Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson
SIDE DISH: More with Josh Hutcherson (December 11, 2025)
Podcast Summary
Episode Overview
In this “Side Dish” episode, Jesse Tyler Ferguson sits down with actor Josh Hutcherson for a lively, candid catch-up that dives deeper into their previous conversation. Over delicious food at Night Market Song in Silver Lake, the two longtime friends share stories about their careers, relationships, and what it’s like to navigate the world of celebrity. Their chat is filled with humor and vulnerability as they reminisce about their early days, talk about the challenges and perks of fame, discuss long-distance love, bike adventures, and artistic ambitions.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
Reconnecting Over “The Kids Are All Right” and Julianne Moore
[03:05 – 07:19]
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The two recall meeting at the SAG Awards when Josh was nominated for “The Kids Are All Right.”
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Jesse shares a recent backstage encounter with Julianne Moore after a Shakespeare in the Park performance, adding a humorous note about the chaos of backstage meetings.
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Josh recalls the movie’s Sundance premiere, hilariously misunderstanding its tone:
Notable Quote:
“So I suffer through the entire movie because everyone's laughing. They think it's hilarious … Afterwards, I’m with Lisa [Cholodenko, the director], and I’m like, I don’t know what everyone was laughing at … she goes, ‘Babe, it’s a comedy.’ And I was like, ‘It’s a comedy?’ I was like, ‘No one told me!’”
— Josh Hutcherson [04:45] -
Josh reminisces about filming the movie at 16, commuting on a Vespa on L.A. freeways:
Notable Quote:
“I don’t know if it’s fully legal, but I was definitely driving a motorcycle … I’m lucky to be here and have full body function—like, crazy.”
— Josh Hutcherson [06:13]
Long-Distance Relationships & Living Between LA and Madrid
[07:19 – 10:30]
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Josh splits time between Los Angeles and Madrid, his partner Claudia’s home city.
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They discuss the challenges—and surprising benefits—of long-distance relationships, and how time apart helps each person grow independently.
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Jesse relates, sharing about his own marriage and how relationship needs change:
Notable Quote:
“At the beginning for sure … we needed to be around each other as much as possible just to, like, develop that foundation… Now, that space feels so, I don’t know, necessary.”
— Jesse Tyler Ferguson [08:02] -
Josh compares the communal culture of Madrid with LA's more isolating lifestyle:
Notable Quote:
“In Madrid, you live in the streets. You’re always in a social environment. LA is a city where … you’re oftentimes home alone or just you and your partner… it gives time to slow things down, be more introspective, and work on your own art.”
— Josh Hutcherson [09:24]
Career Moves, “I Love LA,” and Putting Plans on Hold
[12:46 – 15:29]
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Hutcherson recounts how landing the HBO Max series “I Love LA” (created by and starring Rachel Sennott) forced him to pause his plans for a new life in Brooklyn.
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He shares the unpredictable nature of acting work:
Notable Quote:
“We were so excited … starting this new chapter … and my agent calls and is like, ‘Hey, how do you feel about going back to the airport right now?’ Because the Rachel show’s come back around.”
— Josh Hutcherson [13:57] -
He humorously concludes that “if you want a job, just make a big, expensive, non-refundable life move.”
The Double-Edged Sword of Fame & Losing Anonymity
[15:59 – 18:40]
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Both actors reflect on being typecast in iconic roles (Modern Family’s Mitchell and Hunger Games’ Peeta), and the impact on identity.
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Discussion about losing anonymity in public, especially in the “age of the internet.”
“Losing your anonymity is something you can’t actually understand … until you’ve lost it.”
— Josh Hutcherson [16:53] -
Josh comments on the dark side of fame, how the public both admires and wants to watch celebrities fail:
Notable Quote:
“You walk into a restaurant and everyone turns … or at least, perceived in your own delusional mind, which is also true in many ways.”
— Josh Hutcherson [16:46] -
They agree fame can be thrilling but also “comes with a price to pay.”
The Perfectionist’s Dilemma: Directing Ambitions
[22:23 – 25:00]
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Jesse and Josh bond over their ambitions to direct and their fears of not being “good enough.”
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Both reference advice from Elizabeth Banks, who encourages just jumping in and trusting your team.
Notable Quote:
“It’s a thing I love so much, and respect so much, that I keep on kicking it down the road … I want to find what the story is. I have some ideas, I have nuggets of things to write, but I’m always like, ‘Yeah, but no, I’m gonna do this.’”
— Josh Hutcherson [22:28]“There’s all these departments that are there to do what they do best. … You don’t have to know about the lighting. … You do what you do well, and with confidence, and you’ll be fine.”
— Jesse Tyler Ferguson, paraphrasing Elizabeth Banks [23:36]
Rave Culture & Being Out of Their Depths
[25:00 – 26:47]
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The episode closes with a funny exchange about rave and nightclub culture, especially sunrise raves in L.A. and Berlin’s legendary Berghain club.
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Jesse playfully admits he’s entirely out of place at raves and jokes about just wanting to go home:
Memorable Moment:
“I just feel like I’d stumble upon the wrong floor and be like, ‘How do I get off this floor?’”
— Jesse Tyler Ferguson [26:27]
Notable Quotes (with Timestamps)
- “Babe, it’s a comedy.” – Lisa Cholodenko, relayed by Josh Hutcherson [04:45]
- “I don’t know if it’s fully legal, but I was definitely driving a motorcycle … I’m lucky to be here and have full body function—like, crazy.” — Josh Hutcherson [06:13]
- “At the beginning … we needed to be around each other as much as possible just to, like, develop that foundation… Now that space feels so, I don’t know, necessary.” — Jesse Tyler Ferguson [08:02]
- “In Madrid, you live in the streets. … LA is a city where … it gives time to slow things down, be more introspective, and work on your own art.” — Josh Hutcherson [09:24]
- “Just make a big, expensive, non-refundable vacation plan … then you’ll get a good job. That’s the trick.” — Josh Hutcherson [15:49]
- “Losing your anonymity is something you can’t actually understand … until you’ve lost it.” — Josh Hutcherson [16:53]
- “I just feel like I’d stumble upon the wrong floor and be like, ‘How do I get off this floor?’” — Jesse Tyler Ferguson [26:27]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- [03:05] – Reminiscing about “The Kids Are All Right” and Julianne Moore
- [07:19] – Talking about long distance relationships and living in LA vs. Madrid
- [12:46] – The “I Love LA” ordeal and derailed Brooklyn plans
- [15:59] – Typecasting, recognition, and the price of fame
- [22:25] – Ambitions and anxiety about directing
- [25:00] – Discussion about rave culture and Berlin nightlife
Tone & Language
The episode is warm, witty, and irreverent, with both Jesse and Josh poking fun at themselves and openly sharing insecurities and joys. Their mutual respect and genuine friendship shine through, making the candid moments especially resonant for listeners.
Final Thoughts
This “Side Dish” episode takes listeners deeper into Josh Hutcherson’s world—his creative anxieties, love life across continents, and hilarious high-speed Vespa adventures—while exploring the realities of celebrity, evolution of relationships, and artistic ambition. Both lighthearted and thoughtful, it’s a delightful listen for fans of honest, engaging conversation at the dinner table.