Handsome – “Pretty Little Episode #75”

Date: January 23, 2026
Hosts: Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, Mae Martin
Producer: Thomas Ouellette

Episode Overview

This episode of "Handsome" finds the hosts—Tig Notaro, Mae Martin, and Fortune Feimster—up extra early (7:00 am!) for a hilarious, meandering catch-up before they dive into listener questions. Topics range from bizarre dreams and metal detecting aspirations to earworm songs and the ethics of sharing on social media. Throughout, their blend of gentle teasing, self-deprecation, and genuine warmth sets the tone for another engaging, “pretty little” episode.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Early Morning Vibes & Dream Talk

(00:46 – 04:43)

Setting: The group records at 7:00am, and they’re collectively in a funny, groggy mood:

• Tig reveals she’s headed to New York for the Star Trek premiere, press, and awards—a chaotic schedule:

  “It’s like pure insanity, what I’m about to go away into this week… Normally it’s just crazy press for one thing. And it overlaps for two.” – Tig Notaro (01:44)

• Mae details a sleepless night, a rush for coffee delivery, and shares a bizarre dream about forgetting how to have sex and navigating a house party full of “hot people.”
• Tig and Thomas Ouellette (the show's producer) admit they both dreamed about each other, referencing podcast tasks and, in Tig's case, hand sanitizer wipes—anxieties rooted in real-life germ obsessions.
• Tig is affectionately teased by her family for her germaphobe routines, finding joy in “being made fun of behind my back.” (05:37)

Mae’s Metal Detector Adventure

(05:46 – 09:03)

• Mae confesses she’s ordered a metal detector, joking about the “crossover into pure nerd.”
• The hosts riff on where to use it (beach vs. Mae’s 120-year-old house), the potential embarrassment of running into her ex at the beach, and the hilarity of going “in disguise.”

  “I could disguise myself. Put a hat on, a mustache, whatever. You’re not concerned about that?” – Tig Notaro (07:37)

• Tig imagines her kids Max and Finn would be into it, providing a segue into Max’s dual interests in science and comedy, specifically his spot-on "Family Guy" and "pro football referee" impressions.

Jeff Buckley, Antiques & Song Earworms

(09:54 – 15:58)

• Mae brings up a Jeff Buckley documentary, lamenting not having discovered him earlier and marveling at his rendition of “Hallelujah.”

  “I don’t know how I didn’t... I was never deeply into him.... What a beautiful man.” – Mae Martin (10:12 & 10:29)

• Listener Ken sends in a voice message about the relentless catchiness of the “Handsome” podcast theme song, sparking a discussion of songs that get stuck in your head ("earworms").
• Tig often sings “Please Don’t Go” around the house, while Mae confesses hers is “Edelweiss” from The Sound of Music plus “It’s Been One Week” by Barenaked Ladies.

  “It’s been! ... When does this come out, Thomas? ... I’m hosting a Canadian event… if they’re going to be there, I might just say it every time I look at them.” – Mae Martin (14:52 & 15:00)

• Multiple lighthearted attempts at singing the “It’s Been” intro and references to Canadian radio culture.

Listener Question: Engaging on Social Media

(16:10 – 23:53)

Danielle from Tulsa asks: How much should I share on social media? Am I a hypocrite for not posting activist content, or is it OK to stick to “pictures of my pets, son, and poetry?”

Hosts’ Reflections:

• Mae: Shares her struggle, especially as someone pursuing US residency: she’s advised to be careful on social media. She voices concern about being “not saying enough,” but also expresses hesitancy due to social media’s “garbage can” vibe.

  “I always feel like I’m not saying enough, basically ... social media is ... a garbage can.” — Mae Martin (18:36)

• Tig: Notes the oddness of posting in general, questioning whom it really benefits. She points out there’s a difference between online activism and actual, tangible action.

  “You start living in a world sometimes thinking that everybody is on all the time and that this is how they’re only getting their information.” – Tig Notaro (20:58)

• Mae: Highlights the pressure and fear that can paralyze people trying to do the right thing online, referencing her own experience with well-intentioned posts receiving criticism from all sides.

  “This is what stops people from doing anything. ... It’s so scary. You think you’re gonna get in trouble for doing the wrong thing.” – Mae Martin (22:35)

• The consensus: Do what feels right; online is not the only way to make a difference. Real activism happens offline, too—through voting, volunteering, donating, and engaging in the real world.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “There's nothing better than being, like, really seen by the people you love. Like, really observed and—”
  “And lovingly... and made fun of behind my back is what brought me the most joy.”
  – Mae Martin & Tig Notaro (05:30)

• “I ordered a metal detector.... I’m worried I’ve crossed over into pure nerd.”
  – Mae Martin (06:04)

• “My kids and Stephanie were both making fun of me yesterday about my germ issues, and they were all imitating me, the way they imitate me behind my back. ... It was making me laugh so hard.”
  – Tig Notaro (05:25)

• “I always feel like I’m not saying enough, basically. But I don’t know. I also think social media is... it’s a garbage can. Yes.”
  – Mae Martin (18:36)

• “Who is this for? Who am I talking to? ... It’s so odd.”
  – Tig Notaro (18:37)

• “Do what feels right in the moment.”
  – Fortune Feimster & Mae Martin (22:45)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:46] – Early morning and “why are we up this early?”
• [02:55] – Dream recap segment—Mae’s and Tig/Thomas’s dreams
• [05:46] – Metal detector confession
• [09:54] – Max’s impressions and Jeff Buckley documentary
• [10:43] – Listener Ken’s question: catchiest songs
• [16:10] – Listener Danielle’s question: Should I share more activism on social media?
• [20:58] – “Living online” commentary from Tig
• [22:35] – Online criticism and activist paralysis
• [23:20] – Real activism: voting, boycotts, tangible engagement

Conclusion

This quick, rambling, and warm episode perfectly showcases the “Handsome” formula: personal quirks, unexpected stories, and frank but caring advice interwoven with self-aware hilarity. The hosts offer reassurance on the complexities of participant activism online, laugh about their own idiosyncrasies, and share musical and pop-culture obsessions—all before most people have had breakfast.

For more episodes and to submit questions:
speakpipe.com/handsomepod

Tig Notaro’s tour info: tignotaro.com
Mae Martin’s tour/music: maymartin.net & Netflix’s Wayward

Keep it pretty. Keep it handsome.