Gretchen Rubin, a New York Times bestselling author and happiness expert, dives into the essence of happiness and its profound impacts on our lives. She discusses her journey from a successful lawyer to a writer, emphasizing the importance of embracing failure as a part of creative growth. They explore how community connections and small gestures can elevate happiness, while also examining the roles of genetics and personal choices. Rubin shares actionable strategies for navigating life transitions and finding joy in work and personal passions.

Ben Stiller, the comedic genius behind classics like Zoolander, shares insightful tales from his journey in the entertainment industry. He opens up about the emotional highs and lows of filming projects like The Cable Guy and how criticism shaped his career. Stiller also reflects on the unique challenges of growing up in a comedic family and the balancing act of fatherhood and ambition. With humor and honesty, he dives into the transformative nature of failure and the importance of resilience in creative endeavors.

Emily Deschanel, famous for her role as Temperance Brennan, and Carla Gallo, known as Daisy Wick, reminisce about their time on 'Bones.' Joined by creator Hart Hanson, they dive into behind-the-scenes stories that shaped the show, including the quirky moments like the iconic 'I can be a duck' scene. They discuss the creative process of adapting scripts and the challenges faced during pilot production. Listeners will enjoy heartfelt anecdotes and the warm dynamic between the best friends as they explore the show's lasting impact.

Alec Baldwin, the acclaimed actor and writer known for his roles in 30 Rock, dives deep into his dual experiences of success and struggle. He shares poignant reflections on father figures and how they shape relationships. Baldwin discusses the emotional complexities of writing memoirs, touching on themes of grief and responsibility in fatherhood. The conversation also navigates the pressures of fame, the misunderstandings within the industry, and the liberating yet challenging path of creative expression, all underscored by a desire for personal growth.

Dr. Vivek Murthy, the 21st U.S. Surgeon General, shares his insights on holistic health, addressing issues like gun violence and loneliness as health crises. He reflects on the personal challenges of his confirmation journey and the importance of fulfillment in life. The discussion highlights the detrimental effects of social media on youth mental health and advocates for stronger regulations. Murthy also emphasizes the need to rebuild trust in science post-pandemic and the significance of emotional connections in overcoming loneliness.

Jack Halberstam, a Professor of English and Gender Studies at Columbia University and author of The Queer Art of Failure, dives into the radical undertones in children's films like Shrek and Finding Nemo. He discusses how these movies critique societal norms while embracing themes of resilience and imperfection. The conversation also explores Halberstam's own experiences as a queer child in England and questions traditional concepts of success and failure, inviting listeners to reconsider societal expectations and cultural narratives.

In this engaging discussion, David Modigliani, a documentarian known for delving into his family's escape from Fascist Italy, shares his compelling journey of uncovering his heritage. Along with audio engineer Willa Kaufman, they explore the poignant stories of survival and love amidst wartime challenges. They discuss the legacy of Modigliani's Nobel Prize-winning grandfather and the romance that fueled their family's resilience. The reflections on personal and broader historical narratives make for a deeply touching and relatable conversation.

Aimee Mann, the introspective singer-songwriter known for her poignant explorations of mental health, joins for an engaging conversation. She reveals how her past traumas shape her music and the importance of turning pain into art. Together, they dive into the craft of songwriting, discussing emotional resonance and personal growth. The duo lightens the mood by reminiscing about their favorite artists, including the cleverly somber Steely Dan, illustrating the complexity of balancing creativity and mental wellness.

Gillian Anderson, an acclaimed actor and activist known for her roles in The X-Files and The Crown, shares a heartfelt reunion with David Duchovny. They humorously discuss a unique drink derived from butterfly pee while reflecting on their deep bond and shared challenges during their careers. Gillian opens up about her writing in the compilation "Want" and her unconventional wellness soft drink line. The conversation touches on personal growth, emotional struggles, and the importance of authenticity in their careers and friendships.

This week I’m excited to tell you about My So-Called Midlife, a new podcast by Reshma Saujani and Lemonada Media. “Is this it?” That’s the question that host Reshma Saujani asks herself daily. She’s the founder of two successful nonprofits, she’s married to a great guy, and she’s raising two beautiful children. She’s gotten everything she’s ever wanted — so why does she feel so unsatisfied with midlife? She’s determined to figure it out, and with the strength of her group chat behind her, she’s calling in reinforcements. Through conversations with Chelsea Clinton, Emily Oster, Cheryl Strayed, and more, Reshma’s on a mission to help figure out how to stop trying to just get through this time of life… and actually start living it. Here’s a recent episode of My So-Called Midlife. Listen as Reshma chats with her friend, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, about how to stay present while balancing kids, a marriage and the highest of high-pressure jobs. Hear the rest of My So-Called Midlife wherever you get your podcasts, or head to https://lemonada.lnk.to/mysocalledmidlifefd 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 show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. And if you want to continue the conversation with other listeners, join the My Lemonada community at https://lemonadamedia.com/mylemonada/ 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.