SmartLess Podcast Episode Summary: "Tig Notaro"

Episode Information:

• Podcast: SmartLess
• Hosts: Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett
• Guest: Tig Notaro
• Release Date: January 20, 2025

Introduction to Tig Notaro

In this heartfelt and humorous episode of SmartLess, hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett welcome the incredibly talented Tig Notaro. From the outset, the conversation establishes a warm rapport, with Tig’s candidness setting the tone for an engaging discussion.

Early Life and Name Origin

Tig delves into the origins of her unique name, revealing that it was bestowed upon her by her older brother, who found "Matilda" challenging to pronounce. This anecdote not only highlights her family dynamics but also sets the stage for her later stories about personal identity.

• Tig Notaro [20:34]: "My brother came up with Tig because he couldn't pronounce Mattel, and somehow, he just created Tig."

Career Beginnings: From Music to Stand-Up Comedy

Tig shares her journey from managing rock bands to pursuing her passion for stand-up comedy. Moving from Denver to Los Angeles marked a pivotal shift in her career, driven by the discovery of numerous open mic opportunities that aligned with her long-held dream of performing.

• Tig Notaro [16:37]: "I spent the first two weeks going to every open mic I could possibly attend, practicing my material talking into a flashlight in front of a mirror."

Stand-Up Comedy: Triumphs and Tribulations

Tig recounts her initial experiences with stand-up, including her first performance on SmartLess, which she humorously describes as "horrifying." Despite early setbacks, such as bombing her second gig in Denver, Tig's resilience shines through as she explains how these experiences shaped her comedic style.

• Tig Notaro [25:21]: "At 22 years old, I thought my comedy was so bad it cost the club an emergency fill-in comedian. It was mortifying, but I learned to laugh at myself."

Personal Challenges: Overcoming Illness

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Tig's brave battle with multiple illnesses, including cancer, pneumonia, and C. Diff. Her openness about these struggles provides deep insights into her strength and how these experiences influence her humor and storytelling.

• Tig Notaro [54:41]: "I was deathly ill with three diseases at once. Collapsing and facing those moments taught me resilience and shaped my comedic voice."

Relationships and Love

Tig shares a touching and humorous story about meeting her wife, Stephanie, highlighting the serendipitous and unconventional nature of their relationship. The tale of swapping sweaters on Valentine's Day and the ensuing connection underscores Tig's unique approach to love and life.

• Tig Notaro [56:27]: "We switched sweaters at a bar, and that moment led to us making out and eventually falling in love. It was pure and unexpected."

Current Projects and Future Endeavors

Currently based in Toronto, Tig discusses her ongoing work in stand-up comedy, her upcoming documentary "Come See Me in the Good Light," and her involvement in various creative projects. Her enthusiasm for podcasting and directing showcases her versatility and commitment to her craft.

• Tig Notaro [65:27]: "My documentary about Andrea Gibson is set to premiere at Sundance. It's a phenomenal piece about a phenomenal person."

Comedy Philosophy and Style

Throughout the episode, Tig offers valuable insights into her comedic philosophy. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity, adaptability, and the ability to connect with the audience through genuine storytelling rather than rigid scripting.

• Tig Notaro [39:57]: "I leave my mind open during performances. If something crosses my mind or the audience says something, I go with it and explore that moment."

Family and Personal Life

Tig introduces her family, including her wife Stephanie and their two sons, Max and Finn. She shares adorable anecdotes about her children's sense of humor and her life at home, painting a picture of a joyful and supportive family environment.

• Tig Notaro [52:30]: "My son Max said, 'I'm getting the hell out of here. All these damn cats.' I loved his bone-dry humor right from the start."

Closing Reflections

As the episode wraps up, the hosts express their admiration and love for Tig, reflecting on her incredible journey and the laughter she brings into their lives. The conversation leaves listeners with a profound appreciation for Tig's resilience, humor, and the genuine connections she fosters.

• Sean Hayes [67:53]: "We've known Tig for a long time. She's always been so funny and unique. There's nobody like her."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Tig Notaro [16:37]: "I spent the first two weeks going to every open mic I could possibly attend, practicing my material talking into a flashlight in front of a mirror."
• Tig Notaro [25:21]: "At 22 years old, I thought my comedy was so bad it cost the club an emergency fill-in comedian. It was mortifying, but I learned to laugh at myself."
• Tig Notaro [54:41]: "I was deathly ill with three diseases at once. Collapsing and facing those moments taught me resilience and shaped my comedic voice."
• Tig Notaro [65:27]: "My documentary about Andrea Gibson is set to premiere at Sundance. It's a phenomenal piece about a phenomenal person."
• Sean Hayes [67:53]: "We've known Tig for a long time. She's always been so funny and unique. There's nobody like her."

Conclusion

This episode of SmartLess offers an intimate glimpse into Tig Notaro's life, blending humor with poignant moments. Through her stories of personal struggle, professional growth, and heartfelt relationships, Tig exemplifies resilience and authenticity. The hosts' genuine admiration and playful banter further enrich the conversation, making this episode a memorable listen for both long-time fans and newcomers.

Note: This summary focuses exclusively on the content-driven sections of the podcast, omitting advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content segments to provide a clear and comprehensive overview of the episode.