Podcast Title: The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds
Episode: 114 - The Past Times with David Koechner
Release Date: March 1, 2025
Host/Author: All Things Comedy

Introduction

In Episode 114 of The Dollop, hosts Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds invite comedian and actor David Koechner as their guest to delve into an intriguing historical event chronicled in an old newspaper from 1878. The episode combines comedic banter with a deep dive into the peculiarities of the past, offering listeners both laughs and insights.

Tour Announcements and Warm Welcome (00:00 – 01:40)

The episode kicks off with Dave and Gareth excitedly announcing their upcoming comedy tour across various cities in Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Their enthusiastic promotion sets a lively tone for the episode.

Notable Quote:
Gareth Reynolds (00:09): "It's the best."

Following the tour announcements, Gareth warmly welcomes David Koechner to the show, expressing genuine admiration for his work.

Notable Quote:
David Koechner (01:35): "I admire you both greatly. And I'm speaking that from the bottom of my heart."

Guest Interaction and Introductions (01:40 – 06:00)

Dave and Gareth engage in a humorous exchange with David, highlighting his likable personality and fan interactions. The conversation touches on David's experiences with fans and his ability to handle public attention with grace and humor.

Notable Quote:
Gareth Reynolds (02:55): "People are always like, I don't want to bother you. You already have."

David shares a relatable story about dealing with persistent fans during meals, emphasizing the awkwardness that can arise in such situations.

Introducing the Historical Newspaper (06:00 – 11:00)

The hosts introduce the premise of the episode: examining an old newspaper picked by Dave Anthony. David is tasked with guessing the publication year based on the provided headline and content.

Notable Quote:
Dave Anthony (05:25): "We're gonna go through an old newspaper from a random date in history picked out by Dave Anthony."

The headline under discussion is: "A terrible array of fatal sunstroke in St. Louis and elsewhere."

Analyzing the Heat Wave of 1878 (11:00 – 22:00)

David initially guesses the year as 1995, referencing his time on Saturday Night Live. However, upon further discussion, it's revealed that the actual year is 1878. The conversation explores the severe heat wave's impact on St. Louis, including fatalities and the lack of air conditioning during that era.

Notable Quote:
Dave Anthony (11:14): "Which I consider to be a racist name."

David Koechner (10:16): "And in my interview with Lorne Michaels... I said, by the way, do you know that 500 people have died this summer from heat stroke?"

The hosts humorously debate the challenges of living without modern conveniences like air conditioning, both in the past and present.

Comedic Anecdotes: Open Mic Experience (07:00 – 09:00)

Gareth recounts a humorous story about performing at an open mic while both he and David were "very high." David's impromptu attempt to close the set with humor leads to laughter and camaraderie, showcasing their chemistry.

Notable Quote:
David Koechner (07:41): "Were we high already?"

Gareth Reynolds (08:39): "It was so goddamn funny."

Continuation of the Heat Wave Story and Social Behaviors (22:00 – 38:00)

The discussion continues with the newspaper article detailing the extreme heat's effects, including how both humans and animals sought water sources like rivers. David and Gareth embellish the story with imaginative and comedic scenarios, such as bathing next to a gazelle and dealing with unusual wildlife behaviors.

Notable Quote:
Gareth Reynolds (22:33): "Or whatever."

Dave Anthony (22:54): "You have always wanted to be in a pond or a river washing your under balls next to a gazelle."

The conversation veers into environmental commentary, satire on climate change perceptions, and the absurdity of historical events.

The Parasol Kid and Further Histories (41:00 – 55:00)

The hosts introduce a subplot involving "The Parasol Kid," a fictional character linked to another newspaper story about a boy interacting with a parasol during the heat wave. This segment is rich with slapstick humor, playful banter, and creative storytelling.

Notable Quote:
David Koechner (41:14): "He was flying over the ocean with his umbrella."

Gareth Reynolds (43:52): "This is a juicy one."

Humorous Culinary Discussions: Gravy and Eating Habits (46:00 – 54:00)

David introduces a satirical piece on the dangers of excessive meat and gravy consumption during the heat wave, poking fun at dietary advice and cultural habits related to food.

Notable Quote:
Dave Anthony (46:58): "Depending on it. A very large proportion of the physical ills of life come from too much eating."

Gareth Reynolds (50:11): "If they docs, I could dox Trump. 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue."

The segment intertwines humor with mock-seriousness, creating an engaging and entertaining narrative.

Closing Banter and Tour Promotions (55:00 – End)

As the episode winds down, the hosts and David engage in playful exchanges, blending historical analysis with contemporary humor. They promote each other's work, particularly highlighting David Koechner's tour dates and online presence.

Notable Quote:
Gareth Reynolds (67:39): "Gareth Reynolds.com for tickets and information."

Dave Anthony (69:03): "You always make me laugh so hard."

The episode concludes with light-hearted farewells, maintaining the comedic spirit throughout.

Notable Quotes Summary

• Gareth Reynolds (00:09): "It's the best."
• David Koechner (01:35): "I admire you both greatly. And I'm speaking that from the bottom of my heart."
• Gareth Reynolds (02:55): "People are always like, I don't want to bother you. You already have."
• Dave Anthony (05:25): "We're gonna go through an old newspaper from a random date in history picked out by Dave Anthony."
• Dave Anthony (11:14): "Which I consider to be a racist name."
• David Koechner (10:16): "And in my interview with Lorne Michaels... I said, by the way, do you know that 500 people have died this summer from heat stroke?"
• Dave Anthony (22:54): "You have always wanted to be in a pond or a river washing your under balls next to a gazelle."
• Dave Anthony (46:58): "Depending on it. A very large proportion of the physical ills of life come from too much eating."
• Dave Anthony (50:16): "Gravy floating around. No napkin in my shirt."
• Gareth Reynolds (67:39): "Gareth Reynolds.com for tickets and information."

Conclusion

Episode 114 of The Dollop masterfully blends historical exploration with comedic improvisation. Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds, along with guest David Koechner, transform an old newspaper article about a 19th-century heat wave into a tapestry of humor, satire, and insightful commentary. Listeners are treated to a unique blend of educational content and laugh-out-loud moments, making it an engaging experience for both history buffs and comedy enthusiasts alike.