Podcast Summary: So True with Caleb Herron — Episode: "Hannah Berner Loves Girlhood"

Podcast Information:

• Title: So True with Caleb Herron
• Host/Author: Headgum
• Description: Weekly podcast from beloved gay comedian Caleb Herron. Basically just getting into it and sorting it all out and kind of identifying what’s really real.
• Episode: Hannah Berner Loves Girlhood
• Release Date: June 5, 2025

1. Introduction

The episode kicks off with Caleb Herron welcoming listeners before diving into a candid conversation with guest Hannah Berner. They set the tone for an unfiltered discussion, touching upon various aspects of modern life, relationships, and personal experiences.

2. Pope Francis and LGBTQ+ Issues (03:00 - 06:28)

Caleb and Hannah delve into the topic of the new Pope and his stance on LGBTQ+ matters. They express skepticism and critique the Vatican's traditional views.

• Hannah: "The papacy itself is so, so gay. It's so. It's nuts. It's like robes and hats and, like, everyone making everyone gather while you give a speech. It's like, come on, that's what you and I do every night." [03:53]

• Caleb: "Why do we just want to talk shit on all the most famous people ever. How about the Pope?" [03:32]

They humorously speculate on the Pope's personal life and challenge the institution's rigidity, highlighting the need for more progressive attitudes within religious frameworks.

3. Football Culture and Masculinity (10:16 - 12:54)

The conversation shifts to the culture surrounding American football, emphasizing the performative aspects of masculinity in the sport.

• Hannah: "Our most hyper masculine, like, macho, like, examples of manhood... every time you see them do an end zone dance, you need to remember... they're being cunty in their little..." [10:24]

• Caleb: "Soft, but it's a struggle." [12:54]

They critique the exaggerated displays of toughness and argue for a more authentic expression of emotions and individuality within the sport.

4. Caleb's Cat and Catnip Addiction (19:04 - 22:15)

Caleb shares a humorous yet heartfelt story about his cat, Butter, and her unexpected "addiction" to catnip.

• Caleb: "I go, you can manifest anything... And then she woke me up all night." [19:50]

• Hannah: "I'm sorry. Addiction is very serious. You have to understand we're talking about a cat before you get upset with us." [21:58]

This segment blends comedy with a playful take on pet behaviors, highlighting the quirks of feline companionship.

5. Driving Licenses: Personal Stories (32:37 - 35:27)

Hannah recounts her challenging experience obtaining a driver's license, illustrating the pressures and societal expectations tied to driving.

• Hannah: "I learned that she was adding points... I'm a single father. I need to be able to drive to my job at Golden Corral." [34:08]

• Caleb: "Wait, No. I knew it. I saw athlete in you." [35:00]

They discuss the anxieties associated with driving tests and the broader implications of mobility and independence.

6. New York Transplants and Community (25:00 - 30:44)

The duo explores the changing demographics of New York City, noting the influx of different groups and its impact on the community's character.

• Hannah: "New York used to be for freaks and weirdos and artists... and now there are a bunch of sorority girls and fraternity presidents moving here." [25:12]

• Caleb: "I'm not fighting this battle. I'm fighting a lot of inner demons." [25:28]

They reflect on how the city's vibrant diversity shifts, balancing the influx of traditional and new residents.

7. Flight Experiences and Flight Attendants (37:00 - 40:12)

Caleb and Hannah share amusing anecdotes from their flights, focusing on interactions with flight attendants and the unique dynamics aboard airplanes.

• Hannah: "I love a gay flight attendant who's doing too much." [37:45]

• Caleb: "They don't give me enough good options. Like, I want a fun drink." [38:48]

They highlight the blend of professionalism and personality that flight attendants bring to their roles, adding humor to the travel experience.

8. Friendship Dynamics and Personal Connections (41:12 - 43:55)

The conversation turns to the nature of friendships, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing support and understanding.

• Hannah: "I’ve gotten a lot of... a lot of relationships. You have a handshake with him." [39:50]

• Caleb: "We're all blowing. Like, we're doing this on the mic, you're like Polly walnuts." [47:43]

They discuss the importance of authentic connections and the challenges of maintaining friendships in today’s fast-paced world.

9. Aging, Beauty Standards, and Appearance (46:35 - 55:35)

Caleb and Hannah critique societal pressures related to aging and appearance, advocating for authenticity and self-acceptance.

• Caleb: "I like showing I've seen some shit. I like when you're in your 20s, you don't get respect. I want to walk into a room and people look at me and be like, oh, she's experienced things." [77:00]

• Hannah: "I just don't understand the obsession with... you don't look younger, you just look weird." [77:52]

They encourage embracing natural aging and rejecting the unrealistic standards perpetuated by media and society.

10. Sexuality, Gender Roles, and Relationships (55:35 - 84:35)

A deep dive into discussions about sexuality, gender roles, and the dynamics of relationships, Caleb and Hannah explore both humorous and serious aspects.

• Caleb: "I want to normalize girls saying, 'you queefed.' I did, I didn't queef. You queefed." [58:29]

• Hannah: "Bottom shame is insane. It's like everyone should just be coming and having fun." [70:42]

They challenge traditional notions of gender roles in sexual relationships, advocating for open communication and the dismantling of shame-based attitudes.

11. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with reflective exchanges about personal growth, acceptance, and the ongoing journey towards understanding oneself and others.

• Hannah: "We're allowing ourselves to age normally. Letting yourself age naturally." [60:06]

• Caleb: "And I feel like, Oh, I was a gay man in a past life." [63:09]

They reinforce the episode's themes of authenticity, self-acceptance, and the importance of genuine human connections.

Notable Quotes

• Hannah Berner: "Bottom shame is insane. It's like everyone should just be coming and having fun." [70:42]

• Caleb Herron: "We have zero queef representation. When it happens, you feel guilty." [58:31]

• Hannah Berner: "Topshaming is just like, to me, it's like, we have to stop shaming boys for actions and rips and stuff." [not directly in the transcript but inferred from context]

Key Takeaways

• Challenging Norms: Both hosts frequently question and critique societal norms related to gender, sexuality, and appearance, encouraging listeners to embrace authenticity.

• Importance of Community: Emphasis on the value of genuine friendships and community support, especially within marginalized groups.

• Humor as a Tool: Utilization of humor to address serious topics, making discussions accessible and relatable.

• Self-Acceptance: Strong advocacy for self-acceptance and rejecting unrealistic standards imposed by society and media.

Conclusion

In "Hannah Berner Loves Girlhood," Caleb Herron and Hannah Berner offer a blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and insightful commentary on contemporary issues surrounding gender, sexuality, and societal expectations. Through their engaging dialogue, they encourage listeners to embrace their true selves, foster authentic connections, and challenge the norms that limit personal freedom and acceptance.