Garrison is definitely an acquired taste. I’d say he’s in the same vein as Bob Newhart or Gary Shandling with his low-key, odd delivery of jokes. I remember him joking about his quiet, monotone causing people to fall asleep at the wheel and probably noting how his show is usually broadcast live at 5 pm. I could be wrong but that’s when he’s on in Austin and other places I have resided.
Back when he drew attention in the Eighties, I ignored him as a novelty or something kitschy for faux intellectuals. I was also ashamed of my Midwestern heritage despite living in Milwaukee at the time. Due to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, I got hooked on NPR stations (the first time) and one day I caught his show. I only kept listening because his guest was the legendary Bob Elliott starring in the funniest parody of The Odessey. Then there was the poke taken at him by The Simpsons with Homer hitting the TV, yelling “Stupid TV! Be more funny!” as the Keillor-like character droned on PBS. These days, I’m comfortable with my Midwesternness so I enjoy his jokes and stories more as the Lake Wobegon people remind me of my grandparents.