Senses Working Overtime with David Cross: Episode Featuring Kat Cohen

Release Date: December 12, 2024

Introduction

In this engaging episode of "Senses Working Overtime," hosted by David Cross and produced by Headgum, comedian Kat Cohen joins the conversation to delve into a myriad of topics ranging from professional experiences and personal anecdotes to health scares and family dynamics. The dialogue is both humorous and heartfelt, offering listeners a comprehensive look into the lives of both hosts.

1. NASA Tour Adventure

David Cross kicks off the episode by sharing an exhilarating experience:

David Cross [00:16]: "Sean Patton?... He’s a great comedian and an English teacher. We got invited to take a private tour of NASA. It was unbelievable. It was crazy."

Kat joins in with her recollection:

Kat Cohen [01:37]: "We took a tour of NASA... our tour guide fumbled, saying 'on the Earth' instead of 'earth's surface,' which became a running joke at home."

They discuss the awe-inspiring sights at NASA, including the command center and the world’s deepest pool used for astronaut training:

David Cross [02:12]: "They have a life-sized International Space Station in the water, 40 feet deep. It's massive, like a football field and a half."

2. Encounter with a Flat Earth Believer

The conversation takes a turn when David recounts an encounter with a flat Earth conspiracy theorist:

David Cross [06:00]: "I met a guy who firmly believes the Earth is flat. No matter what evidence I presented—like the curvature seen from space or cockpit camera footage from flights—it just didn't compute for him."

Kat adds humor to the situation:

Kat Cohen [07:19]: "He just keeps repeating what he learned online. It makes him feel powerful."

David humorously describes the man's intimidating handshake:

David Cross [07:25]: "He has the firmest handshake ever. Like RoboCop's handshake—frighteningly painful."

3. The Art of Handshaking

Shifting gears, the duo delves into personal stories about handshakes and first impressions:

Kat Cohen [08:11]: "I tried getting into hand modeling, but a professional manicurist said my nails weren't quite right."

David Cross [08:29]: "I've been awarded for having the softest hands in showbiz. It's paradoxical!"

They laugh over the irony and discuss the nuances of handshakes in social and professional settings.

4. Literary Pursuits and Reading Habits

David shares his recent literary adventures:

David Cross [17:30]: "I just finished 'Moby Dick' and found it unexpectedly funny. I've started rereading some classics like 'Pale Fire' and 'Economics with an X'."

Kat expresses her love for immersive reading:

Kat Cohen [22:14]: "I’m reading a new book about Joan Didion and Eve Babitt’s friendship. Five pages in, I’m transported back to the 60s LA."

They discuss their approaches to reading, balancing fiction and non-fiction, and the challenges of retaining information.

5. Upcoming Tours and Show Preparations

David elaborates on his evolving tour structure, emphasizing the dynamic nature of his performances:

David Cross [25:48]: "The show evolves with each tour. I incorporate new bits and drop others to keep it fresh."

He outlines his touring schedule, including upcoming dates in San Diego, Los Angeles, Oakland, and plans for Europe and the UK:

David Cross [24:26]: "I'll be at the Music Box in San Diego on January 9th, the Bellwether in LA on January 10th, and the Fox Theater in Oakland on January 11th."

Kat expresses excitement for his European dates, reminiscing about past performances:

Kat Cohen [46:19]: "Dublin shows were my favorite. They’re always so rowdy and fun."

6. Personal Health Scare: Kat's Stroke Experience

A poignant moment arises when Kat shares her medical ordeal:

Kat Cohen [32:08]: "I felt like I had a stroke—woozy, couldn't move my arm. I walked myself to CityMD."

She explains her diagnosis of a PFO (patent foramen ovale), a hole in the heart that can lead to strokes:

Kat Cohen [34:35]: "They found a hole in my heart that I wasn’t aware of. It’s not uncommon, and now they've closed it."

David empathizes, highlighting the importance of unions and healthcare support:

David Cross [36:37]: "I'm so lucky to have a strong union and good health insurance through SAG. It made all the difference."

Kat expresses gratitude towards the medical professionals and her union:

Kat Cohen [35:42]: "A shout out to SAG for my insurance. The nurses were saints."

7. Navigating Parenthood and Personal Life

The discussion shifts to family dynamics and parenthood:

David Cross [41:06]: "I have a seven-year-old daughter. Balancing touring and family is challenging, but rewarding."

Kat Cohen [44:14]: "I’m considering freezing my eggs. I'm almost 30 and want to focus on my dreams first."

They share humorous and heartfelt insights into parenting, relationships, and the complexities of maintaining personal connections while managing professional obligations.

8. Building Relationships and Serendipitous Meetings

David recounts the story of how he met his wife, Amber, highlighting the serendipitous nature of their relationship:

David Cross [52:25]: "We met at an awards party. Years later, I ran into her on a flight. It was playful and unexpected."

Kat and David discuss the intertwining of personal and professional lives, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections.

9. Closing Remarks and Future Endeavors

As the episode wraps up, both hosts reflect on their journeys and future projects. Kat promotes her new comedy special:

Kat Cohen [60:32]: "I would love everyone to go watch my new comedy special on Veeps, called 'Come for Me.'"

David shares final thoughts on evolving his show and the emotional aspect of concluding a tour:

David Cross [39:18]: "This tour has been incredibly fun. It feels like I'm closing a significant chapter."

They bid each other farewell, leaving listeners with a sense of camaraderie and anticipation for future episodes.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• David Cross [07:25]: "He has the firmest handshake ever. Like RoboCop's handshake—frighteningly painful."

• Kat Cohen [17:36]: "I did not expect 'Moby Dick' to be as funny as it was."

• David Cross [25:48]: "The show evolves with each tour. I incorporate new bits and drop others to keep it fresh."

• Kat Cohen [32:08]: "I felt like I had a stroke—woozy, couldn't move my arm. I walked myself to CityMD."

• David Cross [52:25]: "We met at an awards party. Years later, I ran into her on a flight. It was playful and unexpected."

Conclusion

This episode of "Senses Working Overtime" weaves together professional insights, personal stories, and heartfelt moments between David Cross and Kat Cohen. From exhilarating NASA tours and humorous encounters to navigating health scares and building meaningful relationships, listeners are treated to a rich tapestry of conversations that are both entertaining and enlightening. Whether you're a dedicated follower or a new listener, this episode offers valuable perspectives and genuine connections that resonate long after the episode ends.