Podcast Summary: “Fortune Feimster Keeps it Positive” on So True with Caleb Hearon

Introduction

In the May 1, 2025 episode of So True with Caleb Hearon, host Caleb Hearon welcomes renowned comedian and actress Fortune Feimster. The episode delves into Fortune’s multifaceted career, personal life, and her unwavering commitment to positivity. Skipping over promotional segments, the conversation offers an insightful look into Fortune’s journey in the entertainment industry, her experiences on tour, and her perspectives on modern media and spirituality.

Career Beginnings

Fortune Feimster shares her transition from a small-town upbringing in Belmont, North Carolina, to the bustling entertainment hub of Los Angeles. At [16:07], Fortune recounts her early struggles, stating, “I was terrible at being a personal assistant… it got me out here. It was like that catalyst.” Her move was instrumental in shaping her career, leading her to take improv classes and eventually joining the Groundlings, which paved the way for her breakthrough in comedy.

Comedy and Acting

Fortune’s passion for comedy is evident as she discusses her initial foray into stand-up and her eventual success on platforms like Last Comic Standing and Netflix. At [17:30], she explains, “Once she [Chelsea Lately] said yes, it was off to the races. That’s when everyone started to say yes.” Her first comedy special, Sweet and Salty, is highlighted as a pivotal moment where she began to take her stand-up seriously, blending humor with personal narratives about coming out and family dynamics.

Personal Life and Relationships

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Fortune’s personal life, particularly her relationship with her wife, Jax. They met during Chicago Pride at [35:23], where Fortune describes their meeting as “one of the cutest things I’ve ever heard.” The duo navigated the challenges of maintaining a relationship while both were frequently on the road. Fortune reflects, “The first few years we were together, she was on the road with me a lot,” emphasizing the balancing act between personal and professional lives.

Touring and Life on the Road

Fortune offers a candid look into the demands of touring, highlighting both the exhilarating and exhausting aspects. At [06:19], she mentions, “But the travel’s hard. The travel part, that to me, is the kicker.” Despite the challenges, she expresses her love for performing, saying, “The stage part’s the cake.” The discussion underscores the relentless pace of touring, managing multiple shows, and the physical and emotional toll it can take.

Representation and Media Landscape

The episode delves into the evolving landscape of media and representation. Fortune and Caleb discuss the shift from traditional media to digital platforms, noting how podcasts like Fortune’s Handsome with Tig and May have amassed impressive followings. At [23:22], Fortune remarks, “You’re doing the exact thing that you have to be doing now because going the way of studios and networks and them giving you the breaks is just not it anymore.” They explore the challenges and opportunities that come with self-releasing content in an era dominated by social media influencers and digital natives.

Spirituality and Religion

Exploring deeper personal themes, Fortune shares her spiritual journey and thoughts on religion. At [55:00], she states, “I did not want to use religion as a weapon. So I take the good to definitely leave the rest.” Fortune identifies more with spirituality than institutional religion, emphasizing the importance of being a good person and fostering positive relationships. The conversation touches on the complexities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals within religious communities, highlighting Fortune's stance against using religion to marginalize.

True or False Segment

In a lively “True or False” segment towards the end of the episode ([62:35]), Caleb quizzes Fortune with a series of intriguing statements. Fortune impressively answers most correctly, showcasing her quick thinking and broad knowledge base. Notable moments include her correct identification that “Newborn baby koalas are the size of a jelly bean” [62:52] and her humorous response when stumped by “Facebook is older than eBay” [63:31].

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Fortune expressing her gratitude and fans being directed to her ongoing tour, Netflix specials, and podcast. Caleb emphasizes the importance of authenticity and positivity, traits that Fortune embodies both on and off the stage. The heartfelt exchange underscores the value of genuine connections and the impact of sharing personal stories to inspire and uplift others.

Notable Quotes

• Fortune Feimster [16:07]: “I was terrible at being a personal assistant… it got me out here. It was like that catalyst.”

• Fortune Feimster [17:30]: “Once she [Chelsea Lately] said yes, it was off to the races. That’s when everyone started to say yes.”

• Fortune Feimster [35:23]: “So we’re relegated to the parking lot. And they... we met right away.”

• Caleb Hearon [23:22]: “You’re doing the exact thing that you have to be doing now because going the way of studios and networks and them giving you the breaks is just not it anymore.”

• Fortune Feimster [55:00]: “I did not want to use religion as a weapon. So I take the good to definitely leave the rest.”

• Caleb Hearon [56:14]: “The majority of people there are not [racist or homophobic]. They’re not the things that you're worried about.”

• Fortune Feimster [58:58]: “I didn't know any out gay people either till I moved to LA.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of So True with Caleb Hearon offers a rich tapestry of discussions ranging from career evolution and personal growth to the intricacies of modern media and the importance of authenticity. Fortune Feimster's infectious positivity and candid storytelling provide listeners with both laughter and profound insights, embodying the essence of what makes So True a beloved podcast.