Fail Better with David Duchovny

This episode originally aired March 18, 2025 To me, there are few sitcom characters more memorable than Steve Urkel on Family Matters. So getting to talk to the actor Jaleel White — about his approach to acting, his take on Hollywood in the ‘90s and now, and what it’s meant to have a character follow him into adulthood — was as illuminating as I’d expected. As a pillar of show business and an astute observer of it, Jaleel is someone whose perspective I deeply appreciate. Plus, his new memoir ‘Growing Up Urkel’ is thoughtful and nuanced, and I’m grateful we could reflect on it together. Follow me on Instagram at @davidduchovny. Stay up to date with Lemonada on Twitter, 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.

Chris Evert, a former world No. 1 tennis player and 18-time Grand Slam champion, shares her journey from teenage phenom to tennis legend. She discusses the emotional toll of losses and her struggles with public scrutiny, revealing fascinating insights about her rivalries, particularly with Martina Navratilova. Evert reflects on her mental resilience, the importance of spirituality post-retirement, and how her battle with cancer reshaped her perspective on life. Her stories of competition, identity, and personal growth make for an engaging conversation.

Kenya Barris, the creative force behind 'Black-ish', explores the art of storytelling and the impact of fatherhood on his work. He shares his journey through eighteen failed pilots, emphasizing the lessons learned along the way. In a candid discussion, Kenya reflects on the responsibilities of writers, the essence of comedic structure, and the transformative power of actors. His insights on navigating divorce and the moral complexities in art resonate deeply, revealing how personal experiences enrich his storytelling.

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.