Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade
Episode: Julie Bowen In Studio!!!
Release Date: June 26, 2025

Hosted by Dana Carvey and David Spade, this episode features a lively and insightful conversation with acclaimed actress Julie Bowen. The trio delves into various aspects of Julie's career, personal anecdotes, and their enduring friendships within the entertainment industry.

Introduction

The episode begins with Dana Carvey and David Spade engaging in their signature banter, setting a relaxed and humorous tone for the conversation. They introduce their special guest, Julie Bowen, highlighting her impressive portfolio and previous appearances on the podcast.

Career Highlights and Early Beginnings

Julie Bowen's Journey to Stardom

Julie Bowen shares her path to becoming a renowned actress, discussing her early days in Baltimore where television access was limited. She reminisces about watching classics like Bugsy Malone and Sound of Music on Betamax, which ignited her passion for acting despite not being a frequent TV watcher.

• Quote (40:10):
  Julie Bowen: "Bugsy Malone was my formative. I was obsessed with Bugsy Malone."

Breaking into Television and Film

Julie recounts her move to Los Angeles post-college, where she juggled various odd jobs while pursuing acting roles. Her persistence paid off when she auditioned for Modern Family, a role that would catapult her into mainstream success.

• Quote (50:03):
  Julie Bowen: "I was super pregnant when I auditioned for Modern Family with twins. I knew this was going to be a good show."

Balancing Personal Life and Career

The conversation touches on the challenges of balancing a demanding career with personal life. Julie discusses her experience of having twins while auditioning and the support she received from her husband and colleagues during pivotal moments in her career.

• Quote (46:11):
  Julie Bowen: "I had the day we got picked up is, oh, Steve Levitan called me May 7th because I was in labor and I was hanging out. It was the day we got picked up."

Anecdotes and Personal Stories

Meeting Dana and David

Julie shares a humorous story about how David Spade met her through a mutual connection with Saturday Night Live, highlighting the camaraderie and support among comedians and actors.

• Quote (36:11):
  David Spade: "I ran into Kevin's room. He saw me in the improv in the hallway. And I go, oh, I'm getting kicked out of John Mulroney's house."

Experiences on Set and Auditions

The trio delves into various on-set experiences, including Julie's auditions and the dynamics of working with big stars like Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen. Julie candidly discusses the intense audition process and how she navigated the competitive landscape of Hollywood.

• Quote (50:19):
  Julie Bowen: "I had him the day we got picked up is, oh, Steve Levitan called me May 7th because I was in labor and I was hanging out."

Behind-the-Scenes Moments

Dana Carvey and David Spade share behind-the-scenes anecdotes from their careers, including Dana’s time on SNL and the challenges of live performances. Julie adds her own insights, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of showbiz.

• Quote (38:02):
  Dana Carvey: "He wrote for me. But Lauren also said to me, if anything happens with you, David's always there."

Insights into the Entertainment Industry

Comedy and Drama Balance

Julie Bowen reflects on her desire to engage in serious theater while navigating opportunities in television and film. She discusses the importance of versatility in acting and the difficulty of maintaining authenticity while adapting to different roles.

• Quote (42:14):
  Julie Bowen: "We did plays. We put on plays in the backyard and we did plays."

Navigating Fame and Public Persona

The conversation explores the impact of fame on personal relationships and public perception. Julie and the hosts discuss how being recognized by fans affects their daily lives and the strategies they employ to maintain personal privacy.

• Quote (26:06):
  Dana Carvey: "The only thing a marriage can't survive is contempt."

Humorous Interludes and Banter

Throughout the episode, Dana, David, and Julie engage in light-hearted teasing and humorous exchanges. Topics range from David’s golfing mishaps to playful jabs about prescription wardrobe choices like Dana’s mock turtleneck "dickie."

• Quote (08:43):
  Dana Carvey: "You look like you're going to sing in a choir."

Marriage and Relationships

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on marriage, with Julie and David sharing their experiences and perspectives. Julie candidly talks about her divorce, while David humorously reflects on his love for marriage despite a history of being a serial monogamist.

• Quote (25:39):
  Julie Bowen: "My husband was great, and I was just like, I was difficult and I was working all the time."

Upcoming Projects and Future Plans

Happy Gilmore Sequel

Towards the end of the podcast, David Spade announces the premiere of Happy Gilmore 2 on Netflix, providing details about the release date and encouraging listeners to watch it.

• Quote (76:20):
  David Spade: "I'm excited about Happy Gilmore. So Happy Gilmore 2 comes out July 25th."

Julie’s New Projects

Julie discusses her upcoming roles and the excitement surrounding her new projects. She emphasizes her commitment to challenging roles and continuous growth as an actress.

• Quote (74:34):
  Julie Bowen: "We wrote it. Yeah, but we didn't try to get it made. We just said let's."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Dana and David thanking Julie for her candid and entertaining participation. They reflect on the enjoyable dynamics of the conversation and express anticipation for future collaborations.

• Quote (76:15):
  David Spade: "I'm glad we started with her. A lot of fun, and I think everyone liked it."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• David Spade [00:10]: "Kachava is like an energy drink. It's a shake. It's a to-go thing."
• Julie Bowen [50:03]: "I was super pregnant when I auditioned for Modern Family with twins."
• Dana Carvey [40:10]: "Bugsy Malone was my formative. I was obsessed with Bugsy Malone."
• Julie Bowen [46:11]: "Steve Levitan called me May 7th because I was in labor and I was hanging out."
• David Spade [36:11]: "I ran into Kevin's room. He saw me in the improv in the hallway."
• Dana Carvey [08:43]: "You look like you're going to sing in a choir."
• Julie Bowen [25:39]: "My husband was great, and I was just like, I was difficult and I was working all the time."
• David Spade [76:20]: "Happy Gilmore 2 comes out July 25th."

Key Takeaways

• Julie Bowen’s Resilience: Julie's journey underscores the importance of perseverance in the competitive world of acting. Despite facing numerous rejections and balancing personal challenges, her dedication led to iconic roles.

• Friendship in Showbiz: The enduring friendship between Dana, David, and Julie highlights the supportive networks that exist behind the scenes, providing both professional collaboration and personal camaraderie.

• Balancing Fame and Privacy: Navigating fame while maintaining personal boundaries is a recurring theme, emphasizing the delicate balance actors must maintain between public personas and private lives.

• Humor as a Coping Mechanism: The podcast illustrates how humor and light-hearted interactions help the hosts and guests navigate the stresses and unpredictabilities of the entertainment industry.

This episode offers a blend of humor, heartfelt stories, and industry insights, making it a must-listen for fans of Dana Carvey, David Spade, and Julie Bowen alike.