JB

Where did you start? Where did you grow up?

Where did you start? Where did you grow up?

The law kept catching you.

The law kept catching you.

Oh, and you think the lats will do it?

Oh, and you think the lats will do it?

You think that your lats are scared. Yeah. It's like a cobra. You know, you flare out the back.

You think that your lats are scared. Yeah. It's like a cobra. You know, you flare out the back.

That's exactly right.

That's exactly right.

And all those kids— Did it lead to anything tangible? Yeah. Or was it just a great thing to have on your resume and you just started to do more sort of traditional auditions and—

And all those kids— Did it lead to anything tangible? Yeah. Or was it just a great thing to have on your resume and you just started to do more sort of traditional auditions and—

Now, Felicity was quite some time past that, but that was also on ABC. It was under the same umbrella. That wasn't part of the same deal, was it?

Now, Felicity was quite some time past that, but that was also on ABC. It was under the same umbrella. That wasn't part of the same deal, was it?

The great Will Speck knows how to flare out the little bat wings.

The great Will Speck knows how to flare out the little bat wings.

I don't want to put words in your mouth. And at an age where things are challenging already at that age, right? Kind of like figuring out who you are.

I don't want to put words in your mouth. And at an age where things are challenging already at that age, right? Kind of like figuring out who you are.

People coming up to you on the street and stuff like that, yeah? Yeah.

People coming up to you on the street and stuff like that, yeah? Yeah.

You fold it and then you drape it. Yep. And you did the drape.

You fold it and then you drape it. Yep. And you did the drape.

And then – but so – God. Most kids, me, part of it, like as soon as the kid show is done, there's a panic like, okay, what's the next show going to be like? What's my career going to be now that I'm kind of like almost an adult?

And then – but so – God. Most kids, me, part of it, like as soon as the kid show is done, there's a panic like, okay, what's the next show going to be like? What's my career going to be now that I'm kind of like almost an adult?

And you're dying to get another job and get back into that television series cocoon, you know, the safety of employment. You were the opposite. You were like, not only do I not want to work, I don't even know if I want to do this occupation anymore. Yeah.

And you're dying to get another job and get back into that television series cocoon, you know, the safety of employment. You were the opposite. You were like, not only do I not want to work, I don't even know if I want to do this occupation anymore. Yeah.

But a little bit more. So you're saying you're both going around chopping pillows. What?

But a little bit more. So you're saying you're both going around chopping pillows. What?

Well, listen, but, you know, Sean and Scotty have nice things. Look behind him there.

Well, listen, but, you know, Sean and Scotty have nice things. Look behind him there.

She stuck with it. What was the other industry that you were thinking about maybe going into? Yeah.

She stuck with it. What was the other industry that you were thinking about maybe going into? Yeah.

But you didn't like start like one particular career that you were thinking maybe I want to kind of go in and then like that was kind of like, yeah, it's not that great. And then you went back to acting.

But you didn't like start like one particular career that you were thinking maybe I want to kind of go in and then like that was kind of like, yeah, it's not that great. And then you went back to acting.

Yeah. So you didn't really started anything.

Yeah. So you didn't really started anything.

We've got sconces. We've got stuff on the bookshelves other than books.

We've got sconces. We've got stuff on the bookshelves other than books.

Yeah, I was scared shitless of that transition. Yeah. Yeah. I thought no one's going to, you know, you're a kid actor. So why would anybody want to see you do adult acting when you're an adult? Like you got to start over. You know, there's not going to be an easy transition. And it wasn't. There was all through my 20s was just a barren waste field.

Yeah, I was scared shitless of that transition. Yeah. Yeah. I thought no one's going to, you know, you're a kid actor. So why would anybody want to see you do adult acting when you're an adult? Like you got to start over. You know, there's not going to be an easy transition. And it wasn't. There was all through my 20s was just a barren waste field.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Absolutely.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Absolutely.

You don't go... You've got all this adult responsibility.

You don't go... You've got all this adult responsibility.

No, no, no, no. Why start now? Will, you've been there a couple times? I have, yeah.

No, no, no, no. Why start now? Will, you've been there a couple times? I have, yeah.

That's horror for me.

That's horror for me.

Hey, hey.

Hey, hey.

Hey, wait. Sean, what did you just pull up in a frame there? Oh, that's what I'm talking about with scotch. Is it apple juice? It's apple juice.

Hey, wait. Sean, what did you just pull up in a frame there? Oh, that's what I'm talking about with scotch. Is it apple juice? It's apple juice.

But the dirty little secret is that even the flashy sort of funny sort of I don't seem very nervous person is petrified underneath. They just have this flashy coping skill that is basically – Acting, they're just able to act twice, right?

But the dirty little secret is that even the flashy sort of funny sort of I don't seem very nervous person is petrified underneath. They just have this flashy coping skill that is basically – Acting, they're just able to act twice, right?

You are very- He is, but he's a fucking mess inside.

You are very- He is, but he's a fucking mess inside.

Just like I am a fucking disaster inside, and so is Sean. We're fucking nut jobs. We're all crazy. Crazy. And you just figure out different ways to fake it. And then you get comfortable with that, and it kind of becomes a part of your personality too. Like, oh, this little suit that I put on to kind of deal with it is also just kind of me too.

Just like I am a fucking disaster inside, and so is Sean. We're fucking nut jobs. We're all crazy. Crazy. And you just figure out different ways to fake it. And then you get comfortable with that, and it kind of becomes a part of your personality too. Like, oh, this little suit that I put on to kind of deal with it is also just kind of me too.

Yes. You have a real, I don't know, I'll bet you a half a dozen max of our listeners know someone that drinks a glass of milk or three every day and apple juice on ice. That's right. I mean, you are Mr. Americana.

Yes. You have a real, I don't know, I'll bet you a half a dozen max of our listeners know someone that drinks a glass of milk or three every day and apple juice on ice. That's right. I mean, you are Mr. Americana.

And slippers.

And slippers.

You guys had never met before the show?

You guys had never met before the show?

We've got a guest waiting.

We've got a guest waiting.

It's probably a haircut. Matthew had his haircut better.

It's probably a haircut. Matthew had his haircut better.

Right. Do you know what I mean? Sweatpants is the universal sign for... When you've hit fuck it, right? When you're wearing sweatpants outside.

Right. Do you know what I mean? Sweatpants is the universal sign for... When you've hit fuck it, right? When you're wearing sweatpants outside.

And the great Liz Banks. And our friend Liz Banks. We love Banks.

And the great Liz Banks. And our friend Liz Banks. We love Banks.

You guys were in Ireland, I want to say?

You guys were in Ireland, I want to say?

I forget.

I forget.

No, I think it's Look Who's Talking.

No, I think it's Look Who's Talking.

Stop saying that. Well, I've never heard it before.

Stop saying that. Well, I've never heard it before.

No, one of us is definitely gay. Can you work that?

No, one of us is definitely gay. Can you work that?

She just blew right by the lockup, huh?

She just blew right by the lockup, huh?

Yeah.

Yeah.

Just a delight. Just a sunny delight.

Just a delight. Just a sunny delight.

Oh, I do remember this.

Oh, I do remember this.

And how would you pronounce that?

And how would you pronounce that?

He's saying he needs a lot more room in there than most people.

He's saying he needs a lot more room in there than most people.

Yeah, over the course of two or three days. Yeah, because we've got to do the... I can't wait to see you clean shaven and clean. I know. I can't. I'm going to look so weird. Will you miss this look? I'll look old probably, right? Yeah. Do you think I'll look older?

Yeah, over the course of two or three days. Yeah, because we've got to do the... I can't wait to see you clean shaven and clean. I know. I can't. I'm going to look so weird. Will you miss this look? I'll look old probably, right? Yeah. Do you think I'll look older?

Sorry, I meant to say duh. Right, because... Our guest liked it. Yeah, she seems like she's in a good mood.

Sorry, I meant to say duh. Right, because... Our guest liked it. Yeah, she seems like she's in a good mood.

Mix it up.

Mix it up.

There are dogs that outrank you, but as far as humans go...

There are dogs that outrank you, but as far as humans go...

Hello, listener. We're in the middle of a songwriting operation here with Sean P. Hayes. Okay, it goes like this. Uh-huh.

Hello, listener. We're in the middle of a songwriting operation here with Sean P. Hayes. Okay, it goes like this. Uh-huh.

Hand on buzzer.

Hand on buzzer.

Sean, did you say Martindale? Margo Martindale. Margo Martindale.

Sean, did you say Martindale? Margo Martindale. Margo Martindale.

Oh my God. Hello, Carrie. Oh my God. It's so great to see you.

Oh my God. Hello, Carrie. Oh my God. It's so great to see you.

Wasn't Ryan Gosling on that as well?

Wasn't Ryan Gosling on that as well?

And you. Are you home?

And you. Are you home?

So Sean, you're still in New York City. Yeah, I am. Would you ever consider living there full time?

So Sean, you're still in New York City. Yeah, I am. Would you ever consider living there full time?

Are you a Capricorn, Carrie?

Are you a Capricorn, Carrie?

What are you?

What are you?

I don't know. We don't know anything. All I know is about my own sign.

I don't know. We don't know anything. All I know is about my own sign.

Out of the not shocking department. Mom, my wife can come in here and break you down. My wife would ask you, you're rising and you're moon.

Out of the not shocking department. Mom, my wife can come in here and break you down. My wife would ask you, you're rising and you're moon.

But yeah, no, for me, I mean... Sean, what type of stuff, like, would you go in there with a specific set of sides for an audition that's coming up and you'd work on it?

But yeah, no, for me, I mean... Sean, what type of stuff, like, would you go in there with a specific set of sides for an audition that's coming up and you'd work on it?

Now, what about, you know, Will is threatening to move to, I can't keep up. It's either, it's usually England. I think now it's Portugal. But he would like to live in England, I think. As would I, I think. Where did coming back from there leave you? I mean, would you go back?

Now, what about, you know, Will is threatening to move to, I can't keep up. It's either, it's usually England. I think now it's Portugal. But he would like to live in England, I think. As would I, I think. Where did coming back from there leave you? I mean, would you go back?

This is the rhythm of the question-answer dynamic.

This is the rhythm of the question-answer dynamic.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Could you see yourself living there full time? Like would your whole family?

Could you see yourself living there full time? Like would your whole family?

Of course, of course. What about your teenagers? Have they done some time there?

Of course, of course. What about your teenagers? Have they done some time there?

Yeah, what'd they think?

Yeah, what'd they think?

So in the summer they can be with you. Yeah. And would they or would they be like, because I've got a 12-year-old and a 17-year-old.

So in the summer they can be with you. Yeah. And would they or would they be like, because I've got a 12-year-old and a 17-year-old.

Yeah. Lucky you.

Yeah. Lucky you.

But they're like, you know, they've got their lives, you know, and they got their friends and they got their places they like to go. And it's like, well, great. I'll see you when you get back, Mom, Dad.

But they're like, you know, they've got their lives, you know, and they got their friends and they got their places they like to go. And it's like, well, great. I'll see you when you get back, Mom, Dad.

It's hard to get them away, nor do you really want to disrupt them. Jace, kids' names real quick. Oh, God.

It's hard to get them away, nor do you really want to disrupt them. Jace, kids' names real quick. Oh, God.

We talk about this sometimes. What is it? Is it like a nightly thing? I've just been sort of teasing, but now I'm actually, I'm in my fee-fees about it. You guys talk every night?

We talk about this sometimes. What is it? Is it like a nightly thing? I've just been sort of teasing, but now I'm actually, I'm in my fee-fees about it. You guys talk every night?

No. You do with Josh. Fucking Josh Shotland gets you on a FaceTime every goddamn day. Who's Josh? Just this guy who likes to talk on his FaceTime with Will on his couch without his top on. That's true. Yeah, and he frames himself just below the T's. That's true. Just below the teeth. Yeah, it's weird. Is he still on plastic on his couch?

No. You do with Josh. Fucking Josh Shotland gets you on a FaceTime every goddamn day. Who's Josh? Just this guy who likes to talk on his FaceTime with Will on his couch without his top on. That's true. Yeah, and he frames himself just below the T's. That's true. Just below the teeth. Yeah, it's weird. Is he still on plastic on his couch?

Hey, so wait. So how often are you guys FaceTiming?

Hey, so wait. So how often are you guys FaceTiming?

Higher.

Higher.

Higher while you lie to me. Is it every other night? No. That's another lie. You go super low or super high. They're lying. But this is fun for you guys. You guys stay in contact because you're best friends and you like to keep up on each other's lives and call into reunions and stuff like that. You know, I'm fucking sitting here doing nothing.

Higher while you lie to me. Is it every other night? No. That's another lie. You go super low or super high. They're lying. But this is fun for you guys. You guys stay in contact because you're best friends and you like to keep up on each other's lives and call into reunions and stuff like that. You know, I'm fucking sitting here doing nothing.

Well, but James, so you didn't really kind of start this super passionate about it. Like this wasn't your plan really to be an actor out of the gate, right?

Well, but James, so you didn't really kind of start this super passionate about it. Like this wasn't your plan really to be an actor out of the gate, right?

Weren't you going to maybe be a priest at one point or is that just a Wikipedia lie? No way, really?

Weren't you going to maybe be a priest at one point or is that just a Wikipedia lie? No way, really?

And this is, you don't just pay 10 bucks and get in to that place. This is a very, very prestigious place.

And this is, you don't just pay 10 bucks and get in to that place. This is a very, very prestigious place.

But still, it ain't some swinging door there. This is a high-end institution.

But still, it ain't some swinging door there. This is a high-end institution.

Are you in it or are you just going to direct it?

Are you in it or are you just going to direct it?

Well, maybe just not FaceTime, so you don't have to see the heavy brow.

Well, maybe just not FaceTime, so you don't have to see the heavy brow.

I don't know where Will's going with this. Will, you got a pretty high, you know, low range there. You can play 1920.

I don't know where Will's going with this. Will, you got a pretty high, you know, low range there. You can play 1920.

Can you give us just a little bit of rapping, Will? Yeah, in Scotland, in Scottish, in the

Can you give us just a little bit of rapping, Will? Yeah, in Scotland, in Scottish, in the

Yeah, they're American, so you're perfect.

Yeah, they're American, so you're perfect.

Take this as an opportunity to audition just a little bit, Will. I'm the beatbox guy.

Take this as an opportunity to audition just a little bit, Will. I'm the beatbox guy.

You're auditioning for this.

You're auditioning for this.

Now, James, what about now this film? I was rapping. Go ahead.

Now, James, what about now this film? I was rapping. Go ahead.

This film that you're going to be directing, the role that you're going to be playing in it, is it a role that is going to, that is appropriate for you to do sort of character type acting or is it a role that would be more appropriate if you were to do that level of acting, would you be overplaying the part or do you just need to just be a guy?

This film that you're going to be directing, the role that you're going to be playing in it, is it a role that is going to, that is appropriate for you to do sort of character type acting or is it a role that would be more appropriate if you were to do that level of acting, would you be overplaying the part or do you just need to just be a guy?

Yeah, smoking.

Yeah, smoking.

You know, I remembered I have a pool. You know? I was like, oh, I can enjoy.

You know, I remembered I have a pool. You know? I was like, oh, I can enjoy.

Yeah.

Yeah.

He does. Yeah, a plumbing van. But this new film is a Blumhouse as well, right? Speak No Evil?

He does. Yeah, a plumbing van. But this new film is a Blumhouse as well, right? Speak No Evil?

The trailer looks great.

The trailer looks great.

Yeah, but again, for Tracy, you know, when you shoot a movie, it's all out of order. You're not like taking care of, you do one character and then you're done. And then in James's case, you do another character and then you're done. So you're probably playing what, sometimes three or four different characters on the same day. Yeah, that's crazy.

Yeah, but again, for Tracy, you know, when you shoot a movie, it's all out of order. You're not like taking care of, you do one character and then you're done. And then in James's case, you do another character and then you're done. So you're probably playing what, sometimes three or four different characters on the same day. Yeah, that's crazy.

And would you agree that you seem to be the kind of real actor that will find the version of each character inside you? And if that is true, then when you're playing in a movie where you're playing multiple characters and basically going through schizophrenia…

And would you agree that you seem to be the kind of real actor that will find the version of each character inside you? And if that is true, then when you're playing in a movie where you're playing multiple characters and basically going through schizophrenia…

does it ever become super taxing on yourself to explore all those different parts of yourselves and try to be as authentic and as believable as possible and it sort of like triggers and brings these characters up in you and you don't know who the hell you are then when you go home?

does it ever become super taxing on yourself to explore all those different parts of yourselves and try to be as authentic and as believable as possible and it sort of like triggers and brings these characters up in you and you don't know who the hell you are then when you go home?

Look at you, Groove. I wanted to put it in my face quicker than Uber could bring me.

Look at you, Groove. I wanted to put it in my face quicker than Uber could bring me.

Hugging everybody goodbye with you slinging the bag over their back while you hug them all. Hollywood bad boy steals donuts from family reunion.

Hugging everybody goodbye with you slinging the bag over their back while you hug them all. Hollywood bad boy steals donuts from family reunion.

No, this was a sugarfish special. Yummy, I love that place. They make a nice box down there.

No, this was a sugarfish special. Yummy, I love that place. They make a nice box down there.

Yeah, yeah. Let's talk about when you decide to toggle between mediums, when you go between theater and film. Yeah. Because you've done an incredible amount of very prestigious theater work, and I would imagine that's very, very rewarding to you. Yeah. But you also have to pay the bills, and you're a big movie star, and you probably enjoy doing that stuff too.

Yeah, yeah. Let's talk about when you decide to toggle between mediums, when you go between theater and film. Yeah. Because you've done an incredible amount of very prestigious theater work, and I would imagine that's very, very rewarding to you. Yeah. But you also have to pay the bills, and you're a big movie star, and you probably enjoy doing that stuff too.

So how do you decide between – is there a rhythm you like to maintain, or is it just kind of job-to-job kind of thing?

So how do you decide between – is there a rhythm you like to maintain, or is it just kind of job-to-job kind of thing?

I do. Is it me or does sushi delivery now, they've kind of upped things. Yeah, it used to be it didn't travel well. Right, a real slapdash thing with a sweaty plastic see-through box. Now it's a paper thing that's got nice printing and graphics.

I do. Is it me or does sushi delivery now, they've kind of upped things. Yeah, it used to be it didn't travel well. Right, a real slapdash thing with a sweaty plastic see-through box. Now it's a paper thing that's got nice printing and graphics.

But it doesn't have the creative fulfillment for you, does it?

But it doesn't have the creative fulfillment for you, does it?

What about the time that it takes, the commitment you have to make ahead of time to commit to that play, rehearse, put it up, and you can't leave until it's done? How many really killer jobs have you missed because you've committed to a play and you're like, oh, fuck. had no way of knowing that script is coming?

What about the time that it takes, the commitment you have to make ahead of time to commit to that play, rehearse, put it up, and you can't leave until it's done? How many really killer jobs have you missed because you've committed to a play and you're like, oh, fuck. had no way of knowing that script is coming?

Everything happens. Is there one job that you're comfortable telling us that you wish you would have gotten?

Everything happens. Is there one job that you're comfortable telling us that you wish you would have gotten?

Yeah. All right, let's get to the guest.

Yeah. All right, let's get to the guest.

No, let's just have one more sip. One more sip.

No, let's just have one more sip. One more sip.

Christ. Wow. And then when you saw who they cast, were you like, oh, that's why I didn't get it? No.

Christ. Wow. And then when you saw who they cast, were you like, oh, that's why I didn't get it? No.

And so did you do this big film for him or did you tell him to go fuck off?

And so did you do this big film for him or did you tell him to go fuck off?

Yeah.

Yeah.

Oh yeah, yeah, yeah. What about, didn't you burn one of your video games because you were too addicted to it? Wait, what?

Oh yeah, yeah, yeah. What about, didn't you burn one of your video games because you were too addicted to it? Wait, what?

All right. Tighten up, guest. Here we go. Guys. I don't know if you like acting talent. A lot of people do. For some reason, the three of us seem allergic to it being anywhere near our work. But this guy has got a lot of it. And if we're nice to him, maybe he'll share some. He could also lend us a few of his numerous nominations and wins for his work, which he's been, well, he's been...

All right. Tighten up, guest. Here we go. Guys. I don't know if you like acting talent. A lot of people do. For some reason, the three of us seem allergic to it being anywhere near our work. But this guy has got a lot of it. And if we're nice to him, maybe he'll share some. He could also lend us a few of his numerous nominations and wins for his work, which he's been, well, he's been...

So you're in remission now or are you still dabbling?

So you're in remission now or are you still dabbling?

You are still playing. So you've managed to find the right size for it.

You are still playing. So you've managed to find the right size for it.

Yeah, I mean, you're not staying up until dawn anymore, are you?

Yeah, I mean, you're not staying up until dawn anymore, are you?

Oh God, still rolling? Which he's received well-deserved recognition for from all over the world. Sean, you're gonna wanna discuss with him the whimsy and the wonder of projects such as The Chronicles of Narnia, X-Men, Children of Dune. While Will, you'll be more interested in the subjects covered in titles such as Shameless, Wanted, Filth, and ultimately Atonement.

Oh God, still rolling? Which he's received well-deserved recognition for from all over the world. Sean, you're gonna wanna discuss with him the whimsy and the wonder of projects such as The Chronicles of Narnia, X-Men, Children of Dune. While Will, you'll be more interested in the subjects covered in titles such as Shameless, Wanted, Filth, and ultimately Atonement.

I love that. Well, James, you're a lot of fun. We've laughed our asses off with you today. We sure have. We appreciate your time, my friend. Very nice to get to know you. Huge fans of yours.

I love that. Well, James, you're a lot of fun. We've laughed our asses off with you today. We sure have. We appreciate your time, my friend. Very nice to get to know you. Huge fans of yours.

Have a great time directing.

Have a great time directing.

He's a Scottish treasure, a Celtic FC diehard, and a recovering video game addict. Please show some compassion and hospitality to the one and only James McAvoy.

He's a Scottish treasure, a Celtic FC diehard, and a recovering video game addict. Please show some compassion and hospitality to the one and only James McAvoy.

Speak no evil. Out now. It is from the great Jason Blum. Directed, written by James Watkins, everybody. Speak no evil. Check it out. Go and see it.

Speak no evil. Out now. It is from the great Jason Blum. Directed, written by James Watkins, everybody. Speak no evil. Check it out. Go and see it.

It was really, really great to meet you, my friend. Thank you.

It was really, really great to meet you, my friend. Thank you.

Bye-bye.

Bye-bye.

Bye, buddy. Wow. Hey, guys. Yeah. We're back. We're back from commercial. Hi. Do we do commercials after?

Bye, buddy. Wow. Hey, guys. Yeah. We're back. We're back from commercial. Hi. Do we do commercials after?

Right, right, right, right, right. So, guys, that was James McAvoy. And, you know, I'm not buying the accent. I think he needs to work on that.

Right, right, right, right, right. So, guys, that was James McAvoy. And, you know, I'm not buying the accent. I think he needs to work on that.

Yeah, I mean, everyone knows he's from Dayton, Ohio, and he's been working on the Skies. Dayton, Ohio.

Yeah, I mean, everyone knows he's from Dayton, Ohio, and he's been working on the Skies. Dayton, Ohio.

Or X-Men. I mean, what's the matter with you?

Or X-Men. I mean, what's the matter with you?

Tummy Sticks. Something like that.

Tummy Sticks. Something like that.

Nice. Yeah, thanks. Hey Willie, are you still doing that book club thing? Yeah.

Nice. Yeah, thanks. Hey Willie, are you still doing that book club thing? Yeah.

Right. You know, I was thinking he looks a lot like Josh Charles, our friend Josh Charles. Do you guys know Josh?

Right. You know, I was thinking he looks a lot like Josh Charles, our friend Josh Charles. Do you guys know Josh?

Baltimore Orioles fan.

Baltimore Orioles fan.

Pump the brakes.

Pump the brakes.

You could hang out with that guy.

You could hang out with that guy.

We really snuck that one up on a shiny boy. Nice going. Smart. Less. Smart.

We really snuck that one up on a shiny boy. Nice going. Smart. Less. Smart.

Now, Sean and I are excited about it too, but here's what's good. Sean and I are much more sort of like the, a bit more of the typical American audience that does not know as much about soccer as you do. So you have taken that into account with the way in which you've gone about developing this podcast, yes?

Now, Sean and I are excited about it too, but here's what's good. Sean and I are much more sort of like the, a bit more of the typical American audience that does not know as much about soccer as you do. So you have taken that into account with the way in which you've gone about developing this podcast, yes?

We'll get you one of those.

We'll get you one of those.

We'll get you a small band. Like a slide flute and a high hat.

We'll get you a small band. Like a slide flute and a high hat.

Don't choke the puppy, Sean. Hey, Will, do you have anything you'd like to say about Celtic FC? Or do they mess around with your Liverpool fans?

Don't choke the puppy, Sean. Hey, Will, do you have anything you'd like to say about Celtic FC? Or do they mess around with your Liverpool fans?

So what do you… Do you prioritize the American audience, the global audience? What do you do? I don't know, Jason. It's a very difficult one because I'm going to have to… We'll wait to see the numbers. Whoever listens most… gets soccer or football.

So what do you… Do you prioritize the American audience, the global audience? What do you do? I don't know, Jason. It's a very difficult one because I'm going to have to… We'll wait to see the numbers. Whoever listens most… gets soccer or football.

But you know, the British accent covers you. I think anytime you say football, people are going to think you mean soccer because you're saying it with a British accent.

But you know, the British accent covers you. I think anytime you say football, people are going to think you mean soccer because you're saying it with a British accent.

When I listen to Goalless, I want to learn about these things. I want you to take care of the dingbats like me too. Not just the smarties like Will.

When I listen to Goalless, I want to learn about these things. I want you to take care of the dingbats like me too. Not just the smarties like Will.

He's your coach's listener.

He's your coach's listener.

Now, how do you learn this? Is it on a website? Like, how do you do that?

Now, how do you learn this? Is it on a website? Like, how do you do that?

This is the kind of flavor and spice we want to get from you on a weekly basis.

This is the kind of flavor and spice we want to get from you on a weekly basis.

Are you waiting for someone to reach out?

Are you waiting for someone to reach out?

Well, I can reach out right now.

Well, I can reach out right now.

That's exactly it, yeah. I need that. I'm actually excited about that. Yeah, me too.

That's exactly it, yeah. I need that. I'm actually excited about that. Yeah, me too.

I think that's more for me and Sean, not you, Will.

I think that's more for me and Sean, not you, Will.

September 19th.

September 19th.

Thanks, Russ. See you, buddy. Bye, bye, bye.

Thanks, Russ. See you, buddy. Bye, bye, bye.

Sean was managed by a dog leash at one point in your career.

Sean was managed by a dog leash at one point in your career.

Oh, God. James, I'm so sorry. James, thanks for joining us.

Oh, God. James, I'm so sorry. James, thanks for joining us.

Wait, Jockey? Wait, where does Jockey come from?

Wait, Jockey? Wait, where does Jockey come from?

Go back to sweaty sock.

Go back to sweaty sock.

I don't have a nickname, do I?

I don't have a nickname, do I?

Uncle Hansy. Bitch slap. Wait, James. James, I have a feeling by the end of this interview, we're going to have nicknames for each other. I feel like we've got a real quick connection right here. Not with the other guys. No. Just me.

Uncle Hansy. Bitch slap. Wait, James. James, I have a feeling by the end of this interview, we're going to have nicknames for each other. I feel like we've got a real quick connection right here. Not with the other guys. No. Just me.

Latterly, I've been... I'm going to want you to lay down right through this part and just elevate your head and just tell us what you're feeling.

Latterly, I've been... I'm going to want you to lay down right through this part and just elevate your head and just tell us what you're feeling.

Sure. It looks so good. I think it's out now.

Sure. It looks so good. I think it's out now.

It's out now.

It's out now.

Who's ready with their coffee chat? Let's hear it. How was it?

Who's ready with their coffee chat? Let's hear it. How was it?

Yeah, it's a really, really good point. Because I'm also a big fan of actors that, I mean, I really respect character actors that, like yourself, or like a Daniel Day-Lewis, or somebody that can really morph into somebody completely different with the limp and the thing and the whole... Totally the limp.

Yeah, it's a really, really good point. Because I'm also a big fan of actors that, I mean, I really respect character actors that, like yourself, or like a Daniel Day-Lewis, or somebody that can really morph into somebody completely different with the limp and the thing and the whole... Totally the limp.

But I really respect an actor that can be comfortable with just disappearing and not doing anything except just... excuse the term, story, servicing the story and just not doing any sort of performance. Do you know what I mean? Like that takes a lot of talent too. And I love those actors.

But I really respect an actor that can be comfortable with just disappearing and not doing anything except just... excuse the term, story, servicing the story and just not doing any sort of performance. Do you know what I mean? Like that takes a lot of talent too. And I love those actors.

I just got back. Did anybody drink into a fight? No, no, no, no.

I just got back. Did anybody drink into a fight? No, no, no, no.

Hello. How are you?

Hello. How are you?

FaceTime.

FaceTime.

It's like, you know... Yeah, and James, when you say movie acting, you're talking about smaller sort of leading man stuff, right? Where you're just sort of like... I'm talking about like... Right. Holy shit.

It's like, you know... Yeah, and James, when you say movie acting, you're talking about smaller sort of leading man stuff, right? Where you're just sort of like... I'm talking about like... Right. Holy shit.

Where did you start? Where did you grow up?

The law kept catching you.

Oh, and you think the lats will do it?

You think that your lats are scared. Yeah. It's like a cobra. You know, you flare out the back.

That's exactly right.

And all those kids— Did it lead to anything tangible? Yeah. Or was it just a great thing to have on your resume and you just started to do more sort of traditional auditions and—

Now, Felicity was quite some time past that, but that was also on ABC. It was under the same umbrella. That wasn't part of the same deal, was it?

The great Will Speck knows how to flare out the little bat wings.

I don't want to put words in your mouth. And at an age where things are challenging already at that age, right? Kind of like figuring out who you are.

People coming up to you on the street and stuff like that, yeah? Yeah.

You fold it and then you drape it. Yep. And you did the drape.

And then – but so – God. Most kids, me, part of it, like as soon as the kid show is done, there's a panic like, okay, what's the next show going to be like? What's my career going to be now that I'm kind of like almost an adult?

And you're dying to get another job and get back into that television series cocoon, you know, the safety of employment. You were the opposite. You were like, not only do I not want to work, I don't even know if I want to do this occupation anymore. Yeah.

But a little bit more. So you're saying you're both going around chopping pillows. What?

Well, listen, but, you know, Sean and Scotty have nice things. Look behind him there.

She stuck with it. What was the other industry that you were thinking about maybe going into? Yeah.

But you didn't like start like one particular career that you were thinking maybe I want to kind of go in and then like that was kind of like, yeah, it's not that great. And then you went back to acting.

Yeah. So you didn't really started anything.

We've got sconces. We've got stuff on the bookshelves other than books.

Yeah, I was scared shitless of that transition. Yeah. Yeah. I thought no one's going to, you know, you're a kid actor. So why would anybody want to see you do adult acting when you're an adult? Like you got to start over. You know, there's not going to be an easy transition. And it wasn't. There was all through my 20s was just a barren waste field.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Absolutely.

You don't go... You've got all this adult responsibility.

No, no, no, no. Why start now? Will, you've been there a couple times? I have, yeah.

That's horror for me.

Hey, hey.

Hey, wait. Sean, what did you just pull up in a frame there? Oh, that's what I'm talking about with scotch. Is it apple juice? It's apple juice.

But the dirty little secret is that even the flashy sort of funny sort of I don't seem very nervous person is petrified underneath. They just have this flashy coping skill that is basically – Acting, they're just able to act twice, right?

You are very- He is, but he's a fucking mess inside.

Just like I am a fucking disaster inside, and so is Sean. We're fucking nut jobs. We're all crazy. Crazy. And you just figure out different ways to fake it. And then you get comfortable with that, and it kind of becomes a part of your personality too. Like, oh, this little suit that I put on to kind of deal with it is also just kind of me too.

Yes. You have a real, I don't know, I'll bet you a half a dozen max of our listeners know someone that drinks a glass of milk or three every day and apple juice on ice. That's right. I mean, you are Mr. Americana.

And slippers.

You guys had never met before the show?

We've got a guest waiting.

It's probably a haircut. Matthew had his haircut better.

Right. Do you know what I mean? Sweatpants is the universal sign for... When you've hit fuck it, right? When you're wearing sweatpants outside.

And the great Liz Banks. And our friend Liz Banks. We love Banks.

You guys were in Ireland, I want to say?

I forget.

No, I think it's Look Who's Talking.

Stop saying that. Well, I've never heard it before.

No, one of us is definitely gay. Can you work that?

She just blew right by the lockup, huh?

Yeah.

Just a delight. Just a sunny delight.

Oh, I do remember this.

And how would you pronounce that?

He's saying he needs a lot more room in there than most people.

Yeah, over the course of two or three days. Yeah, because we've got to do the... I can't wait to see you clean shaven and clean. I know. I can't. I'm going to look so weird. Will you miss this look? I'll look old probably, right? Yeah. Do you think I'll look older?

Sorry, I meant to say duh. Right, because... Our guest liked it. Yeah, she seems like she's in a good mood.

Mix it up.

There are dogs that outrank you, but as far as humans go...

Hello, listener. We're in the middle of a songwriting operation here with Sean P. Hayes. Okay, it goes like this. Uh-huh.

Hand on buzzer.

Sean, did you say Martindale? Margo Martindale. Margo Martindale.

Oh my God. Hello, Carrie. Oh my God. It's so great to see you.

Wasn't Ryan Gosling on that as well?

And you. Are you home?

So Sean, you're still in New York City. Yeah, I am. Would you ever consider living there full time?

Are you a Capricorn, Carrie?

What are you?

I don't know. We don't know anything. All I know is about my own sign.

Out of the not shocking department. Mom, my wife can come in here and break you down. My wife would ask you, you're rising and you're moon.

But yeah, no, for me, I mean... Sean, what type of stuff, like, would you go in there with a specific set of sides for an audition that's coming up and you'd work on it?

Now, what about, you know, Will is threatening to move to, I can't keep up. It's either, it's usually England. I think now it's Portugal. But he would like to live in England, I think. As would I, I think. Where did coming back from there leave you? I mean, would you go back?

This is the rhythm of the question-answer dynamic.

Yeah.

Could you see yourself living there full time? Like would your whole family?

Of course, of course. What about your teenagers? Have they done some time there?

Yeah, what'd they think?

So in the summer they can be with you. Yeah. And would they or would they be like, because I've got a 12-year-old and a 17-year-old.

Yeah. Lucky you.

But they're like, you know, they've got their lives, you know, and they got their friends and they got their places they like to go. And it's like, well, great. I'll see you when you get back, Mom, Dad.

It's hard to get them away, nor do you really want to disrupt them. Jace, kids' names real quick. Oh, God.

We talk about this sometimes. What is it? Is it like a nightly thing? I've just been sort of teasing, but now I'm actually, I'm in my fee-fees about it. You guys talk every night?

No. You do with Josh. Fucking Josh Shotland gets you on a FaceTime every goddamn day. Who's Josh? Just this guy who likes to talk on his FaceTime with Will on his couch without his top on. That's true. Yeah, and he frames himself just below the T's. That's true. Just below the teeth. Yeah, it's weird. Is he still on plastic on his couch?

Hey, so wait. So how often are you guys FaceTiming?

Higher.

Higher while you lie to me. Is it every other night? No. That's another lie. You go super low or super high. They're lying. But this is fun for you guys. You guys stay in contact because you're best friends and you like to keep up on each other's lives and call into reunions and stuff like that. You know, I'm fucking sitting here doing nothing.

Well, but James, so you didn't really kind of start this super passionate about it. Like this wasn't your plan really to be an actor out of the gate, right?

Weren't you going to maybe be a priest at one point or is that just a Wikipedia lie? No way, really?

And this is, you don't just pay 10 bucks and get in to that place. This is a very, very prestigious place.

But still, it ain't some swinging door there. This is a high-end institution.

Are you in it or are you just going to direct it?

Well, maybe just not FaceTime, so you don't have to see the heavy brow.

I don't know where Will's going with this. Will, you got a pretty high, you know, low range there. You can play 1920.

Can you give us just a little bit of rapping, Will? Yeah, in Scotland, in Scottish, in the

Yeah, they're American, so you're perfect.

Take this as an opportunity to audition just a little bit, Will. I'm the beatbox guy.

You're auditioning for this.

Now, James, what about now this film? I was rapping. Go ahead.

This film that you're going to be directing, the role that you're going to be playing in it, is it a role that is going to, that is appropriate for you to do sort of character type acting or is it a role that would be more appropriate if you were to do that level of acting, would you be overplaying the part or do you just need to just be a guy?

Yeah, smoking.

You know, I remembered I have a pool. You know? I was like, oh, I can enjoy.

Yeah.

He does. Yeah, a plumbing van. But this new film is a Blumhouse as well, right? Speak No Evil?

The trailer looks great.

Yeah, but again, for Tracy, you know, when you shoot a movie, it's all out of order. You're not like taking care of, you do one character and then you're done. And then in James's case, you do another character and then you're done. So you're probably playing what, sometimes three or four different characters on the same day. Yeah, that's crazy.

And would you agree that you seem to be the kind of real actor that will find the version of each character inside you? And if that is true, then when you're playing in a movie where you're playing multiple characters and basically going through schizophrenia…

does it ever become super taxing on yourself to explore all those different parts of yourselves and try to be as authentic and as believable as possible and it sort of like triggers and brings these characters up in you and you don't know who the hell you are then when you go home?

Look at you, Groove. I wanted to put it in my face quicker than Uber could bring me.

Hugging everybody goodbye with you slinging the bag over their back while you hug them all. Hollywood bad boy steals donuts from family reunion.

No, this was a sugarfish special. Yummy, I love that place. They make a nice box down there.

Yeah, yeah. Let's talk about when you decide to toggle between mediums, when you go between theater and film. Yeah. Because you've done an incredible amount of very prestigious theater work, and I would imagine that's very, very rewarding to you. Yeah. But you also have to pay the bills, and you're a big movie star, and you probably enjoy doing that stuff too.

So how do you decide between – is there a rhythm you like to maintain, or is it just kind of job-to-job kind of thing?

I do. Is it me or does sushi delivery now, they've kind of upped things. Yeah, it used to be it didn't travel well. Right, a real slapdash thing with a sweaty plastic see-through box. Now it's a paper thing that's got nice printing and graphics.

But it doesn't have the creative fulfillment for you, does it?

What about the time that it takes, the commitment you have to make ahead of time to commit to that play, rehearse, put it up, and you can't leave until it's done? How many really killer jobs have you missed because you've committed to a play and you're like, oh, fuck. had no way of knowing that script is coming?

Everything happens. Is there one job that you're comfortable telling us that you wish you would have gotten?

Yeah. All right, let's get to the guest.

No, let's just have one more sip. One more sip.

Christ. Wow. And then when you saw who they cast, were you like, oh, that's why I didn't get it? No.

And so did you do this big film for him or did you tell him to go fuck off?

Yeah.

Oh yeah, yeah, yeah. What about, didn't you burn one of your video games because you were too addicted to it? Wait, what?

All right. Tighten up, guest. Here we go. Guys. I don't know if you like acting talent. A lot of people do. For some reason, the three of us seem allergic to it being anywhere near our work. But this guy has got a lot of it. And if we're nice to him, maybe he'll share some. He could also lend us a few of his numerous nominations and wins for his work, which he's been, well, he's been...

So you're in remission now or are you still dabbling?

You are still playing. So you've managed to find the right size for it.

Yeah, I mean, you're not staying up until dawn anymore, are you?

Oh God, still rolling? Which he's received well-deserved recognition for from all over the world. Sean, you're gonna wanna discuss with him the whimsy and the wonder of projects such as The Chronicles of Narnia, X-Men, Children of Dune. While Will, you'll be more interested in the subjects covered in titles such as Shameless, Wanted, Filth, and ultimately Atonement.

I love that. Well, James, you're a lot of fun. We've laughed our asses off with you today. We sure have. We appreciate your time, my friend. Very nice to get to know you. Huge fans of yours.

Have a great time directing.

He's a Scottish treasure, a Celtic FC diehard, and a recovering video game addict. Please show some compassion and hospitality to the one and only James McAvoy.

Speak no evil. Out now. It is from the great Jason Blum. Directed, written by James Watkins, everybody. Speak no evil. Check it out. Go and see it.

It was really, really great to meet you, my friend. Thank you.

Bye-bye.

Bye, buddy. Wow. Hey, guys. Yeah. We're back. We're back from commercial. Hi. Do we do commercials after?

Right, right, right, right, right. So, guys, that was James McAvoy. And, you know, I'm not buying the accent. I think he needs to work on that.

Yeah, I mean, everyone knows he's from Dayton, Ohio, and he's been working on the Skies. Dayton, Ohio.

Or X-Men. I mean, what's the matter with you?

Tummy Sticks. Something like that.

Nice. Yeah, thanks. Hey Willie, are you still doing that book club thing? Yeah.

Right. You know, I was thinking he looks a lot like Josh Charles, our friend Josh Charles. Do you guys know Josh?

Baltimore Orioles fan.

Pump the brakes.

You could hang out with that guy.

We really snuck that one up on a shiny boy. Nice going. Smart. Less. Smart.

Now, Sean and I are excited about it too, but here's what's good. Sean and I are much more sort of like the, a bit more of the typical American audience that does not know as much about soccer as you do. So you have taken that into account with the way in which you've gone about developing this podcast, yes?

We'll get you one of those.

We'll get you a small band. Like a slide flute and a high hat.

Don't choke the puppy, Sean. Hey, Will, do you have anything you'd like to say about Celtic FC? Or do they mess around with your Liverpool fans?

So what do you… Do you prioritize the American audience, the global audience? What do you do? I don't know, Jason. It's a very difficult one because I'm going to have to… We'll wait to see the numbers. Whoever listens most… gets soccer or football.

But you know, the British accent covers you. I think anytime you say football, people are going to think you mean soccer because you're saying it with a British accent.

When I listen to Goalless, I want to learn about these things. I want you to take care of the dingbats like me too. Not just the smarties like Will.

He's your coach's listener.

Now, how do you learn this? Is it on a website? Like, how do you do that?

This is the kind of flavor and spice we want to get from you on a weekly basis.

Are you waiting for someone to reach out?

Well, I can reach out right now.

That's exactly it, yeah. I need that. I'm actually excited about that. Yeah, me too.

I think that's more for me and Sean, not you, Will.

September 19th.

Thanks, Russ. See you, buddy. Bye, bye, bye.

Sean was managed by a dog leash at one point in your career.

Oh, God. James, I'm so sorry. James, thanks for joining us.

Wait, Jockey? Wait, where does Jockey come from?

Go back to sweaty sock.

I don't have a nickname, do I?

Uncle Hansy. Bitch slap. Wait, James. James, I have a feeling by the end of this interview, we're going to have nicknames for each other. I feel like we've got a real quick connection right here. Not with the other guys. No. Just me.

Latterly, I've been... I'm going to want you to lay down right through this part and just elevate your head and just tell us what you're feeling.

Sure. It looks so good. I think it's out now.

It's out now.

Who's ready with their coffee chat? Let's hear it. How was it?

Yeah, it's a really, really good point. Because I'm also a big fan of actors that, I mean, I really respect character actors that, like yourself, or like a Daniel Day-Lewis, or somebody that can really morph into somebody completely different with the limp and the thing and the whole... Totally the limp.

But I really respect an actor that can be comfortable with just disappearing and not doing anything except just... excuse the term, story, servicing the story and just not doing any sort of performance. Do you know what I mean? Like that takes a lot of talent too. And I love those actors.

I just got back. Did anybody drink into a fight? No, no, no, no.

Hello. How are you?

FaceTime.

It's like, you know... Yeah, and James, when you say movie acting, you're talking about smaller sort of leading man stuff, right? Where you're just sort of like... I'm talking about like... Right. Holy shit.