Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade: Episode Featuring Chelsea Handler Release Date: March 26, 2025
Introduction In this engaging episode of "Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade," the duo welcomes comedian and talk show host Chelsea Handler as their guest. Hosted by Audacy, the show delves deep into Chelsea's career, insights into the evolution of female stand-up comedy, her personal life, and her latest projects. The conversation is peppered with humor, candid reflections, and notable anecdotes, offering listeners a comprehensive look behind the scenes of Chelsea Handler's journey in the entertainment industry.
Chelsea Handler's Career and Influence Chelsea Handler is celebrated as a trailblazer in the realm of late-night television and stand-up comedy. Dana Carvey underscores her pioneering role, stating, "...she started potentially she started this sort of genre... I'm gonna call her a trailblazer" ([02:31]). Chelsea's show, Chelsea Lately, is highlighted for its innovative format featuring emerging comedians, many of whom have gone on to achieve significant fame.
David Spade adds, "... she does a lot of things, but she sells out some big venues... she's pretty easy about answering anything" ([02:55]). This openness has not only endeared her to audiences but also allowed her to explore and influence various facets of comedy and entertainment.
Evolution of Female Stand-Up Comedy A substantial portion of the discussion revolves around the progression of female stand-up comedians. Chelsea reflects on Joan Rivers' impact, noting, "... Joan Rivers paved the way for all of us" ([09:31]). She elaborates on the challenges women faced in comedy, such as the necessity to adopt characters like maids or housekeepers before women could authentically present themselves on stage.
Dana Carvey observes, "... elemento like something was happening real time... it just ping pong, which made it really pop" ([17:25]), emphasizing the authenticity that modern female comedians bring to their performances, contrasting it with the more scripted formats of the past.
Chelsea's Specials and New Projects Chelsea shares insights into her upcoming projects, including her book "I'll Have What She's Having" and her Netflix special "The Feeling." Dana inquires about the creative process behind these projects, to which Chelsea responds, "... I'm at a point where I've done this for so long. I'm very capable and confident in what I'm doing" ([21:03]). This confidence stems from years of experience and a clear understanding of her creative vision.
She also mentions, "... 'The Feeling' is actually a reference to something I did as a child..." ([21:03]), indicating a personal and nostalgic approach to her latest special, aiming to bridge her past experiences with her present stand-up persona.
Performing in Intimate vs. Arena Settings The conversation shifts to the challenges and nuances of performing in different venues. Chelsea discusses the intimacy of smaller venues versus the grandeur of arenas, stating, "... there's a level of intimacy... you don't have to get married though. Marriage" ([42:26]). Dana adds humor by comparing the dynamics of large audiences to more controlled environments, highlighting the difficulty in maintaining authenticity in sprawling arenas.
Writing Process and Honesty in Comedy Chelsea delves into her writing methodology, emphasizing honesty as a cornerstone of her work. She explains, "... I do it all by myself, and I just start writing... honesty is a commodity. There's a lack of it" ([32:24]). Dana and David commend her for maintaining authenticity, with Dana remarking, "... honesty is a commodity..." ([33:58]).
Chelsea also touches upon the ethical considerations of writing about non-public figures, stating, "... I have to shroud her identity..." ([35:48]). This balance between honesty and respect underscores the integrity she brings to her storytelling.
Personal Life and Relationships The trio ventures into personal territories, discussing Chelsea's dating life and her "mountain man" boyfriend. Chelsea humorously shares, "... I have a mountain lover... in my mountain house in Whistler, Canada..." ([41:03]). Dana and David engage in playful banter about Chelsea's relationships, adding a lighthearted touch to the conversation.
Chelsea candidly discusses her stance on marriage, asserting, "... I never wanted to be married. I just find that idea..." ([42:43]). This perspective aligns with her portrayal of independence and self-sufficiency, traits that have defined much of her public persona.
Playful Banter and Chemistry among Hosts and Guest The chemistry between Dana, David, and Chelsea is palpable throughout the episode. Their interactions are marked by quick-witted humor and mutual respect. At one point, Dana quips, "... let's get her going..." as they segue into deeper discussions ([04:11]).
Chelsea's playful comments, such as "... I'm a mountain man that I have sex with in my mountain house..." ([41:03]), coupled with Dana and David's humorous responses, create a lively and entertaining atmosphere that keeps listeners engaged.
Notable Quotes
- Dana Carvey on Chelsea's role: "She started potentially she started this sort of genre... I'm gonna call her a trailblazer" ([02:31]).
- Chelsea on Joan Rivers' impact: "Joan Rivers paved the way for all of us" ([09:31]).
- Chelsea on her writing process: "I do it all by myself, and I just start writing... honesty is a commodity. There's a lack of it" ([32:24]).
- Chelsea on her relationships: "I have a mountain lover in my mountain house in Whistler, Canada..." ([41:03]).
- Chelsea on marriage: "I never wanted to be married. I just find that idea..." ([42:43]).
Conclusion This episode provides a rich and insightful exploration of Chelsea Handler's career, her influence on female stand-up comedy, and her personal philosophies. Dana Carvey and David Spade expertly navigate the conversation, balancing humor with genuine interest, making it an engaging listen for both fans and newcomers alike. The candid discussions, combined with memorable quotes and anecdotes, offer a comprehensive understanding of Chelsea Handler's enduring impact on the entertainment landscape.