Wayne Brady asks about using comedy to help

Summary

Episode Summary: "Wayne Brady Asks About Using Comedy to Help"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Handsome
• Hosts: Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, Mae Martin
• Episode: Wayne Brady asks about using comedy to help
• Release Date: April 22, 2025

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1. Episode Overview

In this thought-provoking episode of Handsome, renowned comedian and television host Wayne Brady poses a compelling question to the hosts: "In the day and age in which we find ourselves, with the government that we find ourselves with and the world being what it is, how do you use your art and your sense of humor to help yourself and to help others?" This inquiry serves as the catalyst for an in-depth discussion on the role of comedy and art in fostering personal well-being and societal connection amidst challenging times.

2. Wayne Brady's Question

Wayne Brady initiates the conversation at [35:05] by asking the central question:

Wayne Brady [35:05]: "In the day and age in which we find ourselves, with the government that we find ourselves with and the world being what it is, how do you use your art and your sense of humor to help yourself and to help others?"

3. Hosts Discuss Using Comedy as a Tool for Healing and Connection

Mae Martin's Insights

Mae Martin delves into the personal and communal aspects of using comedy as a refuge:

Mae Martin [36:07]: "I struggle with... we're on this podcast. I feel like we're kind of a refuge from all that, of just, like, silliness and... it is so unifying and... people feel human and, like, we have shared interests."

She shares her journey of self-expression post-top surgery, emphasizing the importance of visibility and authenticity:

Mae Martin [37:53]: "I wrote it right after that. And so I was like, fuck. In this time in the world... that felt like important to talk about that."

Mae acknowledges the stress and hostility present in current societal climates but underscores the necessity of being true to oneself:

Mae Martin [38:10]: "It felt important... visible to have someone living a happy, confident life and being themselves."

Fortune Feimster's Perspectives

Fortune Feimster emphasizes the importance of levity and selective activism:

Fortune Feimster [43:52]: "I think that do more harm than good. I would rather speak out on things that I'm qualified or at least have experience with."

She discusses the balance between using her platform responsibly and not overstepping into areas where she lacks expertise, promoting positivity without diluting her message:

Fortune Feimster [44:58]: "There's such a nuanced elements... so many different topics that it makes it really difficult."

Thomas Willette's Contribution

Thomas Willette focuses on creating positive and safe spaces through his performances:

Thomas Willette [48:33]: "When you're in those rooms, there is this feeling of just like... it was so nice to provide a space that's positive and happy."

He highlights the empowering effect of shared experiences and collective joy in his tours:

Thomas Willette [48:42]: "That brings me a lot of joy."

4. Wayne Brady's Response and Reflection

Wayne Brady offers his heartfelt response, encapsulating the essence of using humor as a beacon of hope:

Wayne Brady [57:00]: "My aim is to get on stage... bring some light, because if I can make someone else laugh, then I make myself laugh. And for that day, one day at a time, at least for that day, I've got some hope."

5. Challenges of Balancing Activism and Art

The conversation naturally transitions into the complexities of intertwining activism with artistic expression. Mae and Fortune discuss the fine line between using one's platform for advocacy and maintaining artistic integrity without overwhelming their audience:

Mae Martin [41:32]: "...it's walking that fine line of, like, not taking myself too seriously."

Fortune Feimster [43:52]: "I don't believe in speaking on things I'm ignorant about just because I have a platform."

6. Impact of Social Media on Comedy and Activism

The hosts explore the pervasive influence of social media, debating its role in amplifying voices versus fostering superficial interactions:

Mae Martin [51:00]: "People do get their information from social media sometimes."

Fortune Feimster [50:34]: "Social media isn't the only platform... charity events, all sorts of ways."

They critique the often negative and fleeting nature of social media engagements, advocating for more meaningful, real-world contributions:

Unknown [49:22]: "But it's tough, though, because you... donate your time, money, it's almost like it's fine and you're doing a great job as long as you don't have social media."

7. Closing Thoughts and Personal Experiences

As the episode nears its end, the hosts reflect on personal challenges faced while maintaining their comedic roles:

Thomas Willette [58:10]: "Having to dig myself out of this hole and go make people laugh... those have been some trying times."

Mae Martin [59:37]: "Something about being on stage that at least gets you out of... voicing your struggles."

They acknowledge the therapeutic aspect of performing, both for themselves and their audiences, reinforcing the symbiotic relationship between comedy and emotional resilience.

8. Conclusion and Promotions

The episode concludes with the hosts promoting their upcoming shows and encouraging listeners to engage with their content:

Thomas Willette [60:12]: "Check out my social media... watch Feel Good on Netflix."

Mae Martin [60:58]: "Share it with a friend and help us build the handsome community."

They also reiterate their commitment to fostering a supportive and joyful community through their art.

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Notable Quotes:

• Wayne Brady [35:05]: "How do you use your art and your sense of humor to help yourself and to help others?"
• Mae Martin [36:07]: "We're kind of a refuge from all that, of just, like, silliness and... it is so unifying."
• Fortune Feimster [43:52]: "I don't believe in speaking on things I'm ignorant about just because I have a platform."
• Thomas Willette [57:37]: "I love that."

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This episode of Handsome masterfully intertwines humor with heartfelt discussions on the power of comedy and art in navigating and alleviating personal and societal challenges. The hosts provide a nuanced exploration of their roles as entertainers and activists, offering listeners both laughter and profound insights.

Transcript

[May Martin]

This is a Headgun podcast.

[Fortune Feimster]

Some people just know they could save hundreds on car insurance by checking Allstate First.

[Tig Notaro]

Like, you know, to check and make sure you've got that tap dance lesson scheduled before hosting that massive award show with the big musical number right at the top of the show.

[Fortune Feimster]

Checking first is smart. So check Allstate first for a quote that could save you hundreds. You're in good hands with Allstate Savings. Varies, subject to terms, conditions and availability. Allstate Firing Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates, Northbrook, Illinois.

[Thomas Willette]

With new McValue at McDonald's, you get more than you expect for breakfast. Like buy a sausage burrito and add a sausage McMuffin for a dollar. Get more than you expect with new MCvalue. At McDonald's.

[Wayne Brady]

Prices and participation may vary. Valid for item of equal or lesser value.

[May Martin]

Chatting with friends on the handsome pot. Chatting with friends on the handsome pot.

[Unknown]

Cheers.

[Thomas Willette]

Welcome to the Hanson pod. I'm Fortunate Feapster.

[Unknown]

I am Tig Notaro.

[May Martin]

And coming in from the rear, it's May Martin.

[Thomas Willette]

Choo Choo.

[Unknown]

Good morning.

[May Martin]

Good morning.

[Unknown]

How's everyone doing? Fortune. Your voice sounds a lot better.

[Thomas Willette]

I'm trying to sound sexy for you guys.

[Unknown]

Yes. But it's not working. But how is your voice better? Yeah, you sound back.

[May Martin]

It sounds smooth, buttery.

[Thomas Willette]

Guys.

[Unknown]

And you have a lot, a lot of talking to do today.

[Thomas Willette]

Yep, I've got a full day of talking. It's weird to lose your voice when your entire job is talking.

[Unknown]

I know. Do you get tired of talking?

[Thomas Willette]

Oh, God, yes.

[Unknown]

Do you really?

[Thomas Willette]

Yes. Oh, yes.

[May Martin]

Yeah.

[Thomas Willette]

But I also do a. I also do a two hour radio show four days a week.

[May Martin]

Right, right.

[Thomas Willette]

And I've done that for five years, so that feels like a lot of talking just with that alone.

[Unknown]

Yeah.

[May Martin]

Do you guys hate when you're promoting something and you end up telling the same stories over and over and the sound of your voice gets so. Like nails on a chalkboard to yourself.

[Unknown]

Yeah, it's. I remember somebody criticized me because they had heard me in one interview and then heard me in another one. They were like, oh, you just have cut and paste answers answering this. And it's like I'm asked the same question and that is the answer.

[May Martin]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

Like, what do I do? Or do I make up a new answer?

[Thomas Willette]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

But yeah, it's definitely hard to repeat the same thing over and over. And then other times it's very easy because I forget that I've already told the story.

[May Martin]

Do I sound sexy?

[Thomas Willette]

Wait, you're cuz your Your voice is deeper this morning.

[May Martin]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

Why is it deeper?

[Thomas Willette]

Yeah. Well, again, because you just woke up.

[May Martin]

10 minutes ago, less than 10.

[Unknown]

And now do you ever consider setting your alarm 10 minutes earlier so you're not just waking up?

[May Martin]

I hit snooze.

[Thomas Willette]

And.

[May Martin]

And then, you know what actually happened is I. I Woke up. Yeah. 10. Like in time. And then I got a stressful text and then I cried. And then now I sound really sexy because my voice is deep from crying, sleeping, and testosterone.

[Unknown]

Oh, yeah.

[Thomas Willette]

Why is someone making you cry at 9:30 in the morning?

[May Martin]

I know.

[Thomas Willette]

That's too early to cry.

[May Martin]

Yeah, I know.

[Unknown]

What is the proper time to make somebody cry?

[Thomas Willette]

03:00Pm at least not till I've had my coffee.

[May Martin]

Yeah, exactly.

[Thomas Willette]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

What do you put in your coffee? Do you do sugar and cream or just cream or black?

[Thomas Willette]

It's just espresso. This is actually, I have three drinks today. This is my tea.

[May Martin]

Whoa.

[Thomas Willette]

This is my coffee.

[May Martin]

Triple fisting.

[Thomas Willette]

And this is my water. Wow. My coffee is just espresso with a little bit of oat milk. And that's it. Because I know oat milk has sugar in it, but I don't do sugar. I don't add any sugar. No cream. My tea today is the throat coat.

[Unknown]

Sure.

[Thomas Willette]

With a little lemon and a little bit of honey.

[Unknown]

Okay.

[Thomas Willette]

And my water is full of ice.

[May Martin]

Yeah. Do you crunch ice with your teeth or.

[Unknown]

Or.

[Thomas Willette]

No, I love ice, but I'm not necessarily crunching it the whole time.

[May Martin]

Right.

[Unknown]

But I like my drinks cruncher.

[May Martin]

Yes.

[Thomas Willette]

I like my drinks cold, baby.

[May Martin]

I like my drinks like I like my women. Cold.

[Thomas Willette]

Cold and making me Cry at 9.

[Unknown]

Wait, what did you say? Fortune?

[May Martin]

Cold and making me cry at nine.

[Thomas Willette]

Good morning.

[Unknown]

Was it a romantic call that you got or text?

[May Martin]

Of course. Of course.

[Thomas Willette]

This is making this little cowboy cry.

[May Martin]

I got a big. I got a big bleeding heart.

[Thomas Willette]

I'm not making May cry, I'll tell you that right now.

[May Martin]

You will? You will.

[Thomas Willette]

Should we all just cry right now?

[May Martin]

Okay.

[Unknown]

I'm not feeling even remotely sad.

[Thomas Willette]

Okay. I was just trying to be. Empathy. Pathetic.

[May Martin]

Do you think you could get there?

[Thomas Willette]

Oh, I could make myself cry. I don't want to right now, but I could.

[May Martin]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

So are you.

[Thomas Willette]

You're. You're.

[Unknown]

You're. You're that good of an actor where you can. You can go to it and you can cry?

[Thomas Willette]

I think I could get there, yes. But I don't. I'm not saying I'm that good of an actor, but I could get.

[Unknown]

I feel like that's what you were saying?

[Thomas Willette]

No, I, I did have to do that on my fubar last season.

[Unknown]

Uh huh.

[Thomas Willette]

And it is weird when all these people are staring at you, just kind of squeezing your eyes.

[May Martin]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

Yeah.

[Thomas Willette]

So I finally had him give me the stick. Yeah.

[May Martin]

It doesn't matter like how many times everyone's like, you know what, it's not about the crying. Like sometimes it's more moving just to watch someone try not to cry. That's what they always say to me to take the pressure off. But you know, they're thinking, you better get some tears out and do you.

[Unknown]

Have trouble crying maybe when you're on set?

[May Martin]

No, no, I did actually this time. I. And it was like, I think it was because it was too dramatic the, the scene. I don't want to give spoilers, but I'm like tied to a chair and it's like I'm going to maybe die and. And then I'm really.

[Thomas Willette]

Spoiler.

[May Martin]

Yeah, that's. Yeah, that feels like a massive spoiler.

[Unknown]

No need to watch the show now.

[Thomas Willette]

No spoilers.

[May Martin]

And I'm like, I mean, I'm in a really scary situation that I've never been in in my life. Like if I'm doing a breakup scene or something, I can cry because I've been through that so many times. But this was like so out of my experience. And I'm like submerged in water kind of. And there's like. And. And then so that I could hear the director, it was like really quiet and everyone's trying to be really respectful so I can, you know, really get there. And then he goes, may, he's Welsh. He goes, think about everyone. Sorry. Think about everyone who's ever abandoned you.

[Thomas Willette]

Oh my God.

[May Martin]

He goes, may, just think about everyone in your life who's. Who's ever abandoned you. And I.

[Thomas Willette]

Some acting would not like that.

[May Martin]

Really?

[Unknown]

They'd be like an acting coach.

[Thomas Willette]

It depends on the acting coach. Some are, you know, want you to use real life. And some think that if you use your real traumas, it cheapens your own trauma and life experiences. If you're, if you're trying to access those for a fake.

[Unknown]

God, I would love to cheapen my trauma.

[May Martin]

Yeah, just take the edge off.

[Unknown]

Yeah. Like, why not cheapen the trauma?

[May Martin]

Yeah, that's so true.

[Unknown]

Why keep it built up.

[Thomas Willette]

For something good?

[Unknown]

Let's cheapen that. Let's take it down a notch.

[May Martin]

Away at it.

[Unknown]

I really, I'm not sure I can.

[Thomas Willette]

Follow that for all those years of therapy. Yeah, it just depends on the person. Did you end up thinking about all the people that abandoned you?

[May Martin]

Well, I started laughing, and then that annoyed everyone. And then I tried to think about that, and that didn't work. And then I. And then I sort of got choked up. But I. I do sometimes forget that, like, acting is acting. Like you. You should. I should be thinking, oh, my God, I'm tied to a chair and I'm gonna die. You know what I mean? And not being like, oh, who's abandoned me?

[Thomas Willette]

And think about all the people who've abandoned you, who've abandoned you.

[May Martin]

And I wanted to be like, why do you think I've been abandoned? And then nobody's left. Yeah.

[Unknown]

Not a single person has left.

[Thomas Willette]

I'm totally fine.

[May Martin]

Toni Collette had to. In the scene, she, like, slaps me. And this is, again, a big spoiler, but another spoiler. I know, but I was like, can you just slap me, please? And she was like, no, I'm an actor. I was like, but I'm not good at acting, and I don't know how to act being slapped. She was like, I'm not gonna slap you. I was like, please.

[Unknown]

And she wouldn't.

[May Martin]

No. Because she's a professional.

[Unknown]

Yeah.

[May Martin]

But I don't know. Maybe some people would have. But I was glad it. It looks good on camera.

[Unknown]

I wouldn't have slapped you, Fortune.

[Thomas Willette]

Would you? I. I would have been hesitant, for sure.

[Unknown]

Fortune slaps us no matter what's going on. Fortune walks in the room, just slaps all of us silly. Even Thomas knocks the glasses off his face. Mustache goes flying.

[May Martin]

I would slap Fortune if she asked me, but I don't know if I could slap you, Tay.

[Unknown]

Why?

[Thomas Willette]

Because it might break your jaw. Well, every house is. Danny picked you up and broke your rib.

[May Martin]

Scared also, you'd give me, like, a very deadpan look afterwards, and I'd be like. I'd be scared. I feel like Fortune if you were.

[Unknown]

Like, deadpan look scares you.

[May Martin]

Oh, yeah.

[Thomas Willette]

Well, yeah.

[May Martin]

And delights me.

[Unknown]

Okay.

[May Martin]

Yeah. Oh, that was good. Fortune, was that your deadpan look?

[Thomas Willette]

It was more like this.

[May Martin]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Unknown]

What was the other one where you lean forward? Was that an attempt at deadpan or what was it?

[Thomas Willette]

That was when I put on my lips. When I put on my lip taint. We might need to have our own chapstick that says lip taint.

[May Martin]

Oh, my God.

[Unknown]

I was telling Fortune before you got on me that I do think that we should, when we do live in person, in studio. How many more descriptive words can I use? Episodes that we should do makeup tutorials. Tutorials, yeah.

[Thomas Willette]

Okay.

[Unknown]

And I'd be happy to be the one receiving the makeup, you know?

[May Martin]

Oh, wow. Okay.

[Thomas Willette]

Oh, pretty little lady.

[Unknown]

Yeah.

[Thomas Willette]

Did my makeup routine inspire you?

[Unknown]

Yeah. When you had that little sponge thing.

[Thomas Willette]

Beauty blender.

[Unknown]

Beauty blender.

[May Martin]

And are you open to some taint, too?

[Unknown]

I am, of course open to some taint.

[May Martin]

Fortune. You're applying lotion there.

[Thomas Willette]

I am.

[Unknown]

And I just find I'm endlessly amused that you both are such little makeup faces.

[May Martin]

Yeah.

[Thomas Willette]

Yeah, Princess take. Well, my grandmother always was very big on lotioning my hands.

[May Martin]

She would do it to you?

[Thomas Willette]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

Like, is that why you started doing that to your friends that you had? I think.

[Thomas Willette]

You know what, Tig? I've never put that together, but maybe.

[May Martin]

Because your grandma had the hospital.

[Unknown]

Because you're my best friend.

[Thomas Willette]

My grandmother would sneak attack me with lotion, though. She would have it in her hand and not tell me it was in her hand, and she grabbed my hand and then, like, apply it to me.

[May Martin]

Oh, my God.

[Thomas Willette]

Isn't that weird?

[May Martin]

I want to do, like, a meet and greet with fans after a show, and I'll have a bunch of lotion in my hands every time I shake their hands.

[Thomas Willette]

That would be so disgusting, not knowing that that's coming and from a person you don't know.

[Unknown]

You know what I love doing? When I was a kid, I would. I'd soak my hands just in the water fountain, and then I'd go up to a friend of mine, I'd grab their arm and be like, can you help me get my lunch money out of the toilet?

[May Martin]

That's amazing.

[Thomas Willette]

Gross.

[May Martin]

That's so good.

[Thomas Willette]

Another classic Tig move.

[Unknown]

Classic, classic Tig. I mean, that's so fun.

[May Martin]

That's really fun.

[Thomas Willette]

You should bring that back. Start.

[Unknown]

I've done it a few times.

[Thomas Willette]

Go to your Hollywood friends.

[Unknown]

Do it to Hollywood friends.

[May Martin]

Yeah. Like, how would Jennifer Aniston react?

[Thomas Willette]

Jen?

[Unknown]

Oh, honey.

[Thomas Willette]

I can't.

[Unknown]

Honey, no.

[May Martin]

Do you ever. Do you prank Max and Finn? It feels like it would be almost not pleasant because they're so pure that, like, they prank. Oh, they do?

[Unknown]

Yeah. They have whoopee cushions, and they have those, like, buzzer hand shakers and. Yeah, but right now, I think I already told you, they're very into magic.

[May Martin]

There's nothing funnier than a kid with one of those hand buzzers where you can see it on their hand. And also, it's a child being like, can I shake your hand? And you're like, something's up here.

[Unknown]

Or when they're both trying to get you to sit on one particular cushion of the couch.

[May Martin]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Unknown]

And you can see the whoopee cushion.

[Thomas Willette]

I like it. When a small town has, like, one guy that everyone knows does magic. Is that a thing?

[Unknown]

I'm not familiar with it.

[May Martin]

Yeah.

[Thomas Willette]

It wasn't my town.

[May Martin]

Who's the magician in this town?

[Thomas Willette]

You know, Joe. He always does magic tricks and tells jokes. And I would love to be in a small town and be known as the guy that tells jokes and that has. Does magic tricks.

[May Martin]

Yeah.

[Thomas Willette]

Well, what a life.

[May Martin]

It feels too late. It feels like that's also the guy who they kind of uncover darker things about later.

[Thomas Willette]

Oh, sorry.

[Unknown]

For sure.

[May Martin]

For sure.

[Unknown]

There's harmless Joe.

[May Martin]

Harmless Joe, who does magic.

[Thomas Willette]

He used to tell this one joke because he would, like, do the hosting for, like, the. The things in town. And he would say, like, I took my wife to go get some ice cream or the Baskin Robbins 31 flavors. You can get any flavor you want. She picked vanilla.

[Unknown]

What?

[May Martin]

Wait, that was his big joke that you remember.

[Unknown]

She picked vanilla.

[May Martin]

And is the joke that his wife is.

[Thomas Willette]

I think he set it up better, but. Oh, my God.

[Unknown]

As a professional comedian, you couldn't.

[May Martin]

I couldn't spruce that up.

[Thomas Willette]

I think he drove hours. I think he drove hours to take her. I left that part out. Oh, okay.

[May Martin]

Oh, that is pretty funny.

[Unknown]

Vanilla.

[Thomas Willette]

She chose vanilla.

[May Martin]

I think it was like, I was expecting it to be the type of joke that is like a dad joke with a really clear punchline, but actually it's more of an anecdotal, like, he drove her hours. There's all these options. She.

[Thomas Willette]

Exactly.

[May Martin]

I could actually listen to. Like, that is a 20 minute story there.

[Thomas Willette]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

Is there more?

[Thomas Willette]

Yeah, sure.

[May Martin]

How long they've been married.

[Thomas Willette]

I don't remember a single other joke you told, but that one always stood out to me.

[Tig Notaro]

Some people just know they could save hundreds on car insurance by checking Allstate first.

[Fortune Feimster]

Like, you know, to check and make sure you pack your swimsuit. When you're headed to visit a new city for the first time, it's always fun to tread some water in a new part of the world.

[Tig Notaro]

Checking first is smart.

[Thomas Willette]

So check Allstate first for a quote.

[Tig Notaro]

That could save you hundreds. You're in good hands with Allstate. Savings vary subject to terms, conditions and availability. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates, Northbrook, Illinois. When it comes to grocery shopping and meal planning, I've got this problem.

[Thomas Willette]

I want to eat healthier, but I.

[Tig Notaro]

Don'T want to feel like I'm missing out on meals and snacks that I'm actually excited to eat. It feels so impossible to have it all. That'll change thanks to Hungryroot. It's the easiest way to eat healthy.

[Fortune Feimster]

With over 15,000 recipes shipped each week, there's something for every taste and nutrition preference. They're focused on quality as well, so that means no artificial sweeteners or preservatives.

[May Martin]

I made a lemon pepper chicken with.

[Fortune Feimster]

Cilantro lime rice and let me tell you, it was so good, I felt like a chef.

[May Martin]

It was so easy to make.

[Tig Notaro]

Mm. You're gonna love Hungryroot as much as we do, so take advantage of this exclusive offer for a limited time, get 40% off your first box plus get a free item in every box for life. Go to hungryroot.com handsome and use code handsome. That's hungryroot.com handsome code handsome to get 40% off your first box and a free item of your Choice for Life hungryroot.com Handsome Code Handsome this episode of.

[Fortune Feimster]

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[May Martin]

They have a huge variety of options.

[Fortune Feimster]

From hotels to vacation rentals. I'm always able to find something that fits my specific needs. I found that booking.com has something for everyone. I love traveling with my family, but sometimes we need a break from each other. Let's be honest, sometimes my parents need.

[May Martin]

A break for me.

[Fortune Feimster]

So I found the perfect vacation rental on booking.com that has separate rooms for all of us. Both rooms had a balcony too, so I didn't feel like anyone was stuck with the lesser of the options. We also like to be close to the action so we can go out and adventure.

[May Martin]

So we found a place that was.

[Fortune Feimster]

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[May Martin]

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[Fortune Feimster]

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[Unknown]

How about when you're on a flight and there's flight attendants that are funny.

[May Martin]

When they do their security and stuff.

[Unknown]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[May Martin]

Love it.

[Thomas Willette]

I don't mind it. I did have a flight attendant once. This was back in my, I think Chelsea lately days. I was sitting on the Window. At the window. And my row was full. And she said, can I see you in the back, please? And I thought I was in trouble. And I was like, okay, so I have to climb out past these two guys, go to the back. And she want. Wanted to show me YouTube videos that she'd made.

[May Martin]

No.

[Thomas Willette]

And wanted to get my opinion on if they were funny.

[May Martin]

Can I see you in the back, please? And you're not even sitting on an aisle.

[Thomas Willette]

I'm not even an aisle. I have to make people get up and so I can go back there. And I. And she goes. She wanted me to tell her if they were funny and they were terrible. And I was like. I don't know what to say.

[Unknown]

What did you say? Because you.

[Thomas Willette]

I mean, I'm very polite. I think I was like, these are incredible. And you're doing it. That's what you gotta do, is you gotta do it.

[Unknown]

Listen, you made these. You captured something.

[Thomas Willette]

You got a camera. You did it. You filmed it. You put it up. You did it.

[May Martin]

Oh, my God.

[Unknown]

That is so rough.

[Thomas Willette]

I don't even think she gave me any free chips or anything.

[Unknown]

Oh, my God. I was on a flight and they. I don't know. They didn't even tell me that they knew who I was. They were just, like, throwing treats at me.

[May Martin]

And you're right. You were like a seal.

[Unknown]

We're transporting this seal to New York. And I also felt bad because half of them weren't vegan, you know? And I didn't want to, like, be like, oh, I'm a vegan person.

[May Martin]

You should have thrown them right back and been like, you're obviously not that big a fan if you.

[Unknown]

Yeah, that's right.

[Thomas Willette]

Yeah. I'm trying.

[Unknown]

Googling me.

[Thomas Willette]

I've been on a flight with Tidge and there was no vegan option. Really sad time. Wow.

[Unknown]

Wait, what happened? You were on a flight with me and there was no vegan option?

[May Martin]

You don't remember this?

[Unknown]

No.

[Thomas Willette]

This was years ago. We weren't flying together. I think we just happened to be on the same flight.

[Unknown]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[May Martin]

I would lose my mind If I showed up and I sat down in my seat and one of you was sitting a few rows away. I would lose my mind if it.

[Thomas Willette]

Was just we didn't know we were on the same flight. Yeah.

[May Martin]

I love that kind of thing. I'd be taking pictures the whole time.

[Thomas Willette]

Handsome.

[May Martin]

I'd tell them. I'd tell the flight attendant that it was your birthday and you wanted to meet the pilot.

[Thomas Willette]

Oh, my God.

[Unknown]

But that That I. That we were too shy to ask.

[Thomas Willette]

I have been in that cockpit and I was like, should I fortune. Okay. Not like may.

[May Martin]

Wait. You were. You were allowed to go into the cockpit?

[Thomas Willette]

Yeah. The pilot was like a fan and said, come back here. And I was like, why is everybody making me go to places on the plane?

[Unknown]

Is this all you dreamed of when.

[Thomas Willette]

You just sit down? And. Yeah. So he had me sit in the seat and we took a picture.

[Unknown]

But I'm like, while you were flying.

[Thomas Willette]

No, we were on the ground.

[May Martin]

Okay. Okay. I was. I was really stressed.

[Thomas Willette]

Oh, God. No, I don't think. I think no one is allowed up there. They lock the door now.

[Unknown]

I would hope so.

[May Martin]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

Isn't it crazy how loosey goosey it used to be at the airport?

[May Martin]

Yes.

[Thomas Willette]

Like, I mean, you can remember going to go pick people up at their gate.

[May Martin]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. And. And kids would go, like, sit on the pilot's lap and stuff.

[Thomas Willette]

And.

[May Martin]

Yeah, it was very.

[Thomas Willette]

They kept those. And the doors were always open.

[Unknown]

Yeah, yeah.

[Thomas Willette]

You could wave to the pilots.

[Unknown]

And now I always find it hilarious that when the pilot has to come out to go to the bathro, the flight attendant rolls the cart to block the walkway to get to.

[Thomas Willette]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

And it's like, yeah. But also like, if you really wanting to do some damage, you know, the flight attendant standing there with the food cart probably isn't gonna hold anyone back.

[May Martin]

You'd be like, God damn it. Foiled again.

[Thomas Willette]

Enough time to yell help.

[Unknown]

Yeah. The other thing that concerns me flying is when the flight attendants say, we're mainly here for your. Your safety, but if there's anything we can get you. And then half the time, if you look down, a flight attendant will have a skirt on and heels. And I'm looking at that thinking, if there is an emergency, what are you going to do in a skirt and heels?

[Thomas Willette]

You better pop off those kitten heels and start running.

[Unknown]

But true. And. But if there's like fire or like broken pieces of something, if she kicks off her kitten heels, we're still in trouble.

[May Martin]

Yeah, true.

[Thomas Willette]

You know, I didn't really think about that stuff till all this stuff lately. And now I'm like, oh, keep your seat belt on.

[Unknown]

Yeah.

[Thomas Willette]

Like, I think about all the safety stuff now, but I. For years I flew and was like, didn't think twice about it, but yeah.

[Unknown]

Wait, so you didn't wear your seat belt before and now you do?

[Thomas Willette]

No, I. I would wear it, but there would be times mid flight, you know, where I wouldn't think about It.

[May Martin]

Yeah.

[Thomas Willette]

Oh, now I'm like, this baby's staying on the whole time.

[May Martin]

It just makes me laugh when you see on especially like, like sort of smaller European flights when there's like a drunk belligerent passenger, like a British tourist going to Greece or something. There's always a video where they've restrained the passenger, but by like duct taping them to a chair or something, like they, like, they restrain them.

[Thomas Willette]

Duct taping people to a chair. I'm not gonna lie. That's pretty funny.

[May Martin]

Yeah. Is there. Is there a lawnmower?

[Unknown]

Yes. My gardener is.

[Thomas Willette]

Stephanie's not mowing the lawn.

[Unknown]

That's what I mean is Stephanie is mowing the lawn.

[Thomas Willette]

I would love if Stephanie Margiel's lawn and she came in all sweaty, like, what are you doing?

[May Martin]

Yeah, with like a trucker hat on and she's. It's like one of those lawnmowers that you ride.

[Unknown]

Oh my gosh.

[Thomas Willette]

I just finished my morning gardening and lawn mowing. I bet we have some pretty butcher listeners that do do that.

[Unknown]

That mow their own lawn.

[Thomas Willette]

Oh, yeah, A lot of them for sure.

[May Martin]

The height of.

[Thomas Willette]

But I think it's an L A thing that a lot of people don't mow their own lawn.

[Unknown]

Oh my gosh. We had this neighbor move in that. It was so funny because he was clearly either not from the area or I don't know what was going on, but I had not seen anyone mow their own lawn before. And he was so out of control with his lawnmower because our yards, our yards are flat. But then they. They kind of ramped down to the sidewalk, you know. So, yeah, a little bit up. And he had his brand new lawnmower and he would mow it and then he'd go down the hill and he'd lose full control of it and try and pull it back up. And meanwhile everyone else had their gardeners working on their yards. And this guy's like. And then soon after that, he never mowed his lawn again.

[Thomas Willette]

That is so man. For those that don't know in la, there's like a bazillion lawn services, like in every neighborhood. It's just part of LA life.

[Unknown]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Thomas Willette]

I've never seen it anywhere. I mean, yeah, back home we always had to mow our own lawns. That was.

[Unknown]

And also it wasn't his job. It wasn't just butchy people. My kids are trying to figure out good summer and winter jobs coming up.

[May Martin]

Business ideas.

[Thomas Willette]

Great lemonade stand.

[May Martin]

Well.

[Unknown]

Well, they've done Lemonade.

[May Martin]

In Toronto, it. In the winter, it's snow shoveling, like shovel people's driveways. I have such like, vivid memories of getting up for school in the morning and my poor dad, like, still in his pajamas out, like, scraping snow off the car and like. Yeah, scraping the window with that little guy that gets the ice off.

[Unknown]

Well, I was suggesting that they go ask neighbors if they can water their flowers or, you know, things like that. I don't, I don't know. But they, they want to do something for between a dollar and three dollars. They said that's a good per day. I. I don't know.

[Thomas Willette]

Per activity, I believe.

[Unknown]

I don't know. But they were just talking about it last night.

[May Martin]

I wonder if I can think of something I, I need done.

[Thomas Willette]

They go up to your neighbors and they're like, hey, guys, can you venmo us $5? I don't know, just.

[Unknown]

Because if I've told you about the junk sale that they've done.

[May Martin]

I don't know, just stuff they find in the house or what?

[Unknown]

Not just stuff they find in the house, but they'll even find an in and out burger straw wrapper and put that up for sale. Wow, our neighbors are so. Oh, and then cherry pits, like cherry seeds.

[May Martin]

Oh, my God.

[Unknown]

They'll just have like ones that they spit out that they put in a baggie. And then they, they'll just put prices on all of this stuff, like a twig they find. And our neighbors are so nice. They buy and they will buy stuff. They'll be like, wow, so $10 for your cherry seeds. And. And it's like, yeah, that's right. And oh my God.

[Thomas Willette]

And your neighbor should haggle.

[Unknown]

Well, and that's the thing is we told Max and Finn about hag or somebody mentioned haggling. And then they came in, they were like, well, that's haggling. So anyway, it's. They've made some pretty good cash off of our neighbors. Oh, one neighbor went to get money out of his pocket and I honestly, it was like lint or something fell out of his pocket. And then they were like, oh, we could sell this too.

[May Martin]

No way.

[Unknown]

So they have, they have like a sense of humor about it, but they really are, you know, jacking those prices up and just selling junk and some things. They'll draw a picture, they'll put that up for sale and whatever.

[Thomas Willette]

Now that was pretty. That one I would purchase.

[Unknown]

We had a competition the other day where all four of us had to draw something, and then Max and Finn put each picture down that all four of us drew and then they put a cat treat on top of each drawing and then brought the cats over to see who whose picture would win the competition.

[May Martin]

That's so good.

[Unknown]

And it's just based on what cat ate the treat off of the and no cat at the treat. Just kind of slowly stepped around the drawings and and left really.

[May Martin]

They were repulsed by the drawings. They lost their.

[Unknown]

They were not good drawings.

[Fortune Feimster]

Handsome is brought to you by Squarespace. Squarespace is the all in one website platform designed to help you build a website you'll love. Whether you're just starting out or scaling your business, Squarespace gives you everything you need to claim your domain. Whether your website is personal or professional.

[Tig Notaro]

Squarespace gives you everything you need to offer services and get paid all in one place. Every dream needs a domain, and we know you've got a dream. So get started on sharing it with the world today. From consultations to events and experiences, you can showcase your handsomest, most professional self. With Squarespace's collection of cutting edge design tools, anyone can build a bespoke online presence that perfectly fits their brand or business. That includes you. I've been using Squarespace for years, and trust me, I'm not the most technologically advanced person by any stretch of the imagination. But Squarespace's tools make it simple. And that includes a website with sleek design built in, video and e commerce, email marketing tools, and more.

[May Martin]

So what are you waiting for?

[Fortune Feimster]

Get started on your dream website today. Head to squarespace.com handsome for a free trial, and when you're ready to launch, use offer code handsome to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Sweaters, candles, bathrobes, more candles. Mother's Day gifts can be a little predictable, a little boring. Named the best digital photo frame by Wirecutter, Aura Frames are guaranteed to mix things up this year. My mom, like many moms, is very particular with what she likes. And she's kind of hard to shop for, if I'm being honest. And it only gets harder year after year when you've bought your loved ones all the things that they've mentioned. So what's left? I'm telling you, the answer is an aura frame. Aura frames make the perfect gift. It's not just an object. It's a connection between you and the loved one you gifted to. Aura Frames come with unlimited storage, so you can share as many photos as you want from your phone to Mom's Aura frame. She'll love that. An aura frame means she gets to see more of you and she can put it right next to all her candles for the perfect tableau. Aura has a great deal for Mother's Day. For a limited time, listeners can save on the perfect gift by visiting auraframes.com to get $35 off plus free shipping on their best selling Carver Mat frame. That's a U R A frames.com promo code Handsome and support the show by mentioning us at checkout. Terms and conditions apply.

[Tig Notaro]

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[Fortune Feimster]

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[Tig Notaro]

Start your ha growth journey with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month subscription and free shipping. When you go to nutrafol.com and enter the promo code Handsome find out why over 4,500 healthcare professionals and stylists recommend Nutrafol for healthier hair. Nutrafol.com spelled n u t r a f o l.com promo code handsome that's nutrafol.com promo code handsome.

[May Martin]

You know that feeling when you need.

[Fortune Feimster]

On the go food but your gut.

[May Martin]

Is literally telling you not to get fast food yet again.

[Fortune Feimster]

This is why I love Thrive Market, my go to online grocery store for.

[May Martin]

Getting all my healthy essentials delivered and I don't even have to leave my couch.

[Unknown]

Finding better options for the whole family is easy with Thrive Market's Healthy Swap scanner. Just scan a product and it instantly recommends healthier swaps. I've swapped out sugary snacks for high quality dye free favorites like from the Ground up Butternut Squash pretzels and Boom Chicka Pop sea salt popcorn. They also have so many on site filters that make it simple to shop by the needs of everyone in the family. No more scouring ingredient labels when you can just filter it all on Thrive Market. I filter by vegan and it is such a time saver.

[May Martin]

Ready to make the switch? Go to thrive market.com handsome for 30% off your first order plus a free $60 gift. That's T H R I V E market.com/handsome. Thrive market.com/handsome.

[Unknown]

Should we see who our question asker is?

[May Martin]

Absolutely.

[Thomas Willette]

Today's Question Asker is a comedian, actor, and singer who became known across the world as a member of the improv TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway? He's hosted let's Make a Deal for the last 15 years. He's performed in musicals like Kinky Boots, the Wiz, and Hamilton, and is the winner of five Emmy awards in addition to two Grammy nominations.

[Unknown]

He's also a host of the new podcast what if with Wayne. Wayne Brady.

[Thomas Willette]

Wayne Brady is asking today's question.

[Wayne Brady]

Hey, y'all.

[Thomas Willette]

What's up?

[Wayne Brady]

Tig May Fortune question for you. In the day and age in which we find ourselves, with the government that we find ourselves with and the world being what it is, how do you use your art and your sense of humor to help yourself and to help others?

[May Martin]

That's a nice question.

[Unknown]

That is a nice question. What do you got for us, May.

[May Martin]

I don't know what he's referring to. With the state of the world. I think everything's.

[Thomas Willette]

The state of the world is so fine right now.

[May Martin]

Yeah. Oh, man. I don't know. I struggle. I mean, I struggle with. There's different ways to approach it, Right. Like, we on. We're on this podcast. I feel like we're kind of a refuge from all that, of just, like, silliness and. And then, I don't know, some. Sometimes I. I mean, you just feel it at shows, don't you? It's like a little microcosm of society, and it's like. It is so unifying and, like, people feel human and, like, we have shared interests. Sometimes I talk directly about things going on in the world. Sometimes just.

[Thomas Willette]

Yeah, dumb.

[Unknown]

Like, how in depth do you feel like you go into what's going on in the world?

[May Martin]

I used to do that a lot more, and then I felt like, oh, maybe it's more subversive to not talk about things like identity politics and things like that, because it feels like a losing battle. Because then people go, oh, they never shut up about that. You know what I mean? But then recently, with everything going on and I've been talking about it more, like, when I was promoting the album, I was like. I was going on the, like. Like, TV shows to promote it, and the questions were often like, why. Yeah, why did you write this album? Or why now? Like, the music album? And the big part of the answer is Like, I had top surgery and I don't think I would have been confident enough to do the. I'm like, it felt directly connected. Like, I wrote it right after that. And so I was like, fuck. In this time in the world, even though it's. It's so tense. That felt like, important to talk about that. If there's is like a, you know, trans agenda that everybody's scared of, it's literally just people trying to be their most confident, happy, creative selves. So I did try not to shy away from that stuff, you know, and.

[Unknown]

That'S helpful to you and to people that are.

[May Martin]

I don't know if it's helpful to me. It's stressful, it's scary. Like. Like, it's. It's a hostile environment out there, but it felt important. Yeah.

[Unknown]

And when you say scary, what is the ultimate fear of or what have you experienced anytime.

[May Martin]

I mean, people coming for you online, like, pretty constantly. Anytime. Like, you know, other people's fan bases get mobilized against you. That's intense. And then also. Yeah. Just these days with like, scary legislation and about what.

[Unknown]

Yeah.

[May Martin]

You can say and stuff. And then with the going through immigration from Canada and being like, if you. I don't know, is that going to be a problem? Like that. If you Googled me and I was outspoken about something. Like, it's getting. So Anyway.

[Thomas Willette]

Right.

[May Martin]

Yeah.

[Thomas Willette]

There's unpredictable times too.

[May Martin]

Yeah. Yeah. Anyway, I love. It was like, well, we're a refuge from that stuff. Yeah.

[Thomas Willette]

I mean, this is what you're dealing with is the human.

[May Martin]

Yeah. In general, like, I think comedy is just a really wonderful way to let. Get people's defenses down and then. And then kind of connect people. But how. Yeah. How do you specifically feel like you help?

[Unknown]

I mean, I've certainly. I've been so helped and saved and inspired by so many musicians and comedians and. But it's. It's so I. For some reason, it's. It's been a. A harder thing for me to accept when people say that I've done that for them because to me, it's like, oh, I'm just talking and sharing what I went through or what I'm seeing and feeling. And I know that's what musicians and people do, but when it's me doing it, it's been hard for me to really grasp that I've made any sort of impact on anybody because half the time I'm like, oh, that was just something silly, or I was just trying to make light of, you know, And I think it was Actually, during the pandemic that I really realized, wow. Yeah. I can see how what I'm doing, what other comedians, what people are doing, that really do make a change in people's life and.

[May Martin]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

But also it's walking that really fine line of, like, not taking myself too seriously. I don't think I'm like, anybody's savior, but it is so I struggle with that where people are like, oh, my gosh, thank you, you saved my life, or, oh my gosh, you changed the. And I'm like, oh, thank. I'm so glad. And. And then I think about the people that have changed my life or saved me through their art. It's no joke.

[May Martin]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

And it's hard to put it on to. I've done that for somebody else, you know.

[May Martin]

Crazy. It's kind of absurd and hard to process that we still live in a time where, like, just visibility just is. Is still so limited that, like, it is meaningful to have someone living a happy, confident life and being themselves and for sure. You know what I mean? Yeah. It shouldn't still be that way, but it is.

[Thomas Willette]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

And I think when it's just like a part of day to day and this is my job and this is my life, but I. What I'm doing, I do for myself. Whatever I'm sharing, whatever I'm joking about, any story I'm telling or whatever's going on, I'm not doing anything for the audience. I'm doing it solely because I want to share this or I want to talk about it. I'm going through this. I think this is funny. But I think that's most important for it to really translate and land for somebody. And that's when it's nice, is when it does resonate with others. But I still grapple with accepting that I've made a big impact on people sometimes.

[Thomas Willette]

Well, your ultimate sharing of a real life event was the I have cancer, you know, set from Largo. That was a big one.

[Unknown]

Yes. For sure. And I, you know, that was certainly not for the audience. That was really me in the moment struggling. And as time has gone on, I thought. I think I really was reaching out for help too. When I, you know, I'd lost my mother and my girlfriend and I was really sick and I wanted to talk about it. And I think I was really relying on that audience.

[May Martin]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

For a lot. And they really did pull me through steps up.

[May Martin]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

Yeah, they really did. And it's so amazing when I run into some of the people that happen to be in that audience. And oddly enough, the director of the Andrea Gibson documentary, Come See Me in the Good Light, he was in that audience before I knew him.

[Thomas Willette]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

Yeah. Wild.

[May Martin]

What about you, Fortune?

[Thomas Willette]

Yeah, I mean, kind of like what Tig said. It's just providing levity is kind of what I see as my job. I don't really get a lot into politics, and some people are critical of that, but I've not shied away from things I believe in or speaking out when I think something's wrong. A lot of people know where I stand. I've not hidden that when I spoken out for our community and just human rights in general. But there are things that I'm not qualified to talk about and I don't believe. You know, a lot of people just think because you're a celebrity, you should weigh in on everything, and I don't believe in that. I don't believe in speaking on things I'm ignorant about just because I have a platform. I think that does more harm than good. I would rather speak out on things that I'm qualified or at least have experience with, because. Yeah. I don't want to just, like, talk to talk, because it's not helping. And especially if you don't have facts or information.

[Unknown]

There's also such. There's so many nuanced elements.

[Thomas Willette]

Exactly.

[Unknown]

So many different topics that it makes it really difficult.

[May Martin]

Yeah.

[Thomas Willette]

Because then people are like, well, do you know about this, this and this? Like, I didn't. I didn't know. You know what I mean? It's like I just spoke because, you know, there's this pressure to do so. I don't believe in that. But what I do is tell stories and try to make people happy. That's what I want to be, is providing positivity. Like, you can go to other comics who are very well versed on these other big things in the world, and that's who you should listen to for that thing. You know, if that's what you're looking.

[Unknown]

For, comedians point of view.

[Thomas Willette]

Exactly.

[Unknown]

About these big issues, then that is where you should go.

[Thomas Willette]

Yeah. You know, like, I want to hear from this person about that thing. For me, you don't go to the.

[Unknown]

Person that's taking care of biscuits.

[Thomas Willette]

That's right. Thank you, Tig. I'm taking care of biscuits. Yeah.

[Unknown]

Everyone's doing their thing. Fortune's taking care of biscuits.

[Thomas Willette]

That's right. So, you know, every tour, I go to about 100 cities, and so I'm not shying away from any. Any red state. I go into all these places that. And I get a lot of fans going, why would you go to such and such city? Why would you go to there? Why would we go there? They need it. They need it. You know, they need representation. They need different voices coming in there. And, you know, obviously a lot of people coming to the show know me, so they're already thinking similarly to me. But there are a lot of theaters that people just go because they like that theater or they wanted some fun to do that night. And so I'm telling a story of who I am. Here's who I am. This is my life. I'm married, you know, and there is power in just sharing your story that makes someone who might have been say they were afraid of gay people or didn't understand gay people where they can go, oh, I relate to what that person's saying. Like, our lives aren't that different. And it opens up some people's minds, not everyone. And I think there is power in that. Just sharing your story. I did a show in Nashville during the times where they were coming for drag queens. It was this huge thing. And I sat in the room, I was like, I can't change legislation. I can't come into your city and make any difference with what's happening in the government. What I can do is have a room of 3,000 people in this city who, you know, is an ally in this room. You can look left and right and see people who are going to have your back and go out into this city and look out for each other. You know, that that's something. There's something cool about gathering those spaces of people who, you know, aren't agreeing with what's happening in the legislation. They can go out and try to make a difference. They can get empowered in that room with the energy and love and positivity and then go out into their community and. And try to help make those changes. So I'm just trying to provide a space that's positive and happy and. And when you're in those rooms, when you're in these shows, there is this feeling of just like every. Every theater I do, the people that work there say, I can't explain it. There's something in this room that is so happy and joyful and positive.

[May Martin]

Yeah.

[Thomas Willette]

And they go, I just feel so good tonight. And that's. That's what I want to provide people. And that. That brings me a lot of joy.

[May Martin]

That's a powerful type of resistance when. Especially when the government, like, uses fear tactics so consistently and is like, yeah. To push back with just joy and community.

[Unknown]

Well, that's like, you hear so many times that just showing up is a political statement. And that's. It's very true. It's. It's very true. The visibility.

[May Martin]

And I do sometimes feel like I could do more, though, and, and, and like I should be more organized in my activism and things like that. So I feel like I'm constantly learning as well. And also as the world changes and who knows how things are going to be like, I guess we'll all have to, like, be constantly learning.

[Unknown]

I think there's also an unfortunate element to social media where people are saying, you know, like you were saying fortune, why aren't you speaking out? Or you have this platform and it's like, social media isn't the only platform. There are in person appearances that you make. There are, you know, charity events. There's all sorts of ways that you use your platform. And social media isn't the only platform. And so much of what's going on on social media is the shallow back and forth arguing about these different views. And meanwhile, if you're not on social media and you're out making appearances, donating your time, money, it's almost like it's fine and you're doing a great job as long as you don't have social media. But if you have social media and you're not directing all of your energy to that platform, then it's as though you're not doing anything if you're not on there arguing back and forth with people.

[May Martin]

Yeah, it's a tough. It's a very tough balance. Like, like, I know, like Fortune, you were directing people to where they could donate, or I think we all were, where they could donate for certain things. But it is like there are people, I think, who are using a ton of their energy every day, just reposting, resharing, just. And if you directed that energy to some initiative in the real world, that sometimes would be. Yeah, but it's tough, though, because you. We also do need.

[Unknown]

Yeah.

[May Martin]

People do get their information from.

[Unknown]

For sure.

[May Martin]

From social media sometimes.

[Thomas Willette]

Yeah. It's such a small sect of people, though, too. There's not on it that people forget. This isn't the actual world.

[May Martin]

Right.

[Thomas Willette]

For sure.

[Unknown]

That is what blows my mind is I remember somebody. This was years ago when I was on Facebook. I still have an account, but I always say I go on there like once or twice a year to see who died. That's horrible. But anyway, I went on Facebook, like I said, six months 12 months later, and somebody had posted about somebody else who did something terrible. And they were like, if I see anybody is still friends with them on Facebook, I am writing you off in the real world. And I was like, I haven't even been on. I haven't even been on here. And it really highlighted that people are so. So neck deep in social media that they don't even realize that some people aren't. I haven't even been on here, like. And of course I wasn't really worried about this person blackballing me in life, but it just. It was so. I had just thought it was so kind of silly.

[Thomas Willette]

People have ended friendships over like, stupid social media stuff.

[Unknown]

It's like.

[Thomas Willette]

But it isn't like May was saying, it is nice to have. One benefit of sharing your art is gaining a platform and being able to use that platform. Like when there was the hurricane, to say, you know, donate here, do this. And the fires, this person needs help. That is a really cool byproduct to be able to like, mobilize to help other people.

[Unknown]

And by the way, the people that were dealing with the hurricanes and the fires are still dealing with it and still need help. All of that gets so immediately highlighted and, you know, talked about and then it's. And then everybody moves on. And so just remember, well, I saved.

[Thomas Willette]

Everything because I did Celebrity Jeopardy and I got to donate $30,000.

[May Martin]

Oh, yeah.

[Thomas Willette]

So I fixed it all.

[Unknown]

Well, thank you, Fortune.

[Thomas Willette]

You're welcome.

[May Martin]

I always feel like the. The big thing is voting. Like, that's the. If everyone voted, we'd be fine. Like, if all, you know, so it's around elections and stuff. That's when I'm like, we all gotta. Seriously. Because that might make a difference if someone like, I like when Taylor Swift was like, not that we're Taylor Swift, but when Taylor Swift was like, vote. I imagine a lot of young people voted because she said that for sure.

[Unknown]

So let's pull a Taylor Swift and say vote next time you can you.

[Thomas Willette]

Talk about, you know, that that does require a lot of courage for someone like, I mean, some people might not think that, like, oh, what? Who cares? But, you know, it's very divisive this these days to say who you're voting for. And she has this huge platform of people that vote and think different ways than that. So for her to speak out is brave. You know, I think about Nat. I've talked about her before, but Natalie Mains with the chicks and what they went through, I didn't know them when that Whole controversy happened. But, you know, she was on stage and just said something that in these days would be considered not scandalous at all. And then their entire career was she told.

[Unknown]

What did she say again?

[May Martin]

She told the story about her wife went to Baskin Robbins and there were 31.

[Thomas Willette]

She was in. They were doing a, like, little show in London and just said the war was about. Was starting and she's anti war and just said, like, we're ashamed that Bushes from Texas. Because they're from Texas. And that was it. And they're. And the entire, like, they started getting death threats. That's people bulldozing their CDs. Radios wouldn't play them anymore. Their own own. The own country music. People making fun of them at award shows. I mean, that. I mean, like, tons of death threats get security everywhere. So anytime I'm being a real pussy, and I don't use that word very often, but if I'm being a real. I think about. I do think about her and I'm like, oh, Nelly would be so ashamed. I gotta be stronger.

[May Martin]

Yeah, we have to. Well, I mean, I don't want to see anyone bulldozing handsome merch, though. But it would kind of amuse me to see someone bulldozing our Pontis.

[Unknown]

I guess I just figure, don't you use a bulldozer when something's really heavy?

[May Martin]

Right.

[Thomas Willette]

Yeah. I don't think you needed a bulldozer to run over a cd. I mean. Yeah, the same effect very. Happened with a children's, like, toy truck.

[Unknown]

Well, friends, should we hear what Wayne Brady has to say?

[Thomas Willette]

Wayne Brady from the podcast. What if I used to love that. Whose Line Is It Anyway? Did you guys ever watch that?

[May Martin]

I thought they were gods. They were.

[Thomas Willette]

They're so quick.

[May Martin]

I used to love it. Yeah. I haven't watched it.

[Unknown]

Oh, my gosh.

[May Martin]

In years and years, but I would.

[Unknown]

Love to see slow improv.

[Thomas Willette]

Slow improv.

[Unknown]

Fortune just said they're so quick. I was thinking how funny to see very delayed improv.

[Fortune Feimster]

That would be good because you'd have.

[May Martin]

Time to think about what you were gonna say. Yeah.

[Thomas Willette]

I mean, it's not easy. What? It's not easy how they do what. They make it look effortless.

[May Martin]

Wayne Brady, especially with his songs and his songs.

[Thomas Willette]

Yeah.

[May Martin]

Yeah. Let's hear what he has to say.

[Wayne Brady]

Well, my answer would be just trying my absolute best to put some light out there. We do improvisation. We make folks laugh. Right. So my aim is to get on stage, whether it's in front of a few thousand people, a Couple people and just bring some light, because if I can make someone else laugh, then I make myself laugh. And it. And for that day, one day at a time, at least for that day, I've got some hope. And that's what it's all about. A little bit of hope.

[May Martin]

Oh, that.

[Unknown]

That's awesome, Wayne.

[May Martin]

Okay.

[Thomas Willette]

I love that.

[May Martin]

Love hearing Thomas at the end there. That's a beautiful answer, though. I feel like he was so articulate when we were all like, well, yeah.

[Unknown]

Well, people are on Instagram too much.

[Thomas Willette]

It is hard. It is hard, though, when your job is to make people laugh and you're having a bad day or going through things yourself.

[Unknown]

Yeah.

[Thomas Willette]

There's been some real doozies lately where I've just been in a real funk.

[May Martin]

Yeah.

[Thomas Willette]

And having to, like, dig myself out of this hole and go make people laugh. Like, I love my job more than anything, but, God, those have been some trying times.

[Unknown]

I know. And it's. It's tough because people really forget that you have a personal life, a private life. You have bad days, hard stuff going on, and you are supposed to be the person that they saw on TV or on that stage, no matter when they run into you.

[Thomas Willette]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

You better not be tired. You better not be in the middle of a very important conversation. You better not be having anything going on at home. Nothing.

[Thomas Willette]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

Losing a friend out of nowhere. Nothing.

[May Martin]

You know, the adrenaline of being on stage does focus the mind. Like, that's a. And at least it's. It's an exchange. Like you. Yeah. Thing of being out in the world or having to do, like, a radio show or something like that is tricky. But there's something about being on stage that at least gets you out of.

[Fortune Feimster]

Your head for a little bit.

[Thomas Willette]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

For sure.

[Thomas Willette]

And then hearing those laughs, it does make you feel like it's like, okay, I needed that, you know?

[May Martin]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Thomas Willette]

So hard to get you yourself on the stage. But then when you're there, like, okay, okay, we got this. We're in this together.

[Unknown]

Yeah. Yeah, yeah. It is crazy how that can snap you out of things.

[May Martin]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

It's so wild.

[May Martin]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

Whether you're tired or you're having personal stuff going on and you get on the stage, the worst is when you get on the stage, you don't have a great show, but it's like, oh, my God.

[Thomas Willette]

And come.

[Unknown]

Yeah.

[May Martin]

I was already down, and now I.

[Thomas Willette]

Should have never said yes to this.

[Unknown]

Well, that was a delightful episode, and thank you to Wayne and. Yeah. Does any anybody fortune you got your tour yeah.

[Thomas Willette]

Coming up on May 1st, I got Greensboro, North Carolina, Roanoke, Virginia, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Grand Rapids, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Kansas City, Mulvane, Kansas, Vegas, Knoxville, Tennessee and Lexington, Kentucky. Lots other, lots more cities too. So FortuneFemes.com for tickets.

[Unknown]

Beautiful.

[May Martin]

I got April 25th at Largo in LA. And then just check out my social media. After everything we said today, check out my social media.

[Thomas Willette]

They lives on there.

[May Martin]

Yeah. For other shows that pop up and you can watch Feelgood on Netflix if you haven't or if you want to.

[Thomas Willette]

Feel good, baby.

[May Martin]

Yeah. Yeah, yeah.

[Unknown]

Well, for me, June 14th, I'll be in Eureka Springs, Arkansas and then I will be in P Town August 23rd. And if you haven't watched my new standup special that's newish, about a year old hello again on Prime Video. And then I'm also working out new material in Los Angeles at Largo and Dynasty Typewriter, sometimes in Toronto. Go to tignotaro.com for all the information and also if you like this episode or any other episode, share it with a friend and help us build the handsome community. Subscribe to the show. Subscribe to our YouTube channel so you can see our handsome faces.

[Thomas Willette]

Do all that.

[Unknown]

And yeah, until next time, keep it.

[Thomas Willette]

Keep it handsome.

[Fortune Feimster]

Handsome is hosted by me, May Martin, Tig Notaro and Fortune Feimster. The show is produced, recorded and edited by Thomas Willette. Email [e-mail] and please follow us on social media at Handsome Pod what a wild podcast.

[May Martin]

What a podcast.

[Thomas Willette]

That was a headgum podcast.

[Fortune Feimster]

Some people just know they could save hundreds on car insurance by checking Allstate first.

[Tig Notaro]

Like you know to check and make sure the local karaoke spot has your favorite song before signing up to go on stage and blow everyone's mind with your amazing voice.

[Fortune Feimster]

Check in first is smart.

[May Martin]

So check Allstate first for a quote.

[Fortune Feimster]

That could save you hundreds. You're in good hands with Allstate Savings. Vary subject to terms, conditions and availability. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company and.

[May Martin]

Affiliates Northbrook, Illinois Hey, I'm Jake Johnson.

[Jake Johnson]

And I host the Headgun podcast. We're here to help with my partner Gareth Reynolds, we're here to help as a call in advice show. Think car talk from back in the day. We're determined to help fix life's dumbest problems. We also have guest helpers join us from the entire cast of New Girl to Michael Cera, Andy Samberg, Jimmy Kimmel, just to name a few. So do me a favor and come check out an episode and then bounce around our catalog. We're over 150 episodes so far, so there's plenty of stories for you to discover. Subscribe to we're here to help on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pocket Cast, or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes drop every Monday and bonus episodes drop on Wednesdays.