Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade: Episode Featuring Bill Maher

Release Date: January 8, 2025

In this engaging episode of "Fly on the Wall" presented by Audacy, Dana Carvey and David Spade delve deep into the world of comedy, showbiz anecdotes, and their longstanding friendship with Bill Maher. Joined by guest Jason Baker, the trio navigates through a myriad of topics ranging from the nuances of Airbnb stays to the intricacies of award shows like the Golden Globes. Below is a detailed summary capturing the essence of their discussions, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for context.

1. Reflections on Airbnb vs. Hotels

The episode kicks off with Dana reminiscing about a memorable Airbnb experience, highlighting its advantages over traditional hotels.

• Dana Carvey [00:00]: "I went down the memory lane on an Airbnb I occupied once, and it was... Awesome. It's clean, it was tidy, it was beautiful. It was private. Great big kitchen right next to a forest. What's not to like, David?"

• David Spade [00:19]: "You check that box saying, I'd like to be near a forest. That's a good thing. A lot of people like Airbnb because you can do that."

They discuss the flexibility and privacy that Airbnbs offer, contrasting them with the impersonal nature of hotels where interactions with strangers in hallways and elevators are inevitable.

2. Conversations About Bill Maher

A significant portion of the episode centers around Bill Maher, exploring his career, personality, and impact on the comedy landscape.

• Dana Carvey [02:29]: "Bill always has something interesting to say, and he talks about honesty is sort of his superpower. He's very, you know, he's blunt."

Dana shares her history with Maher, mentioning appearances on his shows like "Politically Incorrect" in the '90s and their mutual connections from the improv and Comedy Store scenes.

• David Spade [03:27]: "He's had basically the same job since 1993. It's unbelievable."

They marvel at Maher's consistency and the longevity of his show, noting his impressive tally of Emmy nominations.

• Dana Carvey [03:40]: "I did a few Dennis Miller impressions, which he loves."

David recounts a humorous interaction where Maher playfully mocked him for asking a genuine question, highlighting the relaxed and teasing rapport between them.

• David Spade [03:40]: "Always a hit, always a home run. I tried to ask a real question toward the end, and he made fun of me."

3. The Dynamics of the Golden Globes

The hosts transition to discussing the Golden Globes, offering a critical take on the nature of award shows.

• Dana Carvey [22:49]: "The Golden Globes, I think it's an ongoing thing of, like, how many people have seen the movies. That's a problem."

• Jason Baker [23:00]: "I thought it was a tutorial in why Trump won the election."

They critique the awards for favoring commercial success over genuine cinematic merit, pointing out how certain performances and films receive disproportionate praise regardless of their actual impact or quality.

• Dana Carvey [25:08]: "There's nothing like it. That's why Sebastian really stood out to me 10 years ago when he came out Manuscul and was just funny."

The conversation touches on specific nominees and winners, expressing skepticism about the relevance and authenticity of the awards.

4. Navigating Comedy Careers and Auditions

Jason Baker shares his personal journey through the challenging landscape of sitcom auditions, offering insights into the competitive nature of the industry.

• Jason Baker [54:43]: "I was in the office creep. So that's."

Dana and David reminisce about their own auditions, detailing the often-overwhelming experience of meeting multiple actors for a single role and the high stakes involved in landing a part.

• David Spade [51:35]: "That's how he told me. I go, what are you talking about? He goes, how did you ruin that?"

The trio discusses the fine balance between being memorable and avoid overplaying one's cards during auditions, emphasizing the importance of keeping content fresh and engaging.

5. Aging and Its Impact on Comedy

A candid conversation unfolds about aging within the comedy scene, addressing how perceptions shift as comedians grow older.

• Jason Baker [55:45]: "We're squares and everything's bad and we ruined the world. But, you know, they're not saying no to the money. I notice."

• Dana Carvey [56:01]: "Anybody in our age group... I'm grandpa age. You don't feel like technically I'm old enough to be the Marcelo's."

They explore the challenges older comedians face in staying relevant amidst a new generation that favors emotional depth and relatability over traditional punchline-driven humor.

• Jason Baker [67:00]: "That's all that is."

The discussion underscores a generational gap in comedy styles, with older hosts advocating for humor that elicits strong physical reactions ("I think people really still, when they go out to see A comedy show. They want their stomach to hurt at the end of it.") versus younger audiences' preference for emotionally satisfying content.

6. Personal Anecdotes: From Poverty to Success

The hosts delve into their personal histories, sharing stories of their early struggles before finding success in the entertainment industry.

• Jason Baker [60:52]: "I was really poor from college. Really freshman year of college until I moved out here. I would say I really experienced what poverty was."

Dana and David recount their own humble beginnings, emphasizing the resilience and determination required to transition from challenging living conditions to lucrative careers.

• Dana Carvey [61:18]: "That's A good character. You should do that. I like that guy."

These narratives provide a raw and authentic glimpse into the often grueling path to success in comedy, highlighting the importance of perseverance.

7. The Business Side of Showbiz

Discussions also touch upon the financial aspects of a comedy career, including salaries from early jobs and the economic realities of sustaining a career in entertainment.

• Jason Baker [48:52]: "Right, the rent I was paying... It started out at 250, 250 in 1980 or 79 or something."

• Dana Carvey [65:15]: "And then how many years after your first set did you make a living as a stand up? How long did it take you?"

The conversation sheds light on the financial challenges comedians face, from low initial earnings to the eventual steady income from successful gigs and television appearances.

8. Satirical Takes on Society and Entertainment

Throughout the episode, Dana, David, and Jason engage in satirical commentary on societal norms, entertainment culture, and the evolving landscape of media consumption.

• David Spade [37:55]: "What is the brutalist about?"

• Jason Baker [38:10]: "Another reason why Trump won because these people think unlimited open borders is what we should."

Their sharp wit and observational humor provide a critical lens on current events, politics, and the entertainment industry's role in shaping public perception.

9. Closing Thoughts and Future Prospects

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts reflect on their experiences and the future of comedy, expressing a desire to continue pushing boundaries while staying true to their comedic roots.

• Dana Carvey [72:16]: "I'm gonna miss you."

• Jason Baker [72:22]: "Enjoyed it. Talk to you soon."

They emphasize the importance of authenticity and maintaining the ability to laugh without constantly checking the clock, underscoring their commitment to genuine and unfiltered humor.

Notable Quotes

• Dana Carvey [00:00]: "What's not to like, David?"

• David Spade [00:19]: "A lot of people like Airbnb because you can do that."

• Dana Carvey [02:29]: "He's very, you know, he's blunt."

• Jason Baker [55:45]: "We're squares and everything's bad and we ruined the world."

• Jason Baker [60:52]: "I really experienced what poverty was."

This episode of "Fly on the Wall" masterfully intertwines personal anecdotes, industry insights, and sharp critiques, offering listeners a comprehensive look into the lives of Dana Carvey, David Spade, and their guest Jason Baker. Their candid discussions about Bill Maher, the challenges of aging in comedy, and the ever-evolving landscape of showbiz provide both humor and thoughtful commentary, making it a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike.