Podcast Summary: The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds – Episode 135: "The Past Times with Mike O'Brien"

Release Date: July 25, 2025

In Episode 135 of "The Dollop" titled "The Past Times with Mike O'Brien," hosts Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds welcome Mike O'Brien, co-host of the podcast "Business Trips" alongside Brad Morris. The episode delves into the humorous exploration of historical newspapers, joke writing, and the comedic experiences of the hosts and their guest.

1. Introduction and Guest Spotlight (00:00 – 02:20)

Gareth Reynolds opens the episode by introducing Mike O'Brien, highlighting his podcast "Business Trips," which features improvised episodes with notable guests like Vanessa Bayer and Beck Bennett. Mike shares insights into the podcast's direction and upcoming episodes, emphasizing its improvised nature and the fun dynamics with various guests.

Notable Quote:

• Gareth Reynolds (00:04): "I’ve never seen it before. And neither is our guest this week, the great Mike O’Brien."

2. The Guessing Game: Identifying the Newspaper's Era (02:21 – 05:00)

The trio engages in an interactive segment where they examine an old newspaper and attempt to guess its publication year. Mike suggests 1912 after receiving a hint about a presidential mention, while Gareth opts for 1881. The actual year is revealed to be 1900, with Mike having the closer guess.

Notable Quote:

• Mike O'Brien (04:00): "And you have to get the exact year."

3. Analyzing and Parodying Newspaper Headlines (05:01 – 20:00)

The conversation transitions to dissecting the newspaper's content, where Dave Anthony reads out headlines filled with convoluted and humorous language. The hosts create parodies and humorous interpretations of these headlines, turning them into comedic sketches.

For instance, a headline about a mine explosion becomes a setup for jokes about dangerous workplaces and absurd safety measures. They explore the challenges of joke writing, particularly with similes and outdated language, drawing parallels with their experiences in comedy writing rooms.

Notable Quotes:

• Dave Anthony (08:26): "There's been nine explosions in different minds today. When do we get to it?"
• Gareth Reynolds (15:00): "That's not funny, but it's interesting."

4. Comedy Writing and SNL Anecdotes (20:01 – 40:00)

Mike O'Brien shares his early days at "Saturday Night Live" (SNL), discussing the pressures of joke writing and the transition from improvisational comedy to structured sketch writing. The hosts reminisce about their comedic careers, including Gareth's experience opening for Steve Byrne and Dave's work on "AP Bio."

They highlight the difficulties of creating meaningful jokes from mundane or tragic headlines, emphasizing the fine line between humor and sensitivity.

Notable Quote:

• Mike O'Brien (12:00): "When I first got hired to write at SNL, I didn't really know what joke writing was like."

5. Satirical Skits Based on Headlines (40:01 – 56:00)

The hosts continue to transform newspaper headlines into satirical skits, poking fun at early 20th-century societal norms and absurd legalities. Topics range from invalid marriages due to quick divorces to the establishment of town bands as a means of community pride.

Their improvisational banter and comedic timing turn each headline into a humorous narrative, showcasing their prowess in blending history with modern comedy.

Notable Quote:

• Dave Anthony (29:17): "Mr. C.E. Conrad has purchased 18 of the Allard herd of buffalo, which have been ranging for a number of years."

6. Interactive Humor and Audience Engagement (56:01 – 60:00)

Towards the end of the episode, the conversation shifts to more interactive humor, with Gareth Reynolds sharing upcoming stand-up tour dates and promoting Mike O'Brien’s podcast. The hosts engage in playful banter, referencing their comedic styles and mutual respect for each other's work.

Notable Quote:

• Gareth Reynolds (60:18): "I am on the road doing stand up comedy, which I know you all love."

7. Closing Remarks and Promotions (60:01 – 63:04)

As the episode concludes, Gareth Reynolds provides details about his upcoming stand-up performances across various cities, encouraging listeners to attend his shows. Mike O'Brien also promotes his podcast, directing listeners to his Instagram for more information.

Notable Quote:

• Gareth Reynolds (63:00): "That is August 22nd through the 23rd. And then I will be in Bozeman, Montana, September 5th through September 6th. That's Bozeman, Montana."

Key Takeaways and Insights

• Humorous Exploration of History: The episode effectively blends historical content with modern comedy, making early 20th-century headlines accessible and entertaining for contemporary audiences.

• Comedic Process: Insights into joke writing, especially the creation of similes and handling sensitive topics, provide valuable perspectives for aspiring comedians.

• Collaborative Dynamics: The chemistry between Dave Anthony, Gareth Reynolds, and Mike O'Brien highlights the collaborative nature of comedy, emphasizing mutual support and creative exchange.

Conclusion

"The Past Times with Mike O'Brien" episode of "The Dollop" is a rich tapestry of humor, history, and camaraderie. Through playful interactions and sharp wit, the hosts and their guest bring old newspapers to life, transforming mundane headlines into captivating and hilarious stories. Whether you're a history buff, a comedy enthusiast, or someone looking for an engaging listen, this episode offers a delightful blend of both worlds.

Recommended For:

• Fans of historical comedy
• Listeners interested in the behind-the-scenes of joke writing
• Admirers of "The Dollop" and its distinctive comedic style

Follow and Support:

• Mike O'Brien's Podcast: Business Trips – Check out his latest episodes and upcoming guests.
• Gareth Reynolds' Stand-Up Tour: Visit GarethReynolds.com for ticket information and show dates.