Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade: In-Depth Conversation with Tiffany Haddish

Release Date: October 23, 2024
Podcast: Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade
Guest: Tiffany Haddish
Presented by: Audacy

In this engaging episode of "Fly on the Wall," hosts Dana Carvey and David Spade sit down with the charismatic and talented Tiffany Haddish. The conversation offers an intimate glimpse into Haddish's life, career, and the challenges she navigates as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Through humor, personal anecdotes, and thoughtful reflections, the trio explores various facets of Haddish's journey, providing valuable insights for both fans and newcomers.

1. Exploring "Saturday Night" Movie

The episode begins with Spade and Carvey discussing the movie "Saturday Night," a film that delves into the tumultuous first episode of "Saturday Night Live" (SNL).

• David Spade [00:00]:
  "There's a movie I'm watching right this moment that you have seen that I am really digging. It's so called Saturday Night. Now listen, we were both on Saturday Night Live. It's about the first episode. I didn't really know what it would be exactly. And it's really sharp. It shows where everything went wrong."

• Dana Carvey [00:42]:
  "It gave me goosebumps, it teared me up. It's very emotional when you think about it. Good Lord, it's still on now."

They commend the film for its sharp writing and emotional depth, highlighting its portrayal of the early struggles and eventual triumph of SNL.

2. Tiffany Haddish's Stand-Up Comedy Journey and Tour

Haddish takes center stage as she discusses her vibrant stand-up career and current tour, sharing the evolution of her performances from intimate venues to grand theaters.

• Dana Carvey [03:09]:
  "Tiffany Haddish is a fantastic guest to have on a podcast. She's full of energy, a lot of funny stories, laughing all the time."

• Tiffany Haddish [14:48]:
  "I have to get on stage."

Haddish elaborates on the pressures and exhilaration of performing to larger audiences, emphasizing how her comedy has grown alongside her increasing fame.

• Tiffany Haddish [15:03]:
  "I always feel like when they go crazy when I come on stage, it's wild because I still remember eight years ago when it would just be like, five people that go crazy."

3. The Tesla Incident: Misreported Arrest

A pivotal moment in the conversation revolves around an incident where Haddish was mistakenly reported as being arrested for DUI.

• Tiffany Haddish [43:07]:
  "I was sitting in my head with them, and they thought I was dead in the car because I was like this."

Haddish recounts how her Tesla's autonomous features led to a misunderstanding, resulting in police intervention where she was simply asleep in her vehicle.

• Dana Carvey [44:30]:
  "Was this ever really explained in the media what you just told us?"

• Tiffany Haddish [45:49]:
  "Arrested for another DUI in the first DUI, which I'm. I want a hearing for."

They discuss the media's tendency to sensationalize such incidents, with Haddish clarifying the true nature of the event.

4. Financial Realities of Fame: Taxes and "Black Tax"

Haddish opens up about the financial challenges that come with sudden fame, including managing taxes and the concept of "Black Tax."

• Tiffany Haddish [21:37]:
  "Black tax, though, is when family members reach out to you for money and they expect you to give it to them."

She explains how increased income leads to higher expenses and the complexities of supporting extended family and friends, often without the expectation of repayment.

• Dana Carvey [24:03]:
  "You have to have net dollars saved. I know where this is. We know these are first world problems."

The hosts provide their perspectives on financial management, emphasizing the importance of saving and strategic spending to maintain financial stability.

5. Travel and Personal Growth: A Trip to Israel

Haddish shares her transformative solo trip to Israel, highlighting how the experience enriched her personal and professional life.

• Tiffany Haddish [34:01]:
  "I was going to go to all countries that had their independence. You know."

She discusses the historical and cultural insights gained from visiting significant religious sites, which have influenced her comedy and worldview.

• Dana Carvey [35:29]:
  "I think it's great you're doing it."

Haddish emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse perspectives to enhance her craft.

6. Maintaining Authenticity in Show Business

The conversation delves into the challenges of staying authentic amidst the pressures of fame and the entertainment industry's demands.

• Tiffany Haddish [68:38]:
  "I want to evolve as a human. You know, this is the only life I'm living and I want to."

She underscores the significance of genuine relationships within the comedy community, valuing authenticity over superficial success.

• Elon Gold [62:27]:
  "Comedians will always keep you working. If you could call any of those guys and go, 'Hey, man, I need to make some money,' they will get you work."

The hosts reflect on the importance of these relationships in sustaining a long-term career in comedy.

7. Dealing with Social Media and Public Image

Haddish addresses the impact of social media on her public image, discussing strategies for handling negative comments and maintaining self-esteem.

• Tiffany Haddish [63:29]:
  "I give. Sometimes I get really upset with people because I'm just like, really? Like, why are you even following me if you feel this way about me?"

She shares her approach to managing online criticism, advocating for setting boundaries and prioritizing mental well-being.

• David Spade [63:33]:
  "I DM people back and say, 'You follow me? You look like an idiot.'"

This segment highlights the personal challenges public figures face in the digital age and Haddish's candid handling of such issues.

8. Reflection on Influences and Comedy Giants

Haddish reflects on the comedic legends who inspired her, mentioning icons like Whoopi Goldberg, Lucille Ball, and Carol Burnett.

• Tiffany Haddish [56:04]:
  "I'm watching Whoopi Goldberg, who, like, I used to think was my actual birth mother."

These influences have shaped her comedic style and her approach to her career, emphasizing the legacy of great comedians in her work.

• Dana Carvey [56:30]:
  "I worked with her a lot. Did a comedy competition with her in San Francisco, which she won, by the way."

The hosts pay homage to these legends, acknowledging their lasting impact on modern comedy.

9. Working on The Tracy Morgan Show

Haddish discusses her role in "The Tracy Morgan Show," sharing insights into the dynamics of working alongside other comedy veterans.

• Tiffany Haddish [53:06]:
  "I enjoyed working on that show because I was mostly the straight man."

She explains the challenges and rewards of playing a straight man role, navigating the spotlight alongside more established comedians.

• Dana Carvey [53:45]:
  "It's very rare. A lot of people can act, you know."

The segment underscores the importance of versatility and adaptability in comedic performances.

10. Conclusion: Authenticity and Growth

As the episode wraps up, Haddish, Carvey, and Spade reflect on the importance of authenticity, continuous growth, and supporting one another within the entertainment industry.

• Tiffany Haddish [68:38]:
  "I want to evolve as a human."

• Dana Carvey [68:49]:
  "It's great to have Stan stand up as an outlet for that."

• David Spade [68:45]:
  "It's such a good inspiring thing."

Their heartfelt conversation leaves listeners inspired by Haddish's commitment to personal growth and authenticity, reiterating the episode's central themes of resilience and genuine connection.

Notable Quotes

• David Spade [00:00]:
  "It's really sharp. It shows where everything went wrong."

• Dana Carvey [00:42]:
  "It gave me goosebumps, it teared me up. It's very emotional when you think about it."

• Tiffany Haddish [21:37]:
  "Black tax, though, is when family members reach out to you for money and they expect you to give it to them."

• Tiffany Haddish [43:07]:
  "I was sitting in my head with them, and they thought I was dead in the car because I was like this."

• Tiffany Haddish [63:29]:
  "I give. Sometimes I get really upset with people because I'm just like, really? Like, why are you even following me if you feel this way about me?"

• Dana Carvey [68:38]:
  "It's great to have Stan stand up as an outlet for that."

Final Thoughts

This episode of "Fly on the Wall" masterfully balances humor with poignant discussions, providing a comprehensive look at Tiffany Haddish's experiences and perspectives. Dana Carvey and David Spade facilitate a conversation that is both entertaining and enlightening, making it accessible and valuable to listeners regardless of their familiarity with Haddish's work.

Whether delving into the intricacies of stand-up comedy, the pitfalls of sudden fame, or the personal growth that comes with travel and self-reflection, Haddish's candidness and humor shine throughout. The episode serves as a testament to her resilience and unyielding spirit, offering inspiration to aspiring comedians and entertainers alike.

For those who haven't yet tuned into "Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade," this episode stands out as a must-listen, encapsulating the essence of modern comedy intertwined with genuine human experiences.