Fitzdog Radio – Episode 1106: Featuring Dusty Slay

Release Date: August 8, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 1106 of Fitzdog Radio, host Greg Fitzsimmons welcomes renowned comedian Dusty Slay for an engaging and candid conversation. Recorded in Dusty's temporary residence in Manhattan, the episode offers listeners an intimate glimpse into Dusty's life, career, and personal experiences.

Touring and Recent Travels

Dusty Slay begins by sharing his recent two-week tour across various cities, including Chicago and Batavia, before returning to New York and spending time with family in Westchester. He recounts humorous anecdotes about his 83-year-old mother, highlighting the lighter moments of family life. For instance, Dusty humorously recalls offering his mother scrambled eggs, only for her to misinterpret it as a request for cake at [03:02].

Performing at Keen Steakhouse and Touring with Family

Dusty discusses his experience taking his son, nephew, and friends to Keen Steakhouse in New York—a venue he frequently praises as the best chop house in the city. He shares a memorable and costly dining experience where his nephew's hearty appetite led to a $634 bill for five people [06:35]. This story underscores the balancing act between maintaining personal relationships and managing the financial aspects of touring.

Podcasting and the Pandemic Era

Transitioning to his foray into podcasting, Dusty explains the inception of his podcast, We're Having a Good Time, which he started to stay connected with fans during the pandemic. Initially co-hosted with his wife, the podcast now operates independently, allowing Dusty to engage with his audience without the logistical challenges of touring. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a connection with fans through digital mediums, especially when live performances are hindered by unforeseen events like the COVID-19 pandemic [23:10].

Insights into the Comedy Industry

A significant portion of the conversation delves into the dynamics of the comedy industry. Dusty offers a critical perspective on the challenges comedians face when opening for established headliners. He reflects on his own experiences with opening acts, highlighting the lack of opportunities to join tours with big names despite delivering strong performances. Dusty shares, “[...] I kept getting better and better and working harder and harder. And now, you know, I built my own career.” [50:05] This segment provides valuable insights into the perseverance required to succeed in comedy and the importance of self-driven career development.

Performing on Hollywood Squares and Other TV Appearances

Dusty recounts his brief stint on Hollywood Squares, where he appeared alongside celebrities like Drew Barrymore and Justin Long. Despite initial intimidation, Dusty enjoyed the experience and appreciated the professionalism of the show. He humorously notes the thought-provoking interactions during his appearances, such as contestants choosing him over major celebrities for his unique appeal [37:27]. Additionally, Dusty mentions other television appearances, including After Midnight with Taylor Tomlinson, reflecting on the evolving nature of televised comedy shows [39:25].

Life in Nashville and the Clean Comedy Scene

Relocating to Nashville has significantly influenced Dusty's career. He highlights the city's vibrant and predominantly clean comedy scene, contrasting it with other regions. Dusty explains, “We probably have the cleanest comedy scene in the whole country” [59:45], attributing this to local showcases like Nate Bergazzi's Nateland Showcase and his own efforts to promote clean comedy through his monthly shows at Zany's. This focus on clean humor not only broadens his audience but also ensures a consistent and family-friendly environment for his performances [60:53].

Personal Life and Sobriety

A heartfelt segment of the episode explores Dusty's personal journey toward sobriety. He candidly discusses his long-term battle with alcohol, revealing that he has not consumed alcohol in 13 years [62:53]. Dusty shares the motivations behind his sobriety, attributing his decision to both health concerns and personal relationships. He reflects, “I like myself better as a non-drinker, but when I'm working clubs, I know that the clubs make their money off food and drinks” [66:13]. This honesty adds depth to his persona, illustrating the challenges and triumphs of maintaining sobriety in a demanding profession.

Reflections on Marriage and Family

Dusty's marriage plays a significant role in his life and career. He describes how his relationship with his wife, who is also a comedian, has been mutually supportive. They collaborate on podcasts and performances, ensuring that their professional and personal lives complement each other. Dusty emphasizes the importance of having a partner who understands the rigors of a comedic career: “When I asked her to marry me, she was marrying this version of me” [28:06]. Their shared experiences highlight the balance between personal commitments and professional aspirations.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Dusty expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to join Fitzdog Radio. He promotes his new Netflix special, Wet Heat, and shares upcoming tour dates across various cities, encouraging listeners to attend his performances [70:44]. Greg Fitzsimmons wraps up by highlighting Dusty's continuous growth and dedication to his craft, leaving listeners with a sense of admiration for Dusty's resilience and authenticity.

Notable Quotes:

• Dusty Slay [03:02]: “I said scrambled. And she goes, oh, no, I thought you said cake.”

• Dusty Slay [06:35]: “The bill was $634 for five of us with tip. Little light lunch.”

• Dusty Slay [50:05]: “I built my own career. And I can honestly say that I don't feel like there's any comic that I go, if not for this guy, I wouldn't be where I'm at.”

• Dusty Slay [59:45]: “We probably have the cleanest comedy scene in the whole country.”

• Dusty Slay [66:13]: “I like myself better as a non-drinker, but when I'm working clubs, I know that the clubs make their money off food and drinks.”

This episode of Fitzdog Radio offers a blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and insightful commentary on the comedy industry, making it a must-listen for fans and aspiring comedians alike.