Tig Notaro discusses her new comedy special 'Hello, Again' and how surviving cancer changed her outlook. She opens up about her relationship with her wife and the importance of family and meaningful work.
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Quick takeaways
Tig Notaro's comedy special 'Hello, Again' reintroduces a transformed persona post-cancer, emphasizing personal growth.
Tig's relationship with Stephanie evolved through humor, texts, and vulnerability during challenging times.
Embracing prayer amidst illness showcases a shift towards humility, surrender, and questioning of spirituality.
Deep dives
Stephanie: The Unexpected Connection
The podcast episode features the host sharing a personal story about meeting Stephanie during a difficult time in his life. Despite being guarded and self-centered, the host found a deep connection with Stephanie through texting, which led to a blossoming relationship. Stephanie's humor and constant communication through texts brought a sense of excitement and joy to the host during a period of vulnerability and openness.
Facing Illness and Vulnerability
The host recounts a period of extreme illness where he faced multiple serious health issues, including cancer, intestinal disease, and pneumonia. This experience pushed him to the brink of vulnerability, forcing him to let go of his cool exterior. Despite initially isolating himself and being private about his condition, he eventually opened up to Stephanie and others, embracing the vulnerability and emotional challenges that came with his illness.
Navigating Faith and Spirituality
During his illness, the host found himself praying regularly, despite not considering himself spiritual or religious. He reflects on the awkwardness of praying when not traditionally religious and even apologizes to God for praying without true belief. This experience of seeking comfort through prayer and questioning his connection to faith highlights a complex relationship with spirituality during a time of struggle and uncertainty.
Exploring the Power of Prayer and Humility
The podcast delves into the experience of embracing prayer as a form of humility and surrender. The speaker shares their initial awkwardness in trying prayer, highlighting the realization of limited control. Despite personal beliefs, the act of prayer is seen as tapping into a universal frequency of connection, emphasizing its mystical and beneficial nature. The conversation evolves to discuss moments of vulnerability and transformation linked to the practice of prayer, reflecting on the profound impact of embracing humility before the unknown.
Reflecting on Personal Evolution and Comedy Journey
The episode transitions to a reflection on personal growth and the evolution of comedic style. The discussion contrasts past observational comedy with present-day narratives rooted in personal experiences, particularly influenced by a battle with cancer. The speaker shares insights into navigating discomfort, highlighting a shift towards candidly discussing awkward and challenging moments. Through anecdotes about family life and comedic influences, the conversation explores the blend of humor and vulnerability shaping the speaker's comedic and personal journey.
Tig Notaro’s new comedy special is called “Hello, Again” which serves as a reintroduction of sorts, considering how much has changed in Tig’s life over the years. Tig explains to Marc how her previous tough, no-nonsense demeanor gave way to a different side after surviving cancer and falling in love. They talk about how Tig’s relationship developed with her wife Stephanie and why, after being pushed to the brink by illness, she just wants to raise her family and do work that’s important to her.