Senses Working Overtime with David Cross: Episode featuring Dave Hill

Release Date: October 3, 2024

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Senses Working Overtime, host David Cross welcomes comedian Dave Hill for a candid and humorous conversation. The duo navigates through a variety of topics, blending personal anecdotes with sharp comedic insights. The episode offers listeners a glimpse into Dave Hill's experiences, thoughts on city life, mental health, and the unique challenges of performing in unconventional venues.

Exploring New Orleans

David kicks off the conversation by recounting his recent trip to New Orleans, highlighting the city's intense heat and humidity.

"I was just in New Orleans for a couple days and it is. I don't understand. I love the city. Great city. But how do people live there during the summer?" [01:20]

Dave empathizes with the struggle, sharing his own experiences with the city's climate and culture. They discuss the vibrant music scene, with David mentioning his performance at Tipitina's alongside Sean Patton and Shane Torres, praising the venue and the crowd.

Chicago vs. Cleveland: A Comedic Rivalry

The conversation shifts to city comparisons, particularly Chicago and Cleveland. David expresses his fondness for Chicago but contrasts it with his views on Cleveland, suggesting that Cleveland has lost its way over the years.

"Cleveland is Cleveland and Chicago is super Chicago. Cleveland is, it just seems to have gone off track and never got back on." [04:29]

Dave counters by defending Cleveland, highlighting aspects like the Guardians' stadium and the city's recent developments, though he admits his reservations about the city's outward expansion.

The Quirks of Stadium Naming Rights

David and Dave delve into the often humorous world of stadium naming rights. David quips about the potential hilarity of a stadium named after himself.

"I'll pay 100 grand doable, you know, what is it like AAA Park. I'll do that David Cross is awesome Field." [05:39]

They discuss how sponsors influence venue names, with David offering a playful fantasy of renaming fields after himself, emphasizing the absurdity and creativity in such marketing strategies.

Navigating Anxiety and Mental Health

The conversation takes a personal turn as Dave opens up about his struggles with anxiety and his reliance on medications like Klonopin.

"I have anxiety. Yeah. Do you take anything for it? Not regularly, no. But I just try to go running and it helps." [08:02]

David shares his own coping mechanisms, highlighting the importance of addressing mental health openly and supporting one another through vulnerable discussions.

Dave Hill's Upcoming Residency

Dave excitedly shares news about his upcoming residency at the Soho Playhouse in New York City.

"I'm doing a residency at Soho Playhouse starting September 16th, here in New York City. My show, Dave Hill, Caveman in a Spaceship." [11:42]

David offers enthusiastic support, praising Dave's talent and warmth, which underscores the camaraderie between the host and guest.

The Rikers Prison Gig: Unexpected Challenges

One of the episode's most compelling segments revolves around David and Dave's experience performing at Rikers Island. They recount the challenges of entertaining an audience in a high-security environment.

"And it was just some, you know, fold out metal chairs. And then we went up and there was actually a mic that was unnecessary because there were only 12, 13 prisoners at most. It was very awkward." [12:43]

Dave shares how unexpected behaviors from both the audience and the venue staff made the performance more tense than anticipated. They reflect on the impact of trying to bring humor into such a setting and the lessons learned from the experience.

Heartwarming and Heartbreaking Dog Stories

Dogs become a central theme as both David and Dave discuss their experiences with rescue dogs. David narrates the story of surprising his daughter with a new puppy, Rose Fighter Jet Cross, highlighting the joy and chaos pets bring into their lives.

"And she got so excited and she was thrilled. And this dog who basically picked her, they picked each other." [28:42]

Conversely, Dave shares a poignant story about his dog Ollie, detailing the difficult decision to euthanize her due to health issues. The emotional depth of his narrative adds a heartfelt dimension to the episode.

"And I kept around longer than I should have and I knew I was doing it her. The last three months were just like, what am I doing?" [49:03]

Their stories about dogs not only provide comedic relief but also touch on the profound bonds between humans and their pets.

Q&A: A Curious Inquiry from David's Daughter

The episode concludes with a charming Q&A segment where David's daughter poses a science question to Dave.

"Why does ice stick to your fingers when it's cold?" [62:27]

Dave provides a thoughtful response, demonstrating his ability to engage with young minds and bridge the gap between comedy and education.

Conclusion

This episode of Senses Working Overtime offers a rich tapestry of humor, personal stories, and insightful conversations. From the trials of performing in a prison setting to the heartfelt tales of rescue dogs, David Cross and Dave Hill create an atmosphere that is both entertaining and deeply relatable. Listeners are left with a greater appreciation for the nuances of city life, the importance of mental health, and the unbreakable bonds between humans and their canine companions.

Notable Quotes

• David Cross: "It's all about contrasting shirts. Half the battle." [00:57]

• David Cross: "I can tell you I go to a number of baseball games a year, number sporting events, and I certainly watch a lot on TV and I always patronize the sponsor." [07:40]

• Dave Hill: "I shot her in the nose. No, I couldn't. I just couldn't." [49:24]

• David Cross: "That's a really good question." [62:27]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and humorous exchanges between David Cross and Dave Hill, providing a vivid overview for those who haven't yet tuned into the episode.