David Cross | Blocks Podcast w/ Neal Brennan

Neal Brennan interviews David Cross (Mr. Show, Arrested Development, Senses Working Overtime Podcast & much more) about the things that make him feel lonely, isolated, and like something's wrong - and how he is persevering despite these blocks.
*FYI: We understand there are audio issues starting around 48 min. We tried but couldn't repair them.*
---------------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to David Cross: ‪@OfficialDavidCross‬
Watch David Cross' new special - 'Worst Daddy in the World': • David Cross | Worst Da...
Senses Working Overtime Podcast: officialdavidcross.com/pages/...
🎙️ Have a Question about your Blocks for Neal? 🎙️
Email “[e-mail]” to have your question answered on a future episode.
----------------------------------------------------------
00:00 Intro / Mr. Show
3:49 Life / Upbringing
7:08 Rich Kid
20:04 Bob Odenkirk Partnership
26:59 Sponsor: BetterHelp
28:43 Anxiety + Drugs
45:55 The Illusion of Happiness
51:05 Guilt & Appreciation
52:46 Anger & Dissatisfaction w/ Creative Output
----------------------------------------------------------
THIS SHOW IS SPONSORED BY BETTERHELP:
www.BetterHelp.com/neal for 10% off your first month
FOLLOW & RATE Blocks:
» Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
» Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/6gx3bAN...
nealbrennan.com for tickets
Watch Neal Brennan: Crazy Good on Netflix:
www.netflix.com/title/81728557
Watch Neal Brennan: Blocks on Netflix: www.netflix.com/title/81036234
Neal's Instagram: / nealbrennan
Neal's Twitter: / nealbrennan
Theme music by Electric Guest (unreleased).
Edited by Will Hagle
#standup #podcast #comedy #mentalhealth #standupcomedian #sketch #sketchcomedy

[@nealbfree]

We understand there are audio issues starting around 48 min. We tried but couldn't repair them.

[@ericwest2986]

It took me a while to realize the sounds weren't soft little micro-farts, like a sub-dialog under the main conversation.

[@ericwest2986]

I should add: thanks for capturing this great conversation. I'll sit through a fart opera for such content.

[@queen_gw]

Even though it bothered me I still listened all the way. I really enjoyed this episode 😊

[@chadbarbaro]

because once you make art it's of your control. see Frankenstein

[@Herodotus77]

Cross's surrealism nearly broke reality.

[@irsever]

Not being willing to spoil the twist in Bioshock 16 years later takes this guy from icon to absolute mensch

[@vanillabeans32087]

David's vibe trajectory over the years reminds me of Patton Oswalt where their initial writing was legendarily cynical and pessimistic, but you could always tell they were good guys who were working hard and growing. And now they are both older men with relationships and families who just want to focus on being happy and taking care of others. It's so sweet.

[@briancomforti3890]

No. He gives the vibes of most junkies I meet. He’ll gladly recount all the drugs he did, just before he did them, and never anything about what he did while on them. If you want to try convincing me that he’s always perfectly lovely to everybody while on crack, meth, coke, heroin, and pills, then by all means convince me!

[@revfunk8823]

​@briancomforti3890 this guy actually gets it

[@deathpunch23]

​@@briancomforti3890come on while some people cant handle drugs, these guys are intelligent and strong. Mdma has helped Neal Brennan give up his grudges and counterbalance the negative effects of his year long dmt trip, and look at these two, they look great! lol jk

[@darrenbrennan7679]

@@briancomforti3890 Maybe quit hanging out with druggies?

[@ColonelAngus2]

But not funny. It's great for Patton and David that they're experiencing this personal growth. It's just not funny for the consumer

[@jasoncbrooks74]

David Cross may have “sold out” to make some paychecks, but he never sold out his stand up. He is an authentic voice who takes an unflinching look at himself, the country, and the world.

[@cameronshawcross819]

He is such a unique joke writer. Can always count on David Cross to have me in stitches laughing!

[@nathanreiber6819]

Sold out how?

[@bobsterapper]

Who thinks He Sold Out ? And Sold Out to what actually?

[@deathpunch23]

Wether or not they sold out, both these guys have long been PLAYED OUT.

[@joshismyhandle]

Arrested Development was a “sell out”? Bro is trippin’

[@frinky525]

"the audition" is great, but the greatest comedy sketch of all time is and always will be "pre-taped call-in show"

[@productdesign9626]

Those two, plus the bickering cops are the three all-time classics for me

[@Football__Junkie]

“Change for a dollar” episode 1. That one has always stuck with me. Bob the CEO pissed off on the golf course. 😂

[@PaulLittle]

@frinky525 As soon as he mentioned The Audition being amazing my first thought was "sure, but it's no Pre-Taped Call-in Show"

[@djburge9181]

Run Ronnie run, pre-taped call in show, a talking junkie. So many #1's

[@craigshort6300]

100!!!!!!

[@GeneralAnonymity]

The cut to Google Maps every time was hilarious. 😂 "Turkiye" killed me ☠️

[@JScottGaribay]

Neal, this new show rocks! Thank you so much for working on these and putting them out for Free! I appreciate it. As a thank you I watched your Netflix special immediately (it was great). Thank you, man.

[@SineadNYC]

the least n. brennan can do is "like" your comment or take 1 second to say "thank you". I don't see that happening tho. I'd love to be wrong! being "of service" is essential in 12 step programs, even if it's acknowling feedback on s. media

[@deathpunch23]

@@SineadNYC the guilt doesnt allow them to check comments, it would be more damaging than healing.

[@TheCompleteJeff]

Oh that was a great line about if you actually care about the state of affairs it’s like “a commitment to misery” 😅 I feel seen. Love the show, so glad you got David Cross on, Mr Show is an all-timer.

[@k.c.simonsen2]

"We're gonna climb Machu-pichu" "Who's filming it (haha) kidding" "...yeah, it's gonna be a documentary." "Oh. Yeah, well that's great."

[@shack_SI]

How many people started to re-watch (or watch) Mr. Show right after this pod.

[@ish474]

David Cross the comedian for the people who think Todd Barry isn't mad enough!

[@danielbarnes9229]

LOL

[@SquirrelJam]

That’s pretty good

[@SquirrelJam]

Why do some people think he sold out ?

[@SquirrelJam]

5:00

[@ish474]

@CoolBeans95 because David was a big part of the alternative comedy scene and if you base your entire identity on being the opposite of the mainstream then you're constantly forced to adjust what that means, mostly out of spite. Oftentimes, that means anyone who finds success in the mainstream must have had to sell their soul to get it. That's all bulshit. People who think that way are usually just scared and need to find reasons why they're not successful. It's the Instinct David talks about, too always push back, even when dealing with fans, because somehow accepting praise lessons the value of his work. Most people grow out of it, when they realize that everybody's just trying to do their best, and none of it really matters anyway. (And I don't mean the entire alt scene, just the ones that rail against anyone who's successful)

[@jonriordan649]

I really enjoyed the random buzzing in this episode.

[@AstraeaAntiope]

I was wondering if anyone else heard a high-pitched periodic squeak, or if I just went too hard with the pop-punk this week

[@saebahsuproc]

I thought it was me lol

[@migzydrift]

🐝

[@mitmon_8538]

"The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret" is such a great show. I need to find it and watch it again.

[@samanthab1923]

My son & I were just talking about that show. We’re watching old Inbetweener shows & remember Neal being on Todd Margret

[@marniebrimhall986]

What an absolutely incredible EP!!! Thank you, we appreciate it.

[@nategomes1719]

Special is number 4 right now on Netflix watched half last night while chilling in bed. Great stuff. One of the best specials I have seen.

[@elisabethwhetstone4420]

I seriously just searched Netflix and can’t find it.

[@saebahsuproc]

Who you talkin about? Neal?

[@theycallmemuss5644]

​@@elisabethwhetstone4420 Neal Brennan "Crazy Good"

[@Psychol-Snooper]

Two of the three podcasts i watch converging! Magic!

[@meganjohnson9540]

Okay, I was at the dollar tree with a friend looking g at wrapping paper and I was like…this one is cheaper…she said they’re both a dollar. David cross, I hear you, bro!

[@cassiescarboro7401]

NEAL MY GUY YOUR NEW SPECIAL IS FANTASTIC! Thanks. This is a great episode of Blocks too. Love David. 🎉

[@Kamikazevondoom]

LOVED the new special 🤘🏼🍿🍿🤘🏼

[@mefarri]

“Everybody did their best, but they weren’t that good at it.” 😂😂😂

[@bobloblaw3191]

The new special was excellent! Thanks

[@TeoBranzell]

Watched the special yesterday, and damn 👏🏻 let me tell you, it was fantastic

[@perryjohnson7529]

Just watched "Crazy Good". Loved it. Wanted it to be even longer.

[@MPAbsorb]

Damn! Neal knocking out these great guests!

[@MrAngrywineguy]

Great episode! You're doing great work Neal!

[@poiluparadis]

Your new special was indeed special.

[@nephrotoxick8]

Great conversation so far !

[@jeremehiestand7716]

My favorite episode so far.

[@michaelpacinus242]

It’s so refreshing to see the whole premise of the show be respected by the guest(s)! Bravo, Mr. Cross.

[@jostrich21]

I am so happy that they talked about video games. My wife and I love video games so much. They bring us together.

[@red-blondie]

I love blocks and Neal is so funny. A great Podcast. I always look forward to it❤❤❤

[@vandyred8354]

Oh perfect this is why this is one of my favorite. Podcasts

[@PaulLittle]

I feel like I just heard David mention how great the twist in Bioshock was 😂. Must've been his own podcast.

[@crakhaed]

The third one? Really enjoyed it at the time I played it around release 😂😅

[@thecolorhero1078]

Ive always liked David Cross, I like him better now and happy for him and his journey. Cheers!

[@timothysampson9496]

Neal, not that you’ll actually respond or likely read this, but your questions/comments about your girlfriend’s kid, you’d make a good dad. You’re capable. Not that you’re considering it. Not that you’re entertaining the idea, but so much of parenting is showing the kindness and openness to kids as you’re showing your guests on the podcast. They love to talk and get honest answers without overloading them.

[@watcher1326]

People aren't taught what integrity or sell outs are anymore? That explains so much. Glad we're winning the important battles... Cool to hear how open minded David is about people having bad endings in their life and why they got there. Sound's like his daughter is lucky to have him as a teacher.

[@icetech6]

Well.. this is just perfect :) you guys just need to do a 90 min podcast with both of you and a guest...

[@bravojeark]

Makes me happy to know David Cross is a gamer and loved Life is Strange

[@crakhaed]

Loves walking sims eh? 😂

[@AndrewKarnavas]

There is an intermittent high-frequency interference sound in the audio on this episode at places like 55:50 - 55:52 that hurts the ears. Just an FYI! I love the show! ❤

[@Adam-kn3tv]

Heard that too, thought I was losing my mind trying to figure out where it was coming from

[@vic1torious]

Ya that's obnoxious

[@mageeknailmahs669]

are you sure the interference sound is not david mentioning yet again that he did coke

[@KidChummy]

I've met David Cross 3 times, between 15 and 25 years ago after shows. While he didn't seem fully at ease, he was totally polite and respectful with me. This included the first time when I was really high and wayyy too excitedly peppering him with questions, for a while, he didn't walk away--I complimented him one last time and excused myself when I sensed he was maybe thinking about it. I'm happy to get confirmation from this that I escaped first so he didn't have to.

[@jonathaneaton]

I’ve been friends with Amber’s cousin for years and I can’t find a way to use our friendship to meet David. 😂

[@BMG19FUNNYDIE]

'Let's go! Smelt it faster! It's gotta go to America!'

[@AliRohrbacher]

This was my favorite ep so far, I love David Cross so much and watching Neal fan out and quote Mr Show & old stand up bits was the best.

[@franklopez4028]

Love it!

[@mikeferguson4816]

2 of my all time favorites, just yuckin' it up here. 😁👍 "...the substance, not comedy..." 🤣🤣🤣

[@jaclynknight]

Loved the reference to the new special in the BetterHelp read!!!!

[@pauld7447]

"...I do play Russian roulette though."😂😂😂😂

[@JoshLange3D]

"You've been Crossed, my man"

[@bobzmuda3456]

janeane garofalo should definitely be on this podcast

[@DarrenMcPhee]

This was the most interesting podcast I’ve watched in a long time.

[@gersonpierce3250]

I am not familiar with David's work but he is very itchy! He keeps rubbing/scratching his face and head a lot!

[@christopherthide6680]

Modest Mouse!! Nissan Murano!! THAT was the turning point of this mindset. Wow. David Cross took the words out of my mind

[@jayprofound_mercenary6665]

What an episode! David Cross gives off the same vibes as Rainn Wilson, unashamedly honest with as little ego as you can on a podcast about your blocks.

[@P.dripps92]

My #1 💚

[@coryingman]

Two of the funniest and most intriguing people to ever do comedy in one place at the same time. Nice!

[@fromthebasin]

“Literally anything that might come your way that is an inconvenience…” fuck yeah!

[@garrisjones7476]

Grew up in GA and this is the first time I’ve ever heard Pink Dot explained. Blind Melon has a song with a line I always thought was “If I’m hungry at 4:30 in the morning, [think God] will deliver?” And it was not that long ago I saw the lyrics for the first time, and it actually says: “Pink Dot will deliver.” And I had no idea what that was, thought it was an ice cream place or something.

[@laurahouser2350]

I ❤ the line "everyone did their best, but not a lot of natural talent"

[@MarioJaker]

Oh man, hearing David Cross go to bat for video games as an art form was wonderful

[@TheOldHippiebilly]

Yay!! Neil & David-- two twisted geniuses together on one podcast! ❤❤❤ PS-- Yes, the book Drug Use For Grown-ups by Dr. Carl Hart is an excellent read. I strongly recommend it.

[@chadbarbaro]

do we really need more shit, like drugs? no you don't, you are just boring.

[@TheOldHippiebilly]

@@chadbarbaro People of every culture have been using psychoactive substances for thousands of years. I'm not boring; I'm just human.

[@soniamendoza-grey8959]

I also check UPI !!! My love of David Cross is locked in.

[@EclecticWizard6]

Didn't know what that was till this. Good tidbit

[@TheKrighter]

The Audition is the greatest sketch in the history of sketch comedy.

[@deesnutz42069]

nah, pre-taped call-in show

[@KrystalSkye13]

So many good games talked about in this episode!

[@LRed-ig1rt]

That has to be my favorite episode thus far! ❤️

[@leekyoverhere]

Great and funny episode.

[@exit32podcast]

The breakfast club brought me here and you are funny dude man. Good luck on your special My guy.

[@ish474]

The increasingly poor descions of Todd Margaret is the best title of a show ever

[@MarioJaker]

His new special is REALLY good, maybe his best work yet.

[@lawtarello]

Neal's or David's?

[@MarioJaker]

@@lawtarellooh I meant David’s lol but Neal’s is great too!

[@TheDroppedvw]

What a crossover podcast!

[@erao0f430j3mfadfs]

30 minutes in I half expected you guys to be doing the Lie Detector bit from Mr. Show haha.

[@erao0f430j3mfadfs]

OF COURSE YOU BROUGHT IT UP LATER ON! You sounded exactly like it at first

[@PerryPerryYT]

3:34 please excuse us commoners for having only 87 people in our lives David. And yes, that's how we, the younger generation, communicate with the people we know.

[@ambylam]

me with 12 followers: wow, 87! that's a lot of people!

[@aksourdough4890]

Very funny special Neal. And Cross is a nice chaser.

[@jkagkajsdftubes]

Same thing happened to me when i drove down LA hollywood boulevard for the first time, and it felt so familiar, i realized i drove there in gta v lol. The turns were the same as in the game

[@crakhaed]

Actually cool Edit: video game deja vu

[@DevilMayAsian]

57:54 thats what ive been telling people for years, but some people just don't understand that video games are just as much of a time waster as watching tv, movies, and reading a book. Its entertainment and if you walk away learning something from entertainment, its completely valid. Thank you, david cross!

[@KPI2020]

I still - to this day - freeze up in fear at the thought of coming face to face with a super mutant in any D.C. subway stations. All thanks to Fallout 3...

[@mitchel5767]

David’s open diologue is refreshing

[@jamesinteractive]

I love that the background lights dim every time there's audio glitches.

[@TheBronxVagrant]

Great talk!! David Cross is the fucking man, Worst Daddy in the world had me fucking cryin!

[@Jjgarcia365]

I love the fact David isn't a yes man.

[@lalah9481]

Amazing pod! Really cool to see this much openness from such a private man. Genius comic and so fun to watch play off Bob… ahhh I miss that Show! Ty for the clips!💖✨🤣

[@chrisblashill7265]

YES

[@eunoicgeniusloci]

1:03:05 There is a book by Benjamin Libet called “Mind Time: The Temporal Factor in Consciousness”. (Perspectives in Cognitive Neuroscience) where he describes the actual physiological/neurological reasons for why taking a walk or sleeping on something can advance a solution to a problem. I tried to find the specific page numbers, but it’s a dense read and I’m tired.

[@crakhaed]

Tight! Thanks for the recommendation. Really cool title. 😊

[@MooseheadStudios]

DOPE! some real gamer talk 55:40 good stuff also bio shock is amazing

[@michellesalazar3634]

I love to see you fanboying❤

[@ENigma-um8zw]

Nice!

[@ImperiusRex74]

I agree with David about rich kids adjusting to hard times. Anecdotally, I have several trust fund friends that crumble when shit goes down. They literally lose their minds when dealing with adversity.

[@timothysampson9496]

I disagree that they would adjust quickly.

[@greatmoves123]

Someone ran a red light and hit my car as I was on Lacienega going towards Sunset on my way to the Comedy Store. The collision was so bad that a speaker flew out of the other guys car and hit a land rover and the land rovers airbags deployed. I was late to the store but still went to the show

[@johndoe09876]

48:44 someone was using the toaster oven 😆

[@Football__Junkie]

It’s nice to meet up with the other 12 Mr Show fans here in the comments.

[@kazoshay]

I give this 5 scammy flammy whammy's out of 5

[@hinnersd]

"Stick with it" LOL

[@shaunbunker4240]

Would have easily listened to a "rogan" length episode of you 2 ... fantastic ...

[@Ghoulwood]

neal david! do this more times! great open interview man you both are great at talkin

[@StruggaBugga]

58:00 Thank You, David! I kinda would love to see David chat vidoe games with Rogan just to see Rogan misconception of the whole genre and not all games is Quake.

[@crakhaed]

Dream of the gamer. It would be great though ngl

Old head here, and been a fan of David Cross since the Mr. Show days. Great episode, and I have him ranked 246 of the top comedians currently working on the East Coast. Also, Neal- "Crazy Good" is awesome. Such a radical departure from "3 Mics" and "Blocks" but genius funny.

[@alanbainbridge_tville_ut]

I saw an episode of David Cross's podcast Sense Working Overtime and his add for Hello Fresh was so weird that I worried for Mr. Cross that Hello Fresh was going to send their goons to his house to rough him up. I imagined the Hello Fresh mogul sitting in his thrown listening to the ads he's paying for and screaming into the air "CROOOOSSSS!!!" The goons would use the ice packs to 'teach him a lesson' and then the detectives would be like 'Huh, there's just these bags of melted gelatin or whatever, no weapons. I'm 100% sure Mr Cross will read this. Someone please validate me

[@ambylam]

I started listening to that ep on spotify and I didn't even know it was his voice until I saw the youtube version! It was so different from his other ads, it made me start to wonder if different companies have specific guidelines about how much creative freedom is allowed for ad reads.

[@InvisibleMag]

27:45 subtly sliding in material from the new special. nice 😎

[@KING_PHILLIP]

Is it just my sound bar or is the audio weirdly clicky around the 51~56 minute mark?

[@aa72on]

Anyone else hearing a zapping sound?

[@Chentmoheatzacatl]

What’s the old David Cross joke Neal references? Where can I listen to it?

[@theonetrueg]

I fucking love this cast