Call It What It Is: Episode with Bryce Dallas Howard

Podcast Information:

• Title: Call It What It Is
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
• Description: Jessica Capshaw and Camilla Luddington navigate the highs and lows of life together, offering support, sharing insights, and occasionally bringing on special guests to discuss various life topics.
• Episode: Call It with Bryce Dallas Howard
• Release Date: April 21, 2025

Introduction and Guest Welcome [02:01 - 03:33]

In this engaging episode of Call It What It Is, Jessica Capshaw welcomes acclaimed actress and director Bryce Dallas Howard. Jessica expresses her excitement and nerves about having Bryce as a guest, highlighting her admiration for Bryce's work in films like The Village and Jurassic World, as well as her directorial ventures, including the new documentary Pets on Disney Plus.

Jessica Capshaw:
"I'm equally as excited and nervous to have her on because, you guys, I've been a fan for a really long time..."
(02:16)

Discussion on "Pets" Documentary [03:33 - 07:25]

Jessica shares her experience watching Bryce’s documentary Pets, mentioning how it brightened her day and resonated deeply with her as a pet owner with three rescue dogs. Bryce explains her inspiration for creating Pets, emphasizing her lifelong love for animals and the joy pets bring to people's lives. She delves into the documentary's focus on the unique relationships between children and their pets, highlighting the wisdom and responsibility children exhibit in caring for animals.

Bryce Dallas Howard:
"...animals like, it's a relationship without words."
(15:14)

Growing Up with Pets and Family Influence [07:25 - 12:44]

The conversation shifts to Bryce’s upbringing in a household filled with various pets, thanks to her mother’s enthusiasm for animals. She recounts her childhood experiences of caring for an array of animals, from dogs and cats to more exotic pets like alpacas and monkeys. Jessica shares her own journey of acquiring rescue dogs later in life, contrasting it with Bryce’s lifelong exposure to animals.

Bryce Dallas Howard:
"If we were really going to take care of the pets, then she was game and she held us to that."
(10:10)

Experiences Working with M. Night Shyamalan and "The Village" [38:03 - 45:23]

Jessica, a longtime fan of Bryce, reminisces about Bryce’s breakout role in The Village. Bryce narrates the serendipitous casting process directed by M. Night Shyamalan, who personally offered her the lead role without an audition. She describes her initial interactions on set, her admiration for Night Shyamalan’s directing style, and the profound impact of working alongside Joaquin Phoenix. Bryce also touches upon her commitment to authentically portraying a visually impaired character by consulting with the blind community.

Jessica Capshaw:
"I have to ask you the process of making that movie and M. Night Shaloman what he was like to work with."
(37:56)

Bryce Dallas Howard:
"I was like, no, no, no, don't want to give the studio a chance to say no to this."
(40:16)

Directing in the Star Wars Universe [45:23 - 30:12]

Bryce discusses her role as a director within the Star Wars franchise, particularly focusing on her work with The Mandalorian. She explains how she approached directing episodes by aligning with Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni’s visions, emphasizing collaboration over personal creative input. Bryce shares her appreciation for the supportive Star Wars community and the warmth she received from fans, highlighting the balance between meeting fan expectations and staying true to the original material.

Bryce Dallas Howard:
"I really rely on the feedback. So I want everyone to always be honest at every point."
(30:08)

Jessica Capshaw:
"I felt like it was a win for all of us."
(30:49)

Balancing Acting and Directing [34:35 - 36:42]

The conversation navigates Bryce’s passion for both acting and directing. She reveals her inclination towards directing more in her current career phase while still cherishing her acting roles. Bryce expresses her aspirations to direct narrative features and pilot episodes, balancing her creative ambitions with her personal values of being a good human being and supporting her family.

Bryce Dallas Howard:
"I would lean into directing more."
(34:35)

Jessica Capshaw:
"I love that for you. I love that for all of us."
(35:43)

Personal Stories and Pet Anecdotes [19:40 - 32:11]

Bryce shares heartwarming stories from her documentary, including a remarkable instance where a dog nursed a rescued kitten without human intervention, illustrating the deep bonds animals can form. She also touches upon her personal experiences with pets, like her corn snake Jophus, and how animals have always been a source of love and connection in her life.

Bryce Dallas Howard:
"It's just sort of like that, the fact that that love can exist means animals."
(19:40)

Jessica Capshaw:
"I think that it's a great way for kids to learn the responsibility of what a little thing is in your house."
(10:10)

Childhood on Movie Sets and Influence of Ron Howard [47:10 - 54:52]

Bryce recounts her childhood spent on movie sets with her father, Ron Howard, detailing how this unique upbringing fostered her passion for filmmaking. She describes her early responsibilities on set, shadowing her father’s directing process, and her initial reluctance to consider acting seriously until her breakout role. Bryce highlights how her father's influence and her immersive experiences shaped her professional path.

Bryce Dallas Howard:
"We had like a crazy... you were on a movie set unless you have a job on the movie."
(51:42)

Jessica Capshaw:
"It's not that I want her in the industry, but I was like, she just doesn't have that thing right now."
(47:45)

Future Aspirations and Closing Remarks [54:52 - 63:46]

Towards the end of the episode, Bryce discusses her future aspirations, expressing a strong desire to continue directing while maintaining her acting career. She emphasizes the importance of setting personal goals and striving for achievements that align with her passions. Jessica and Bryce share light-hearted moments about their children’s interactions with their respective works, reinforcing the familial and supportive bond between the two friends.

Bryce Dallas Howard:
"There are things that I'm like, oh, it'd be great if I could direct a feature in my life."
(35:43)

Jessica Capshaw:
"Please, everybody, check out this incredible documentary, Pets on Disney."
(62:14)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jessica Capshaw:
  "I'm equally as excited and nervous to have her on because, you guys, I've been a fan for a really long time..."
  (02:16)

• Bryce Dallas Howard:
  "It's a relationship without words."
  (15:14)

• Bryce Dallas Howard:
  "If we were really going to take care of the pets, then she was game and she held us to that."
  (10:10)

• Bryce Dallas Howard:
  "I was like, no, I wasn't really getting callbacks or anything..."
  (38:03)

• Jessica Capshaw:
  "I have to ask you the process of making that movie and M. Night Shaloman what he was like to work with."
  (37:56)

• Bryce Dallas Howard:
  "I really rely on the feedback. So I want everyone to always be honest at every point."
  (30:08)

• Bryce Dallas Howard:
  "I would lean into directing more."
  (34:35)

• Bryce Dallas Howard:
  "There are things that I'm like, oh, it'd be great if I could direct a feature in my life."
  (35:43)

Conclusion

In this heartfelt episode of Call It What It Is, Bryce Dallas Howard opens up about her multifaceted career, her passion for pets, and the profound influence of her upbringing in a family deeply entrenched in the film industry. Jessica Capshaw and Bryce share personal anecdotes, professional insights, and discuss the delicate balance between acting and directing, all while celebrating the unbreakable bond of friendship and mutual support. This episode not only provides an intimate glimpse into Bryce's life and career but also offers valuable lessons on responsibility, creativity, and pursuing one's passions.

For more insights and stories, be sure to listen to the full episode of Call It What It Is featuring Bryce Dallas Howard.