Work in Progress: Tony Hale

Summary

Work in Progress with Sophia Bush

Episode: Work in Progress: Tony Hale

Release Date: August 7, 2025

---

Introduction

In this heartfelt episode of Work in Progress with Sophia Bush, host Sophia engages in an in-depth conversation with the Emmy-winning actor Tony Hale. The discussion delves into Hale's latest project, the fantasy drama feature film "Sketch", and explores his personal and professional journey, including his experiences with creativity, anxiety, and parenting.

---

Discussion Highlights

1. The Journey Behind "Sketch" ([04:08] - [10:18])

Tony Hale introduces his profound role in "Sketch", where he portrays a devoted father in a fantastical world where his daughter's drawings come to life, bringing both chaos and familial closeness. Hale shares the eight-year odyssey he undertook to bring this movie to fruition, emphasizing his commitment to his creative vision despite numerous challenges.

Notable Quote:

"This movie exists in this fantastical world... but they wind up bringing the family closer together." — Tony Hale [04:24]

2. Creativity and Overcoming Obstacles ([10:32] - [15:14])

The conversation shifts to the difficulties in film production, particularly securing financing and maintaining faith in unconventional projects. Hale discusses the skepticism they faced, with some envisioning the film as reminiscent of The Babadook or Goosebumps, not fully grasping its emotional depth.

Notable Quote:

"The business is so easy getting a film together... but finding financing was another story." — Tony Hale [05:48]

3. Personal Struggles and Anxiety ([15:14] - [22:36])

Both hosts open up about their personal battles with anxiety. Ryan Reynolds shares his journey through therapy, learning to embrace his past without letting it define his self-worth. Hale relates by discussing the importance of recognizing one's value regardless of external successes.

Notable Quote:

"The value you have today is going to be the exact same value you have after whatever success you think is like, success." — Ryan Reynolds [08:10]

4. The Paradox of Success and Contentment ([22:36] - [32:00])

Ryan Reynolds reflects on his early success with Arrested Development, explaining how initial fulfillment gave way to unexpected dissatisfaction. Therapy helped him realize the importance of practicing contentment in the present rather than constantly chasing the next big achievement.

Notable Quote:

"What's next? Because I don't... I've been just for so long. There’s nothing wrong with ambition... but I haven’t really taken the time to look around and ask myself, what's here?" — Ryan Reynolds [54:31]

5. Balancing Professional and Personal Life ([32:00] - [45:12])

The dialogue explores the delicate balance between career demands and personal life, especially parenting. Reynolds discusses his approach to supporting his daughter, emphasizing the need to listen without immediately offering solutions, a strategy he learned through personal and professional experiences.

Notable Quote:

"Do you want to talk about how to solve it, or do you just need someone to listen to the problem?" — Tony Hale [45:07]

6. Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity ([45:12] - [54:31])

Both speakers highlight the strength found in vulnerability. Hale shares insights from his therapeutic conversations, advocating for authenticity in interactions. Reynolds echoes this sentiment, noting the importance of being present and embracing the ordinary moments in life.

Notable Quote:

"There's a lot of power in kind of putting a label on it that's... like, I'm so fun." — Tony Hale [37:58]

7. Reflections on Parenting and Legacy ([54:31] - [60:05])

Reynolds and Hale discuss the long-term impact of their parenting styles, acknowledging that their children may one day seek therapy to navigate the complexities of growing up with anxious fathers. They emphasize the importance of empathy, listening, and allowing their children to develop resilience.

Notable Quote:

"There's no way I would not have empathy. All that kind of stuff is result of what I've been through." — Ryan Reynolds [47:48]

---

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with sincere acknowledgments of each other's efforts and a mutual appreciation for the depth of their conversation. Tony Hale expresses his enthusiasm for supporting Reynolds' future projects, while Reynolds commends Hale's ability to foster meaningful discussions.

Notable Quote:

"This is a real gift to a lot of people. You do in this though, because just being conversations, it's an opportunity to kind of get a little deeper." — Tony Hale [58:32]

---

Key Takeaways

• Persistence in Creativity: Tony Hale's dedication to producing "Sketch" underscores the importance of staying true to one's creative vision despite obstacles.
• Mental Health Awareness: Both hosts openly discuss their struggles with anxiety, highlighting the value of therapy and self-reflection.
• Balancing Success and Contentment: Learning to appreciate the present moment can lead to greater personal fulfillment than continuously chasing future goals.
• Empathetic Parenting: Effective parenting involves active listening and supporting children without immediately resorting to solutions.
• Embracing Vulnerability: Authenticity and vulnerability are portrayed as strengths that foster deeper connections and personal growth.

---

Notable Quotes Summary

• Tony Hale: "This movie exists in this fantastical world... but they wind up bringing the family closer together." ([04:24])
• Ryan Reynolds: "The value you have today is going to be the exact same value you have after whatever success you think is like, success." ([08:10])
• Ryan Reynolds: "What's next? Because I don't... I've been just for so long. There’s nothing wrong with ambition... but I haven’t really taken the time to look around and ask myself, what's here?" ([54:31])
• Tony Hale: "Do you want to talk about how to solve it, or do you just need someone to listen to the problem?" ([45:07])
• Tony Hale: "There's a lot of power in kind of putting a label on it that's... like, I'm so fun." ([37:58])
• Ryan Reynolds: "There's no way I would not have empathy. All that kind of stuff is result of what I've been through." ([47:48])
• Tony Hale: "This is a real gift to a lot of people. You do in this though, because just being conversations, it's an opportunity to kind of get a little deeper." ([58:32])

---

Final Thoughts

This episode of Work in Progress with Sophia Bush offers listeners an authentic glimpse into Tony Hale's artistic journey and personal life. The candid conversation emphasizes the importance of mental health, the challenges of balancing career and personal responsibilities, and the strength found in vulnerability and authentic connections. Whether you're a fan of Tony Hale, navigating your own creative projects, or seeking inspiration for personal growth, this episode provides valuable insights and heartfelt reflections.

---

---

Transcript

[Ryan Reynolds]

This is an I Heart podcast.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Does friendly have a taste? I think it does and if it does, it probably is like hello's peppermint flavored anti plaque and Whitening toothpaste. Brush away plaque, show tartar who's boss and remove surface stains to naturally whiten.

[Sophia]

Hello's thoughtful and flavor forward products make brushing your teeth feel like a confetti filled bathroom dance party.

[Tony Hale]

So say hello to hello with the always cruelty free never tested on animals toothpaste that's made to spread smile. Visit helloproducts.com and let hello add some everyday yay into your life.

[Unknown]

You can make a difference in someone's life, including your own with a job in home care. These jobs offer flexible schedules, health care, retirement options and free training. They also provide paid time off and opportunities for overtime. Visit oregonhomecarejobs.com to learn more and apply. That's oregonhomecarejobs.com.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Now through August 26th, it's back to Deals time where you can enjoy store wide deals and earn four times points. Look for in store tags to earn on eligible items from Hershey's, Cheez It, Kellogg's, Gatorade, Smart Water, Skinny Pop, Oberto, Zoa and Activia. Then clip the offer in the app for automatic event long savings. Shop in store or online for easy drive up and go pick up or delivery. Subject to availability restrictions.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Apply.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Visit Albertsons or Safeway.com for more details.

[Unknown]

Life's messy. We're talking spills, stains, pets and kids. But with Anibe, you never have to stress about messes again. At washablesofas.com, discover Anibe Sofas, the only fully machine washable sofas inside and out, starting at just $699. Made with liquid and stain resistant fabrics. That means fewer stains and more peace of mind. Designed for real life, Our sofas feature changeable fabric covers allowing you to refresh your style anytime. Need flexibility? Our modular design lets you rearrange your sofa effortlessly. Perfect for cozy apartments or spacious homes. Plus, they're earth friendly and built to last. That's why over 200,000 happy customers have made the switch. Upgrade your space today. Visit washablesofas.com now and bring home a sofa made for life. That's washablesofas.com offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Hey, it's Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile now. I was looking for fun ways to tell you that Mint's offer of unlimited premium wireless for $15 a month is back. So I thought it would be fun if we made $15 bills, but it turns out that's very illegal. So there goes my big idea for the commercial. Give it a [e-mail] Switch upfront payment.

[Unknown]

Of $45 for a three month plan.

[Tony Hale]

Equivalent to $15 per month.

[Unknown]

Required new customer offer for first three months only. Speed slow after 35 gigabytes of networks busy taxes and fees extra see mintmobile.com.

[Tony Hale]

Hey, everyone, it's Sophia. Welcome to work. Well, hello, Whip Smarties. We have someone on the podcast today that I have such a talent crush on. I'm geeked that he's here. From playing incredibly hilarious characters like Buster Bluth on Arrested Development to Gary Walsh on Veep, we are joined today by Emmy winner Tony Hale, who is here to talk about a pretty profound, profoundly different and deeply personal role that he's playing in the fantasy drama feature film Sketch. What really struck me about it is the movie exists in this fantastical world. Tony's daughter's drawings come to life and kind of wreak havoc on a town. But they wind up bringing the family closer together. And Tony isn't just the star of Sketch, the great dad on screen. He was a driving force behind the scenes, co producing this movie and fighting for eight years to get it made. Today we're going to talk about that journey. How you really stay loyal to your creativity and your hunches about what you want to do. His journey as a performer, as an anxious person, as a father, Tony is so self reflective and authentic and funny and just genuine. Oh, what a gem. Let's dive in with Tony. H.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Hello. How are you?

[Tony Hale]

I'm great. And thank you so much for your flexibility and congratulations. Sketch is so beautiful.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Aw. Did you get a chance to see it?

[Tony Hale]

Yes. They sent me the screener and I. I just love it. At one point, I paused the movie and I ran out. My partner was doing some work and I was like, I know you're working. I need you to look at this. I just need you to look at this. This is so amazing. And it was really. I can't. I felt like I couldn't wait to share it with people. So I can't imagine how you feel about it.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah, that means a lot. I mean, that means a lot. It's a. It's. Well, it's taken us eight years to get it made and we just, I mean, you know, I mean, the business is so easy getting a film together.

[Tony Hale]

Oh, yeah.

[Ryan Reynolds]

But it's like finding financing and people either thought it was gonna, when we pitched it, they either thought it was gonna be like the Babadook, but then it was kind of funny, or they thought it was a goosebumps. No, but it's got some emotional depth so they couldn't really grab the vision of it, which I get. And then just having it released, it's a very like, ugh, take care of my kid kind of a feeling, you know?

[Tony Hale]

Yeah.

[Ryan Reynolds]

But we're really proud of it, so I appreciate you watching it.

[Tony Hale]

Oh, I'm so excited for you. It really made me think. You know, normally when people come on the show, the very first question I ask them is the one I'll ask you. If you could like fold space time for an afternoon and today you could walk onto a playground and hang out with your 8 year old self, do you think you'd see the man you are in that kid? Do you think that kid's interests, if you got to watch him play or talk to him about what he was into, would track for your career? And it's a crazy question to pose to someone who literally made this beautiful movie about the inner world of a child.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah. First of all, I love that question. I love unique questions, so I really appreciate that.

[Tony Hale]

Oh, thanks.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I gotta be honest, I don't think it hasn't been until probably the last five years through therapy that I've like kind of liked that kid, you know, I mean, that sounds super kind of deep and cheesy, but I always was just kind of like that kid was kind of obnoxious and just, you know, just how much attention he could get and I wasn't crazy about him. And then just kind of much like I've done with a lot of my emotions, kind of invited them to the table rather than trying to kind of, you know, compartmentalize them. That's been helpful of like. Yeah, it's a kid who, yeah, he was kind of, as we all do, you know, middle school is like a piece of hell. And so just managing, you know, he was doing what he could to get through it. And I think it was more of just like I would. I can definitely see the, the pattern that has developed. I can definitely see how the whole map has been put together and how it definitely started there. I mean, I was a very anxious kid. It's kind of beautiful how that anxiety is used in today's work that I've, you know, or that I've been able to put out, which is great. So I've seen the whole kind of patch making of the quilt, but back then you're just like in survival mode, you know, so just kind of me alongside him being like, hey, it's going to be okay. You know, just, you're doing your best. I think one thing I, one thing I do tell. I mean, I'm sure you've talked a lot to like, you're younger actors and they always ask for advice. But I would say, like, just so you know, the value you have today is going to be the exact same value you have after whatever success you think is like, success that your value doesn't change.

[Tony Hale]

Yeah.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I think I lived my life and this business is in a way of like, you will have value when this happens. You have value when this happens.

[Tony Hale]

Yeah.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Even though I'm my mind, I know that's not true. The subconscious can believe that, you know, and totally confirmation of like, yeah, my value is the exact same as when I was back in middle school. It hasn't changed.

[Tony Hale]

Absolutely. Well, and I think you see that on such a large scale, right? Like, you know, you look around the world and this sort of runaway, runaway capitalism, if you will. Like, you see all these people who have everything they could ever want of value and value that they could never spend or use, who still aren't satisfied. And so what you're saying is really, it's really hitting me because. And maybe it's the stage we're all in in life, right? Like when people have gone through career shifts or divorces or moved across the country or whatever the big change is, and you realize, like, oh, yeah, anywhere I go, I'm still there. My problems are still there. Hopefully my joy is still there. But like, oh, I really do. I have to get to know me. I have to deal with me. And I don't think it's an accident that so many people are dealing with their own unique version of the same situation. There's a universality to it.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Oh, yeah. There's also. I mean, I love you said that because there's a. There is a tremendous weight that we put on these kind of whatever that big thing is. I mean, I've talked about this so much. Do you ever talk about something so much and you're like, people are so tired of hearing about it.

[Tony Hale]

But yes. But then I have to remind myself that much like today, whatever you're about to say, I haven't heard you say.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Okay, well, that, that makes me feel better.

[Tony Hale]

And there might be something I've said a thousand times that's new Information to you. There's probably fans of both of ours that are like, shut the up. You keep repeating this, but, oh, well, you know, we're just two humans hanging out on Zoom.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Probably pretty narcissistic of me to think that everybody listens to every single person.

[Tony Hale]

Knows every single thing I've ever said.

[Ryan Reynolds]

And they're counting them. But I. When I booked Arrested Development, that was my. That was. I all. When I was in New York, you know, just trying to make it, quote, make it. Being on a sitcom was like, it for me. It was like, if I can. I remember back then, we had pilot season, if you remember, and it was like the season where everything gets made. And that pilot season would always run by me, and I'd be like, damn it. You know, I missed pilot season. And then I booked it, and I realized that it did not satisfy me the way I thought it was going to satisfy me. And it really, really freaked me out because I got, you know, I was fortunate enough to get my, quote, dream, and it didn't satisfy me. I was like, oh, this is where to now?

[Tony Hale]

And it was.

[Ryan Reynolds]

And then after. After that was canceled, I. When I kind of kicked into therapy, and I just realized, like, that whole thing of, like, if you're not practicing contentment where you are, you're not going to be content when you get what you want. And I had not been practicing contentment, you know, all my time in New York. I mean, not that. Not that I didn't love my time in New York, but anytime I was going through stuff, I was like, you know what? Whatever. That big thing's coming, that big things came in, and I gave it too much weight. Way too much weight. And match that weight.

[Tony Hale]

Yeah. And it. It's like putting too many eggs in one basket. Right. We understand why that's bad or. Or should be observed or however you define it in a relationship. You know, you hear, you want. You want to be happy with someone, but not codependent. But nobody talks about codependence with your career expectations or your personal goals. And it's kind of striking me that that's sort of what it feels like. You think, like, you know, it's the. It's the work version of, like, once I meet, you know, my. My Prince Charming from the Disney movie, everything's going to be amazing. And it's like, yes, somebody still has to do the dishes, actually, so good luck.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah. And there's also a big difference. What I'm learning with codependency and healthy dependence.

[Tony Hale]

Yeah.

[Ryan Reynolds]

We need each other. We're made for community. We're made for relationships. And I've. I jokingly harp on codependency a lot because it's a strong, strong in my history. But like, it doesn't mean I'm supposed to be massively independent or isolated.

[Tony Hale]

Well, because that's not good either.

[Ryan Reynolds]

That's not good either. There is a balance of healthy relying on each other, you know, and.

[Tony Hale]

And where the reliance feels like joy, where it feels like love.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Totally.

[Tony Hale]

You know, how nice. Like, what a. What a thing. I'm curious, you know, when you talk about that early success with Arrested, it. It's really interesting because it. It makes me realize something. Like when I was working on my first show, which similar thing, right? Like in the early aughts, you book a WB show.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Oh, sure.

[Tony Hale]

Like right after Dawson's Creek, you know, what a thing. But then our show also got relentlessly made fun of because it was high tabloid culture. The Soup loved to talk about. And to be perfectly clear for our listeners, we were doing a lot of really dumb on that show. So, like, they deserve to make fun of it. But in a weird way, it gave me the opposite thing where I was doing this thing that was largely pretty amazing and kind of ridiculous. But ridiculous is fun. And I got so almost allergic to liking it or thinking it was good and only as a pandemic project, rewatching the show for a podcast with my friends because, like, how could we work? And what were we all doing anyway? We were like, wait, this. A lot of this is actually really good. Like occasionally, you know, a dog eats a guy's heart on the way to the hospital transplant. Like, that's ridiculous. But actually these emotions, these actors, like, I even looked back at myself and I was like, oh my God, you really ate up that scene. Okay. And I've been able to kind of enjoy it in a way I didn't then. Are you at a point where you can go back and look at those things and just love them and love your time on them or not yet.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I think I'm. Man, it's a tough one because it's hard for me to watch it and not constantly think how the sausage was made or how just almost the feelings that I was going through. I mean, I was so overwhelmed and arrested, which, by the way, I would not have been able to play Jobe on that show. Cause he was super confident. Thankfully, I was playing a very overwhelmed out character, was having panic attacks every other day. So, I mean, that worked. But I just. I Think I was. I was. So honestly, it's. I relate it. I relate it to that kid in middle school. Like, it's taken me a little time to kind of be like, I get you. I'm getting there with that time unarrested. Because I was just in this really, really. I'd never been on a stage. I'd never been on a lot. I just asked a lot of stupid questions. I mean, I was just kind of overwhelmed. So I think there's a little bit of a. Not embarrassment, but kind of. Oof. But then again. And also, maybe I gave a lot of power to people that I just. That I probably should not have given in just the business in general, you know? So kind of, that's where I go back. I'm like, God, I really gave that person a lot of power, you know, that kind of stuff.

[Tony Hale]

But that's.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Those are the regrets I have. But in terms of the work I do, really, I mean, like, my favorite joke in the show is Tobias joining the Blue man group because he thinks it's a support group with depressed men. I mean, I think that is so layered. And, like, him dressing. He was my. Him and Job were probably my favorite characters. Will Arnett was just. You know what? I'm circling back, but it's like, I think watching people on that show, it gives me. I love me. I'm like, but people. Yeah. And Veep's a. Veep is a different story because it happened later. And so that I have no issue. I mean, I. I enjoy that. And I love watching blooper reels because.

[Tony Hale]

Oh, I love that.

[Ryan Reynolds]

That's what I remember. I remember just not being able to keep it together. I mean, you know that feeling, like, when your whole body is shaking and you're just like, I. I'm really trying my hardest, but I'm. I'm not gonna be able to make this. And I know the camera's on me, and I guess I'm gonn. That. That kind of feeling. I love watching that stuff.

[Tony Hale]

Yeah. Oh, it's such a joy, too. Like, whether it's you or someone you love to watch, watching somebody break really is one of my favorite, like, favorite moments.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I mean, I don't know if you grew up. You're younger than me, but the Carol Burnett show was a big influence on me. And they would always har. Tim Conway trying to break up Harvey Korman, just. And you can just see the pain in Harvey Corn. It's so good, and it's so freeing. It's such a moment of accidental joy where it's nothing is planned, they're just free and you're like, oh, I could watch that. I just, I was telling somebody recently, it's like, I would love a comic Con for just bloopers. Like I would like just to like just be absorbed in them. I love it.

[Tony Hale]

We'll be back in just a minute after a few words from our favorite sponsors.

[Sophia]

You know, if you can find joy in the small moments, life will always be that much more fun. That's what Hello's oral and personal care products are all about. They take the mundane of every day and inject it with some everyday yay.

[Tony Hale]

Take hello's Anti Plaque and Whitening Fluoride Free Toothpaste, for instance. It'll brighten your routine and delight your senses with a formula that's equal parts fresh, friendly and has plaque fighting power. Or see the difference that a whitening toothpaste powered by vitamin C can do for your smile with hello's Vitamin C Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste with thoughtful and fun.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Products that can make brushing your teeth feel like a confetti filled bathroom dance party. Say hello to Happy to making the most of every moment. Say hello to a vegan, cruelty free and never tested on animals toothpaste and say so long to dyes, parabens, artificial sweeteners and flavors and other things you can do without.

[Sophia]

Visit helloproducts.com and let hello add some everyday yay into your life.

[Unknown]

Life's messy. We're talking spills, stains, pets and kids. But with Anabe, you never have to stress about Messes again. @washablesofas.com Discover Anibe Sofas, the only fully machine washable sofas inside and out, starting at just $699. Made with liquid and stain resistant fabrics, that means fewer stains and more peace of mind. Designed for real life, Our sofas feature changeable fabric covers, allowing you to refresh your style anytime. Need flexibility? Our modular design lets you rearrange your sofa effortlessly. Perfect for cozy apartments or spacious homes. Plus, they're earth friendly and built to last. That's why over 200,000 happy customers have made the switch. Upgrade your space today. Visit washablesofas.com now and bring home a sofa made for life. That's washablesofas.com offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.

You can make a difference in someone's life, including your own with a job in home care. These jobs offer flexible schedules, health care, retirement options and free training. They also provide paid time off and opportunities for overtime. Visit oregonhomecarejobs.com to learn more and apply. That's oregonhomecarejobs.com.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Now through August 26th, it's back to Deals Time, where you can enjoy storewide deals and earn four times points. Look for in store tags to earn on eligible items from Hershey's, Cheez It, Kellogg's, Gatorade, Smart Water, Skinny Pop, Oberto, Zoa, and Activia. Then clip the offer in the app for automatic event long savings. Shop in store or online for easy drive up and go pick up or delivery subject to availability restrictions.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Apply.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Visit Albertsons or Safeway.com for more details.

[Unknown]

Let's be honest. Most of us have a love hate relationship with wired bras. We love the lift, but hate the digging. We love the support, but hate feeling trapped. Well, Nyx just changed everything with Free Flex, a wired bra actually designed to work with your body, not against it. Free Flex features a revolutionary flexible wire that moves when you move, bends when you bend, and keeps everything exactly where you want it. No poking, no stabbing, no constant readjusting, just freedom to move. It also has a demi cup shape for a natural lift with a lower neckline that flatters in everything from V necks to dresses. And because it's from Nyx, it's available in sizes for every body. Experience the first wired bra you'll actually want to wear all day. Visit nyx.com for 15% off your order with Free Flex 15. That's kn ix.com code freeflex15 for 15% off nyx.com.

[Tony Hale]

Is that so surreal to you? Because when you talk about Veep, I think about that, that level of complete political absurdity that you all were portraying. And half of the days of my week now when I look at the news, I'm like, is this a headline from the Onion or is this the New York Times? Like, what, what's happening? Is it, is it surreal to you? Are you like, oh God, in in some woo woo world, like did we manifest this? Is this the secret come to life? Like how do you even deal so good?

[Ryan Reynolds]

That's so good. I do, I do. But I, I I. What's even more surreal is I remember an episode where Selena was she tweeted something accidentally. We were all like, she, we were all freaking out and cut to Trump lives on Twitter. You know stuff like that.

[Tony Hale]

Like an insane person.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Like, yes. And you're like, wait a second, we were we thought this was extreme, right? And now, you know, CNN is its own political sitcom. You know, it's that kind of. And that's, I think, partly why we. Or they stopped. I mean, I would have kept going because I love them so much, but it was. There was nothing. Everything was. Had just become its own farce. You know, wild. I mean, I'd love to go back, but I think it just got. Things got too extreme.

[Tony Hale]

Oh, my God, I would give anything. Please bring it back. But I. Yeah, it is. It is kind of. It must be a wild feeling to have read scripts for that show and gone, okay, well, no one would really do this. And now you see what's actually on the Internet from the literal president and you go, oh, if we'd written a fraction of that, the. The heads of the studio would have said we were being insane and it could never go on the air.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Totally. And I think that's exactly what did happen. The writers would be like, if we had written a character like this easily, the note would have been too broad. This is way too broad. We've gotten away from our. Because we're always trying to ground it somehow. And it's like too. A cartoon character is, you know, kind of out there.

[Tony Hale]

It's so nuts to me. It's like we live in the Family Guy. Did it. Do those things. Do you think they strike you more deeply perhaps because of the way that you grew up? Because when I think about when I look at the movie and this dad that you play, and then I think about some of the things that you've talked about in the ways you grew up and. And the ways you came into the work and, you know, your dad was a physics teacher and suddenly science is under attack. Your mom was involved in politics and then you did Veep, and now a cartoon. Cartoon character is the president. Like, how does it all kind of. How does the dust settle for you in your experience when you look around at all of this?

[Ryan Reynolds]

I mean, it's the first thing I thought about when you said that is there is an irritation component of man. There's. I mean, honestly, not to. Like, for instance, my faith is important to me, and I grew up in a kind of a conservative environment. And many times there is an association with my faith with a certain party, and it's. If anything, I just go, that's not the faith I'm experiencing. You know, like Christ says, the fruits of the spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. That. That's the fruit of Someone following God. I can't find one of those in a person that is associated with my faith. That's. You know, and I kind of. I mean, not to get too political, but it's like, that's when I get. Just speaking of Veep. And I remember doing a storyline where my character was kind of connected to kind of the faith component. And I. It was. I. That whole narrative, not the narrative of the show, but just the narrative that was out there, is really frustrating. You know, it's a very powerless feeling sometimes because I'm like, wait a second. This isn't tracking. You know, Totally. Yeah, that was a total tangent. But that. When you were talking about that, that's where my mind immediately went.

[Tony Hale]

No, but I think that's really powerful. The kind of incongruous nature of the, like, preachers with private planes telling us to deport people and take food away from children. You're like, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. This is literally the opposite of what I learned. I feel confused and. And it is surreal. I. You know, I feel really lucky that I grew up. My mom, like, deep Catholic family. My dad grew up in a. In a sect of Christianity and became an atheist, and the entire rest of my family is Jewish. And so I've done, like, all of the religious studies, which I adore. And it is that incongruous experience of watching people tell you. It's like someone saying to you, I promise the sky is green. And it says so in this book. And you're like, but it doesn't. It literally says the sky is blue. And also the sky is blue, and I can see it. And what. And it's so. It's so confusing. But what. I think this is going to be a wild connection, but this is what's coming into my mind, and I hope you'll ride this train with me. What I think stands out so powerfully, even in this very funny, strange hybrid, authentic and. And heartbreaking, but. But still so light in its moments. Movie you've made is that the whole thing really is about a hero's journey and a group of people learning to tell each other the truth, even when it's hard. And that, to me, is kind of a spiritual thing.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah, that's really powerful because when you were talking, I just immediately thought about the word control, where people are just trying to control a narrative or doing things like this. And it's like, listen, stop pointing the finger. You got to point the finger back at yourself. We've got to start. I mean, just like, that's Bad, that's bad. It's like, no, let's just start taking care of our own six feet and be like, what do I need to work on? Who do I need to love? If we start doing that, then that might cause some kind of a change. The change that you're trying to control. If you do that, then it might start doing that. But it's like in the movie, the dad who I play, you know, he really thought compartmentalizing grief was kind of the best thing to do. So if I can control it, if I cannot. Because he loses his wife in the movie. And I mean, I get it. I mean, I've got a 19 year old daughter. I do not want her to walk through challenges. I don't want her to feel, I mean, I want her to be happy and all that. I get that impulse. But if I tried, he in the character in the movie, you know, doesn't have pictures of her in the house. He doesn't really talk about his wife. And in his mind he really thinks this is the equation to save the situation when in actuality he's got to let go of that control and allow his kids to process them the way they're going to process them. That's how they're gonna get through it. And I feel like you're right, that's kind of this. What's happening is like in people's mind, they think, no, if I do this, if I try to control this, that's going to be the equation. Nope, no, you gotta let go of that control and process it your own way and point back at yourself.

[Tony Hale]

Yeah, it's like that adage, you know, when I point the finger at you, there's three fingers pointing back at me. It's a nice reminder, I think when you talk about the movie and for our Friends at Home sketch was released yesterday. How do you feel now that it's out in the world? I mean, you talked at the top of our conversation about putting eight years of effort into getting this movie made. What's it like to have an 8 year old in the world for the last 24 hours? How do you feel?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Well, thanks for, first of all, that's really kind of you to watch it and talk about it. I think it goes back to that control. It's like I am powerless to how people. I love it so much. It means so much to me. I and I, I really want people to experience the joy that I have experienced from it. Yeah, I don't have that control and I want that control. I mean I've been doing press for a while, and it's hard not to be like, watch, sketch. I promise you're gonna love it.

[Tony Hale]

I promise you it's gonna make you feel so good.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I will fix you. But it's. You know, I don't have that. And so it's. Now it's just that kind of vulnerability of like, hey, I gotta just let it go.

[Tony Hale]

Yeah. Yeah. Releasing it into the wild is like, oh, it's tough.

[Ryan Reynolds]

It's tough.

[Tony Hale]

What drew you to it? You know, because I always think it's good. You spoke earlier about how, you know, you'll talk to younger actors. I think it's so important to let people know how hard it is and how long it takes to get something made and for you to stick by this thing for close to a decade. When did it come to you? How did it come to you? What made you say, you know, come hell or high water, I am gonna get this movie out. Like, why do you think it got in you like that?

[Ryan Reynolds]

I don't know if you're like this, too. I don't know. I don't know. But something just kept. Cause, you know, eight years ago, when Seth Worley, the writer and director, brought me kind of half the script, I was like, dang. Cause I knew his history was special effects, and he was so detailed. Even in the movie, she's drawing things out of chalk or crayon or Sharpie or glitter, and you can see the textures and the monsters when they come to life.

[Tony Hale]

Yes.

[Ryan Reynolds]

And I just loved his detail of that. And then at the same time, being a dad, I was like, I got the. There's a new term called snowplow parenting, where it's not helicopter parenting, but you want to remove all the challenges in front of your kid. You want to just snowplow them away. And I get that. I fully get that. And I. When I saw it, I was like, oh, man. I like the idea of not only a kid watching this and feeling. Seen that. Like, yeah, we all process feelings differently, but parents just giving themselves a break, you know, of like, yeah, this is a learning curve. Of course, this dad thought he was doing the right thing, and everybody else is like, whoa, let your kids feel. Let your kids feel. But in his mind, he's like, no, we gotta move. Like, he just was in survival mode, you know? So I resonated with that. But, yeah, to the. To what? To your question of. It's hard. It's crazy, man. This. And. And you can relate to this. I mean, we've both done work. And at the time it looks like we're working all the time, when in actuality there's months in between those jobs where you're pining for work or you're like, when's the next job and how's this going to be received? And you're gig to gig, you know, you're calling your agent and you'll be like, hey, is anything going on? What's happening? It's like, it's like there is a. I've been doing this for 30 years. And there's, you know, there's just. There was a season actually after Arrested Development where we thought we were gonna have to sell our house because we were like, we don't know if I. I remember the month that Arrested got canceled. We bought a house and my daughter was born. So this was, you know, almost 20 years ago. And I turned to my wife and I was like, I don't. I don't know what to do. I don't know what. And so we kind of kept going and gigs weren't really flying that much. And I was. And we talked to our kind of our financial consultant, be like, do we think we need to sell the house? He's like, we're not there yet, but it might be coming, you know, and you're like, you know, you just. But that's kind of. And then you kind of take funds from other things and you make it work. But yeah, it is a bit of a piecemeal together career. And as you. I mean, we both know this businessman is. So many times people have said, hey, you just can't take it personally. You just can't take it personally. It's hard to not take it personally.

[Tony Hale]

Yeah, right.

[Ryan Reynolds]

It's tough.

[Tony Hale]

One of the craziest things about that to me as an actor is our entire job is to be so raw and so empathetic that we can feel another person's feelings and portray them as our own.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah.

[Tony Hale]

And then we get our feelings hurt and people are like, don't let it hurt your feelings. I'm like, are you nuts?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

Are you?

[Tony Hale]

Are you nuts?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah.

[Tony Hale]

It's like the weird misnomer. It's like the comment section. People on the Internet are like, look at how many this point. This many million. You must just have people kissing your ass. I'm going to be doubly mean to you. And it's like, so you're just doubly mean. I'm just running into doubly mean people all day. And I'm not supposed to let it affect me. I'm like a sensitive little smush. What do you mean? I'm like, moving around in the world like a snail without a shell.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Totally.

[Tony Hale]

I'm not built for this.

[Ryan Reynolds]

That's your job too. Like, you have to. You gotta access these feelings. And you're right. You can't turn them off. When somebody says words like, it. It does. And when somebody says, like, if you're going for me, if I'm going out for a job, and someone's like, yeah, you weren't right. What's not. What. What?

[Tony Hale]

Like, I'm like, but what do you mean?

[Ryan Reynolds]

What do you mean? And it's also the sense of, like, I sure. I'd love. I know. I know that it's. I wasn't right. But it's. It's tough to not feel it. You gotta.

[Tony Hale]

Yeah.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Well, yeah.

[Tony Hale]

Because then you think, but what could I have done that would have been right?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Totally. Totally. Totally.

[Tony Hale]

And you know what I've started to do? Here's. Here's a little nugget. I don't know why it's helping, but this came out of a conversation with one of my best friends where we were talking about, why does the negative way so heavy and the positive way so light? Why? Why isn't everything just in for a pound of flesh, if you will? And we were like, okay, how do we take the things that feel hard and put a little humor on them or a little something? You don't get a job or you don't get the thing or something doesn't go your way. Like, how do you take your power back a little bit? And what we've both started to do is, you know, we'll vent about something or be sad about something and then be like, oh, well, sucks for them. I'm so fun. And, like, that's the end of it. I'm so fun. I'm such a good time. I bring good snacks, like, whatever dumb thing any of us can think of. And it's funny because none of the. My best friend and like, the little group that we do this with on a. On a group chat, like, none of us work in the same industries.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Tony Hale]

But we're all experiencing our own versions of the same thing. And I'm just like, sucks for them. I'm a good time. And that's. Then I get a little bit of it back.

[Ryan Reynolds]

You know, I even love that I'm so fun. Like, I'm saying that because, oh, my.

[Tony Hale]

God, I'm so fun.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I'm so fun because the amount of other talk we give ourselves, you know.

[Tony Hale]

Yeah.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Because that, that, that closet that like packed full of shame is full, you know, totally. I can just completely rip myself apart and take myself to court and constantly, you know, all the time those little things like I'm so fun. We just don't even saying it. There's a lot of power in kind of putting a label on it that's.

[Tony Hale]

Like, yeah, I love that. I mean even in this conversation, me to you, I'm like Tony, you're brilliant and like you're a good time. You're a good hang. It must be really, it's so nice to be smart and fun.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah.

[Tony Hale]

Take it with you.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Btw. Same.

[Tony Hale]

Merci. And now a word from our wonderful sponsors.

[Sophia]

You know, if you can find joy in the small moments, life will always be that much more fun. That's what hello's oral and personal care products are all about. They take the mundane of every day and inject it with some everyday yay.

[Tony Hale]

Take hello's Anti Plaque and Whitening Fluoride Free toothpaste for instance. It'll brighten your routine and delight your senses with a formula that's equal parts fresh, friendly and has plaque fighting power. Or see the difference that a whitening toothpaste powered by vitamin C can do for your smile with hello's Vitamin C Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste with thoughtful and fun.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Products that can make brushing your teeth feel like a confetti filled bathroom dance party. Say hello to Happy to making the most of every moment. Say hello to a vegan, cruelty free and never tested on animals toothpaste and say so long to dyes, parabens, artificial sweeteners and flavors and other things you can do without.

[Sophia]

Visit helloproducts.com and let hello add some everyday yay into your life time for a sofa upgrade.

[Unknown]

Visit washablesofas.com and discover Annabe where designer style meets budget friendly prices. With sofas starting at $699, Annabe brings you the ultimate in furniture innovation with a modular design that allows you to rearrange your space effortlessly. Perfect for both small and large spaces, Anibe is the only machine washable sofa inside and out. Say goodbye to stains and messes with liquid and stain resistant fabrics that make cleaning easy. Liquid simply slides right off. Designed for custom comfort, our high resilience foam lets you choose between a sink in feel or a supportive memory foam blend. Plus our pet Friend stain resistant fabrics ensure your sofa stays beautiful for years. Don't compromise quality for price. Visit washablesofas.com to upgrade your living space today with no risk returns and a 30 day money back guarantee. Get up to 60% off plus free shipping and free returns. Shop now at washablesofas.com Offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.

You can make a difference in someone's life, including your own, with a job in home care. These jobs offer flexible schedules, health care, retirement options and free training. They also provide paid time off and opportunities for overtime. Visit oregonhomecarejobs.com to learn more and apply. That's oregonhomecarejobs.com.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Now through August 26th, it's back to Deals time where you can enjoy a store, watch deals and earn four times points. Look for in store tags to earn on eligible items from Hershey's, Cheez It, Kellogg's, Gatorade, Smart Water, Skinny Pop, Oberto, Zoa and Activia. Then clip the offer in the app for automatic event long savings. Shop in store or online for easy drive up and go pick up or delivery subject to availability restrictions.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Apply.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Visit Albertsons or Safeway.com for more details.

[Unknown]

Let's be honest, most of us have a love hate relationship with wired bras. We love the lift, but hate the digging. We love the support, but hate feeling trapped. Well, Nyx just changed everything with freeflex, a wired bra actually designed to work with your body, not against it. Freeflex features a revolutionary flexible wire that moves when you move, bends when you bend, and keeps everything exactly where you want it. No poking, no stabbing, no constant readjusting. Just freedom to move. It also has a demi cup shape for a natural lift with a lower neckline that flatters in everything from V necks to dresses. And because it's from Nyx, it's available in sizes for every body. Experience the first wired bra you'll actually want to wear all day. Visit knix.com for 15% off your order with Free Flex 15. That's kn ix.com code Free Flex 15 for 15% off nyx.com.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I like that. I really, I really love you're doing a podcast, by the way, because I think you're really good at this.

[Tony Hale]

Thanks. You know what? For a person who's like, absolutely a little bit on the spectrum, who wants to have deep talks and who always no matter what, like I would, I would say like 6 out of 9, 6 out of 10 times I go to a thing I Don't know what happens. I don't know if I, like, if I have a little bit of some sort of energy that I can't help but let seep out into the world. I wind up in a corner, and somebody's, like, telling me their deepest, darkest secrets. We're unpacking what's going on in their relationship or with their family or whatever, and I kind of love that.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Tony Hale]

But I also realize occasionally where I'm like, oh, I'm having, like, a really. I'm having that little, like, ADHD with the wing experience where I ask a question and I'm like, ooh, the room. One other person's there with me. But, like, the other four people in this conversation are like, that's kind of a lot.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah.

[Tony Hale]

I realized a podcast gives me the container within which to ask questions, to let conversations be as deep as they want to be. And. And I love it.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Tony Hale]

I just love it. And, like, I don't know, maybe it's because I grew up begging my mom to pick me up early from school so I'd be home before Oprah started, not 10 minutes after. It's after her show, so I could just watch her, like, talk to people about their lives, you know?

[Ryan Reynolds]

That's cool, but I love it. You always had. You always walk into that permission of being like, this is always going to be that conversation. That's nice.

[Tony Hale]

Yeah. And if it's. And if it's light and we're, like, laughing and being stupid the whole time, great. Sometimes it's a hybrid. Sometimes it's really serious. And I like getting to meet people where they are.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Tony Hale]

It's kind of cool.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Pete Holmes calls. He says some people have a tell me your. Tell me your pain face. And I totally just like, there's an openness to, like, your face or my face or whatever that it's like, people feel free to, like, just tell them their pain, which, you know, I. I also really enjoy that. Try not to fix it. That's the challenge. That's. That's tough. But just to listen.

[Tony Hale]

Yeah.

[Ryan Reynolds]

It's hard for me because I want to be like, oh, well, this is what I went through. And it's like, no, why don't you just listen, Toni?

[Tony Hale]

Yeah, I. Another one that I got from my therapist, which is really good, is when I can feel that urge coming to say, quick question. Do you want to talk about how to solve it, or do you just need someone to listen to the problem? And if I can know myself well, Enough to ask that question, then the person I'm talking to can tell me what they need. And in a weird way, then I don't feel like they want me to fix something. And if they do, I'm like, you trusted me with that. Yay.

[Ryan Reynolds]

That's actually. I use that on my daughter. That's really. And my wife. Because we, you know, like, I do have that compulsion to be like, oh, especially with my daughter. Like, I've been through this, and it's like, no, do you want a solution right now? Do you want my thoughts on a solution, or do you want me just to listen? That's a great precursor.

[Tony Hale]

It. And it's nice for them, and it's nice for you because I get the sense, you know, maybe anxiety recognizes anxiety. It's like the less cool version of, like, game recognizes game.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Oh, yeah.

[Tony Hale]

Like, I'm like, if I don't know what someone needs, I actually can get a little anxious listening because I have all these thoughts, and I don't know when it's appropriate to say which one. And weirdly, asking them the question makes it easier for them and also so much easier for me. So it's kind of nice.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Oh, that's good.

[Tony Hale]

It's like a. It's like a double gift.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah.

[Tony Hale]

You know, as a dad, being in this position, I can't imagine what it's like to have a kid that's, you know, 19, 20, who's out in the world. Because to your point, of course, you want to remove obstacles and difficulty from your children's lives, your child's life, but they learn resiliency by encountering problems and solving them.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah.

[Tony Hale]

And so the duality of that, I imagine, two decades into doing is pretty intense.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah.

[Tony Hale]

Knowing about your personal struggles with anxiety, you know, your. Your own experiences, processing your childhood, how do you feel like you can look back at your history and then forward at what you watch your kid do and figure out how to. How to parent.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah. That's a tough one because, I mean, I wouldn't just like both of us, probably. I wouldn't be who I am without everything I've gone through.

[Tony Hale]

Yeah.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Fact. Like, there's no way I would not have empathy. I mean, all that kind of stuff is result of what I've been through. But it's like, man, it's like that. That knowledge in me turns off with her. Like, it's just. I just. It. There is a. There's a. When they're growing up, there's a big difference between a performance cry and A real cry, you know, like, because I had that cry. We're just that kind of, you know, like there's a little bit of like I need some attention or I need, you know, whatever. It's, it's. But when there's a real genuine cry and that you can see their feelings really hurt. Oh, it is absolutely heartbreaking. And to this day, like when she's really. I mean, she. Obviously the performance cries go away when they're little, but it's like anytime she's hurt or I can see that pain, it's just. There is. Oh, it's just that you just want to rescue them, Just constantly rescue them. And she has got to walk through it, she's got to feel it. And I've just got to come on and listen, like to your point and not give a solution unless she asks. And man, there's just. I don't even. I don't even know. I just take it day to day. I mean, she's actually come home. She's been working at a camp as a counselor for the past month and a half. And so she's.

[Tony Hale]

I did that. I loved being a camp counselor.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah, she loves it. It was the same camp that she's been going to for like 10 years. And yeah, she's coming home tomorrow and. Oh, man, it's. Both my wife and I are just like, we're super eager, but at the same time you want to give them space and you know.

[Tony Hale]

Yeah.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Been kind of in performance mode for a month and a half and so like, totally to have her space, but it's just like, hi, hi. Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi.

[Tony Hale]

You're like, oh my God, I missed you so much. I don't want you to know how much, but it was so much good to see you. I don't know, it's so sweet, the.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Day to day thing of like just really trying to check myself, you know?

[Tony Hale]

Yeah, well, that and I don't want to give any spoilers away to the movie, but you know, also being an adult, anxious, asthmatic kid who is.

[Ryan Reynolds]

You're an asthmatic kid. We're in the same tribe.

[Tony Hale]

And I know you are too. I know. It's really. I was like, I could always tell there was something.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Oh, the same tribe. Look it up.

[Tony Hale]

Yeah. Yeah. But there's like this really cool thing that happens. I'm trying to think of how to reflect on it without spoiling anything for our audience. A scene in your film with you and the wonderful young actress who plays your daughter.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah. Yeah. She's Great.

[Tony Hale]

By the lake.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah.

[Tony Hale]

Or the pond, however we classify it. And you really see each other, and you get to explain some things to her, and she gets to explain some things to you, and it's so beautiful. And maybe the reason I thought about it this way is because my therapist is really worth every penny I pay him. But I was like, oh, this is one of those moments where some part of me gets reparented.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah, yeah.

[Tony Hale]

By watching a. By watching what's happening between a parent and a child. And I know that when you have kids, you know, I've got little kids in my life, you get these opportunities, parenting them, assisting them, that sort of reparent. Something in you. Did this movie feel like that for you?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah, it did. I mean, the other actor, Q. Lawrence, who played my son, and they were.

[Tony Hale]

Both unbelievable kids, such good kids.

[Ryan Reynolds]

You know, one thing that I really connected to was just the dad. There was a moment when the dad just says, I kind of screwed up. You know, I really, really miscalculated how to process this whole situation. And, you know, I recently actually did that with my daughter because I was talking to her, and I remember when she was really young, and I got kind of mad at her about something, and it was just silly. I was stressed out, and she was being a kid. And I remember there's just this moment where I was like, you can't do this. And I could just see that face in her, and. And I said, sweetheart. And today I. Like, when she was home, I was like, I remember this moment. I'm just so sorry. I was. This. Was so angry about this stupid thing. And she's like, you know, Dad, I don't even. I don't think she remembered it, but, you know, you just. The more. And it's hard. It's hard because there's a part of. There's a part of humanity where you feel like if I find that weak, then it somehow it's not connected to strength, you know, like, they're not gonna. They're not gonna see me as whatever that. Whatever I think a parent needs to be seen as. And it's like, where. If they. There's so much power in the humanity of, like, man, I'm just. I really. I messed that one up. But, you know, love you, and I'm doing my best. That kind of a thing. I think there's so much power in that that I. Yeah. I even as a parent, still think I have to reframe. Like. Yeah, there is power in that. Being that, honestly, you know.

[Tony Hale]

Absolutely. And And I'd wager it takes more power, more conviction, more wisdom to be courageous and vulnerable in that way than it does to do the quick to anger. Oh, traditional power, strength thing.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Totally. And, you know, the fact is, my daughter is more than likely probably gonna be in therapy one day for how having an anxious, you know, father, you know, who, like, was playing crazy characters, I don't know, but, like, there's gonna be something that he's going to deal with. And of course, there's a part of me that was like, what did I do wrong? What did I do wrong? Well, we're human, you know, there's no perfection in that. You know, that's. But that's. That's kind of a reality that's like, yeah, that's probably going to happen. She's going to be in therapy for something.

[Tony Hale]

I mean, aren't we all?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Tony Hale]

It's okay. What do you think? You know, looking at the kind of landscape of what you're processing as a person, what you're releasing into the world as a professional, you know, even the fact that you're. You're about to get your kid back from summer camp, like, there's so much happening in every sphere, what at this point feels like your work in progress, the thing you want to tackle next, or maybe the thing you're going to tackle forever.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah. I got this question recently. Sounds super cheesy, but I'm just going to say it. It was during an interview, and they asked, what's next? They said, what's next for you? And I said, honestly, now I'm going to turn into Oprah. But honestly, at this stage of my life, I'm really trying to ask myself, what's here? Because I don't. I've been just for so long. And there's nothing wrong with ambition. There's nothing wrong with dreaming. There's nothing wrong, you know, obviously planning and looking to the next thing. But so much of my life has been devoted to that, of just thinking next and, you know, wondering what's next. And I just haven't really taken the time to look around and ask myself, what's here? You know, what's going on here? Where am I? Because those times when I do that is the things that I actually remember. Ironically, you know, when I do take the time to look around at what's here, my wife and I joke that we've been married for 22 years and neither one of us remember our weddings because we just kind of remember it. But it's like I was so distracted, and I was so, like. I don't know, just this kind of whirlwind. And I don't think either one of us were very present. And now it's like taking deep breaths and kind of looking around and, hey, what's here? What's here? That's kind of what I'm asking myself. So all that to say. I feel like it's been kind of going for these heightened experiences, and I've missed the power of kind of the everyday. The power, power of the ordinary. You know, life is fast. I'm 54 years old. I just, you know, started when I was 25, and it's like, it's fast. And I just, you know, I. I don't want to. I don't. Not in the sense of regret. But I think most of the power in life is in the ordinary, is in the everyday, in relationships, not in these big mountaintop experiences that I'm always looking to what's next. It's just not, you know? So I. I. As I get older, I want the power to really surface more in those every day.

[Tony Hale]

Yeah, I love that. What's here? That's a good work in progress, Tony. That's a good one.

[Ryan Reynolds]

It's hard, though.

[Tony Hale]

I love it.

[Ryan Reynolds]

My therapist says I have to. You have to wake yourself up 100 times a day to where you are. And it's true. I just constantly have to wake myself up because my head is somewhere else. Like, it's checked into either anxiety, it's checked into dreaming, it's checked into whatever. And it's like, I gotta check in to now. I gotta check in.

[Tony Hale]

It's beautiful. Where can all of our friends at.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Home watch sketch at theaters? It opens. It opened yesterday. And, yeah, they can watch it hopefully at a theater near you. I think it's opening to, like, about 2,000 screens.

[Tony Hale]

Amazing.

[Ryan Reynolds]

So I'm just stoked and, you know, and I. First of all, I really appreciate you doing this. This is so nice.

[Tony Hale]

Oh, my gosh. Thank you. Are you kidding? It's a joy to have you on the show. I would like to volunteer myself as tribute for whatever project you're doing next. Even if it takes eight years, I'm down. I'm a real. I'm a. I'm a. Like a dog with a bone. I can be a pain in the ass, which feels like, get stuff made, but also, like, I'm really fun, you know, I find that like. Like a fun pain in the ass.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Oh, that's so great. I just. This is a real gift to a lot of people. You do in this though, because just being conversations, you know, it's it's an opportunity to kind of get a little deeper.

[I]

Hello Divorce yes, this is a divorce ad about hello divorce.com and you might be asking why you're hearing it. Even if you're happily married or single, chances are someone close to you might be thinking about or going through divorce. Help them skip expensive lawyers and unnecessary stress. Tell them to visit hellodivorce.com for clarity, savings and peace of mind. Because sometimes being a good friend means sharing the right resources. Hello divorce.com support your friends can trust.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Does friendly have a taste? I think it does. And if it does, it probably is like hellos Peppermint Flavored Antipla and Whitening toothpaste. Brush away plaque, show tartar who's boss and remove surface stains to naturally whiten.

[Sophia]

Hello's thoughtful and flavor forward products make brushing your teeth feel like a confetti filled bathroom dance party.

[Tony Hale]

So say hello to hello with the always cruelty free never tested on animals toothpaste that's made to spread smiles. Visit helloproducts.com and let hello add some everyday yay into your life.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Now through August 26th, it's back to Deals time where you can enjoy storewide deals and earn four times points. Look for in store tags to earn on eligible items from Hershey's, Cheez It, Kellogg's, Gatorade, Smart Water, Skinny Pop, Oberto, Zoa and Activia. Then clip the offer in the app for automatic event long savings. Shop in store or online for easy drive up and go pick up or delivery subject to availability restrictions apply. Visit Albertsons or Safeway.com for more details.

[Unknown]

There's nothing like sinking into luxury. @washablesofas.com you'll find the Annabe sofa which combines ultimate comfort and design at an affordable price. And get this, it's the only sofa that's fully machine washable from top to bottom. Starting at only $699, the stain resistant performance fabric slipcovers and cloud like frame duvet can go straight into your wash. Perfect for anyone with kids, pets or anyone who loves an easy to clean spotless sofa. With a modular design and changeable slipcovers, you can customize your sofa to fit any space and style. Whether you need a single chair, loveseat or a luxuriously large sectional, Annabe has you covered. Visit washablesofas.com to upgrade your home. Right now you can shop up to 60% off store wide with a 3030 day money back guarantee. Shop now at washablesofas.com add a little to your life. Offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.

[I]

The day begins at the Chase Sapphire Lounge by the club at Boston Logan Airport. You get the clam chowder in San Diego, it's Tostadas New York Espresso Martini. It's 10:00am why not? It's the quiet before your next flight. The shower that resets your day. The the menu that lets you know where you are. This is access to over 1300 airport lounges and every Sapphire Lounge by the club. And one card that gets you in Chase Sapphire Reserve, the most rewarding card.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Learn [e-mail] Sapphire Reserve cards issued by JP Morgan, Chase bank and a member.

[Ryan Reynolds]

FDIC subject to credit approval.

[Unknown]

This is an iHeart podcast.