David Farrier, a New Zealand documentarian known for 'Tickled,' brings a whimsical perspective on American culture while residing in L.A. He questions the oddity of shower curtains versus glass doors and reflects on the curious success of chain restaurants like The Olive Garden. The conversation dives into the challenges of media access, quirky aspects of American life, and the perplexities of the banking system. With humor, they navigate topics like conspiracy theories and digital promotion in the ever-changing media landscape.
The humorous critique of Los Angeles reveals the city's contradictions, where residents maintain hope amid its unique quirks and challenges.
Exploring the significance of shower curtains versus glass stalls, the podcast highlights how American bathroom culture reflects socio-economic status and consumer behavior.
The conversation about chain dining and places like Olive Garden illustrates how food experiences create identity and social connections in American culture.
Deep dives
Affectionate Cynicism Towards Los Angeles
The episode begins with a humorous yet affectionate critique of Los Angeles, emphasizing the city's contradictions and quirks. The speaker reflects on the resilience of its residents in the face of calamities such as wildfires, maintaining a hopeful outlook about the city's recovery despite current setbacks. This lighthearted satire aims to highlight the unique character of LA, poking fun at its flaws while also celebrating its vibrancy and cultural diversity. The speaker's inclusion of this exchange serves as a testament to an enduring love for the city, showcasing its relevance in the broader American experience.
Cultural Oddities of American Living
A major topic of discussion revolves around the peculiarities of everyday American life, with a specific inquiry into why shower curtains are so widely used instead of enclosed glass shower stalls. The conversation suggests that shower curtains are a reflection of American socio-economic status, where having a glass shower is often synonymous with wealth, contrasting with practices in other countries. It raises questions about bathroom designs and highlights other eccentricities, such as the height of toilet water levels and the puzzling gaps in public restroom stalls. This exploration of bathroom culture serves as a gateway to understanding larger societal norms and consumer behavior.
Podcasting and Media Industry Insights
The discussion shifts to the podcasting landscape, where insights into the differences in media consumption behaviors are highlighted, contrasting traditional TV with the freeform nature of podcasts. The speaker reflects on the vastly different audience engagement levels of shows like Joe Rogan's versus other media platforms, noting how podcasts foster a more direct and dedicated listener relationship. The conversation touches on how the format and delivery of content affect visibility and growth in a crowded market, emphasizing the significance of audience connection over sheer numbers. It reveals a broader commentary on the evolving nature of media and the role of audience engagement in shaping content.
American Dining Culture and Chain Restaurants
Chain dining, particularly the phenomenon surrounding places like Olive Garden, is explored as a cultural hallmark in America. The speaker expresses fascination with how certain chains create a sense of comfort and familiarity among diners, often elevating them to a status perceived as high-end cuisine. The discussion humorously examines the dedication of some patrons who form deep attachments to these chains, even going so far as to get tattoos celebrating their favorite restaurant. This points to a larger theme of how food and dining experiences are intertwined with identity and social connection in American culture.
Contrasting American and International Perspectives
The podcast delves into the speaker's perspectives as a New Zealander navigating American culture, particularly the differences in social norms and infrastructures. Observations on American healthcare, public restrooms, and daily living reveal a distinctive cultural lens that contrasts with experiences in New Zealand. The dialogue portrays how living in a larger, more complex society can evoke a sense of alienation, particularly regarding basic needs like access to public facilities. Through these reflections, the podcast underscores the nuances of adjusting to life in the U.S. while maintaining a sense of wonder and curiosity about its many quirks.
Why do Americans use shower curtains instead of glass shower stalls? How do you explain the success of The Olive Garden? And is Los Angeles really as foul as Josh claims?
David Farrier is a New Zealand documentarian living in L.A., where his whimsical podcast Flightless Bird is produced by Dax Shepardโs Armchair Expert production company.
David premiered at the Sundance Film Festival with his extraordinary feature-length documentary, Tickled, and is a frequent collaborator with Flight of the Conchords' Rhys Darby.
David swung by the Uncomfortable Conversations studio on a recent visit to Sydney to muse delightfully with Josh about Los Angeles, Joe Rogan, A.I., YouTube, and the future of America.
*Note: This episode was recorded in late 2024 prior to the outbreak of the 2025 Los Angeles fires.
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