Senses Working Overtime with David Cross: Episode Featuring Rachel Kaly

Introduction

In this engaging episode of "Senses Working Overtime", hosted by David Cross and produced by Headgum, comedian Rachel Kaly joins the conversation to delve into a myriad of topics ranging from personal anecdotes and family dynamics to the intricacies of the comedy world and societal observations. The episode, released on February 13, 2025, offers listeners a rich tapestry of humor, real-life struggles, and insightful discussions.

Personal Struggles and Family Dynamics

David Cross opens up about a challenging night where both he and Rachel endured sleeplessness. David shares a heart-wrenching story about his seven-year-old daughter throwing up repeatedly after he returned home late from a Broadway debut. He reflects:

[03:37] Rachel Clay: "No."

[03:40] David Cross: "Okay. And it was like a murder scene kind of thing. It was just like she had it all over her."

David’s vulnerability sets the tone for an honest dialogue about handling unexpected family crises. The conversation shifts to David's experience with tinnitus, a condition he shares with Rachel:

[05:01] David Cross: "I'm a little tired, you know, out of it. I also have tinnitus, so it gets a little worse if I'm if this for this kind of condition."

Rachel adds her perspective on tinnitus, highlighting its grounding effect:

[05:20] Rachel Clay: "It is annoying. Sometimes it grounds me a little bit because it brings me back to the present."

Gossip and Public Figures

The episode takes a dramatic turn when Rachel introduces a controversial topic involving rumors about former President Barack Obama and actress Jennifer Aniston allegedly having an open relationship. This segment sparks a humorous yet critical discussion about the nature of gossip and its impact on public perception:

[10:16] Rachel Clay: "It's about Obama and Jennifer Aniston. Have you heard this?"

[10:20] David Cross: "No, I have not heard about this, but I would imagine. And I don't have..."

Despite the sensational nature of the topic, David maintains a lighthearted approach, questioning the credibility and implications of such rumors.

Rachel's Background and Personal Life

Rachel delves into her complex family background, revealing distressing details about her father's alleged pedophilia—a revelation that adds depth to her comedic persona. She candidly discusses her strained relationship with her parents:

[22:37] Rachel Clay: "But we'll see how I feel about it, because I talk about it in stand up. But he's a pedophile."

The conversation also touches on Rachel’s heritage and her father's Moroccan roots:

[50:09] Rachel Clay: "My full last name is Bin Khalifa, which means son of the Caliphate."

David respectfully navigates these sensitive topics, allowing Rachel to express her experiences and the impact they've had on her life and comedy.

Comedy Career and Teaching Experience

Rachel shares her journey in the comedy industry, highlighting her early start in stand-up comedy at the age of nine. She recounts her time teaching at a private school in the West Village, where she interacted with children of celebrities, adding a unique dimension to her comedic material:

[60:22] Rachel Clay: "I was an assistant, and my job was mostly about discipline."

Her experiences in both teaching and performing provide listeners with an intimate look into the challenges and triumphs of pursuing a career in comedy.

Social Media and Dating Apps

The duo critiques the contemporary landscape of dating apps, discussing the superficiality and endless search for "someone better." Rachel expresses frustration with the algorithm-driven nature of these platforms:

[41:54] Rachel Clay: "I think I'm always looking for love, right? Sometimes. Sometimes I'm not."

David humorously suggests unconventional profile highlights to stand out:

[42:12] David Cross: "No. Take a burlesque class. Did you put that into your profile?"

Location Insights: New York vs. Los Angeles

Rachel, originally from Hell's Kitchen in New York City, contrasts her experiences living in New York with her current life in Echo Park, Los Angeles. The conversation delves into the differences between the two cities, particularly in terms of urban planning and lifestyle:

[70:02] Rachel Clay: "I live in Echo Park. When I'm not working, I often walk from Echo Park to Beverly Hills because I love the grass."

David shares his own experiences commuting in LA, emphasizing the challenges of navigating a car-centric city:

[72:31] Rachel Clay: "I often walk from Echo Park to Beverly Hills because I love the grass."

Health Stories: Food Poisoning and Fear of Flying

Both Rachel and David recount harrowing tales of food poisoning during their travels. Rachel describes being mugged and suffering severe food poisoning on a bus journey from Denver to New York, while David shares his own experiences with vomiting and illness on an Amtrak train:

[45:50] David Cross: "I got major food poisoning on the bus to Atlanta and then had it in Atlanta."

They also discuss the psychological impact of fears originating from traumatic events like 9/11:

[46:07] Rachel Clay: "I saw 911 happen. I was... My school was very close and it ruined my life."

Conclusion and Final Q&A

The episode wraps up with a light-hearted Q&A segment featuring a question from David's seven-year-old daughter about tornadoes:

[73:13] 7-Year-Old: "When tornadoes are made, how does the bottom part lift up?"

Rachel offers a whimsical answer, showcasing her comedic flair:

[73:44] Rachel Clay: "If you want something bad enough, you'll make it happen. And I think that tornadoes want to lift up a house, and so it does."

David appreciates the creativity of the response, highlighting the blend of humor and genuine interaction that characterizes the episode.

Notable Quotes

• David Cross [00:56]: "I didn't get very much sleep last night."

• Rachel Clay [05:20]: "It is annoying. Sometimes it grounds me a little bit because it brings me back to the present."

• Rachel Clay [22:37]: "But we'll see how I feel about it, because I talk about it in stand up. But he's a pedophile."

• Rachel Clay [41:54]: "I think I'm always looking for love, right? Sometimes. Sometimes I'm not."

Final Thoughts

This episode of "Senses Working Overtime" masterfully balances humor with heartfelt discussions, providing listeners with an authentic glimpse into Rachel Kaly's life and career. David Cross's adept hosting ensures that even the most sensitive topics are handled with care, while the light-hearted moments keep the conversation entertaining and relatable. Whether you're a fan of stand-up comedy or interested in the personal stories behind the laughter, this episode offers something for everyone.