Podcast Summary: Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade Featuring Dane Cook

Release Date: November 20, 2024
Guest: Dane Cook
Presented by Audacy

Introduction

In this episode of "Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade," the hosts welcome renowned comedian Dane Cook. The conversation delves deep into Cook's illustrious career, his pioneering use of social media, personal challenges, and his ongoing passion for comedy.

Early Career and Social Media Success

Dana Carvey and David Spade kick off the discussion by highlighting Dane Cook's innovative approach to building his fan base through early social media platforms like MySpace.

Dana Carvey [03:05]: "This one's interesting because his journey, he was the first person to really use social media to create a fan base with a platform called MySpace from the early knots."

Dane Cook reflects on his initial struggles and how social media became a pivotal tool in his ascent.

Dane Cook [06:20]: "I was a dork, basically. I was a dork that loved comedy... I saw the Internet as kind of like some sort of portal."

His dedication paid off as he amassed over seven million followers on MySpace by leveraging these platforms to engage directly with fans.

Dane Cook [14:21]: "It was seven. It was seven million followers by the time, you know, MySpace was, say, defunct."

SNL Audition and Early Struggles

The conversation shifts to Cook's attempt to join "Saturday Night Live" and the challenges he faced along the way.

Dane Cook [07:07]: "I had an SNL moment where they wanted me to come in... I had a full on panic attack. I sat on a bench outside of Rockefeller Plaza and I didn't go in."

His candidness about his anxiety provides listeners with an authentic glimpse into the vulnerabilities behind his comedic persona.

Dane Cook [09:02]: "I blew it on the day because I was like too beta... I was not going to be able to survive at SNL."

Breakthrough in Comedy

Despite early setbacks, Cook's perseverance led to significant breakthroughs in his career. He discusses his transition from performing in small clubs to selling out large arenas.

Dane Cook [24:09]: "Retaliation... sold, like, 102,000 copies in that first week. That was like a big win for me and my fans."

His ability to connect with audiences both online and offline cemented his status as a leading figure in stand-up comedy.

Challenges Faced

Cook shares a deeply personal and harrowing experience involving his brother's betrayal, which led to significant financial and emotional turmoil.

Dane Cook [45:35]: "I had to put my own brother in prison in, oh, nine, because pretty much the life savings that I had up until then, he had stolen."

This betrayal not only impacted his finances but also forced him to rebuild his career from the ground up.

Inspirational Moments and Mentorship

An inspiring segment features Cook's unexpected mentorship with the legendary Jerry Lewis, illustrating the profound impact mentorship can have in the comedy world.

Dane Cook [62:28]: "Jerry goes, I wanna know where Dane Cook is... and he starts calling me every Sunday."

These interactions reaffirm Cook's belief in resilience and the enduring power of laughter during challenging times.

Future Projects and Tours

Looking ahead, Cook discusses his upcoming projects, including the "Fresh New Flavor" tour and his new special titled "Gritty and Pink."

Dane Cook [71:38]: "Fresh New Flavor tour the rest of the year... Gritty and Pink, and that'll be out in the spring."

His commitment to evolving his craft underscores his dedication to entertaining audiences worldwide.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with heartfelt exchanges between Cook, Carvey, and Spade, celebrating Cook's journey and resilience. Cook's gratitude towards his hosts and ongoing support from peers like Dana and David highlight the camaraderie within the comedy community.

Dane Cook [72:46]: "This story is awesome... I can't wait to talk about this next year with you guys."

Dana Carvey and David Spade express their admiration and support, reinforcing the episode's theme of overcoming adversity through humor and friendship.

Notable Quotes

• Dane Cook [06:20]: "I was a dork, basically. I was a dork that loved comedy..."
• Dane Cook [09:02]: "I blew it on the day because I was like too beta..."
• Dane Cook [24:21]: "It was seven... seven million followers by the time, you know, MySpace was, say, defunct."
• Dane Cook [45:35]: "I had to put my own brother in prison in, oh, nine..."
• Dane Cook [62:28]: "Jerry goes, I wanna know where Dane Cook is..."
• Dane Cook [71:38]: "Fresh New Flavor tour the rest of the year... Gritty and Pink..."
• Dane Cook [72:46]: "This story is awesome... I can't wait to talk about this next year with you guys."

This episode offers an in-depth look into Dane Cook's life, blending humor with poignant moments, and providing listeners with both entertainment and inspiration.