Podcast Summary: The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds
Episode 128 - The Past Times with Andrea More
Release Date: June 6, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 128 of The Dollop, titled "The Past Times with Andrea More," hosts Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds are joined by guest Andrea More. The trio delves into historical anecdotes, blending humor with insightful commentary on bygone eras. The episode navigates through quirky newspaper headlines, peculiar societal norms, and humorous interpretations of historical events.
Guess the Year: Apparel for Hot Weather
The episode kicks off with a playful segment where Andrea More attempts to guess the publication year of an old newspaper article picked by Dave Anthony. Andrea confidently guesses 1907, while Gareth Reynolds opts for 1899. To everyone's surprise, the correct year is revealed to be 1888 (02:18).
The chosen article discusses "Apparel for Hot Weather," advising the wearers to don the "thinnest white cotton garment" to prevent a bizarre ailment termed "summer pneumonia." Dave mocks the redundancy in the article, stating, "Cotton is not an absorbent and is no more fit to be worn next to the skin than a coat of mail would be" (04:09). The hosts humorously critique the outdated and nonsensical health advice, highlighting the lack of understanding in historical public health recommendations.
Notable Quotes:
- Dave Anthony (04:13): "When it comes to the apparel question, we find a problem difficult of solution."
- Andrea More (04:43): "I'm gonna wait till we've been podcasting for like 15 minutes to become antagonistic."
Deodorant and Historical Body Odor
Transitioning from clothing to personal hygiene, the hosts reminisce about an episode discussing deodorant's historical marketing. Dave recalls how advertisers in the Great Depression linked deodorant use to securing employment by combating body odor (07:04). This sparks a humorous debate about societal norms and the evolution of personal hygiene.
Andrea muses, "It makes me think about again how stinky people were up until like, 2023," to which Dave agrees, adding, "They were terrible smelling" (07:43). Gareth humorously shares a personal anecdote about a friend abandoning deodorant, leading to "pheromone" attraction dynamics (08:10).
Notable Quotes:
- Andrea More (07:15): "Have you guys. You guys know that show?" referring to The Dollop.
- Gareth Reynolds (07:51): "Disgusting. Imagine."
Dreams of the Blind: A Historical Perspective
A more serious yet still humorous discussion ensues about whether individuals born blind dream visually. Dave references historical studies, including one by Professor Stanley Hall quoted by Joseph Jastrow, claiming, "sight and hearing are absent from her dreams" (21:13). The hosts debate the validity of these claims, with Andrea expressing skepticism and Gareth pondering the nature of dreams without visual input.
Andrea humorously suggests, "I don't think they feel," prompting Gareth to reflect, "He is so much of what he writes is visual" (15:32). The conversation underscores the misconceptions and limited understanding of sensory experiences in the past.
Notable Quotes:
- Dave Anthony (22:15): "You can't just be black."
- Gareth Reynolds (16:31): "I think they're confused about how chest infections happen."
Mackerel Trade and Near War with Canada
In a fictional yet amusing account, Dave narrates a historical incident where the United States and Canada almost went to war over mackerel trade disputes. He humorously describes diplomatic tensions and the absurdity of trading mackerel for commodities like "bitcorn" (30:00). The segment satirizes international trade relations and showcases the hosts' knack for blending historical facts with comedic embellishments.
Notable Quotes:
- Gareth Reynolds (27:25): "It's so Canadian. Another mackerel argument. Wow."
- Dave Anthony (30:24): "Mine weren't. We're going in. Queer people. Some of these religionists."
Haunted Mortgage: A Cursed Real Estate Tale
The conversation shifts to a spooky narrative about a "haunted mortgage" in Washington County, Illinois. Dave recounts a series of unfortunate deaths connected to foreclosure proceedings, suggesting a curse where multiple individuals linked to the case meet untimely demises (33:06). Andrea and Gareth play along, adding layers of humor by personifying the "Grim Reaper" and mocking the convoluted legal jargon involved.
Notable Quotes:
Thumb Phrenology and Absurd Judgments
A segment on thumbs leads to a discussion on phrenology-like beliefs where thumb size correlates with intelligence and emotions. Dave claims, "Science has proven this out," while Gareth sarcastically refers to Gareth's own thumb as indicative of his character (39:54). The hosts mock pseudoscientific theories with playful jabs and ribald humor.
Notable Quotes:
- Dave Anthony (40:05): "Science has proven this out."
- Gareth Reynolds (40:34): "You got great thumbs."
Summer Toilets and Historical Misunderstandings
A humorous misunderstanding arises around the term "summer toilets," which Andrea interprets as portable toilets, while Dave explains them as outdoor outhouses from the 1800s (54:28). The hosts creatively riff on the concept, blending historical context with modern-day slang, leading to a series of comedic exchanges about portable and indoor toilets.
Notable Quotes:
- Gareth Reynolds (55:43): "You can't use a summer toilet."
- Andrea More (53:34): "She just convinced him that was the thing."
Concluding Banter and Promotions
As the episode nears its end, Andrea More participates in light-hearted banter, discussing dog shoes and upcoming stand-up sets. The hosts wrap up with promotional details about Andrea's performances and a partnership with Lakeside Animation for animated episodes (60:36).
Notable Quotes:
- Gareth Reynolds (57:09): "These are my thumbs. And I'm based on."
- Dave Anthony (60:25): "The GoFundMe for the dog shoes still on."
Final Thoughts
Episode 128 of The Dollop presents a blend of historical exploration and comedic improvisation. Through quirky segments and spontaneous humor, Dave, Gareth, and Andrea provide an entertaining take on historical events and societal norms, making history both informative and hilariously relatable for listeners.
Notable Timestamped Quotes
- Dave Anthony, 04:09: "Cotton is not an absorbent and is no more fit to be worn next to the skin than a coat of mail would be."
- Andrea More, 07:15: "Have you guys. You guys know that show?"
- Gareth Reynolds, 16:31: "I think they're confused about how chest infections happen."
- Dave Anthony, 34:30: "This is a haunted mortgage."
- Gareth Reynolds, 35:32: "Yeah, right, sure."
End of Summary