Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade Episode Summary: SUPERFLY #66 - Kevin Nealon & Donuts IN STUDIO Release Date: May 2, 2025

In this lively episode of Superfly, Dana Carvey and David Spade, longtime comedic partners, host a dynamic conversation with their esteemed friend Kevin Nealon. The trio delves into a spectrum of topics ranging from the rigors of touring to the intricacies of crafting comedy specials. Packed with humorous anecdotes, insightful reflections, and signature banter, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives of three seasoned entertainers.

1. Touring Tales and Flying Follies

David Spade kickstarts the episode by recounting his recent tour experiences, highlighting stops in New Jersey, Boston, and upcoming gigs in Omaha, Des Moines, and St. Louis. He shares a particularly harrowing story about a flight mishap:

David Spade [02:10]: "I did this is, like I said, in first, but it was so squinchy. I couldn't really camp out in there. It was pretty basic... my WiFi doesn't work."

Dana empathizes with David's experience, revealing her own fear of flying and struggles with in-flight WiFi:

Dana Carvey [04:14]: "I have a fear of flying... I just go, 'Fuck it.'"

The conversation underscores the challenges performers face while traveling, balancing the excitement of shows with the discomforts of touring logistics.

2. Encounters with Larry David

The discussion takes a personal turn as David shares his interaction with Larry David:

David Spade [10:14]: "I have Larry David today. And I go, he better not think I'm sick."

Dana adds to the humor, describing the physical comedy that ensued during their meeting:

Dana Carvey [10:20]: "I just spit my palm in front of him. Put it there, pal."

Larry's playful demeanor and affectionate jesting highlight the camaraderie among comedians, blending respect with lighthearted teasing.

3. Crafting Comedy Specials

A significant portion of the episode revolves around the trio's experiences and strategies in developing comedy specials. Kevin Nealon shares his journey of creating his upcoming special, "Loosen the Crotch", and draws inspiration from David's approach:

Kevin Nealon [26:10]: "I saw yours, and I thought, well, let me hear what Spade does in his act in the beginning."

David and Dana discuss the importance of unique setups and maintaining originality amidst a sea of comedians:

David Spade [28:20]: "As long as it's your version of each joke, who cares?"

The discussion emphasizes the balance between using tried-and-true comedic structures and infusing personal flair to stand out in a competitive industry.

4. The Art of Writing Jokes

The trio delves into the nuances of joke-writing, emphasizing originality and the pitfalls of unknowingly recycling stock jokes. Kevin recounts a humorous incident with David Letterman, where a joke he thought was original turned out to be a classic:

Kevin Nealon [45:15]: "I ran into David Letterman over the holidays... He couldn't stop quoting your joke of the Lincoln joke."

David reflects on adjusting his material to maintain freshness:

David Spade [30:08]: "It's all about your spin on it."

Dana contributes by sharing her own experiences with character-based jokes:

Dana Carvey [47:38]: "I have this joke that gets such a laugh. I do it as George W. Bush."

Their exchange highlights the continual evolution required in comedy to keep audiences engaged and entertained.

5. Faking Death: A Comedic Hypothetical

Adding a layer of absurd humor, Dana poses a playful hypothetical about faking one's own death. The comedians riff on creative and comedic methods to disappear, each offering outlandish yet amusing strategies:

Dana Carvey [40:13]: "If you were going to fake your own death, you have five seconds."

Kevin humorously suggests using an explosion and minimal personal belongings to create a convincing façade:

Kevin Nealon [40:35]: "I think I would have to do something with an explosion so that it would seem like there's no way I could have lived."

David adds his own twist, envisioning a skateboarding accident in the desert:

David Spade [42:19]: "Skateboarding accident. I went out to skate the desert pipes and then I just disappeared."

Their lighthearted banter serves as a testament to their comedic chemistry, blending imaginative scenarios with sharp wit.

6. Promoting Kevin Nealon’s Special

As the episode nears its conclusion, Dana and David shift focus to Kevin Nealon’s upcoming comedy special:

Dana Carvey [32:54]: "He's on Amazon, probably six Sandler movies."

Kevin Nealon [37:54]: "What's my special called? Loosen the Crotch. Where do you see Irvine Improv?"

They provide details about his performance at the Irvine Improv:

Kevin Nealon [37:54]: "Tickets are going fast. You can get them on kevinielon.com or at the Irvine Improv."

David adds a personal touch by sharing a memorable story about meeting David Letterman, further illustrating the interconnectedness of the comedy world.

7. Final Banter and Wrap-Up

The episode wraps up with the trio engaging in playful banter about upcoming performances and personal anecdotes, maintaining a humorous and relaxed atmosphere until the end. They reflect on their friendship and shared experiences, leaving listeners with a sense of camaraderie and anticipation for future episodes.

Notable Quotes:

• David Spade [02:48]: "Home of Nikki Glazier. I know. It is a fucking grind."

• Dana Carvey [09:30]: "The first 20 seconds are the most dangerous part of a flight."

• Kevin Nealon [21:17]: "Do me a favor... Do me a favor."

• Dana Carvey [22:00]: "Carl Marx was incredible at arithmetic."

• Kevin Nealon [26:27]: "I think you should be a cinematographer. You're so good."

Key Takeaways:

• Touring Realities: Touring is both exhilarating and exhausting, with challenges like flight delays and technical issues affecting performers' schedules and moods.

• Comedic Collaboration: The mutual support and humorous exchanges between Dana, David, and Kevin underscore the importance of camaraderie in the entertainment industry.

• Originality in Comedy: Maintaining originality while crafting jokes is crucial for longevity and audience engagement, as evidenced by their discussions on comedy specials and joke ownership.

• Humor in Hypotheses: Playful hypotheticals, such as faking one's death, showcase the comedians' ability to blend absurd scenarios with sharp humor, enhancing their comedic narratives.

• Promotion and Support: Actively promoting each other's work strengthens their professional bonds and helps sustain their individual careers.

This episode of Superfly is a testament to the enduring friendship and comedic brilliance of Dana Carvey, David Spade, and Kevin Nealon. Their seamless interplay, combined with insightful discussions and heartfelt humor, offers listeners both laughter and a deeper appreciation for the art of comedy.