BEST OF WIO: Tig Notaro

Mon Feb 17 2025

Tig Notaro: Clown Cars and Lesbian Party Buses (Recorded July 2024) Mike welcomes back old friend and Working It Out hall of famer Tig Notaro. They discuss the inevitability of finding your own comedic voice, how Tig had to come out as gay to her own children, and the time her brother fell into her stepfather’s grave. All that, plus tales from Tig’s lesbian party bus with Sarah Paulson and Allison Janney.

Transcript

Mike Birbiglia (0:00)

Tig Notaro. We are honored that you're here.

Tig Notaro (0:03)

We are honored to be here.

Mike Birbiglia (0:04)

We always talk about you here at the studio as our dream person to be in the studio because we remotely did an interview many years ago and it was a riot.

Tig Notaro (0:15)

Well, thanks for flying me out here.

Mike Birbiglia (0:18)

We did not fly you out. That is the voice of the great Tig Notaro. We are rerunning this episode today because it is one of our absolute favorites. If you missed this one, one, you're not going to want to miss it today. One of my favorite people to talk to. One of my favorite storytellers. You may have heard her on her own podcast, Handsome. You may have heard her in this American Life. She's told some amazing stories on there. She tells three stories on this episode that are all timers and I think you're going to love it. And by the way, thanks to everyone who's been coming out to my shows. I performed in West Palm beach, coming soon in Northampton, Burlington, Los Angeles and New York City. The Good Life at AKA Please Stop the Ride. It's been Please Stop the Ride. I named the tour at the beginning and then by the end, sometimes it's a different name. In this case it was Please Stop the Ride. And now it is The Good Life. Six shows at the Beacon Theater. Six shows. A sixth and final show has been added. Get tickets@burtbigs.com There are still a few excellent orchestra and mezzanine seats for the final show. Sign up for the mailing list to be the first to know about any added shows. I love this conversation with Tig. It's always an honor to talk to Tig. It's one of the funniest people. Three incredible stories. One involves her coming out to her own kids. There's a mishap at a graveyard and tales from a lesbian party bus. What more could one want? Enjoy my chat with Tig Notaro. You have a social disease that I think I have as well, which is your jokes are some. Your voice sounds like you're joking in every sentence. And sometimes you're joking and sometimes you're not. So it puts it on the onus on the listener.

Tig Notaro (2:08)

That's right.

Mike Birbiglia (2:09)

To discern which are jokes and which are not.

Tig Notaro (2:12)

Look, I always say when people are like, are you kidding? I'm like, I don't even know. I have no clue. You decide.

Mike Birbiglia (2:20)

You decide. Have you ever had that really go south? Like, you talk a lot in your special about how you. You sometimes mishear something and it leads to like, you to Paraphrase Shailene, you're describing the heights of various actresses in Big Little Lies. And. And you. You didn't know Shailene Woodley was the name of an actor. And so you go. You thought you heard she leans.

Summary

Title: BEST OF WIO: Tig Notaro
Host: Mike Birbiglia
Release Date: February 17, 2025

Introduction

In this standout episode of "Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out," Mike welcomes the acclaimed comedian Tig Notaro for a special "Best Of" edition. Mike expresses his deep admiration for Tig, highlighting her reputation as an exceptional storyteller both on her podcast, "Handsome," and her compelling narratives on "This American Life." This episode revisits some of Tig's most memorable stories, offering listeners a blend of humor, vulnerability, and insightful conversation.

Comedy and Communication Style

Early in the discussion ([00:00]–[02:12]), Mike delves into Tig's unique comedic voice. He remarks, "Your jokes are some. Your voice sounds like you're joking in every sentence" ([01:45]). Tig acknowledges this trait, explaining that it requires listeners to actively discern when she's serious and when she's teasing, thereby adding a layer of depth to her humor. This communication dynamic sets the stage for their engaging dialogue throughout the episode.

Miscommunications and Awkward Moments

The conversation transitions to instances of miscommunication in comedy. Mike shares a personal anecdote about mishearing the name Shailene Woodley as "Shailene leans" during a special, leading Tig to joke about dating someone who "hunched" due to their height ([02:44]). Tig recounts the awkwardness of explaining this joke to her wife and Reese Witherspoon, emphasizing how such misunderstandings can lead to humorous yet uncomfortable situations.

Viral Party Bus Incident

One of the episode's highlights is Tig's recounting of a viral video featuring her and other celebrities like Sarah Paulson and Allison Janney on a party bus. During a lively dance session, Allison Janney unexpectedly lifts Tig in a manner akin to a Heimlich maneuver, resulting in Tig breaking ribs ([14:46]). She humorously describes the aftermath: "We arrived at the show and I did my show with broken ribs" ([15:00]). This story not only showcases Tig's resilience but also her ability to find humor in physical pain.

Coming Out to Children

A deeply personal segment unfolds as Tig discusses her experience of coming out to her children. At 53, Tig shares how her sons, Max and Finn, inadvertently discovered her sexuality ([19:26]). She narrates the emotional moment when Finn bluntly states, "You're gay. I think you're gay," prompting Tig and her partner, Stephanie, to reflect on their approach to parenting and communication. Tig emphasizes the complexities and vulnerabilities involved in redefining familial relationships.

Parenting Challenges and Insights

Building on the previous discussion, Tig delves into the challenges of explaining complex topics like sexuality and drug use to her children. She expresses frustration with the abruptness required for such conversations, calling it "psychotic" to suddenly introduce these subjects ([33:08]). This reflection highlights the delicate balance parents must maintain between protecting their children and fostering open, honest dialogue.

Relationship with Parents

Both Tig and Mike share intimate reflections on their relationships with their fathers. Mike discusses the generational and experiential gaps that created distance between him and his dad ([44:41]). Conversely, Tig recounts a poignant moment with her stepfather at her mother's funeral, where he apologized for his lack of support and expressed a desire to understand her better ([46:39]). Tig states, "It's the parents' responsibility to learn who their child is," underscoring the importance of empathy and understanding in familial bonds.

Advice and Life Lessons

Towards the episode's conclusion, Tig offers profound advice on living authentically: "The best gift you can give anyone is a well-lived life of your own and just how freed up you are" ([24:11]). She emphasizes the importance of shedding societal expectations and embracing one's true self, a sentiment that resonates deeply with listeners navigating their own personal journeys.

Notable Quotes

Tig Notaro at [02:12]: "Look, I always say when people are like, 'Are you kidding?' I'm like, 'I don't even know. You decide.'”
Mike Birbiglia at [27:04]: "We have lived with them for how long? It's been a bit, right?"
Tig Notaro at [33:55]: "I think Stephanie and I are actually doing a really good job... They don't know we're gay."
Tig Notaro at [47:25]: "What he said to me was, you know, I was projecting what I thought a person should do in life. I was putting importance on things that he like."

Closing Remarks

Mike wraps up the episode by thanking Tig for her candid and heartfelt storytelling, praising her ability to intertwine humor with profound personal experiences. Tig reciprocates the gratitude, expressing inspiration drawn from Mike and the conversation they've shared. The episode concludes with Tig recommending the World Resources Institute as a worthy cause, emphasizing the importance of environmental sustainability.

Conclusion

This "Best Of" episode featuring Tig Notaro offers listeners a rich tapestry of humor, personal anecdotes, and insightful reflections on life, comedy, and parenting. Tig's storytelling prowess, combined with Mike's thoughtful hosting, creates an engaging and memorable listening experience. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to their work, this episode provides valuable lessons on authenticity, communication, and the complexities of human relationships.