Ego Nwodim

Summary

Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade Episode: Ego Nwodim
Release Date: November 6, 2024
Host/Authors: Dana Carvey & David Spade
Guest: Ego Nwodim

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Introduction to Ego Nwodim

In this engaging episode of Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade, the dynamic duo welcomes Ego Nwodim, a talented and articulate cast member of Saturday Night Live (SNL). With six years on the show, Ego provides a deep dive into her experiences, challenges, and memorable moments at one of the most iconic institutions in showbiz.

Exploring the "Lisa from Temecula" Sketch

Ego discusses one of her standout performances, the "Lisa from Temecula" sketch, which has garnered significant attention both within the show and among audiences.

Ego Nwodim [03:31]: "This was the most... she takes you on a ride that we've done before with other guests. But there's these emotional tipping points."

The sketch, initially titled "Escape," was renamed to "Lisa from Temecula" to avoid confusion with the popular Pina Colada song. Ego elaborates on how this character became a pivotal part of her SNL journey.

Dana Carvey [04:22]: "I think she's kind of popping. I'm just... there's a subtlety of confidence where you're like, say you're 70% confident or 80%, and if you can get to 90, 95%, it's a whole other thing."

Behind the Scenes: Sketch Selection and Production Dynamics

Ego provides an insider's perspective on how sketches are selected and the pressures cast members face to land their performances in prime time slots. She describes the intricate process involving table reads, dress rehearsals, and the crucial decision-making meetings that determine which sketches make it to air.

Ego Nwodim [13:24]: "So that's... That's how the night panned out. I had a sketch the same week as Lisa from Temecula with James Austin Johnson. A prince... we got to talk about one."

The conversation delves into the emotional and logistical challenges of seeing a beloved sketch get cut, despite its success during rehearsals.

Ego Nwodim [17:29]: "The read the seeds of death. That is how you kill a sketch. That's how you begin to kill a sketch."

Emotional Journey and Overcoming Setbacks

Ego opens up about the emotional toll of having a sketch she believes in being cut from the show. She shares her feelings of frustration, disappointment, and the resilience required to continue performing amidst such challenges.

Ego Nwodim [33:24]: "I have to say, I love that word."

She recounts specific instances, such as interactions with producers and the impact of hosting decisions on her performances.

Ego Nwodim [40:22]: "I lost confidence, yeah. And I was just... and that's what that little."

Collaborative Efforts and Writer-Performer Relationships

The episode highlights the collaborative nature of SNL, showcasing how Ego works closely with writers to refine sketches. She emphasizes the importance of constructive feedback and the delicate balance between maintaining her comedic voice and adapting to the show's evolving dynamics.

Ego Nwodim [58:15]: "But Steve Higgins, one of the producers of the show, comes up to me and Mikey and was like, I think that's the first time I've ever seen a rewrite be better at table."

Reflections on Longevity and Growth at SNL

As Ego approaches her seventh season, she reflects on her growth as a performer and the changing landscape of SNL. She discusses the complexities of staying relevant, the significance of standout sketches, and her aspirations for future performances.

Ego Nwodim [63:18]: "And I go, it's hard to laugh twice. You're right."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with Dana and David expressing their admiration for Ego's candidness and insightful contributions. They acknowledge the emotional and creative complexities Ego navigates as an SNL cast member and celebrate her successes, particularly the viral impact of the "Lisa from Temecula" sketch.

Dana Carvey [65:39]: "You really have this show down. I mean, I'm... it's stuff I'm learning, remembering again. It's great."

Ego concludes by sharing her passion projects, including her podcast, further showcasing her multifaceted talents beyond the SNL stage.

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Notable Quotes:

• David Spade [01:00]: "And it jumps in your head. I'm gonna do electric."
• Ego Nwodim [04:09]: "She's really an affectionate person. She hugs everybody. She's very sweet."
• Dana Carvey [42:50]: "You kept landing lines."
• Ego Nwodim [77:48]: "Kindness is key."

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This episode offers a comprehensive glimpse into Ego Nwodim's experiences on SNL, revealing the intricate dance between creativity, performance, and the high-stakes environment of live television comedy. Listeners gain invaluable insights into the perseverance and adaptability required to thrive in such a competitive arena.

Transcript

[David Spade]

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[Dana Carvey]

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[David Spade]

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[Dana Carvey]

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[David Spade]

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[Dana Carvey]

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[David Spade]

You go ahead, start this off. Who's our guest?

[Dana Carvey]

Ego Wodom.

[David Spade]

And she is a lovely young lady on snl I think six years in really great chat with her. And we, this is the deepest dive we've done on one sketch. We Lisa from Temecula, which was a sketch that was renamed, which I thought was very interesting that they, you know, you, you name his sketch. It's like it reminds me of the Pina Colada song. Dana. It was called, it was called Escape but everyone said, hey, I like the Pina Colada song. So they changed the name. So this was. She's so articulate and fun and a self starter and just had a lot of really interesting things to say about SNL and about being there and what it's like.

[Dana Carvey]

Yeah, this was the most. She takes you on a ride that we've done before with other guests. But there's these emotional tipping points. And she talks about just. Just how the. The whole arc of being on Saturday Night Live as a cast member is just. It's can be topsy turvy. You know, the sketch is cut or it's in or this. The host dropped out or whatever it is. And she really is very honest. She's very, very talkative. And we do orientate the episode. Like David. Right. David said Lisa from Temecula, a character she played in a restaurant scene with Pedro Pascal, I think, and did a steak night. And it was physical, it was funny. And she said it just reorientated the way the writers and would look at her. And. And really, the. The audience she killed so hard. Hit every beat. Perfect. Just one of those classic sketches. And it's like.

[David Spade]

It's honestly like having a hit movie come out, and then you're like a good actor, and then someone has a hit movie, and then now they're getting the good scripts. It's just the way showbiz is. So she does a sketch that blows up, gets on it, goes a little bit viral, and then suddenly they're like, you know what? She'd be good in this. And that just. It really, like, woke her up and gave her new energy for being on a show that's just a tough beating.

[Dana Carvey]

Yeah. And because there's a larger cast, even if you've been on six years, there still is this dance with the audience where they discover you and they see you on something. Oh, they like that. And then maybe you're not in things that give you that platform. And then. I like that. I like that.

[David Spade]

And showing a different angle that you have, and you're like, oh, she can play that also. Oh, let's make her play that, you know?

[Dana Carvey]

Yeah. And then it builds on itself. And then the best place you can get to is where the audience just sort of is already ready to laugh, you know?

[David Spade]

Yeah.

[Dana Carvey]

Like with Keenan Thompson. They're just ready to laugh with Keenan. He hits every line. But I think that she's still. You know, I just say I think she's kind of popping. I'm just. You know, there's a subtlety of confidence where you're like, say you're 70% confident or 80%, and if you can get to 90, 95, it's a whole other thing. The audience senses it, then everybody's having fun. And that's where she's at. And so. And she's really an affectionate person. She hugs Everybody. She's very sweet. Yep.

[David Spade]

She looks like a lot of fun. And I know you're doing the show with her now, and. Which is great to be around everybody that's been on the show. So here she is.

[Dana Carvey]

There you go. Wow.

[Ego Nwodim]

Hi.

[David Spade]

I know you know Dana.

[Ego Nwodim]

I do know Dana. Yeah.

[Dana Carvey]

Oh, yeah. We know each other.

[Ego Nwodim]

We know each other. Yeah. We get each other.

[Dana Carvey]

I always get my hug when we do those fake good nights, you know?

[Ego Nwodim]

Oh, yes. I give real hugs that fake good nights and it throws.

[Dana Carvey]

Yeah, they're real, but the first one's fake. We have to act like we're crying.

[Ego Nwodim]

Oh, yes.

[Dana Carvey]

Yeah.

[Ego Nwodim]

Oh, that's true. I'm disrespectful. I thought about this the other day. I was like, I think it's kind of rude, maybe that I wear my. As we call them, behind the scenes. Comfies for dress rehearsal. Good nights. I don't even attempt to make the audience feel like they are at the real show.

[Dana Carvey]

I've gone out there with a bald cap. I think I've. Yeah, I think I've gone out there as Biden. I don't know. I mean, it's just practice. They're a practice audience. We're practicing. Look, if you can't get the main ticket at 11:30, we can't help you tonight.

[David Spade]

Listen, I count the good nights as a sketch. I used to.

[Ego Nwodim]

Really?

[Dana Carvey]

You give good, good nights? He's skilled.

[David Spade]

I said I was in a couple things. I was an update. I was in good nights.

[Dana Carvey]

Give us your good night. Wave to the crowd, David.

[Ego Nwodim]

Let's see it.

[David Spade]

I go like this. I'd never go to the front because we'd make fun of each other for trying to be too thirsty.

[Ego Nwodim]

Okay.

[David Spade]

And then if you hug the host first, they'd make fun of you or we would make fun of each other. So I go, farley, get up there. You know you're gonna hug him in five seconds. I said, at least wait till he gets all the lines out. Like, good night, everyone. Thanks, Ted.

[Dana Carvey]

And then Foo Fighters and then grab her.

[David Spade]

And then. And then we would, like, go as far back as we could.

[Ego Nwodim]

Wait, were people jumping the gun at times trying to hug the host before they said all their thank you?

[David Spade]

I mean, other than Chris. I don't know. It was funny because, you know, they liked certain cast members, but they would. There were certain ones you knew you might know in your head without saying some sort of worm up to that front row to get on camera.

[Dana Carvey]

You know, I don't like it, but what's your tactic.

[David Spade]

Say the names.

[Ego Nwodim]

I. I'm gonna drop names. I'm gonna be dropping tea. This is gonna be kind of the club Shay. Yeah. Cat Williams interview style where I burn it all down and burn it down.

[Dana Carvey]

I would Cat Williams say that.

[Ego Nwodim]

Let me think about this.

[Dana Carvey]

I know it's hard to. Hard to. You have to get warmed up.

[Ego Nwodim]

You do have to. Do you see me put my hands on my legs and go, okay, hold on. Let me find it. Let me find it. I haven't listened to him in some time now. David. David. David Spade and Dana Cobby. I'm trying to tell you something in there. Something.

[Dana Carvey]

It's kind of nasally. Yeah, it's. Yeah, it's very cool.

[David Spade]

So they don't tell you. I told them when I We. I golf and I've only met him once. We golfed and I go, last time they made us. They made me play from the pro tease. He goes, you're David Spade. They don't tell you to do nothing. You tell them. That's kind of something good.

[Dana Carvey]

That's something.

[David Spade]

He's got a very unique. It's very good.

[Ego Nwodim]

It's a beautiful voice. Beautiful voice.

[David Spade]

Hard to get.

[Dana Carvey]

His first special that I saw, I put it up there with anything I've ever seen in my life.

[Ego Nwodim]

He's pretty. He's pretty incredible also to have made that interview. I was reflecting on that interview as recently as yesterday because I got the. I won't say dreaded email. The email about which episode would you like to submit for contention for this award nomination? And I was like. And so I was looking through. I kind of bought arbitrarily picked. But I thought about that sketch I got to do. And I thought about that moment where he did that interview and helped the podcast blow up. I'm not going to be able to do that for you here today. But, David, it is nice to meet you formally, because I have.

[David Spade]

It's very nice to meet you.

[Ego Nwodim]

If only we could hug on stage behind an A host.

[David Spade]

I would run up to you because I have no shame anymore back then. Shame.

[Ego Nwodim]

Yeah.

[David Spade]

No shame.

[Ego Nwodim]

Well, yeah, also. You got it. People. Some people are not in any sketches. Was this a thing back in the day? Not in any sketches because that's just the way the cookie crumbled. And then you're at good nights.

[Dana Carvey]

It's. It happened. Not in my early.

[David Spade]

Choose to go.

[Dana Carvey]

Yeah.

[David Spade]

And think it would really turn the show on its lid. Like if Lauren finds out. Because they'd walk around, knock on the door. Good Nights. Good nights like Marcy Klein, our talent person. And then I go, I'm not going as like I'm standing up against this establishment. And then I thought Lauren would be tossing and turning in his sleep or couldn't have fun at the party because of that.

[Ego Nwodim]

Absolutely unbothered.

[David Spade]

No one noticed.

[Ego Nwodim]

Oh, David. Wasn't a good night. So. Okay, well, that's too bad.

[Dana Carvey]

For time, we got another Lauren impression that we've done four shows together, so we've had four musical guests and four hosts. So who's your favorite and who do you want to trash?

[Ego Nwodim]

Burn it down.

[David Spade]

The year new podcast called Burn it Down is a good idea.

[Ego Nwodim]

Maybe I start hosting that one. I have. All the hosts have been absolutely lovely this season. I will say this. Stand out to me. No, I know, Honestly. Honestly, fuck off to me for real. But stand out. What I will say is stand out to me because I feel like we were having a mutual love fest between the two of us. Ariana Grande. We were having a I love you, you love me, we're a happy family vibe going on between us. And so I'm going to go, yeah, just unreal. Could do anything. And then was really kind because, you know, sometimes people aren't kind. We've learned. Right. But she was kind, talented, all the things you want her to be had. Range was down to play. And I always say the hosts who are before having range, that's great. And I love that. And of course that's helpful. I think being willing to play and look stupid and kind of just go with the flow and see where this thing takes you.

[Dana Carvey]

Yeah, she. When I saw her walk down the hallway and 8H with that castrati castrato on, I said, okay, that's gonna.

[David Spade]

That's gonna work.

[Dana Carvey]

The little hat. And no, but yeah, she was gay, man. Her range is unbelievable. And so she probably looked at you and said, gee, it's. I'm looking into a mirror.

[Ego Nwodim]

Oh, well, that is very kind. Dana. Dana wants extra hugs and I'm giving.

[Dana Carvey]

Them Lisa from Temecula, maybe your most badass performance.

[Ego Nwodim]

Thank you. That was fucking fun, man. That was okay. And I've said this before, but you guys will understand this, having been cast members at the show when we got to do that sketch, like I've told the story that I go, I go, you know, it killed at table. And I didn't even know that it. I don't even know that what happened at table could have been defined as killing. I feel like I unlocked a level of experience there just in general, even if I was just watching that happen at table, because the writers had a real steak delivered to me at table read.

[Dana Carvey]

Oh, okay. All right.

[Ego Nwodim]

So yes, they had a real steak delivered to me. Eamonn from props came and slid a stake to me right before he read that sketch. Mikey Day said this before, says every time he's looking at over my shoulder at my phone, which I say, why is Mikey doing that? But that's a different conversation. Mikey goes, every time I look at your phone, you are not so scrolling social media. You're looking at menus and like all you care about is food. This is a truth. This is a true thing. I'm either planning my, my, my near future meal or my distant future meals. That's what I spend most of my time on my phone doing. And so when he, he saw across the table and he has this whole thing about me being a diva, he does a bit with me and he across the table sees a steak get delivered to me in the middle of table read and he's like, okay, she's getting out of control.

[David Spade]

He doesn't know what's going on.

[Dana Carvey]

He has no idea. Listeners, let me just insert what it is in case they haven't heard it and I want to hear more. But basically, you're a pretty big personality at a restaurant and you get. And it's going along, it's funny, you're doing funny stuff which you can talk about. And then you start cutting this steak and it keeps escalating into madness where the table is shaking and everyone's just trying to hold it together.

[David Spade]

So that's.

[Dana Carvey]

You did it at the, at the. Really helped it.

[David Spade]

So Table read is great.

[Dana Carvey]

With Pedro Pascal.

[Ego Nwodim]

Yeah, with Pedro Pascal. Here's my thing too, is I would normally. When the writers. I'll tell you how that sketch came to be too, is it's written by Alex English, Gary Richardson and Michael Che. The way that sketch came to be is from Alex English's mind. Apparently his cousin was at the holiday Christmas, I think, eating a steak and she was kind of shaking the table. She had gotten a well done steak. That's the thing. Lisa from Temecula likes her steaks extra, extra, extra well done. So it's basically a hockey puck. And so she. So it's based on his cousin. But the week before, they had done a sketch, Gary Richardson, Alex English, and they were like, you're in our sketch. You're in our sketch. And we're friends and we get to table read. So on writing night, they're like, you're in our sketch. And I'm like, cool, that's an extra piece at table I get to read in. Okay, we've got that. I get there and my line is, ooh, I love, I love it. And that's the one out of a 12 page sketch. And I was like, and we're friends, so I, I gave them so much shit about that. I was like, at the after party that week, I go, ooh, I love it. And I go, you really, you really going to come knock on my door and tell me how I'm in your sketch that we're reading tomorrow? And the line is, ooh, I love it. And that line could have been cut, by the way. And I remember when I read it at table the previous week, I was like, this is going to get cut. Once they. It was a pre tape, I was like, this is not a necessary line. It doesn't help establish anything. They kept it in. And so I gave them shit. I mean, I gave them so much shit about it. I was like, and I got a full face of makeup on a Friday to say, ooh, I love it. And then Alex so kindly was like, okay, I have something for you. I have something. And it was Lisa from Temecula. Of course we didn't know it would be this, but normally I would have said to the writers, and this is my problem, I would have been like, yeah, but where does it go from there? Like, so she orders a well done steak, the table's shaking. And like it's sort of. Then what? But I was hands off approach on this one.

[David Spade]

Because you wasted all your bitching the week before.

[Ego Nwodim]

Yes, exactly. You understand. I was like, I think, I think I'm out of bitching coins. Genuinely. I'm like, I'm out of bitching coins. So I'm going to have to just go, thank you. We'll see. So I got to table, they have this stick delivered to me and I'm. And then the we. The table read. Dana, you've seen the most recent one. It's now happening in 8H as opposed.

[David Spade]

To on the 17th floor last week.

[Ego Nwodim]

Yeah, yeah. And it's like far less intimate in a way. And this table is way bigger than it was when it was on the 17th floor. So I'm like, is this going to shake this table? Is this, is this at table read going to be reliant on my ability to shake this current gigantic table? Yeah, but just this. Yeah, it's gigantic. But just the sight of it, it worked somehow. And I couldn't. This is where I said I didn't. I wouldn't have known in real time. This was defined as killing because I couldn't get through the sketch at table read. I was really struggling. It was making me laugh in the middle of it. And I was like, I can't read this. And this is so fun and silly. And so I didn't even think on Wednesday when they picked the sketches that it even really stood a chance. I wasn't worried in one way or the other. I was like, well, that was fucking fun. But I didn't think it was going to get picked. And then it got picked, and then Lauren asked us to rename it because it was just birthday dinner originally. And then. Yes. Wait, who has a thought?

[David Spade]

Maybe Murby dinner steak or something. Susan from Modesto, maybe from Hamptons.

[Dana Carvey]

Lila from. From San Diego.

[Ego Nwodim]

Those writers are so brilliant.

[David Spade]

Does he wanted to name something more about the stakes so they know what the fuck sketch?

[Ego Nwodim]

No, I think he wanted it. He was like, he suspected. So on Friday, he calls me into his office, and I'm thinking, and I'm feeling a little anxious about this sketch all week. And people are like, it's really funny. And for me also, I will say, I don't know how you guys feel about this. If something kills at table, baby, in my opinion, that's Kiss of Death. It's gonna. It's gonna play to. It's gonna play to literal silence. It's going to play to silence.

[David Spade]

There's nowhere to go but down.

[Ego Nwodim]

Yes. And so I was like, I don't even know how this thing is actually going to work. I didn't think about the monkey boys, their hand in it, and how the writers had planned to produce the sketch. So I was like, this is a lot. Like, I'm pretty strong, but I don't know if I'm gonna be able to shake a table sufficiently for this sketch. And then I realized it wasn't on. But Lauren called us into. Called me and then other the writers into his office on Friday. And I was like, okay, this meeting is for sure. Him telling us like, this was fun all week to pretend we were going to do this. Because I was like, I don't know how this works. But he was calling to be like, you're going to want to name this woman something more memorable. And I was like, I don't know. Quite the opposite of what I thought he was calling us in to talk about. He was sort of like, people are going to want to see this character. Again. And then I'm like, well, now this feels like a different kind of pressure. And Alex and Gary came up with Lisa from Temecula. I don't know how, where, why I used to live in la. So I'm like, I'm familiar with Temecula, but what an obscure.

[David Spade]

It kind of means nothing. It just sounds good, though. I like it.

[Ego Nwodim]

Yes. Yes. And then we panic because somebody told me. They're like, well, what a random fucking name. So then on Saturday morning, we were like, going through other names and shout out to Gary Richardson, being like, no, I think we just keep. At least from Temecula. It's kind of. Yeah, it's kind of nothing. Let's keep it that. Yeah. So it was very fun. But at dress, guys. What I say at dress.

[Dana Carvey]

Oh, oh.

[Ego Nwodim]

It does not do well.

[David Spade]

Somebody really.

[Ego Nwodim]

No. And all week, people in hair department going, I don't laugh at anything. And honestly, with sound off watching the monitor in the hair room were dying. And I go, it's too much pressure. I don't want the compliments. In fact, at a certain point, I'm like, it's all. It's all kiss a desk. Kiss of death. A bad omen. People building it up. Too much pressure. Lauren wants your head.

[David Spade]

Get in your head. This is the best sketch in history.

[Dana Carvey]

No, that. That's really good to mention that on this podcast, because that hasn't been talked about. Like, you're going to crush. Please don't say that.

[Ego Nwodim]

Please do not say that. We had one this week on the show with. Can I. We had one this week with. Gosh, my. As soon as we go on hiatus. Thank you. My brain erases what happened every day.

[Dana Carvey]

I know, because you expunge it. You just, like, let. Truly get to let go of it.

[Ego Nwodim]

But you see, it just short circuited there. Anyway, Michael Keaton, that killed at table. Absolutely destroyed. And not. And there are weeks where things are like, that was really good at table. And that was really fun. And there's moments where I'm using the word killed. So something killed at table with Keaton big. And then got to dress rehearsal. And I go, oh, it's crazy. It's really not working the same. And it went from, like, top of show to kind of down there. Got down there more. A more regular slot, if you will, rivaling 10 to 1. Not quite. But anyway, I am. We do this at dress rehearsal. It feels like a lot of pressure. The table's not shaking because somebody told the monkey boy to not shake it as much like We. And we did the run through. Right. Dry run. And I was like, great. This feels a little chaotic, but kind of fun. I think it all come together and then it just. The shaking dissipated. And there's really no.

[Dana Carvey]

When you say. When you say monkey boy, how do you mean that? And there's someone under the table.

[Ego Nwodim]

There's someone on their table. And I don't know what their official. Like the monkey boy productions. They do the puppets.

[Dana Carvey]

Oh, okay. Monkey slide production. Okay. I just wanted someone.

[Ego Nwodim]

You were a slur.

[Dana Carvey]

People might think it's an actual monkey boy or something.

[David Spade]

Monkey. Or a person.

[Dana Carvey]

A Simmons and something.

[David Spade]

So is that a company that deals.

[Ego Nwodim]

With this stuffing and special effects then puppeteering? I feel like I know them most for their puppet. Their puppet.

[Dana Carvey]

Right.

[Ego Nwodim]

Puppetry. They built me a mask in this four run to do a jigsaw kind of sketch. And like. Like a welder situation. Like, yeah, they're incredible. But someone told our guy not to shake the table as much. It's not communicated to me.

[David Spade]

Sabotage.

[Ego Nwodim]

It kind of.

[David Spade]

You know, that's the one thing that could hurt that sketch. The one thing.

[Dana Carvey]

Or. Or stupid. But one of the other.

[Ego Nwodim]

Yes, it's one of the S's. And so I'm like. And so it's not shaking. There's no sketch. It's like a woman has ordered a weld of extra comedy. Yeah, there's no comedy. It's like I'm trying to. And then also plot twist that threw me for a fucking loop. Is for the first time from table read to now we've done it table read. We've done blocking. We've done Saturday daytime run through for the first time at dress. And no one tells me in advance. Which normally they would have. Would have been appropriate to. It's a T bone steak. I can't even like pantomime sawing a T bone steak. That's extra, extra well done. You can't even. I was like, whose idea to put a big bone in the middle changed it?

[David Spade]

Don't change anything.

[Ego Nwodim]

Don't change a thing. And so it's not going well. There's this moment where I'm just like, well, motherfuckers. And Mr. Pedro Pascal, whose praises I'll sing till I'm blue in the face.

[Dana Carvey]

And I'm super. Great show and a very likable. Great actor.

[Ego Nwodim]

Great actor. Down to play. Down to look like a fool. Down to look stupid, like a dumbass. And also didn't try to curate his own show. That's the other thing. Like to Be very clear that when a hostess trying to curate their own.

[Dana Carvey]

He just gave himself up to them.

[Ego Nwodim]

Truly. And I think this about that episode, by the way, unrelated to Lisa from Temecula. Glad I got that off in that episode. When I reflect back on that episode and I was talking to Mikey Day about this, I was like, there are so many sketches in that episode that could have been the one. There was, like, real stiff competition on that. There's a Mario Brothers one. That was beautiful tape. There was Marcelo's protective mom sketch. That was an absolute hit. So, yeah, I haven't seen an episode, like, quite like that one in some time. Just where it's like, there are multiple.

[Dana Carvey]

Sketches in here that could have been the first sketch.

[Ego Nwodim]

Could have been the one. Yeah. And so anyway, Pedro is like, I think. I don't want to speak for him, but I get the sense is thrown by, like, whoa, we all had high expectations for this sketch. And boy, is this, like, bombing right now. And he starts looking for the. I guess it's throwing him. And he's like, now I'm trying to. How do I articulate this? Like, trying to see a cue card. And. But he's making it obvious. Like, remember, we're still in the scene, but now he's making it obvious. He's, like, kind of looking over and up and trying to see a cue card. And absolutely in character, unscripted, because it's bobbing at this point, so who fucking cares? I go in character and I go, and what are you looking at? And then that's the biggest laugh at dress rehearsal is me going, and what are you looking at?

[Dana Carvey]

And calling him out for like, it.

[Ego Nwodim]

Was absolutely off cards.

[Dana Carvey]

That's funny.

[Ego Nwodim]

And then we wrap up, and at the beach, I don't know where I catch him. Oh, at good nights, at dress. The fake good nights. And I go, the table wasn't shaking and there was a T bone steak. And he's like, what the fuck? And mind you, he's pretty straight man in that sketch. So the jokes aren't really his. It's not really about him. And a lot of hosts would have used that opportunity to be like, see?

[David Spade]

Get out of it.

[Ego Nwodim]

To get out of it. Because they probably a lot of hosts wouldn't have wanted to do it in the first place. Okay.

[Dana Carvey]

And then, yeah, I'm just a puppet in this.

[David Spade]

They aren't the score machine.

[Dana Carvey]

Nothing for me to put.

[Ego Nwodim]

And so I was like, that would have been a perfect out. They wouldn't have fought him on it because it did bomb. And it would have been like a nice heartbreak to dill dish me. And they. He actually went in there and fought for it. And he was like, they didn't give her. They gave her a T bone steak. The table didn't shake. I want.

[David Spade]

I love it. You need someone in that goddamn room because no one's in the room. You're not allowed.

[Ego Nwodim]

You need someone in the room. And having someone in the room. I've had every iteration of an experience at this show. I feel I was saying this to Heidi recently. I'm like, every version of it being the baby. No one gives a fuck about having a writer who was not only really fucking funny, but also in the room. I've had that writer go away and now have nobody in the room and feel like, oh, okay, I guess we're starting from scratch again, like, and having someone in the room. Nothing like it really. Nothing really.

[Dana Carvey]

Game of Thrones creating alliances who are in the room. David, at this time of year, I'm just going to say this and you can, you know, say whatever you want. Or of course, maybe you're looking back on all the amazing memories you have from 2024, especially if you are in love. Maybe you already looking ahead to your plans in 2025. I'm doing a French hack. Sacrifice.

[David Spade]

Good.

[Dana Carvey]

I'm doing a French accent because that's the language you love. And maybe, just maybe, those plans involved with getting engaged.

[David Spade]

Listen, for anyone about to take that momentous step, I recommend sourcing their engagement ring from blue nile.com. now, I will say the closest I've been to being married is when my. When I engaged my abs at Pilates this morning. Engage my core.

[Dana Carvey]

That's like a good Johnny joke. The closest you've been to being married is when you engaged your abs at the. At the Money station, the local Poloni station. No, seriously, folks. Blue Nile is the original online jeweler since 1999. On blue nile.com, you know what? You can create a bigger, and I'm going to say it, more brilliant piece than you can imagine at a price you're not going to find anywhere else.

[David Spade]

David, that's. Blue Nile offers a diamond price guarantee, which means that in most cases, you can meet or beat a competitor's price on a comparable diamond. And you can feel great about your purchase because they're committed to ensuring that the highest ethical standards are observed when sourcing diamonds and jewelry feel good about that too.

[Dana Carvey]

I'm just going to say it again. This is. This is easy. This makes getting a diamond ring, not stressful or any kind of ring for your loved one or you want someone you want to get engaged to. Also bonus. David, I don't know if you know this. Blue nile also offers 100% satisfaction guarantee with guaranteed free shipping and returns, then guaranteed service and repairs for life.

[David Spade]

Life, crazy life. And don't worry, every Blue Nile order is insured, arrives at packaging. It doesn't give it away. In most cases, it can be delivered overnight. Just in case you want to make one more unforgettable memory of 2024, right now, go to Bluenile.com and use code FLY for $50 off your purchase of 500 or more.

[Dana Carvey]

That's 50 off with code [e-mail] Blue Nile.com Michelle Nope, it's not about you. Just it'll be a surprise.

[David Spade]

For the viewers. Dana let's have her say what the room is and who's in it.

[Ego Nwodim]

Okay, so the room is the deciding room. There's the room I think convenes multiple times throughout the week. But most important or seemingly significant for us as cast and for writers is the room after table read. So after We've read our 40 sketches on Wednesday, the room convenes. It is Lauren, Steve Higgins, Eric Kenward. I think Caroline Moroni is in there. Aaron Doyle is in there. Other Rebecca Schwartz. I'm not sure who else, but other people from the talent department, I believe. But those are the decision makers. Head writers are also in there. I left them out. Streeter.

[David Spade]

That's a lot.

[Ego Nwodim]

Streeter, Alison Gates, Kent Sublet. And that's what that room looks like. So you do the math on that. So that's who's in there. Okay. And then that room convenes again throughout the week to check in with the host. I think they have a meeting with the host on Friday. Less pressing to all of us. But yeah. How are you feeling? What do you like? What do not like? Oh, you're confused about your roller network. Okay. All right. Oh, and a host being like, I find it fascinating. I want to be in that room one time. Specifically the Friday room. I want to be in the Friday room because I want to know. I want to hear hosts, they start, not always, sometimes try to manipulate the system a little and like, if they're not scoring, that's their opportunity to say, I don't know what I'm doing in that one. I just don't. I don't know what I'm doing. Or I can't wrap my head around this very straightforward character.

[David Spade]

It's very straightforward.

[Ego Nwodim]

I'm just having a hard time understanding.

[David Spade]

I'm confused. So I'm just setting up them to.

[Dana Carvey]

Kill or Friday night at like 11 or 12 or whatever.

[Ego Nwodim]

Exactly. So we've at that point blocked all the sketches pretty much. There were waiting on the pre tapes.

[David Spade]

But they know what they hate.

[Ego Nwodim]

Exactly. And they start to plant those seeds. You kind of see it reflected in.

[David Spade]

The seeds of death.

[Ego Nwodim]

The read the seeds of death. That is how you kill a sketch. That's how you begin to kill a sketch.

[David Spade]

Poison pill boy.

[Ego Nwodim]

Oh, that's good. It's a poison.

[Dana Carvey]

Just create doubt.

[Ego Nwodim]

They create the little doubt and then you get the rundown. We as cast, the writers, everyone gets the rundown, which is to say this is what our run through the dry run on Saturday is going to look like. This is what dress rehearsal looks like. And you. It's very long. We get to work at like, like 11:30am on Saturday and the show wraps out.

[David Spade]

No one realizes that's the earliest day you have.

[Ego Nwodim]

Yes, actually, truly. Which is insane. And so only rival by pre tape day Friday, where we sometimes are like, I'm getting picked up at 6am but they. The. The dress rehearsal run, run down, if you will, on the left side of that document says who's doing update. Which feels like a very secretive thing all week.

[David Spade]

That's when they pick who's doing update.

[Ego Nwodim]

That's when we all get to see when it becomes like, and this is who's doing. So it's happening. Whispers behind you. You don't know. People, if you're close, are going, did you. Have you heard about your update? Are you. Oh, do we know who's doing? But it's all very like, secret. But then when that rundown comes out at 11:30pm on Friday or midnight Saturday, you go, oh, that's who's doing update. And oh. So then on that side, on that left side, when you see the order of the sketches in this dress rehearsal show, you go, yes. At the Friday meeting, the host has planted a seed of doubt. That sketch went from 4th of the night to now second to last of the night. Yes, exactly.

[Dana Carvey]

I kind of loving these hosts. I love the deviousness.

[David Spade]

I like a host. And they're going, I mean, I don't know what's funny. To me, it's not hilarious, but I trust you guys.

[Dana Carvey]

Like in the assistant right next to him with a little notepad. Oh, yeah, kind of a sweater.

[Ego Nwodim]

And mind you, the assistant in them and the publicist, I've already Had their conversation off to the side being like.

[David Spade]

Everything'S a side chat. It's so gross.

[Ego Nwodim]

Everything's a side chat. It's so crazy. But so then. Yeah, it's. But when things. When. When you can sense that a host has done that too, then that just creates a sort of like. Well, that sucks because also you want to, like, you're like on Tuesday, when you go to talk to a host about the idea you have for the week or the ideas you have. And. And oftentimes I'm a pretty direct person, so I'm like, you can literally say you hate it. You're not going to offend me. You can tell me, like, I really don't want to do that. I'm. If come Wednesday, even if it kills at table, I'm going to, in that meeting, veto it. So don't do. I don't want to do it.

[David Spade]

Don't waste my time.

[Ego Nwodim]

Basically, don't waste my time because I have other ideas.

[David Spade]

I don't want to write it.

[Dana Carvey]

And it's cool. Yeah.

[Ego Nwodim]

Yes.

[David Spade]

Takes hours.

[Ego Nwodim]

It takes hours and it's disheartening. When it does kill it. It doesn't go. And it turns out because you didn't. So please just be honest with me, because I'll write something else that we can both be excited about. But it's. What I adore about Pedro is that he did take that opportunity in that Saturday meeting. The meeting. That meeting we talk about happens again Saturday after dress rehearsal.

[Dana Carvey]

Right?

[Ego Nwodim]

So now the.

[David Spade]

That's it.

[Dana Carvey]

That's the most intense time picking the show. It's like a 1045 or they basically.

[David Spade]

Hack a half hour out of dress. So you're in the show all week, and then by 11pm you're suddenly not in the show.

[Dana Carvey]

So what happened with Lisa from Temecula?

[Ego Nwodim]

Well, Lisa, he went in that room and he fought for it and said in that meeting he wanted to do it in that meeting, that there was. They gave me a T bone steak, which. Wtf. And then that the table wasn't shaking. Who. Why did that happen? When did. When did that decision get made? And also, if that. If that was a note that was communicated to the monkey boy, not a slur the company, right. If that was. If that was a note communicated to them, why no one told me, why no one communicated it to all of us or why we didn't do a, like, quick little, like, hey, it's gonna come to this hallway right now. It's not gonna be on the set, but, like, let me show you how much I'll be shaking it at this point, and then we'll ramp up to this.

[Dana Carvey]

Right.

[Ego Nwodim]

So he. I appreciate it because most hosts, I feel now that I've been there long enough, many of them, and I want to say most, since I'm gonna say most, would have been like, yeah, see, it didn't work. And.

[David Spade]

Right.

[Ego Nwodim]

I'm not doing anything.

[David Spade]

And so we have to cut stuff anyway.

[Ego Nwodim]

Yeah, we have to. And maybe another time, man. Bummer. That's so fun.

[David Spade]

Yeah, but let you bitch about it later and be like, no, but. And they're like, oh, do it next week then.

[Ego Nwodim]

Yes. And then next week they don't. We don't actually do it because it's like, well, I forgot. We forgot. We told you you could do it next week. So air quote forgot. But he fought for it. But what's interesting is on that week, I'll say this. There's a sketch I do the following show, I believe, where Travis Kelsey hosts either host immediately after Pedro. We go on a hiatus after Pedro. And then I think Travis Kelce is the following host. And he. He. He ended up acting in this sketch. But this was the. This is how the night panned out. I had a sketch the same week as Lisa from Temecula with James Austin Johnson. A prince. Love him. He's an incredible performer Inspired by Michael McDonald and Patti LaBelle. I'm obsessed with Michael McDonald. And we got to talk about one.

[Dana Carvey]

Of the great voices of all time.

[Ego Nwodim]

Oh, my gosh.

[Dana Carvey]

What a believes is crazy.

[Ego Nwodim]

Oh, gosh. Well, I. I listen to Michael McDonald relatively regularly, but I feel like someone told me, and maybe it was Kyle Mooney. Maybe this is wrong, and I felt sorry. We love Kyle. Yawn. If you yawn while you're singing, you. That's your Michael McDonald impression, and it's pretty effective.

[David Spade]

Okay.

[Ego Nwodim]

Okay.

[David Spade]

Again, sounds insane.

[Ego Nwodim]

Oh, beautiful. Beautiful. Doobie Brothers.

[David Spade]

So who's Travis Kelsey?

[Ego Nwodim]

So Travis Kelce is a football player. He is. Boyfriend.

[David Spade]

Who's he in the sketch?

[Ego Nwodim]

I was gonna say, you know.

[David Spade]

Who'S Taylor Swift again?

[Ego Nwodim]

She is a singer. She's a friend to Travis Kelsey.

[Dana Carvey]

Great parts for them. Go ahead.

[Ego Nwodim]

So Travis Kelsey ends up playing this thing that Pedro was. It was me and James Austin Johnson. This sketch goes to air with Travis, but Pedro was in it originally at. That's. That's the week we happened to write it. And he plays a man named Sucre, a name I'm obsessed with from Prison Break, one of my favorite TV shows. There was a guy Sucre Yeah. Which I believe means Spanish. And Spanish means sugar in Spanish. It means sugar in Spanish. So anyway, he. That they were up against each other in a sense. It kind of panned out that, like, because Pedro's episode was so, so, so strong, we're talking killer, killer, killer sketch after killer. This sketch with him. I don't remember what it ultimately. Family song, Family meeting. Family meeting is what it's called. It was Pedro. It was great. It actually did really well at dress. Okay. And so after the meeting, the big meeting, the Saturday 10 o'clock meeting, PM meeting, that one is still in the show, as is Lisa from Temecula. But they're back to back, basically, like commercial break between them. And it's like, we always know you go into dress rehearsal with a longer show than you have time for, generally speaking. And so something's gonna get cut for time on air. And sometimes that cut for time thing ends up on the Internet, on YouTube. And sometimes it's just like, no, that sketch is cut and you're gonna have to try it again. It came down to family meeting and Lisa. And family meeting absolutely proved itself at dress rehearsal. I was in it. I helped write it. It's also something I loved and was passionate about. And Pedro was so great in it. And ultimately, family meeting got cut in favor of Lisa at the end of the show. But I remember I was sure Lisa wasn't going for how built up it had been all week and for how crappy it was at dress. And so Tom Broeker comes up to me, my quick change costume. Costume. Who is my clo. You know, people are scared of Tom, and I find it fascinating because he's my closest, closest person.

[David Spade]

He was there when I was there.

[Ego Nwodim]

Yeah.

[Dana Carvey]

I. I had not seen him in years. And then I was just pouring my heart out to him. Just. Just seeing him. And you start. You're doing the dress, you're throwing back.

[David Spade]

Well, that's.

[Ego Nwodim]

I. I was just saying that to a new cast member, too. I go. I don't know what it is. Something about. I said when I first got here, I feel like I was quite. I don't want to say KG is not the word. It's the first thing that comes to mind. It's not the right word, but for the sake of being concise Cajun, like, somehow I found myself talking a lot to Tom, though. And I go, is it because I'm in a closet with you with all these clothes and something, but there's some intimacy about them? Yeah, he's. Yeah, And I was like, I would, I would talk to him, though, and tell him basically everything, but Tom comes up to me and goes, get dressed for Lisa. And I kind of.

[David Spade]

Oh, is that how you found out?

[Ego Nwodim]

Yes, yes. And it was like right before we were about to do it. And I mean, I had to get dressed in 60 seconds because I was sure that wasn't going. And he goes, get dressed. And I. And this is just self protective, okay? Because at that point I had been. I'd been heartbroken, if you will. And I was like, this is crazy to build up, to have it, then go that way. And so much was out of my control. And it wasn't a matter of performance. And I don't even know that. I feel the audience got to see the sketch because all the technicalities. I feel like I'm not a big eye roller, but I like to say. And he and I are very close. I feel like I rolled my eyes. And I go, really? Because I was so hurt. I was like, I can't believe. And I go, so what? It can be a throwaway sketch now?

[Dana Carvey]

In my mind.

[Ego Nwodim]

And I didn't say that part, but I think that's what was going on. I was like, at the end of the night, oh, okay. Really?

[David Spade]

But you lost confidence in it.

[Ego Nwodim]

I lost confidence, yeah. And I was just. And that's what that little. We're so close. And he probably didn't even read it as attitude. But I try to stay generally positive. But I just remember going, really? And then going in the.

[David Spade]

Did you almost want to do the one that worked?

[Ego Nwodim]

Damn it, David. That is such a good question. Because I think about it, everything would just be so different for me.

[David Spade]

It's wild to think that, like they said you picked.

[Dana Carvey]

Yeah, no, this thing went very viral. Millions, millions of YouTube.

[David Spade]

But if she got the pic, she might say, just, I just want one to work. Just give me.

[Ego Nwodim]

I just want one to work. We know that one worked. And fuck it. I don't know, I'm. And I'm kind of salty and pissed and hurt about this other thing. And so fuck it. And I'm glad it wasn't up to me because, yeah, I might have picked family meeting, which would mean a very different trajectory for me because I think Lisa from Temecula, not to be haughty at all, but. But one, I had so much fun doing it. But two, I think it's the moment people are like, oh, she's a really fun sketch performer. And then people who listen to me on comedy, bang, bang. That podcast, which is improv. Scott Aukerman. Scotty. Scotty Ox know me to be insane, but I don't think until Lisa, up until Lisa, everyone has just considered me this, like, very polished listen. I like to look nice guys, but I'm an insane person in real life and I do comedy because I'm wild and kooky and I might look like I'm put together and in ways I am. But like, my sense, my comedic sensibility, I think is like, been largely reflected on comedy. Bang, bang. And those fans, when Lisa from Temecula happened, go crazy stuff. That's the ego. I know who has been on this podcast for all these years. That's where we've been waiting to see that on snl. And so I'm glad it worked out how it did because I think for the first time a broader. The larger audience could say, oh, that's, that's her comedy. That's.

[David Spade]

There's something to point to that. But it's like when Debbie Downer happens, just there's some now and then that blow up. And it's very hard to get something to kind of blow up. It's so hard. Even if it's a good sketch, it doesn't mean it. It just sometimes they kind of hit you go, oh, people are coming up and asking me about this now, though. So something worked there.

[Ego Nwodim]

Whatever.

[Dana Carvey]

Yeah, go ahead.

[David Spade]

It's so unique.

[Dana Carvey]

I just think you landed it so perfectly. Just watching it a couple hours ago and you drove it so well. So, yeah, I could see that would be like a storm making moment because you were just, just on fire as a character landing line after line. He just wants but. Or is it because we're black or whatever. You kept landing lines.

[Ego Nwodim]

That was like beautiful. And also, and you know, that was my. I'm in my seventh. That was my fifth season, fourth season, and I think fifth. But I had been leading up to that. That was a Feb. That was February. The place is frustrating for all of us. No matter what time. You think we're understatement of the year.

[Dana Carvey]

I call it emotionally violent.

[Ego Nwodim]

You know what? That's probably really accurate. That's accurate and it's really frustrating. And I think I'm a pretty strong person and I don't actually look for the world to be fair. I'm the youngest of four. I was explaining this to someone. I'm the youngest of four. My mom is a doctor. She would bring candy home. That like pharmaceutical sales reps would bring the doctors in the office, which is maybe Its own fucked up thing that they bribe doctors that way. But whatever. I'm not here to comment on that. But she would bring home candy or whatever, like sweet treats the pharmacy pharmaceutical reps would bring. And I was the last. I was always the. I got to pick last. Like, so my oldest brother would get his. His dibs first because he's the oldest, then my sister because she's second, then my brother ahead of me, and then me last. And we never changed the order for equity ever. And I was just like, yeah, I'm the youngest and I'm going to get the last pick. So I don't. When Lauren talks. Lauren talks to me sometimes about the show being fair and how it's not fair. And I go, I am not fair. I'm like, I'm the last person looking for fair in here. I don't think I grew up with the most. My life was. I don't know that it was fair, you know, ego.

[David Spade]

I had that happen with my dad and I came back from SNL and said. He said, why are you down about it? I go, I just. It doesn't seem like it's fair. And he goes, who told you it was going to be fair? I go, well, nobody, but shouldn't things just be fair? And he's like, I wouldn't guess that place would be that fair.

[Dana Carvey]

I'm telling you that fair is one of the most loaded words in the English language. And I've heard people use it like it's not fair.

[Ego Nwodim]

Even if they.

[Dana Carvey]

If they win the lottery, so to speak. It's just not fair. And your dad was prescient and why so?

[Ego Nwodim]

Yes, I think so. Absolutely. Why? And I just had someone in the talent department two weeks ago told me, they said, my mom said I'd be having a better time here if I just accept it wasn't fair.

[David Spade]

They said you'd be having a better time. You're at the best place you can be in comedy and it's the fucking hardest. And you're like, why this should be going better. That's what I always thought. I'm like, God damn.

[Ego Nwodim]

But, you know, you don't have a sense of it. Hiatus is really nice because you get to go out in the world and go, oh, someone more than recognizes me because that's whatever. But goes, oh, I love that thing you do. Or like, you're my favorite. Yeah. And you go, okay. Because you inside of it have no sense of whatever impact you're making. Or more importantly, like, if anything you're doing Is even fucking register or translating now into anything.

[David Spade]

You truly cannot tell and even leave the building most.

[Ego Nwodim]

No, we're there. I don't. People ask me, how do you like living in New York? And I go, I don't live in New York. I work in New York.

[David Spade]

I don't know where I am.

[Ego Nwodim]

I don't know where I am. I go from my apartment to 30.

[Dana Carvey]

Rock, and you're not outside for just 12, 14 hours at a time.

[Ego Nwodim]

No, I'm like, I don't know what. I don't know anything about New York. I know where 30 Rock is and the new eateries in the basement there. The concourse. Like, I know that's my version of New York, but I. That. That. That experience with Lisa was so affirming as a performer. I didn't know. I certainly. It's so crazy how the goalpost changed for you, too, when you're a cast member there. My first season, it was like, can I get a sketch on? Cool. You don't even have a concept. So when that rundown comes out at midnight on Saturday morning or 11:45pm on Friday that we're talking about, you're not like, oh, mine's first of the night, or it's last of the night. Oh, shit. Like you. Everything I had described to you a little bit ago about the meeting and the host, and it meant nothing to me. My first season, I had no concept of it. I just was like, I have a sketch in. Cool. And then as you. You spend more time there, you start to understand how the system works and what everything sort of means or represents. You're like, oh, well, then I want that. I want to. I want to have that version of it. And that's fucked. And I just have to say, I love that word.

[David Spade]

I have a sense of gratitude when it comes to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the holidays. I don't know about you, Dana.

[Dana Carvey]

I do, too. I think that's what. Because you know the word thanks. Is this total giveaway?

[David Spade]

It's right in there. Yeah, it's a giveaway.

[Dana Carvey]

Yeah, it's a giveaway. If it was called Watch out for yourself. Time, Holiday, Selfish, giving.

[David Spade]

Yeah. Listen, we get together Thanksgiving, think about maybe how learning a new language can enhance your connections and enrich your experiences with just people of the world. Rosetta Stone. You know, Dana, you've. We've talked about it forever. The most trusted language learning platform available on desktop or as an app. It immerses you in the language you want to learn. That's the way to do It.

[Dana Carvey]

Yeah. And you know, I've been in New York for a while doing Saturday Night Live and I walk around Central park and boy, do you hear a lot of accents and a lot of languages. You know, I don't know what they're saying. I'm like, with Rosetta Stone, you've got a tool in your hand that is probably the best way to learn a language. Going right now.

[David Spade]

You know, this world is getting more mixed every day. It's not bad to know something you could learn. They pretty much will teach you anything. Spanish, French, Korean, Chinese, Japanese. Rosetta Stone immerses you no English translation. So you really learn to speak, listen and think in the language, right?

[Dana Carvey]

Yep. It's an intuitive process, which is great because I think I never, I didn't retain Spanish. And in grade school you pick up a language naturally. First with words, then phrases, then sentences. It's designed for long term retention.

[David Spade]

Lifetime membership has all 25 languages for any and all trips and language needs in life. That's lifetime access to all of the 25 languages they teach at Rosetta Stone.

[Dana Carvey]

And also by, by the way, and guess what? Built in True accent feature gives you feedback on your pronunciation. Like, it's like having a personal trainer for your accent.

[David Spade]

Don't put off learning that language. There's no better time than right now to get it started. For a short time, Fly on the Wall listeners can get Rosetta Stone's lifetime membership holiday special. This offer will not last long. What do you got to do though?

[Dana Carvey]

Visit rosettastone.com fly that's unlimited. David. Access to 25 language courses for the rest of your life. Redeem your holiday [e-mail] fly today for yourself or as a GIF that keeps giving. Muy bien.

[David Spade]

There's a movie I'm watching right this moment that you have seen that I am really digging. It's so called Saturday night. Now listen, we were both on Saturday Night Live. It's about the first episode. I didn't really know what it would be exactly. And it's really sharp. It shows where everything went wrong that I didn't know 99 of this stuff. I actually recognized people in there that were still working. Herb Sergeant. Is it Audrey Pert Dickman? Is she. Is she in there?

[Dana Carvey]

She was in there in that time.

[David Spade]

This thing has gotten quick lines, a lot of funny throwaway lines and you get to meet every important character that they didn't know it. That was the last night they were not famous. That was very interesting to me.

[Dana Carvey]

It shows you What a wild ride they took on that first show. It barely gets on the air. The cast is maybe smoking funny cigarettes. It's a looser, weirder environment. It's all done in a set that looks like 8H. It gave me goosebumps. It teared me up. It's very emotional when you think about it. Good lord. It's still on now.

[David Spade]

Critics love it. They say it's wild, entertaining. One of the best movies of the year. Certified fresh to cast. You know, Dylan O'Brien, Willem Dafoe. I love of course J.K. simmons, Lamorne Morris, Gabrielle LaBelle, Finn Wolfhard, Corey, Michael Smith, Kaia Gerber, Nicholas Braun. So you know, grab some buddies. If people they know snl, they don't know it. You can. This is how it all started.

[Dana Carvey]

And by the way. And by the way. And guess what? They're all playing, you know, Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, you know, Garrett Morris and so forth and so on. And J.K. simmons does a hilarious cameo as Milton Burrow.

[David Spade]

There's Johnny Carson calls them.

[Dana Carvey]

Johnny Carson calls them. Yeah.

[David Spade]

That was crazy.

[Dana Carvey]

Yeah. I can't believe kid get your together.

[David Spade]

We're always looking for punch up guys when this collapses. It's available to buy or rent on digital now it's rated R. Saturday night a sketch early and read through. I never knew was you call it table. But my first week I handed one and it was fourth and they were like, that's good. I'm like, why is that good? And they go, you don't want it at the very end. You don't want it unless it's the very last sketch. Sometimes people wake up for that. But once you go we used to do like an hour and a half then have like a little break and you to wake people up. Then you another hour and a half or so and that second half was just death. Those first 10 get the most attention that when I was there, I don't know if it's the same thing, but that's something I never knew.

[Ego Nwodim]

It's true. It's when you. It's the same thing. Now another thing I didn't realize until like my third, fourth season where I was having a really good time and Anna Dresden and I were these like having the collaborative experience of our dreams. But a lot of our sketches would be okay. You do the. They would read like the monologue and then the cold open and then our sketch would be the next one up. But I felt. And that was like a few weeks in a row and I Go, pretty damn cool. Pretty cool. But then when that stops happening, you're like, oh, no, but I want that again. That thing that I didn't even know was a thing. Now I want that and I feel its absence and I'm chasing that again for no reason. But I, I was telling someone last season, I go, I actually don't fuck with my sketch being too, too early. Let's get like 3, 4 read before mine. I'm like, I don't want it to be the very first sketch proper because sometimes the host is not. Though they've read their monologue, they're not warmed up. They're not quite understanding how it goes. And yes, you can have prepped them beforehand a little bit and have that little conversation with them about what your piece is and kind of what you're expecting and hoping them to do in their performance. But I'm like, I need, I want the coast warmed up by the time we get to my sketch.

[Dana Carvey]

And I, I do think it's just human nature to kind of, I say eighth or ninth and you follow a sketch that was pretty weak. You wouldn't want to follow up. Chris Farley, banger.

[Ego Nwodim]

Yeah, you. Here's my thing. I don't think here I have a hot take on this. Not weak because I feel like it's going to be hard to make the.

[Dana Carvey]

Not too weak.

[Ego Nwodim]

Yeah, the chart. It's going to be hard to get them back going again. Granted, if you do get them going after really week one, you go, oh, this is probably going to get. Make it to dress rehearsal because that, that really took us from zero to something. But I'm like, I want it to have done pretty well. Like, just pretty well. Okay, not, not a banger. Not a banger before me, but just pretty well.

[Dana Carvey]

You really have, you really have this show down. I mean, I'm, I, I'm. We've interviewed a lot of people, but this has been, it's stuff I'm learning, remembering again. It's great.

[David Spade]

Keep.

[Ego Nwodim]

I'm insane though, and is the truth. And I overthink. I don't know if it's overthinking because it's just the way my brain works. And I have tried. I'm like, I should sedate myself a little bit more. But my brain is like clocking a thousand. Which is why I go, am I the right person for this job or the exact wrong person? Because I wish I was just like a touch more ignorant. Like where I go back to that first year version of the cast member. It Was just like, I just want a sketch on. All I know is, let's try to get a sketch on. And now no one has explained any of this shit to me, but I've slowly picked up on it myself over the years. And like. And this means that. And that's that. And I go, it's probably giving me a headache and breaking my heart more than it needs to be.

[David Spade]

You know when you do something like the Lisa sketch, do you. And you've seen, I'd been there. Dana's been there. When you see someone do something like that but you haven't done it yet, it's sort of interesting to say, what is that? Like when it kind of blows up and then you got in one. So it's like another level of endorphins where you're like, oh, this is what it's like when something really hits. It's so fun. But no wonder everyone chases it because it's like, God, I want to do another one of these animals that works like that.

[Ego Nwodim]

On that level, it was like drugs. And I say, there's so much that feels like drugs. There was a season I had. So again, I'm in my seventh season. There's a season there where my expectation for what they would allow me to do at snl, just being the seventh black woman in the history of the show was pretty. I don't want to say low, but tempered. I think I'm a good performer. I think I'm a confident performer. I know my comedic voice, but I also know I was like stepping into an establishment with that history and it's a machine of its own. And I'm one person. And so I was like, I have a. I've. My goal felt pretty limited there and then to have had these experiences. I'm like, yeah, you get the drugs in your system. So like when I'm like, my third season, I feel like Kate was away just shooting maybe Tiger King at the time. And 80 was away doing shrill the final season. And I can't remember Leslie was. And they were letting me do every thing and I was having a ball and it was interesting because I didn't real. So we were also in Covid times then. So the world was still shut down, but we were back in studio. Not the at home episodes. Right. And I remember getting really upset because I wanted to do this update that kept killing and I kept going. It's me as myself talking about dating. In dating, current, current dating, we don't have a dating representative and we still don't Have a dating correspondent on the show and I want to talk about it. And that's my third season. So all these seasons ago, and it killed, right? I wrote it on my own. Killed. They had someone else, more junior to me do a thing that didn't kill, that then went on to dress or maybe even made to air and didn't kill. Okay. They're like, wait your turn. We're trying to give this person a shot. I go, okay. Not how it worked for me, but that's fine. Salute. Right? That's fine. Then I go, okay, now this piece could live again. This feels topical. Maybe it was like Valentine's Day, I don't know. But I go, okay, I'm going to submit it again. Hard to do because they've already heard these jokes. This whole table read audience. But I go, one thing about me, guys, if I'm going to submit a resubmit a sketch, I want you to know. And writers who have to work with me on this, I. I'm sure to test me. But I go, we're rewriting the whole thing. Every joke is brand new.

[David Spade]

Really?

[Dana Carvey]

Oh, really?

[Ego Nwodim]

Oh, yes. I do not believe it. And so I'm not. Let me be honest, I'm not resubmitting a ton because of that. Because I go, so unless we're going to be really rewriting it and listen, if it makes it to dress, let's take it back to the original one. But we have to earn these laughs at table and make people go, oh, this is funny again. I have a story about a resubmit a couple of them, but this is one. But that dating piece I ended up rewriting kept my, like, strongest two jokes, but I was like, great, I'll give you more. I'll give you more. I'll give you different jokes. I really want to do this piece. I believe in this piece. I believe people will enjoy this. It kills that table again. Like kills harder the second time. And they don't. They. They aren't picking it. But I sense, because I also know how to. I can. I have like a third eye. I'm like, people keep. I was shooting a pre tape that was me centric in a me piece. And they go, I. Somebody was like, how's the tape going on a Friday? Go. No one's ever texted me about how pre tape's going. I was like. And then someone else was like, when are you back at 30 Rock? And I was like, like some. They must have had a meeting about how we're not going to do that. Update. And they know I am going to speak up about it.

[David Spade]

Oh, yeah.

[Ego Nwodim]

And I go, and everyone's doing a little temperature check before I get to 30 Rock. And I go, you really are perceptive. I am. I have to say, I was like, there's a little. I was like, this is weird. I remember, how's the tape going? I was like, I've never. What's going on? So sure enough, they were not going to let me do the update, and they sure enough were doing a temperature check. And it was like. Because it was crass. Is very crass. And I guess. And it was sort of like we.

[David Spade]

That's why.

[Ego Nwodim]

Yes, it was pretty crass. And it was like, if you do it as a character, but as ego, we don't want necessarily ago telling those jokes, but a character could tell those jokes.

[David Spade]

And I go, ego is not crash.

[Ego Nwodim]

Ego is not crash.

[David Spade]

But here's the thing.

[Ego Nwodim]

Yes, she is. Here's the thing. Yes, she is. If you. This. It's sort of like that comedy bang bang thing where I'm like, that's a podcast. I What I love about that podcast, and when I started doing it was before SNL and randomly, because someone I know had to drop out and they recommended me, and now it's a thing I do. No one knows what I look like. The first time I do that, I was. The first episode was like, Sarah Silverman. No one knows what I look like. They don't know if I'm put together or not. They don't know anything about me. They don't know me from Adam. I get to be as insane as I want and do the kind of characters that I enjoy doing. But similar to that update situation was like, as a character, maybe, but not. Not our ego telling jokes like that.

[David Spade]

And I'm like, did you switch it?

[Ego Nwodim]

No, I never did it because I was like, I never did it. And I. Because I was like, I don't really want. I don't want to do it that way. I don't want to do it as a character. I don't even know what that character would be, frankly, if I'm honest. And so I'm like, I don't even know what that is. But Mikey and I had this great sketch last season that we wrote once. It killed at table. Kill, I won't say. Did really, really well at table. It's different energy than I played at the show. And then the host pulled a sort of like, I don't know what I'm doing. And so great. It goes away. And so it made it to dress, and then it goes away, even though it did pretty well dressed. And then we rewrote it, we resubmit it, right? They were like, you should bring it back. We love that character for you. And we resubmit it. And I was like, I did that thing I do. I go, oh, honey, it's not only done well at table and played at table. It's gone to dress. We have to rewrite the sketch. It can still be the same, but every joke is going to be different. My name is a different joke. Everything's different. And it killed harder the second time at table read. So they've. This. This group of people have already seen it at table, seen it at dress, seen it at run through, seen it at blocking, and it kills harder with this rewrite. And Steve Higgins, one of the producers of the show, comes up to me and Mikey and was like, I think that's the first time I've ever seen a rewrite be better at table. But that's my rule, though. I'm sort of like, I don't take anything for granted. I don't think. I don't know that I'm. I think there are people. This is. Is this right to say whatever that get, like, gratuitous laughs at table? Like, I do think there are people that get gratuitous laughs. And I'm like, I am.

[David Spade]

There's favorites.

[Ego Nwodim]

There are. And I'm not assuming I'm one. And so I'm like, we have to rewrite. If we are going to be resubmitting something, let's not expect that people are going to go, oh, love that.

[David Spade]

And I'm like, let's rewrite eye rolls of people going, here we go again. Is that. What is that kind of.

[Ego Nwodim]

It's because. Well, no, it's not even the eye roll. Yes, the eye roll. But I'm like, they're not going to laugh. They're not going to laugh. They already heard it. And even if they like me and are in theory rooting for me to any.

[David Spade]

It's hard to laugh twice. You're right.

[Ego Nwodim]

Yes.

[David Spade]

They're not going to legitimately naturally laugh twice. You can, but. But it cannot do what it did. I don't. I don't think. And the host sees that, the new host, and goes, did that do that good. You know? Because they're like, well. And if they say it's a resubmit, they go, why didn't they want to do it, huh?

[Ego Nwodim]

Exactly.

[David Spade]

And so you don't Want that ugly conversation.

[Ego Nwodim]

Exactly. And so I'm like, let's take nothing for granted. If we're having an opportunity to read it again, let's not assume the room's going to be kind and warm about it because they're rooting for us to get to do it again. Let's. Let's not assume the host is going to be someone they can convince to do something that did okay at table. And so I've had. When it's time to resubmit things, I do. I have had writers just kind of be like, this bitch wants to rewrite. This bitch wants to rewrite the fucking sketch. I'm like, well, we read it. We read it. If it's something we haven't read. I'm like, yeah, let's just check. Let's do a casual check for the jokes. But I'm like, if we read it already, we got to rewrite it. And so. So I. Some have said, some who. I remember my second season being like, do I need to, like, work harder? What's the deal taking a meeting with a producer? And they were like, no one here thinks you need to work harder.

[David Spade]

You know, well, that. That's showing you're grinding because the fact you don't need to do that. And sometimes it just buzzes through without big laughs. But they go, we're going to try it again. But you're actually trying to earn some more laughs from it. Is.

[Dana Carvey]

Yeah, it's still the puzzle we all play with. And it doesn't matter where you're at in your life or career, if you're a comedian, how do you set up the exposition, land the laugh, have it be escalatory, get out of that big laugh, have it. Have performance, have it. Have the. Going full circle, just that table moving. And I always say, funny with the sound off. Guy in a bar looks up, up and would laugh because it keeps getting to the point of ridiculousness. And no one at the table is going, what the fuck's with the steak? And getting up and walking away.

[David Spade]

Yeah, we. I mean, we don't say anything.

[Dana Carvey]

And the tension of that is. Just allows you to laugh so hard. And of course, your character is the driving force of that sketch. But anyway, so that's all you could do if it's your first season seven season, just try to solve the puzzle and just make it funnier.

[David Spade]

Tread water. Stay.

[Ego Nwodim]

Yeah, it was really cool that that experience was so special because I had been like, by that time in the season, too, just kind of. Honey, I don't know what they want from me at this point, because Lauren does a thing too where he's like, new move. We've seen you do that before. Like, so we want to see you do something different. So you start to be like, well, this is my comedic voice, right? Like, this is my voice. These are the kinds of people I think are funny. And you're telling me like, four seasons in, like, something else. And I'm like, oh, okay. But it's funny because I don't think Lisa's some grand departure from what I've done previously. But there's this physicality to it. But yeah, it's. That one was. By that time in the season, I was sort of like, I don't. Honey, I don't know what they want. And I'm at a loss. And so when I did, when Alex and Gary said they had this piece for me, I would have, like, I said, normally been like, and where does it go from it? Let's actually talk this through. But I was like, if these. These dudes think they have a piece, great. I'm going to let them go off and write it. Because I write as well. Some too. And so I sometimes want to get in there and I'm like, listen, it's. I'm going to. This is their baby. But then once we got to when was it like, the cuz we're black. I've seen people go like, did you improvise that? I improvised it. Not on air and not at dress rehearsal. I think on Friday at blocking or something, I was like, I feel like she should say something right here. It's actually kind of funny if she says because we're black, given the only other black person here is punky and the person who's approached them is black. And then there were these moments that I was like, I think this needs a line here, or she should say this. So then it became collaborative on the back end, which was really cool. And I hadn't really had that experience yet where it's like, yes, you wrote this for me, and it's such a gift. And now we both get to meld our minds at this stage of the process where it's okay, it's in the show at least to dress. Let's try to like, make it as. As good as we can. And here's my thoughts as the person performing. Maybe she says this as well. Maybe she does this in the real performance. I had a lot of joy because I did. I just had no expectations of it. So too, when I think about, like, if it had moved up in the night. Right. If it had killed it dress and. And it's second of the night or something like that, how free of a performer would I have been in that regard? I did not expect to do the sketch. So when I hurried and put on my clothes to do that, you're like.

[David Spade]

What'S this one again?

[Ego Nwodim]

Yes, legitimately, I was like, I've kind of started to block it out of my head and scrub it from my memory because it was such a flop. But then I put on. The writers didn't even get to find me to tell me they, like, cut out a whole middle of the sketch. So there's a moment where I, like, pause. There's a moment of air if you're really paying attention to it. And it's. Someone else was supposed to have a line in the original version, but in the, like, last minute you guys are doing it, we. And you need to cut out X number of pages. They cut out this whole chunk. And then I realized, like, okay, yeah. They never came to tell me if anything was cut out. And I was like. I heard silence for a little longer than I wanted, and I was like, oh. And then I improvised. What? What? And then said my line. But I was free in that performance because I was like, I had no expectation at this point. When the stake fell, that was impro. Like, I didn't. And they gave me the hardest steak they'd given yet. I genuinely couldn't cut through it, and it fell. So then I was like, what do I do? I guess I'll pick it up with my fingers and suck on it, because I know I have a line about how good it tastes, but I haven't been able to cut off a piece. So all these moments, the chair falls, and because Pedro's so warm and just you feel connected to him, I was like, I think I can put my leg on my foot on him. If it had been a host who was kind of off, like, standoffish, I don't know that I would have felt comfortable doing that. But, yeah, all the pieces, it's kind of magical. And then you do want to replicate something like that. Right. And have another Lisa from Temecula you're chasing. Yeah, but she can't. It doesn't work that way.

[Dana Carvey]

It doesn't.

[David Spade]

I didn't even see that one coming. I was out of the blue. Yeah. But that makes every week kind of fun, because someone might write, and if someone writes for you, that's a gift, too. Just someone huge.

[Dana Carvey]

They Seek you out after the sketch if there's time during the commercial break. It's kind of nice if you collaborate with a writer and you're both kind of celebrating just for a second.

[Ego Nwodim]

Yeah, it's really nice. That's a, that's a very sweet moment each time when you go, oh, my goodness, we did it. And we did something together and it worked. And then you hope. But what's sick about it is that then you go, all right, Tuesday writing night is a couple days away and you go to work on Monday. And kind of what you did on Saturday means nothing.

[Dana Carvey]

I know it just over tissue in a fireplace. Just.

[David Spade]

What do you got this week?

[Ego Nwodim]

Literally? And now you go, what about last week was so good.

[Dana Carvey]

You know? David, look, listen. This holiday season, surprise everyone on your list with the best gifts, all right? Tickets to see there. Wait for it. Favorite artists live.

[David Spade]

Yeah, listen, I, I go to concerts, Live Nation. I've dealt with them on every concert. They're always in the mix. I went to the Doobie Brothers. I think I went to the Eagles. Anybody that's, you know, along my lines. There's thousands, thousands. Metallica, they're in the comedy world too. Don't worry about that. We got, we got a mix. We've got, you know, Dane Cook, who is on the show coming up, we've got Mariah Carey. Of course, it's Christmas. Perfect timing. Metallica, like you said. Rascal Flats. Our old buddies, Sebastian, who we just talked to.

[Dana Carvey]

Sarah Silverman.

[David Spade]

Love. Love. Yeah.

[Dana Carvey]

Trans Siberian Orchestra.

[David Spade]

List goes on and on.

[Dana Carvey]

It's a cavalcade.

[David Spade]

Share a memory together. Give them a gift they'll never forget. Find the most exciting gift for every [e-mail] gifts that's livenation.com gifts.

[Dana Carvey]

Yeah. Livenation.com gifts David, for lunch today.

[David Spade]

It's almost lunchtime. Yeah.

[Dana Carvey]

Do you have any.

[David Spade]

What are you gonna do?

[Dana Carvey]

What do you do? You know, sometimes I really just want to have fun. I would get like a really good turkey sandwich with avocado. Or if I really want to get.

[David Spade]

The same thing, really Turkey. I just had it yesterday.

[Dana Carvey]

Yeah. And maybe a few baked chips. And then you'd want an ice cold Pepsi, which I don't. What I like to do with Pepsi is I fill the whole glass to the brim with ice and then I slowly pour the Pepsi in and I make what I call a super Pepsi.

[David Spade]

You know, because the cold, it's not that super, but.

[Dana Carvey]

Yeah, well, I think if I say it's super, then it's kind of It's. It's closer to super.

[David Spade]

Well, in your head super. Because it's.

[Dana Carvey]

It's a super Pepsi. Yeah.

[David Spade]

Yeah.

[Dana Carvey]

I mean, it's not a regular situation.

[David Spade]

Yeah. You know, I was flying this week, and Pepsi on the plane. All Pepsi products, the casino. I just played every restaurant thing. You throw one in with lunch, dinner, and get your get a little caffeine going. You get the fizzy bubbles, and it's fun.

[Dana Carvey]

And, you know, you share it with people. An Austrian friend of mine wants them to be quote, and you know what enhances those flavors and really makes them pop? Pop is an ice cold Pepsi. I said, thank you.

[David Spade]

I'll give it a pop.

[Dana Carvey]

Yeah, it gives you a pop with a Pepsi pop. It's better than a regular pop.

[David Spade]

Get a fizzy Pepsi in you and a pepperoni piece of pizza. You know, I've done that so many times.

[Dana Carvey]

Well, yeah, I would say pizza and a Pepsi, they sound alike. They go together. You will lose your mind with pizza and Pepsi every time. Grab a Pepsi. Zero sugar for your next meal, as food deserves Pepsi. God, we've learned so much about snl. We do want to ask about your.

[David Spade]

New podcast because thanks, dad.

[Dana Carvey]

It's out now. This week.

[Ego Nwodim]

It's out. It's out there. Thanks, dad. It is out wherever people get their podcasts. I'm having. I was raised by a single mom. I don't have a relationship with my dad. As I say, I'm not gonna have one with him because turns out he died last summer, guys, so which is okay. And. And Dana's giving me thumbs up.

[Dana Carvey]

No, I didn't.

[David Spade]

Funniest thing I've ever seen. Somehow there's a thumbs up. It's unreal.

[Dana Carvey]

Just said, I'm so sorry.

[David Spade]

And then worst possible time, my dad is dead.

[Ego Nwodim]

And Dana's emoji. Thumbs up.

[Dana Carvey]

Thumbs up came up. And I was completely un. We love a dead dad, but no thanks, dad. So this is a podcast. Working through these issues or it's. What is it?

[Ego Nwodim]

It's not even. It's what. I basically invite guests to be my dad for the day, and I get to ask them questions I've always want to ask a dad. And so things like, how do I know if the guy I'm dating is the right one for me? What do I look out for when I'm buying a car? Tell me about invest, like buying property. What. What's. What's. What are some tips you have in that regard. And so they give me dad vice. I get to hear about my Guests as. As fathers themselves or parents themselves. And I get to then hear what their dads were like. And so we have this lovely, vulnerable, fun conversation. But it's. It's. It's light. It's light, it's vulnerable, it's fun. It's all the things I feel. Mikey's episode, which is out in the world, starts with him saying, I didn't realize you didn't have a relationship with your dad. And I'm like, yeah, I don't really seem like a girl who doesn't have a dad. And so I'm trying to. And then he's like, like, well, what does that. What does that mean to seem like a girl who doesn't have a dad? And I go, you know. You know, that's why you thought I had a dad. And so it's fun. We're having a good time. We're having a good time. Yeah. But it's out.

[David Spade]

Adam Palai is. Was on your show, but you also do. You're also in that show with Mr. Throwback, right?

[Ego Nwodim]

Yes, Mr. Throwback with Adam Pally, Steph Curry. It's on Peacock. Aiden Myri. Yeah, a bunch of really great people.

[David Spade]

David Casper, a little bit. Yeah, he's great.

[Ego Nwodim]

True Angel. The creators are so fun, so funny. The Libman brothers, Matthew and Daniel. It was a dream that was so much fun and that there was some improv on there. Very passionate about improv over here. True nerd. I'm introducing improv to the Baltimore City school curriculum by way of my high school. High school Spanish teacher. And so I don't.

[Dana Carvey]

I mean, I love it too, and I don't Even a little bit of it. I don't think anything beats the performer discovering something new live in real time. And improv allows that. So they're taking. It's popping in your head. I'm gonna do electric.

[David Spade]

When you see improv, it's like, that's what Brando did.

[Dana Carvey]

He broke down the whole thing. He didn't want to know the script. He put it in the ceiling or in an orange or he just get it at that moment.

[David Spade]

Just in an order.

[Ego Nwodim]

Yeah.

[David Spade]

Godfather, I can't remember.

[Dana Carvey]

He had. He had the script everywhere. I think he was peeling it orange. But that's. I love improv and I think just a little bit of it. When that sketches turn a little lively, something happens or people are a little playful. It kind of does all that, but it's like trying to catch the wind. That's what I say always.

[David Spade]

You know, you are You're a blast to talk to. Thanks for talking. You gave us so smart and such inside baseball.

[Dana Carvey]

No one has given us. We've had these great guests. You've been the most detailed about the emotional ride and the logistical ride of that show. So pretty fun.

[David Spade]

It's fun. It's like it's thrown back there. I was thrown back.

[Ego Nwodim]

I wanted to thank you both so much for having me on. I wanted to ask you so many questions about your time, and now I'm gonna have to force you to get dinner with me or a drink and be my dad's guys. I don't have a dad, so maybe.

[David Spade]

I'll be your dad. Dana. You know Dana's answer to that?

[Ego Nwodim]

Thumbs up. Dead dad. We love that.

[Dana Carvey]

Yeah. How do you know if the guy you're dating is the one? Is that yes?

[Ego Nwodim]

Yeah.

[David Spade]

That's your first dinner question.

[Ego Nwodim]

That's the first dinner question. You can think on it and get back to me. But, yeah, turns out, well, if I.

[David Spade]

Come visit Dana, I'll come visit you too.

[Dana Carvey]

Sense of humor, Kindness.

[Ego Nwodim]

Kindness. Kindness is key.

[Dana Carvey]

Smart sense of humor and kindness. Okay, definitely. Kindness.

[Ego Nwodim]

Smart. Sense of humor. Kindness. I'm gonna write it down. Thank you. I'm gonna go write it down.

[David Spade]

And it's very nice to meet you.

[Ego Nwodim]

Great pleasure.

[Dana Carvey]

And I will see you soon. I'll put it there.

[David Spade]

Dana will see you.

[Ego Nwodim]

Okay.

[Dana Carvey]

See you soon.

[David Spade]

Okay, Bye. Bye. This has been a presentation of Odyssey. Please follow, subscribe, Leave a Like a review, all the stuff. Smash that button, whatever it is. Wherever you get your podcasts, Fly on the Wall is executive produced by Dana Carvey and David Spade, Jenna Weiss Berman of Odyssey, and Heather Santoro. The show's lead producer is Greg Holtzman.