Tig Notaro Is Treading Water
Timestamps are as accurate as they can be but may be slightly off. We encourage you to listen to the full context.
Podcast Summary
This episode features comedian Tig Notaro discussing her journey through profound personal challenges that transformed her life and comedy. The conversation explores her legendary 2012 set at Largo—delivered just days after her cancer diagnosis—and how confronting mortality, loss, and health crises cracked her open to become more present and authentic. (00:45) The discussion covers her wild upbringing in Mississippi, her unconventional path to comedy, choosing presence over performance, and the powerful documentary she produced about poet laureate Andrea Gibson. Tig also shares insights about the current comedy landscape and bonds with Rich over their shared experience of spinal fusion surgery recovery.
- Main themes include transformation through adversity, authenticity in comedy, the power of vulnerability, work-life balance, and finding meaning through loss
Speakers
Tig Notaro
Tig Notaro is a Grammy-nominated comedian, actor, screenwriter, and producer best known for her deadpan comedic style and vulnerable storytelling. She rose to prominence after her legendary 2012 cancer diagnosis set at Largo, has released multiple Netflix specials, authored a New York Times bestselling memoir, and stars in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. She co-hosts the podcast "Handsome" and recently produced the Sundance-winning documentary "Come See Me in the Good Light" about poet Andrea Gibson.
Key Takeaways
Choose Presence Over Performance in Life
Tig's transformation in 2012 taught her the difference between living unconsciously versus being fully present. (53:00) Before her series of crises, she admits she was "not present in relationships" and "didn't really understand the preciousness of everything." The experience of losing her health, her mother, and facing mortality forced her to recognize how much of her life she had been living on autopilot. This awakening led her to prioritize being present with her family over constantly working, exemplified by her decision to step back from being a series regular to a recurring guest star to spend more time at home.
Vulnerability Is a Creative and Professional Superpower
Tig's decision to go on stage and announce "Hello, I have cancer" demonstrates how authentic vulnerability can create profound connection. (79:35) Rather than hiding her struggles, she used them as material, which resonated because "there's so much in that set that people can relate to. Most people have lost a relationship, and everyone's been affected by cancer." This approach of sharing real struggles in real time, rather than polished material, created something that went viral not for its perfection, but for its raw honesty.
Collaboration Enhances Rather Than Diminishes Creative Work
Despite being known for her individual comedic voice, Tig emphasizes the importance of seeking feedback and collaborating with others. (104:10) She describes how her wife Stephanie provides crucial notes on her work, and how working in writers' rooms made her show "One Mississippi" better than if it was just her perspective. The key is surrounding yourself with people whose taste you trust and being open to constructive criticism rather than being defensive about your work.
Prioritize Your North Star Over External Pressures
When discussing her plant-based lifestyle, Tig emphasizes that lasting change requires having a clear "north star" of why you've made a decision. (61:07) Whether it's health, ethics, or environmental concerns, you need a driving principle that keeps you aligned when faced with challenges or temptations. This principle applies beyond diet to any major life decision - having clarity about your deeper motivations helps you stay committed when external pressures try to pull you off course.
Patience and Process Lead to Breakthrough Moments
Tig's relationship with her stepfather demonstrates how meaningful change often requires patience and process rather than forcing immediate results. (43:00) For years, her stepfather couldn't accept her career choice or understand who she was. Rather than cutting him off, she maintained the relationship. This patience paid off when he eventually not only apologized but became a supportive presence in her life, even walking her down the aisle and embracing her chosen family.
Statistics & Facts
- Tig Notaro has been doing comedy for almost thirty years, starting her career after dropping out of high school having only completed seventh grade. (22:55) She failed eighth grade twice before being moved to ninth grade, which she also failed.
- In 2012, Tig experienced four major life crises within a four-month period: sinus infection that led to bronchitis, pneumonia, C. diff (contracted from pneumonia antibiotics), her mother's death from a fall, her relationship ending, and being diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. (50:15)
- The documentary "Come See Me in the Good Light" won the Sundance Film Festival unanimously among all 15 jurors, which the director noted was extremely rare for films of this type. (136:07)
