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How To Fail With Elizabeth Day

Jesse Tyler Ferguson - ‘I was caught stealing gay porn'

Jul 3, 2024

Jesse Tyler Ferguson opens up about his struggles in sports, sexuality, and reading reviews. He shares poignant moments from his journey to fatherhood through surrogacy and his dedication to early morning workouts. The discussion also touches on representation in the entertainment industry and his experiences with meditation.

51:50

Episode guests

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Jesse Tyler Ferguson opened up about his struggles with family acceptance of his sexuality, highlighting the importance of understanding and growth within relationships.

Despite attempting Transcendental Meditation, Ferguson found consistency challenging, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and prioritizing mental well-being.

Deep dives

Jesse Tyler Ferguson's Theatrical Journey

Jesse Tyler Ferguson shares his journey from a shy kid in Albuquerque to becoming an acclaimed Broadway actor, winning a Tony Award for his role in the revival of 'Take Me Out,' and gaining fame as Mitchell Pritchett in 'Modern Family.' Despite initial uncertainties, he found success by focusing on his strengths and staying true to his talents.

1.

Intro

4min

2.

Embracing Strengths and Representation in the Entertainment Industry

13min

3.

Reflections on the End of Modern Family and Staying in Touch with Co-Stars

2min

4.

Journey of Childhood Failure to Fatherhood Dreams

15min

5.

Dedication to Exercise and Early Morning Routines

2min

6.

Navigating Reviews and Awards in Acting Career

8min

7.

Journey with Transcendental Meditation

5min

This week: it’s Mitch from Modern Family! On screen, Jesse Tyler Ferguson brought to life one of the most beloved comic roles in recent years but he’s also a Tony-award winning theatre actor, not to mention host of the wonderful Dinner’s On Me podcast.

Jesse was so easy to talk to - I felt I could ask him anything, and frequently did. We chat about his adolescent failures at sport when it seemed to be all his dad wanted from him, and this leads us into a deeply moving discussion about his own sexuality. The story of how his parents became aware that their son was gay is one that will stay with you for a long time - and although it contains its fair share of trauma, it is delivered, as ever, with Jesse’s trademark black humour.

We also speak about his inability not to read reviews and his abject failure to meditate (one I can relate to). Plus: fascinating chats about surrogacy, social anxiety and whether straight actors should ‘play gay’.

As always, I’m desperate to hear about your failures. Every week, my guest and I choose a selection to read out and answer on our special subscription offering, Failing with Friends. We’ll endeavour to give you advice, wisdom, some laughs and much, much more.

Listen to ‘Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson’ here: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/dinners-on-me-with-jesse-tyler-ferguson/id1683905652

Have something to share of your own? I'd love to hear from you! Click here to get in touch: howtofailpod.com

Production & Post Production Manager: Lily Hambly

Studio and Mix Engineer: Gulliver Tickell and Josh Gibbs

Senior Producer: Selina Ream

Executive Producer: Carly Maile

Head of Marketing: Kieran Lancini

How to Fail is an Elizabeth Day and Sony Music Entertainment Production.

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