Loss as a Catalyst for Presence and Authentic Comedy
Tig Notaro Is Treading Water
More from The Rich Roll Podcast
Redesigning Systems Beats Willpower in the Fight for Attention
Your phone isn’t hijacking your attention--design is. Willpower fails because systems win, but aligning incentives with behavior changes everything: less screen time pays you back, rebuilds focus, and restores real connection. The fix isn’t discipline--it’s redesign.
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The Real Competition Is for the Soul of Effort
The Enhanced Games revealed a deeper crisis: we're trading effort, meaning, and self-knowledge for the illusion of progress. The real threat isn't performance-enhancing drugs--it's a world where results erase ethics, and shortcuts replace growth.
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Shifting Economic Incentives to Transform Amazon Exploiters into Protectors
Transform Amazon exploiters into protectors by redefining their economic incentives. True preservation hinges on shifting human interaction with nature, not just protecting wild spaces.
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Resources & Recommendations
Books
- "Finding Ultra" by Rich Roll - One of Rich Roll's books.
- "Voicing Change" by Rich Roll - One of Rich Roll's books.
- "The Plantpower Way" by Rich Roll - One of Rich Roll's books.
Videos & Documentaries
- Come See Me In The Good Light - A documentary produced by Tig Notaro about her friend, poet Andrea Gibson, who passed away from cancer. It premiered on Apple TV on November 14th.
- Pamela Anderson documentary - Mentioned as being made by the same filmmakers who created "Come See Me In The Good Light."
People Mentioned
- Tig Notaro (Comedian, Actor, Screenwriter, Filmmaker, Podcaster) - The guest of the episode, discussing her career, personal challenges, and projects.
- Fortune Feimster (Comedian, Co-host of "Handsome" podcast) - Tig Notaro's co-host on the "Handsome" podcast.
- Mae Martin (Comedian, Co-host of "Handsome" podcast) - Tig Notaro's co-host on the "Handsome" podcast.
- Alex Kurtzman (Producer, Screenwriter) - Runs the Star Trek universe and is a long-time friend of Tig Notaro.
- Sam Raimi (Director) - Tig Notaro worked as a receptionist at his company early in her career.
- Holly Hunter (Actor) - Stars in the new "Starfleet Academy" series.
- Paul Giamatti (Actor) - Plays the villain in the new "Starfleet Academy" series.
- Taylor Dayne (Pop Singer) - Tig Notaro has a famous comedy bit about repeatedly running into her.
- Conan O'Brien (Talk Show Host) - Tig Notaro appeared on his show after her surgery.
- Reese Witherspoon (Actor, Producer) - Tig Notaro worked on a movie set with her.
- T. Colin Campbell (Nutrition Scientist) - His "school at Cornell" is where Tig Notaro received her plant-based nutrition certification.
- Maria Bamford (Comedian) - Described as a unique and brilliant comedian.
- Mike Birbiglia (Comedian, Podcaster) - Mentioned for his prolific work and his podcast "Working It Out."
- Ira Glass (Host, "This American Life") - Encouraged Tig Notaro to record her now-legendary Largo performance and worked with her on a segment for his show.
- Glennon Doyle (Author, Activist) - Interviewed Andrea Gibson on her platform, contributing to Gibson's wider recognition.
- Abby Wambach (Athlete, Activist) - Interviewed Andrea Gibson on her platform, contributing to Gibson's wider recognition.
- Andrea Gibson (Poet Laureate) - The subject of Tig Notaro's documentary "Come See Me In The Good Light," who passed away from cancer.
- Meg Falley (Poet, Andrea Gibson's wife) - An incredible poet and human being, according to Tig Notaro.
- Ryan White (Director) - Directed the "Come See Me In The Good Light" documentary and the Pamela Anderson documentary.
- Maria Shriver (Journalist, Author) - Mentioned as one of the public figures who spoke about Andrea Gibson after their passing.
- Oprah Winfrey (Media Executive, Talk Show Host) - Mentioned as one of the public figures who spoke about Andrea Gibson after their passing.
Organizations & Institutions
- Largo - A legendary comedy and music venue in Los Angeles known for its casual vibe and unvarnished performances.
- Headgum Studios - Where Tig Notaro and her co-hosts sometimes record the "Handsome" podcast if they are all in the same city.
- Cornell University - Mentioned in relation to the T. Colin Campbell plant-based nutrition program.
- This American Life - A radio show hosted by Ira Glass, where Tig Notaro performed a segment.
- Sundance Film Festival - Where the documentary "Come See Me In The Good Light" won an award.
Courses & Educational Resources
- Plant-based nutrition certification (T. Colin Campbell program at Cornell) - A rigorous course Tig Notaro completed to deepen her knowledge of plant-based eating.
Websites & Online Resources
- richroll.com - The podcast's official website, where listeners can find episode pages, links, and resources.
- Handsome - Tig Notaro's podcast, described as a "queer smart list but smarter."
- LA Weekly - A publication Tig Notaro used to find open mic opportunities when she first moved to Los Angeles.
- YouTube - Mentioned as a platform where Tig Notaro's "Taylor Dayne story" can be watched.
Other Resources
- Star Trek: Discovery - One of the Star Trek series Tig Notaro acted in.
- Starfleet Academy - The new Star Trek series starring Holly Hunter and Paul Giamatti, in which Tig Notaro has a recurring role.
- One Mississippi - Tig Notaro's TV show, which she directed an episode of.
- Am I OK? - A movie co-directed by Tig Notaro and her wife, starring Dakota Johnson.
- Working It Out - Mike Birbiglia's podcast, where artists share their work and give feedback.