Podcast Summary: Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out – Episode 154: Fortune Feimster: Don't Borrow Trouble
Introduction
In Episode 154 of Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out, host Mike Birbiglia welcomes the talented comedian Fortune Feimster. Known for her warm storytelling, improvisational skills, and engaging stage presence, Fortune shares insights from her latest Netflix special, Crushing It, and delves into her journey in comedy, personal growth, and the challenges of weaving her identity into her craft.
Starting in Comedy
Fortune discusses her initiation into the comedy scene after relocating to Los Angeles in 2003. She began with improv at the Groundlings in 2005, which seamlessly transitioned into sketch comedy. Recognizing the scarcity of stage time for newcomers, Fortune took the initiative to form her own group to ensure consistent performances.
“[07:15] Fortune Feimster: I was like, how are we gonna go through this very challenging, competitive school if we aren't performing? Like, that doesn't make any sense to me.”
To hone her stand-up skills, Fortune enrolled in a six-week class taught by Adam Barnhart at the Comedy Store, culminating in performances at the prestigious Belly Room. This opportunity granted her a weekly 10-minute slot every Sunday night for a year, significantly accelerating her comedic development.
Coming Out and Personal Growth
A pivotal moment in Fortune’s life was her decision to come out as gay at the age of 25 in 2005. She reflects on the profound sense of relief and happiness that followed, allowing her to embrace her authentic self fully.
“[10:24] Fortune Feimster: I came out later in life. I was so intense. When I was in high school, my mom would be like, I don't understand why I get so upset when your friend Michelle goes out on a date with a guy. And I was like, because she's my best friend.”
Fortune explains how this personal revelation deeply influenced her comedy, enabling her to channel her experiences into her storytelling. She emphasizes that being genuine and positive is integral to her comedic approach, believing that her good vibes resonate with the audience.
“[05:53] Fortune Feimster: I genuinely wake up. Like, glass half full. Most of the time, I know I'm lucky.”
Storytelling Techniques and Personal Anecdotes
Fortune excels in transforming personal anecdotes into humorous narratives. She shares snippets from her special, such as her honeymoon in the Maldives—a place where being gay is illegal. This story highlights the undercurrents of potential conflict juxtaposed with her focus on positivity.
“[04:31] Fortune Feimster: It was just my wife had always wanted to go there. I was just like, let's go on an adventure.”
Another notable story involves her experiences as a Girl Scout troop member in a notoriously haunted house. Fortune illustrates her talent for embellishing real events to enhance comedic effect without losing authenticity.
“[35:49] Fortune Feimster: My mom was my troop leader when I was in Girl Scouts, and she decided to take our troop to a haunted house. We were screaming bloody murder because every room got worse and worse.”
Fortune also discusses her relationship dynamics, particularly her approach to conflicts with her wife. Challenging the common adage "don't go to bed angry," she explains how giving each other space leads to more constructive resolutions.
“[16:43] Fortune Feimster: So for me, yeah, going to bed angry was fine. It's okay.”
Developing Material and Audience Interaction
The episode delves into Fortune’s creative process of developing new material. She shares her approach to testing jokes, observing audience reactions, and refining her stories to maximize humor.
“[35:28] Fortune Feimster: I'm working on stories of my childhood right now because I always love kind of digging into those.”
Fortune also addresses feedback from audiences, particularly regarding her incorporation of her LGBTQ+ identity into her comedy. She recounts an incident in Central Pennsylvania where her merchandise was criticized for being "too gay," responding with humor and authenticity.
“[42:07] Fortune Feimster: I'm not setting out to tell gay stories. It is just like I'm telling you a story about being married. I happen to be gay, so that's just gonna be part of it.”
Advice and Life Lessons
Fortune shares invaluable advice rooted in her personal experiences and influenced by her family. Her mother's mantra, "don't borrow trouble," taught her to avoid unnecessary worry and focus on the present.
“[32:24] Fortune Feimster: My mom would remind me, she would say, don't borrow trouble. Because I was always worrying about what could happen.”
Additionally, Fortune reflects on relationship wisdom imparted by her wife: "Do you want to be right or happy?" This principle guides her in prioritizing happiness over being right during conflicts.
“[32:24] Fortune Feimster: Do you want to be right or do you want to be happy? And I was like, oh, that stuck with me.”
Conclusion
The conversation wraps up with Fortune expressing gratitude for her support systems and highlighting the importance of organizations like Girls, Inc., which empowers young girls through education and community programs.
“[44:46] Fortune Feimster: Girls, Inc. ... helps them find their voice. And it's a very cool organization that helps them.”
Mike Birbiglia concludes the episode by praising Fortune’s comedic talent and encouraging listeners to watch her Netflix special, Crushing It.
“[45:35] Mike Birbiglia: Check out Fortune's special Crushing It on Netflix. She is indeed crushing it.”
Notable Quotes
- Fortune Feimster [00:08]: "I am gay. That's just part of who I am."
- Fortune Feimster [05:53]: "I genuinely wake up. Like, glass half full."
- Fortune Feimster [32:24]: "Don't borrow trouble."
- Fortune Feimster [42:07]: "I'm not setting out to tell gay stories. It is just like I'm telling you a story about being married."
This episode offers a heartfelt and humorous exploration of Fortune Feimster’s life, her approach to comedy, and the ways she intertwines her personal experiences with her storytelling. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of her resilience, authenticity, and the joyful perspective she brings to her craft.