Podcast Summary: Interrupted by Matt Jones – Episode 14 with Josh Hopkins

Podcast Information:

• Title: Interrupted by Matt Jones
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
• Description: Kentucky Sports Radio Host Matt Jones sits down with fascinating individuals from all walks of life. Listen to the Matt Jones Show live every Thursday at 6pm EST on 840 WHAS.
• Episode: Episode 14 - Josh Hopkins
• Release Date: July 29, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 14 of "Interrupted by Matt Jones," host Matt Jones engages in an in-depth conversation with actor Josh Hopkins. The episode delves into Hopkins' journey in the acting world, his experiences on Broadway and television, his deep-rooted passion for Kentucky sports, and his personal reflections on life and friendships.

Early Life and Career in Acting

Josh Hopkins begins by sharing his early aspirations and initial steps into the acting industry. Moving to New York City at the age of 21, Hopkins landed an understudy role on Broadway in the production of Picnic, where he worked alongside Ashley Judd.

• Notable Quote:
  • Josh Hopkins at [04:45]: "I didn't suck, but Ashley Judd was in that production."

Matt expresses surprise upon learning about Hopkins' Broadway experience, highlighting the interconnectedness of their Kentucky roots.

Transition to Hollywood and Continued Acting Journey

Hopkins discusses his transition from theater to film and television, emphasizing the challenges and unpredictability of sustaining an acting career. He reflects on the numerous pilots he auditioned for, many of which did not materialize into successful shows.

• Notable Quote:
  • Josh Hopkins at [12:07]: "I've done something like that. I always just kind of like feel like it's the last thing I did."

One significant project mentioned is Swingtown on CBS, a show originally intended for Showtime that dealt with adult themes. Despite initial success, external pressures and a writers' strike led to its premature cancellation.

Experience on "Cougar Town"

Hopkins highlights his six-year tenure on the TV show Cougar Town, describing it as one of his most fulfilling roles. The camaraderie among the cast, particularly with Courteney Cox, made the experience memorable despite early seasons struggling to find their footing.

• Notable Quotes:
  • Josh Hopkins at [17:01]: "People who watched it really liked it. It became a show about snarky neighbors who all drank wine together and made fun of each other."
  • Matt Jones at [19:03]: “We watched the first episode and we go, yeah, that's not good. And then it started being a hit.”

The discussion touches on the challenges of show titles and marketing, with the original title Cougar Town posing limitations but ultimately contributing to the show's identity.

Friendships and Experiences with Co-stars

The conversation shifts to Hopkins' friendships within the entertainment industry, notably his close bond with James Marsden. They reminisce about humorous and memorable moments, including interactions with other celebrities like Natasha Bedingfield and Rex Chapman.

• Notable Quote:
  • Matt Jones at [21:08]: "James Marsden singing Hallelujah. And I was like, see these people? They just..."

Hopkins emphasizes the balance between personal friendships and professional relationships, highlighting the supportive nature of his network despite the competitive environment.

Kentucky Sports Fandom

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Hopkins' unwavering support for Kentucky sports, particularly basketball. He shares stories of intense fandom, including attending games, following recruitment closely, and maintaining friendships with famous athletes like Rex Chapman.

• Notable Quotes:
  • Josh Hopkins at [64:16]: "I am. It's not, as you know, a lot of big blue nation will attest. It's like basketball's. It's not fun. It's like..."
  • Matt Jones at [71:02]: "Favorite win of all time for UK?"

Hopkins discusses the emotional highs and lows tied to sports, expressing both pride and the pressure that comes with being a dedicated fan.

Personal Reflections and Life Perspectives

The dialogue delves into Hopkins' personal life, touching on his experiences with relationships, the challenges of balancing fame, and the importance of friendships. He candidly discusses his decision to remain single, attributing it to the demanding nature of his career and the difficulty in maintaining relationships amidst his professional responsibilities.

• Notable Quotes:
  • Josh Hopkins at [26:59]: "I have to accept at some point, maybe this just isn't in the cards for me."
  • Matt Jones at [32:03]: "It hurts me to disappoint them."

Hopkins highlights the support he receives from long-term friendships, which provide emotional grounding amidst the uncertainties of his career.

The 'Rust' Incident

A poignant segment of the episode covers the tragic incident on the set of the movie Rust, where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was accidentally shot by Alec Baldwin. Hopkins recounts the harrowing experience, his emotional response, and the aftermath, including the industry's reaction and the impact on his personal and professional life.

• Notable Quotes:
  • Josh Hopkins at [37:56]: "It was obviously one of the most horrific days and one of the most surreal experiences of my life."
  • Matt Jones at [43:36]: "Because of Alec. Probably."

Hopkins describes the chaos during the shoot, the immediate aftermath, and his efforts to support Baldwin and the Hutchins family. He reflects on the industry's shifting dynamics post-incident and the personal toll it took on him.

Returning to the Acting World Post-Incident

Despite the tragedy, Hopkins discusses his commitment to completing Rust in honor of Hutchins' legacy. He expresses pride in the final product and the positive reviews it received, while also sharing the emotional challenges of revisiting the project.

• Notable Quotes:
  • Josh Hopkins at [50:24]: "This is the most beautiful movie. I got to see it on the big screen."
  • Matt Jones at [60:17]: "What is the piece of art or work..."

Hopkins emphasizes the responsibility he felt in completing the film and the support he received from the Hutchins family and his peers.

Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

In the final segments, Hopkins touches on his resilience in the acting industry, the importance of perseverance, and the value of authentic friendships. He expresses enthusiasm for future collaborations and maintaining his passion for both acting and Kentucky sports.

• Notable Quotes:
  • Josh Hopkins at [61:15]: "I have this ability to be like, next. Forget about it."
  • Matt Jones at [80:56]: "You are one of the nicest people..."

Matt wraps up the conversation by praising Hopkins' character and expressing eagerness to continue their discussions, especially related to Kentucky basketball during the season.

Conclusion

Episode 14 of "Interrupted by Matt Jones" offers a comprehensive look into Josh Hopkins' life, both professional and personal. From his early days on Broadway to navigating the complexities of Hollywood, and from enduring personal tragedies to maintaining a fervent sports fandom, Hopkins provides listeners with a candid and heartfelt narrative. The episode underscores the importance of resilience, authentic relationships, and staying true to one's passions amidst the unpredictable tides of life and career.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Josh Hopkins [04:45]: "I didn't suck, but Ashley Judd was in that production."
• Josh Hopkins [12:07]: "I've done something like that. I always just kind of like feel like it's the last thing I did."
• Josh Hopkins [17:01]: "People who watched it really liked it. It became a show about snarky neighbors who all drank wine together and made fun of each other."
• Josh Hopkins [21:08]: "James Marsden singing Hallelujah. And I was like, see these people? They just..."
• Josh Hopkins [37:56]: "It was obviously one of the most horrific days and one of the most surreal experiences of my life."
• Josh Hopkins [50:24]: "This is the most beautiful movie. I got to see it on the big screen."
• Josh Hopkins [61:15]: "I have this ability to be like, next. Forget about it."
• Matt Jones [80:56]: "You are one of the nicest people..."

This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and emotional moments from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened.