Podcast Summary: Hildy the Barback and the Lake of Fire – Introducing: Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

Release Date: December 20, 2024

Introduction to the Episode

In this special episode of Hildy the Barback and the Lake of Fire, hosts Ben Falcone and Melissa McCarthy step away from their usual realm of dragons and magical quests to share their delightful experience as guests on the popular podcast, Fly on the Wall with comedy legends Dana Carvey and David Spade. This episode offers listeners an inside look into the camaraderie between these comedic powerhouses and the insights gleaned from their conversation.

Behind the Scenes on Fly on the Wall

Ben Falcone opens the discussion by reminiscing about their appearance on Fly on the Wall. He humorously contrasts Dana Carvey's comedic prowess with David Spade's, saying, “Dana Carvey’s great” ([02:35]). Although he initially jests about Dana being superior, he quickly acknowledges David's equally impressive talent.

Melissa McCarthy adds to the banter, reinforcing the dynamic between Dana and David, and highlighting the depth of their conversation. The hosts emphasize that fans of comedy will find immense value in the podcast, especially with Dana and David delving into their extensive history on Saturday Night Live (SNL).

Ben Falcone ([02:07]): “Instead, we are sharing an episode of Fly on the Wall with David Spade and Dana Carvey. Melissa and I had a chance to be on their podcast a little while ago and we had so much fun chatting with these two comedy icons...”

Discussion Highlights

The conversation navigates through several key topics:

1. Career Journeys and Collaborations:

   • Dana Carvey and David Spade explore Ben and Melissa's journey in the entertainment industry, including their collaboration on projects like Bridesmaids and Only Murders in the Building.
   • David Spade highlights Ben’s multifaceted role in the industry, acknowledging his versatility both in front of and behind the camera.

2. Creative Process and Podcast Production:

   • Ben and Melissa delve into the intricacies of producing their podcast, Hildy the Barback and the Lake of Fire. They discuss the challenges of adapting a medieval comedy into an engaging radio play format.
   • Melissa shares, “Making a show like Hildy the Barback and the Lake of Fire is a lot of fun. I get to work with my husband, my friends... which is the best.”

3. Personal Relationships and Professional Partnerships:

   • A humorous yet heartfelt dialogue unfolds as Ben jokes about their marital status, leading to a deeper conversation about balancing personal relationships with professional endeavors.
   • Melissa recounts their meeting at Groundlings and the development of their relationship, emphasizing the importance of friendship and mutual support in their creative ventures.

Melissa McCarthy ([22:36]): “We met at Groundlings... I was like, oh, he’s doing his own thing. I was like, I kind of like him.”

Humorous Anecdotes and Behind-the-Scenes Stories

The episode is peppered with amusing stories from the set of Bridesmaids and insights into the spontaneous moments that define their creative processes. Melissa shares a memorable audition experience:

Melissa McCarthy ([32:19]): “I almost didn't [audition] because I got so nervous. I knew this was such a big moment for them and I got a little nervous... I ended up talking about hand play with a dolphin.”

Ben laughs about Melissa's unintentional comedic slip, highlighting the genuine and unpredictable nature of their performances.

Future Projects and Continuing Collaborations

As the conversation winds down, Ben and Melissa discuss their ongoing and future projects, including the upcoming seasons of their podcast. They express excitement about expanding their creative horizons and continue to build on their successful partnership.

Ben Falcone ([09:43]): “There are eight episodes in season one. They're about 30 minutes long a piece... We are writing season two.”

Conclusion

This episode serves as a testament to the strong bonds forged within the comedy and entertainment communities. Ben Falcone and Melissa McCarthy's interaction with Dana Carvey and David Spade not only entertains but also provides valuable insights into the collaborative spirit that drives successful creative projects. Listeners are left with a sense of camaraderie and anticipation for the future endeavors of these talented individuals.

Key Takeaways:

• Collaboration is Key: Strong personal relationships can enhance professional collaborations, leading to successful and enjoyable creative projects.
• Embrace the Unexpected: Unplanned moments often lead to the most memorable and authentic performances.
• Continuous Growth: Expanding creative ventures, such as transitioning from traditional media to podcasting, showcases adaptability and a commitment to evolving storytelling methods.

Notable Quotes:

• “Dana Carvey’s great.” – Ben Falcone ([02:35])
• “Making a show like Hildy the Barback and the Lake of Fire is a lot of fun.” – Melissa McCarthy ([14:36])
• “We met at Groundlings... I kind of like him.” – Melissa McCarthy ([22:36])

For those interested in comedy, creative partnerships, and behind-the-scenes insights, this episode of Hildy the Barback and the Lake of Fire offers a rich and engaging listen.