Podcast Title: Senses Working Overtime with David Cross
Host/Author: Headgum
Episode: Michael Kosta
Release Date: February 6, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of "Senses Working Overtime," host David Cross engages in a candid and humorous conversation with comedian and former professional tennis player Michael Kosta. The dialogue navigates through a myriad of topics, blending personal anecdotes with sharp social commentary.

Michael Kosta's Early Life and Tennis Career

Michael Kosta opens up about his early aspirations in tennis, sharing both struggles and milestones.

• Tennis Ranking and Challenges: Kosta reveals, “[33:13]... my career high was 864.”

• Turning Point: Reflecting on a pivotal moment after losing a crucial match in South Korea, Kosta discusses his decision to pivot from tennis to comedy:
  “[35:08]... I had very little belief. The belief had expired. And I had seen players 10 years older than me that hadn't quit when they were where I was, and I really didn't want to be them.”

Transition from Tennis to Comedy

The conversation delves into Kosta's seamless transition from the courts to the comedy stage.

• Investor Relations: Kosta humorously admits to financial struggles during his tennis career and his reliance on investor support to switch careers:
  “[36:57]... I took their money, and then I fled. And that's.”

• Book Insight: Previewing his upcoming book, "Lucky Loser," Kosta explains the dual meaning behind the title, symbolizing both his unsuccessful tennis career and his fortunate switch to comedy:
  “[65:05]... in tennis, if you lose in the last round of qualifying... you're lucky.”

Personal Life and Marriage

Kosta shares insights into his married life, highlighting the dynamics of support and differing views on health.

• Marital Support: Discussing how he manages injuries with his wife's support, Kosta notes:
  “[05:24]... my wife was getting on me because I.”

• Parenting: The couple's parenting experiences add a heartfelt layer to the conversation, especially with their young daughters:
  “[65:52]... She asks... I have a question for your podcast.”

Health and Injuries

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Kosta's physical ailments and his humorous take on them.

• Foot Injuries: Kosta details his severe foot injuries with a blend of humor and honesty:
  “[03:07]... my feet are all fucked up.”

• Pain Tolerance: The dialogue touches on overcoming pain and the differing pain thresholds between individuals:
  “[09:19]... You have a high tolerance for pain.”

Commentary on Healthcare and Politics

Kosta doesn't shy away from delving into contentious topics like healthcare and politics, offering his unfiltered opinions.

• Healthcare CEO Assassination: The conversation takes a dark turn as Kosta discusses the assassination of healthcare CEO Luigi Mangioni, intertwining it with political critiques:
  “[16:45]... Lives lost because of healthcare co.”

• Trump's Political Strategies: Kosta critiques former President Trump's tactics, particularly his stances on diversity and equity:
  “[29:24]... anti Trump, you're immediately woke.”

Experiences in Commercials and Media

Both Kosta and Cross reminisce about their forays into the commercial world, highlighting amusing and surreal experiences.

• Commercials: Kosta shares anecdotes about his appearances in commercials directed by notable figures like Ben Stiller:
  “[41:13]... commercial for Coca Cola... Judd Apatow, Janine Garofalo.”

• E-Meter and Scientology: Kosta humorously critiques his experiences with Scientology’s E-meter and personality tests:
  “[54:05]... They take your answers... it's all designed so that...”

Thoughts on Alcohol and Craft Beer

The duo engages in a lighthearted debate over craft beers, particularly IPAs, showcasing their differing tastes and opinions.

• Craft Beer Critique: Kosta vents his frustrations with complicated IPA menus and restrictive tasting policies:
  “[48:50]... Beer street... they refused.”

• Personal Choices: Cross reflects on his own relationship with alcohol, balancing honesty with humor:
  “[67:26]... My relationship with alcohol has been all over the place.”

Early Internet Experiences and Media Consumption

Nostalgia seeps in as Kosta recounts his encounters with early internet shock sites and media consumption habits.

• Rotten.com and Faces of Death: Kosta shares unsettling memories of early internet shock sites and graphic content:
  “[55:50]... Faces of Death... Russian soldier decapitation.”

• Impact on Perception: He reflects on how these experiences shaped his view on media and internet content:
  “[61:42]... It's so depraved and awful... I'll never watch this again.”

Family and Children's Questions

Closing the episode on a lighter note, Kosta introduces his young daughter's inquisitive mind, fostering a warm and relatable end to their conversation.

• Curious Minds: Kosta's daughter poses a thoughtful question about asteroids, prompting both hosts to engage in playful speculation:
  “[68:05]... Why do asteroids go so fast when they come to Earth, but they're not so fast when they're in space?”

Closing Remarks

David Cross wraps up the episode by highlighting production credits and inviting listeners to engage with Headgum's network of podcasts.

Notable Quotes

• On Career Transition:
  “[35:08] Michael Kosta: I had very little belief. The belief had expired...”

• On Pain Tolerance:
  “[09:19] Michael Kosta: You have a high tolerance for pain.”

• On Political Strategies:
  “[29:24] Michael Kosta: anti Trump, you're immediately woke.”

• On Early Internet Shock Sites:
  “[55:50] Michael Kosta: Faces of Death...”

• On Family Questions:
  “[68:05] Kosta's Daughter: Why do asteroids go so fast when they come to Earth...”

Conclusion

This episode of "Senses Working Overtime" offers a rich tapestry of humor, introspection, and sharp social commentary. Michael Kosta's journey from the tennis courts to the comedy stage serves as both an inspiration and a source of endless anecdotes. Coupled with David Cross's insightful hosting, listeners are treated to an engaging dialogue that balances lighthearted banter with profound insights.

Credits:
Edited by Katie Skelton
Engineered by Nicole Lyons
Supervising Producer Emma Foley
Theme Song by Mark Rivers
Special Thanks to Demi Druchin

For more podcasts by Headgum, visit headgum.com or your preferred podcast platform. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts to support the show!