David Tennant Does a Podcast With… - Season 2 Finale Summary

Introduction: Navigating Production During a Pandemic

In the season two finale of "David Tennant Does a Podcast With…", host David Tennant reflects on the unique challenges and experiences of producing a podcast amidst the global pandemic of 2020. The episode serves as a culmination of conversations with notable guests from various entertainment spheres, highlighting behind-the-scenes moments and personal anecdotes that listeners haven't previously encountered.

Overcoming Technical Hurdles

David and his team adapted to remote recordings, a necessity brought on by lockdowns. This transition wasn’t without its challenges, as evidenced by a humorous exchange with physicist Brian Cox:

• [02:54] Brian Cox: "Can you hear me? I'm not sure if you can. Can you?"
• [03:12] Brian Cox: "I've been sent so many mics and so many things. If you looked around this room, I could start a sound studio, which I can sell from."

Despite initial technical setbacks, the team successfully connected with guests worldwide, often enlisting family members for assistance. David humorously acknowledges his own struggles:

• [03:28] David Tennant: "I've certainly struggled with it myself. But we get there in the end eventually."

Guest Highlights and Key Discussions

1. Dan Levy: The Unexpected Host of Great British Bake Off Canada

   Dan Levy shares his serendipitous journey to hosting the Canadian version of the beloved British show:

   • [04:55] Dan Levy: "Within 10 minutes, they bet your hat I got a response saying, not only is it coming to Canada, but would you actually be interested in hosting?"

   David playfully teases Levy about his hosting prowess:

   • [05:16] David Tennant: "But you're not a baker."
   • [05:30] Dan Levy: "I have an uncanny ability to just consume food without any."

   Their conversation delves into Levy’s multifaceted career and his prior experiences, including working at a fabric store and his decision to move to New York to pursue acting rather than settling in Los Angeles.

2. George Takei: From Star Trek to Global Fame

   George Takei recounts his experiences post-Star Trek, detailing his first conventions and the unexpected surge in his popularity years after the show's cancellation:

   • [08:14] George Takei: "This is the first Star Trek convention... and that's when I knew an extraordinary phenomenon was happening."

   Takei explains the rapid growth of his fanbase and his interactions with influential figures like Gene Roddenberry, providing listeners with a nostalgic glimpse into the early days of sci-fi fandom.

3. Kush Jumbo: From Lewisham to Broadway

   Kush Jumbo discusses her journey from Lewisham, London to the stages of Hollywood and Broadway. She reflects on her family's showbiz connections and contemplates creating a documentary to explore her aunt’s Nollywood career:

   • [13:18] Kush Jumbo (Georgia Tennant): "I have an aunt... she's a massive Nollywood actress."

   Their dialogue reveals the complexities of balancing family heritage with personal aspirations, highlighting the global influence of Nollywood.

4. Tim Minchin: From Hockey to Musical Genius

   Tim Minchin opens up about his transition from a hockey-playing family to becoming a renowned performer:

   • [17:46] Tim Minchin: "I was more into hockey than music up until my 20s."

   Minchin discusses the influence of his musically inclined family members and his journey towards embracing comedy and music as defining aspects of his career.

5. Neil Gaiman: Exploring Fragile Civilizations in Neverwhere

   Neil Gaiman shares insights into his upcoming projects, including a new poem for children and a novel inspired by refugee experiences:

   • [39:21] Neil Gaiman: "The next new book that's coming out is called Pirate Stew... and it's glorious and silly."

   He emphasizes the thematic continuity in his works, focusing on societal fragility and personal resilience, drawing parallels between his fictional creations and real-world issues faced by refugees.

6. Billy Piper: Balancing Act of a Pop Star to Actor

   Billy Piper reflects on her shift from professional dancing and pop stardom to acting, discussing the pressures of promotional appearances and the ease of remote engagements:

   • [17:46] Billy Piper: "I've actually found doing things on Zoom... I find that massively relaxing."

   Piper highlights the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance, especially as a parent, and contemplates future professional endeavors with a hint of mystery:

   • [43:45] Billy Piper: "Currently, I'm thinking about something really out there that I do not feel comfortable discussing."

Personal Anecdotes and Family Dynamics

Throughout the episode, David and Georgia Tennant interweave their personal stories, offering listeners an intimate look at their lives:

• [24:16] Georgia Tennant: Discusses the decision to relocate permanently to London for family stability.
• [27:04] Georgia Tennant: "I'm an introvert, so growing up in a house that was not designed for eight people, certainly not six children, was... I am truly grateful for having the siblings that I have."

These narratives underscore the importance of family support and cultural identity in shaping personal and professional lives.

Shakespearean Insights with Brian Cox and Judi Dench

The episode delves into the world of Shakespeare, featuring esteemed actors Brian Cox and Judi Dench discussing their experiences with the Bard's plays:

• [34:09] Brian Cox: "You need the energy, first of all... [He] enjoyed playing King Lear despite its challenges."
• [36:32] Judi Dench: Shares her early experiences in A Midsummer Night's Dream, highlighting the dynamics of working with fellow actors:
  • [37:38] Judi Dench: "There was absolutely nothing of me then, but there was absolutely nothing of them."

Their conversations provide a rich exploration of theatrical performance and the enduring relevance of Shakespearean drama.

Concluding Thoughts and Sneak Peeks

As the episode wraps up, guests like Neil Gaiman and Billy Piper offer tantalizing glimpses into their future projects. Gaiman discusses his new book "Pirate Stew" and his ongoing work on a Neverwhere novel inspired by refugee crises, while Piper hints at ambitious personal projects she plans to undertake privately.

Final Remarks and Production Credits

David Tennant concludes the episode by expressing gratitude to his guests and listeners, promoting the podcast’s music by William Benkert, and highlighting available merchandise. The production team, including Zoe Edwards, Harriet Wood Wells, Sarah Camlett, Steve Ackerman, Georgia Tennant, and sound engineer Josh Gibbs, receive acknowledgments for their contributions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Dan Levy [04:55]: "Within 10 minutes, they bet your hat I got a response saying, not only is it coming to Canada, but would you actually be interested in hosting?"

• Neil Gaiman [30:34]: "If you don't know what you're doing, then you don't know what the rules are."

• Billy Piper [17:46]: "I've actually found doing things on Zoom... I find that massively relaxing."

• George Takei [08:14]: "This was the first Star Trek convention, and that's when I knew an extraordinary phenomenon was happening."

Episode Credits:

David Tennant Does a Podcast With… is a Sony Music Entertainment and No Mystery production, produced by Zoe Edwards with additional production from Harriet Wood Wells, Sarah Camlett, Steve Ackerman, and Georgia Tennant. Sound engineering was handled by Josh Gibbs, and Chris Skinner served as the executive producer.

Stay Tuned:

With Season 3 on the horizon, listeners can look forward to more engaging conversations with prominent figures from TV, film, comedy, and beyond. Be sure to subscribe and follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter at @tenantpodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content.