Podcast Summary: The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds – Episode 103: The Past Times with Trae Crowder
Introduction and Guest Introduction Released on December 9, 2024, episode 103 of The Dollop features comedian Trae Crowder as the guest. Hosted by Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds of All Things Comedy, the episode kicks off with Gareth welcoming Trae to the show. The hosts humorously discuss Trae's growing success, promoting his tour and upcoming special, "800 Pound Gorilla," set to release on January 21st. Trae engages in playful banter about his tuxedo cat, establishing a relaxed and comedic atmosphere right from the start.
Main Content
1. The Newspaper Guessing Game At approximately [02:20], the trio begins their signature segment: analyzing a random old newspaper. Trae is tasked with guessing the publication year without prior context. His initial guess of 1861—temporarily placing the discussion in the Civil War era—turns out to be 1889, as revealed by Dave Anthony at [05:44]. This slight miss sets the stage for the historical deep dive into the 1889 Pittsburgh Dispatch.
2. "Murder in Fashion" and Jack the Ripper Copycats The headline "Murder in Fashion" serves as the focal point for the episode's first major discussion ([06:17]). Dave introduces the topic by connecting it to the infamous Jack the Ripper, leading to a humorous exploration of murder trends in England during that period. Trae quips at [07:04], “Murder's also real hot right now. Very fashionable right now,” highlighting the dark humor inherent to the episode.
The conversation delves into the phenomenon of copycat killers, with Gareth sarcastically noting how these imitators undermine the original notoriety of figures like Jack the Ripper. Trae muses, “Copycats never become famous. They’re just trying to get in on that,” underscoring the absurdity of such behaviors.
3. "Stole a Brick House" – A Tale of Eviction and Vandalism At [25:27], the hosts introduce a bizarre story titled "Stole a Brick House." Ms. Jane Ross, a wealthy widow from Jefferson County, is the protagonist who neglects her property. Trae explains how eviction led neighbors to each take a brick from her unattended home, progressively dismantling it. Dave humorously summarizes, “Get free rubble,” as brick after brick is removed by the community.
The conversation evolves into a mock-analytical discussion on the motivations behind such acts, blending historical context with comedic exaggeration. Trae adds, “People are crazy around here,” emphasizing the ludicrous nature of the story while maintaining the episode’s lighthearted tone.
4. Coroner Jurisdiction Battles Later in the episode, around [58:51], the hosts examine a story about quarrelling coroners in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The feud over jurisdiction in handling cases where injuries and deaths span multiple counties becomes fodder for their trademark satirical commentary. Trae jokes, “Traditional coroners now have Volt limits,” poking fun at the inefficiency and absurd bureaucracy depicted in the newspaper.
5. Additional Headlines and Comedic Interpretations Throughout the episode, Dave, Gareth, and Trae explore various other newspaper headlines, each sparking a flurry of jokes and historical insights. From peculiar robberies like the "Stole a Brick House" incident to exaggerated tales of coroner disputes, every story is dissected with a blend of humor and mock-serious analysis. Noteworthy is their take on societal norms of the 19th century, with Trae reflecting, “This was the era when a dude could just run away with a teenager and then switch sides,” drawing parallels to modern societal issues.
Reflections and Modern Parallels Interwoven with the historical discussions are reflections on contemporary society. The hosts draw humorous comparisons between past events and present-day issues, such as the impact of propaganda on public perception and the evolution of law enforcement practices. Trae’s anecdote about friends dealing with eviction and property neglect adds a personal touch, bridging the gap between history and today’s societal challenges.
Conclusion and Guest Promotion As the episode wraps up, Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds turn their attention back to Trae Crowder, promoting his upcoming special, "Trash Daddy." They commend his performance throughout the episode, ensuring listeners are aware of his growing career. Trae humorously teases future appearances and interactions, maintaining the show’s engaging and friendly dynamic.
Notable Quotes
- Trae Crowder at [07:04]: “Murder's also real hot right now. Very fashionable right now.”
- Trae Crowder at [10:21]: “Maybe we can train them to not lie, and then they'll have to tell us when they murder."
- Trae Crowder at [44:50]: “Get free rubble.”
- Trae Crowder at [55:16]: "This is an Electric Man X man."
Final Thoughts Episode 103 of The Dollop masterfully blends historical analysis with sharp comedic wit, anchored by the dynamic interaction between Dave Anthony, Gareth Reynolds, and guest Trae Crowder. By dissecting quirky old newspaper headlines and relating them to both past and present societal quirks, the trio delivers an engaging and entertaining episode that resonates with both history buffs and comedy enthusiasts alike.