Podcast Summary: The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds - Episode 115: The Past Times with Randy Blythe

Introduction

The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds is a comedic podcast where the hosts delve into peculiar and intriguing moments from history. In Episode 115, titled "The Past Times with Randy Blythe," released on March 7, 2025, the duo is joined by Randy Blythe, the frontman of the heavy metal band Lamb of God. The episode intertwines historical anecdotes with humorous banter, offering listeners both entertainment and enlightenment.

Tour Announcement

The episode kicks off with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds announcing their upcoming comedy tour slated for March 2025. They enthusiastically list their tour dates and favorite cities, showcasing their camaraderie and comedic chemistry.

• Dave Anthony (00:00-00:57): Announces tour dates in cities like Tempe, Albuquerque, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Dallas, Houston, and Austin.

• Gareth Reynolds (00:09-00:57): Echoes Dave's sentiments, humorously declaring each city as their favorite and adding playful jabs, such as calling non-fans "Dallas holes."

Notable Quotes:

• Gareth Reynolds (00:40): "If you don't like it, you're a Dallas hole."

Introducing Randy Blythe

Gareth Reynolds introduces the guest, Randy Blythe, sharing his excitement about attending a Lamb of God concert. The discussion highlights Randy's dedication to his fans and his personal interactions during the show.

• Gareth Reynolds (01:11-01:29): Introduces Randy Blythe, emphasizing the unexpected crossover.

• Randy Blythe (01:29-02:00): Describes his VIP experience at The Forum, dedicating a song to Gareth, and mentions notable backstage figures like Bill Burr and Mark Manson.

Notable Quotes:

• Randy Blythe (01:41): "The pulse of Lamb of God. Truly one of the greatest shows."

Randy Blythe’s Book Tour

The conversation shifts to Randy Blythe's upcoming book tour, scheduled to coincide with the podcast's release. They discuss the launch events, including an in-conversation with metal legend Alex Skolnick at Arena Powerhouse Books in New York.

• Randy Blythe (02:35-03:05): Announces his book's release on February 18th and provides details about the tour locations in New York, Philadelphia, and California.

Notable Quotes:

• Randy Blythe (02:35): "RandyBly.net," where fans can find more information about his book tour.

Humorous Banter and Personal Stories

The trio engages in light-hearted exchanges, sharing personal anecdotes and amusing stories. Dave Anthony humorously recounts his attempts to provoke a fight on Twitter, while Randy and Gareth respond with witty retorts.

• Dave Anthony (02:17-03:19): Talks about threatening to fight Danzig on Twitter.

• Randy Blythe (02:32-03:19): Teases Dave about stirring trouble and his inability to confront Danzig directly.

Notable Quotes:

• Dave Anthony (02:15): "For years, I would threaten to fight him on Twitter."
• Randy Blythe (02:27): "I don't think he's aware of because he's fucking pussy."

Main Historical Segment: The Submarine S17 Incident (April 4, 1927)

The core of the episode revolves around a historical event involving the submarine S17 crashing into the Mare Island Bridge in Vallejo, California, on April 4, 1927. The hosts dissect newspaper clippings from that era, blending factual recounting with comedic embellishments.

• Story Overview:
  • Submarine S17, a newly overhauled vessel, was on a practice run when the drawbridge failed to rise.
  • The submarine attempted to reverse but couldn't turn, leading to a collision that damaged the bridge minimally (~$10,000) but left the submarine's condition unclear.
  • As the bridge failed to accommodate the submarine, chaos ensued with rocks flying in the air, causing injuries to bystanders, including a Japanese waitress named Kunio Tanaka.

Notable Quotes:

• Dave Anthony (07:42): "But he was the guy that he was aiming at. So he should have taken the most."
• Gareth Reynolds (09:16): "I don't like him."

Comedic Elements:

• The hosts personify the bridge and submarine, attributing motives and emotions to inanimate objects.
• They insert humorous dialogues imagining the submarine and bridge conversing during the incident.
• Discussions about the ineffectiveness of trying to stop the submarine and the exaggerated chaos that followed.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Gareth Reynolds (11:12): “How is that's, like, against the model?”
• Dave Anthony (12:18): “It could be a booze cruise.”

Submarine Puns and Wordplay

Throughout the historical recount, Dave and Gareth engage in pun-laden conversations, making light of maritime terminology and the absurdity of the situation.

• Examples:
  • Playing with words like "pinioned" and "booze cruise."
  • Imagining the submarine having a personality, such as "hunting down the bridge."

Notable Quotes:

• Dave Anthony (17:42): “Randy is closer. It is April 4th, 1927.”
• Gareth Reynolds (23:36): “The bridge was damaged to the extent of $10,000.”

Additional Historical Anecdotes and Modern Parallels

Post the main story, the trio branches into related historical tidbits, drawing parallels between past events and contemporary issues.

• Divorce Colonies in Nevada:

  • Discussion about Nevada being a hub for easy divorces in the 1920s.
  • Critique of modern divorce tourism and its societal impacts.

• Technological Advancements:

  • Humorous takes on early 20th-century technology versus today's AI and robotics.
  • Conversations about Roombas and their modern equivalents.

Notable Quotes:

• Dave Anthony (30:05): “But like I said, I think he's going to hit some hard times coming ahead head.”
• Gareth Reynolds (39:03): “If you’re walking and cleaning, you’re not getting babies. The nuclear household will fall apart.”

Interactive Segments and Listener Engagement

The hosts encourage listener interaction, referencing Randy Blythe's online presence and book tour. They also share humorous hypotheticals about surfing and interactions with technology.

• Surfing Jokes:

  • Imagining surf sessions with heavy metal themes.

• Robot Household Helpers:

  • Debating the effectiveness and potential dangers of robotic assistants.

Notable Quotes:

• Gareth Reynolds (38:48): “What you know, Roomba? What have you picked up on?”
• Dave Anthony (46:36): “If that happens when I'm not there and I'm not.”

Closing Remarks and Future Plans

As the episode nears its end, the hosts and guest reflect on their discussions, express gratitude to Randy Blythe, and tease future collaborations. They conclude with a heartfelt message to listeners, encouraging them to pursue their passions and maintain mental well-being.

Notable Quotes:

• Gareth Reynolds (65:11): “Jesus, Dave's a cop. Some of these days you'll miss me, honey.”
• Dave Anthony (65:13): “Jesus, Dave's a cop.”

Conclusion

Episode 115 of The Dollop masterfully blends historical exploration with comedic flair, anchored by the dynamic presence of Randy Blythe. Listeners are treated to a mix of factual storytelling, witty repartee, and engaging personal anecdotes, making the past come alive with laughter and insight. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a fan of stand-up comedy, this episode offers a delightful journey through time with a heavy metal twist.

Final Notable Quote:

• Gareth Reynolds (65:10): "Don't kill yourselves. Yeah. Thank you."