Podcast Title: Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster
Episode: Ben Schwartz
Release Date: July 23, 2025

Introduction

In this lively episode of Off Menu, hosts Ed Gamble and James Acaster welcome the multifaceted comedian and actor Ben Schwartz to their whimsical dream restaurant. Known for his roles as Jean-Ralphio in Parks and Recreation and the voice of Sonic the Hedgehog, Ben brings a wealth of experience and humor to the conversation.

Ben Schwartz's Career and Projects

Ed Gamble and James Acaster delve into Ben Schwartz's expansive career, highlighting his involvement in various high-profile projects:

• "DNA": A highly anticipated comedy that Ben co-created with Sam Rockwell, which also stars talents like Vince Vaughn and James Marsden. James enthuses, “We know we're in good hands today. Very excited.” ([07:02])

• Voice Acting: Ben discusses his role as Sonic the Hedgehog, sharing humorous insights about embodying such an iconic character. When asked about competing with characters like The Flash, Ben quips, “No, Jim Carrey, I think, can absolutely destroy me. 100%.” ([20:32])

• Improv Shows: Ben elaborates on his improv tour, "Ben Schwartz and Friends", where he collaborates with fellow improvisers to create spontaneous comedic performances. He mentions, “We do it improv for an hour and a half on stage, me and three people.” ([72:22])

Anecdotes and Banter

Throughout the episode, the conversation is peppered with humorous stories and playful teasing:

• Alexa Mishap: Ed Gamble shares a hilarious incident involving his wife, Charlie, accidentally requesting fart sounds from Alexa in her sleep. “She said, Alexa, play fart sounds. And Alexa went, that was a wet one.” ([08:12])

• Impressive Impressions: Ben boasts about his ability to perform various impressions, even attempting a brief impersonation of Jesse J, though it humorously falls flat. “Hi, it's me, Taylor Swift. Everything's coming up Milhouse.” ([40:37])

• Dad's Quirks: James recounts amusing tales about his father’s unusual aversion to drinking water, leading to a playful improv scene where they joke about requiring ID to prevent James from getting too excited. “Do you want to try? This is the thing you didn't give to me. I will zap it to your head.” ([21:45])

Dream Menu Selection

The heart of the episode revolves around Ben Schwarz detailing his ultimate dream menu, selecting his favorite dishes and beverages:

• Starter: Ben kicks off with an exquisite choice, “An appetizer I loved is this place in LA called Capo. It's an Italian restaurant, and it's sweet corn ravioli. It's just like a decadent, beautiful little way to start. One of my favorite dishes ever in the universe.” ([35:30])

• Main Course: Opting for comfort, Ben chooses, “Cheeseburger is my favorite thing to eat. Anytime I go on the road, I always get a cheeseburger, fries, barbecue sauce, and a ginger ale. That's my comfort food.” ([41:42])

• Side Dish: Embracing adventurous tastes, Ben selects crispy okra, “Crispy okra from Khan in Portland. It's one of my favorite meals I've ever eaten my life.” ([55:40])

• Dessert: Despite being lactose intolerant, Ben indulges in his dream dessert, “A classic Sunday ice cream sundae. Cookies and cream or vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, marshmallow, a cherry on top, and nuts.” ([69:05])

• Drink: Preferring traditional flavors, Ben opts for an Old Fashioned, complemented by a gin and tonic at the end. “I usually like a little margarita every now and then. Margarita, come on. Salt on the rim.” ([62:16])

Interactive and Improv Fun

Towards the end, the trio engages in playful improvisational scenes, blending scripted elements with spontaneous humor:

• Improv Scene: Ben initiates a skit where James attempts to enter a venue without proper ID, leading to a humorous exchange about age verification. “Can I see your ID please?” ([74:00])

• Wrestling Jokes: The conversation takes a comedic turn towards wrestling, with Ed and James riffing on famous wrestling moves and scenarios. “You can always tell a little bit. When they ask at the top if you want still or sparkling water, you see a little glint in their eye.” ([49:32])

Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, Ed Gamble and James Acaster express their appreciation for Ben Schwartz’s vibrant energy and contributions. They highlight upcoming projects, such as Ben’s show "DNA" and his ongoing improv tours, encouraging listeners to stay tuned for more exciting content.

James Acaster concludes with a nod to Ben’s entertaining presence: “Delicious menu, delicious conversation, beyond delicious. It tasted even better because we walked here.” ([78:32])

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ed Gamble on YouTube Launch: “[00:00] Ed Gamble: Oh, hi James. Have you heard the news? … We’re on YouTube with the great and good. The coolest people in the world are on YouTube.”
• Ben on Cheeseburgers: “[41:42] Ben Schwartz: Cheeseburger is my favorite thing to eat. Anytime I go on the road, I always get a cheeseburger, fries, barbecue sauce, and a ginger ale.”
• James on His Father’s Water Aversion: “[27:39] James Acaster: Some water was brought over to the table. I poured my dad a glass. He went, no, no, no, I don't drink water.”
• Ben on Impressions: “[12:09] Ben Schwartz: Do you guys know that I'm incredible at impressions? You can do any impression. Name anybody.”
• Ed Sharing the Alexa Story: “[08:12] Ed Gamble: About two o' clock this morning, Charlie was sort of like tossing and turning around in the bed … And Alexa went, that was a wet one.”
• James on Dessert Preferences: “[60:33] Ben Schwartz: And then you can dunk. If we're in like an Italian restaurant, we can dunk and get some of that sauce in the end.”

Whether you're a fan of Ben Schwartz’s comedic prowess or simply love exploring dream menus, this episode offers a delightful blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and culinary inspiration. Tune in to experience the magic of Off Menu with some of the brightest talents in comedy.