Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade Featuring Pete Holmes

Episode Release Date: June 18, 2025
Guest: Pete Holmes
Presented by: Audacy

1. Introduction and Guest Background

The episode opens with hosts Dana Carvey and David Spade warmly welcoming comedian Pete Holmes to the show. They reminisce about their longstanding friendship and mutual connections within the comedy world, particularly highlighting Pete's collaborations and appearances.

Notable Quote:

David Spade [03:17]: "We're supposed to be average. I'm not including you in this because you're tall. You could look."

2. Shared History and Collaborations

Dana recounts how he first met Pete when he relocated back to Los Angeles, leading to collaborations such as Pete's podcast appearances and his stint on "LARGO with Dana Carvey." They discuss their mutual respect and Pete's generous nature.

Notable Quote:

Dana Carvey [02:21]: "I ran into Pete when I was first moved back down to LA. Remember I used to start going out to dinner with you all the time during that."

3. Discussing "Crashing" and Judd Apatow

The conversation shifts to Pete's involvement in HBO's series "Crashing," produced by Judd Apatow. Pete shares insights into his creative process and the development of the show, emphasizing the collaborative environment and his close-knit relationships with fellow comedians like Mike Birbiglia and Andrew Santino.

Notable Quote:

Pete Holmes [20:21]: "One of the greatest things about laughing and laughing together... that's what makes our phone so in a way awful, is that you're."

4. Pitching a Comedy Show: A Personal Journey

Pete narrates his journey of pitching a sketch show idea to Judd Apatow. He humorously describes the challenges and the serendipitous moments that led to the creation of "Crashing." Dana and David provide anecdotes about the pitching process, highlighting Pete's determination and creative vision.

Notable Quote:

Pete Holmes [24:14]: "It was a classic Hollywood cliché... I just wrote the script in two days and sent it to him, and we were off."

5. Exploring Spirituality and Atheism

A significant portion of the episode delves into Pete's personal spiritual journey. He discusses his brief period of atheism, the reasons behind his shift, and how his friendships with atheist comedians influenced his beliefs. The trio engages in a deep conversation about the nature of consciousness, the hard problem of consciousness, and the essence of being.

Notable Quote:

Pete Holmes [40:01]: "I've noticed a lot of very wealthy people start getting really anxious about recycling... it's for them."

6. Consciousness, Awareness, and the Human Experience

Pete and the hosts explore the enigmatic nature of consciousness. Pete articulates his fascination with the "hard question of consciousness," emphasizing that while science can explain much about the world, the subjective experience of awareness remains a profound mystery.

Notable Quote:

Pete Holmes [42:13]: "Every person listening, you, me, David, Dana, we're all having the experience of being aware, and that's the mystery."

7. Empathy, Presence, and Daily Life Reflections

The discussion transitions to the importance of empathy and being present in everyday interactions. They compare human consciousness to that of dogs, highlighting the latter's ability to remain fully in the moment without the complexities of overthinking.

Notable Quote:

Dana Carvey [43:10]: "I was around a really sweet dog this past weekend... it was kind of nice."

8. Philosophy of Comedy: Clean vs. Dirty

Pete shares his views on comedy, advocating for authenticity over adhering strictly to clean or dirty labels. He emphasizes that the intent behind jokes matters more than the content's perceived cleanliness, arguing that comedy should uplift and connect people rather than degrade or insult.

Notable Quote:

Pete Holmes [63:21]: "It was just fun. And forgetting those five problems... we know that even those flare up and then go away."

9. Personal Anecdotes and Standup Stories

Throughout the episode, Pete recounts personal experiences from his early standup days, including his first show and the supportive reactions from friends and family. These stories illustrate the growth and evolution of his comedic style and philosophy.

Notable Quote:

Pete Holmes [53:07]: "The first time I did stand up... my parents were there, we were filming it, so I could give it to clubs."

10. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts and Pete reflect on the importance of laughter, human connections, and the therapeutic nature of comedy. They acknowledge the unpredictable elements of live performances and the joy found in shared humor.

Notable Quote:

Pete Holmes [65:20]: "I just want comedians to be who they are. That's really all it is."

Executive Producers: Dana Carvey, David Spade, Jenna Weiss Berman of Odyssey, and Heather Santoro.
Lead Producer: Greg Holtzman.

This episode of "Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade" offers an in-depth look into Pete Holmes' comedic journey, personal beliefs, and the intricate balance between humor and human experience. Through engaging storytelling and philosophical musings, the trio provides listeners with both laughter and meaningful insights.