Podcast Summary: Holmberg's Morning Sickness – Interview with Jason Schwartzman

Air Date: December 26, 2025
Guest: Jason Schwartzman
Key Hosts: John Holmberg, Dick Toledo, Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely

Main Theme

The episode centers on a lively, wide-ranging interview with actor, musician, and writer Jason Schwartzman, who calls in to discuss his creative work, personal quirks, family background, and his roles in projects like “Bored to Death,” “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” and “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.” The interview maintains the show’s signature blend of irreverence, self-deprecating humor, and honest conversation, making Schwartzman both relatable and entertaining.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Breaking the Ice & Initial Banter

• The hosts open with a tongue-in-cheek attitude, immediately referencing Schwartzman’s role as “Ash” in “Fantastic Mr. Fox.”
• Playful comparison to previous guest, Vince Vaughn, and quips about lineup superiority.
  • Quote: "Vince Vaughn. And now look at this. Jason Schwarzman is on the line." – Host (01:13)
  • Jason jokes along, comfortable with being addressed as “Ash.” (01:28)

2. “Bored to Death” – Accessibility vs. Perceived “Intelligence”

• Host admits he originally thought the HBO show “Bored to Death” would be too “smart” or “hoity toity” for him but fell in love with its character-driven humor and warmth. (02:16)
• Jason acknowledges the show’s intellectual veneer but insists it's about “three kind of normal, but different guys who are all really just struggling to find a way.” (02:32)
• He shares a self-deprecating confession about his own struggles with reading, making himself relatable:
  • “Ever since, I feel like I could learn…I am a terrible reader.” – Jason Schwartzman (04:27)
  • Host: “The worst reader in the world next to me.” (04:58)
• Discussion about avoiding book lending out of fear of never returning them. Jason’s solution? Audiobooks. (05:12)

3. Audiobooks and Favorite Memoirs

• Schwartzman expresses his love for audiobooks, highlighting memoirs read by the author, such as Gene Wilder’s and Keith Richards’—the latter narrated by Johnny Depp. (05:27–06:24)
  • “But when it’s a great reader, oh, man. It really does feel like the person’s just talking to you.” – Jason (06:24)

4. On Famous Family & Keeping It Down-to-Earth

• The hosts bring up Jason’s Hollywood lineage (Talia Shire, Francis Ford Coppola).
• Jason discusses how his mother separated family life from showbiz, keeping things “very normal.” (08:22–08:58)
  • “You're really on your own... No one really ever helped me get a job. And I don’t ask for anyone's help and I don’t want anyone's help.” – Jason (09:10)
• Jokes about his ability to just commission anyone to read him an audiobook, thanks to family connections. (07:32)

5. Height and Humor: Rapid-Fire Jokes about Insecurities and Identity

• Joking about his own height—“five, six, or on a romantic night, five sex”—and how shorter people give longer answers in interviews. (11:49–11:54)

6. Discussion on “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World”

• Schwartzman praises the movie’s originality, the hands-on approach to stunts under director Edgar Wright, and dismisses the idea that it’s only for comic or video game fans. (13:00–15:33)
  • “If you go see this movie, you will see something you have never seen before... The fights are insane.” – Jason (13:21, 15:27)
  • Shares behind-the-scenes details: practical effects, real stunts, months of sword fighting practice.

7. “Bringing Celebrities Down to Earth”: Lightning Round

• The hosts initiate their trademark segment, asking offbeat, personal questions to “bring you down to earth.”
  • How did you lose your virginity? “18.” – Jason (16:09)
  • Last time you pooped your pants? Jason demurs, “Not in a long time. Not in months.” Eventually admits to some close calls involving coffee and laxatives. (16:33–17:49)

8. Reflecting on the Interview & Sign-Off

• Jason gives the interview an “A” – “That we feel like we’re actually listening to each other and connecting.” (18:14)
• Brief mutual fanfare about “Team Coco” (Conan O’Brien) and football (Steelers). (18:24–18:42)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On being a bad reader:
  “I am a terrible reader.” – Jason Schwartzman (04:27)

• On family and fame:
  “No one really ever helped me get a job. And I don’t ask for anyone’s help and I don’t want anyone’s help.” – Jason (09:10)

• On ‘Scott Pilgrim’ appeal:
  “I don’t know anything about comic books or video games. And it really isn’t about that. It’s just based on a comic book.” – Jason (14:38)
  “The fights are insane, and the dvd, the Blu Ray is full of so much stuff.” (15:27)

• Comedic Gold:
  “On a romantic night, I like to say five sex.” – Jason (11:54)
  “Not in a long time. Not in months.” (on pants accidents) (16:33)
  “I remember one time... I had 10 cups of coffee and some laxatives, and...look out.” (17:49)

• On a great interview:
  “That we feel like we’re actually listening to each other and connecting.” – Jason (18:14)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Intro and Guest Welcome: 01:13
• “Bored to Death” Discussion: 02:02–03:41
• Audiobooks & Memoirs: 05:12–06:24
• Family and Fame: 06:51–09:10
• Height & Humor Segment: 11:47–11:54
• “Scott Pilgrim” Behind the Scenes: 13:00–15:33
• Personal/Banter Questions: 15:44–17:49
• Interview Reflection: 18:02–18:14
• Loose Ends and Team Coco: 18:24–18:42

Tone & Language

The conversation is irreverent, candid, and filled with the show’s signature blend of sarcasm, playful insults, and camaraderie. Schwartzman matches the hosts’ wit and self-deprecation, creating an atmosphere that's both relaxed and engaging.

Summary for New Listeners

Jason Schwartzman proves charming, open, and genuinely funny as he talks about refusing to take himself too seriously. From admitting his struggles as a “terrible reader” to sharing real insights about his family and craftsmanship, he gives listeners a mix of warmth and wry humor. The hosts’ offbeat questions add levity, while stories from behind the scenes of “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” and “Bored to Death” offer genuine appeal for film and TV fans. The show’s relaxed, raunchy, and often self-effacing tone ensures you’ll be entertained—whether you’re a Schwartzman fan or just along for the ride.