James Acaster Realising He Wasn’t The ‘Cool Guy’ He Thought He Was

Joining Rob this week is comedian, writer and fellow podcast host James Acaster! James discusses his journey to finding his comedic voice and feeling comfortable on stage through analysing other comedians, listening to the audience and realising that the ‘cool guy’ persona wasn’t the right fit for him. They also chat about James’ first time performing comedy sketches at Church with his dad and his first time as a panellist on WILTY.
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Rob Brydon is best known for his work on The Trip, Gavin & Stacey and presenting the BBC One comedy panel show Would I Lie To You?
Also check out Rob’s other Social Media pages:
👉 / robbrydon
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🎥 Edited by Greg Bernstein
This channel is a co-production with The Talent Bank thetalentbank.uk/
#RobBrydon #JamesAcaster #JamesAcasterInterview

[@RobBrydon]

Listen to the full episode free and exclusively on Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/4X3SbAvz7dlWOCybx9u2Am

[@happinesstan]

When does part two come out?

[@joshuataylor3550]

@@happinesstan spotify full version

[@happinesstan]

@@joshuataylor3550 Yeah, Thanks but that was made clear in the comment I replied to. My question is in relation to the part two, mentioned here, within part one.

[@datgrrl5698]

@@happinesstan ...quite obvious it was *not* made clear to you, was it??? there is no part *two*...it was...you won't believe this...prepare yourself...IT WAS A JOKE...cor blimey, the gormless gobshite award ceremony has been cancelled so please keep your eye on the post for your award...oh, wait...do you get parcels delivered to your cave???

[@QIKUGAMES-QIKU]

Love ya but enough with the Golden Straws boys just get it over with

[@joansmith69]

I love James aggressively inviting himself to dinner with Rob and his wife. Such an awkward and fun social dynamic.

[@darthmarticusLFC]

I genuinely thought he was gonna go through all that and then decline the invitation.

[@cazkiwinz4300]

Loved how they fed off each other so spontaneously there as if by agreement, yet was totally off the cuff 😂😂😂

[@kevinw712]

fair play, fair play

[@thenewlc]

And Rob’s genuine “oh shit, am I going to get in trouble for this?” in his tone and in his face as James started to accept in earnest was perfection. As a husband I can relate 🤣🤣🤣

[@msinclair8261]

it was awkward because Rob suddenly remembered it was Friday night - it was beaver night.....

[@BoomBoomBrucey]

I love the idea that Rob is playing along with the joke, but James isn't remotely joking and is very hungry.

[@loacc3672]

Yeah, if Mr. Acaster were joking, he certainly didn’t tip his hand-not that I could tell, anyway.

[@brendancskinner]

I have a bridge I'd like to sell you.

[@birhanegulilat4527]

i cant tell if it is scripted he is jokingly inviting him self to lunch or he actually invited himself to lunch but i loved it

[@nickmoranis2865]

Sycophanty is so appealing.

[@joseph1845]

Isn't that the depths of his comedy, depths of putrid horse s

[@vickywitton1008]

James always seems like a guy in his twenties to me. He was so funny on Taskmaster

[@NICHOLSON7777]

I love how in TM he never responded to Alex's greetings for the entire series.

[@JDAfrica]

Unmarried is the word, keeps his youthful appearance. Ü

[@vollsticks]

@@JDAfrica I dunno, he's either aged badly or done too much cocaine. Hope it's the former.

[@sofiaguerrero0969]

@@vollsticks I think he’s just a bit chubbier. Idk if it has anything to do with that off menu podcast and he’s trying all these different restaurants and foods. But he is looking a little chunkier. It looks good on him

[@marikaalpis9037]

@@NICHOLSON7777 He did respond, only once

[@superredpatek]

One of my favourite things about James Acaster being a guest on podcasts is that he often shares earlier memories with the interviewer that provides for a nice story. It's very glowing to know how supportive Rob is behind the WILTY scenes in this case.

[@carveylover]

I find it so refreshing to see James being James and not the persona. Rob is a really great interviewer as well, very welcoming and warm. This was one of my favorite interviews with James.

[@Tysto]

My introduction to James Acaster was the four-part Repertoire, and I was blown away. The guy is a monster. Absolute mastery of the craft.

[@nowthenad3286]

I am surprised to read people actually criticising James Acaster for not being funny. I am glad you waxed lyrical about his Repertoire. There was so much about those sets that made them masterpieces. Definitely worthy of repeat listening. You should also search KZbin to listen to James Acaster's scrapes - in conversation with Josh Widdicombe. Josh and James are a great combo.

[@MiniTrainLoco]

I love Repertoire, the way his brain works is already funny. But how the story goes through those four parts is absolutely incredible. I’ve watched it so many times, I can recite whole parts 😂

[@davidz2690]

@@nowthenad3286wtf is waxed lyrical

[@snadlg]

Repertoire is a masterclass in storytelling and comedy.

[@xelumbra]

Glad to see such high praise for him. Some people don't get it at all which is fine as everyone has different tastes, but I think he is amazing. It's not even just how funny he is but the way he tells his stories. Repertoire especially has become my go to watch for whenever I'm feeling lousy. Never fails.

[@eyemoeba]

it's his incessantly genuine politeness and unabashedly instant honesty that make him seem so youthful. like a twelve year old out with his dad and his mates.

[@georgiakuchinsky]

I always hesitate to idolize celebrity but Rob Brydon sure seems like a genuinely nice and warm fellow. You have very kind eyes, sir.

[@fidelogos7098]

I would love to have lunch with James! James Acaster and Bob Mortimer are my favorite guests on WILTY. When I need cheering up, I watch the re-runs of the cabbage story or breaking up with his friend's girlfriend. And he looks much younger than 37! He has a boyish impish look about him that makes his stories even more precious.

[@anthonygreenita]

Love the cabbage story but I've missed the one about breaking up with his friend's girlfriend. Have you got a direct link?

[@fidelogos7098]

This is the breakup buddy episode: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mouxkpKpmp6dj7M Here's a compilation of some of his best kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2OThYB6e82Ymq8 (breakup buddy not included in this one, but the Basingstoke bush is included, which is hilarious).

[@nijnij3988]

Absolutely agree. James and Bob are not only some of my favourite WILTY guests, but also some of my favourite Taskmaster contestants ever. The absurdity that comes out of their brain (and is their lives) sometimes is just so entertaining. And on top of that they seem like genuinely nice people

[@ninagray4441]

James is unquestionably cool!

[@PickeringSamuel]

More accurately he's questionably uncool.

[@karlaboi3896]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@stevej1154]

Yes, please do bring him back. He has some great stories.

[@stephengilmore2741]

I'd say Rob Brydon on Off Menu is long, long overdue.

[@Isleofskye]

Thanks for this. There is a hilarious Curb Your Enthusiasm episode where Larry David makes an "Empty Gesture" to a friend who INSISTS on taking him up on it when Lrry was being polite so I hope James DID stay for Dinner.

[@nointro]

Rob, I just want to say that you are incredibly talented and your comedy has gotten me through the last two years with a smile on my face. Genuinely, thank you very much!

[@AKAMustang]

At the end Rob was clearly caught between "you're winding me up now" and "this is comedy gold".

[@kaliban2747]

I was in the scouts with James, we had a good time 😁

[@ticketyboo2456]

Dyb dyb dyb.

[@nowthenad3286]

I am so pleased to hear that Rob is as nice as he seems on camera. Also, I can't believe that James is that old. The way he crafted that joke about kneeling down was ABSOLUTELY GENIUS. Great observation, Rob, about him not being able to bail out. James has been brought up so well by his parents. He is really lucky to have had such a wholesome Christian upbringing. Hang on, Rob. Did you actually offer him an empty invite and then try to retract it, or was that just play acting? If it was then it was phenomenal acting.

[@grahamstrouse1165]

The Bolero joke was brilliant. And one of the things that impressed me about it was that this was an historical event for James. Torville & Dean won their Olympic gold medal a year before James was born. 🙂

[@Isleofskye]

There is a hilarious Curb Your Enthusiasm episode where Larry David makes an "Empty Gesture" to a friend who INSISTS on taking him up on it when Lrry was being polite so I hope James DID stay for Dinner.

[@evanjonesguitar]

Rob: James you know I could talk to you forever James: You could have a meal with me with your wife? Rob: I could talk to you, forever

[@eagletown8977]

That was effortlessly brilliant

[@beng4186]

I'm 10 years younger than Rob, but I also thought James Acaster was mid-20s.. Both giants in the comedy world!

[@HarshMelon]

Aww. Rob is just a smitten with James as the rest of us!

[@saraream133]

James Acaster is one of my favorite people on earth.

[@rosiemclaughlin1493]

I find James Acaster to be such a lovely person in interviews, would genuinely love to meet him one day - added to a podcast with Rob Brydon, this is perfection and helping me get through Tuesday. Thank you!

[@AD-kv9kj]

1:50 - Aah, the old lick and throw! Classic times.

[@hawsrulebegin7768]

This episode is the best interview from the series. Really interesting to see them discuss comic voices and the attempts to find the right one for them. Love this in-depth comedy chat.

[@Solefirefly]

😮

[@TheAverageCloud]

Actually died at the ending. Too funny.

[@OptimusGPrime]

Oh shite! A ghost/talking zombie!

[@asmaaa.6163]

RIP :(

[@housequakeb6866]

Actually?

[@craigoskin5634]

James is great nice to see him on.

[@dirtyfunkymonkey]

I hope James went for lunch with Rob and his wife. A splendid birthday treat

[@nadiUxis]

I loved this conversation :) it feels so warm and friendly, is nice to get to know more about James and Rob is a great interviewer!

[@Lolatusername]

This was great, hope Rob goes on James'/ Ed's podcast!

[@tylerblatt7474]

James comment's on him thinking he was the cool guy then finding out otherwise makes his outfit and the first 5 minutes of 1999 cold lasagne hate myself significantly more hilarious.

[@djrandlev2864]

Acaster has a v original tone and delivery. Love him 😂

[@palmeraj70]

Lovely interview. Had the pleasure of meeting James after one of his gigs, and he was a delight, but it's even better to see him just chatting. He does have genuinely funny bones 😊

[@jennd5237]

Love, love, love James! Don’t get enough of him over here in the states

[@hedlund]

You're both legends. You've also both been instrumental in keeping me remotely sane-ish over the past few years.

[@sharonallen1668]

James Acaster is the first commedian in a long time that makes me laugh out loud! Hard!!! I, too, am amazed at his shows! Original, fresh, so very funny!

[@busdriver428]

Please consider making your videos longer. Your interviews are brilliant and go by so fast.

[@DavidRexGlenn]

I spent six years trying to find my voice on stage. Saddest day of my life is when I realized that I didn't have the talent for comedy writing. Being funny in a conversation is massively different than being funny for an hour in front of an audience

[@datgrrl5698]

...and??? why are you sharing that intel *here* instead of therapy??? are you taking the mickey??? you can open a twatter account for free and chat about your failure there...

[@DavidRexGlenn]

@@datgrrl5698 What have we here? The chaviest of chavs

[@daediaz186]

An hour is a long routine that is only for seasoned comedians. I would say 15 min or 20 is a good mark to measure your ability if you have six years practicing. I wouldn't be discouraged if I couldn't craft an hour. What James did was join all the 15 bits he has been writing during his career for the 4 shows on repertoire

[@ojigbo]

@@datgrrl5698A bit late, but your comment is quite ironic judging by both your profile picture as well as your youtube channel description. Curb your rudeness.

[@JohnSpo]

I love James Acaster and I hate that he's not on social media because I often want to send him positive affirmations but I understand that social media is the devil and he's better for not engaging in it.

[@kath1626]

Apparently he was heckled on social media, so... Our loss but I can understand why he wouldn't want that.

[@datgrrl5698]

@@kath1626 your man is on social media, and no we do not reveal where to find and one need only read this comment list to see why...this is not james' social page is it??? no it is not...on this channel, one can only thank mr brydon for uploading and the leave the rest out because it is just superfluous...

[@vanessaisom8620]

Yes! 1 of 10 - we will hold you to that Rob! James is such a lovely guy, and quite unique with his humour. I always think it must be so hard to be a comedian these days, how to be funny without offending anyone. You must have to think so hard when writing jokes or sketches, that your repertoire does not offend. Hope you enjoyed you and your wife enjoyed your lunch with James in tow!

[@tommulder9420]

I think you'll find it comes natural to some people and always has. Only the exposure to it has grown, with the availability and correspondence of the people directly on the internet instead of going through media channels and critics or broadcasters.

[@snr0n]

You don't need to worry, because it's actually not any harder now - a small handful of comedians have been complaining that you can't joke about anything anymore for literally a century. Sadly, there's nothing new about people who feel bizarrely entitled to a continuing career even though they're incapable of evolving their act to present material modern audiences find funny, nor those who sell out tours and net lucrative broadcast deals built around the idea that they're being somehow censored. Funny people don't need to worry about offending people, they just get on with the job of being funny. And James is definitely fantastic at it, although of course he's not inoffensive to everyone - certainly saw some very upset people who didn't enjoy him calling out lazy transphobic comedians in his last special!

[@jedisith3864]

This is top tier. Sincerely the best Acaster content yet. Bring more. Much more.

[@peppers8489]

The very first episode of WILTY that I ever watched was the one with James's "cabbager", Mick. Been a fan of the show, Rob, James, (and Mick) ever since.

[@atothegee9943]

Hahaha. Amazing that he invited himself to lunch. And I hope he went too!

[@AD-kv9kj]

Rob seemed genuinely worried that James wasn't just doing that for comedy and would actually try to join him and his wife at the restaurant for lunch.

[@rogergreen9861]

I saw Billy Connolly two nights running years ago, and it revealed the honing needed for every gag. First night, the punchline about Olympics and the javelin hitting a spectator depended on Aussies knowing that "terraces" are the cheap seats. Billy noticed the gentle laugh at a gag which received more in the UK, and changed the punchline to "the cheap seats" on night 2. Big laugh, because the joke is NOT that javelins are spears, but that THAT is why THOSE seats are cheap. Subtle brilliance.

[@DominikSchwind]

It's such a shame that the full episodes are hidden away in Spotify

[@Evanescoduil]

"hidden away" in one of the most publicly available, free podcast platforms in the world that nearly everyone with internet knows exists

[@koaluanabunnies]

Loved this! What a dynamic. James is right, we would like a 10 part series please, at least 🤣

[@BitchinStitchin]

Amazing interview, love James to pieces. The earnest acceptance of a reluctant invitation is so on brand, loved it!

[@maryhoffman9551]

So happy to see this posted today!

[@pmor4272]

This was brilliant, you two are great together - would love another one - or even a series

[@jemmax9974]

Golden guest, golden series. Can only hope there’s a part 2 hidden away somewhere

[@theresajv5055]

I've been waiting for this. Thank you. I knew it would happen eventually.

[@Valentine-xr3ic]

Acaster is brilliant.

[@honeydropswardrobe]

I love James Acaster. Thank you Rob. Lovely interview.💕

[@Ankur3108]

Rob,love this side of you man,some real good questions, great interview. James Acaster is really the next big thing

[@saycibon]

I've never enjoyed or appreciated James Acaster more than in this fine interview by the charming Rob Brydon. He was obviously über creative in Taskmaster, but his abrasiveness has mellowed with age. Delightful!

[@torgnyaanderaa2334]

Rebooking please! Love listening to you two!

[@fauzaanC]

Plz produce part two three and four and it would be really nice if the last one tied all the episodes together like a master piece . No pressure.

[@florence2095]

I loved part 1. Look forward to the next 9 parts 💕I hope you both enjoyed your lunch 😂😂🦘🐨

[@Isleofskye]

There is a hilarious Curb Your Enthusiasm episode where Larry David makes an "Empty Gesture" to a friend who INSISTS on taking him up on it when Lrry was being polite so I hope James DID stay for Dinner.

[@nefwaenre]

i didn't know you have a yt channel? :D Rob, i know you are a Bafta nominated actor and all but i will ALWAYS know you as the Wilty host part of the golden trio! And seeing James Acaster on here is absolutely amazing!! He's my fav comedian! ♥

[@timg3679]

It's a pleasure to see two awesome people speaking.

[@wohlhabendermanager]

Rob Brydon being unable to tell James: "No, I was only joking you cannot join us for lunch" is peak britishness. :)

[@SpoookyBooogie]

Much love from Texas. Been a fan of yours for about 6 years now and I'm glad to hear youre still putting out new work!

[@skinkscat]

If anyone enjoyed this dynamic a lot I highly recommend the episode of Off Menu with Rob Brydon as a guest, so funny n genuine and one of my immediate favorites!

[@Glamrockqueen]

What a lovely interview. It would be nice if this really was 1 out of 10.

[@romainsavioz5466]

Would prefer if it was 8

[@TheFlyingEpergne]

@@romainsavioz5466 same old Romain, always complaining

[@romainsavioz5466]

@@TheFlyingEpergne missing the joke

[@jacksharkey562]

Enjoyed this. Could very much listen to far longer versions of this

[@Jaxsf1]

Need more of this!!

[@megiab]

"means something to some people and nothing to most". story of my life, man. story of my life.

[@fendel_]

What a great interview!

[@rspratt]

The one I've been waiting for. James is just great

[@freckledlemonade5901]

The inviting himself for lunch is a bit and I love it! I LOVE James’s Brain 🧠! Lol his wit is un matched hahaha

[@normplatt7549]

Great chucklers! Wander on BOB Love your Vlogs! Uplifting! Jovial fun!

[@jenieuwedocent]

Seeing Rob next to James feels like one of those forced perspective things they used to film Gandalf next to Frodo.

[@1972hermanoben]

Looking forward to part two! 😂

[@iWhacko]

Looking forward to the next 9 parts!

[@AnnaWoods]

Had this on in the background and ran back to check Ken Bruce hadn't actually rocked up when the impression started, christ that was spot on

[@matttrafton2725]

Just discovered this podcast and being a huge American fan if WILTY this is my new favorite poddy. Thanks Rob.

[@ryanjohndavies4092]

I need to know if James actually joined them for lunch

[@babyj5184]

Two of my top comedians in one interview... Perfection

[@christinacumpian5420]

I love that this interview happened! I was hoping but not sure if it was going until I heard Rob mention it during another interview (I think it may have been the one with Russell Howard). I thought maybe Rob meant that he doing an Off-Menu interview though. That would be another treat! Looking forward to this week's episode!!!

[@erinmaree1987]

You're going to be happy after today then...

[@Navigationism]

What a great pair!

[@asouthafrican3200]

James Acaster stories on WILTY are brilliant 😅 I could watch them a million times and still laugh

[@Telruin]

James Acaster has this "Entertainer personality" that he seem to put on. And it's used so often, that it's almost the only side of him we see. I'm just about 5 min into this video, but so far the personality hasn't come out. I recall an interview i... Australia?.. anyway, he starts of being himself, and at some point he puts on his personality. The shift is remarkable.

[@nomadWalkr]

oh man - james acaster is the best... i wish you had MORE of the interview on youtube. it's so nice to see faces/gestures while hearing the interview instead of like a podcast. would you reconsider mr brydon, of sharing more of your interviews on youtube? full interviews? thank you.

[@claraconlan6557]

Love James Acaster. I wish I knew him.

[@rjb6327]

James''s sense of humor is unique and my kind of fun.

[@gudgengrebe]

The well lit Rob Brydon.

[@c.t5136]

Have him back please, Rob - we need to hear the rest of the story :-) And about lunch!

[@azimhanif1]

Love these two!

[@ro55ker]

Just timed this… 81% Bryden talking 19% Acaster. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@scottgordon1781]

Very cool and insightful . be yourself is what I got out of this ,and an amazing table .

[@teslaandhumanity7383]

James is so unique and reminds me of when your Sons are quirky funny but James is like it 💯 of the time .

[@nartarlyiatremaynne1239]

James you are beyond fabulous. Oh my goodness you are a love. Rob you are brilliant. Jelly Baby Head Injury for the Coroner's Report. This so made me laugh. Australia

[@emmakivisild3431]

OMG I love both these guys.

[@davidcattin7006]

What a lovely chat, really, much more than an interview. Love seeing the respect they have for each other. What I wouldn't do to have lunch with James, tho! You'd probably be laughing so much, you wouldn't really get anything eaten.

[@Dr.TobiasFunke]

yes, please bring him back

[@aaroncfriedman]

Happy Birthday James!

[@jelmervanlenteren773]

Two of my favourite people...

[@martaviar6400]

This is the best 😆

[@ianmason7270]

Yay!

[@Stavrosmct]

I saw you at Morzine skiing last week Rob. You looked like you were having a great time with the family. I hope you managed to avoid the rain.