Episode Released January 7, 2019
Because at the time this was recorded, Josh was visiting from Spain (where he was living with his girlfriend), it spawned conversation of the Spanish Flu and Monica shares some stats about the pandemic in the fact check! Dax and Monica gasp over the amount of deaths and how horrible it was for people to endure. It’s so funny to think that this was recorded in 2019 and Covid wasn’t even a twinkle in our eyes. Craaaazyyyy….
Love love love this episode. Probably another one I’ve listened to at least three times. Josh and Dax have such a great already-established relationship from working on Zathura together (one of my childhood faves). This was recorded over 2 years ago (that’s insane) and Josh was 26 years old. Although I feel like the phrase “he’s so well-spoken” implies that his age would inhibit him from being mature and that is not the case, he really does speak eloquently and confidently about anything and everything that Dax throws at him. The conversation is reminiscent of a father-son catching up on the past couple months of their lives and it’s very endearing.
Arguably one of the best stories ever told on this podcast happens this episode when Josh talks about his brother’s obsession with Ken Jennings. He describes his obsession by stating he has two posters in his childhood bedroom; one of a Survivor contestant and one of Ken Jennings. When he finally was able to go to a live taping of Jeopardy, he left the studio sobbing and once he was finally able to catch his breath, he told everyone that that was the day Ken Jennings LOST. Like how horrible!! What are the odds?! This story made me LOL so many times. Josh is such a good storyteller and Dax’s interjections made it even funnier. Definitely rivals the jello story from Ashton Kutcher’s (?) episode.
To wrap up, Josh Hutcherson is very likable. He’s down-to-earth and honest. I loved how openly he spoke about having crushes on his costars. This is a perfect example of how the combination of a vulnerable guest + Dax/Monica’s warm environment creates a holistically enjoyable listening experience; one that feels honest and unique. I feel like I learned things about Josh I probably wouldn’t have learned in a different (shorter) interview. And that, to me, is AE at it’s best.
