Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (Sometimes)

Guest: Tony Hale

Air Date: August 27, 2025

Episode Overview

In this warmly candid and characteristically playful episode, Ted Danson welcomes actor Tony Hale for an in-depth conversation spanning creativity, career struggles, family bonds, faith, anxiety, and the joy of being part of creative "families" both on and off set.

The episode provides listeners with unique insight into Tony Hale’s new projects (notably his upcoming film "Sketch"), his path from quirky commercial gigs to iconic sitcom roles, and a refreshingly open dialogue on mental health and faith. It’s filled with laughter, humility, and the gentle ribbing between two actors who deeply admire each other.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Pandemic Bonds and the Power of Community (00:45–05:29)

• Ted and Tony recall forming a “Saturday night dinner group” in Vancouver during COVID when both were filming respective projects—an experience that became a precious lifeline amid isolation.
• They reminisce about makeshift family celebrations and simple joys like movie nights, puzzles, and birthday cakes.
  • Tony: "It was just such a slice of heaven in the midst of a lot of chaos." (04:20)

2. 'Sketch': Tony's New Film and the Creative Journey (05:34–10:21)

• Tony discusses his new film "Sketch" with co-star D'Arcy Carden—a project eight years in the making, blending family fun with poignant emotional themes.
• The film is described as “Inside Out meets Jurassic Park,” about a single dad (Tony) navigating grief and his daughter’s powerful imagination, where her dark drawings become real.
  • Tony: "It's this really fun family movie with really deep themes of processing feelings." (07:01)
• Unique visual effects: the monsters look hand-drawn, preserving a child’s perspective rather than sleek CGI.

3. The Actor’s Life: Perception, Hustle & Rejection (10:22–11:15)

• They poke fun at how actors’ lives appear busier than they are, noting that periods of work are punctuated by lengthy stretches of uncertainty and ‘hustle’.
  • Tony: "We've signed up for a career of rejection." (10:35)

4. Vulnerability & Self-Acceptance (11:16–13:26)

• Both discuss the quirks of watching oneself on screen, with Tony sharing a family anecdote:
  • Tony: “My sister once saw me on Fallon and she says, ‘Anthony… don’t take this the wrong way, but you look like a buzzard.’” (11:38)
• Reflections on posture, stage presence, and physical comedy, citing influences like Tim Conway and Bob Newhart.

5. Comedy as Catharsis and the Roots of Physical Humor (13:27–16:47)

• A conversation about the genius of Tim Conway and Carol Burnett, and the art of physical comedy and ensemble generosity.
  • Ted: “You are a master of something… Your physicality, your reactions to stuff that's happening in front of us is really spectacular.” (14:10)

6. Anxiety, Panic, and Using Inner Turmoil for Creative Good (17:09–21:39)

• Tony opens up about his struggles with anxiety and panic attacks, describing how this vulnerability informs his comedy.
  • Tony: "When you've had anxiety… it’s not a show. It's an internal battle." (17:25)
• He shares therapeutic advice: “Start having compassion for [anxious feelings]. Thank them… Hey, I appreciate you being here. I know you’re trying to help. I’m gonna go do the show.” (20:33–21:27)
  • Ted agrees, connecting anxiety with the importance of distinguishing between fear (of things actually present) and anxiety (the imagined).

7. Tony's Career Path: From Quirky Commercials to ‘Arrested Development’ (25:51–32:05)

• Tony walks through his circuitous early acting career—from temp jobs to “Shakespeare in the Parking Lot” to incessant auditions for ‘quirky’ roles.
  • On audition types: “Anytime I saw the word quirky, I was like, quirky, quirky.” (26:02)
• The casting story of 'Arrested Development': the importance of right timing and the value of being “not all there”—a self-deprecating industry label.
• Discovery of comedic community and writer “royalty”—parallels between Tony’s and Ted’s early days.

8. Longevity & Humility in Hollywood (32:06–34:58)

• Lessons on staying humble and grateful, with Tony comparing Ted to Henry Winkler as examples of “lasting kindness” in the business.
  • Ted: “Later, when you become successful and you're nice, then you're working at staying grateful… and not taking things for granted.” (33:19)

9. Advice for Aspiring Actors (34:04–35:12)

• Ted’s advice: “Find the joy of creativity. If you really want to be an actor, go act. And if you decide you can’t do anything but this, then you’ll... do well. And study. Study.” (34:30)
• Both reflect on the importance of study, play, and finding “true community.”

10. The Role of Faith in Tony’s Life (37:26–44:43)

• Ted asks Tony to discuss his faith—how personal relationship with God evolved from inherited tradition to deep personal belief, especially during difficult times.
• Tony shares involvement in arts and faith communities in NYC, citing the importance of asking questions and acknowledging others’ experiences with “religious trauma.”
  • Tony: “There’s so many different filters people are looking at… So if anything, I’m just so curious about their experience.” (41:11)
• Faith described as relationship, daily challenge, comfort in facing the unknown.
  • “Life is hard. And there's part of me that's like, give me two crutches.” (43:20)

11. Families, Parents, and Comic Support (53:44–58:32)

• Funny stories about parental support and not ‘getting’ one’s work.
  • Tony: "Our friends told us they love Arrested Development. We still don't get it, but when Martin Short was on... now he's funny." (53:54)
• On the Emmys, nervousness, and how a therapist helped Tony be present to the moment.

12. Podcasting and New Creative Outlets (55:47–57:24)

• Tony discusses his podcast "Extraordinarians" with Kristen Schaal and Matt Oberg—interviewing eccentric Guinness World Record holders and finding unexpected inspiration in their stories.

13. The Emotional Weight of Rejection and Perception (62:53–65:57)

• They riff on fame, self-doubt, and the ongoing sting of rejection, even after decades in the industry.
  • Ted: “‘You are great! I just did not like anyone else in it.’ ... That freedom of people coming up to you—‘that thing you did, I wasn't crazy about it.’” (65:42)
• Reflections on their own scientific/academic family backgrounds and the influence of critical support.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It was just such a slice of heaven in the midst of a lot of chaos.” – Tony (04:20)
• “We've signed up for a career of rejection. That’s just how.” – Tony (10:35)
• “My sister...said…‘You look like a buzzard’...How the hell do I not take that the wrong way?” – Tony (11:38)
• "The funniest thing to watch [is] somebody trying to keep it together, to be present in a moment of terror, panic, or anxiety." – Ted (18:08)
• “If you really want to be an actor, go act. If you decide you can’t do anything but this, then you’ll... do well.” – Ted (34:30)
• "There’s so many different filters people are looking at [regarding faith]...So if anything, I’m just so curious about their experience." – Tony (41:11)
• “Later, when you become successful and you're nice, then you're working at staying grateful… I'm one of the most actually humble people.” – Ted (33:26–33:41, jokingly)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:45–05:29: Pandemic 'pod’ and Vancouver dinners
• 05:34–10:21: 'Sketch’ movie – concept, process, release details
• 11:38: On watching oneself on talk shows (the “buzzard” story)
• 13:38–16:47: Physical comedy, Tim Conway, Carol Burnett
• 17:09–21:39: Anxiety in acting, techniques for coping
• 25:51–32:05: Early career, “not all there,” Arrested Development
• 34:04–35:12: Ted’s advice for young actors
• 37:26–44:43: Tony’s faith journey and dealing with religious stigma
• 53:44: Parents not “getting” Arrested Development, Martin Short moment
• 55:47: “Extraordinarians” podcast
• 62:53–65:57: Family, science backgrounds, and artistic rejection

Tone & Style

The exchange is candid, self-effacing, and full of kind-hearted teasing. Both Ted and Tony interweave laughter with moments of vulnerability and deep thought, offering a comforting, inspirational atmosphere. The episode stands out for its honesty about the emotional toll of creative life and a wide-ranging, open-hearted discussion of topics often side-stepped in showbiz interviews.

Final Thoughts

This episode gives listeners far more than showbiz anecdotes; it’s a window into the emotional interior of creative people wrestling—joyfully and reflectively—with what it means to live a full, connected, imperfect life. Whether you’re a fan of Tony Hale’s work or seek comfort in creative companionship, this is a can't-miss conversation filled with memorable wisdom and warmth.