Ben Schwartz

Summary

David Tennant Does a Podcast With… Season 3, Episode: Ben Schwartz
Release Date: February 25, 2025
Hosts: David Tennant and Ben Schwartz

---

Introduction

In Season 3 of "David Tennant Does a Podcast With…", David Tennant welcomes comedian and actor Ben Schwartz for an engaging conversation that delves into their careers, experiences in the entertainment industry, and personal anecdotes. This episode offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the dynamics of show business through the lens of two talented individuals who have made significant marks in television, film, and comedy.

Beginnings of Their Friendship

David and Ben reminisce about how their paths first crossed during a press tour for the animated series DuckTales. Ben reflects on their initial meeting, highlighting David's charisma and warmth, which immediately fostered a strong friendship.

Ben Schwartz [07:08]: "I was messing around in some of the interviews, and you immediately joined. I was like, oh, I'm going to be friends with this person."

David Tennant [07:58]: "I think so, yeah."

Their camaraderie is evident as they share stories about attending Comic Con together and the unique bond formed through mutual respect and shared experiences in the industry.

Experiences with Improv and Comedy

A significant portion of the conversation centers around Ben's journey in improv and comedy. He discusses his early fears of auditioning and being labeled as "not funny," which almost deterred him from pursuing a career in comedy. However, encouragement from friends and his family's support propelled him forward.

Ben Schwartz [14:31]: "I was terrified of failure when I was a kid. So I finally got pushed by a girlfriend at the time to audition for my college group. I got in."

Ben elaborates on his time at the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB), where he honed his improv skills, eventually leading to writing opportunities for prominent shows like Robot Chicken and Late Show with David Letterman.

Ben Schwartz [34:09]: "I started taking classes at UCB, so I started at the very bottom of the rung of the ladder, and then slowly took the classes. Got a little bit better."

Working in Television and Voice Acting

The duo explores their ventures into voice acting, with Ben sharing his experiences voicing characters in beloved animated series such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, DuckTales, and Star Wars. He recounts the unique process of creating voices and the residual benefits from these roles.

Ben Schwartz [60:17]: "It's Star Wars, the funniest one is Star Wars, right?"

David discusses his roles in animated projects like Ahsoka and his appreciation for the flexibility that voice acting provides, especially as a parent balancing family life.

David Tennant [62:52]: "It was a big moment."

Their conversation also touches on the challenges and joys of collaborating with industry legends like Jim Carrey and Stephen Colbert, emphasizing the importance of seeing these figures as relatable individuals.

Personal Stories and Challenges

Ben opens up about personal challenges, including his initial struggles with anxiety and the impact of his early interactions in school that shaped his comedic approach. David shares his own experiences with auditions and the pressures of maintaining a successful acting career.

Ben Schwartz [14:31]: "I was always afraid of auditioning for, like, I never auditioned for the comedy team in college. Improv team, because I was afraid people told me I wasn't funny."

David Tennant [56:28]: "I've been in a rehearsal room. So a director goes, let's improvise the original. The time these characters first met."

These candid discussions provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the vulnerabilities and resilience required to thrive in the entertainment industry.

Podcasting and Creative Collaboration

David and Ben discuss the inception of their podcasting venture, highlighting the spontaneity and improvisational nature that defines their episodes. They joke about creating theme songs and the fun of developing a unique format that reflects their personalities.

Ben Schwartz [71:16]: "Here we are at the end of the David talks to you, learned some things, kissed a friend and just David talked to you."

Their collaborative spirit is palpable as they brainstorm creative ideas for future episodes, including watching classic movies together and reimagining beloved films through improvisation.

Future Projects and Aspirations

Looking ahead, Ben shares his aspirations to work with more esteemed directors and actors, expressing a desire to continually evolve his craft. David expresses enthusiasm for supporting Ben's endeavors and exploring potential collaborative projects, such as reimagining iconic films like Dumb and Dumber.

Ben Schwartz [65:31]: "There's so many people, so many directors, so many actors. I want to play with."

David Tennant [67:32]: "And we won't tell anybody you're coming, and it'll be the best. I think you will have the most fun because, you know, I'll take care of you, too."

Their mutual support underscores the strength of their friendship and professional respect, setting the stage for future collaborations.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a lighthearted attempt at creating an original outro, showcasing their improvisational talents one last time. David and Ben reflect on the delightful and insightful conversation they've shared, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating future episodes.

Ben Schwartz [71:08]: "That's how we're closing this."

David Tennant [72:19]: "Excellent man."

Key Takeaways:

• Friendship and Collaboration: The strong bond between David Tennant and Ben Schwartz enhances their creative output and mutual support.

• Overcoming Challenges: Both guests share their journeys of overcoming fears and challenges in their respective careers, offering inspiration to aspiring entertainers.

• Improv as a Tool: Improv plays a crucial role in their comedic and acting careers, fostering spontaneity and adaptability.

• Industry Insights: Their experiences provide valuable insights into the workings of the entertainment industry, from voice acting to writing for major shows.

• Future Endeavors: Exciting prospects for future projects and collaborations highlight their ongoing commitment to growth and creative exploration.

This episode is a must-listen for fans of David Tennant, Ben Schwartz, and anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes dynamics of acting and comedy.

---

Produced by Sony Music Entertainment and No Mystery. Executive Producers: Alex Lawless, Sarah Camlett, and Georgia Tennant.

Transcript

[David Tennant]

Hey, Georgia.

[Georgia Tennant]

Hi, David.

[David Tennant]

Have you ever wished that you could slip into a disguise and travel anywhere in an instant?

[Georgia Tennant]

Is that a joke?

[David Tennant]

No, no, seriously. Seriously. I'm talking about NordVPN.

[Georgia Tennant]

Oh, okay, I see.

[David Tennant]

Georgia, look, I'm relocating.

[Georgia Tennant]

Relocating? You're literally on the sofa.

[David Tennant]

Not physically. Digitally. I'm digitally relocating. Thanks to NordVPN, I can switch my virtual location to 111 different countries with just one click. So now I can access movies, shows, websites from all over the world. And I don't even need to teleport.

[Georgia Tennant]

And what about security?

[David Tennant]

Well, NORDVPN encrypts all my online activity, protects against cyber threats, even gives dark web alerts to keep my personal data safe. And I want my personal data to be safe. Perfect for dodgy public.

[Georgia Tennant]

Wi Fi's right, because nothing screams hack me like a bloke at an airport clicking on free Wi Fi.

[David Tennant]

Well, exactly, yes. Which is why we highly recommend downloading the NORDVPN app, especially for banking and sensitive data.

[Georgia Tennant]

Want to stay safe online?

[David Tennant]

Just go to NordVPN.com tenant, use the code and get four extra months free on a two year plan.

[Georgia Tennant]

So you're basically getting premium cybersecurity for the price of a cup of coffee per month.

[David Tennant]

To get the best discount off your NordVPN plan, go to nordvpn.com tenant. Our link will also give you four extra months on the two year plan. No risk with Nord's 30 day money back guarantee. The link is in the podcast episode description box.

[Ben Schwartz]

This is.

[David Tennant]

This is. This is not. I'm not usually in here.

[Ben Schwartz]

Is this what we do?

[David Tennant]

Yeah, this is not. This is a very posh studio for like another posh podcast.

[Ben Schwartz]

Where do you sit?

[David Tennant]

It's gonna sit here, but it's gonna sit right there.

[Ben Schwartz]

Come on, Come on.

[David Tennant]

I usually. I do not usually offer so furnishings to my guests.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, my God, this is fantastic.

[David Tennant]

But the studio that we were supposed to be in wasn't working, so we're in this one. Ah. David Tennant does a podcast with Ben Schwartz.

[Ben Schwartz]

David, I'm so happy to be here.

[David Tennant]

I'm so glad you're here. This feels like such a treat because, in fact. Well, I mean, we'll just. We'll just start, right? I mean, this is it. It's all happening.

[Ben Schwartz]

Do you have a great intro for yourself? Is there a theme song for.

[David Tennant]

There's a theme song. We do need to get you to say your name, which we drop into the.

[Ben Schwartz]

What's the theme song for? What's the podcast called David Tennant Talks.

[David Tennant]

David Tennant does a podcast with. And then you say your name.

[Ben Schwartz]

Ben Schwartz.

[David Tennant]

That's it.

[Ben Schwartz]

Can I do the whole thing? Can I give you a theme song?

[David Tennant]

Sure. I'd love. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

Give me a beat. Okay. David Denon speaks with. Put your name right here. How about that?

[David Tennant]

That was pretty good.

[Ben Schwartz]

Okay.

[David Tennant]

You could have done your actual name and then.

[Ben Schwartz]

But now it can be used for everybody. I wanted it to be Evergreen.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

I want it to be any. No matter what's happening in the world, that theme song works perfectly.

[David Tennant]

It's very. Yeah, yeah. I. I mean, we could do a take two. Let's try again later.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yeah. You're not telling me it was bad, but we should try to come back.

[David Tennant]

I think. I know you can be better.

[Ben Schwartz]

Right.

[David Tennant]

That's all.

[Ben Schwartz]

And push me to be the best version of myself.

[David Tennant]

That's exactly what I want to do. That's how. That's what I see is my role in your life.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yeah. You're my Mr. Miyagi.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

A lot of people would say that. You're my Mr. Miyagi.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yeah.

[David Tennant]

I'm thrilled that we're in the same country, in the same room.

[Ben Schwartz]

We're actual friends.

[David Tennant]

This is actually happening.

[Ben Schwartz]

We've even spoken before that we talk on an app, but we talk more with each other than with other people in our lives.

[David Tennant]

Yes.

[Ben Schwartz]

Isn't that very fun?

[David Tennant]

By sending dropping video messages to. Which often end with you cutting to your dog.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yeah.

[David Tennant]

Defecating.

[Ben Schwartz]

Absolutely. I try to show my dog taking a when. Are we allowed to curse in this or. Probably not. Yeah.

[David Tennant]

Come on. Bring it on.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, God. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I love to. And I think it's a great tag to anything that's being said. Yeah. Good or bad news can be tagged with a good dog going to the bathroom. And then in my head, you look away. But there's also a version of it where you zoom in.

[David Tennant]

Oh, no, I really. Yeah. Often you cut before any action.

[Ben Schwartz]

Try to cut. Perfect. Yeah. Yeah.

[David Tennant]

But a couple of times, I need.

[Ben Schwartz]

You to know that it always finished. My dog always finishes. I know that. In your head, you don't know if my dog is finishing.

[David Tennant]

I don't know. I'm worried for you. The health.

[Ben Schwartz]

No, the dog is doing great. Rita's doing great.

[David Tennant]

Yeah. But so I. And I've seen her. I've seen her go to the bathroom a lot. Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

She's doing. She's doing amazing.

[David Tennant]

Now we're talking about. Here's your tea.

[Ben Schwartz]

Thank you. Very, very much. Oh, my God, Your nails match the cup. Planet Gorgeous. Fantastic, that is.

[David Tennant]

Now, this is green tea with honey. I don't know if we do that right in this country.

[Ben Schwartz]

Well, you also. You also told me when someone says tea here, it's not like you don't have a choice of tea. It's how do you like your tea? Like, what do you put in your tea?

[David Tennant]

Do you take sugar?

[Ben Schwartz]

Yeah. So when he said, what do you. What do you want in your tea? Or what. What. What do you want for tea? Like, I said green tea. And you're right. There was a hesitation of like, yeah, it's.

[David Tennant]

Yes. It's su la.

[Ben Schwartz]

It's crazy. So what someone said. Someone said, okay, David, how do you want your tea? What do you say?

[David Tennant]

Uh, a little bit of milk.

[Ben Schwartz]

That's it.

[David Tennant]

That's it. That's all you need to say. You don't need to define if you. I mean, you can go, do you have Earl Grey? But people might think you're a.

[Ben Schwartz]

Right. And what's regular tea? English breakfast. Yeah.

[David Tennant]

English breakfast. Yeah. Builder's tea. It's often referred to here, which is.

[Ben Schwartz]

I don't know, perhaps builder's tea.

[David Tennant]

Yeah. Because it's what you give the builders. It's probably politically incorrect now to do that.

[Ben Schwartz]

We're going to try to go through all the PC terms, all the UNPC terms. We're going to try to get you canceled by the end of this.

[David Tennant]

I think we could. We could get cancelled together.

[Ben Schwartz]

I would love that.

[David Tennant]

Hands and jump like Thelma Louise. Exactly.

[Ben Schwartz]

The car flying off the cliff.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, fantastic.

[David Tennant]

We're very lucky to have you here in the country, in the room.

[Ben Schwartz]

I can't wait in the flesh because.

[David Tennant]

You'Re on a press tour.

[Ben Schwartz]

We're on a press tour. I'm wearing makeup right now for a podcast. Thank you very much. Thank you, Gisette, for doing my makeup. We're doing press for sonic the Hedgehog 3.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

How.

[David Tennant]

How is it going?

[Ben Schwartz]

This is that we did Brazil yesterday.

[David Tennant]

Mind. With jet lag.

[Ben Schwartz]

We're. I'm out of my mind. Jet lag. But today it's fine. Like, I. I just have to know things I have to do and then in my brain as they tick off, I know I can handle this. I only have two more things today, so it's like. And I've been looking forward to this because it's just catching up with a friend.

[David Tennant]

Yeah. This is more. We know this is a bit more of a hangout.

[Ben Schwartz]

It's not like Answering the same question over and over.

[David Tennant]

What is the one you get for Sonic?

[Ben Schwartz]

When was the first time you played Sonic is a big one. What's Jim Carrey like to act with? That's. That's another big one. And I don't.

[David Tennant]

But people understand you're not in the suit, right?

[Ben Schwartz]

They don't. They don't understand. No. So I have to tell them, oh, I don't actually get to do scenes with Jim Carrey.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

And like, what do you mean? And so a lot of the interview is that I love a game in an interview.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

Don't you love a game when someone's like, okay, we're gonna play a game. I'm like, great. Whatever it is. I can't wait.

[David Tennant]

Because it's much better than answering the same question again.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yes.

[David Tennant]

Yes. How do you. Are you good at faking it, though? Are you good at.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yes. What I've learned is that this person has been waiting for blank amount of time. They have five minutes with me, and then they go on to far more famous people. I'm gonna make it feel like whatever they're asking is the first time I've ever heard it. I'm gonna make them feel like giving them as much as I can for their five minutes because they don't know everybody else's ass.

[David Tennant]

Which is lovely and kind of you.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yes.

[David Tennant]

And I applaud you for it. And I would expect nothing less because you're a kind and humane individual. But sometimes when it's like when you've been doing it all day and it's 3:00 in the afternoon, brain is mush.

[Ben Schwartz]

You're. You're just tired.

[David Tennant]

Do you ever just make some. Something up?

[Ben Schwartz]

I love derailing interviews.

[David Tennant]

Right.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, for me as an improviser. One of my favorite. If you and I were on a press tour together.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

For. Okay. We were on one date. And do you remember I did this whole leg thing and we did. And I barely knew you then we.

[David Tennant]

We met like, that morning.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yeah. I barely knew you. And then you were immediately. Yes. Ending all my, like, any stupid thing I did. I was like, I wonder because you were. I think you were still Doctor who. You just stopping Doctor who. So you were enormous. And we went there. We went to Comic Con a little bit afterwards, and you were like the king of Comic Con. Because anywhere you went, everybody's like, oh, my God. So. But when there I was messing around in some of the interviews, and you immediately joined.

[David Tennant]

Oh, wow.

[Ben Schwartz]

And I was like, oh, I'm going to Be friends with this person.

[David Tennant]

Well, like you say, it just. It gives you joy. I. I look back on them, though, in preparation for this. I look back on that.

[Ben Schwartz]

Really? Which one? The leg crossing one.

[David Tennant]

We can see the day we met.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, do you think that was the exact day we met?

[David Tennant]

Some of them were. Although I think it spanned a couple of days, didn't it? We certainly met one morning.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yes.

[David Tennant]

Because we'd all recorded DuckTales, obviously, separately.

[Ben Schwartz]

We were on DuckTales together.

[David Tennant]

We were on Duck.

[Ben Schwartz]

I played Dewey, you played Uncle Scrooge.

[David Tennant]

Uncle Scrooge. And we'd done a whole series, but. Oh, I mean, I'd done all of mine in London.

[Ben Schwartz]

In London. Years.

[David Tennant]

In la. Yeah. We never met. And then we met for a. For a press tour.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yes. We didn't even, like, have a meal. We literally met. We were off to the race, met in the morning.

[David Tennant]

And then we all. But. And there's a. Yeah, we did. There's one interview where we do a thing where you, me and Danny Pudi.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yes.

[David Tennant]

If we cross legs. Everyone had to cross legs. It was great.

[Ben Schwartz]

Great.

[David Tennant]

It was joyous. But there's another one where we did a thing where we started turning in chairs. It was for the LA Times, which.

[Ben Schwartz]

Is like a actual place. Like, you know, sometimes you're doing interviews and it's like cool kids dot com. Yeah. Louisiana. Times is like an actual place that has real articles about politics and entertainment.

[David Tennant]

And we are spinning on spinning chairs. Confusing to still.

[Ben Schwartz]

Who started?

[David Tennant]

I don't know.

[Ben Schwartz]

God, I hope it was you. Did it bring you joy? Looking at those. You had to.

[David Tennant]

It gave me joy. And then halfway through, I looked at the. I looked at the face of the interviewer and I thought, were we just being dicks?

[Ben Schwartz]

No, we don't think we would stop. We would stop.

[David Tennant]

She looked. Nobody else was doing it. It was just you and me. That's true.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yeah. Well, we have to find.

[David Tennant]

I gotta find eight of us all sitting around everyone else. There's just you and me spinning in chairs at the back. Like 12.

[Ben Schwartz]

I wonder why you joined in. Maybe. You're just so kind.

[David Tennant]

I think I was just like. Cuz you want to. These things are difficult to keep interesting.

[Ben Schwartz]

Did you feel, was there a time at the beginning of us meeting that you're like, oh, this is a person I could spend time with?

[David Tennant]

I think so, yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

I remember being with you, being like, oh, okay. This person gets it. My, my, the. My type of comedy. Yeah, you're very. Our comedic sensibilities touch very easily.

[David Tennant]

I Think so, yeah. Yeah. And also I was. Because I'm. I'm not from that comedy world. And suddenly I was with you and Bobby Moynihan and Danny, and I was thinking, all these funny people. This is cool.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yes.

[David Tennant]

And Kate Micucci, who I'd love.

[Ben Schwartz]

So funny.

[David Tennant]

Yeah. And I was just like, oh, I want to hang out with a cool comedy.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[David Tennant]

So I would have probably done anything. I'd have probably removed my underwear.

[Ben Schwartz]

What's the. I don't think you would have removed your underwear. What's the question that you get asked most when you're on tours? Is it always Doctor who based or. No, it would depend.

[David Tennant]

It depends what you're promoting, I suppose. But there's always. Towards the end of it, there's like. I have to ask you about Doctor who. Yeah, there's that. Just.

[Ben Schwartz]

Who's your favorite doctor? Or what's the.

[David Tennant]

No, it's. It's something about what? Like, about the Doctor who's currently on. Or just something they have to just. They have a little sort of Doctor who sign off, of course, and then that usually becomes the headline.

[Ben Schwartz]

And then every time. Yeah, yeah, same.

[David Tennant]

It just gets smothered.

[Ben Schwartz]

It'll be Parks and Recreation or something like that for me.

[David Tennant]

Yeah, yeah. Although Sonic, presumably is. I mean, it takes all before it. These are. You know, what's so funny, these films, very big.

[Ben Schwartz]

There we are traveling as a group together, and it's me and James Mars and doing a bunch of stuff. And I asked James because he gets. He's very beautiful. So, like, people stop him all the time and like, oh, my God. You know, they look at me and I look like a Muppet. And they're like, I think I remember you from something. But, like, James, they'll see him like, look at this attractive man. And so many people recognize him from Sonic. And I was like, does that happen a lot? And he's like, yeah, it's like the majority of people now are Sonic. It's. It's bigger than I think it is, I think, because it just. When you're working on something, it never feels like the biggest thing in the world. It feels like, you know, you and a couple pals are making something. But this one, it's like everywhere we go, people seem to be excited for it. I hope it's basically for you because.

[David Tennant]

You'Re doing all your. You're not even on set with everyone. You're doing all your stuff in a studio.

[Ben Schwartz]

So you can't see my face and be like, oh, my God, yeah, yeah, yeah. You have to hear me talk.

[David Tennant]

When you do a press tour, do you go to, like, non English speaking countries?

[Ben Schwartz]

We went to Brazil this time and then the person who plays sonic who speaks in Portuguese came out.

[David Tennant]

Okay.

[Ben Schwartz]

And he also dubs me in all my TV shows.

[David Tennant]

Right. So you're, you're promoting a film in which you're not. I'm not in it at all.

[Ben Schwartz]

That's exactly correct. That. So like in England. Amazing. Ireland. Yeah. Like uk, I'm pretty good. And then it's like, if I go, I can't go to Brazil. Was a blast. Because it's like, who are you? All right, so I do the voice and then Manolo here does. Does like my performance, you know, whatever.

[David Tennant]

Yeah, yeah. I've met the guy that does me in German and love him. He was lovely. Yeah. He came dressed as the character, which was a bit.

[Ben Schwartz]

Which character?

[David Tennant]

As a doctor.

[Ben Schwartz]

Be so funny if it was McBell.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

There's a crown.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

Amazing.

[David Tennant]

Yeah. Came in the kilt. No, he came dressed as. But he was very nice. He was very nice. And he gave me the gift of a screwdriver. Not a sonic screwdriver, a real screwdriver. It was a little confused.

[Ben Schwartz]

What do you mean, a screwdriver to screw in?

[David Tennant]

Well, you know, the dog. Obviously, you, Obviously, you know, you're Doctor who.

[Ben Schwartz]

Lore tardis. TARDIS is the blue guy.

[David Tennant]

TARDIS is the, the, the enemies.

[Ben Schwartz]

The enemies are the delics. Yeah, well, in America, we call them daily. And then you have a wand. No.

[David Tennant]

Well, that's it. The sonic screwdriver.

[Ben Schwartz]

Sonic screwdriver, yeah. It doesn't really screw things.

[David Tennant]

It can. It doesn't have to. I mean, it just, it makes.

[Ben Schwartz]

Did you steal a prop from Doctor who?

[David Tennant]

I got given some props.

[Ben Schwartz]

Okay. Politely given.

[David Tennant]

That is the question I get asked most.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yeah, I bet.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

You took one of those screwdrivers.

[David Tennant]

I got. I got given one in a nice box.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, that's cute. Yeah, that's great.

[David Tennant]

And then got shit scared it would get stolen in my house. So I have an evolt.

[Ben Schwartz]

Really? No, no.

[David Tennant]

Just trying to not get people to break into my house. That's smart, you know? Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

So when he's going to the paper, he's asking the first question.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

Okay.

[David Tennant]

All right.

[Ben Schwartz]

There you go.

[David Tennant]

Yeah. When I did research.

[Ben Schwartz]

This is so exciting.

[David Tennant]

I don't. Yeah, I, I, Some of it I knew, you know.

[Ben Schwartz]

Okay.

[David Tennant]

It's just, I'm just joining the doors. I want to know the. What. What age were you?

[Ben Schwartz]

Yeah.

[David Tennant]

When you began to realize that your brain made connections that other people's brains didn't.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, wow. What a great question.

[David Tennant]

Thank you very much, David.

[Ben Schwartz]

One for one.

[David Tennant]

Thank you.

[Ben Schwartz]

And I will be grading each question. Yeah, there was. Okay, I have two answers for this. One is. And you. You. You.

[David Tennant]

I will grade your answer.

[Ben Schwartz]

Thank you very much. You pitch it in a way which is great. I'm not very good at talking about myself because I don't want to. I never want to sound whatever. That I think that I'm good at something. But you've asked your question in such a way where it won't make me, which is great. A big moment for me happened two times. One. So I was always afraid of auditioning for, Like, I never auditioned for the comedy team in college. Improv team, because I was afraid people told me I wasn't funny. And there's such a big part of my identity that I was the funny guy in our group.

[David Tennant]

Right.

[Ben Schwartz]

That if I auditioned for people who were funny and performing and they said you weren't funny, I don't know what. I would have been crushed.

[David Tennant]

Right.

[Ben Schwartz]

Same with. I never auditioned for the musical in high school because I was afraid they would tell me I wasn't good. I was afraid of failure when I was.

[David Tennant]

You'd rather stay away from it than fail.

[Ben Schwartz]

I was terrified of failure when I was a kid. So I finally got pushed by a girlfriend at the time to audition for my college group. I got in.

[David Tennant]

What age is this we're talking about?

[Ben Schwartz]

This is college. So I would be all right, because college by me is university here. I was probably 19, 20. I was young for my grade.

[David Tennant]

Okay.

[Ben Schwartz]

And I got in barely. And I started to be the person that people. Me and one other guy started to be like. People were like, oh, have you seen Ben do this? And I started to get a little bit of confidence. But there's a show afterwards. I was performing Upright Citizens Brigade when I was. I graduated college in a place called the Pit, which was just a smaller improv theater there. And I did a show, and I was starting to get confidence and starting a little bit better. And a person stopped me on the way out and complimented me on how my brain worked in certain scenes. And it was the first time someone had ever done that to me. Singled me out group and said, like, the connections I made were. And that was. And it made me feel like I was flying.

[David Tennant]

Right.

[Ben Schwartz]

Because I don't. With. You don't often when you're doing comedy, I don't think that, like, If I make a good connection, it doesn't make me feel smart. And he made me feel smart or very like. It made me feel like I was like, knew what I was doing. And that was. That was the first time that was a big one for me.

[David Tennant]

So you're quite. You're already like 20 years old or something on that stage. Okay. And you were doing like improv shows.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yes, but the first time I learned that comedy could help me. Great story.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

It was when I was. My. My mom is a Bronx public school teacher. Her life for 50 years.

[David Tennant]

Okay.

[Ben Schwartz]

So I was in the school with her. I was a kid in kindergarten. And was she your teacher for music? Yeah.

[David Tennant]

Wow.

[Ben Schwartz]

She taught kindergarten through fifth grade.

[David Tennant]

Okay.

[Ben Schwartz]

So she was teacher. I was in Mrs. Par's class. Who's a homeroom teacher? Guy next to me was named Shigeki. Same age as me. Didn't speak a word of English. 00 English.

[David Tennant]

Wow.

[Ben Schwartz]

I would go over his house all the time and play video games. We play Nintendo together.

[David Tennant]

Okay.

[Ben Schwartz]

Never spoke. We couldn't speak to each other, but we had the best time playing video games and sharing in moments of the video games.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

So we're friends. He's sitting next to me in kindergarten, and for no reason, I yell the word shit at the top of my lungs.

[David Tennant]

What age?

[Ben Schwartz]

Kindergarten. Very young.

[David Tennant]

That's like five years old.

[Ben Schwartz]

Has to be, right? Very young. And I go, shit. Something happened. I was disappointed. And so Mrs. Parley goes, Benjamin. And I go, shigeki did it. And she wanted to yell at me, but she was laughing at the same time.

[David Tennant]

Right.

[Ben Schwartz]

Because the fact that this kid who's never spoken a word of English, his first word would be yelling at the top of his lungs. And so she had to cover her mouth and then be like, no. And she told my mom, and my mom yelled at me. But then anytime I was around, my mom would tell the story to other teachers and the teachers would laugh and look at me and be like, Ben. But like, smile. And I think that was the first time I was like, oh, comedy can, like. Yes.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

Comedy can get me out of some situations. And like, people are talking about this it's transaction. That was a big. Yeah, that was a big first one for me where I was like, oh, I can, like, comedy can, like, make people laugh and I can get out of, like, sticky situations.

[David Tennant]

So did your family always find you funny?

[Ben Schwartz]

I have a funny family. Yeah. My family always found me.

[David Tennant]

Are they all funny?

[Ben Schwartz]

Yeah. My mom is very, like, the wacky part of my life. Is my mom. She's very spontaneous and crazy and doesn't think before she talks. My dad is very witty and he's brain forward when he makes jokes.

[David Tennant]

Right.

[Ben Schwartz]

So, like, it's a combination of both of them. I'm very much like when I'm wacky at my mom and when I'm like, when I'm trying to break things down and connect things on my dad.

[David Tennant]

Yeah. Okay.

[Ben Schwartz]

Do you. Are you similar with. Is your family funny? 100% Scottish.

[David Tennant]

100% Scottish? Yeah. Well, a little bit of Irish, but yeah, my dad was quite funny. Yeah. But sort of daft funny, like, silly stuff.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, really?

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

Were you silly growing up? You're silly now.

[David Tennant]

Yeah, probably was a bit, yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

Do you remember the first time you got a huge laugh with your friend? What was it?

[David Tennant]

It was in. No, it was in school.

[Ben Schwartz]

What was it?

[David Tennant]

I was. We were preparing for the nativity play.

[Ben Schwartz]

Great, great setup.

[David Tennant]

Yeah. And we all had brought in our tea towels from home, which we were going to wear on our head, of course, because that's, you know, that's how you represent.

[Ben Schwartz]

I'm Jewish and I still get it.

[David Tennant]

In the Middle East.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yeah. Oh, that's how I represent the Middle East. I thought you were saying, like the people in nativity scene.

[David Tennant]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. You know, the Eastern anything.

[Ben Schwartz]

Isn't it a bunch of nuns and a little lamb and a baby or something like that.

[David Tennant]

It's Jesus and Mary.

[Ben Schwartz]

Jesus is hanging out in that one. Is Jesus in that one?

[David Tennant]

The nativity play is the birth of Jesus in the stable you get.

[Ben Schwartz]

So kids are live reenacting Mary giving birth to Jesus.

[David Tennant]

Yeah. The birth tends to happen off stage in most. In most primary school performances.

[Ben Schwartz]

Okay.

[David Tennant]

But, yeah, there's a Mary and there's a Joseph and there's the wise men and there's the shepherd.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, yes, this is what I remember.

[David Tennant]

Yeah. So we're all in school preparing for the Nativity. We've all brought in a teacher detail from home which we're then having to tie around.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, I understand what that is now.

[David Tennant]

Sort of a headdress.

[Ben Schwartz]

Okay. Did not understand. Now I understand.

[David Tennant]

And I'm trying to wrestle this onto my head. And gradually I realized that everyone's watching me do this and I'm doing it with each sort of rearrangement of the tea to. It's more and more absurd.

[Ben Schwartz]

Right.

[David Tennant]

And with each rearrangement, the class are finding it funnier and funnier.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yes. Heaven.

[David Tennant]

And everything I do is killing them. And. And it's. And it's cumulative. And every time I squiddle a thing around in my head, it's funnier and funnier and funnier and I'm. I'm lapping it up.

[Ben Schwartz]

Can you continue like remember exactly how it felt? Is it that much of a core memory?

[David Tennant]

Yeah. Oh yeah. I can remember going, oh, I. And if I do this, they laugh even louder.

[Ben Schwartz]

And you just kept going.

[David Tennant]

And I just kept going. And the thing that killed it is the teacher. Very quietly. Because I was. The class had stopped and I was just doing this. The whole class was watching me.

[Ben Schwartz]

You're performing.

[David Tennant]

I'm performing. I'm performing. I'm five years old. The teacher's at the front desk marking or something. And she very quietly goes, my real name is McDonald.

[Ben Schwartz]

Your first name is McDonald?

[David Tennant]

No, no, no, my surname before I changed it for actress. Anyway, she is just from the very front of the class, very quietly goes, David John MacDonald, sit down and stop showing off. To this day, it's like a knife in my heart. I didn't know I was showing off. I was just riding the wave.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, that's so funny. So you felt ashamed?

[David Tennant]

I felt.

[Ben Schwartz]

So you had your biggest high and felt ashamed.

[David Tennant]

Exactly that.

[Ben Schwartz]

And that's the only way you can get off now, right? You have to. You've been chasing that heroin dragon this whole time.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

That's so funny. To. To pair this incredible joy and jubilation with shame.

[David Tennant]

It was the.

[Ben Schwartz]

So now when you, when you.

[David Tennant]

Of my performance, are you.

[Ben Schwartz]

Are you afraid of pushing too hard comedically?

[David Tennant]

Oh yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

That you'll make people feel like you push too hard?

[David Tennant]

Oh yeah, Always. Yeah. And I sort of always assume that I'm always doing so scary.

[Ben Schwartz]

If you and I did improv, who I always think that you'd be great. You've come to a couple of my. Your family and you've come a bunch of shows.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

I think that you would be. There are people I know that are funny that I don't think would be good on stage. You are someone who'd be very good on stage on an improv. I wouldn't. I would need you to never worry about that. You can't ever think that you'll ever be ashamed. You have to be in the moment.

[David Tennant]

That's the bet though. That's the trick. But the. Because this is you. Do you spend a lot of your time doing this long form improv?

[Ben Schwartz]

I do. I do it one weekend a month now.

[David Tennant]

Yeah. Bench warts and friends. You and three mates. Three comedy chums.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yep. We call them 3cc3 comedy chums.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yeah.

[David Tennant]

To America. And now the world, you two.

[Ben Schwartz]

The world. We played Royal Albert hall here. We're doing Sydney Opera House this year, taking over. It's great. London is a great audience. England is awesome. I love performing here.

[David Tennant]

Good.

[Ben Schwartz]

Love it.

[David Tennant]

I'm glad. I'm. I'm glad. But it's you. So you step on stage and you don't know what you're going to do?

[Ben Schwartz]

No. God, this is a classic tenant transition. We are already into the next question. He seamlessly pushed us there. We're both in this train, and the train is going.

[David Tennant]

It is going. And you're on it.

[Ben Schwartz]

It is staying on the track.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yes.

[David Tennant]

But the thing. And I've talked about this before, because I don't.

[Ben Schwartz]

We don't know anything beforehand, nothing planned. So we get on. So I've had. We played Radio City Music hall, which was the biggest venue think improv has ever done. And one of my friends who's a singer who plays there often, was like. And he's played there all the time, and he's never nervous. And he said, so wait a second. What are you. What are you going to do when you get there? I said, we don't. We're going to do a show. And they go, but what is the show going to be? I go, we're going to get on stage, we're going to interview someone, and we're going to use that as inspiration. We're going to make up show. And he's like, I could never in a million years get on that stage in front of 6,000 people, not knowing what I was going to do.

[David Tennant]

For most performers, I think that it's the sort of recurring nightmare that they wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat.

[Ben Schwartz]

My nerve. It's like for you, doing Macbeth. For me, the scariest thing in the universe is forgetting a monologue or something on stage. I find such freedom in that anything can happen. There are no mistakes. I can make a mistake, something good. But, like, I'd be so terrified if, like, my. My nightmare that I have sometimes when I have big lines of dialogue is, I'll go to sleep and my dream will be, this is a real dream. I've had a recurring dream. We're either a table read or we're on stage or we're on set about to film. And they go, okay, let's do rehearsal. The scene, you know, before we start rolling cameras. And the page that I talk on isn't in my script.

[David Tennant]

Right, right, right.

[Ben Schwartz]

And I'll look at someone else's script and I can see my name, but they're using it. And I was like, oh, can I borrow it? And they let me borrow the page, but they gimme the wrong page and I never see my lines.

[David Tennant]

Right.

[Ben Schwartz]

And it's coming up to my part and I don't know my part.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

That's my. I literally have a nightmare about that.

[David Tennant]

Sure. But at least then there is a. At least when it's a. When it's a play with a script, there is an element of preparation that you can do.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yes.

[David Tennant]

And it's lovely not to have that.

[Ben Schwartz]

Well, the preparation is the 20 years I've been doing it.

[David Tennant]

Well, that's the thing. So it's because it's a learned.

[Ben Schwartz]

Same with you in stage. Same with you in Shakespeare.

[David Tennant]

Yeah. But improvisation, because I don't think, particularly in the uk, we don't do it in the us it's understood that it's a learned skill to an extent.

[Ben Schwartz]

Right.

[David Tennant]

And you train in it.

[Ben Schwartz]

It's an art form. It's a theater form.

[David Tennant]

Yeah. Can anyone do. I mean, obviously some people are going to be better than others, but can you teach anyone to improvise?

[Ben Schwartz]

I could teach people the rules and the guidelines of how to improvise and how to make a good scene.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

But it's just like being funny or a good actor, some people. I can't teach you how to be funny. I could teach you what makes a scene good.

[David Tennant]

You could teach someone.

[Ben Schwartz]

I would do what my next move would be and why my next move would be that. And then if you start learning the patterns of, like, okay, don't say no to ideas, say yes to this. Add to it. You know, we're trying to make a scene together.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

Like, if you start seeing those guidelines. But I can also improvise with anybody.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

And even if they're bad or they derail it, I can find a way to make the scene work.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

Just because I've done it long enough.

[David Tennant]

Yeah. It's. It's the absence of panic. You have to be completely.

[Ben Schwartz]

I mean, it's the same with acting. If you can be comfortable in that moment and not. And look like you're just fucking there.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

Same with improv. If you can just be comfortable in that moment and really react truthfully. If I did a scene with you, and all I said is, David, just react truthfully to everything I'm doing. Don't even try to be funny.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

We'll find something.

[David Tennant]

Right. Okay.

[Ben Schwartz]

You said you may jump on stage one day, right?

[David Tennant]

Or. No, I did a little. I did. I have a. You know, my friend who's.

[Ben Schwartz]

You did monologues or you did.

[David Tennant]

No, I did scenes with the Groundlings where they just put me in. I mean, I. It was giddy making, but it was also. I couldn't help but be going, what's next? What's next?

[Ben Schwartz]

I'm telling you, I cannot wait. You'll come and we won't tell anybody you're coming, and it'll be the best. I think you will have the most fun because, you know, I'll take care of you, too.

[David Tennant]

Well. Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

You never. You will not be able to make a mistake.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

It'll be amazing.

[David Tennant]

Well, I'll hold you to it one day. Great. But you're. The thing is, you do this, and this is an extraordinary skill you have, and you're so good at it, and it's glorious to watch you in. In the Wild when you do these shows. But you are also an actor. I mean, you also. You also do, like.

[Ben Schwartz]

That's my main thing.

[David Tennant]

You also, like, do normal acting where you learn lines and you sort of do.

[Ben Schwartz]

Improv is like the fun thing I do on the side.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

It's just because there's a strike and the world is ending. I've been doing more improv now. I can fit it in.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

And then now that things are starting to turn up a bit more.

[David Tennant]

But do you ever. Because improvisation is also used as a tool. Yes.

[Ben Schwartz]

Do you do it? You must.

[David Tennant]

I've been in rehearsal room. So a director goes, let's find. Let's improvise the original. The time these characters first met. The time.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, really? I've never done that.

[David Tennant]

You've never. Well, that's what I was going to ask you.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yeah. Improvise, backstory.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, I've never done that. That sounds so fun.

[David Tennant]

Yeah. But. Well, what I was going to ask you, and maybe if you were in that situation. Because, of course, at that point, it's not about being funny. It's not about.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yes.

[David Tennant]

It's not about button on the scene, just about finding some sort of emotional truth by often being quite boring.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yeah.

[David Tennant]

Do you think that would. Do you think you find that quite difficult?

[Ben Schwartz]

I love. There are scenes where I do. Where I'll improvise dramatically, like dramatic improv scenes, or like, I just did audition for something, and in it there's like a pretty hard scene at the end. And if you're with somebody, that'll play. I love going Deeper into. Like, it's either a fight or me bearing my soul with someone or breakup. Like, that is great. I've never done it where it's like a very mundane. The way that you're explaining is like you're trying to find out how these first people met. I think that'd be so fun.

[David Tennant]

Right? That'd be so fun, but with a different objective.

[Ben Schwartz]

I suppose that's your objective, is what to find.

[David Tennant]

Like, I mean, it could be anything, but it's just. Yeah, it's. It's. Some directors will use it as a. As a tool to understand character.

[Ben Schwartz]

Never done before. Would love that.

[David Tennant]

Right, right, right.

[Ben Schwartz]

Never done before.

[David Tennant]

But you'd have to. You. You'd almost be fighting. Presumably your comic instincts.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yes, I would. I would just make sure not to find. I'm not finding the game. You. Right. I would want it. I would want something to happen in the scene. Yeah, it would be. Be right. My instinct is all right now I'm gonna. I'm gonna make it entertaining.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

And. And you're right. I think I would have to fight that instinct.

[David Tennant]

Yeah. Interesting.

[Georgia Tennant]

This is an advertisement from BetterHelp.

[David Tennant]

Hi, Georgia.

[Georgia Tennant]

Hi, David.

[David Tennant]

You know when you think you're fine and then suddenly you realize that your jaw has been clenched for, like, three hours straight?

[Georgia Tennant]

Or you're lying awake at 3am because your brain's decided that that is the perfect time to replay every awkward thing you've ever said.

[David Tennant]

Exactly. For a long time, I don't think I really understood that that was anxiety. I thought that was just what it was to be an adult.

[Georgia Tennant]

You know what gets me is that creeping feeling like you're always behind, even when you're doing everything you possibly can.

[David Tennant]

And then your body goes, oh, well, since you're not listening to me, here's a massive headache and some heartburn.

[Georgia Tennant]

It's like your brain and your body team up to say, right, let's just shut the whole system down until they get the message.

[David Tennant]

But we're so used to just getting on with it, aren't we? Like, being stressed is somehow normal.

[Georgia Tennant]

Yeah. But it doesn't have to be.

[David Tennant]

No.

[Georgia Tennant]

Sometimes the best thing you can do is slow down and actually talk to someone.

[David Tennant]

Therapy can really help with that. Not just in crisis moments, but for learning how to cope, how to set boundaries, how to feel more like yourself again.

[Georgia Tennant]

85% of BetterHelp therapists specialize in anxiety. And 69% of people say their symptoms improved after just six weeks.

[David Tennant]

That can really make a difference.

[Georgia Tennant]

Look at you getting all wise every now and again. Alright, here's the important bit.

[David Tennant]

As the largest online therapy provider in the world, BetterHelp can provide access to mental health professionals with a diverse variety of expert. Get the tools to manage your anxiety with BetterHelp and our listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com Tennant that's betterhelp.com T E N-N-A-N-T Here's a.

[Ben Schwartz]

List of reasons to use Instacart. The game is on. The game just ended.

[David Tennant]

The next game is on.

[Ben Schwartz]

Life is busy.

[David Tennant]

But with Instacart, you really don't ever.

[Ben Schwartz]

Have to leave the couch. Do with this information what you will. So download the Instacart app and get.

[David Tennant]

Whatever you crave for the game and.

[Ben Schwartz]

Whatever else you need delivered in as fast as 30 minutes.

[David Tennant]

Plus enjoy.

[Ben Schwartz]

$0 delivery fees on your first three grocery orders. Instacart.

[David Tennant]

We're here.

[Ben Schwartz]

Service fees apply. Three orders in 14 days excludes restaurants.

[David Tennant]

So as a kid, was it comedy that got you excited?

[Ben Schwartz]

Loved it, right? So much. But it would never would have the balls to do it when I was a kid, never dreamed about it, I used to watch Saturday Night Live and at the end of Saturday Night Live when they wave.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

I used to get emotional because of how amazing that must feel like to do that show. And then afterwards with your friends, wave. You just completed Saturday Night Live. And I used to watch it and not understand why I was like, getting emotional. But I think it's because, like, that would be the dream of all dreams.

[David Tennant]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

But like, it's like being an astronaut. I didn't know anybody who did it. It didn't seem real.

[David Tennant]

No precedents around you?

[Ben Schwartz]

No. My mom was a Bronx school teacher for 50 years. My dad was a social worker who then was a director of the ymha, then went into real estate.

[David Tennant]

Okay.

[Ben Schwartz]

So it's like there was no, there was nobody I could look to and say, this person did it or this person. I never met a famous person.

[David Tennant]

Right.

[Ben Schwartz]

So it's like it was not real. So then that thing in college was such a big deal because me doing improv was the first time, me being like, am I allowed to do this? And then so school, there was no.

[David Tennant]

Drama, there was nothing like that.

[Ben Schwartz]

I just sang. I did, I did madrigals and chorus and all that stuff, but I never did anything where I never performed. Right. College is my first time ever performing.

[David Tennant]

I, I, I literally didn't conceive that.

[Ben Schwartz]

You could, I Didn't think it was possible.

[David Tennant]

Right.

[Ben Schwartz]

I don't know anybody that had a job like that.

[David Tennant]

Right.

[Ben Schwartz]

So I was going to go into real estate or I was probably gonna be a social worker or a therapist or something like that. Or a teacher.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

So it's not anything that need a specific. Whatever.

[David Tennant]

So then how.

[Ben Schwartz]

But I think secretly I always was like, okay, I think in the back.

[David Tennant]

How secret was it?

[Ben Schwartz]

Very. I wouldn't dare.

[David Tennant]

Not even admitting to yourself.

[Ben Schwartz]

No way. I wouldn't even let myself audition for team because I didn't want to. I didn't. The only thing I had was that people thought I was funny.

[David Tennant]

Right.

[Ben Schwartz]

And what if the funny people said I wasn't funny? Then what? I'm just a little piece of.

[David Tennant]

Because that was your validation whenever you made someone laugh.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yeah.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

I think that was a big part of like, God. Can you imagine if like. So performing was too scary. Way too scary.

[David Tennant]

Yeah. How do you do. But you move your Bronx and then Westchester.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, my God. Yeah. Lived in Riverdale in the Bronx, which is the northern tip of the Bronx. Then went to the suburbs in Westchester. Public schools my whole life. Yeah. And yeah. So but then how are you gonna.

[David Tennant]

Go, okay, I'm moving and this is it. I'm gonna do it.

[Ben Schwartz]

What's after college? Okay. So when I was in college, I almost had cum laude, which they must have that here, right? Cum laude is like, once you get a high enough grade point average, they give you the. The decree that you're cum laude, which is like. That's.

[David Tennant]

We. We would call that with honors, probably. What I'm looking through the glass.

[Ben Schwartz]

No, I bet that's what it is.

[David Tennant]

Yeah, I think. Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

So I was very close to getting it and I had friends who were on the football team that. Where they're going to fail out of college. And the way they don't fail out is they take this acting class because everybody gets an A and it raises their gpa. So I said, I'm going to take this acting class and it's going to bump me up that tiny bit that's going to make me come loud. I'm almost there.

[David Tennant]

Okay.

[Ben Schwartz]

So I'm guaranteed in that class because the football players are doing in there. So I took it. And you had.

[David Tennant]

Football players can do it.

[Ben Schwartz]

Well, they're just. You don't even. You just have to show up.

[David Tennant]

Right.

[Ben Schwartz]

And you get a good grade.

[David Tennant]

Right.

[Ben Schwartz]

Because how are you. Like, are you going to give someone a bad grade if they're not a good actor? That's so unfair. You know what I mean? It's just like the process of doing it. You have to audition for the play if you're in the class.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

So I auditioned, and it was a Brecht play. It was Caucasian chalk circle, which is very thick.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

I got as Deck. I got cast as Aztec. So I was huge.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

So it was like I never memorized anything before, and I had to memorize Brecht and Asda. It was a very big and scary role. And so I did the play. And the director, afterwards, my parents came to see the play, came up to my parents, said, just so, you know, he could do this if he wants to try. And they're like, really? And he's like, yeah, he's. He could. He could maybe do this.

[David Tennant]

Hey.

[Ben Schwartz]

And. And they're like, okay. And then it went to my parents. I said, you know what? Now that I'm doing improv in college, I want to do it when I'm out of college. Can I have, like, a year or two to try this? And my dad's like, try for a year or two, and if you fail, you'll get. You'll get a real job.

[David Tennant]

Okay.

[Ben Schwartz]

And that's how it started. I took classes at ucb. I couldn't afford them, so I became an intern at ucb, did the garbage and gave out tickets.

[David Tennant]

Wow.

[Ben Schwartz]

For free. Classes. Started taking classes at ucb. So I started at the very bottom of the rung of the ladder, and then slowly took the classes. Got a little bit better. A little bit better. Then I formed this team with Adam Pally and Gil Ozeri called Hot Sauce. Then we started playing Montreal Comedy Festival. Now people kind of learning about us. And then I started to get writing work. I wrote for Robot Chicken, and I was freelancing for Letterman and freelancing for SNL's.

[David Tennant]

It's like sending in jokes, faxing and jokes.

[Ben Schwartz]

That's how long I. I had to buy a fax machine and buy a phone line. And the jokes would pay. Like, if I got one on, would pay 75 bucks. All that money would go into paying my phone bill or the fax.

[David Tennant]

And that's for, like, the opening monologue at Letterman.

[Ben Schwartz]

Letterman is opening monologue. I did it for. I got 21 jokes on and over how long? Three years, maybe.

[David Tennant]

Okay. And then would you watch every night not knowing?

[Ben Schwartz]

So I was, oh, this is great, David. You're really doing well. It's crazy that this is your first time ever doing podcast. So I was a page at Letterman, which means That I would show people to their seats, show literally, like, this.

[David Tennant]

Is where you sit.

[Ben Schwartz]

That's literally what I gave out tickets. So I was in the theater when Dave is doing his monologue, right. And so I would be every day faxing in jokes.

[David Tennant]

You're faxing in jokes, then you're going to work to help people take their tickets.

[Ben Schwartz]

I'm a freelance writer, so I'm not a real writer. I fax in jokes. And if they don't like any of the regular writers jokes, they'll look at the facts and jokes. And I found out later that Johnny Carson would fax and jokes to Letterman.

[David Tennant]

Wow.

[Ben Schwartz]

All the time. And when Johnny died, Letterman did a monologue that was all of his facts and jokes.

[David Tennant]

Wow.

[Ben Schwartz]

Isn't that so cool?

[David Tennant]

Yes.

[Ben Schwartz]

So. So it's me and like some legends, but mostly just like, it's just like free writing from people because they don't have to pay me unless I use it.

[David Tennant]

Wow.

[Ben Schwartz]

So I would write 20 jokes a day for three years.

[David Tennant]

How did you know to start doing that?

[Ben Schwartz]

One of my friends who was an intern there was doing it. And I asked him if you can get me in. And they said no. And then I was polite and resilient and asked one more time. I said, hey, I'm about to stop being your page. Is it possible? And they said, okay, you could write three jokes a day. And so I wrote three jokes, and the head writer, Steve, or the head writer for the monologue guy name was Steve Young, would give me notes and be like, this is how Letterman talks. He doesn't talk in big paragraphs. You have to do it quicker. Like this, okay. And then I got my first joke on and then my second joke on. Then I designed a contract to be a freelance guy.

[David Tennant]

Oh, I see.

[Ben Schwartz]

So I'm in the back of the crowd, and every day when Letterman ends his monologue, he points to Paul Shaffer and says, ladies and gentlemen, Paul Schaefer, the CBS Orchestra, or something like that. And so I know the monologue's over, so I got very comfortable working there because I was there for two years, some of that. And so anytime I was, he didn't say one of my jokes. And he would start to point. I literally would say, because I didn't get any jokes on. And the person had to tell me once he yelled at me, he said, we can hear you in the, in the show. We can hear you, right? You cannot say, like, it's happened twice now. And he has to tell me to shut up. Like, stop being disappointed. When your jokes didn't get on.

[David Tennant]

So $75. If a joke got on $75. You ever have two at once in.

[Ben Schwartz]

In Weekend Update, the only time I got jokes on was twice, one show.

[David Tennant]

Oh, wow.

[Ben Schwartz]

So we can update twice one show. Letterman once every now and then, right? Yeah.

[David Tennant]

That must have felt like such a rush.

[Ben Schwartz]

It was because you did.

[David Tennant]

It was presumably. It was all done so up to the Wire.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, yeah. I would never know. I would never know. Even on snl, you would never know.

[David Tennant]

Wow.

[Ben Schwartz]

Until they say it. And so it would be first time.

[David Tennant]

Letterman said your joke.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, one time. The first.

[David Tennant]

Were you paging that night?

[Ben Schwartz]

The first time he ever said my joke. He said a joke that was mine. But then they said two times in a row. I don't know if they were lying. They said someone else wrote a similar joke, which is possible because we take the headlines at night, but it happened twice in a row. And then the third time, he's like, okay, yeah, that one was yours. So, like, the first few times I was like, huh? And like, not yet. And the third one, he's like, okay, all right.

[David Tennant]

That must have been so exciting.

[Ben Schwartz]

It was.

[David Tennant]

Had you. Had you always looked up to Letterman?

[Ben Schwartz]

Letterman was our guy, of course. Conan was like the cool guy. But Letterman was the one that my dad. Mom watched.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

So every night I would. My parents are sleeping, you know, I mean, like, they're laying down normal. And I would sleep, you know, horizontal to their vertical, near their feet.

[David Tennant]

All right.

[Ben Schwartz]

I'd watch Letterman while they're watching Letterman. Right. And then we'd watch it every single night. So the idea that I was now writing and maybe he would say my lines, it was the biggest deal in the world. Yeah, it was crazy.

[David Tennant]

And you finally appeared on the show. Right.

[Ben Schwartz]

That was so. I like bucket list things. That was one of them. I was a guest on the show right before he retired.

[David Tennant]

Me too.

[Ben Schwartz]

Did you?

[David Tennant]

I think I was a couple of months before you.

[Ben Schwartz]

You were show.

[David Tennant]

And I looked it up. You were 28 January 2015.

[Ben Schwartz]

And what were you?

[David Tennant]

I was like, November 2014. It was definitely.

[Ben Schwartz]

Was that your guy or do you care about talk shows here or.

[David Tennant]

No, I knew it because I sort of had an interest in that culture for sure. And Letterman, of course, he's a huge, colossal.

[Ben Schwartz]

What would be the equivalent? Graham Norton?

[David Tennant]

I suppose it'd be Graham Norton or Jonathan Ross, but they're much more recent. We don't have the kind of history of Michael Parkinson is.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, sure.

[David Tennant]

Is the one, I guess. The kind of old school one here.

[Ben Schwartz]

Right.

[David Tennant]

But it's, that's less of a sort of comedy thing. He's more of an interviewer.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yeah. Like we had a Tom Snyder, which is very similar.

[David Tennant]

Yeah, yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

Or Larry King.

[David Tennant]

Yeah. But you, you were very aware of Letterman because he was so cool and.

[Ben Schwartz]

He was, he was the coolest dude.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

He would throw off the, the roof.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

He would like to, he had like, he had something called monkey cam where he took a camera, put it on a monkey and the monkey would run around the audience or something. He did the craziest stuff.

[David Tennant]

He was.

[Ben Schwartz]

Then Conan was even more bananas, which was even more.

[David Tennant]

It was the one time that I've ever, I, I've done a talk show and I had my phone in my pocket. So as the, soon, as soon as he went, that's our show, I think I was the last to get a picture of him. I took my phone out because I thought, he's going to exit this stage, he's giving this show up.

[Ben Schwartz]

Of course, he could disappear to a.

[David Tennant]

Cabin in the woods and never be seen again. And I've got two selfies with me and David Letterman really, that I go. Literally just as he was exiting the stage, I went, dave, Dave, Dave, this is my only chance.

[Ben Schwartz]

Were you nervous? Were you anxious?

[David Tennant]

Yeah, of course.

[Ben Schwartz]

I can't do. I'm really bad at that.

[David Tennant]

Of course. But I just thought.

[Ben Schwartz]

And you never do that. I feel like I never do that.

[David Tennant]

I would never do it. And. But it just thought he's going to exit. I will, he will, he will be gone.

[Ben Schwartz]

They do.

[David Tennant]

He will leave public life as well. I thought, well, I mean, he's sort of come back now, isn't he?

[Ben Schwartz]

A little bit. But you're right, he's kind of.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

You know what's so funny for, for the audience who watches talk shows, one of the funniest things about a talk show is that you get there, you're in the green room, there's a live band playing, there's a huge audience, the warm up act comes on, the first guest comes on, second guest, there's a musical act, everything's going crazy. And you get off stage and you're kind of like still like have the energy with you. And when the show's over, you look around, everybody's gone.

[David Tennant]

Oh God.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yeah. You think that it's like up for you. It's such a big deal because you're there one day every year.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

And then you look around and it's over. The energy's gone. Nobody's there. You're totally by yourself. A security guard shows you where the door is. Yeah. And it's just such a funny feeling where you're like bubbling with, oh, my God, we did this. Guys, can you. There's nobody to say, guys, can you believe. Yeah, they're gone. They're. They're coming back tomorrow.

[David Tennant]

And you didn't. I mean, David Letterman, I only met on stage, of course. No, sort of saying hi beforehand.

[Ben Schwartz]

Of course.

[David Tennant]

None of that.

[Ben Schwartz]

No. I was terrified for Letterman. I was terrible. I've never been scared of her talk show.

[David Tennant]

But made worse by the fact that you don't get. I mean like Seth Meyers comes and says hi. Comes and says hi.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[David Tennant]

Stephen Colbert. I've done Steve. I've done Stephen Colbert twice. And he makes you feel very.

[Ben Schwartz]

I love Colbert.

[David Tennant]

Very relaxed.

[Ben Schwartz]

I interviewed him for a big thing. Did you? Always the best.

[David Tennant]

So nice.

[Ben Schwartz]

We turned into. I kind of put a bunch of improv in there. We like turned into a show was great.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

I love Colbert.

[David Tennant]

He's great. I did his. I did issue once. I thought, this is great. We're like, we did like a little sketch as well. It was great. Then a few months later I went back and did it again. I thought, oh, my old mate Stephen. And I went on sat. And I think he went, it's so nice to meet you for the first time. You said that.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, no.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

Did you say anything? No. You rolled with it.

[David Tennant]

Of course I did. I went likewise.

[Ben Schwartz]

We're friends, we're chums. We've done a sketch already.

[David Tennant]

Yeah, yeah. But you're very good on all that sort of stuff because you bring.

[Ben Schwartz]

Talk shows are fun and I also like to make them unique and I like to try to push them away from. I don't like when you're looking at questions. I was like, God, I can. We can have. Let's just have fun.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

I hate thinking of questions beforehand when they do this pre interview things. I never have anything.

[David Tennant]

You got any Funny Story?

[Ben Schwartz]

No. Do you?

[David Tennant]

No, of course you don't.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, did anything fun happen on set? I was like, no.

[David Tennant]

I mean, if it did, I've immediately forgotten about it because you've asked me that deathly question.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yes, I, I never. I have friends that like. And even the old school guys. Billy Crystal, when he does a talk show, he prepares. He's amazing.

[David Tennant]

Yeah, right, right.

[Ben Schwartz]

Martin Short looks like he has these great jokes, you know.

[David Tennant]

Yeah, yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

And I have friends that get very nervous before them, so they really do the research. And they're way more prepared, and they probably have better. I'm way more hit or miss. I'm either going to be really entertaining or like, oh, well, you know what I mean? And then I'll feel it if it's going just like, oh, well. And I'll, like, during the interview, be like, oh. It's like, oh. But then when it goes really well. My first Colbert was very exciting, right. He went off like crazy with me. Even Fallon, who doesn't really, I don't think improvises a ton, went off like crazy, right? And it's so fun when we. When he goes.

[David Tennant]

Stephen Colbert's like a genius, though, right? I mean, his brain is incredible. When I first went. I started. I was doing Richard II at the time. He started quoting it to me. I mean, not just a bit. Really kept going. And then when they went to commercials, he kept doing Richard second at me. I'm like, going, who knows? Chunks of Richard ii. It's not.

[Ben Schwartz]

How do you know that? But you don't remember that we met. Yeah. That's insane.

[David Tennant]

Exactly.

[Ben Schwartz]

You could do all Richard ii, but I literally did a sketch with you. We got to get him on the phone. Yeah, get him on the phone.

[David Tennant]

Come on, Steve. Come on. Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

It's that time of year when I literally have Nothing to wear. 30% off all Abercrombie dresses came at the perfect time. When I hear the words all dresses, I know I need to fill my cart. And the Anf Mila dress is at the top of my list. Use code Spotify AF at checkout for an extra 15% off. Almost everything through April 14, 2025, and in stores and online in US and Canada. Exclusions apply. See details online. 30% off all dresses is valid in stores and online through April 14, 2025.

[David Tennant]

In US and Canada.

[Ben Schwartz]

Excludes clearance online Price reflects discount.

[David Tennant]

After New York.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yeah.

[David Tennant]

You moved to la. Was that, like, the obvious thing to do was. Were you reluctant to do that?

[Ben Schwartz]

I was really close to my family. Yeah, of course. Very, very. I still talk to my dad every day. I talk to my mom, you know, a bunch of times, and it's like. And my sister. So it's like, I didn't want to leave my family and also so scary to go somewhere else. But I don't know anybody. Yeah, but I knew I had to go there. The only jobs in comedy in New York were to write for Letterman, to write for snl, to write for the Tonight Show. Oh, no, Tony, I don't even know was there yet. And it was so hard to. And I don't think I was getting on snl, so I was like, I gotta go over there. I gotta try. I want to start acting. I really want to start acting. So I did a bunch of stuff that was on, like, YouTube and stuff. And I knew if I went over there, I would at least be able to show people what I do, because nobody. Nobody there had seen me on stage before. Because you would have to live in New York.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

So I went over there, and I, like, had all my shorts that I wrote and acted in. And the first three months that I was there, I got so lucky. I worked really, really hard. I've always tried to work harder than everybody else.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

So it's like I was like, there's so many people that are funnier than me. I was like, but maybe if I work harder, I can open up more doors to at least try to get luckier. But the first three months I was there, I got cast as the lead in a TV show. I got hired to write for the Oscars, and I got cast as one of the leads in a movie in the first three months I was there.

[David Tennant]

Right.

[Ben Schwartz]

So, like, immediately, off to the races.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

And I, like. And I was able to keep that going for a bit.

[David Tennant]

How do you end up writing jokes to the Oscars? How does that come around?

[Ben Schwartz]

I had a meeting with Hugh Jackman's company to write.

[David Tennant]

Because he was hosting.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yep. To maybe write a movie for him. So, like, do you have any ideas for movies for him? And then they knew that I freelanced for those shows, so I was pretty good with jokes. And they were looking for someone, and they hired me. Dan Harmon, who created Community, and Rick and Morty and Rob Schrob, who is a great writer, too. And the three of us wrote his musical number.

[David Tennant]

Right.

[Ben Schwartz]

That started that show. And then we won an Emmy for writing for the Oscars, which is the funniest thing.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

Which also, when I won the Emmy Emmy, I was like, my life has changed. This is gonna be amazing. And nothing changed.

[David Tennant]

Turns out nobody cares.

[Ben Schwartz]

Nobody cares.

[David Tennant]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

For that day, I got a bunch of text.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

And then nothing in my career changed.

[David Tennant]

Right.

[Ben Schwartz]

You always think, like, oh, this is the role where all of a sudden, now everything's gonna open up and, like, for a day or so, it's exciting. And then nobody cares.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yeah.

[David Tennant]

If there was a rule like that for you, that was it. Was it getting on Parks and Rec.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yes.

[David Tennant]

Right.

[Ben Schwartz]

Great transition.

[David Tennant]

God.

[Ben Schwartz]

David, you're on Fire.

[David Tennant]

We're on fire. Absolutely. Well, how did that come about?

[Ben Schwartz]

Great story, David.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

Do you want to hear it?

[David Tennant]

I do.

[Ben Schwartz]

What if you said no?

[David Tennant]

Yes.

[Ben Schwartz]

A nightmare for someone who's in our industry. I had. Okay. So I did these short films for ESPN where I would interview athletes. It was like before, between. Do ferns, all this. And I would. I was like an arrogant idiot. And I would interview these big time athletes, Olympians and NFL players and all those people.

[David Tennant]

Okay. Real actual athletes.

[Ben Schwartz]

And I would tell them, just react normally. I'm gonna be an idiot and an asshole.

[David Tennant]

Okay.

[Ben Schwartz]

And that was the bit. And so they went on the air and then Mike Scher, who's a big sports fan, saw those and liked the way I was playing him. And he said, I want to have a meeting with Ben. And I was starting to. My name was a little bit in the improv community and in the. And so it was to play. I don't know if you've seen the show. Have you seen.

[David Tennant]

Yeah, of course.

[Ben Schwartz]

So Louis CK Played Amy Poehler's boyfriend.

[David Tennant]

Right.

[Ben Schwartz]

It was for that role. And I had a meeting with Mike Scher, Katie Dippold, who I improvised with now, and Harris Whittles, who's a great writer who's since passed away, but an incredible writer. And he. Mike Scher goes to me, he says, you're not right for this role. You're too young. But he goes, think about this like the Simpsons in Springfield. There's going to be a mill house. There's going to be all these different characters. So if we find a place for you.

[David Tennant]

So this was right at the beginning of the show?

[Ben Schwartz]

Yeah, it was like the beginning of season two.

[David Tennant]

Okay.

[Ben Schwartz]

So this is. That's how it starts. This is a great, great, terrible Hollywood story. So then I. I find out this is what happened a few weeks later. They want to offer me John Ralphio, which at the time is just a paragraph. One paragraph in an episode.

[David Tennant]

That one scene.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yeah, just the beginning of that. That's it. And that's all that they sent. And my agent got a call, but he wasn't there. And so his assistant picked up, but his assistant wasn't there. Someone was subbing in for his assistant. This person picked up the phone, they said, hey, we want to offer Ben this thing. And that assistant, who I never met, turned down the role.

[David Tennant]

What?

[Ben Schwartz]

Without asking me or talking to me, turn down the role. So this is what happens without me knowing. Six hours later, Katie Dippold, who's my friend who writes for the show, Calls me and says, hey, man, totally cool that you want to pass. It's just. It seemed like you really wanted to be on the show, and we wanted to have you, so I just want to ask why you passed. And I go, past on what? She goes, we offered you a role in the show. And she goes, listen, I know it's a small role, but there's a chance he could come back later in the series. And I go, I literally have no idea what you're talking about. Whatever it is, I'm in. She goes, oh, really? You passed today. I go, I have no idea you're talking about whatever it is. I don't even need to read it. Whatever it is, I'll do it. She goes, oh, my God. Amazing. Great. And then I call my agent, and I was like, what happened? And he's like, oh, I don't know what happened? And then I don't know if they're recovering for themselves, because if you look at the role, one paragraph in a whole episode, and I was already doing, like, the lead of pilots and stuff, I could see them being like, that's not enough. But they passed on the role. And if I didn't have my friend in the writer's room, yeah. I never would have found out. I never would have been John Ralphio. My career would have been totally.

[David Tennant]

Wow.

[Ben Schwartz]

And then I went there, and the first rehearsal was with Nick Offerman, who plays Ron Swanson, because you come in.

[David Tennant]

To be his assistant or something, right? Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

That's the first scene. Yeah, the first rehearsal. The first scene. I do it, and Mike Schur comes next to me, goes, we're gonna be writing you in. And he goes upstairs, and they start writing the other episodes with me in it. Right off that first rehearsal.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

And it was life changing, and I. Someone turned down the role without telling me.

[David Tennant]

Whoa.

[Ben Schwartz]

Isn't that crazy?

[David Tennant]

Have you ever found out what went on?

[Ben Schwartz]

No.

[David Tennant]

You just have to assume they were.

[Ben Schwartz]

Thinking, I want to be mad at anybody. Yeah.

[David Tennant]

Wow.

[Ben Schwartz]

Isn't that crazy?

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

It makes you think, what else has happened that I have no idea about?

[David Tennant]

But do you notice things changing sort of straight away? Because that's a huge show and you're.

[Ben Schwartz]

I noticed myself getting a lot of arrogant, idiot roles, like, okay, all of a sudden, a lot of offers for, like, John Raphael types or like, my friends who were doing commercials would be like, your name keeps coming up, like this Ben Schwartz or John Ralphio type character. So I was like, oh, people are starting to pay attention. Or people would sing at me. At a bar or something like that. Like the way my character sings.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

And I was like, oh, okay, now people are starting to see this. And then I started getting auditions for movies and then. And then bigger leads in TV shows, and I was like, oh, okay, this is starting to lead to everything else.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

But I always carved out being able to do John Ralphio. So when I did John Ralphio, I had done three different TV shows throughout the course. That.

[David Tennant]

Right.

[Ben Schwartz]

And that was my side gig. That I'd be like, one day a week, please let me go.

[David Tennant]

Right, right, right.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yeah.

[David Tennant]

And how much of that. It looks very freewheeling and quite. I mean, how much of that was scripted and how much of that scripts were amazing?

[Ben Schwartz]

We always did the words as is. And then we do something called Fun Run.

[David Tennant]

Okay.

[Ben Schwartz]

Which is do whatever you want.

[David Tennant]

Right, right.

[Ben Schwartz]

But they would always let me go even more bananas than they really let me go. Crazy.

[David Tennant]

Right.

[Ben Schwartz]

For a bunch of takes.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

And we kind of find it. And then by the end, when they said do whatever you want, I'd be like a cartoon.

[David Tennant]

Okay.

[Ben Schwartz]

And sometimes my character comes across the cartoon because I use those take stakes.

[David Tennant]

How many times did they use those things?

[Ben Schwartz]

A lot.

[David Tennant]

Right?

[Ben Schwartz]

A lot. That ended up being a lot. But if you watch my character from the beginning to the end, I start off as like kind of a human being that exists on Earth, and I end as like a straight up Muppet. I appear coming out of couches. I'm like, singing in people's ears that I've never met before. Things that a human being would never do. Like such an idiot. Such a dummy, but joyous. The. It was my. It was like one of my favorite things I've ever done.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

I love it so much.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

And it'd be a joy. And also being the guest star, you just pop in for a day.

[David Tennant]

Yeah. No pressure. No pressure.

[Ben Schwartz]

Heaven.

[David Tennant]

Yeah. And then you also start to become a regular in the world of animation. I mean, it's not just Sonic. You've done a lot. You've done Teenage mutant Ninja Turtles, DuckTales with you. Duck Turtles.

[Ben Schwartz]

I've done a lot of Star Wars.

[David Tennant]

Droid.

[Ben Schwartz]

I did a Droid.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

I've done. I've done a lot of animated things because I was obsessed with cartoons when I was a kid.

[David Tennant]

Is that why.

[Ben Schwartz]

Is that why you're playing video games and.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

By the way, you play video games, does the audience know that you used to play video games?

[David Tennant]

I do. I would if. If I didn't have quite so many children. I would definitely play more.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yes. You have a lot of children.

[David Tennant]

It's, it's, it's finding the time. But I do enjoy it when I do. Yes.

[Ben Schwartz]

When I was a kid, video games to me meant so much. I loved video games when I was a kid, still now, but. And when I was a kid, it was like my identity as a kid.

[David Tennant]

Right.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yeah.

[David Tennant]

So landing Sonic, that's, that's got a bit of a full circle thing there. Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

Crazy.

[David Tennant]

How did it. What happened?

[Ben Schwartz]

That one was, it was great. I was having a meeting with Tim Miller who directed Deadpool, and what happened was someone owned Sonic, some studio owned Sonic and they didn't want. They couldn't find a movie to make, so they released it. So Tim Miller was going to make a five minute short and take that short and shop it to all the different studios and see if anybody wanted to do a Sonic movie.

[David Tennant]

Right.

[Ben Schwartz]

I was having a meeting with him about something else and he told me, they're doing this short. I said, hey, I do a lot of animation. If you ever need me for whatever, I love that character. And then a couple days later, he's like, they all called me. They said, it doesn't mean you're in the movie. And by, by the way, probably means you're not going to be in the movie, but would you just do us a favor? And for the short, for the five minutes, because the other person they cast in that did not get in the movie.

[David Tennant]

Oh.

[Ben Schwartz]

So it's like it was very much just a selling tool.

[David Tennant]

Yeah, sure.

[Ben Schwartz]

They took it, Paramount bought it and they're going to make the movie. And I'm sure they went to very famous people and offered it to very famous people or had conversations with them. But that test footage kept coming back and Paramount kept liking it and like, improvised as a character and brought comedy and heart to it. And like, they just kept hearing it over and over again. And I think they're like, once we got Jim Carrey and we had this huge person there, I think it probably alleviated some tension that we had to get some super popular.

[David Tennant]

Right, right, right.

[Ben Schwartz]

And I was doing well at the time, but I wasn't, you know, a superstar. And then they finally were like, after months, they're like, okay, Ben, you're gonna be him. And I went. I was so excited.

[David Tennant]

I bet.

[Ben Schwartz]

I remember where I was, I, like, was pump fisting. I couldn't believe it. Jeff Fowler, the director, called me. I was so excited. It was a huge moment.

[David Tennant]

Right, right.

[Ben Schwartz]

Is there a role that you would Die to do. If there was a reboot of something, I don't know, that felt rebootable.

[David Tennant]

I mean, I've sort of been in. I mean, I've always loved Marvel comics, but I've sort of. I've been in the Marvel world. I did Jessica Jones, so.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, yeah, that's true.

[David Tennant]

So I guess I probably. And I love that. I'm very proud of that.

[Ben Schwartz]

But is there like. Is there a superhero that you're like, God, this is my favorite comic as a kid.

[David Tennant]

Yeah. But I. That was incredible. Hulk. I'm not an incredible.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, I would love to see it. You would never want to get you angry. You hate you when you're angry.

[David Tennant]

Yeah, that would have been. I'm very happy. Mark Ruffalo does it very well.

[Ben Schwartz]

I wonder why you love the Hulk. Was it the idea of this person just letting out all of his rage?

[David Tennant]

I think it was the. I think it's such an interesting character. What's kind of Jekyll and I. Doesn't it.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yeah, of course.

[David Tennant]

And it's the fact that it's not. He's not really a superhero. He's a kind of tragic figure who also.

[Ben Schwartz]

And a super smart doctor.

[David Tennant]

Yeah. And he's kind of. I suppose it's the misery. The tragedy of him. Isn't it? But then also the fact that he can smash things up.

[Ben Schwartz]

I know, right?

[David Tennant]

As that extraordinary kind of leveling power.

[Ben Schwartz]

Absolutely.

[David Tennant]

As a child you feel is far away from you.

[Ben Schwartz]

I love Spider man because it was a kid who was funny.

[David Tennant]

Okay.

[Ben Schwartz]

And from New York. York.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

Kid was funny.

[David Tennant]

Yeah. Of course.

[Ben Schwartz]

Swing. So I was like, oh, my God, this is the coolest thing in the world.

[David Tennant]

Did the New Yorkness of it particularly appeal?

[Ben Schwartz]

Yeah. And also. Yes. And also that you could be funny. I love the idea being Plastic Man. The DC universe is a funny character.

[David Tennant]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

So it's like Spider Man, Plastic Man. I loved. I loved still to be cast.

[David Tennant]

Right.

[Ben Schwartz]

Listen, I think everybody knows I want to be there or the guys over there know. I don't know if we can never say enough. Okay. Yes, I'd love to play Plastic man. But then also I. My me being cool about it is so far gone. Like, it's so off now. I feel like, yeah, you.

[David Tennant]

Then you might as well just lean into the kind of.

[Ben Schwartz]

I've chatted with people about it and stuff like that. We'll see what happens.

[David Tennant]

Yeah. Does the freelance life scare you still? Or do you feel like, okay, I've got this freelance. Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

Being like the idea of all of us not knowing what's next.

[David Tennant]

Exactly. Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

I think the older I get, the more time I'm okay with not doing stuff. Stuff. Oftentimes I'd have to fill up every minute of every day.

[David Tennant]

Yeah, you're. You're very. You're always writing something, doing something, developing.

[Ben Schwartz]

The older you get and the more people you're around that you care about, the more time you want to give to family and stuff like that. So my priorities change. The way that I tour is different. I only. I only tour one weekend a month.

[David Tennant]

Okay.

[Ben Schwartz]

So I'm never gone for more than three days away from my family, stuff like that. But it's like the. My priorities change and then. Although it is interesting when I don't get a role, I don't know if you audition anymore. When's the last time you auditioned? Never. You haven't?

[David Tennant]

A while ago, a couple years ago. Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

So every now and then I'll have an audition and.

[David Tennant]

It was awful, by the way.

[Ben Schwartz]

Were you.

[David Tennant]

Well, it was a terrible experience.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, I bet you. What was the last thing you auditioned for?

[David Tennant]

I better not be too specific. But it was.

[Ben Schwartz]

Don't tell me, don't tell me, don't tell me.

[David Tennant]

It was for quite a well known.

[Ben Schwartz]

Did you get the role?

[David Tennant]

No, no, I didn't get the role. And I had an awful experience.

[Ben Schwartz]

Some experience is awful. Or you did a bad job.

[David Tennant]

I don't think I got what they wanted. I mean, I did a job in the room.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, my God. I've had that before. I auditioned for. How to say this. Yeah. I auditioned for a Harry Potter fantastic Beast movie.

[David Tennant]

Okay.

[Ben Schwartz]

And I was so excited. And the sides were like super, super secret. And. Yeah, yeah, you can't take a picture of the sides. And I took a screenshot of the side so I could memorize them all. When I didn't have WI fi.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

I got a call immediately when I took a screen.

[David Tennant]

They knew you'd done it.

[Ben Schwartz]

It was a app.

[David Tennant]

Of course. It's sorcery. It was magic. Beast.

[Ben Schwartz]

Of course.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

And I got a call. They said, oh, my God, you can't. And I was like, oh, no, I just want to. I'm not gonna have WI fi. And I want to memorize it outside of my house. And they're like. And they were like, I thought I jeopardized the whole thing. So I. I met with.

[David Tennant]

How do they know you've taken a. It was screen.

[Ben Schwartz]

It was so. It wasn't a download. I had to read it off of an app. And this was an early app.

[David Tennant]

Right.

[Ben Schwartz]

And then story. I wonder if I shouldn't tell the story.

[David Tennant]

Ah, come on.

[Ben Schwartz]

All right, so I did it. And so I got through to the round where you're auditioning with the director and the very famous producer.

[David Tennant]

Okay.

[Ben Schwartz]

Hugely famous British producer, David Heyman.

[David Tennant]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

And incredible director who I've. Who I've had another meeting with about something else. He was awesome.

[David Tennant]

Nice.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yes. He was so nice. And I went in and I did it, and I was fine. But I looked at him. I just knew I wasn't the right guy.

[David Tennant]

Right.

[Ben Schwartz]

But I was. I was, like, so desperate. And I got to this round. I got the last round. And I was like, who knows if it's the last round, by the way? It was around where I got.

[David Tennant]

Sure.

[Ben Schwartz]

I met big people.

[David Tennant]

It felt like it was the sharp end.

[Ben Schwartz]

And I was like, can I do it one more time? Like, of course. And David gave me some direction. I do it again. And they're so nice. And they're so British. They're being so nice to me.

[David Tennant]

Me.

[Ben Schwartz]

And I know I'm not there. And I was like. And I felt like such an. And I go. I knew I wasn't gonna get it. And I was like, cut it one more time. And now I knew I was, like, pushing it. And they're like, sure, yeah, sure. And I do it again. I just know I'm not getting the role. I'm just fine. And I'm not. I'm not what he sees.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

And that. I was, like, so bummed. Like, those are the interviews I remember. I was like, so, like. I just knew I couldn't do anything. I wasn't gonna ever be the guy. Yeah, that was like. That was like, one of those things. But I remember taking a picture of that screenshot and getting a call right after.

[David Tennant]

That's amazing.

[Ben Schwartz]

Needless to say, I was not in. Fantastic.

[David Tennant]

No.

[Ben Schwartz]

Didn't work out for your old pal Ben. I was never really a runner. The way I see running is a gift, especially when you have stage four cancer. I'm Ann. I'm running the Boston Marathon. Presented by bank of America. I run for Dana Farber Cancer Institute. To give people like me a chance to thrive in life, even with cancer. Join bank of America in helping Anne's cause. Give if you can@b of a.com supportann what would you like the power to do references to charitable organizations is not endorsement by bank of America Corporation. Copyright 2025.

[David Tennant]

I have a question from Ty, my son, Ty.

[Ben Schwartz]

Who love Ty. Who I'm gonna see in two days. I think he's coming premiere and who's come to. He's come to Sonic 3 Premiere and has come to shows without the rest of his family.

[David Tennant]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. He's a big fan. Yeah, Big fan. Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

So do you have a. Every podcast you have a question from Ty?

[David Tennant]

No, but he wanted to ask you this. Well, no, I said, what would you ask? What would you ask, Ben? And he came straight out.

[Ben Schwartz]

Ready? He was ready. He had one in the barrel.

[David Tennant]

He did. He said, which of your projects provides the most regular residual checks? Is it Sonic?

[Ben Schwartz]

This is a great question.

[David Tennant]

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or ducktales?

[Ben Schwartz]

You know what's going to blow your mind? Do you know what has been lovely residual wise for the least amount of work done?

[David Tennant]

Is it Teenage Mutant?

[Ben Schwartz]

It's Star wars, the Force Awakens. Because I helped do the voice of bb8.

[David Tennant]

Oh.

[Ben Schwartz]

So like I helped originate the voice. And so every now and then I'll get a check from stars. You helped.

[David Tennant]

So you're not the voice but you. Well, the voice is different.

[Ben Schwartz]

So like I. At the beginning, it was me. Me and JJ would write lines for BB8 and then we would give them to Lucas Films or ILM and then they would turn them into beeps and boop.

[David Tennant]

Ah.

[Ben Schwartz]

So we were. There's like dialogue we would write for him or I would improvise dialogue. And then. And then that didn't work. So I used like a synthesizer and me and Robbie Stambler, who's a great a sound engineer, we would like figure out different things. And then I got a movie and I had to go. And then he hired Bill Hader to keep going with what I was doing. And then in the end, I literally think that. But at the beginning, the way they got me was like, you're gonna do these lines. So they had to like hire me as like, like an actor because I was doing lines as him and they were going to turn it into stuff.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

And then Bill Hader took over and then JJ literally found an app on his iPad and that's what he used, I think.

[David Tennant]

So you're not. It's not your voice at all.

[Ben Schwartz]

I don't. Well, the editors used my actual lines to help editing.

[David Tennant]

Okay.

[Ben Schwartz]

And there's my inflection. Might be there, but is absolutely. Just because you get residual checks every now and then I get a residual check from that. So that. That was a big one. Parks, Parks. House of Lies is a big one because.

[David Tennant]

Oh yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

I think Showtime has to keep buying it to use it for whatever.

[David Tennant]

Okay.

[Ben Schwartz]

And Sonic is just a beautiful one.

[David Tennant]

Yeah, I bet it is. Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

But the funniest one is Star wars, right?

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

It's beeps and boops, and every now and then, I get a check for.

[David Tennant]

Whatever and possibly just an iPad at the end of the day.

[Ben Schwartz]

What a beautiful. What? That's, like, the best.

[David Tennant]

That's nice.

[Ben Schwartz]

That's the greatest gift J.J. ever gave me. I'm sure he knew that, like, every now and then, I'll get a little bit of money every now and then.

[David Tennant]

The one I. The one that I get.

[Ben Schwartz]

DuckTales used to be great.

[David Tennant]

DuckTales is. But. Is okay. But Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, it's not the amount, but the quantity.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, the quantity.

[David Tennant]

They come, like, weekly.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yes.

[David Tennant]

They're all tiny, tiny sums of money.

[Ben Schwartz]

Well, we probably did how many episodes of DuckTales. 70. 80.

[David Tennant]

Oh, we must have done. Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

And then Randy Cunningham and did. Yeah.

[David Tennant]

There's a little full series. It was.

[Ben Schwartz]

Cartoons are the best. Although now with streaming, it's all different.

[David Tennant]

It's all gone.

[Ben Schwartz]

It's all gone.

[David Tennant]

But I. But Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is clearly still being sold.

[Ben Schwartz]

Was it my Turtles, which.

[David Tennant]

No, I don't. I was the Fugitoid in one series in one run. That's what I mean. I only did, like, eight episodes, but really, it comes all the time.

[Ben Schwartz]

You like animations. Why are you drawing animation?

[David Tennant]

Okay. You can do it from your house.

[Ben Schwartz]

It's the best.

[David Tennant]

You can do it from your house. I did a. The Ahsoka series.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yes.

[David Tennant]

And the Droid.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, you and I got to talk about Disneyland before this is over. But keep going.

[David Tennant]

Yeah, I did. I did not leave my house at all. No, I did not leave my house to do Huyang in Ahsoka.

[Ben Schwartz]

During COVID times, I did an entire Teenage Mutant Turtles movie for my house. I did DuckTales for my house, and I did a bunch of Sonic from my house.

[David Tennant]

Right. Do you have, like. What kind of studio setup have you got?

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, it's in a closet. I put it in a closet where clothes are. And I just put. That's all I did.

[David Tennant]

I mean, that's where the.

[Ben Schwartz]

Figuring it out. Yeah. It's crazy. Yeah, we're gonna. There's gonna be documentaries about how everybody dealt with their jobs during COVID Yeah, it's crazy.

[David Tennant]

You've worked with a lot of extraordinary people. Jim Carrey, you're in a movie with right now. Billy Crystal was a big guy. Love yours. Did this. Just working with these people, is that an excitement? Is that a fulfillment? Or do they then become. Do they have sort of when they become human beings? James Corden always says he doesn't get. You know, James. And he said he doesn't. He. He finds he doesn't get starstruck with actors at all because he's a. He knows we're all on set using a chemical toilet.

[Ben Schwartz]

That can't be true.

[David Tennant]

That's what he says.

[Ben Schwartz]

Okay, okay.

[David Tennant]

He says he gets. He says he maybe musicians and people.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, I can see that. I can see that for him. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[David Tennant]

Except for him, because it's a bit unattainable.

[Ben Schwartz]

I could get starstruck in a second.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

But it. A big point that you make is huge. I am starstruck until I'm able to see them as a human.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

Once I start talking, like with Don Cheadle, I like, Also mistake I made with Cheetos. Like, I saw Hotel oh, no. I was like, I saw Hotel Rwanda maybe a month before. I was like, oh, I can never watch someone being incredible before I work them because it'd be too intimidating.

[David Tennant]

Right.

[Ben Schwartz]

I just have to go in and act with the person. Like, I don't want to see. But the second you realize that all these people are so nerdy about something, like, he's obsessed with acting. He's obsessed with jazz. And, like, when we really get talking about stuff, you see, they're just like us.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

Then it's, like, so easy. Or when I do my first scene with them and it goes well. Great. Same with improv. Sometimes I'll be a little nervous on stage the second I get my first big laugh. Jeff to the races.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

So it's. It's whenever I pick my roles now, because when you're older and you have family, it's more like, how do I want to use time? So I pick my roles. If it's, like, a director I want to work with, the script is amazing. Or if it's an actor I want to work with, like, I want to. I gotta be next to Cheadle or I'll do anything with Billy Crystal. Rock. With a movie I did with Sam Rockwell. Maybe the script right off the bat, I wouldn't be sure about, but Rockwell's in. It doesn't matter.

[David Tennant]

Yeah, right.

[Ben Schwartz]

I want to. I want to learn from him. I want to learn from all these people. I want to be better than I am, and I want to be inspired by all these people.

[David Tennant]

So who's still on the list?

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, billions. Literally. Anybody? So many people, so many directors, so many actors. I. There's so many people I want to play with.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yeah.

[David Tennant]

Well, I think you will.

[Ben Schwartz]

You think so?

[David Tennant]

Well, I mean, you're doing pretty well so far.

[Ben Schwartz]

So far, so good.

[David Tennant]

You're racking up.

[Ben Schwartz]

Who do you got? Who's the. Who's your white whale acting and directing?

[David Tennant]

Andy Hawkins.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, that'd be amazing.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

You guys doing Dumb and Dumber together.

[David Tennant]

Exactly.

[Ben Schwartz]

That'd be great. Yeah, that'd be great. And what about director?

[David Tennant]

I mean, Spielberg would. That's great, wouldn't it? I just did a film that he produced.

[Ben Schwartz]

Did he come to set?

[David Tennant]

He. He landed in the car park in a helicopter. He came to set. He got taken on set and had a photograph taken with the core cast of which I was not one.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, no.

[David Tennant]

So he walked past me. He was about as far away as I am from you right now. I saw him walk past and then he got back in his helicopter, went away. So I didn't get to meet him.

[Ben Schwartz]

My one Spielberg story was very similar, where I was. I was writing a script at Bedrobot, which is JJ's company, and sometimes they'll have an office I can use, but they didn't have an office. So I was at an assistant's desk, and behind me was, like, three face molds from different movies. They'd done Star Trek or something where, like, they make a mold of someone's face or whatever. And I'm writing my movie and Spielberg has a meeting with JJ Abrams and they leave, and JJ goes, oh, have you ever met Ben before? But, you know, Spielberg doesn't know who I am, and so he just assumes I'm someone's assistant, which is totally fine. But he goes. He goes, what's it like being here all day? First time I've ever sat at the desk. What's it like being here all day with all those, you know, people behind you? And so I had to make a choice to either correct Steven Spielberg and be like, oh, no, no, I'm writer. I'm actually writing a movie for Universal, your studio right now.

[David Tennant]

Yeah, yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

Or I.

[David Tennant]

Whatever, just go, yeah, I'm the guy at the desk.

[Ben Schwartz]

And I literally said, like, they're staring at me all the time, Stephen. And like, he kind of, like, smiled and laughed. So he just thinks I'm a random assistant. Yeah, Robot. Which is great.

[David Tennant]

Well, listen, when he cast you as Plastic Man.

[Ben Schwartz]

Wow. He's going to direct it.

[David Tennant]

He's directing you as.

[Ben Schwartz]

Holy moly.

[David Tennant]

Yeah. And Anthony Hopkins and I are in the back. We're just. We're just supporting.

[Ben Schwartz]

You think you'd wear the blue tux or the orange tux? And you're Dumb and Dumber with Anthony Hopkins.

[David Tennant]

Maybe we'd. Maybe we'd explore different colors.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, wow.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

This is like you're doing your improv backstory.

[David Tennant]

It's a reboot. It's not. Yeah. Oh, my God. This is it.

[Ben Schwartz]

You guys trying to. How'd you get. How did Lloyd Christmas and Harry meet? Yeah.

[David Tennant]

I don't think I've ever seen Dumb and.

[Ben Schwartz]

Are you serious?

[David Tennant]

I'm afraid I am.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yeah. We should do a podcast episode where you and I watch Dumb and Dumber.

[David Tennant]

For the first time.

[Ben Schwartz]

I think it's a top five movie of all time. Really? I think it's one of the funniest movies ever made. Made.

[David Tennant]

I have heard that from other people.

[Ben Schwartz]

It is so funny, David. I wonder if it's still two Dumb.

[David Tennant]

And Dumber movies, right?

[Ben Schwartz]

Yeah, but you only have to watch first.

[David Tennant]

Oh, okay. Letting me off the hook.

[Ben Schwartz]

God. Is there any other movie that. Have you seen the Godfather?

[David Tennant]

Yes.

[Ben Schwartz]

Is there any other movie that you're like. Everybody else has seen this, but I haven't.

[David Tennant]

Oh, there must be. Yeah. Yes. Dirty Dancing.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, yeah.

[David Tennant]

I've never seen Dirty Dancing.

[Ben Schwartz]

Unbelievable.

[David Tennant]

I've never seen Top Gun.

[Ben Schwartz]

First one.

[David Tennant]

Never seen either of them.

[Ben Schwartz]

Top Gun's great, too.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

Shawshank. You've seen Shawshank?

[David Tennant]

I've seen Shawshank. Have you got one?

[Ben Schwartz]

A lot of new movies I haven't seen.

[David Tennant]

Right.

[Ben Schwartz]

What's a older movie I haven't seen? What's your. Give me your top three movies.

[David Tennant]

Let's see if I've seen 12 Ranger Men.

[Ben Schwartz]

Never seen it.

[David Tennant]

Oh, my.

[Ben Schwartz]

And someone told me I'd love it.

[David Tennant]

It's just a thrill ride.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, I can't wait.

[David Tennant]

And it's all just set in a room.

[Ben Schwartz]

And it's a play, right?

[David Tennant]

It's a play, yeah. Okay.

[Ben Schwartz]

What are your other two?

[David Tennant]

TV play first. Oh, God. You know, I asked this recently, and I struggled.

[Ben Schwartz]

Letterbox.

[David Tennant]

It's a Wonderful Life. Probably. Letterbox. That's exactly what it was.

[Ben Schwartz]

Yeah.

[David Tennant]

It's a Wonderful Life and then probably Star Wars.

[Ben Schwartz]

Which one?

[David Tennant]

The New Hope, Episode four. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Just because of everything that it means.

[Ben Schwartz]

But never saw 12Angerman. Your first movie. I've never seen. There you go crazy.

[David Tennant]

I give you 12 angry men.

[Ben Schwartz]

Thank you.

[David Tennant]

Enjoy.

[Ben Schwartz]

I'll watch 12 angermen with you, and you watch Dumb and number with me.

[David Tennant]

Okay. Great.

[Ben Schwartz]

Be great Deal.

[David Tennant]

And we'll remake both of them.

[Ben Schwartz]

God, we should.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

What if we played all. What if it's like Eddie Murphy and Nutty professor? We're all 12 angry men. You and I play six characters each in prosthetics. Doing it. Whatever.

[David Tennant]

That's a great idea.

[Ben Schwartz]

Be a great idea.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

You've seen Back to the Future, right?

[David Tennant]

Never seen Back to the Future.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, my God. Oh, my God. I don't know what I'm gonna do. I can't even listen to.

[David Tennant]

It's so difficult with Back to the Future.

[Ben Schwartz]

No. What do you mean so difficult? What are you talking about? To enjoy yourself. To watch the best movie of all time.

[David Tennant]

No, I'm aware that it's like everyone's favorite film and it's the best film now I feel like I've gone too far.

[Ben Schwartz]

No, you've. You.

[David Tennant]

Because when do I.

[Ben Schwartz]

Are you gonna live your. Okay in that? How many people there? Everybody in there seemed Back to the Future, right? Every single person. So literally every single person in the world has seen. I mean, it is my favorite movie of all time. It is the movie that made me realize that movie. Oh, my God. Movies are amazing.

[David Tennant]

I know. I. This is what everyone says.

[Ben Schwartz]

Do you? That's so. Why you. You're being mean to yourself.

[David Tennant]

I hate myself. Yeah, it's a Scottish Presbyterian thing. I mean, I really need to get around to.

[Ben Schwartz]

It shocks me because also you like comedy.

[David Tennant]

I know. I'd love it. I would clearly love it.

[Ben Schwartz]

Have you seen. This is not as good of a movie, but I'm just trying to compare. Have you seen Teen Wolf? Michael J. Fox?

[David Tennant]

Yes, I've seen Teen.

[Ben Schwartz]

So you've seen Teen Wolf, but you haven't seen Back to the Future?

[David Tennant]

I know. It's weird, isn't it?

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, man.

[David Tennant]

I know. Anyway, Ben, this has been glorious.

[Ben Schwartz]

We could do it for hours. How do you end. You end with a. How do you end these podcasts? Is there a fun thing you do? No, come on.

[David Tennant]

There's. Absolutely. There's. This is.

[Ben Schwartz]

Let's start a standard right now at the end. What happen.

[David Tennant]

What would you like to finish with? Would you like to sing a song? You were going to give me another theme tune.

[Ben Schwartz]

Oh, that's a great callback.

[David Tennant]

We could do an outro.

[Ben Schwartz]

Okay.

[David Tennant]

Different. Well, we'll go for a different beat. Let's go something a bit more legato.

[Ben Schwartz]

Do you want to do 500 miles?

[David Tennant]

We just do it. Wouldn't be able to pay for the publishing.

[Ben Schwartz]

You think we'd have to pay for the publishing.

[David Tennant]

We definitely have to pay for the publishing.

[Ben Schwartz]

Okay.

[David Tennant]

I can see Matt sweating. Oh, no, he's shrugging. Maybe he thinks. Yeah, we definitely don't get away with that. We'll end up cutting.

[Ben Schwartz]

All right, give me a different beat. So this is how we're closing this.

[David Tennant]

This is the end titles.

[Ben Schwartz]

Okay, so give me a totally different vibe type. Too expensive. Okay, good. That's an original song. Okay, a little bit harder to sing along to, but we'll see. Here we are at the end of the David talks to you, learned some things, kissed a friend and just David talked to you. Are we better people now or worse off for the chat? Only time will tell. Now go and get your hat. Pretty great, right? Great. Everybody love it. Boom. That's how we end up.

[David Tennant]

Yeah.

[Ben Schwartz]

Boom. Love you, David.

[David Tennant]

Excellent man. David Tennant does a podcast with is a Sony Music Entertainment original and no mystery production produced by Matt Smith. The assistant producer was Rani Prescott. The sound engineer was Matthias Torres Solly. The executive producers are Alex Lawless, Sarah Camlett and Georgia Tennant.