Podcast Summary: "Dana Gould Returns" on You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes

Release Date: April 9, 2025

Introduction and Background

In this episode of You Made It Weird, host Pete Holmes welcomes back the esteemed comedian and writer Dana Gould. Dana introduces himself with his characteristic humor, highlighting his extensive writing credentials, including contributions to The Simpsons. He also promotes his new stand-up special, "Perfectly Normal," available for free on YouTube, emphasizing its accessibility to all listeners.

Dana Gould [00:15]: “He’s also just a fantastic standup comedian. He has a new special that is out now on YouTube for free. Like. Like the old guy that thinks it’s a…”

Dana Gould's Career and The Simpsons

Dana delves into his early career, discussing his start in comedy at the age of 17 and his pivotal role in writing for The Simpsons. He shares an anecdote about his initial reluctance to commit fully to the show due to touring obligations, reflecting on past decisions with a mix of humor and regret.

Dana Gould [07:45]: “An orgasm of ignorance.”

Dana recounts how Mike Scully, then the showrunner of The Simpsons, unexpectedly offered him a permanent position, leading Dana to reconsider his commitments and ultimately embrace a more stable role in television writing.

Dana Gould [08:58]: “But he said, all right, I’ll call your agent. And then he just looked and went, sucker.”

Comedy Craft and Originality

The conversation shifts to the essence of comedy, with Dana emphasizing the importance of originality and the pitfalls of joke theft. Both hosts agree that authentic comedic expression cannot be replicated merely through imitation.

Pete Holmes [11:25]: “That's what Steve Martin said, like, your act should be unstealable.”

Dana Gould [11:50]: “I could not do Kevin Meaney's eye.”

Dana praises performers like George Carlin for their ability to convey profound messages with simplicity, illustrating his own comedic style's alignment with such legends.

Dana Gould [12:33]: “Here’s my math. George Carlin's text and Albert Brooks's delivery.”

Personal Relationships and Life Changes

Dana opens up about his personal life, discussing his marriages and the evolution of his relationships. He shares insights into his second marriage, highlighting the deep friendship and mutual support between him and his wife.

Dana Gould [33:00]: “I married my dad and then I married my mom.”

Pete Holmes [33:35]: “Oh, that's great.”

The episode also touches on Dana's divorce in 2013, exploring the emotional complexities and growth that followed.

Dana Gould [34:55]: “But it was just like, how can you not communicate with somebody that you were so intimate with?”

Coping with Loss and Grief

A poignant moment arises as Dana discusses the passing of his mother. He shares his initial numbness and the subsequent emotional challenges he faced, providing a heartfelt look into his process of coping with loss.

Dana Gould [67:22]: “And I have three daughters and a wife.”

He reflects on the difficulty of processing such a profound loss, intertwining humor with vulnerability to illustrate his journey through grief.

Dana Gould [68:40]: “I'm mad at her. You're right. You're absolutely right.”

Show Business Anecdotes

Dana recounts his experiences in the entertainment industry, sharing humorous and insightful stories about working with legendary figures like Jim Henson, Mel Brooks, and Robin Williams. He highlights the camaraderie and creative dynamics that define collaborative environments in comedy and television.

Dana Gould [81:06]: “I worked with him for a couple weeks.”

Pete Holmes [81:38]: “That's beautiful.”

He also narrates a memorable encounter involving Bob Dylan, blending his storytelling prowess with sharp comedic timing.

Dana Gould [54:23]: “This is how it is, if you told people, you’re gonna have a thing in your pocket about the size of a deck of cards…”

Societal Views on Capitalism and Social Media

The discussion takes a more analytical turn as Dana and Pete explore the pervasive influence of capitalism, characterizing it as a "state religion" that shapes societal values and behaviors. They critique the commodification of various aspects of life and the resultant social issues such as misogyny and racism.

Dana Gould [22:36]: “What if you stood back and said...”

Dana articulates how capitalist values prioritize profit over equitable solutions, drawing parallels with everyday examples like traffic systems and healthcare.

Dana Gould [24:10]: “But a capitalist would say, well, the red light stops us from making money during those two minutes.”

The hosts discuss the detrimental effects of social media algorithms that prioritize engagement through sensationalism, contributing to societal polarization and the spread of misinformation.

Dana Gould [66:31]: “It's just the wickedness of social media. It's like there's no money in showing people a diverse.”

Personal Reflections and Philosophies

Throughout the episode, Dana shares his philosophies on life, comedy, and personal growth. He emphasizes the balance between striving for improvement and acknowledging human imperfection, advocating for kindness and authenticity in both personal and professional realms.

Dana Gould [20:51]: “It's impossible. Yeah. It's impossible to… To walk through life and not leave your house.”

He reflects on the importance of genuine connections and the role of comedy in alleviating stress and fostering joy.

Dana Gould [99:18]: “When I can go like, wait, I think this is the kind of knot that comedy could untie.”

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Pete and Dana exchange heartfelt sentiments, celebrating their friendship and mutual respect. Dana thanks Pete for having him back on the show, while Pete commends Dana’s special, "Perfectly Normal," reinforcing the episode's blend of humor, introspection, and insightful dialogue.

Pete Holmes [99:17]: “And I always like to give this on YouTube compliment. It's on YouTube. When it’s true is I put it on to research. But the truth is I was driving and I had a very stressful morning and it was just, you know, I'm solo parenting.”

Dana Gould [104:30]: “Thanks for having me on, man.”

The episode concludes with a playful exchange, embodying the warmth and camaraderie that characterizes You Made It Weird.

Dana Gould [104:37]: “Keep it crispy.”

Pete Holmes [104:37]: “Thank you, my friend.”

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dana Gould [07:45]: “An orgasm of ignorance.”

• Dana Gould [11:50]: “I could not do Kevin Meaney's eye.”

• Dana Gould [22:36]: “What if you stood back and said...”

• Dana Gould [24:10]: “But a capitalist would say, well, the red light stops us from making money during those two minutes.”

• Dana Gould [66:31]: “It's just the wickedness of social media. It's like there's no money in showing people a diverse.”

• Dana Gould [20:51]: “It's impossible. Yeah. It's impossible to… To walk through life and not leave your house.”

• Dana Gould [99:18]: “When I can go like, wait, I think this is the kind of knot that comedy could untie.”

These highlights encapsulate the depth and humor Dana brings to his discussions, offering listeners both laughs and thoughtful reflections.

Final Thoughts

In "Dana Gould Returns," Pete Holmes and Dana Gould navigate a wide array of topics, from the intricacies of comedy writing and personal life experiences to broader societal critiques. The episode masterfully blends humor with vulnerability, providing listeners with an engaging and insightful conversation. Dana's candidness about his struggles and triumphs, coupled with Pete's thoughtful inquiries, creates a rich tapestry that both entertains and enlightens.

For those who haven’t listened to the episode, this summary offers a comprehensive glimpse into the meaningful and humorous exchanges that define Dana Gould’s return to You Made It Weird. Whether you're interested in comedy, personal growth, or societal issues, this episode promises a memorable and thought-provoking experience.