Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade Episode: Kevin Nealon pt 2 Release Date: January 29, 2025

In this engaging episode of Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade, longtime friends Dana Carvey and David Spade delve deeper into their camaraderie with the beloved comedian and actor Kevin Nealon. The trio reminisces about their days on Saturday Night Live (SNL), shares hilarious anecdotes, and offers insightful perspectives on the evolution of comedy and the entertainment industry.

1. Welcome and Introduction

The episode kicks off with Dana and David briefly discussing common topics like New Year's resolutions and language learning, seamlessly weaving in endorsements for Discover and Rosetta Stone. However, the main focus swiftly shifts to their guest, Kevin Nealon, marking this as a continuation from their previous conversation.

**2. SNL Days and Iconic Sketches

a. Early Beginnings and Friendship Dana introduces Kevin as an "old buddy" and emphasizes his enduring humor both on and off the stage. [03:24] Davis remarks on Kevin’s perpetual laughter, highlighting the ease and fun of their podcast collaboration.

b. Memorable Sketches: Hans and Franz A significant portion of the discussion centers around the creation and impact of the Hans and Franz sketches. Kevin recounts how a conversation with Arnold Schwarzenegger inspired the characters, evolving from initial concepts to the final portrayals of two "pathetic, defensive" individuals. [29:07] Dana humorously critiques the sketches, suggesting the characters might have underlying mental health issues, adding depth to their comedic brilliance.

c. Behind-the-Scenes Stories The trio shares behind-the-scenes stories, including encounters with celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Michael Bolton. Kevin narrates a memorable interaction with Arnold, who appreciated their portrayal and found humor in their impressions. [30:46] Dana adds a light-hearted jab, comparing Arnold’s influence to modern political figures, underscoring the timelessness of certain comedic themes.

3. Overcoming Challenges in Live Performances

a. Performing While Ill Dana and David open up about the struggles of performing while sick, sharing personal stories of pushing through illnesses to deliver their gigs. Kevin adds his own experiences, including a particularly rough night battling a stomach bug before a show in Buffalo, New York. [15:06] He humorously describes attempting to perform while bedridden, ultimately finding that humor in adversity.

b. Managing Gigs and Travel The conversation transitions to the logistical challenges of touring, with David discussing his battle with sinus issues and polyps, which affect his performances. [10:35] Kevin empathizes, recounting his reluctance to take on gigs that require early mornings or exacerbate his health conditions. The trio highlights the delicate balance between maintaining health and fulfilling professional commitments.

4. Transitioning from SNL to Acting and Beyond

a. Post-SNL Careers Reflecting on their careers post-SNL, Kevin shares his extensive work in films, particularly his collaborations with Adam Sandler. [51:12] David and Dana discuss their own ventures into acting, with Dana reminiscing about her roles in movies like Jack and Jill. The conversation underscores the diverse paths SNL alumni take, emphasizing the enduring bonds formed during their tenure.

b. Current Projects: Hiking Tour and Book Kevin introduces his hiking show and memoir, Brushes with Faith, detailing his passion for painting caricatures and sharing anecdotes from his journey. [56:43] David encourages listeners to check out Kevin's projects on YouTube, praising the authenticity and humor embedded in his work.

5. Insights on Comedy and Performance Techniques

a. Stand-Up vs. Crowd Work The trio delves into different aspects of comedy, contrasting stand-up routines with crowd work. [60:52] Kevin humorously admits to using the same audience members to simulate spontaneous interactions, blurring the lines between genuine spontaneity and scripted performances. David and Dana share their own approaches, highlighting the nuances and challenges of engaging live audiences.

b. The Art of Impressions Dana and Kevin discuss the intricacies of performing impressions, sharing stories about impersonating celebrities like Tom Petty and Michael Bolton. [32:29] Kevin recounts how his impression of Michael Bolton led to unintended bronchitis, while Dana reflects on Dana's attempt to impersonate Elon Musk, resulting in humorous misunderstandings. These anecdotes illustrate the fine line comedians walk when depicting real-life figures.

6. Nostalgic Reflections and Future Endeavors

a. First Sketches and Nervousness Kevin reminisces about his first sketches on SNL, expressing the nerves he felt performing alongside legends like John Belushi. [44:13] Dana and David contribute their own memories, creating a tapestry of shared experiences that highlight the camaraderie and challenges faced by SNL cast members.

b. Legendary Encounters and Lost Opportunities The conversation touches on past interactions with iconic figures like Chevy Chase and the late John Belushi. Kevin shares nostalgic stories about meeting Chevy and the lasting impressions these encounters left on him. [21:43] Dana and David discuss "what if" scenarios, pondering the trajectories of their colleagues had they stayed in the industry.

7. Closing Banter and Final Thoughts

As the episode winds down, Dana, David, and Kevin engage in playful banter, teasing each other about past sketches and personal quirks. [58:14] Kevin jokingly threatens Dana with exaggerated reactions to her impressions, while Dana teases Kevin about his tour and book. The friendly ribbing underscores the deep friendship and mutual respect among the trio.

Notable Quotes

• Dana Carvey [29:31]: "I have to say what I laugh at the hardest for myself that I was in, because they're clearly have a lot of mental health issues."

• Kevin Nealon [30:46]: "We did that for an hour and we knew that was really gold."

• David Spade [11:37]: "I think it just feels like it's too much money for people, so they should call and just check because if it's affordable, then you're in."

• Kevin Nealon [33:39]: "I did Michael Bolton once... got bronchitis after that for, like, a month from doing that voice."

• Dana Carvey [35:58]: "I had to come up with a different. That's Inside Baseball Kevin."

Conclusion

This episode of Fly on the Wall offers listeners a treasure trove of laughs, heartfelt memories, and insightful discussions about the art of comedy and the bonds forged in the crucible of live performance. Dana Carvey, David Spade, and Kevin Nealon's dynamic interplay provides both entertainment and a deeper understanding of the comedic landscape, making it a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike.