Senses Working Overtime with David Cross – Episode Featuring Brooks Wheelan

Release Date: November 21, 2024

In this engaging episode of "Senses Working Overtime with David Cross," host David Cross sits down with fellow comedian Brooks Wheelan for a candid and humorous exploration of politics, personal experiences, and adventurous exploits. The conversation weaves through a myriad of topics, offering listeners a blend of insightful commentary and lighthearted banter.

1. Reflecting on the 2024 Election

The episode kicks off with a deep dive into the aftermath of the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Both Cross and Wheelan express their reactions to the results, emphasizing the pervasive polarization within the country.

• Brooks Wheelan shares his on-the-ground observations:
  "I was reading the very small local papers, and they're doing their election things. Like, we talked to 10 people and got their opinions. And I said, the Trump to Harris signs are, like, 10 to 1. And also the Trump signs are angrier. They're just angry."
  (Timestamp: [05:05])

• David Cross adds his perspective on the enduring divide:
  "This is who America is."
  (Timestamp: [04:22])

The hosts discuss the anticipated prolongation of political disputes if certain candidates had won, highlighting the fragility of democratic processes in the current climate.

2. Rural vs. Urban Political Dynamics

A significant portion of the conversation delves into the stark differences between rural and urban voting behaviors, with both comedians reflecting on their own backgrounds and the shifting political landscapes of their home states.

• David Cross reflects on his Iowa upbringing:
  "I grew up in Iowa, and like in 2000, when he was trying to win, like, guarantee Iowa, he gave Dan Gable a presidential medal of Freedom. This is mid Covid. We're losing our minds. We're voting."
  (Timestamp: [21:11])

• Brooks Wheelan emphasizes the sense of being misunderstood in rural areas:
  "People go to the city because there's more. And I don't know if smart, because, my family lives there and I love them, but I don't know if smart's the right word."
  (Timestamp: [07:53])

They explore themes of migration from rural to urban areas, the cultural and political shifts that accompany such movements, and the resulting disenfranchisement felt by those remaining in less populated regions.

3. The Irony of Abortion Legislation

The hosts tackle the complex and contentious issue of abortion laws, using their trademark humor to highlight the contradictions and practical challenges of recent legislation.

• Brooks Wheelan muses on the logistical nightmares:
  "It's just like, the idea of like drive to a different state, like it's not up. I'm like, is a 15 year old that needs an abortion. Like they live in Central Texas. Like I can drive to fucking... what was the nearest one? Like Kansas for them?"
  (Timestamp: [13:38])

• They brainstorm absurd yet comedic solutions, such as high-speed rail and cruise ships designed specifically for those seeking abortions:
  "It's a fast train. So that's it. We'll have abortion trains."
  (Timestamp: [14:34])

This segment underscores the dissonance between legislative intent and real-world application, all while keeping the tone light and entertaining.

4. Brooks Wheelan’s Career and SNL Experience

Transitioning from politics to personal career highlights, Brooks Wheelan recounts his stint with Saturday Night Live (SNL) and the challenges he faced transitioning from engineering to comedy.

• Brooks Wheelan describes his abrupt entry into the SNL cast:
  "I was there for three weeks writing, like, pre. The pre. All the commercials. And then a week before Lauren's like, you should be in the cast. I was like, oh, great. Of course. And I'm dumb enough to be like, this is. Of course I'm ready."
  (Timestamp: [27:21])

• David Cross empathizes with Brooks’s experience, highlighting the pressures and unpredictability of a comedy career:
  "I cried in that bathroom. I cried with a wig on. Right there."
  (Timestamp: [31:35])

Brooks shares anecdotes about his colleagues, including interactions with Kyle Mooney and the high-paced environment of SNL, offering listeners an insider’s glimpse into the world of sketch comedy.

5. Adventurous Travels and Extreme Experiences

A substantial part of the episode is dedicated to Brooks Wheelan’s thrilling travel adventures, ranging from Alaska to Mozambique, and challenging hikes like the Inca Trail.

• Alaskan Escapades:
  Brooks details his extensive tour in Alaska, including logging visits to remote towns and capturing unique local cultures:
  "I went to Alaska. Did two weeks of shows all over the place. Yeah, I went to like McCarthy, then Juno, Sitka, Cordova, Fairbanks, Telkita and Sultana."
  (Timestamp: [36:16])

• Scuba Diving in Mozambique:
  Brooks recounts a harrowing scuba diving experience where he got separated from his dive partner:
  "I lost her. I can't, I can't find where she is. I don't know what's going on."
  (Timestamp: [49:17])

• Inca Trail Hike:
  David Cross shares his own challenging hike on the Inca Trail with Bob Odenkirk, emphasizing the physical and mental demands of such adventures:
  "It's definitely hard, but you do it and you know, and then it's just stunning the whole way through."
  (Timestamp: [70:03])

These stories not only highlight Brooks's adventurous spirit but also serve as a metaphor for navigating life's unpredictable challenges.

6. Personal Anecdotes and Humorous Exchanges

Throughout the episode, Cross and Wheelan engage in playful and humorous exchanges, discussing everything from lost glasses at Victoria Falls to misadventures in camping and hiking.

• Lost Glasses in Victoria Falls:
  Brooks humorously shares how he lost his glasses while visiting Devil’s Pool:
  "They let you kill stuff. They were cool about it, just gave it to the lions."
  (Timestamp: [55:51])

• Camping Fights:
  The comedians joke about minor conflicts during camping trips, such as debates over trail mix versus gorp:
  "I had a fight with Carl because he's 40, and he calls it gorp still. He's like, he's like, I remember that."
  (Timestamp: [72:27])

These lighthearted moments provide a relatable and entertaining counterbalance to the more intense discussions on politics and personal challenges.

7. Listener Q&A: Imagining a People-Free Earth

In a heartwarming finale, David Cross concludes the episode with a question from his daughter:
"What would happen if there were no people on Earth?"
(Timestamp: [79:09])

• Brooks Wheelan imagines a world where animals roam freely:
  "And each one, they're like, welcome to Chicago. Humans went extinct 30 years ago. A giraffe roams the road."
  (Timestamp: [80:03])

The response includes playful speculation about animals inheriting human spaces and the resurgence of nature, encapsulating the podcast’s blend of humor and imagination.

Conclusion

This episode of "Senses Working Overtime with David Cross" offers a captivating mix of political discourse, personal storytelling, and comedic relief. Brooks Wheelan’s diverse experiences, from the political battlegrounds to the wild terrains of Alaska and Africa, provide listeners with a multifaceted look into the life of a modern comedian navigating both fame and adventure. The dynamic interplay between Cross and Wheelan ensures a rich and engaging listening experience, making complex topics accessible and entertaining for all.

Notable Quotes:

• "This is who America is." — David Cross ([04:22])
• "We'll have abortion trains." — Brooks Wheelan ([14:34])
• "I cried in that bathroom. I cried with a wig on. Right there." — Brooks Wheelan ([31:35])
• "We're just a bunch of dudes in the car being like what." — Brooks Wheelan ([37:32])
• "Abortion trains. That's America's new." — Brooks Wheelan ([14:34])

This structured summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, personal anecdotes, and memorable quotes, ensuring it’s both informative and engaging for those who haven’t listened to the podcast.