This week’s guest is Brian Gallivan, a comedian and writer known for his work on 'Shrinking'. The conversation dives into humorous tales from television and family life, playful anecdotes about pets, and a satirical take on the absurdity of children’s fashion. They also touch on the role of humor in education, exploring nostalgic connections between students and teachers. The episode takes a comical turn as they critique societal norms through the eccentric life of Levi Collins and reflect on memorable moments from the entertainment industry.
Brian Gallivan shares his rapid transition into Hollywood, emphasizing the unexpected success he found later in life through comedy.
The hosts engage in humorous banter while exploring the trivial yet entertaining stories in a 1904 newspaper, showcasing their camaraderie.
A quirky anecdote about a local man's infamous rat-killing spree humorously highlights the bizarre challenges of rural life in the early 1900s.
Deep dives
Introduction of Guest and Personal Background
The episode features Brian Gallivan, a successful writer, producer, and stand-up comedian who recently transitioned into stand-up comedy. He quickly became notable for his impressive work in television, including his current role in the show 'Shrinking.' The hosts and Brian share personal anecdotes, highlighting his rapid success in Hollywood after moving there later in life. Their banter reveals the camaraderie and playful teasing typical among friends in the entertainment industry.
Guessing the Newspaper Year
A playful segment involves guessing the year of an old newspaper, showcasing the interaction between the hosts and the guest. Gallivan initially guesses 1982, while the host predicts 1904. To everyone's surprise, the actual newspaper is dated June 16, 1904, highlighting Gallivan's remarkable guessing accuracy. This segment sets the tone for a fun exploration of the content found within the historical newspaper.
A Building Move in Oklahoma
One of the first articles from the 1904 newspaper discusses a local man named G.F. Haskins leasing a space for his business while another building is being moved. The hosts humorously unpack the complexities of moving a building at that time, suggesting it likely involved elaborate logistics and physical labor. The comedic dialogue reveals their struggle to make sense of mundane historical events while maintaining an entertaining narrative about everyday life in a small town. This story serves as a humorous reflection on how historical reporting often centers on trivial local happenings.
The World's Fair Ticket Incident
The podcast delves into a quirky article detailing a newspaper's frustration over a failed contest for a ticket to the World's Fair. The publication announces its decision to withdraw the offer due to a lack of interest from subscribers, presenting their grievances in a humorous, self-deprecating tone. This tantrum-like response adds a layer of humor to the episode, as the hosts poke fun at this reaction, illustrating the sometimes petty nature of local journalism. The event signifies a clear disconnect between community engagement and the newspaper's expectations.
A Rat Infestation Scandal
Another vivid story presents GS Carr, a local man who reportedly killed over 200 rats around his property, becoming a local sensation for his actions. The hosts express a blend of disbelief and amusement over the sheer number of rodents involved, which serves to highlight the challenges faced by residents in rural areas during that time. They ponder the implications of such an infestation and discuss Carr's pride in his 'accomplishments' as if it were a badge of honor. This outrageous tale serves as a peak into the bizarre and often overlooked problems of life in the early 1900s.
Dave Anthony picks a newspaper from a day in history and reads it to co-host Gareth Reynolds. This week they are joined by comedian and writer Brian Gallivan