Fail Better with David Duchovny

Emily Deschanel, renowned for her role as Dr. Brennan on Bones, opens up about her personal journey grappling with ADHD and dyslexia while filming. She shares how mastering the intricate forensic dialogue was a real challenge. The conversation dives into her strategies for memorization, on-set panic attacks, and the pressure of early filming days. They discuss how failure shaped her growth and how her experiences inspire empathy for her past self as she reexamines her performances on the rewatch podcast Boneheads.

David Duchovny, the multifaceted actor and author, joins comedian Pete Holmes for a deep dive into creativity and vulnerability. They explore the nuances of shame, the importance of storytelling through performance, and how public personas can affect personal lives. David candidly shares insights on fame, coping mechanisms, and the healing power of acting, while Pete opens up about using performance as emotional catharsis. Together, they reflect on spirituality, the creative process, and the ephemeral beauty of inspiration.

Gillian Anderson, the acclaimed actor and author best known as Dana Scully, joins for a heartfelt discussion about her career and personal growth. They dive into their complicated on-set relationship during The X-Files, examining past miscommunications and emotional struggles. Gillian also shares insights about her new beverage line and her book 'Want', aimed at reducing sexual shame. Together, they reflect on parenting challenges, the importance of therapy, and the cultural impact of Scully's character, all while rekindling their treasured friendship.

In this engaging conversation, John Seabrook, a veteran staff writer for The New Yorker and author of The Spinach King, unpacks the complexities of his family legacy in the industrial farming world. He reveals shocking revelations about generational power struggles and hidden family violence. Seabrook also discusses the art of blending personal memoir with narrative history while reflecting on his recovery journey and its impact on his writing. Dive into the fascinating intersection of privilege, betrayal, and the quest for redemption.

Join Peter Weller, the iconic RoboCop, who has also carved a niche as an art historian and professor. In this conversation, he candidly discusses his journey from aspiring jazz trumpet player to acclaimed actor, emphasizing the powerful connection between art and artist. Peter shares insights on creative processes, the struggle between impulsive writing and rewriting, and transformative acting experiences with legends like Diane Keaton. He also reflects on deeper themes of spirituality, addiction recovery, and the joys and challenges of parenting.

The hosts share their humorous family dynamic and tackle listener dilemmas with a unique blend of sincerity and wit. A couple queries on dealing with a confident-but-wrong partner, leading to advice on picking battles. The group discusses the surprising topic of bidets, revealing personal preferences and toilet habits. They reflect on coming out and guiding adult children gently. A heartfelt conversation about rediscovering love follows, offering resilience and comfort tips. They conclude by encouraging listeners to embrace life's risks and savor simple joys.

Kyle MacLachlan, a veteran actor famed for his roles in David Lynch's works like Dune and Twin Peaks, shares his unique journey in this lively chat. He reveals how Lynch's creative direction shaped his career and discusses the emotional impact of losing him. Kyle also dives into his new venture as a winemaker, highlighting the connection to his Washington roots. Additionally, he talks about his podcast that explores the perspectives of younger creators, blending innovation with personal storytelling.

Megan McArdle, a columnist for The Washington Post and author of The Upside of Down, dives into a blend of politics, technology, and craftsmanship. She shares her journey from liberalism to her unique 'liberal-tarian' perspective. Discussion highlights include the impact of technology on skills and the art of pie-making as a metaphor for tradition and craft. Megan reflects on her writing process, emphasizing passion over metrics, and the value of navigating the messy reality of policy versus ideals.

In this engaging conversation, Jia Tolentino, a staff writer and cultural critic, joins David Duchovny to explore his poetry collection, *About Time*. They delve into the emotional power of poetry versus the utility of other forms, discussing childhood influences and the process of writing. David reflects on his artistic journey, sharing insights about the tension in using family as subjects and the joy of capturing memories through verse. The dialogue highlights the lasting impact of poetry and the pleasures it offers, providing a rich tapestry of thoughts on creativity.

Take a walk through Judd Apatow’s office, like I did, and you’ll be reminded of all the successful projects he’s helped create over the years: Anchorman, Bridesmaids, Superbad, The 40-Year-Old Virgin. I joined him there to discuss his new visual memoir, Comedy Nerd: A Lifelong Obsession in Stories and Pictures. As I learn throughout our conversation, Judd’s propulsion to create isn’t to prove that he’s one of the funniest guys in the biz; it’s to figure out if he has anything to say in the first place, to work out what’s in his head. It’s something I relate to as a writer, and it’s a big part of the new book, as he documents everything he’s collected and concocted over the years and tries to make sense of this life that he’s made. As we reflect, we also talk about our most scathing reviews, why we can’t Google ourselves, and how Judd’s documentary on our mutual friend, Garry Shandling, helped cement his subject’s legacy. Fail Better is now on YouTube! Watch this episode here. Head over to Booking.com and start your listing today. Follow me on Instagram at @davidduchovny. Find more video podcasts on our YouTube channel. Stay up to date with Lemonada on X, Facebook and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our shows and get bonus content. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.