Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade Episode: Sebastian Maniscalco Release Date: December 18, 2024

Presented by Audacy

1. Introduction to Sebastian Maniscalco’s Journey

After a brief hiatus filled with sponsorship messages, Dana Carvey and David Spade welcome stand-up comedian Sebastian Maniscalco to the podcast. They express surprise and admiration for Sebastian’s dedication, noting that he hasn't financially profited from his podcast over its 12-year run, emphasizing the genuine passion behind his efforts.

Dana Carvey [03:27]: "You do this. You. I was shocked that you guys. You and Pete have done 628 episodes."

Sebastian Maniscalco [03:45]: "I actually didn't. We just started doing basically, a phone call... We did it once a week for now, going on 12 years. And we just have fun doing it."

2. Origins of Sebastian’s Podcast and Relationship with His Wife

Sebastian discusses the humble beginnings of his podcast with his wife, Addison, highlighting their shared love for comedy and mutual support in the entertainment industry.

Sebastian Maniscalco [05:12]: "I was just waiting tables at the Four Seasons Hotel right here in Beverly Hills... I was doing comedy during my break. I would run to the Comedy Store, do a set, and come back, pick up my table."

3. Evolution of Comedy Styles and Industry Observations

The trio delves into the transformation of comedy over the years, contrasting traditional stand-up methods with modern approaches influenced by social media and short-form content.

Dana Carvey [14:02]: "It's so demoralizing for the young people because I talked to some talent managers... There's a kid who opens... he does seven figures. So what do you do with that?"

Sebastian Maniscalco [13:12]: "I feel like we're kind of the Last of the Mohicans... where we actually had to work, Going to the club, working on the act..."

4. Personal Struggles: Health and Performance

Sebastian opens up about his battle with sciatica, detailing how it affected his performances and the steps he took to overcome the pain through Pilates.

Dana Carvey [46:34]: "You're in shape as a standup. If you're up there and you have a bit and it's killing and you just in the back of your head you go..."

Sebastian Maniscalco [46:55]: "I couldn't move. I had sciatica for two years, and it really, really screwed with my... I did Pilates to correct that."

5. Navigating Audience Dynamics and Comedic Delivery

The conversation shifts to the intricacies of performing live, discussing how comedians gauge audience reactions and adjust their sets in real-time to maintain engagement.

Sandra Carvey [42:01]: "If you're up there and you have a bit and it's killing and you just in the back of your head you go..."

David Spade [43:15]: "You get off it. Get off it. It's such a psychological beating up there."

6. The Challenge of Recording Specials in the Digital Age

Sebastian and the hosts explore the difficulties of producing comedy specials today, where content is easily accessible online, making it harder to offer audiences a unique experience.

Sebastian Maniscalco [25:07]: "I’d like to give the crowd a new experience if I'm going to go on tour again."

Dana Carvey [31:55]: "Do you have to stretch before you go out? I mean, do you kind of..."

7. Reflections on Fame, Hard Work, and Personal Growth

The trio reflects on their personal journeys in comedy, discussing the balance between seeking fame and the intrinsic joy of making people laugh. They also touch upon the evolving standards and expectations within the entertainment industry.

Sebastian Maniscalco [09:10]: "We always kinda had to be patient, put our time in."

Dana Carvey [14:42]: "I have a movie on there. That's 0.5%, I think. I'm not kidding."

8. Mutual Appreciation and Closing Remarks

As the episode winds down, Dana and David express their admiration for Sebastian’s comedic talents and his authentic approach to entertainment. Sebastian reciprocates, acknowledging the influence Dana and David have had on his career.

Dana Carvey [61:31]: "It's a good stock and trade to do, so. All right."

Sebastian Maniscalco [62:14]: "It's going to be at the dinner table tonight. Do you know what they said about Daddy?"

Dana Carvey [62:38]: "Just keep on keeping on. If we run into Each other somewhere, sometime... It’s a good thing to. It's a good stock and trade to do."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Sebastian Maniscalco [05:12]: "I was just waiting tables at the Four Seasons Hotel right here in Beverly Hills... I was doing comedy during my break."

• Dana Carvey [14:02]: "It's so demoralizing for the young people because... there's a kid who opens... he does seven figures. So what do you do with that?"

• Sebastian Maniscalco [25:07]: "I’d like to give the crowd a new experience if I'm going to go on tour again."

• Dana Carvey [31:55]: "Do you have to stretch before you go out? I mean, do you kind of..."

• Sebastian Maniscalco [46:55]: "I couldn't move. I had sciatica for two years, and it really, really screwed with my..."

• Dana Carvey [61:31]: "It's a good stock and trade to do, so. All right."

Conclusion

This episode of "Fly on the Wall" offers an in-depth look into Sebastian Maniscalco’s life, his dedication to comedy, and the challenges he faces both personally and professionally. Dana Carvey and David Spade provide a warm and engaging environment, allowing Sebastian to share his experiences and insights into the evolving landscape of stand-up comedy.

For more episodes, visit Audacy's platform and subscribe to "Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade."