Podcast Summary: Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade
Episode: RE-RELEASE - Amy Poehler
Date: October 9, 2025
Host: Audacy
Overview
This episode of Fly on the Wall features comedic powerhouse Amy Poehler in conversation with hosts Dana Carvey and David Spade. The three delve deep into Poehler's iconic tenure on Saturday Night Live, her experiences in showbiz, and the unique challenges and joys of comedy. Spanning SNL war stories, the evolution of women in comedy, memorable impressions, and reflections on aging (comically and physically), this episode is a candid, funny, and at times, poignant look at the creative life.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Amy's SNL Memories & Sketch Life
- SNL “Special Ops”: Amy, Dana, and David compare their SNL experience to being in "Special Forces," alluding to the intense camaraderie and lasting impact ("it's like you were in very specific, like Special Forces, and you all just want to kind of share stories..." — Amy Poehler, 06:52).
- Amy as David’s Stunt Double: Recalling a sketch where Amy played David’s stunt double, showcasing both their similarities and the show's absurd humor (04:24-05:29).
- Starting after 9/11: Amy describes her first show being just after the attacks, resulting in an extra-serious atmosphere and a pressure to keep comedy alive ("for like the first three years or so at the show, you know, the chardonnay was gone. It was very much like serious business to keep comedy afloat..." — Amy Poehler, 10:11).
- Breaking the Tension: Discussion of Will Ferrell’s infamous American flag ‘Speedo’ sketch and how broad, silly humor helped transition SNL out of the somber post-9/11 climate (12:18-12:52).
2. Impact of Fame, Fan Interactions, and Iconic Work
- Different Generations, Different Amy: Millennials recognize Amy from Parks and Rec, Gen X from SNL or films; she reflects on receiving the most love from “nice women” (17:36–18:50).
- On Getting Recognized: Amy is regularly mistaken for fellow comedians Tina Fey and Rachel Dratch, humorously noting the interchangeable "nice funny woman" vibe (18:10).
- Performing Live with Tina: Poehler shares insights about her current tour with Fey, the live show energy, and adjustments to the new standup format (25:20–25:36).
3. Women in Comedy and SNL
- Female Power Surge: Discussion about how Amy’s SNL generation, alongside Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph, and others, marked a turning point for women on the show ("the MVP basically, is the women of...Since the 90s, late 90s." — Dana Carvey, 59:41).
- Legacy and Mentorship: Amy credits the community of funny women before and after her, highlighting the energy of “Murderer's Row” in both SNL and her film ‘Wine Country’ ("it was a Murderer's Row on Wine country...Maya, Rachel, Anna" — Dana Carvey, 57:16).
- Breaking Stereotypes: They note how progress has led to women playing even male politicians, joking about the irrelevance of gender to comedic talent (61:11–61:41).
4. Comedy Process: Onstage and Off
- The Art of Having Fun: Poehler emphasizes that if a host or performer doesn’t appear to have fun, the audience becomes anxious (“if you don't look like you're relaxed or having fun, the audience gets very stressed” — Amy Poehler, 19:37).
- Moments When Jokes Bomb: All three discuss handling failed bits mentally and physically, from playful self-deprecation to dissecting setup/vibe like Jerry Seinfeld (22:55–25:20).
- Comparisons to Musicians: Amy laments how comics are always pushed for new material, whereas musicians can repeat beloved songs (52:30–52:50).
5. Physical Comedy, Aging, and Self-Care
- Getting Older & Bodily Woes: Shared stories about “frozen shoulder” (Amy), spasming toes (Dana), and aches, transitioning into a chat about cold plunges and wellness fads (32:56–36:46).
- Cast Health in the 90s: The trio joke about the oblivious health habits of their SNL days—no water, all carbs, and seeing the toll now (34:47–35:55).
- Pre-Show Rituals & Nerves: Amy details how sketch performers rely on collective warm-up, while stand-ups isolate; these disciplines overlap as she ages, adding light stretching to her routine (31:07–32:41).
6. Christopher Walken, Impressions, and Hosting Experiences
- Christopher Walken Stories: Poehler recalls working with Walken—his comfort with silence and his peculiar rehearsal habits, including possibly removing all punctuation from scripts (39:28–41:16).
- Favorite Impressions: Amy recounts playing a young girl doing Walken, using the words “spooky” and “ghosts” (38:46), and the group trades Walken and Lorne Michaels stories.
- Hosting Award Shows: Behind-the-scenes of opening the Oscars with Maya and Tina, the stress of hosting, and why looking like you’re enjoying yourself is vital (20:16–20:40).
7. Comedy vs. Drama & Recognition
- Comedians as Actors: Amy voices frustration that people are shocked when comedians give great dramatic performances, pointing out that humor and acting require overlapping skill sets ("so rarely are good actors funny, but funny people are often very good actors." — 51:45).
- Awards Snubs: Although comedic performances rarely get Oscars, they find solace in the lasting legacy of making people laugh (52:07–53:01).
8. Parenting, Media, and Generational Humor
- Introducing Kids to Classic Films: Amy describes her sons discovering SNL, comedy, and old movies like Willy Wonka, and her simultaneous pride and mom-embarrassment (45:40–46:44).
- Media Exposure in Childhood: Stories abound of watching films like Deer Hunter and The Omen far too young—establishing an early (possibly traumatic) relationship with movies (42:07–44:07).
9. Community, Therapy, and Perspective
- Comedy as a Lifeline: Amy and the hosts reflect on the sense of shared experience, the unique “frequency” connecting comedians, and the relief of being around others who “get it” (63:24–63:47).
- Emotional Wellness: A candid discussion on therapy, the pursuit of happiness, the illusion of “dream lives,” and how letting go of ego pressure is the real key (64:07–65:41).
Memorable Quotes & Moments
-
On SNL Camaraderie:
“It’s like you were in very specific, like Special Forces... and you all just want to kind of share stories about the nightmares that you continue to have about it 20 years.”
— Amy Poehler (06:52) -
On Post-9/11 Comedy:
“Will we ever laugh again? That was basically the headline... And it was like, could we though just a little bit, because I'm here now.”
— Amy Poehler (11:11) -
On Fan Interactions:
“I get a lot of nice women. That's, like, my demo—nice [women].”
— Amy Poehler (18:10) -
On Performing with Relaxation:
“If you don't look like you're relaxed or having fun, the audience gets very stressed.”
— Amy Poehler (19:37) -
On Physical Comedy and Health:
“I’m just getting over this thing, which is... it sounds like a bad cocktail. But I had this thing this year called Frozen Shoulder.”
— Amy Poehler (32:56) -
On Comedians and Drama:
“So rarely are good actors funny, but funny people are often very good actors.”
— Amy Poehler (51:45) -
On the Progress of Women in Comedy:
“The funniest people I know love other funny people... they get drawn to other people's work, regardless of gender.”
— Amy Poehler (61:41) -
On Community:
“I feel honored to be in a group that you guys feel like you're in too. I mean, I feel like I would zoom right to you and Tina, if I saw you out, I'd be like, guys, save me. What's going on?”
— Amy Poehler (63:35–63:47)
Notable Segments with Timestamps
- [04:24] Amy and David reminisce about their SNL stunt double sketch
- [10:11] Amy describes joining SNL in post-9/11 New York
- [14:22] Dana praises Amy's Long Island Ladies sketch with Maya Rudolph
- [25:20] Amy shares about her current live shows with Tina Fey
- [32:56] Amy and hosts discuss the realities of aging, pain, and wellness routines
- [38:46] Amy's “Christopher Walken” impression and sketch backstory
- [51:45] Amy's take on why comedians are often strong dramatic actors
- [57:16] The ‘Murderer's Row’ of female SNL cast and ‘Wine Country’
- [61:41] Conversation on progress for women and the genderless nature of funny
Final Thoughts
This episode is a warm, rollicking ride through the highs, lows, and absurdities of the comedy profession. Amy Poehler’s blend of humility, sharp insight, and infectious joy—paired with the hosts' quick wit and generosity—make for an episode that’s both highly entertaining and unexpectedly deep. Listeners are treated not only to laughter and behind-the-scenes anecdotes but also to thoughtful reflections on what it means to risk, to age, to laugh, and to belong.