Fail Better with David Duchovny

While Maggie Wheeler is known by millions as the iconic Janice on ‘Friends’, she has been my real-life friend for even longer. Back in the late 80s, we made our film debuts together, playing former lovers, which is a distinction we shared in real life, even at that time. And we’ve stayed close even as our lives and careers went off in the various ways lives and careers go. She and I talk about things that I knew she went through, and things I didn’t know until now. The mistreatment that Maggie experienced behind the scenes, and sometimes out in the open, still shocks me, and it reinforces the fortitude, creativity, and generous spirit that Maggie has always had. It’s my deep pleasure to be able to share my experience of who Maggie is with you all. 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.

This week, I’ve got some more behind-the-scenes content for you. As you know, at the end of each episode you hear a little snippet of my thoughts from after the interview wrapped up. What you might not know is that I share the full version of those thoughts with our Lemonada Premium subscribers each week. Today, I’m giving you all a chance to hear what those are like. And I figured, why not give you a chance to hear my thoughts on the guests that you’ve been listening to the most? These are all from fan-favorite interviews, some of our most-listened-to episodes.  If you want to get these kinds of insights each week, click here or on the link below to subscribe to Lemonada Premium. As added incentive, you'll also be able to get bonus content from all the other Lemonada shows when you subscribe. 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.

The author of In Praise of Failure, Costica Bradatan, joins me from Romania to share his wisdom on all things lack and loss. We talk about the true meaning of humility, the benefits of clumsiness, and just how broken democracy is — and has been — across time and place. Plus, we discuss quite possibly the biggest failure of all, the one none of us can avoid: death. I got to indulge my latent philosophical bent in this conversation, meaning I could even comfortably confess that I tried to work an 1880 parable into The X Files. 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.

Mary Trump, author and psychologist, shares her unique insights as the niece of Donald Trump, revealing the darker undercurrents of her family's dynamics. She discusses the manipulative traits of her grandfather, Fred Trump, and how they shaped Donald's identity. The conversation touches on the lasting impact of parenting styles on personal growth and societal issues. Mary also reflects on navigating trauma and the importance of open dialogue in our polarized world, emphasizing the healing power of writing and understanding family legacies.

Rob Lowe, an iconic actor known for his roles in St. Elmo's Fire and The West Wing, chats about his evolving career and the importance of self-reinvention. He shares insights into his 34-year marriage with Sheryl, showcasing practical techniques for a strong partnership. The conversation touches on the nuances of humility versus humiliation, as well as the significance of kindness in the entertainment industry. Lowe’s infectious enthusiasm and resilience are also highlighted as he reflects on navigating life's challenges with positivity.

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.

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.