Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

Episode: RE-RELEASE - Bob Odenkirk

Release Date: August 7, 2025

Hosts: Dana Carvey and David Spade
Guest: Bob Odenkirk
Presented by: Audacy
Available on YouTube: @flyonthewallpod

1. Introduction of Bob Odenkirk (02:38 - 04:16)

Dana Carvey and David Spade warmly welcome Bob Odenkirk, highlighting his multifaceted career spanning from comedy to action films. They reminisce about knowing Bob since the 1980s and express excitement over his role in the action movie Nobody and its upcoming sequel.

Notable Quote:
Dana Carvey (03:00): "We knew him in the 90s, too."

2. Bob Odenkirk's Career Journey: From SNL to Acting (04:16 - 09:25)

The conversation delves into Bob's early days in show business, his tenure at Saturday Night Live (SNL), and his transition into acting. Bob shares anecdotes about living with Gilbert Gottfried and interactions with other comedians, emphasizing the camaraderie and challenges faced during that era.

Notable Quotes:
Bob Odenkirk (06:13): "It's like a really wonderful thing to get to just hang out with people."
David Spade (08:01): "I remember going to that improv... It was so."

3. Experiences at SNL and Writing Challenges (09:25 - 20:45)

Bob reflects on his time as a writer at SNL, detailing the intense environment and the struggle to balance creativity with the show's demanding schedule. He compares his experiences writing for Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad, highlighting the contrasting pressures and collaborative dynamics.

Notable Quotes:
Bob Odenkirk (12:23): "Comedy, drama. I'm halfway through it."
Bob Odenkirk (19:03): "I love them all, by the way."

4. Influences from Monty Python and Early Comedy Inspirations (37:42 - 43:50)

Bob discusses the impact of Monty Python on his comedic perspective, sharing how their intelligent and silly humor resonated with him during his formative years. He contrasts this with the more traditional comedy of the 1970s, explaining how Python's approach provided comfort and validation for his worldview.

Notable Quotes:
Bob Odenkirk (38:06): "Monty Python was, for me, the thing that spoke about how I looked at the world."
Bob Odenkirk (39:13): "They were very smart and they're very silly."

5. Making of "Nobody" and Its Sequel: Balancing Comedy and Action (24:14 - 31:32)

The trio discusses Bob's foray into action cinema with Nobody. Bob explains his dedication to embodying a relatable and vulnerable action hero, contrasting it with typical genre stereotypes. They explore the creative process behind the film, including editing challenges and the infusion of genuine emotion into action sequences.

Notable Quotes:
Bob Odenkirk (26:39): "I'm going to look like middle life crisis, loser, pathetic."
Bob Odenkirk (28:12): "There’s a fantasy wish fulfillment that I could deliver on."

6. Personal Stories and Reflections on Comedy Writing (44:00 - 54:27)

Bob shares personal stories about writing for Dennis Miller on SNL and the challenges of contributing effectively in a high-pressure environment. He highlights his collaboration with Robert Smigel and the importance of perseverance and authenticity in comedy writing.

Notable Quotes:
Bob Odenkirk (47:34): "The statue of limitations on respecting Bob Hope for his earlier work ran out today."
David Spade (50:26): "They think they're good because he doesn't."

7. Reflections on Childhood and Personal Struggles (33:09 - 42:08)

Bob opens up about his challenging childhood in Naperville, Illinois, detailing his father's struggles with alcoholism and the instability it brought to his family life. He connects these experiences to his passion for comedy, which became a source of solace and a way to cope with his environment.

Notable Quotes:
Bob Odenkirk (40:14): "Life was extremely unstable at that point..."
Bob Odenkirk (41:16): "He went through the window and landed like 15ft outside the car."

8. The Power of Film vs. Television (34:05 - 36:18)

The discussion shifts to the unique impact of films compared to television shows. Bob and the hosts explore how movies create deep, personal connections with audiences in a single, immersive experience, unlike the prolonged and sometimes fragmented nature of TV series.

Notable Quotes:
Bob Odenkirk (35:41): "Movies just kind of grab you and take you on that one ride."
Dana Carvey (36:18): "The power of film more than ever now is turning off the cell phone."

9. Closing Thoughts and Final Reflections (55:43 - 65:49)

As the episode wraps up, Bob reflects on his contributions to SNL and his growth as a comedian and writer. The hosts express their appreciation for Bob's honesty and the depth he brings to the conversation. They share light-hearted moments and express a desire to continue their long-standing friendship and collaboration.

Notable Quotes:
Bob Odenkirk (64:45): "I've learned so much about how to write a sketch."
Dana Carvey (65:00): "You kind of beat up."

Conclusion

In this engaging episode, Dana Carvey and David Spade converse deeply with Bob Odenkirk about his journey through the entertainment industry, from his early days at SNL to his acclaimed roles in television and film. Bob's candid reflections on his personal struggles, creative processes, and the evolution of comedy provide listeners with invaluable insights into the life of a versatile and dedicated performer. The trio's natural chemistry and shared history make for a compelling and heartfelt discussion that resonates with both fans and newcomers alike.

Listeners are encouraged to watch the full episode on YouTube @flyonthewallpod and subscribe for more insightful conversations with entertainment's finest. For questions or to engage with the hosts, reach out via flyonthewall@audacy.com.