Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade: Episode Featuring Felipe Esparza Release Date: April 9, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade, the comedic duo welcomes Felipe Esparza, a renowned stand-up comedian with a compelling story of resilience and humor. Dana and David delve deep into Felipe's journey from his early struggles immigrating to America to his rise in the comedy world, offering listeners an intimate look behind the scenes of show business.

Immigration and Early Life

Felipe Esparza shares his poignant immigration story, highlighting the challenges he faced when arriving in the United States as a young child.

• Felipe Esparza (04:10): "My brothers and I with my mom, we came here illegally. My father was already here living in America, and so were all my dad's relatives."

He recounts their perilous crossing and the subsequent efforts to adjust to a new life, including the fear of deportation and the strategies his family employed to secure their stay in the country.

• Dana Carvey (06:07): "You grew up in Mexico and made your way to America... How are you processing?"

• Felipe Esparza (10:12): "I had to use my brother’s passport. He had to wear a dress for a whole week just to get a character."

Journey into Stand-Up Comedy

Transitioning from his immigration experience, Felipe discusses how financial pressures led him to pursue stand-up comedy as a full-time career.

• Felipe Esparza (42:18): "I had child support coming after me, and my paycheck was getting garnished. So I decided to quit my regular job and went straight to doing stand-up."

He details his early performances at local theaters and open mics, emphasizing the struggles and triumphs that shaped his comedic style.

• Felipe Esparza (35:50): "My first set was at the Natural Fudge Theater... I had a joke about Romeo and Juliet being shot in my neighborhood."

Career Highlights and Achievements

Felipe highlights significant milestones in his career, including winning Last Comic Standing and embarking on an extensive 80-city tour.

• Felipe Esparza (45:57): "When I won Last Comic Standing, I got $250,000 and went on an 80-city tour across America."

He also shares anecdotes about working with other comedians, including interactions with legends like Eddie Murphy.

• Felipe Esparza (53:37): "Eddie Murphy walked in and told me I was funny. It was surreal."

Comedy Style and Influence

Discussing his unique approach to comedy, Felipe explains how his personal experiences and cultural background influence his material.

• Felipe Esparza (56:45): "I move on stage like a boxer—backing up and then landing the punchline. It’s almost like dancing."

He admires fellow comedians who inspire him, such as Dane Cook, and reflects on the evolution of his performance techniques over the years.

• Felipe Esparza (39:16): "Dane Cook's high energy and clear jokes pushed me to refine my own style."

Overcoming Challenges

Felipe candidly discusses the setbacks he faced, including personal struggles and industry hurdles, illustrating his resilience and dedication to his craft.

• Felipe Esparza (47:36): "We were all doing well on the tour until someone passed away. It was tough, but we kept going."

He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and maintaining a positive attitude in the face of adversity.

• Dana Carvey (60:02): "It's nice to meet you finally, and thank you for coming on. You've done so much."

Personal Insights and Reflections

Towards the end of the episode, Felipe shares personal insights about life as a comedian and the balance between personal and professional life.

• Felipe Esparza (59:21): "I remember seeing a woman with a Ouija board tattoo and thinking about identity. It's all about who you are."

Dana and David commend Felipe for his authenticity and the depth he brings to his performances, highlighting the profound impact of his work on audiences.

• Dana Carvey (60:16): "You've done a lot. It's nice to meet you finally, and it's great."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with heartfelt appreciation for Felipe Esparza's contributions to comedy and his inspiring journey. Dana and David leave listeners with a deeper understanding of the dedication required to succeed in show business and the power of humor in overcoming life's challenges.

Notable Quotes

• David Spade (00:00): "One of my best trips is when I stayed at an Airbnb. Felt like I was living like a local."

• Felipe Esparza (06:25): "We filed for green cards right there. It was a huge relief."

• Felipe Esparza (32:56): "I had a line that killed: 'This is Romeo and Juliet if it was shot in my neighborhood.'"

• Felipe Esparza (45:50): "They wanted a little slice... gave me mama standing."

• Felipe Esparza (56:45): "I move on stage like a boxer—backing up and then landing the punchline."

This episode of Fly on the Wall offers a rich and engaging exploration of Felipe Esparza's life and career, blending heartfelt storytelling with humorous anecdotes. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his work, Felipe's story is sure to inspire and entertain.