Episode 121: The Past Times with Kyle Anderson
In this lively episode of "The Dollop," hosts Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds welcome comedian Kyle Anderson to explore a series of intriguing and often absurd historical events. Known for their comedic examination of lesser-known moments in history, the trio delves into the collapse of the old Ford Theater, a mysterious case of missing laces at a World’s Fair, the discovery of a wild man in Kentucky, tragic accidents involving children and trains, and a bizarre article on bananas as a food source. Their humorous banter and sharp wit bring these stories to life, making history both entertaining and engaging.
1. Welcome and Introduction (00:34 - 03:12)
Gareth Reynolds kicks off the episode by introducing Kyle Anderson, highlighting his work in documentary filmmaking. The conversation quickly shifts to Kyle’s previous role as "Elk Boy," a humorous sidekick character, and his YouTube presence where he creates documentaries. Dave and Gareth express admiration for Kyle's offstage work, setting a friendly and humorous tone for the episode.
Notable Quote:
- Kyle Anderson (02:05): “Probably my favorite one is about Dao, which is this, like, insane Russian filmmaker who convinced Russian oligarch to give him a limitless budget and shoot for seven years.”
2. Guess the Year Game (05:10 - 07:00)
The trio engages in a fun game where Kyle, Gareth, and Dave guess the year of a historical newspaper excerpt provided by Dave. Kyle impressively guesses the year 1893 (06:27), narrowly missing Gareth’s guess of 1894. Dave humorously concedes Kyle's victory, adding to the playful competition.
Notable Quote:
- Dave Anthony (06:21): “Oh, my God. Kyle. So close. Kyle wins. It is 1893.”
3. Collapse of the Old Ford Theater (07:36 - 22:44)
The main focus of the episode is the tragic collapse of the old Ford Theater in Washington, historically significant as the site where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. The hosts narrate how excavation work weakened the building’s foundation, leading to a catastrophic collapse that resulted in 24 deaths and numerous injuries.
Discussion Highlights:
- Structural Failures: Gareth and Kyle humorously dissect how poor construction practices and continuous excavation contributed to the building’s downfall.
- Courtroom Dramatization: The trio reenacts a mock courtroom scene where Colonel Ainsworth is held accountable. The exaggerated testimonies and chaotic interactions between the clerks and the colonel add comedic flair to the serious topic.
Notable Quotes:
- Gareth Reynolds (08:35): “Oh, I'd do it.”
- Kyle Anderson (24:09): “What are they doing in this building? Literally, it's moving when people like breathe.”
- Dave Anthony (22:46): “He's telling the truth.”
4. Secondary Stories (36:52 - 47:20)
Following the main story, the hosts move on to other historical anecdotes, each infused with their signature humor.
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Priceless Laces at the World’s Fair (40:26 - 41:03): They discuss the mysterious disappearance of 30 pieces of lace sent by Queen Margaret of Italy to the LA World’s Fair. The triviality of the theft compared to the prior tragedy leads to humorous comparisons and absurd suggestions.
Notable Quote:
- Gareth Reynolds (40:50): “Nothing grinds my gears more than when an affluent woman's fabric is missing.”
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Wild Man of Kentucky (46:00 - 47:20): The discovery of a "wild man" covered in long hair near Paduka, Kentucky, is presented with playful skepticism and imaginative storytelling.
Notable Quote:
- Kyle Anderson (46:12): “Caveman discovered.”
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Children and Train Accident (47:20 - 48:18): A brief yet tragic recount of two children who were killed by a train while asleep on the railroad tracks. The hosts spin this into a comedic discussion about parental warnings and children's safety.
Notable Quote:
- Gareth Reynolds (48:05): “Somebody walk amongst us.”
5. The Bizarre Bananas Article (47:20 - 63:04)
One of the standout segments involves dissecting an 1891 article that bizarrely posits bananas as a near-essential food source, comparable to potatoes. The hosts mock the scientific inaccuracies and the absurdity of the claims made in the article, such as needing to consume 15 pounds of bananas daily to obtain necessary nutrients.
Discussion Highlights:
- Scientific Jargon: They laugh at terms like “albano album albumoids” and the nonsensical nutritional requirements.
- Comedic Exaggeration: Kyle and Gareth take the article’s claims to absurd extremes, creating humorous scenarios about overconsumption of bananas.
- Modern Comparisons: The hosts draw parallels between historical misconceptions and today’s misinformation trends, adding relevance to the discussion.
Notable Quotes:
- Kyle Anderson (51:43): “He’s like, 'I just feel like I got to say something.'”
- Gareth Reynolds (59:04): “The banana seems to be as poor an article of food as the potato.”
6. Conclusion and Promotions (64:34 - End)
As the episode wraps up, Gareth and Dave promote Kyle Anderson’s documentary work and their own animated series in collaboration with Lakeside Animation. They encourage listeners to engage with their content online, fostering a sense of community and anticipation for future episodes.
Notable Quote:
- Gareth Reynolds (65:02): “All right, see you guys at this banana aisle.”
Notable Quotes Highlights:
- Kyle Anderson (02:05): “Everybody was like, method acting for seven years... it's like this, like, Stanford Prison Experiment.”
- Gareth Reynolds (08:35): “Oh, I'd do it.”
- Dave Anthony (06:21): “Oh, my God. Kyle. So close. Kyle wins. It is 1893.”
- Gareth Reynolds (40:50): “Nothing grinds my gears more than when an affluent woman's fabric is missing.”
- Kyle Anderson (51:43): “He’s like, 'I just feel like I got to say something.'”
Overall Impression:
Episode 121 of "The Dollop" seamlessly blends historical exploration with comedic storytelling. The collaboration with Kyle Anderson adds fresh perspectives and humor, making the podcast both informative and highly entertaining. From tragic building collapses to bizarre historical misconceptions about bananas, the hosts deliver a rich and engaging narrative that captivates listeners, whether they’re history buffs or casual fans seeking a good laugh.