Podcast Summary: Senses Working Overtime with David Cross – Episode featuring Mary Beth Barone
Release Date: October 31, 2024
Host: David Cross
Guest: Mary Beth Barone
Podcast Platform: Headgum
1. Warm Welcome and Casual Banter (00:02 - 00:40)
The episode kicks off with a friendly introduction between host David Cross and guest Mary Beth Barone. Their initial conversation revolves around the comfort of podcast chairs, setting a relaxed and personable tone for the episode.
- Mary Beth Barone (00:02): “This is a Headgum podcast. Hi, I'm Mary Beth.”
- David Cross (00:36): “You. I will give you your choice.”
2. Navigating Social Media and Technology (03:35 - 05:54)
David and Mary Beth delve into the frustrations of modern technology, particularly the overwhelm caused by incessant notifications and the challenges of adapting to platforms like TikTok.
- David Cross (03:35): “I have two friends who will... send six things in a row back to back to back to back. It’s just like put it in one fucking thing.”
- Mary Beth Barone (05:27): “Have you ever given them a stern talking to?”
3. Insights into Touring Life (05:55 - 07:10)
David shares details about his current tour, highlighting the constant travel and the unpredictability of tour locations. He humorously mentions the possibility of being in various cities simultaneously.
- David Cross (06:46): “I could be in Austria or Cologne, I don’t know... looking on my schedule to see where I am on tour.”
4. Love for New York vs. Aversion to Los Angeles (07:11 - 14:08)
A significant portion of the conversation centers on why David prefers living in New York over Los Angeles. He praises New York’s vibrant human interactions, diverse neighborhoods, and the city's resilience, contrasting it with his disdain for LA’s climate and lifestyle.
- David Cross (11:05): “But I just don’t understand the appeal. And again, every Single place that I wouldn’t want to live has its place within it that I like.”
- Mary Beth Barone (12:34): “I’ve been here now for 20, almost 24 years... I love it.”
5. Political Climate and Personal Experiences (14:09 - 49:55)
David and Mary Beth engage in a candid discussion about the current political tensions in the United States. David expresses deep concerns about the influence of former President Trump, the polarization evident in New York’s surroundings, and the impact of social media on societal divisions.
- David Cross (33:23): “So do you feel like, I guess also you were more like when I was, when I was a kid in the 90s...”
- Mary Beth Barone (39:54): “And they require money that could be funneled towards like, militarization.”
6. Personal Anecdote: Subway Altercation (26:21 - 29:22)
Mary Beth recounts a personal experience of a verbal confrontation on the subway, highlighting the often misunderstood and harsh perception of New Yorkers. This story underscores the underlying tensions exacerbated by the current political climate.
- Mary Beth Barone (26:22): “It was with a man... he said, you just kicked me. Are you not gonna say anything?”
- David Cross (28:15): “New York is changing.”
7. Stand-Up Comedy Process and Creative Challenges (60:02 - 66:55)
David provides an inside look into his stand-up comedy routine, detailing his method of crafting material, the challenges of maintaining originality, and the meticulous process of performing across various venues. He emphasizes the importance of interacting with the audience and adapting his style to different settings.
- David Cross (64:39): “I've been doing this for the last four tours...”
- Mary Beth Barone (64:07): “Like you've been a stand up for years and years. So do you ever get nervous that you'll just stop being funny?”
8. Family Life and Shared Interests (56:07 - 63:43)
The conversation shifts to personal life, where David shares heartwarming stories about his daughter’s budding interests in comedy and baseball card collecting. They discuss the joys and challenges of parenting, nurturing creativity, and balancing family activities with professional commitments.
- Mary Beth Barone (53:25): “Have you guys shown her Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants yet?”
- David Cross (59:49): “But you have the visual aspect of watching it. You have the sound right.”
9. Humor and Light-Hearted Banter (71:09 - 79:54)
The episode concludes with a mix of humor and playful teasing. Mary Beth playfully criticizes David’s fictional hobby of shooting down hot air balloons, while David offers amusing anecdotes about his interactions with his daughter and his comedic inspirations.
- Mary Beth Barone (72:07): “David Cross heard it here first.”
- David Cross (79:22): “It really can.”
10. Closing Remarks and Future Plans (76:10 - 79:54)
Both David and Mary Beth share their upcoming plans, including tour dates and future projects. Mary Beth encourages listeners to attend her shows, while David humorously reiterates his commitment to stand-up comedy.
- Mary Beth Barone (76:10): “I hope to see you out there. I can't wait.”
- David Cross (78:38): “Oh, my God. It was so ridiculous because it's so good.”
Notable Quotes:
- Mary Beth Barone (26:22): “It was with a man. And it... he said, you just kicked me. Are you not gonna say anything?”
- David Cross (33:23): “So do you feel like...”
- Mary Beth Barone (64:07): “Like you've been a stand up for years and years. So do you ever get nervous that you'll just stop being funny?”
Conclusion
In this episode of Senses Working Overtime with David Cross, the conversation seamlessly transitions from light-hearted banter to deep dives into personal experiences and societal issues. David Cross and Mary Beth Barone offer listeners a blend of humor, candid discussions, and heartfelt stories, making it a compelling listen for both fans and newcomers alike.