Work in Progress with Sophia Bush

Episode: Jerry O’Connell – Part 2

Release Date: February 13, 2026
Host: Sophia Bush
Guest: Jerry O’Connell

Episode Overview

In this lively and candid continuation, Sophia Bush welcomes back actor Jerry O’Connell for part two of their conversation, recorded on set in Sophia’s trailer as they wait out daylight for a night shoot. The episode explores the idea of embracing one's status as a "work in progress," diving into Jerry’s unexpected detour into law school, his philosophy on humility, family, parenting teens, personal struggles and successes, and how he finds humor and gratitude in his life and career. Alongside playful banter, Sophia and Jerry are briefly joined by Violet, the young star of their current film, highlighting the collaborative and often improvisational culture on set.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Setting the Stage & Podcast Meta-Moment

• On continuing their conversation (03:35):
  • Jerry recaps that their initial interview session ended abruptly due to Sophia’s work schedule, leading both to reflect with humor on where Jerry’s episode might rank in her podcast’s history.
  • Memorable Quote:
    • Jerry: “So that chat we had, it’s got to be top—”
    • Sophia (without missing a beat): “Dude, we’ve had Michelle Obama on the show.” (03:48)

Sandals, Footwear, and Acting Embarrassment

• Jerry’s “most embarrassing” aspect of his current film (05:17):
  • He bemoans his character’s “principal shoes”—sturdy sandals he would never choose to wear in real life.
  • Both riff on the awkwardness of “free feet” on the internet and men in sandals.
  • Notable exchange:
    • Jerry: “Don’t like men in sandals. Not my thing… I don’t believe men should wear—sandals.” (05:52)
    • Sophia: “That kind of fascinates me.” (06:04)

Jerry's Detour: Going to Night Law School

• Why he went to law school (07:23–09:17):
  • Jerry describes pursuing law school during a career lull and while his wife was busy working. He enjoyed the idea of being around people eager to learn and appreciated the diversity of ages in night school. However, he ultimately dropped out when acting reignited—ironically landing a TV role as a lawyer, likely due to his law school experience.
  • Notable quotes:
    • Jerry: “I dropped out because I realized you can make way more money playing a lawyer on television than actually being a lawyer.” (09:18)
    • Jerry: “Grad school is something people do late in life. Don’t be afraid to do it…” (09:57)

Lifelong Learning & Sophia’s Academic Curiosity

• Sophia shares her own desire to return to school after visiting Harvard (10:07–10:19).
• Jerry encourages her to consider Rutgers since she’s in New Jersey, supporting ongoing education at any age (10:23).

Navigating Success, Slow Periods & Imposter Syndrome

• Sophia asks about Jerry’s methods for handling career ups and downs and imposter syndrome (10:42–11:29).
• Jerry emphasizes show business is a “young person’s medium” and shares that as opportunities became less frequent with age, he struggled with insecurity and learned to accept having “no control.”
  • Notable quote:
    • “I have no control over anything. As cheesy as this sounds, now if I realize I have no control over something, I really don’t worry about it.” (12:19–12:57)

Channeling Obsessive Thoughts

• Jerry mentions channeling any obsessive tendencies (though not diagnosed with OCD) into coming up with solutions rather than spiraling over things he cannot control (13:19–13:28).
• Sophia relates this to her own experience, saying, “I try to obsess over solutions. I think that’s allowed me—” (13:24)

Dedication, Parenting & Humor

• Sophia observes Jerry’s blend of humor and vulnerability, both in family life and in public (18:31).
• Jerry joins in praising humility, noting how acting keeps him grounded due to its unpredictability (22:07).
  • Quote:
    • “You are one job away from never working. You know, I mean, I hate to say that, but like, you know, when you’ve had, like, professional failures, it is hard to get a job immediately after that. And so you have to sort of believe in yourself.” (22:22)

Special Cameo: Violet, Young Co-Star

• Brief surprise appearance from Violet, who plays Sophia’s daughter in the movie; Jerry and Sophia ask her what she’s learned on set.
  • Violet: “You guys are really good at improv. I’ve learned a lot from both you guys… It’s so fun.” (20:30)
• Jerry admits he found it extremely hard to throw a drink in Violet’s face for a scene, especially as he’s a dad himself (21:07).

On Raising Teenagers & Parenting Philosophy

• Candid talk about Jerry’s twin daughters, now 17, and teenage adventures (23:28).
  • Mentions their experimentation with alcohol, his approach as a parent (“no drinking and driving, no drugs, no nicotine, please”).
  • Jerry shares his personal struggle with nicotine addiction, describing how his wife’s ultimatum and a hypnotist helped him quit after decades (24:23–26:11).
  • Funny, honest moment:
    • Jerry: “I had to pay her $800 cash… I woke up and was like, that was baloney. What a joke. And you know what? I’ve never had a cigarette since.” (25:52/26:21)

Work in Progress: The Big Question

• Sophia poses her traditional closing question: “What feels like your work in progress right now in your life?” (28:07)
• Jerry delivers his answer with tongue-in-cheek bravado, claiming it will top even former First Ladies and Vice Presidents:
  • Jerry’s response:
    • “My work in progress is everything. Everything is a work in progress. My marriage, my career, my health, my relationships with coworkers… It never ends.” (28:28–28:49)
    • “Don’t expect there to be an ending. Don’t expect you to be cured. Don’t expect, ‘OK, I did the work, there’s progress, the end.’ There is no the end. It’s continual.” (29:07–29:17)

Bringing it Full Circle: Self-Improvement & Presence

• Jerry reflects on feedback from his wife about being a “stressful presence” at home, humorously suggesting he’ll ask for a codeword to help him scale back when needed (29:39–30:18).
• The episode winds down with both sharing excitement about their new movie, “Summer’s Last Resort,” coming soon to Tubi (30:25–30:36).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On podcast guest ranking:

  • Jerry: “Top two of Work in Progress.”
  • Sophia (deadpan): “Dude, we’ve had Michelle Obama on the show.” (03:48)

• On sandals and masculinity:

  • Jerry: “Don’t like men in sandals. Not my thing… I don’t believe men should wear—sandals.” (05:52)

• On leaving law school:

  • Jerry: "I dropped out because I realized you can make way more money playing a lawyer on television than actually being a lawyer.” (09:18)

• On acting and insecurity:

  • Jerry: “You are one job away from never working… you have to sort of believe in yourself. And so I try not to think I’m really that important. Really.” (22:22)

• On quitting smoking:

  • Jerry: “My wife said she would not touch me if I smoked and that lasted about two months.” (24:38)
  • “I had to pay her $800 cash… I’ve never had a cigarette since.” (25:52/26:21)

• On being a work in progress:

  • Jerry: “My work in progress is everything. Everything is a work in progress… It never ends.” (28:28–28:49)
  • “Don’t expect there to be an ending… there is no the end. It’s continual.” (29:07–29:17)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 03:09: Episode pick-up, on-set setting
• 05:17–06:43: Jerry’s “principal sandals” and gendered footwear debate
• 07:06–09:18: Jerry’s journey to and from law school
• 09:30–10:19: Discussing grad school at any age; Sophia’s desire to study again
• 10:42–12:57: Navigating career slow periods and finding acceptance
• 13:19–13:28: Using obsessive tendencies to fuel solutions
• 18:31–19:28: Sophia on Jerry’s parenting and public vulnerability
• 20:00–21:40: Violet’s cameo and improvisation on set
• 23:28–24:25: Parenting teenagers, “Snapchatting your kids,” staying open amid their growing up
• 24:25–27:05: Jerry’s story about quitting smoking with hypnosis
• 28:07–29:17: Jerry’s answer to the “work in progress” question
• 29:39–30:36: Reflections on being less stressful at home; wrap-up with film announcement

Tone & Takeaways

The tone is warm, playful, candid, and lightly irreverent — full of mutual respect and quick wit between Sophia and Jerry. The episode gives listeners a look behind the curtain on life as an actor, with honest talk about career uncertainties, personal evolution, parenting, and the value of humility. Jerry’s refrain that “everything is a work in progress” echoes Sophia’s core message and offers listeners permission to embrace their own ongoing journeys—no matter their stage of life or career.

For fans of conversations that blend humor, authenticity, and a healthy dose of self-deprecation, this episode delivers wisdom and laughs in equal measure.