The Big Fight + SNL 51 FINALE

Horse Babies and the World Cup

Jul 6, 202658 minSummary

In this episode of Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade, the hosts dive into a wide-ranging conversation that blends personal anecdotes with reflections on the absurdities of life. Dana shares a detailed and comical story about his farm, where the sudden birth of a foal brought unexpected drama, including curious vultures, energetic coyotes, and the chaotic realities of nature. This leads to a broader discussion about the challenges of home maintenance, property troubleshooting, and the humorous complexities of dealing with contractors and unexpected household repairs. The conversation shifts to cultural observations as the hosts weigh in on the World Cup, the peculiar pressure surrounding Fourth of July holiday expectations, and the evolving nature of celebrity and legacy. They also share nostalgic stories about their fathers, reflecting on the complicated dynamics of parental support during their early days in stand-up comedy. Throughout the episode, Dana and David maintain their signature banter, reacting to viral videos and sharing lighthearted musings on everything from fashion choices to the changing landscape of modern life, all delivered with the irreverent humor their listeners expect.

Nathan Lane on Death of a Salesman, Mouse Hunt, and Mickey Rooney

Jul 2, 20261h 8mSummary

In this episode of Fly on the Wall, hosts Dana Carvey and David Spade sit down with the legendary Nathan Lane for a wide-ranging conversation that blends heartfelt reminiscence with hilarious industry stories. The trio kicks off the episode by discussing Lane’s recent, highly successful Broadway run of Death of a Salesman, exploring how director Joe Mantello’s cinematic approach and the use of modern sound design helped transform the classic play into an intimate, fresh experience for audiences. The conversation naturally shifts toward the early days of Lane’s career, specifically a short-lived sitcom he filmed alongside Mickey Rooney. Both Lane and the hosts trade surreal, laugh-out-loud anecdotes about Rooney’s eccentric behavior on set, his bizarre business ideas, and his unpredictable personality. Beyond these nostalgic stories, Lane offers professional insights into the challenges of following in the footsteps of acting giants like Zero Mostel and shares his experiences working on films like Mouse Hunt. Throughout the episode, Lane proves to be an engaging guest, recounting his most absurd Hollywood gigs and sharing behind-the-scenes tales that highlight his sharp wit and deep respect for the craft of acting.

RE-RELEASE - Fred Armisen

Jul 1, 20261h 11mSummary

In this episode of Fly on the Wall, hosts Dana Carvey and David Spade welcome Fred Armisen for a lively and nostalgic look back at his time on Saturday Night Live. The conversation highlights Armisen’s unique comedic background, specifically his transition from being a drummer and musician to a performer who utilized character work to break into the industry. The hosts delve into the collaborative nature of the show’s writers' room, reflecting on how their collective experiences—and the often-brutal pressure of the weekly dress rehearsals—shaped their comedic instincts. Armisen shares insights into his creative process, explaining how he used music as an intuitive "crutch" to develop characters and impressions. He and the hosts reminisce about the origins of iconic sketches like The Californians, illustrating how organic, off-the-cuff conversations between cast members often evolved into sketches through the help of talented writers. The discussion also touches on the challenges of maintaining range in a large cast and the evolving landscape of television comedy, ultimately celebrating the camaraderie and shared history of those who have graced the legendary studio stage.

Theo Von: UFC is Dennis Miller & Was Joe Dirt a Documentary?

Jun 29, 20261h 4mSummary

In this episode of Fly on the Wall, hosts Dana Carvey and David Spade welcome comedian Theo Von for a wide-ranging conversation that blends sharp industry anecdotes with the hosts' signature comedic banter. The trio dives into the bizarre intersection of life and comedy, with Theo sharing his unique perspective on his background and his creative process. A major highlight of the discussion is the origin of the film Bus Boys, with the hosts detailing the experience of working with Theo, including his penchant for spontaneous, off-script humor that often left the cast and crew in stitches. The conversation shifts into colorful storytelling, covering everything from Theo’s mistaken belief as a child that the movie Joe Dirt was actually a documentary to his recent viral stage performance with country artist Ella Langley. Throughout the episode, the hosts trade stories about the absurd realities of navigating Hollywood, encounters with eccentric characters, and the professional demands of performing live. The episode captures the chemistry between the three comedians, resulting in a candid and unpredictable discussion that explores the lighter, stranger side of their careers in entertainment.

Theo Von: UFC with Dennis Miller & Was Joe Dirt a Documentary?

Jun 29, 20261h 4mSummary

In this episode of Fly on the Wall, hosts Dana Carvey and David Spade welcome comedian Theo Von for a wide-ranging and characteristically chaotic conversation. The trio explores a variety of topics, beginning with reflections on their past work, including the filming of Joe Dirt, which Theo Von reveals he initially mistook for a documentary when he first encountered it as a child. The hosts trade stories about the unique, often surreal experiences of their early careers in the comedy scene and the challenges of set life. Throughout the episode, the conversation shifts between lighthearted banter about pop culture, the nuances of being a stand-up comedian, and humorous anecdotes from their personal lives. Theo shares his perspective on his evolving career and his recent foray into country music performances, while the hosts discuss the oddities of celebrity interactions at industry events. The dialogue is filled with the guests' signature brand of off-the-cuff, observational humor, highlighting the camaraderie and unpredictable nature of the podcast. It is a candid look at the life of working comedians, blending nostalgic storytelling with the sharp, spontaneous wit that the show’s listeners have come to expect.

Edward Norton Talks Fight Club, Adam Sandler, and Seth Rogen!

Jun 25, 202653 minSummary

In this episode of Fly on the Wall, hosts Dana Carvey and David Spade sit down with acclaimed actor Edward Norton for a thoughtful and engaging conversation about his career, the evolution of Hollywood, and the craft of acting. Norton shares candid stories, including the challenging experience of the premiere of Fight Club, which was famously booed in Venice and initially flopped at the box office before becoming a cultural touchstone. The discussion shifts to the changing nature of the industry, as Norton and the hosts reflect on the shift from traditional film critics and gatekeepers to the more fragmented world of streaming and internet feedback. Norton expresses his appreciation for collaborative, actor-driven projects, highlighting his recent experience working with director Olivia Wilde on an improvised, single-set film alongside Seth Rogen and Penelope Cruz. He praises this fluid, chronological filming process as a testament to the irreplaceable human element in filmmaking, even in the face of advancing AI. Throughout the episode, Norton maintains his reputation as a thoughtful artist, sharing insights into his philosophy on fame, his appreciation for classic cinema, and his ongoing passion for the craft.

RE-RELEASE - David Byrne

Jun 24, 20261h 5mSummary

In this episode, hosts Dana Carvey and David Spade welcome legendary musician and artist David Byrne for an engaging conversation about his career, performance philosophy, and the evolution of the music industry. The hosts dive into Byrne’s unique artistic evolution, specifically focusing on his distinct, fluid approach to choreography and his conscious choice to avoid the frenetic movement style of his contemporaries. Byrne discusses the transition from his early, more aggressive vocal style to his later, more melodic delivery, reflecting on his long career and his ability to remain innovative and anti-pretentious. The trio explores the challenges of performing live, the dynamics of appearing on television shows, and the importance of adapting to different venue sizes. Byrne shares his perspectives on collaborating with directors to create visually distinct performances and the necessity of staying playful on stage. The discussion touches upon the complexities of modern concert ticketing and the artist's struggle to balance commercial pressures with maintaining an authentic connection to fans. Ultimately, the conversation highlights Byrne’s enduring creativity and his commitment to being present and having fun while performing, regardless of the scale of the venue or the audience.

Trillionaires and Scatman Crothers’ Weed

Jun 22, 202659 minSummary

In this episode of Fly on the Wall, hosts Dana Carvey and David Spade dive into a characteristically wide-ranging conversation that blends industry nostalgia with humorous personal anecdotes. The duo reflects on their early careers and the surreal nature of encountering legendary performers, sharing a particularly memorable and hazy story about a friendship with the late Scatman Crothers. The hosts explore the absurdity of fame and wealth, engaging in a lighthearted, speculative discussion about what one might do with a trillion dollars—ranging from buying private jets to the maintenance nightmares that accompany such extravagant purchases. Throughout the episode, Carvey and Spade touch on the evolving landscape of comedy, including their appreciation for raw, unfiltered humor and the unpredictable nature of live performances. They also weave in observations about modern pop culture, sports, and the quirks of being in the public eye. As always, the conversation stays loose and improvisational, highlighting the hosts’ deep-rooted bond and their shared history within the comedy world while providing listeners with an entertaining look into the minds of two veteran performers.

Did Jim Downey Write that?

Jun 18, 20261h 21mSummary

In this episode of Fly on the Wall, hosts Dana Carvey and David Spade welcome legendary comedy writer Jim Downey back to the show for a deep dive into his storied career. As a key creative force during the early years of Saturday Night Live and a frequent collaborator with David Letterman, Downey shares behind-the-scenes insights into the evolution of sketch comedy. The conversation covers his transition from behind the scenes to acting, with Downey humorously attributing his deadpan, underplayed acting style to a lack of traditional chops. He discusses his recurring roles in Paul Thomas Anderson films and his surprise appearance in a sketch that aired at the end of the Oscars broadcast. Downey also reflects on his long-standing creative partnership with Bill Murray, recalling the origins of iconic bits like the Lounge Singer. Throughout the episode, the trio reminisces about their shared history in the industry, including the experience of filming the documentary Downey Wrote That. They also touch upon Downey’s collaborative approach to rewriting scripts and the evolution of political satire, specifically their memories of crafting sketches for Ross Perot and George H.W. Bush.

RE-RELEASE - Bowen Yang

Jun 17, 20261h 1mSummary

In this episode of Fly on the Wall, hosts Dana Carvey and David Spade welcome fellow Saturday Night Live standout Bowen Yang for a candid conversation about his trajectory from writer to featured player and ultimately cast member. Yang discusses his humble beginnings at the Upright Citizens Brigade and the unconventional path that led him to 30 Rock, including his multiple screen tests and his initial feelings of being an outsider in the comedy world. The hosts explore the high-pressure environment of SNL, specifically focusing on the intricacies of the weekly rewrite process and the infamous late-night collaborative atmosphere. Yang shares the fascinating origin story of his viral Titanic iceberg sketch, explaining how he and his writing partner developed the bit over a frantic 24-hour period. Throughout the conversation, the group delves into the psychology of sketch comedy, the value of learning the ropes as a writer before stepping in front of the camera, and their mutual, deep admiration for their colleague Sarah Sherman. It is a warm, insightful look at the unique rigors and rewards of life inside the legendary sketch institution.