Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade – Episode Featuring Tony Hinchcliffe

Release Date: May 21, 2025

Introduction to Tony Hinchcliffe [02:23]

In this engaging episode of Fly on the Wall, hosts Dana Carvey and David Spade welcome comedian Tony Hinchcliffe. They delve into Tony's background, highlighting his creation of the popular podcast "Kill Tony" and his significant move to Austin, Texas, where he further established himself in the comedy scene.

David Spade:
"Tony Hinchcliffe is on today. And you know, he does Kill Tony. A lot of people know him from that..."
[02:23]

Dana Carvey:
"He's the brainchild of Kill Tony. He breaks down all the different ways it operates for him..."
[02:44]

Tony's Personal Achievements and New Home [04:20]

Tony shares a personal milestone—purchasing his first home in Austin after years of financial struggles. This move signifies his growth and success in the competitive world of stand-up comedy.

Dana Carvey:
"You’re on a set? Are you..."
[04:20]

Tony Hinchcliffe:
"I finally made money after a decade and a half plus of really, really struggling..."
[04:30]

David Spade:
"Nice city, nice house. Love it..."
[05:21]

Behind the Scenes of "Kill Tony" [11:38]

Tony provides an in-depth look into the mechanics of "Kill Tony," explaining the show's unique format where aspiring comedians have 60 seconds to perform. He emphasizes the randomness of the selection process and the critical role of the interview segment that follows each performance.

Tony Hinchcliffe:
"The show can be pretty ruthless if they do really poorly and didn't prepare..."
[13:14]

Dana Carvey:
"It's a new way variety show..."
[02:39]

Memorable Moments and Show Highlights [22:00]

Tony recounts a standout episode featuring Carrot Top, where the comedian brought out unexpected props, showcasing the show's blend of improvisation and unique comedic styles. This anecdote underscores the unpredictable and entertaining nature of "Kill Tony."

Tony Hinchcliffe:
"He pulled out a fork that has chopsticks attached to the backside for white people that might not know how to use chopsticks..."
[22:47]

Dana Carvey:
"That is so... That’s killer."
[22:53]

Impact of Social Media and Political Events [43:03]

The discussion shifts to Tony's experience performing at a political rally where a seemingly benign joke about Puerto Rico was misconstrued, leading to unexpected media fallout. Tony reflects on how social media amplified the incident, affecting his reputation and career trajectory.

Tony Hinchcliffe:
"If Trump wins with the actual statistics, this is what we're going to put out..."
[45:13]

Dana Carvey:
"There was a period where you were sort of gonna potentially, from that joke, reorientate how America tilts in the presidential election..."
[47:35]

Growth and Real-Time Development of Comedians [38:40]

Tony discusses how "Kill Tony" serves as a platform for comedians to grow and refine their craft in real-time. He compares the experience to watching artists develop their work from inception to polished performance, providing both audience members and performers with an authentic growth journey.

Tony Hinchcliffe:
"It's like watching someone write a hit on an acoustic guitar and sing it to you acapella..."
[38:40]

David Spade:
"It's literally like that, ish."
[39:35]

The Role of the Panel and Hosting Dynamics [35:04]

The conversation highlights the dynamic between Tony and his panel of hosts, including Brian Redban. They discuss how the panel contributes to the show's unique flavor, providing real-time feedback and enhancing the overall experience for both performers and the audience.

Tony Hinchcliffe:
"There's my co-host, Brian Redban, who mainly focuses on sound effects and making sure that everything's being recorded..."
[13:39]

Dana Carvey:
"There is no. And I... It's just because you're not supposed to say it..."
[59:34]

Challenges and Triumphs in Show Production [28:04]

Tony reflects on the challenges of maintaining the show's authenticity amidst growing popularity and external pressures. He emphasizes the importance of keeping "Kill Tony" raw and real, avoiding the pitfalls of overproduction.

Tony Hinchcliffe:
"When you think of the overall engagement and the locked-inness of these shows, you know, they're there. It's a destination..."
[28:04]

Dana Carvey:
"The show's lead producer is Greg Holtzman..."
[66:54]

Future Plans and Collaborations [65:04]

In the closing segment, Dana congratulates Tony on his achievements, and Tony expresses his admiration for Dana and David. He hints at potential future collaborations, suggesting a desire to bring the hosts to Austin for a joint show.

Tony Hinchcliffe:
"I wanted to do this to hopefully be able to get you guys eventually on an airplane to Austin, Texas to do the show together..."
[66:25]

Dana Carvey:
"We would love it."
[66:30]

Conclusion

This episode of Fly on the Wall offers a comprehensive look into Tony Hinchcliffe's journey in the comedy world, the innovative format of "Kill Tony," and the intricate balance between humor and real-life challenges. Through candid discussions and humorous exchanges, Dana, David, and Tony provide valuable insights into the mechanics of producing a successful comedy show, the impact of social media on personal branding, and the profound personal growth that comes with sustained dedication to the craft.

Notable Quotes:

• Tony Hinchcliffe [04:30]:
  "I finally made money after a decade and a half plus of really, really struggling..."

• Tony Hinchcliffe [38:40]:
  "It's like watching someone write a hit on an acoustic guitar and sing it to you acapella..."

• Dana Carvey [65:04]:
  "It's an incredible achievement and you're just in the pocket and no one's with you and no one's telling you what to do..."

This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, insights, and memorable moments. It provides a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the podcast, while including notable quotes with proper attribution and timestamps to emphasize significant points.