Janeane Garofalo | Senses Working Overtime with David Cross | Headgum

Janeane Garofalo (Wet Hot American Summer, Romy & Michele's High School Reunion) joins David to discuss their early days pursuing comedy, the impetus to start a podcast, a strange shared trip to LA, and more. Catch all new audio & video episodes every Thursday.
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[@OfficialDavidCross]

Go to HelloFresh.com/sensesfree and use code sensesfree for FREE breakfast for life!

[@darklumin]

When is the Sam Seder episode dropping?

[@captsneezer]

I would never have ordered from a meal prep website if it weren't for you. Free breakfast sounds like a deal too good to pass up!

[@SnarkyMarx]

Lick the boot, David, good boy, arf!

[@gobabawonan2199]

David is right in saying that Janeane was a trailblazer -- there were not many women with her style on television in the 90s

[@ladylo-fi6979]

There were *no* women (or men) who had her comedic style in the 90s, and some may copy her a bit now but are not her equal. She is truly an original.

[@jmp01a24]

She was so hot in Larry Sanders show. Crush. I was 20 when it started to air. She was gorgeous and played her part perfect. That young quick bookie who knew all the cool bands.

[@joevanielopez6650]

We need Garafalo back in our lives. She is and has been a comedy beast in her own right. Podcast!

[@ash8298]

Is she still abusing Adderall? Speed makes people really annoying.

[@GCKelloch]

I like her, but her standup was pretty tedious and scattered albeit insightful. She was quite brilliant when she hosted The Late Show a few times for Letterman in the 90s. I know she got a lot of flak from reactionary conservatives over the years, but I think she's correct in her opinions, once fully understood.

[@bradmodd7856]

Maybe David can let her get a word in next time

[@wwbuirkle]

She is?

[@H-Vox]

Yeah I'd love it

[@michaelgordon3552]

Every Gen X atom in my body was thoroughly pleased for an hour. Love you both ❤️

[@Blake_.Dryden]

I read this as the gen x atom instead of every gen x atom and sat and wondered wth that meant for too long....😆

[@rhiannonblue5988]

Gen x cynicism, self depreciation and sarcasm without being trumpers. I love it. Feels like home.

[@ColumbiaBeet]

Gah I know right! The vibes there two give off being in the same room just gives me warm and fuzzy feelings. It's an atmosphere that is sorely missed nowadays in comedy. It's still around...but isn't as dominant in the entertainment spheres so hard to find in the mainstream. When The Ben Stiller Show, or Kids in the Hall, or Mr Show were at their peak.

[@ELPeeDubYou]

You still need to MAGA!!! you can like these two with being a libtard Marxist

[@DamnJosh33]

Lol I couldn't imagine being so callow that I judge whether I enjoy or relate to something based on which wing of tha fake ass fascist eagle they sit on

[@AllenGarberGuitarFun]

I love that David is and always has been so very aware that Janeane Garofalo is truly brilliant and (to use a word that is misused, overused and misapplied) an iconic person. And I love that he keeps at the goal of telling her how truly great she is regardless of the discomfort it causes her. She’s a heroine and this was a pleasure to watch.

[@christopherwoods5150]

A David Letterman level of discomfort with praise. Neal Brennen's Letterman interview, Neal just lays it on so David will talk about it.

[@justsomeguy5490]

I found it interesting that she thinks that admiration for her is largely based on how she dressed in the 90's. I admire her commitment to being true to her beliefs, whether in how to behave, what things are important, politics, or in resisting corporate beliefs and propaganda system, seeing thru BS, appreciating true quality and art rather than hype. Good taste, high integrity, kindness. So often "The best lack all conviction, while the worst/Are full of passionate intensity”. When Janeane has the energy for it and is at her best, she exemplifies "the best" and "passionate intensity".

[@AnonymousAccount514]

they were friends back when they were both nobodies in Boston

[@AllenGarberGuitarFun]

@@AnonymousAccount514Yes, and obviously from then on. As they mentioned, he worked on ‘The Ben Stiller Show’ and she was in Mr. Show as well.

[@dcpeaches]

She ro!!!

[@nekomann]

Janeane was put through the ringer for so long. She's one of the very best and seeing her and Cross together here is an absolute thrill. I'm alive at 46 because of her work. Her comedy makes me feel seen and always made me feel hopeful. I love this.

[@snoopyboobs]

you're alive because of her work? I hope you're kidding here as hyperbole can be quite amusing.

[@nekomann]

@@snoopyboobs I meant what I said. Sorry if you're not a fan.

[@catherinezuklic5070]

*wringer*

[@robbiegailh.2076]

Would you enlighten me, re this wringer she's endured? I've always loved her stuff, but she disappeared for a while.

[@mrtoothless]

cringe

[@Bill3Jones]

I would love to see a documentary on Janeane Garafalo. She’s awesome.

Janeane Garofalo is so *exquisitely* neurotic. It’s like she’s the raw, authentic persona from which John Mulaney has been sculpting himself in his ascent to legendary. She’s an absolute legend herself, and somehow created the single funniest moment against a movie starring and written by Chappelle, and Neal Brennan, where the bar for second place is so high it’s Chappelle doing bits with *himself* while Steven Wright does pretty much his own standup from a couch. Bow down to her MF’ers!

[@jooliagoolia9959]

Janeane is a National Treasure ❤

[@lalamugs2778]

love this episode, Janeane really needs to play Fran Lebowitz in a movie , how perfect would she be in that role!!

[@LindaC616]

Fran would probably say "why can't I play me!?"

[@lalamugs2778]

@@LindaC616 haha, so true

[@wendaltvedt4673]

I can't imagine Janeane would be very flattered by being offered that role. (her self esteem is low enough) But I agree she could play Fran.

[@iamjarrettdean9358]

I have LOved Janeane for years. Incredibly talented, insanely intelligent woman. Amazing. 🙌

[@maryparkis6991]

JG is my all-time favorite. Hilarious and singular. PLEASE LET HIM MAKE THE DOC, JANEANE. 🙏

[@philipmserious]

100% want a David Cross directed Janeane doc!

[@armandoucles5346]

Janeane Garofalo is a 90's icon. I can't imagine MTV of the 90's without seeing her on there.

[@goofykids]

I’ve been taking an annual trip to NYC to catch Janeane's performances at the Eastville Comedy Club for nearly 15 years now, ever since I first discovered her. She’s truly the best in my opinion. Also, I totally agree that David’s idea for a documentary would be amazing. He genuinely respects her and her comedy, so I'm confident he would do a fantastic job.

[@professorhazard]

Janeane's cool aunt slide into old age is an inspiration for anyone who hopes to retain their coolness for as long as possible

[@jonbonzo9199]

You seriously think that disfiguring facial surgery is a cool slide into old age?

[@professorhazard]

@@jonbonzo9199 hey, I've not led her life so I won't pretend to understand what she felt she needed to do surgically. I'm just glad she's not Roseanne.

[@sardonicus76]

@@professorhazard You know who else is glad she’s not Roseanne? Roseanne. All jokes aside, I’ve seen homeless people who look less homeless than Jen-X Garfloffalo.

[@feedatribe]

Old age? 😂 She’s only in her 50s…

[@4seeableTV]

@@jonbonzo9199 I like her, so it bothers me that she felt the need to do that to her face. With the botox and lip fillers, you almost can't understand her.

[@B-Nice]

I would pay at least $4 to watch a Janeane Garofalo documentary!!! 🎥🎬

[@Janestjohns]

He's right Janeane, it's time for a tribute to your lovely self. I know you're not old (I'm a year older) but you're a legend - truth! Thank you David, keep nudging ❤️

[@drventure100]

We love Janeane! So glad you got her on early. Now please do Sam Seder please

[@thewielloyd988]

Yeah would love to Seder on this.

[@HarrisonsFord]

Nothing currently makes me feel older than this podcast, as good as it is. Trying to embrace it.

[@johnulcer]

I was thinking the same thing….

[@josef2012]

🙏😄💗

[@zephyrleapold6796]

Is it the fact that most of the guests are older talking bout older times, or that this format is different than in person shows, or TV based interviews?

[@joeporter4920]

Janeane as a senior is just insufferable

[@welles28]

@@joeporter4920 Hasn't she always been relatively insufferable, if we're being honest?

[@UsulBard]

I'm half Persian, many Iranians I know prefer to be called Persian as it is a name based in heritage and we don't all love the Iranian government. It is not offensive to say Persian.

[@zephyrleapold6796]

Any Iranians I've met in the US have introduced themselves as Persian.

[@reefk8876]

I’m Persian too, yes. Also the reference in true romance is pretty funny.

[@thirstfast1025]

Where I grew up, "Persians" were a type of pastry, like a cinnamon bun, but thinner and with butter icing on top. Sliced in half and fried in butter till the icing starts to melt into the pastry. I was confused later in life when I heard people talking about "Persians" but they meant people, and I'm sure I confused anyone to whom I randomly remarked "Oh man, Persians are *delicious!* "

[@patrice0neal]

Ugh…sick of everyone’s culture. No one is special stupid

[@na-vn5qy]

​@@thirstfast1025i learned about persia playing age of empires online when i was 12; they were my favorite for 1v1 because i could rush my opponent early with the super fast war elephants. good times.

[@tanyamv8159]

I’ll pile on with the request for a Janeane Garofalo doc. Don’t let the naysayers deprive the rest of us. We want it more than they don’t.

[@SonovaBish]

She's so cool. I want to spend my life with someone like her.

[@longboarddude]

My friend showed me Wet Hot American Summer in 2005 when I was 17 and it changed my life.

[@I-Libertine]

(There are so many punchlines here... 😂)

[@dominiceddy5947]

Words can't describe how happy I am that you're doing your own podcast. You rock David.🤝

[@christamarie818]

Oh I SO want a Janeane Garofalo documentary. She has been such an inspiration pretty much my entire life. Reality Bites came out the year I was born and it has been one of my absolute favorite movies, along with Now & Then, Romy & Michelle, Mystery Men, and Wet Hot American Summer- like those movies fully formed me as a child into the adult that I am now, not to even mention her comedy and I need as much of her in my life as possible.

[@ACSDSicily]

where has she been last 10 years?

[@wendaltvedt4673]

What's to tell? She was a semi popular B list actress for a few years in the 90s then disappeared and aged into an old true who now resembles Fran Lebowitz. What more is there to say?

[@inknpaintCW]

This world needs more Janeane. Thanks for bringing her on David!

[@bentbird9329]

I used to get “you remind me of Garafalo” all the time in the 90s. I never saw it but I always thought it was a huge compliment as I thought so highly of her.

[@mattchristensen3519]

A Janeane Garofalo documentary would be awesome!

[@Brandvegn]

Jeneane Garafalo is absolutely beautiful as a person and she was one of the many (David, you too, I guess) comedians that shaped my thoughts and created enough cognitive dissonance in my tiny brain to change me, and my younger siblings. Thanks for bringing her on David sort-of-ok-comedian-in-a-conceptual-way Cross!

[@benjaminpetersen1952]

It's dissonance. The term is cognitive dissonance.

[@Brandvegn]

@@benjaminpetersen1952 thanks.

[@A-small-amount-of-peas]

Loved Janeane ever since The Larry Sanders Show , admittedly she was my 90's teenage crush but damn was she funny on that show

[@tylery85]

Thank you for the late night release. Really enjoy this podcast, David. I'm too young to remember stand-up from the early 90s as it happened in real-time, but am very appreciative of it looking back. Your pod with Marc Maron really helped me understand how hard comedians of that time had to work to prove their style against who came before them who had 'written the protocol' for how comedy should work. Alternative music I feel is more easily understood at this point, but there was a parallel comedy scene happening at the same time that is under-appreciated. Thank you so much David and Janeane for your continuous hard work in the comedic arts. I love this podcast because every guest is willing to go down the rabbit hole and play along in these satirical far out storylines without batting an eye. I love laughing out loud at the tangential storylines that develop, while at the same time David and the guests seldom do as funny as they know they are. They know how to play in the medium and just have fun with it. Thank you both.

[@uncletom356]

Maron and Jeaneane within a week's time. Ok, David Cross. I see you. Always loved the work; wasn't completely sold that he "needed" a podcast. Thinking differently, now.

[@davidhutchinson5233]

I remember being so impressed with her while watching her career over the years. First noticed her in Reality Bites and have followed her since then. She's more than great.

[@ChaoticGoodDeeds]

I love David and Janeane, awesome interview ❤

[@jasonboyd782]

Don't tell anyone but I do too. Also, nothing against Beatrix Kiddo, but...

[@DouglasBrooker]

She seems to be doing a lot of voiceover work and is a little bit out of the Limelight but she's absolutely brilliant and even though she's kind of self disparaging she is just so perceptive so smart has a brilliant vocabulary and is brilliantly clear in her thoughts I always love catching something about her currently like this

[@nothingistrue]

Janeane is so great, and I love seeing David push and nudge her to accept the compliments, and acknowledge her standing as an iconic, phenomenal, groundbreaking comedian with a proto-legendary status that she so well deserves. I am so there for the documentary about her, however it might be possible!!

[@briansmith2163]

Garafalo. Still with the incredible beauty and charisma. I remember why we all fell head over heels in love with you in the first place.

[@Yotrek]

1:07:16 she named her production company: “I hate myself productions inc”. I feel this is a key reason to why she’s afraid to green light a documentary about herself. It’s a trauma response…..that, by the way, we are all collectively feeling. I hope she knows how much she is adored.

[@brianmclaughlin358]

Janeane, I had the same music experience in high school! A girl I dated briefly said "What the fuck is this" when the classic rock station came on in my car. She changed it to WHFS. Life changed.

[@Anne3000]

I would LOVE to see a doco about Janeane!! Over here in Australia, I’ve been a fan of hers since she started! Come on Janeane, you worked for it and deserve it. And why not?! Please do it for us women.

[@Anne3000]

Ok so I just heard her say she’s not focussed on gender, but it would be great for girls and women to see, including me.

[@thisisit333]

Listening to you both talk about out College Radio awakenings 🥰 Memories of my own: KUSF, KALX and KFJC I feel like my sister and I grew up with Janeane. Even our mom loved her on Air America. We try to see her every time she tours. ❤

[@caprimerrifield3647]

I came over from listening on Spotify just so I could comment: yes!!!! We would love a documentary on Janeane! Let's do a write in campaign to convince her!

[@brianmariano4793]

Garofalo! This is quickly becoming one of my favorite podcasts

[@sharplessguy]

Absolutely love Janeane Garofalo...

[@andyreid138]

D: "Let's not get the cart before the horse..." J: "Please, because it won't work."

[@secondcitywolverine]

This show never misses. Each episode is fantastic.

[@timothydog76]

"Bob Odenkirk! That's his name." "No." 🤣

[@mols556]

This was so great. A wonderful conversation and I'm so happy to know now about Laurie Anderson and The Blue Nile.

[@JonahsWail]

Yea buddy! It’s cool to see Janeane!

[@abbynormal942]

Love that Janeane told her The Blue Nile memory. Tinseltown in the rain truly is emotive. I had a similar experience. College radio was a big part of my formative years, as was The Ben Stiller Show. ❤ these two.

[@195516Z]

I used to have an enormous crush on Janeane years ago....... seeing her here reminds me, I think I still do!

[@daveycretin664]

Major bonus points to Janeane for name checking the great “Number With Wings” by The Bongos. What an amazing song. Anyone not familiar with it should give it a listen.

[@thisoptimism]

I'm very excited for this one! Keep em coming David.

[@DystopianPictures]

Funny enough, Janeane was referencing the use of dogs in films and likened it to child actors, I was actually the kid in the scene from Truth about Cats and Dogs when the dog was on roller skates.

[@sirdouglas2010]

I love when Sam Seder and Janeane did a show together! This is great!

[@davidrichman9779]

That show stinks now

[@sirdouglas2010]

@@davidrichman9779 You may stink. The Majority Report sure AF doesn't.

[@davidrichman9779]

They were WAY better before Sam let the young loons run it to appeal to a specific younger market niche that hates nuance. I blame Brooks going literally insane but I would argue he was a touch above how the show runs now. I used to be a big fan

[@sirdouglas2010]

@@davidrichman9779 Sorry to hear that. I think Michael was a unique talent being intelligent, hilarious, informed and well read. I miss him terribly. I'm 53 and I love the kids. Emma is critical thinker and knows politics, has a fresh take on current events and the culture war. MR is the only show that has on academics, authors, journalists, election watchers etc and the serious fun half. And it's truly leftists.

[@davidrichman9779]

I def am more of a partisan liberal Democrat than a leftist but fair

[@tonecrony2643]

Podcast, gosh I love this podcast, gotta love this podcast. Watch it all day loooooong!… thank you.

[@SallyValjean]

zomg i love love love Janeane Garofalo so much. everything about her I love. she is brilliant. she is beautiful inside and out. love her comedy, acting, politics...♥🙏

[@HoboMerlin]

2 of my favourite comedians. Here for it.

[@ghostparticle78]

Thank you for all of this David

[@christopherwoods5150]

I knew I liked Janeane, I clicked to see if I still love Janeane, and yes, even with the hippie mom energy, she's lovely. Also loving the chemistry, where one person, usually Janeane but not always, has a tenuous opinion, and the response is a equally silly yet somewhat affectionate challenge to it. Just watched a few Green Room supercuts, so this was a good palate cleanser.

[@pineconey]

Wherever you live, college radio is a hero.

[@thanimal6745]

A JG doc would CRUSH!!!

[@maryhlastala6689]

I would 100% be interested in watching a documentary about Janeane and her stand up process!

[@Bass.sick.b1tch]

I would have LOVED a Janeane documentary, and would murder for a David/Janeane tour ❤❤❤

[@Kevins773]

Same. Would LOVE this

[@EBurstyn]

I would love to watch something involving/about Garofalo! She has had such an incredible career and is so fun to listen to❤

[@xcryptoone]

I really enjoy visual Podcast. It's fun to see people's reactions in interviews.

[@Fakus_Namus]

David and Janeane thank you. It is 4:00 a.m. here in Houston and I was lonely, y'all helped. David, de-lint the windscreens on your mics. How gauche, sheesh.

[@Wootza73]

If anything, the shoutout to The Blue Nile was my favorite part. Would love also to see a Pamela Adlon & Janeane Garofalo collaboration. Great episode - only critique is that people have to forever be careful when speaking so as to not get cancelled. It trips up the whole vibe.

[@tennisfanB]

My girl. In a lotta rights, my hero. Her moxie is always gonna be contagious.

[@nicorayo195]

I had a Pavlov's dog moment. I started laughing the second I heard David Cross's voice as he was walking onto the set.

[@booboobabybecky]

That’s the documentary we need!

[@Zeluth]

Thanks for your stand up. I am using this platform to say thanks.

[@yohojones]

Janeane!!! Thanks for this.

[@marydelossantos610]

Yessss we need a Garafalo documentary!!!

[@bobbifergus3110]

I love that Garafalo is still Garafalo. ❤

[@jessmartinez539]

She was a huge name in my 90s upbringing in the media. Always wanted her to be interviewed by another icon.

[@hankpink6274]

Love Janeane, very glad she didnt let the blacklisting she endured discourage her.

[@ickysan]

I would love to see a Janeane documentary!❤

[@williamgrabowski3411]

I greatly enjoyed this discussion-thanks so much!

[@thinkpol1984]

Janeane is the all time BEST!

[@H-Vox]

Every episode of this has been so great

[@johnrainey5592]

Great podcast as always.

[@erao0f430j3mfadfs]

"Getting hit by a bike is irritating. But I feel like getting hit by a car MEANS something." She's so good. I wish Jeanine was more popular but she might be too smart and witty for the common peasant.

[@DronedLove]

I had such a crush on Janeane back in the 90's. Still do tbf. Her turning up in Ideal absolutely blew my mind.

[@michelemurphy3541]

What a cool joy for this to pop up, wow ✨~Garofalo is ❤❤❤❤…absolutely long time favorite of mine and when I say favorite, could be talking tiny obsessed. Since the 80’s. Freaking gorgeous a n d hilarious. Seriously. Love you. I hope you know how fantastically talented you are. When I say Felt joy seeing your name just now, I truly mean it. David Cross, just subscribed and stoked about your podcast(s)(s)(s). Love you too.

[@thepastprecedent]

You got me! I was screaming, "It's Bob Odenkirk!", then I went to your channel, and saw you interviewed him a month earlier. 😂

[@chrisknight3734]

I think it's Okendorf

[@lazr4096]

Love the start u can tell janeane at @1:10 is like ok let’s do this

[@erinmclee4198]

I love them both. OG’s

[@kevob]

I had such a crush on her as a teenager, she was funny & attractive in a real dark sarcastic way😊

[@owenreynolds8718]

Someone once asked me about my "celebrity crush" and after I said "JG" they came back with the most horrified "you like The Bowler?" So I just had to keep doing that. Much later students looked her up and found a picture "JG walking her 2 dogs in NYC." They said our love was doomed since they knew I was a cat person. Well I said that of course when we were married they'd be _our_ dogs -- I'd walk them and, uh, do dog stuff with them. I just needed a lot of practice first. So now, because of an imaginary crush on her, I'm known as someone who stops to pet dogs.

[@user-oj4zc2fl7e]

Damnit i want more of her. So So SO much more. She is amazing!!!

[@stevenwymor1398]

Janeane, I would happily pay to see that film. And so would many, many, MANY others. Do it! Do. It.

[@TuddsCrapshoot]

Love her so much, and her mention of Allende and Pinochet and the US’s evil involvement is amazing. Viva Chile!!!🇨🇱

[@Kevins773]

My two top comedians/people in the whole world in one room 😊 Love you guys!

[@kevinterriquez1316]

Still so beautiful, what a great podcast guest, cross is one of the absolute best

[@dazydaisy3657]

Janeane Garofalo! I’m so happy to see you!

[@damonlocks5246]

Love to hear a rare Chameleons reference when Janeane mentioned having a cassette of A Script of the Bridge. Great record.

[@chriskind]

Upvote for Janeane standup doc! What a lovely peek into a long friendship.

[@muffinmanlan]

was waiting for her!

[@kenfostersvoice]

MORE FRAMEBRIDGE!!!!! I'm only 92% happy...