

We Regret To Inform You: The Rejection Podcast
Apostrophe Podcast Network
The road to success is littered with speed bumps. Every celebrated actor, writer, musician, artist, inventor and entrepreneur has faced debilitating career rejection on their journey to the top. We tell their fascinating stories and break down exactly how they achieved their remarkable goals. Because hidden inside each rejection is a unique insight. And we’re here to find it. At its heart, this podcast is about persistence and inspiration.From the creators of Under The Influence, this show is brought to you by the Apostrophe Podcast Company and powered by Acast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 6, 2020 • 47min
Rejecting Back To The Future
Back To The Future sits proudly in the Library of Congress National Film Registry as a work of enduring importance to American culture. But nearly 40 years ago when Bob Gale and Robert Zemeckis first wrote the script, it was rejected. 40 times. Join us this week at the Twin Pines Mall as we tell the film’s incredible story. From being told by studios it was “too sweet” for the rebellious ‘80s youth to becoming a billion dollar franchise.Tell us YOUR rejection story, and you may be featured in an upcoming episode:Record your voice: https://speak-to.us/rejectionWrite to us: hello@apostrophepodcasts.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 22, 2020 • 36min
Rejecting Katy Perry
Katy Perry was 15 years old when she was discovered, singing gospel songs in her parents traveling ministry. She quickly signed a record deal and thought she had it made. Little did Perry know, before becoming one of the highest-paid artists in the world, before tying Michael Jackson’s long-held records and before becoming the most-followed woman on Twitter, she would be rejected and dropped. By four different music labels. Join us this week as we tell Perry’s remarkable story. From lying wide awake at night wondering how she’ll make rent, to living out her teenage dream.Tell us YOUR rejection story, and you may be featured in an upcoming episode:Record your voice: https://speak-to.us/rejectionWrite to us: hello@apostrophepodcasts.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 8, 2020 • 40min
Rejecting Tyler Perry
Tyler Perry wears many hats - and wigs. He is a renowned writer, director, producer and actor. But before his massive studio complex, before his millions and before Madea, Perry was a struggling playwright living in his car. He was rejected by television networks and ignored by Hollywood studios. And yet, just this past week, Perry became the latest entertainer to join the exclusive Billionaires Club. Hope you'll join us.Tell us YOUR rejection story, and you may be featured in an upcoming episode:Record your voice: https://speak-to.us/rejectionWrite to us: hello@apostrophepodcasts.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 25, 2020 • 40min
Rejecting James Dyson
The Dyson vacuum is the number one best-selling vacuum cleaner in the United Kingdom. Making its inventor, James Dyson, a billionaire. But back when he first designed his revolutionary cyclone technology, Dyson was rejected by every single vacuum company and every single investor he approached. This week we tell James Dyson’s amazing story. From building 5127 prototypes in his backyard to leaving his competition in the dust.Tell us YOUR rejection story, and you may be featured in an upcoming episode:Record your voice: https://speak-to.us/rejectionWrite to us: hello@apostrophepodcasts.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 11, 2020 • 37min
Rejecting Dirty Dancing
Dirty Dancing is one of the most iconic cult classic movies of all time. But back when screenwriter Eleanor Bergstein and producer Linda Gottlieb first pitched the script, it promptly received 43 rejection letters. Studios labelled it as “too small, too soft and too girly.” This week we break down the film’s remarkable journey. From a low-budget indie movie no one wanted, to raking in over $200 million at the box office.Tell us YOUR rejection story, and you may be featured in an upcoming episode:Record your voice: https://speak-to.us/rejectionWrite to us: hello@apostrophepodcasts.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 28, 2020 • 34min
Rejecting Sara Blakely
Spanx has become the de facto brand name for an entire category. Like Kleenex or Q-tips. But in the ’90s, the shapewear company’s founder, Sara Blakely, was enduring relentless rejection as a door-to-door fax machine salesperson. When one day, she cut the feet off her pantyhose. This week we tell Blakely’s inspiring story, from being ridiculed for her idea to becoming a self-made billionaire.Tell us YOUR rejection story, and you may be featured in an upcoming episode:Record your voice: https://speak-to.us/rejectionWrite to us: hello@apostrophepodcasts.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 14, 2020 • 38min
Rejecting RuPaul
RuPaul’s Drag Race has won 13 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Reality Host four years running. But RuPaul didn’t sashay into Hollywood overnight. He weathered decades of rejection fighting to be America’s first drag superstar. Join us this week as we tell RuPaul’s fabulous story, from sleeping in Central Park to becoming Supermodel of the World.Tell us YOUR rejection story, and you may be featured in an upcoming episode:Record your voice: https://speak-to.us/rejectionWrite to us: hello@apostrophepodcasts.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 30, 2020 • 30min
Rejecting Ed Sheeran
In 2020, Ed Sheeran was named UK Artist of the Decade. But 11 years earlier, he was dropped by his own management. And reeling from rejection after rejection by every major label in the country. This week, we break down Sheeran’s inspiring story. From being told he should just give out his music for free to setting the record for the highest-grossing world tour of all time.Tell us YOUR rejection story, and you may be featured in an upcoming episode:Record your voice: https://speak-to.us/rejectionWrite to us: hello@apostrophepodcasts.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 16, 2020 • 31min
Rejecting Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga is a force of nature. Sitting atop her piano are 11 Grammys and an Oscar. But a star isn’t born overnight. Mother Monster was forged through years of relentless taunting and repeated rejection from the music industry. This week, we tell Lady Gaga’s formidable story. From pounding her keyboard to pounding the pavement to pounding on doors.Tell us YOUR rejection story, and you may be featured in an upcoming episode:Record your voice: https://speak-to.us/rejectionWrite to us: hello@apostrophepodcasts.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 3, 2020 • 29min
Rejecting JAY-Z
In 2019, JAY-Z became the world’s first hip-hop billionaire. But 25 years earlier, no one would give him a record deal, labels said there was no market for his “brand of music” and radio stations refused to play his songs. Join us this week as we take a stroll through the Empire City and unpack JAY-Z’s remarkable story. From Marcy Projects to Madison Square Garden.Tell us YOUR rejection story, and you may be featured in an upcoming episode:Record your voice: https://speak-to.us/rejectionWrite to us: hello@apostrophepodcasts.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.