The Dollop presents American history in a format that’s anything but textbook dull. I found my perfect road trip companion in The Dollop. It’s a mix of comedy and history, where Dave Anthony, the well-read history buff, narrates incredible tales to his unsuspecting co-host, Gareth Reynolds. So, let’s dive into some of the best Dollop episodes out there. Drawing on personal experiences, fan recommendations, and popularity, here’s a roundup of some of the best of The Dollop. Each episode is a gem in its own right, offering laughs and a fresh perspective on the quirky corners of American history. Trust me, you’re in for a treat!
607 – John Murray Spear and His Machine
- Release Date: November 7, 2023
- Duration: 1 hour, 52 minutes
Ever heard of a guy trying to build an electric Messiah? Yeah, me neither until this episode. John Murray Spear’s story is so bizarre, it’s hard to believe it’s real. Dave and Gareth deliver this piece of forgotten history with their usual humor and a dash of mistrust. It’s like stumbling upon the weirdest chapter of a history book. If you’re in for a hilarious story, give this a listen. You’ll be texting your friends about it, trust me.
Elon Musk with Karen Kilgariff – Part One and Two (episodes 600 and 601)
- Release Date: September 19 and 26, 2023
This 600 celebration series pulled me right in. It’s all about Elon Musk’s rollercoaster life, and it’s packed with surprises. I guess many of us were waiting for a Musk episode. Well, they made two. Karen Kilgariff brings her A-game, making the conversation even more fun.
They start with Musk’s tough childhood, and you’ll see him in a new light by the end. It’s a full-on experience. There are some extraordinary fun bits, like Musk’s Thai cave rescue defamation scandal, and it’s as ridiculous as you’d expect. Karen’s story about her SpaceX sighting is the kind of thing you tell at parties. They also touch on Neuralink and the animal experiments: you will be shocked, thinking, and laughing while Gareth, Dave and Karen dissect one of today’s most talked-about figures. If you’re even a bit curious about Elon Musk, you’ve got to listen to this.
400 – Ronald Reagan w/ guest Patton Oswalt (Part 1 & 2)
- Release Date: October 15 and October 21, 2019
Who knew Ronald Reagan’s backstory could be so fascinating and hilarious? I was on the edge of my seat (literally, in the back of a van) listening to these episodes. Patton Oswalt joins Dave and Gareth again (he should be part of the cast; every time he is there, you have a top episode) to talk about Reagan’s journey from sportscaster to Hollywood actor. The trio’s dynamic turns the episodes into a history class you wish you’d had. These episodes are a must-listen – you’ll be chuckling and gasping. Oswalt laughter is impossible to resist.
323 – 1908 New York to Paris Car Race (Live)
- Release Date: April 10, 2018
- Duration: One hour, 28 minutes
Imagine racing from New York to Paris in cars that are more rickety than reliable. That’s the 1908 car race for you. I remember listening to this episode sandwiched between computer gear: great timing. Dave, Gareth, and James Adomian bring this insane historical event to life with their storytelling and hilarious commentary. Their impressions are spot-on. You’ll find yourself laughing out loud at the absurdity of it all while admiring the sheer human audacity.
87 – Action Park!
- Release Date: June 10, 2015
- Duration: 41 minutes
Action Park is just nuts. Known as Accident Park, this place was a disaster waiting to happen. Dave and Gareth tell us about the dangerous rides and lack of safety that made this park infamous. You’ll laugh, cringe, and be thankful you never visited. It’s a great listen for a taste of the wilder side of The Dollop.
271 – Uber
- Release Date: June 5, 2017
- Duration: One hour, 37 minutes
Uber – we’ve all used it, but do we know its story? This episode cracks the controversial history of the ride-sharing giant in classic Dollop style. Dave’s storytelling and Gareth’s shocked reactions turn the episode into an engaging saga of innovation, controversy, and some pretty dubious decisions. It’s an episode that encapsulates The Dollop’s magic – turning even a story about a tech company into a hilarious rollercoaster.
56 – Newport Sex Scandal
- Release Date: February 7, 2015
- Duration: One hour, 2 minutes
Talk about a history lesson you won’t find in textbooks: this episode had me and my fellows cracking out. The Newport Sex Scandal, a part of American history you probably never heard about, is laid bare in this episode. Dave’s narration and Gareth’s impossible responses make for a one-of-a-kind listen. It’s a wild ride through a shameful chapter of the past, loaded with unexpected twists and turns. You’ll find yourself laughing, learning, and maybe even a little shocked – just like I was.
46 – The Cereal Men – Live w/ Patton Oswalt
- Release Date: January 3, 2015
- Duration: One hour, 38 minutes
Cereal and masturbation? Yep, that’s what this episode dives into. Patton Oswalt joins the team, and together, they unpack the weird history of breakfast cereal. It’s a strange story, but Dave and Gareth make it super entertaining. You’ll never look at your morning cereal the same way again.
20 – David Hahn
- Release Date: September 6, 2014
- Duration: One hour, 19 minutes
Ever heard of a teenager building a nuclear reactor in his backyard? That’s David Hahn for you. This episode tells his wild story. I was amazed and a bit scared, honestly. Dave and Gareth mix the right amount of humor and disbelief, making this episode a fascinating listen. It’s stories like these that make you love these guys’ ability to discover the weirdest bits of history.
15 – Ten Cent Beer Night
- Release Date: August 4, 2014
- Duration: One hour, 2 minutes
This episode is about a baseball game turned chaos because of a cheap beer promotion. I laughed so hard listening to this. Dave and Gareth describe how the night spiraled out of control. It’s like a comedy sketch but real. A perfect example of how The Dollop makes history fun and relatable.
12 – The Rube
- Release Date: July 14, 2014
- Duration: One hour, 1 minute
Rube Waddell’s story is something else. A baseball player who chased fire trucks and wrestled alligators? You bet. I couldn’t believe he was a real person. Dave and Gareth bring Rube’s character to life with their hilarious comments. It’s a great pick if you want a mix of sports and comedy.
So, there you have it – my top picks from The Dollop. Each episode is a unique mix of humor and history, guaranteed to make any long or short journey way more entertaining. You’ll laugh and learn; if you’re anything like me, you might find yourself hooked on this incredible podcast. Happy listening!
Share:
