Senses Working Overtime with David Cross: Episode Featuring Tony Shalhoub

Host: David Cross
Guest: Tony Shalhoub
Release Date: November 7, 2024

1. Welcome and Personal Preferences (00:02 - 00:36)

The episode kicks off with a lighthearted exchange as David and Tony choose between red and blue chairs, setting the tone for their casual and humorous conversation.

Notable Quote:
Tony Shalhoub (00:34): "Can I have the blue one?"

2. Tony Shalhoub’s Background and Hometown Pride (00:37 - 03:03)

Tony shares his roots from Green Bay, Wisconsin, highlighting his deep connection to the community and the Green Bay Packers. He reminisces about growing up there, maintaining season tickets passed down from his father, and his ongoing ties to family and friends despite moving away at 19.

Notable Quotes:
Tony Shalhoub (01:46): "I’m from Green Bay, Wisconsin."
David Cross (02:35): "We spent our summers growing up, you know, there."

3. Life in Manhattan and Moving from LA (03:04 - 04:40)

Tony discusses his move from Los Angeles to Manhattan eight years ago, driven by his family's relocation and work commitments in New York. He contrasts the vibrant life in Manhattan with his previous experiences in LA, emphasizing his family's preference for the East Coast.

Notable Quote:
Tony Shalhoub (03:10): "I live in Manhattan. I was in LA for a long time, but then our kids grew up, moved East. My wife’s from New York, so we decided to move back and we’re loving it."

4. Green Bay Packers and Local Culture (04:41 - 06:43)

The conversation shifts to the Green Bay Packers, with Tony expressing pride in the team’s unique ownership structure—owned by the community. They discuss Lambeau Field's integration into the residential area, contrasting it with other major stadiums located in downtown areas.

Notable Quotes:
Tony Shalhoub (05:00): "But now I think now it's probably up to a little over a hundred thousand. Still not big, but, you know, not as big as Madison or Milwaukee."
David Cross (06:01): "That's how it should be, I think."

5. Current Election and Tony’s Podcast on Future Society (13:24 - 21:21)

Tony delves into his recent podcast inspired by Rick Dresser’s novel "It Happened Here," paralleling Sinclair Lewis’s "It Can’t Happen Here." The podcast explores a dystopian future where fascism takes hold, media becomes state-controlled, and societal divisions deepen. Tony and David discuss the themes of the novel, the potential real-world implications, and the anxiety surrounding the upcoming election.

Notable Quotes:
Tony Shalhoub (14:31): "It's about a family that's divided. And the story nods... done with... with a real, real genuine concern about, you know, the potential where we might be heading."
David Cross (16:37): "I'm prepping too for the, you know, the third World War, so I'm a prepper."

6. Observations from Touring America and Political Signs (21:22 - 27:38)

David shares his experiences touring across the United States, noting the prevalence of Trump signs and their aggressive messaging compared to more subdued Democratic signs. They discuss the implications of such displays on public sentiment and the overall political climate.

Notable Quotes:
David Cross (25:03): "There's like... There's... They’re so angry and... juvenile as well."
Tony Shalhoub (27:16): "What promise did he promise was that he'd come back? I think that's what."

7. Personal Anecdotes and Career Stories (27:39 - 45:33)

Tony recounts his challenging experience filming "Men in Black," particularly with director Barry Sonnenfeld. He describes forgetting key scenes due to distractions, leading to frustrating reshoots and humorous mishaps. The discussion highlights the unpredictability of acting careers and the importance of adaptability.

Notable Quotes:
David Cross (60:03): "And Barry is like, you know what? I think you should be, you should be the same guy you were."
Tony Shalhoub (61:16): "Why. Why else would I bring it up?"

8. Family Life and Parenting Challenges (45:34 - 54:37)

David opens up about his family life, particularly his relationship with his daughter. He discusses the balance of raising a strong-willed child in diverse environments, managing the influence of social media, and preparing for the inevitable challenges of her teenage years. Tony offers insights from his own experiences, emphasizing resilience and advocacy.

Notable Quotes:
David Cross (51:20): "She's a good kid. She's... her birthday's coming up, you're like, wait, didn't we just do this?"
Tony Shalhoub (53:25): "She's got a good... a good radar and she's got a spine."

9. Musings on Favorite Songs and Light-Hearted Banter (40:33 - 67:38)

The hosts engage in a playful discussion about favorite songs, demonstrating their differing tastes and generational gaps. This segment reveals their personalities and adds a humorous layer to the conversation. They also address a playful question from David’s daughter about why fruit flies only live for a day, showcasing their camaraderie and wit.

Notable Quotes:
Tony Shalhoub (40:35): "Wow, my favorite song. That's a hard one."
David Cross (66:31): "Why does a fruit fly only live for a day?"

10. Conclusion and Final Remarks (67:39 - 71:21)

The episode wraps up with final thoughts, acknowledgments, and a humorous exchange about podcast editing and sponsorships. David and Tony reflect on the episode's content, express gratitude for each other's company, and sign off with laughter, leaving listeners entertained and engaged.

Notable Quotes:
David Cross (69:00): "After our brief conversation."
Tony Shalhoub (69:38): "This was delightful."

Key Takeaways:

• Tony Shalhoub’s Deep Roots: His upbringing in Green Bay and connection to the Packers shape his identity and values.

• Podcast Insights: Tony’s work on a dystopian podcast raises awareness about societal divisions and the fragility of democracy.

• Political Climate: The hosts highlight the intense political atmosphere in America, emphasizing the emotional toll of election season.

• Family and Parenting: Both David and Tony share personal experiences, offering relatable insights into raising children amidst societal challenges.

• Entertainment Anecdotes: Tony’s stories from his acting career add a humorous and humanizing element to the conversation.

• Generational Humor: Their playful banter about music and family questions underscores the show's engaging and personable format.

Conclusion:

This episode of "Senses Working Overtime" masterfully blends personal anecdotes, insightful discussions on societal issues, and light-hearted humor. Tony Shalhoub’s candid revelations about his background, career, and recent projects provide a rich and engaging narrative, while David Cross’s observations on current events add depth to the conversation. The dynamic between the hosts ensures a seamless flow, making the episode both informative and entertaining for listeners.

Note: Advertisements and non-content sections were omitted to focus solely on the meaningful discussions and interactions between David Cross and Tony Shalhoub.