Podcast Summary: Handsome – Pretty Little Episode #72
Hosts: Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster (absent this episode), Mae Martin
Producer: Thomas Wuelette
Release Date: January 2, 2026
Listen at: Headgum
Episode Overview
This "Pretty Little Episode" finds comedians Tig Notaro and Mae Martin (with Fortune absent) back together in the early days of 2026. The main themes include Mae's disastrous driving test story, delving into friendship dilemmas about infidelity and honesty, and offering heartfelt advice about moving on from a tough year. As ever, the tone is candid, silly, and charmingly self-deprecating, with plenty of tangents and memorable quips.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Mae’s Driving Test Fiasco
- [03:08–08:26] Mae recounts failing her driving test, much to her own and Tig's amusement.
- Mae revealed the test date to everyone, amplifying the embarrassment when she failed, especially since it was an "easy" DMV in LA with no parallel parking required.
- Distracted by her 75-year-old driving instructor, Robert: Before the test, he insisted on showing her a scene from his movie debut "Mussolini’s Last Act," including actual WWII footage and Mussolini’s execution:
“I’m looking at real dead bodies. I’m about to do the test, and I was going, Robert, I can’t do this right now.” – Mae [04:17]
- During the exam, Mae made a dangerous merge, causing the examiner to intervene, resulting in instant disqualification.
- Post-test, Robert reassured her:
“I’ve only had two people ever fail… You and one other person who didn’t get their driver’s license.”
When asked what happened to the other, “He passed away before he could take the test.” [07:23] - Tig responds:
“Oh, you’re the only surviving failure.” [07:29]
- Mae is retaking the test on Christmas Eve, vowing to be less nervous.
2. Generational Language & Terms
- [08:54–10:16]
- Tig mentions learning new slang like “baddie” from her younger Starfleet Academy castmates.
- Discussion of British slang “piece of piss” (meaning something is very easy).
- Jokes about being called "little girl" by an elderly woman, riffing on age and perception.
3. Advice Segment: Friendship, Infidelity, & Honesty
Caller: Hannah’s Dilemma
- [10:33–17:44]
- Situation: Hannah’s two friends have been dating for five years and are about to move in together. She discovers one is cheating with someone frequently present, and it’s been ongoing for nine months.
- Mae’s take: Advise the cheater to tell their partner within a week, or Mae would do it herself.
- Tig’s story: She’s witnessed a similar (though not identical) situation where a best friend acts two-faced, and is debating whether to confront it directly.
- Both agree confrontation is necessary, reflecting on past pain when bystanders avoided uncomfortable truths.
- Quote:
“When I look back, I think everyone knew that we were together, and no one called her out on it…And I think it’s worth calling people out.” – Mae [14:03]
- Both discuss weighing the drama it could cause in their own lives vs doing what’s right.
- Notable advice: Consider the “anonymous tip” approach or just play this podcast for the involved friend as a passive way to break the news.
- Quote:
“Let your friend hear this episode.” – Tig [18:17]
Caller Follow-up
- Hannah says she’s leaning toward the ultimatum approach, but admits the secret is a heavy burden. Both hosts validate that doing nothing would be harder in the long run:
“That’s why it’s not the easier route, because it’s weighing on her.” – Tig [17:21]
4. Advice Segment: Marking the End of Hard Times
Caller: Mara’s Question
- [18:32–23:23]
- Mara, emerging from a brutal year, asks how the hosts mark or know when a tough period is over.
- Mae: You know a chapter is over when adversity becomes almost comical, a sign of resilience. Mae jokes about tempting fate if you formally declare tough times "done," and muses about possibly getting a commemorative tattoo.
- Tig: Shares her experience marking every trauma anniversary for years, and the ultimate relief came when she stopped noticing them:
“The best and biggest marker was when I wasn’t marking anything anymore.” [20:49]
- Both recommend devoting energy to helping others as a route to healing:
“When you help other people when you’re feeling terrible—100% unreal what that does.” – Mae [22:21]
- Reminder that time and supportive communities ease the attachment to past pain.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Mae, on her driving instructor:
“Robert, I can’t do this right now.” [04:17]
- Robert, relaying failure stats:
“I’ve only had two people ever fail… You and one other person who didn’t get their driver’s license. He passed away before he could take the test.” [07:23]
- Tig, with her dry wit:
“Oh, you’re the only surviving failure.” [07:29]
- Mae, on being cheated on:
“You say to the cheater, if you don’t tell your partner, I’m going to tell them in one week.” [11:39]
- Tig, on letting things go:
“The best and biggest marker was when I wasn’t marking anything anymore.” [20:49]
Timestamps for Key Segments
| Timestamp | Segment/Topic | |--------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | 00:41–03:06 | Opening jokes, Apples/Honey Crisp banter | | 03:08–08:26 | Mae’s driving test disaster | | 08:54–10:16 | Generational slang, “baddie” & “piece of piss” | | 10:33–18:28 | Advice to Hannah: Cheating friend dilemma | | 18:32–23:23 | Advice to Mara: Marking the end of hard times | | 23:28–24:54 | Tour plugs for Mae & Tig |
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Tone and Concluding Notes
- The episode is equal parts silly and sincere, threading the hosts’ real-life anecdotes through their advice and banter. Mae’s willingness to self-deprecate about failure and Tig’s dry humor create a safe space for honest (and hilarious) conversation.
- Both hosts emphasize the importance of honesty—with oneself, friends, and in healing from pain—and reinforce the healing power of community and giving back.
If you like your wisdom poignant, unvarnished, and leavened with real comic timing, this episode’s for you.