Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade Episode: Jenna Fischer Release Date: May 28, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade, the dynamic duo welcomes beloved actress Jenna Fischer, best known for her iconic role as Pam Beesly on The Office. Hosted by longtime friends Dana Carvey and David Spade, the conversation delves deep into Jenna's experiences in show business, her journey on The Office, and her transition into theater. The episode is rich with anecdotes, personal insights, and reflections on acting and life beyond the screen.

Jenna Fischer's Journey in Show Business

[02:29] David Spade: "The lovely Jenna Fischer, who's pretty universally liked out there. I mean, very sweet, very talented, very fun and charming."

Jenna Fischer shares her path to fame, emphasizing her deep-rooted admiration for Saturday Night Live and her determination to break into the industry. She recounts her early struggles and the pivotal moments that led to her breakthrough on The Office.

[03:31] Dana Carvey: "She wanted to do a good job. She listens to the show. She has her own show, the Office Ladies."

Jenna highlights her friendship with Angela, despite their on-screen "frenemies" dynamic, and how their real-life camaraderie contributed to the podcast's success.

Behind the Scenes of The Office

[24:33] Jenna Fischer: "My biggest takeaway from having rewatched it was that it's really good the whole time..."

Jenna provides a thoughtful analysis of The Office, debunking the myth that the show peaked in its early seasons. She praises the show's ability to maintain quality and deliver standout episodes even after key cast changes.

[28:12] Jenna Fischer: "It was really collaborative. And, you know, so many of the writers were also actors on the show..."

Delving into the show's production, Jenna discusses the improvisational elements and the seamless choreography that made The Office feel genuine and spontaneous. She credits the writers and the unique filming style for the show's enduring appeal.

Transitioning to Theater: Ashland Avenue

[40:24] Jenna Fischer: "Ashland Avenue is the play. And she's doing it in Chicago..."

Jenna excitedly introduces her new venture into theater with the play Ashland Avenue. She describes the plot, centered around a man grappling with the obsolescence of his long-standing TV shop, and her role as his daughter navigating her own ambitions.

[44:33] Jenna Fischer: "This character is different from Pam for sure..."

Addressing audience expectations, Jenna explains how her new character diverges from Pam Beesly, offering her the opportunity to explore deeper and more varied emotional terrains in her acting career.

Balancing Career and Family

[46:51] Jenna Fischer: "She said, imagine like your family is flowing like a river..."

Jenna opens up about the challenges of balancing a demanding acting career with motherhood. She shares insights from her conversations with a family therapist, highlighting the importance of fostering a child-centered home to ensure her children's needs remain paramount.

[47:43] David Spade: "She's kind of like a kid-centered type of parent. And so I have changed the things I've said yes to or the things I do acting wise..."

The discussion underscores the delicate balance Jenna maintains between her professional aspirations and her commitment to her family, emphasizing the conscious choices she makes to harmonize both aspects of her life.

Anecdotes and Personal Stories

[16:54] Jenna Fischer: "She looked at me, took me by the shoulders, looked me deep in the eyes and said, don't give up..."

Jenna recounts a touching encounter with Molly Shannon at an early party in Los Angeles, where Shannon's words of encouragement had a profound impact on her perseverance in the acting industry.

[65:10] Jenna Fischer: "And now I never want to speak to him again. I will never speak to him again."

A humorous yet candid moment unfolds as Jenna shares her awkward yet memorable conversation with Lorne Michaels, the creator of Saturday Night Live, about her preparedness for the apocalypse—a topic that seemingly connected them in a unique way.

Reflections on Acting and Creativity

[26:17] Jenna Fischer: "Sometimes I watch it and I'm Like, I'll never do work that good again..."

Jenna reflects on her dual feelings when revisiting her performances on The Office. While some moments fill her with pride, others make her cringe, illustrating the honest self-assessment actors often experience.

[29:04] Jenna Fischer: "We had two camera operators with cameras on their shoulders and both of these guys were from Survivor..."

Providing an insider's view of the show's filming process, Jenna explains the innovative camera work that contributed to the show's realistic feel, emphasizing the collaborative and energetic environment on set.

Advice and Final Thoughts

[60:37] Jenna Fischer: "Dare to bore me. It was so scary..."

Jenna shares valuable advice from her casting director, Alison Jones, encouraging authenticity and restraint during auditions. Her storytelling highlights the importance of genuine performances over theatrical flair.

[69:11] Jenna Fischer: "We usually record there in person together. And you guys are all set up at home, like you guys have cool setups, but we sometimes go in person."

Concluding the episode, Jenna discusses the logistics of podcast recordings with Angela, emphasizing the flexibility and camaraderie that fuels their collaborative efforts.

Conclusion

This episode offers listeners an intimate glimpse into Jenna Fischer's professional journey, her thoughtful analysis of The Office, and her passionate foray into theater. Dana Carvey and David Spade skillfully navigate between lighthearted banter and profound discussions, making for a rich and engaging conversation. Notable moments, such as Jenna's inspirational encounter with Molly Shannon and her candid reflections on acting, provide depth and relatability, ensuring that both long-time fans and newcomers find value in the dialogue.

Key Quotes:

• Jenna Fischer [16:54]: "Don't give up. Whatever you do, don't give up."
• Jenna Fischer [60:37]: "Dare to bore me."
• Jenna Fischer [46:51]: "Imagine like your family is flowing like a river..."

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