How far does David Cross like to take the joke? What's going on in his mind when he's making us laugh? And will anyone have the nerve to ever talk back to him? In Part 5, "David Hit the Atmosphere", we take a few last shots before saying good-night. Yes, it's the season finale of Assembly's journey with David Cross, and it ain't over until Fred Armisen sings. No, really. Special guests include Janeane Garofalo and Patton Oswalt with more original music by our pal Armisen. Subscribe to...

When comedians ask questions, their audiences are all too happy to answer … like it or not. In Part 4, "Is This Who I Am", we examine how feedback factors heavily into David Cross' current process and how it works for him. After all, no one’s immune to feedback. Ever notice this Internet thing the kids keep talking about? Then again, compliments are feedback, too. So, whatever its intent, feedback compels us to think just a degree or two more, which isn’t always a bad deal. This very...

If someone makes a joke but no one hears it ... is it still funny? In Part 3, "Your Shows of Show", we examine David Cross' not-quite-hate-but-far-from-love relationship with the audience, and how they're now key to his ensuing process. But when Mr. Show rewrote the rules of sketch comedy, did Cross and co-creator Bob Odenkirk even care what their audiences thought? Yes and no. Maybe. Eh, it's complicated. We'll explore why up ahead as we continue our journey. Special guests in this episode...

In Part 2, "My Old Schools", David Cross' hilarious circle of friends and family expands. Comprised of big name comics, who are all on trajectories of their own, we see how each talent winds up informing how Cross builds his show. But, not every origin story is good news, and not all lessons are learned to one’s liking. Families are funny that way. Special guests include Amber Tamblyn, Jonathan Groff, H. Jon Benjamin, Sam Seder, and Wendy Cross. Original music by Fred Armisen. Follow...

Because most of our moments in 2020 have either been canceled, postponed, or all-out deconstructed, we’re humbled and beyond elated to spend the rest of the year following icon and multi-hyphenate of funny, David Cross. Recorded in 2019, the second season of Assembly finds host Robert Milazzo following Cross around as he shapes his new stand-up act through a set of intimate gigs in Brooklyn, New York. There will be friends, family, and colleagues. In Part 1, "Nothing to See Here”, Cross...

Consequence of Sound and The Modern School of Film are proud to announce Assembly is back for a second season. On November 10th, host Robert Milazzo's documentary podcast series will go behind the scenes with comic David Cross.  Recorded in 2019, Milazzo follows Cross as he shapes his new stand-up act through a set of intimate gigs in Brooklyn, NY. Along the way, long-time collaborators, friends, and family all lend their perspectives on Cross' life and work. No kidding. Milazzo has...

In the final episode of its debut season, Assembly heads to Brooklyn, NY – Prospect Park, specifically – as Iron and Wine and Calexico end their repose, their week, and their renewal with their preferred form of communication: a performance. Background vocals courtesy of Mother Nature, of course. There's still one final, outstanding mystery to resolve this season: "What brings people together?" Well, okay, two final mysteries: "Is anyone even from Brooklyn anymore?" Listeners beware, the...

In the fourth and penultimate chapter of this season’s Assembly, Iron and Wine and Calexico return to New York City -- for many, the closest planet to the Sun -- to make some necessary noise at SiriusXM and CBS Television. Hear how much sound, fury, and craftsmanship goes into creating the most beautiful silences, and how even the highest profiles of art are hardly paint-by-numbers nor operations. Such moments are more like a rousing game of Twister with both a stopwatch and a kick ass green...

The third part of Assembly Season 1 finds us aboard the Mothership of all things sonic, aural, and community-minded. We arrive in Washington, D.C., where Iron and Wine and Calexico are set to play an NPR Tiny Desk Concert in support of their 2019 reunion record, Years to Burn.. Ours is a business trip, though, as we peek behind one of most exhilarating showcases of live music, thoughtfully curated for those who skip lunch to listen. (We’ll also grab a picture or two of that really cool wall...

In the second part of Assembly Season 1, Iron and Wine and Calexico attempt their first public performance together in 15 years. To add even more butterflies to the gut, the show takes place in Sam Beam’s adopted state of North Carolina -- and it’s sold out. No pressure! No pressure at all! Lots to do before then, though, as we assemble smack-dab in the eye of rehearsals. Listen closely amidst the myriad languages the guys will learn to speak fluently this season. These are conversations...

For the debut season of Assembly, series creator and host Robert Milazzo follows Iron and Wine and Calexico, three intrepid singer-songwriters guided by a hunch that you can return home -- even 15 years removed from the reins.  To prepare for a world tour in support of their Grammy-nominated reunion record, 2019's Years to Burn, Sam Beam, Joey Burns, and John Convertino decided to embark on a week of musical solitude. Though all trips require baggage in some shape or form, these veterans...

Assembly looks at what brings us together. Hosted by Robert Milazzo, the documentary podcast series is told completely first-hand, through the voices and lives touched, from first inspiration to public debut. Hear the stories of the creators, communities, and crowds that come together, as events in art, culture, and beyond become legacy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy