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.