Podcast Summary: "Senses Working Overtime with David Cross" Featuring Brian Posehn
Podcast Information:
- Title: Senses Working Overtime with David Cross
- Host: David Cross (Headgum)
- Guest: Brian Posehn
- Release Date: April 10, 2025
1. Welcome and Setting the Scene
The episode begins with David Cross warmly welcoming Brian Posehn to the podcast. Brian arrives with a special gift for David—a set of skateboard comics he created for Image, sparking an initial casual conversation about their favorite pieces.
Notable Quote:
- [00:52] David Cross: "All right, well, which is the one that's going to be the most valuable? Oh, Jesus. Pulling a Mark Norman dummy."
2. Exploring "Nerd Poker" and Dungeons & Dragons
A significant portion of the discussion centers around Brian’s podcast, Nerd Poker, which focuses on playing Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). Brian explains how he started the podcast to reconnect with friends and indulge in his love for D&D, emphasizing the fun and creativity involved.
Notable Quotes:
- [04:09] Brian Posehn: "We just play D&D and record it."
- [05:27] David Cross: "I simply, mostly 80% of these podcasts is just being silly."
- [07:35] David Cross: "So, tell me about your freaking Dungeons and Dragons thing again. That's where everybody's doing now."
Key Points:
- Brian discusses the role of the Dungeon Master (DM) and the preparation it entails.
- The camaraderie and unpredictability of D&D sessions.
- David Cross shares his brief and less immersive experience with D&D, highlighting the contrast between structured fantasy leagues and creative role-playing.
3. Personal Lives and Parenting
The conversation shifts to personal aspects, focusing on parenting and how it intersects with their professional lives. David talks about his daughter’s interests and the balance he maintains between being a father and a comedian.
Notable Quotes:
- [27:29] David Cross: "But she came to it on her own, collecting baseball cards."
- [75:49] David Cross: "And she just turned eight, like, last week on stage."
Key Points:
- Brian shares stories about his son’s gaming interests and how parenting has influenced his perspective.
- David discusses the challenges of parenting, such as handling grief over his dog Ollie's passing and introducing his daughter to complex topics like those from "Human Centipede."
4. Doppelgangers and Public Recognition
A humorous segment ensues as Brian and David discuss encountering people who resemble them, leading to funny anecdotes about mistaken identities and the quirks of fame.
Notable Quotes:
- [19:53] David Cross: "The guys that look like me and the women that love them."
- [20:03] Brian Posehn: "No, but there's guys that look scarily like me."
Key Points:
- Brian recounts instances where fans mistook others for him, leading to amusing interactions.
- David reflects on how his distinct appearance sometimes makes him a target for mistaken identity.
5. Touring, Performing, and the Life of a Comedian
Brian and David delve into the realities of touring and performing stand-up comedy, discussing the highs and lows, the loneliness on the road, and the dynamics of having opening acts.
Notable Quotes:
- [57:49] Brian Posehn: "And that he's taking on other comics and talking about the state of comedy when a lot of us are quiet about it."
- [58:04] David Cross: "You're not getting paid for the hour I'm on stage. I'm getting paid for the other 23 hours of my life."
Key Points:
- The logistical and emotional challenges of touring with responsibilities like family.
- The camaraderie and support among comedians, as well as the occasional frustrations.
- Brian emphasizes the importance of having fellow comedians set the tone for a show’s energy.
6. Creative Projects: Writing Comics and Books
Brian introduces his creative ventures, including his recent comic books like Grommets and Rifters. He discusses the inspiration behind these projects, drawing from personal experiences such as working in skate shops during the '80s.
Notable Quotes:
- [61:57] Brian Posehn: "Rifters is basically like time travel with the police procedural."
- [66:26] David Cross: "I think you were a jackass still. But I wasn't like a messy drunk."
Key Points:
- Brian collaborates with friends to create engaging and creator-owned content.
- The blend of personal anecdotes with fictional storytelling enriches his comic narratives.
- David shares his enthusiasm for Brian’s projects and hints at his own creative ideas inspired by the conversation.
7. Closing Thoughts and Final Banter
As the episode draws to a close, Brian and David engage in light-hearted banter, including a mock segment of Wayne Brady's "What If?" podcast and playful exchanges about answering children's questions. They reflect on the joys and challenges of creativity, parenting, and maintaining personal connections amidst professional demands.
Notable Quotes:
- [70:10] Brian Posehn: "They're racist."
- [71:00] David Cross: "What's her favorite Mr. Show sketch? Your daughter's."
Key Points:
- The importance of humor and creativity in navigating personal and professional life.
- Shared experiences that highlight their enduring friendship and mutual respect.
Conclusion
In this engaging episode of "Senses Working Overtime with David Cross," host David Cross and guest Brian Posehn explore a wide array of topics ranging from creative projects and role-playing games to the intricacies of parenting and the life of touring comedians. Their candid and humorous dialogue provides listeners with insightful glimpses into their personal lives, creative processes, and the enduring bonds of friendship. Whether discussing the nuances of D&D or the challenges of maintaining familial relationships, David and Brian offer a compelling and entertaining conversation that resonates with fans and newcomers alike.
Notable Closing Quote:
- [74:50] Brian Posehn: "But she's great. She's goofy, is like super playful. Doesn't know her own size."
For More Episodes: Catch all new audio and video episodes every Thursday starting December 7 on Headgum. Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts!