Podcast Summary: Senses Working Overtime with David Cross
Episode: Liza Treyger
Release Date: February 27, 2025
Host: David Cross (Headgum)
Guest: Liza Treyger

1. Introduction and Personal Background

[01:14 - 02:16]

The episode kicks off with David Cross introducing Liza Treyger, delving into the nuances of her name and cultural background. Liza explains, “My full name is Yele Zaveta. So it's just like the shortened, like it's popped out, it's foreign” ([01:46]). She was born in the Soviet Union, present-day Ukraine, and often faces misunderstandings about her nationality. Liza shares her frustrations with people assuming she's Russian, stating, “Why are you speaking Russian, you fucking bitch?” ([01:58]). This cultural identity discussion sets the stage for exploring Liza's unique experiences and perspectives.

2. Comedy and Podcasting Ventures

[03:20 - 12:00]

Liza reveals her long-standing passion for comedy, highlighting her 15-year journey that began in Chicago’s vibrant comedy scene. She appreciates the camaraderie she found there: “I am still friends with a lot of the people I met in those bars, and that feels nice” ([04:27]). Transitioning to her podcasting endeavors, Liza discusses her Law and Order SVU podcast where she recaps episodes and dives deep into true crime stories. She mentions, “I study a lot about pedophiles because of a Law and Order SVU podcast” ([07:38]). The conversation shifts to harrowing true crime cases that have impacted her deeply, such as the Ohio basement kidnapping case, emphasizing the emotional toll these stories take on her ([08:10]).

3. Personal Experiences and Paranoia

[12:00 - 15:09]

The dialogue becomes more personal as Liza shares unsettling experiences that have heightened her sense of paranoia. She recounts being attacked outside her apartment and encountering suspicious individuals: “I have been attacked out and about” ([12:35]). Liza discusses her strategies to stay safe, like avoiding turning on lights when returning home, reflecting her increased vigilance in a seemingly unpredictable world ([12:56]).

4. Comedy Special and Indie Projects

[13:00 - 51:20]

Liza talks about her comedy special, "Night Owl," available on Netflix, showcasing her ability to blend humor with personal anecdotes: “Owl Night Owl” ([13:30]). She discusses the financial aspects of production, choosing to invest her earnings back into her work to maintain creative control. The conversation then transitions to her experiences working on indie films, describing challenges and learning moments during production. Liza highlights the collaborative spirit of indie filmmaking, despite logistical hurdles like extreme heat during shoots ([44:15 - 48:33]).

5. Media Influence and Political Polarization

[33:52 - 39:59]

A significant portion of the episode delves into the impact of media on political polarization. Liza and David discuss how different media outlets, like Fox News and podcasts, amplify divisions, making it difficult for politicians like President Biden and public figures to communicate effectively. They explore the culture wars and their effects on voter behavior, with Liza noting, “Republicans have consistently, for generations, voted against their own self-interest” ([36:33]). The conversation highlights the challenges Democrats face in countering the aggressive narratives propagated by certain media channels ([36:52]).

6. Personal Relationships and Trust Issues

[55:42 - 62:15]

Liza opens up about her struggles with trust and honesty in friendships. She shares a poignant story about a friend who repeatedly lied, leading to the deterioration of their relationship: “And I caught them, like, doing even worse stuff” ([59:31]). This segment underscores the importance of trust and authenticity in personal connections, with Liza expressing her discomfort with deceit: “I don’t like liars either” ([58:46]).

7. Humorous Anecdotes and Light-Hearted Moments

[68:15 - 70:32]

Towards the end of the episode, Liza and David engage in light-hearted banter, addressing a humorous question from David’s daughter about farting. Liza humorously deflects the question, maintaining her discomfort with poop humor while still participating in the playful exchange: “How do I fart in the mornings?” ([68:15]). This segment provides a brief respite from the heavier topics discussed earlier, showcasing the natural flow and chemistry between the host and guest.

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

[70:37 - End]

The episode wraps up with David Cross offering closing remarks, thanking Liza Treyger for her insights and participation. Although Liza attempts to maintain her composure during the humorous finale, the overall tone remains friendly and appreciative of the engaging conversation they shared throughout the episode.

Notable Quotes

• Liza Treyger on Cultural Identity:
  “Why are you speaking Russian, you fucking bitch?” ([01:58])

• On True Crime Impact:
  “Not favorite. We like haunting. Like the ones that have haunted me the most, that like scare me and have changed my being...” ([08:10])

• On Media and Politics:
  “Republicans have consistently, for generations, voted against their own self-interest. A lot of the reason is because of culture war. This, this, this time it was trans and it works. Before that it's gay people and it works.” ([36:33])

• On Trust and Honesty:
  “I don't like liars either. And I've just was lied to by... when you get... Now, the whole friendship is ruined.” ([59:38])

• Humorous Exchange:
  Daughter’s Question: “How do you fart?” ([68:15])
  Liza's Response: “How do I fart in the mornings?”

Key Takeaways

• Cultural Identity: Liza Treyger's background as a Soviet Union-born individual in the U.S. offers a unique perspective on identity and the challenges of cultural misunderstandings.

• Passion for Comedy and Storytelling: Her extensive experience in comedy and podcasting highlights her commitment to engaging audiences through humor and storytelling, especially in the true crime genre.

• Impact of Media on Society: The episode underscores the significant role media plays in shaping political landscapes and societal divisions, raising concerns about misinformation and polarization.

• Personal Integrity: Liza emphasizes the importance of honesty and trust in personal relationships, sharing her experiences to highlight the detrimental effects of deceit.

• Balancing Heavy and Light Topics: While addressing serious issues, the conversation also incorporates humor and personal anecdotes, maintaining a balanced and engaging narrative throughout the episode.

Final Note:
This summary encapsulates the rich and multifaceted discussion between David Cross and Liza Treyger, providing listeners with an in-depth overview of the episode's key points, insights, and memorable moments.