Summary
Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
In this episode, the hosts catch up on their summers, contrasting the frantic pace of Los Angeles with the grounding nature of quiet retreats in places like Lake Arrowhead and Colorado. They explore the balance between seeking a peaceful routine and the fundamental human need for meaningful work, drawing a humorous comparison to squirrels gathering acorns. The conversation then turns to a listener question about pretending to be interested in a partner's favorite hobbies, sparking personal anecdotes about enduring obscure theatrical productions and television shows for the sake of love.
- Taking time off to disconnect in nature can provide a helpful contrast to a busy working life. 2:02
- Finding joy and purpose often comes from remaining actively engaged in work rather than eliminating effort completely. 5:45
- Exploring creative writing or personal memoirs can be a satisfying way to make sense of past experiences. 10:52
- Partners sometimes spend years pretending to enjoy each other's favorite media before finally coming clean. 19:01
Chapters
- 0:02Intro and T-Shirt Reveal
Hosts introduce themselves and showcase Tig’s first promo T‑shirt.
- 0:44Daily Life in Los Angeles vs. Colorado
Hosts compare routines and the calming effect of Colorado’s nature.
- 2:50Squirrels as a Metaphor for Purpose
Hosts use squirrels to explore the importance of doing meaningful work.
- 3:54Family Time and Kids’ Kitchen Adventures
Tig describes her children cooking and the joy it brings.
- 5:01Balancing High‑Intensity Work and Quiet Moments
Discussion of juggling touring, filming, and personal downtime.
- 9:28Writing Aspirations and Past Projects
Tig and Fortune talk about past scripts, memoirs, and future writing ideas.
- 14:38Pretending Interests in Relationships
Answering a listener’s question about feigning interest for a partner.
- 23:17Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement
Hosts thank listeners, promote upcoming shows, and sign off.
Highlights
- 2:02
Weekend in Lake Arrowheadstory
The guest describes a peaceful weekend getaway in Lake Arrowhead, sitting on a dock and watching bats at sunset while enjoying time away from synthesizers and screens.
- 5:45
The Purpose of Squirrelsinsight
The host reflects on watching a squirrel in the park and concludes that true joy comes from having a purpose and doing necessary work rather than avoiding effort.
- 9:28
Considering Writing a Scriptinsight
The host reveals an itch to try writing a script about their life and move to Los Angeles, despite usually leaving the scriptwriting to their partner.
- 10:52
Writing a Pandemic Memoirstory
The guest shares that they spent the pandemic writing a self-indulgent memoir about their teenage years, finding the chronological sorting process very satisfying.
- 19:01
Pretending to Like Rick and Mortystory
A listener question prompts a story about pretending to enjoy Rick and Morty for six years before finally confessing the truth to a partner.
- 19:39
Playing Pac-Man at an Airbnbstory
The guest describes getting fiercely competitive while playing Pac-Man on a basement machine during a weekend trip to Lake Arrowhead.
- 21:10
Supporting a Partner's Playstory
The guest recounts attending an intensely peculiar play where their partner's friend played Monica Lewinsky accompanied by a lone saxophone player.
Quotes
About this episode
Mae and Tig take an interest in feigning an interest on a *fascinating* Pretty Little Episode! Handsome is hosted by Tig Notaro, Mae Martin, and Fortune FeimsterSubmit your questions to speakpipe.com/handsomepod http://speakpipe.com/handsomepodFollow us on social media @handsomepodMerch at handsomepod.com http://handsomepod.com/Watch Handsome on YouTube http://youtube.com/@handsomepodThis is a Headgum https://headgum.com/ podcast. Follow Headgum on Twitter https://x.com/headgum, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/headgum/, and Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@headgum. Advertise on Handsome https://gumball.fm/shows/handsome via Gumball.fm http://gumball.fm/. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcript
3,802 words · 5 speakers
Speaker names marked are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.
Topics
- Colorado
- Pac-Man
- Lake Arrowhead
- Los Angeles
- You Hurt My Feelings
- HeadGum Podcast
- Rick and Morty
- Silver Lake
- Michigan
- Sherman Oaks
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