Work in Progress: JURNEE SMOLLETT Episode Release Date: July 25, 2025 by iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In this episode of Work in Progress with Sophia Bush, host Sophia engages in a deep and meaningful conversation with acclaimed actor Ryan Reynolds. Although the episode title references Jurnee Smollett, the transcript primarily features Sophia and Ryan discussing various aspects of their personal and professional lives, including their journeys in acting, balancing parenthood with demanding careers, and insights into their latest projects.

Early Lives and Acting Beginnings

Sophia opens the conversation by highlighting Ryan's extensive experience in the entertainment industry, noting his early start as a child actor. Ryan reflects on his childhood experiences in acting, sharing anecdotes about his family's involvement in the industry.

Ryan Reynolds [07:09]: "I did the Flavor Flav verse. I don't even know. Maybe I had a clock around my neck. I don't know. A room full of white men at Warner Brothers."

Ryan recounts the pivotal moment when his mother opposed a spin-off of Full House to prioritize family stability, emphasizing her protective nature and the challenges of managing a large family in the spotlight.

Ryan Reynolds [08:06]: "She was very protective, very hands-on. We never had a nanny or anyone else watch us other than her."

Balancing Career and Parenthood

The discussion shifts to the complexities of balancing a demanding career with motherhood. Both Sophia and Ryan share their experiences of managing time on set while raising children, touching upon the inevitable feelings of guilt and the strategies they've developed to navigate these challenges.

Sophia Bush [22:34]: "It's so easy for a year to go by and you're in the same place because there's so much going on in the world today."

Ryan Reynolds [16:54]: "And so it does take a lot of courage to say, I know what my worth is and I know what I deserve to receive in return."

Ryan discusses his journey through motherhood, highlighting the profound impact it has had on his personal growth and his relationship with his son.

Ryan Reynolds [26:28]: "He learned so much from how I move through life, how I deal with disappointment or sadness."

Attachment Theory and Personal Growth

Delving into psychological insights, Sophia and Ryan explore the concept of attachment theory and its influence on their behaviors and relationships. They discuss the importance of self-awareness and the ongoing process of self-discovery, especially for individuals in high-pressure environments like the entertainment industry.

Ryan Reynolds [17:42]: "I noticed my patterns were the inability to detach."

Sophia Bush [14:57]: "I'm proud of us. We've clearly done some work."

The Show "Smoke"

A significant portion of the conversation centers around Ryan's latest project, the Apple TV show Smoke. Ryan provides an overview of the show’s premise, character development, and his collaboration with renowned writer Dennis Lehane. He shares insights into the character he portrays, emphasizing the depth and complexity required for the role.

Ryan Reynolds [46:28]: "Smoke is a crime thriller for Apple TV that premieres June 27, created by Dennis Lehane."

Ryan Reynolds [50:21]: "Dennis really has created a heightened and fictionalized version of that. And my character is really the birth child of Dennis Mind."

Sophia connects this project to her own past experiences, creating a bridge between their professional journeys.

Sophia Bush [47:47]: "I played his daughter in a movie with Ray Liotta."

Lessons from the Industry

Both Sophia and Ryan reflect on their experiences within the entertainment industry, discussing the importance of maintaining integrity, recognizing toxic environments, and the value of collaboration. Ryan shares memorable experiences working with legendary figures like Denzel Washington and Jamie Foxx, highlighting lessons learned from these interactions.

Ryan Reynolds [64:21]: "He is the birth child of Dennis Mind. When I met with him, one of the first things he said was, 'We all say we want to be happy, and yet why are we consumed by the very things that want to destroy us?'"

Ryan Reynolds [70:15]: "Jamie stopped the take, and he gave a long speech about how we will not tolerate anyone disrespecting anyone."

Future Plans and Continuous Growth

In the concluding sections, Ryan articulates his vision for the future, focusing on producing and directing to amplify diverse voices in storytelling. Both discuss the importance of evolving professionally and personally, embracing being a "work in progress" to foster continual growth and resilience.

Ryan Reynolds [72:31]: "It is about becoming very intentional with stepping behind the camera, producing, directing, ushering forward stories."

Sophia Bush [75:39]: "I love it. Well, congrats on the show and all the things. Really happy for you."

Notable Quotes

• Sophia Bush [14:57]: "I'm proud of us. We've clearly done some work."
• Ryan Reynolds [26:28]: "He learned so much from how I move through life, how I deal with disappointment or sadness."
• Ryan Reynolds [72:31]: "It is about becoming very intentional with stepping behind the camera, producing, directing, ushering forward stories."

Conclusion

This episode of Work in Progress with Sophia Bush offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of two seasoned actors navigating the complexities of personal growth, professional endeavors, and parenthood. Through candid dialogue, Sophia and Ryan provide listeners with valuable insights into balancing life's demands while striving to remain authentic and continually evolving.

Note: Advertisements, podcast promos, and non-content segments were excluded to maintain focus on the primary conversation between Sophia Bush and Ryan Reynolds.