Podcast Summary: The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds
Episode: 127 - The Past Times with Miles Gray
Release Date: May 30, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 127 of The Dollop, hosts Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds invite guest Miles Gray, a comedian known for his shows The Daily Zeitgeist and 420 Day Fiance. The trio embarks on an entertaining journey through a historical newspaper article, unraveling the peculiar events of November 5, 1955, in Topanga Canyon, California.
Guessing the Year
The episode begins with Gareth Reynolds introducing the premise: each week, they dissect an old newspaper from a randomly selected date. Miles Gray enthusiastically participates, expressing his love for vintage news. The hosts challenge Miles to guess the publication's year.
Notable Quote:
- Gareth Reynolds [03:02]: "I might be closer. I'll still be wrong."
After some humorous back-and-forth, they reveal the newspaper is indeed from November 5, 1955, sparking laughter and astonishment among the trio.
The Judo Incident: Murder or Accident?
The centerpiece of the episode is a bizarre headline: "Hold Former Marine in Judo Flip Death." The article narrates the story of James Baker, a 33-year-old former Marine and son of a slain Chicago policeman, accused of murdering Edward Bollinger during a quarrel over a mongrel dog named Candy.
Notable Quotes:
- Dave Anthony [07:01]: "Hold former Marine in Judo flip death."
- Gareth Reynolds [07:44]: "He just held him, and then his neck broke. What is he like?"
The hosts and Miles delve into the absurdity of the situation:
- Questioning Legality: They humorously debate whether executing someone with a judo hold is legal, reminiscing about their own experiences with martial arts.
- Terminology and Racism: The discussion shifts to the use of the term "mongrel," with Miles highlighting its racial connotations and evolving language sensitivity.
Notable Quote:
- Miles Gray [13:05]: "Hey, Jamie, can you pull it up?"
Analyzing Evidence and Motives
As the conversation progresses, they dissect the sparse details of the case:
- Suspicious Evidence Placement: The knife is found two feet from the body under some leaves, raising suspicions about its placement.
- Relationship Dynamics: They explore the strained relationship between Baker and Bollinger, pondering motives that could lead to such an extreme outcome.
Notable Quote:
- Gareth Reynolds [17:01]: "I think I'm gonna kill my cat sitter."
The Role of the Police and Judo's Influence
The trio humorously critiques the police investigation, pointing out incongruities and the overemphasis on judo as the cause of death. They mock the idea of judo moves leading to fatal outcomes, blending sarcasm with dark humor.
Notable Quote:
- Dave Anthony [21:43]: "It's all good. Dude, he had a knife. Dude, it's probably under those leaves."
Exploring Witness Statements and Conclusions
They examine witness statements and police reports, further exaggerating the absurdity of the case:
- Conflicting Accounts: The credibility of the event is continuously questioned, with Miles and Gareth providing exaggerated interpretations of the evidence.
- Conclusion Mockery: The hosts mock the resolution of the case, suggesting far-fetched scenarios like the perpetrator killing himself with a bomb.
Notable Quote:
- Gareth Reynolds [39:31]: "Pudgy Willie Bioff, a retired filmland racketeer credited with talking a few of his pals into jail."
Humor and Satire on the Justice System
Throughout the episode, Dave, Gareth, and Miles employ sharp satire to critique the justice system. They highlight the one-sided nature of reporting and the gullibility of authorities in accepting dubious evidence. Their comedic approach underscores the often nonsensical elements found in historical crime reporting.
Notable Quotes:
- Miles Gray [23:00]: "So, yeah. Sure. Judge Lynch. You know what I think it should be?"
- Dave Anthony [47:01]: "He fell out of a chair, to be fair."
Light-Hearted Banter and Personal Anecdotes
Interspersed with the main discussion, the hosts engage in light-hearted banter about their personal lives, past experiences, and humorous takes on unrelated topics. This includes anecdotes about mishaps, like broken chairs at performances, adding a personal touch to the episode.
Notable Quote:
- Gareth Reynolds [32:16]: "This would be a viral moment."
Closing Remarks and Guest Promotion
As the episode nears its end, the hosts briefly mention their partnership with Lakeside Animation to animate some episodes of The Dollop. They encourage listeners to watch and share these animated stories, blending promotion seamlessly into their humorous narrative.
Notable Quote:
- Gareth Reynolds [64:00]: "Some of these days you'll miss me, honey."
Conclusion
Episode 127 of The Dollop skillfully blends historical intrigue with sharp wit and comedic analysis. Through engaging dialogue and satirical insights, Dave Anthony, Gareth Reynolds, and Miles Gray offer listeners an entertaining exploration of a bizarre 1955 judo-related death, all while maintaining their signature humor and camaraderie.
Follow Miles Gray:
- Twitter: @MilesGray
- Podcast: The Daily Zeitgeist and 420 Day Fiance
Connect with The Dollop:
- Website: thedolloppodcast.com
- YouTube: Lakeside Animation Channel