Podcast Summary: The Commercial Break - TCB Infomercial: Fortune Feimster

Release Date: November 30, 2024

Introduction

In this special infomercial episode of The Commercial Break, hosts Bryan Green and Kristen Joy Odley welcome acclaimed comedian and actress Fortune Feimster. The episode delves into Fortune’s comedic journey, her insights on storytelling, her experiences touring extensively, and her role in the action-comedy series FUBAR alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Early Life and Comedy Beginnings

Fortune Feimster shares a heartfelt story about her name and family dynamics, highlighting the influence of her grandmother.

• Fortune Feimster [03:00]: “When I was born, she really, really wanted my mom to name me Fortune. She's like, that's the name. I'm telling you, like that.”

Bryan and Fortune discuss the significance of her name, revealing that Fortune was her middle name chosen by her grandmother to honor her heritage and instill confidence.

• Fortune Feimster [04:27]: “Anytime someone calls me Fortune, it will be like my little ear pull that Carol Burnett did. That's my version of it.”

Comedy Career and Evolution

Fortune recounts her transition from theater in North Carolina to pursuing comedy in Los Angeles. She emphasizes the importance of classes at The Groundlings and her initial goal to join Saturday Night Live.

• Fortune Feimster [20:26]: “I started taking classes at the Groundlings, where like Will Ferrell and of course McCarthy, all these people had studied at Kristen Wiig.”

She discusses overcoming stage fright and honing her comedic voice, leading to her first stand-up gig at the Comedy Store in 2007.

• Fortune Feimster [21:18]: “Once I took these classes just to really, just to make friends, it quickly grew into a passion and I kept getting encouraged to continue.”

Insights on Storytelling and Comedy

Fortune delves into her approach to storytelling in comedy, emphasizing authenticity and engagement.

• Fortune Feimster [24:51]: “I always am hoping that my mom will say something crazy. I'm like, writing it down because there's one story in my special, I talk about my mom falling in a cemetery.”

She explains the balance between true stories and comedic embellishments to keep audiences entertained.

• Fortune Feimster [26:28]: “I try to spit them back out in a way that's like, how can I keep someone's attention for eight whole minutes of a story?”

Fortune highlights the evolution of her material through extensive touring, performing up to 150 shows across 100 cities.

• Fortune Feimster [28:22]: “I'm writing new. Every time you put out a special, you have to write a whole new hour. Which is like the worst part of this.”

FUBAR with Arnold Schwarzenegger

The conversation shifts to Fortune’s role in FUBAR, an action-comedy series featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger. She praises Arnold's camaraderie and professionalism on set.

• Fortune Feimster [38:04]: “It's one of those shows where you don't have to think too much. We're going to entertain you for an hour and try to make you laugh and have some cool explosions.”

She describes the collaborative environment and Arnold's down-to-earth personality.

• Fortune Feimster [38:23]: “Arnold is just fun to watch. He knows what he's doing and he does it well. He's very kind and generous.”

Impact and Messages

Fortune reflects on the profound impact her comedy has on audiences, especially during challenging times like the pandemic.

• Fortune Feimster [49:03]: “Sweet and salty came out about a month before the pandemic. I had people saying, 'I thought this was just it,' and your show kept them from jumping off the bridge.”

She emphasizes her commitment to positivity in her material as a counterbalance to widespread negativity.

• Fortune Feimster [52:40]: “I genuinely wake up with a feeling of the glass half full. When I put out comedy and material, even clips online, I try to do it with the bend of being on the positive side.”

Personal Life and Relationships

Fortune discusses her relationship with her wife, Jax, highlighting their mutual support and her efforts to shield Jax from the limelight.

• Fortune Feimster [56:41]: “She travels a lot. I forced her to be out of this cover zone in so many situations just because I needed help.”

She appreciates Jax’s role in her career while maintaining her privacy.

• Fortune Feimster [57:07]: “She's a producer on all three specials and is very active on my team. I try to be considerate of not throwing her into the limelight too much.”

Conclusion and Upcoming Projects

The episode wraps up with congratulations to Fortune on her latest Netflix special and upcoming projects, including a new tour and her podcast.

• Fortune Feimster [60:18]: “I'm announcing a whole new big tour that's starting April 1st, so another hundred cities.”

Bryan and Kristen encourage listeners to tune into Fortune's new special and support her ongoing endeavors.

• Bryan Green [65:55]: “Fortune's brand new special is out. FUBAR will have another season. Watch the first season. Another season coming up.”

Notable Quotes

• Fortune Feimster [03:30]: “When I was born, she really, really wanted my mom to name me Fortune.”
• Fortune Feimster [21:19]: “I've been on tour. Every stinking day, I'm meeting a bunch of people.”
• Fortune Feimster [52:40]: “I genuinely wake up with a feeling of the glass half full.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Commercial Break offers an in-depth look into Fortune Feimster’s life, her dedication to comedy, and her positive outlook. Her candid conversations provide valuable insights into the world of stand-up comedy and acting, making it a must-listen for fans and aspiring comedians alike.

Additional Information

• Follow Fortune Feimster:
  • Website and Social Media Links (Links to be included in show notes)
• Upcoming Projects:
  • FUBAR Season 2 (Release Date: Spring)
  • New Stand-Up Tour (Starting April 1st)
  • Hand Handsome Podcast

Note: For more episodes and content, visit tcbpodcast.com.