my mom. So I'd like to get some childhood stories and stuff from her perspective…” – Fortune ([14:40])
• Reflecting on not asking vital questions before loved ones pass: “Man, I missed the boat.” – Tig ([15:26])
• On the joys of listener questions: “They're always such interesting little nuggets that get you thinking, like, man, never would have thought of that. Or what an interesting angle.” – Tig ([23:33])

Timeline of Important Segments

• [01:15-03:44]: Food banter: pie, vegan cupcakes, and cooking ability.
• [05:27-06:45]: The pros, cons, and logistics of hiring a private chef.
• [08:39-16:31]: Listener question about interviewing parents, the value of asking hard questions and recording family oral history; both hosts share moving personal stories.
• [16:50-21:35]: Observational comedy: classic bits, enduring jokes, their own material, and what sticks in daily life.
• [21:37-23:33]: Listener revisits Tig’s “laugh sigh” observational bit; hosts respond with warmth and gratitude to listeners.

Tone & Style

The chemistry between Tig and Fortune is playful, warm, and candid, balancing humor with thoughtful reflections on family and memory. The conversation veers between irreverent jokes, sincere advice, and funny personal anecdotes, maintaining an easy conversational rhythm that's equal parts silly and heartfelt.

For Listeners: Takeaways

• Record interviews with your loved ones while you can; ask the deeper questions—these memories will become priceless.
• Observational comedy can shape how we notice and experience everyday moments.
• Community and laughter are invaluable, especially during hard times—podcasts like Handsome can provide comfort and connection.

Handsome continues to deliver its signature blend of wit, warmth, and wisdom—offering comic relief and emotional resonance, one “pretty little episode” at a time.